23 Defendants Arrested, Three at Large, on Federal Drug Conspiracy and Firearms Charges in Horry County in Operation Broken Branch

Conway, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that a joint team of more than 200 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers arrested 23 individuals who have all been charged in federal court for their roles in a drug trafficking organization that operated out of the Cedar Branch area of Horry County, South Carolina. Three additional defendants remain at large. 

The arrests mark the first in Operation Broken Branch, the latest iteration in a series of joint federal, state, and local investigations targeting violent crime in Myrtle Beach and throughout Horry County. 

According to court records, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), through its Pee Dee Safe Streets Gang Task Force, began this multi-year investigation in conjunction with the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) and Horry County Sheriff’s Office. The operation specifically targeted alleged members of the drug trafficking organization based on the organization’s distribution of dangerous drugs, such as heroin and fentanyl, and its members’ use of firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking crimes.

“Pandemic or not, there is no safe harbor for criminals in South Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “I want to commend the exceptional efforts of the law enforcement officers who put themselves in harm’s way for this morning’s operation. With today’s arrests, in the last six weeks alone this office has charged more than 50 individuals for major drug trafficking crimes or serious firearms offenses. We can only do this work through close relationships with our federal, state, and local partners. Arrests like these help take down entire criminal organizations, allowing us to protect the people of South Carolina and help ensure they have safe neighborhoods to call home.”

“These complaints and arrests demonstrate drug trafficking organizations will be investigated and dismantled, no matter what corner of South Carolina they are found,” said Jody Norris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI.  “All our law enforcement partners, especially the FBI’s Pee Dee Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Unit of the Fifteenth Circuit, and the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, should be commended for their tremendous work in eliminating an organization that is alleged to have peddled dangerous drugs and violence in multiple states.” 

The following defendants have been arrested on criminal complaints under various charges related to their alleged roles in the drug trafficking organization: 

DARRELL LAMONT JACKSON, 46, of Myrtle Beach, is charged in the conspiracy with five kilograms or more of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to Life imprisonment.

MARK TYREISE JACKSON, a/k/a “Ty,” 24, of Loris, is charged in the conspiracy with 500 grams or more of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of five to 40 years imprisonment.  

TERAINE LAVANCE GREEN, a/k/a “Juice,” 28, of Loris, is charged in the conspiracy with a quantity of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. 

WINFERD JUNIOR SHERMAN, a/k/a “Dunk,” 22, of Loris, is charged in the conspiracy with a quantity of cocaine base and a quantity of heroin.  This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. 

TREMAYNE TYRONE GREEN, a/k/a “Plies,” a/k/a “P,” 24, of Loris, is charged in the conspiracy with a quantity of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl.  This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. 

PHILLIP JAMAL JOHNSON, a/k/a “Foo,” 28, of Loris, is charged in the conspiracy with a quantity of heroin, a quantity of cocaine base, and a quantity of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment.  He is also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a potential penalty of at least five years consecutive to any other penalty imposed. 

ANTRA TRUMAINE GORE, a/k/a “Priest,” 37, of Loris, is charged in the conspiracy with a quantity of heroin, a quantity of cocaine base, and a quantity of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment.  He is also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited individual, which carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment. 

ANGELO TARAY JACKSON, a/k/a “Che Che,” 23, of Loris, is charged in the conspiracy with a quantity of heroin, a quantity of cocaine base, and a quantity of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment.  

ANTHONY LAMONT NEALEY, a/k/a “Esse,” 40, of Longs, is charged in the conspiracy with 28 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of five to 40 years imprisonment. 

JAMES GOMILOUS RIGGINS, a/k/a “Scooby,” 43, of Tabor City, North Carolina, is charged in the conspiracy with 500 grams or more of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of five to 40 years imprisonment. 

LATEICE LANEICE GRIFFIN, a/k/a “Teice,” a/k/a “Thugbunny1120,” 28, of Longwood, North Carolina, is charged in the conspiracy with a quantity of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. 

LEON DALE GREEN, a/k/a “Young,” 31, of Loris, is charged in the conspiracy with 500 grams or more of cocaine and a quantity of heroin.  This charge carries a potential penalty of five to 40 years imprisonment. 

TEONTRIC SAQIWINA JACKSON, a/k/a “T,” 28, of Loris, is charged is charged in the conspiracy with 28 grams or more of cocaine base, 100 grams or more of heroin, 500 grams or more of cocaine, a quantity of methamphetamine, and a quantity of fentanyl.  This charge carries a potential penalty of five to 40 years imprisonment.  He is also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a potential penalty of at least five years consecutive to any other penalty imposed. 

JAMES MYERS, III, a/k/a “Brix,” 31, of Loris, is charged in the conspiracy with a quantity of fentanyl, a quantity of cocaine, and a quantity of oxycodone.  This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment.  He is also charged with unlawful possession of firearm by a prohibited individual, which carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a potential penalty of at least five years consecutive to any other penalty imposed. 

DEVANTE JAQUAN SQUIRES, a/k/a “Buddy Ro,” 25, of Loris, is charged in the conspiracy with a quantity of heroin, a quantity of cocaine base, and a quantity of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. 

SHAQUAN TAEREEK HEMINGWAY, a/k/a “Obe,” 22, of Loris, is charged in the conspiracy with a quantity of heroin and a quantity of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. 

TYRUSS KENDREZ HEMINGWAY, a/k/a “OT,” a/k/a “Macc,” 19, of Loris, is charged in the conspiracy with a quantity of heroin and a quantity of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. 

ALFREDO GORE, a/k/a “AG,” 41, of Loris, is charged in the conspiracy with 100 grams or more of heroin, a quantity of cocaine base, and a quantity of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of five to 40 years imprisonment. 

MONTEL LASAUL HYPPOLITE, a/k/a “Pooh,” 21, of Conway, is charged in the conspiracy with a quantity of heroin and a quantity of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment.

BILLIE LEE GREEN, a/k/a “Old School,” 59, of Longs, is charged in the conspiracy with a quantity of heroin and a quantity of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment.

BYRON JAMES JACKSON, a/k/a “B,” 27, of Loris, is charged in the conspiracy with 100 grams or more of heroin, 500 grams or more of cocaine, and a quantity of cocaine base.  This charge carries a potential penalty of five to 40 years imprisonment. 

ROBERT JERMAINE ATTAWAY, a/k/a “Ant,” 26, of Myrtle Beach, is charged in the conspiracy with a quantity of heroin.  This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. 

CARL LEE GREEN, 43, of Longs, is charged in the conspiracy with 500 grams or more of cocaine, 28 grams of cocaine base, and a quantity of heroin.  This charge carries a potential penalty of five to 40 years imprisonment. 

The following defendants are still at large:

TYSHON LAMONT CLIFTON, a/k/a “Rondo,” 20, of Loris, is charged in the conspiracy with a quantity of heroin.  This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. 

BRADLEY CHRISTOPHER GRIFFIN, JR., 34, of Longwood, North Carolina, is charged in the conspiracy with a quantity of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. 

TIMOTHY MONDALE LONG, a/k/a “Black,” 38, of Loris, is charged in the conspiracy with 280 grams or more of cocaine base and 100 grams or more of heroin.  This charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to Life imprisonment.  He is also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a potential penalty of at least five years consecutive to any other penalty imposed. 

Operation Broken Branch is at least the third investigation targeting violent crime in the area.  In 2017, Operation Silver Sunset targeted 29 associates of the Billy Bloods street gang, a subset of the United Blood Nation.  In 2018, Operation Rise and Shine targeted 34 associates of G-Shine/SMG, another subset of the Bloods.  Today’s arrests mark the latest, but not the last, investigation targeting violent crime in Horry County and surrounding areas.

During the course of this investigation, agents seized substantial quantities of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine.  Agents also seized more than a dozen firearms, bulk ammunition, and more than $180,000 in suspected drug proceeds.

The case was investigated by the FBI, 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office DEU, Horry County Sheriff’s Office, 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Myrtle Beach Police Department, Horry County Police Department, Coastal Carolina University Police Department, Loris Police Department, Conway Police Department, North Myrtle Beach Department of Public Safety, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina, Columbus County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina, South Carolina Highway Patrol, and City of Georgetown Police Department.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett McMillian is prosecuting the case, alongside Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Hixson, who also serves as Deputy Solicitor for 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney David Caraker.

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

St. Thomas Airport Traveler Pleads Guilty to Causing a Firearm to be Present in a Federal Facility

St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today that Wayne Smith pled guilty yesterday to causing a firearm to be present in a federal facility. Sentencing has been scheduled for October 29, 2020.

According to court documents filed in the case, on March 21, 2020, Smith was a ticketed airline passenger at Cyril E. King airport. He checked luggage that contained a Ruger LCP pistol and magazine, without notifying the airline or the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) that the luggage contained a firearm. The TSA subsequently discovered the firearm at the federal security checkpoint.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Sleeper.

Armed Career Criminal Sentenced To Fifteen Years In Prison For Selling Firearms

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Ryan Perrin (34, Palm Harbor) to 15 years in federal prison for possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. Perrin’s criminal history—including prior state felony convictions for selling cocaine and aggravated assault—qualified him for sentencing as an Armed Career Criminal. Perrin had pleaded guilty on October 31, 2019.

According to court documents, in April 2017, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) learned that Perrin, a convicted felon, was trafficking in firearms in Pinellas County. An undercover ATF special agent arranged to meet with Perrin, and purchased firearms and ammunition from him on two occasions. In total, Perrin sold 7 firearms and 87 rounds of ammunition to the undercover agent.         

This case is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sinacore.

U.S. Attorney Trent Shores’ Statement on the Death of Tulsa Police Sergeant Craig Johnson

TULSA, Okla— U.S. Attorney Shores has released the following statement:

“On behalf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, I extend my most heartfelt condolences to the family of Tulsa Police Department Sergeant Craig Johnson. To his brothers and sisters in blue, I join you in mourning his loss and saluting his selfless service. Brave men and women like Sergeant Johnson and Officer Aurash Zarkeshan make up the thin blue line that stands between order and chaos. Sergeant Johnson’s death will not lessen our resolve, but rather reaffirm the collective duty of all those in law enforcement to serve and protect. May God bless Sergeant Johnson and all of our nation’s police officers.”

California man charged with possessing drugs for distribution

GREAT FALLS -- The U.S. Attorney’s Office today announced that Mitchell Joseph Wright. 40, of Los Angeles, CA, appeared on Monday on a criminal complaint charging him with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

If convicted of the most serious crime, Wright faces a minimum mandatory five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. The charging documents are merely accusations and Wright is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided and continued Wright's detention pending further proceedings.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Service, Russell Country Drug Task Force, Cascade County Sheriff's Office and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case.

Minneapolis Man Charged With Arson Of St. Paul Car Rental Agency

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal criminal complaint against MATTHEW SCOTT WHITE, 31, charging him with arson. MATTHEW WHITE, who was arrested on June, 29, 2020, made his initial appearance earlier today before Magistrate Judge Hildy Bowbeer in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.

According to the allegations in the complaint, on May 28, 2020, an Enterprise Rent-A-Car building located in St. Paul, Minnesota, was completely destroyed due to fire. On June 3, 2020, investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) examined the scene and determined that the fire was caused by arson and originated from within the structure. ATF investigators were able to identify MATTHEW WHITE, his sister and co-conspirator JESSICA WHITE, and another individual captured on surveillance video footage from cameras located inside and outside of the business on the night of the arson. MATTHEW WHITE can be seen entering the business and remains inside for several minutes. JESSICA WHITE can be seen standing outside the business and knocking on the front window and looking into the front door. While inside, MATTHEW WHITE can be seen carrying a box and a garbage can into the back area of the business, out of the view of the camera. Shortly after, fire can be seen flickering in the reflection of the window in the front of the business. MATTHEW WHITE and the other individual exit the building and join JESSICA WHITE and others who have gathered outside of the business in watching the fire.

The ATF and FBI urge the public to report suspected arson, use of explosive devices, or violent, destructive acts associated with the recent unrest. Anyone with information specifically related to business fires in the Twin Cities can call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit information anonymously via ReportIt.com. In addition to fires, the FBI is looking for people who may have incited or promoted violence of any kind. Anyone with digital material or tips can call 1-800-CALLFBI (800-225-5324) or submit images or videos at FBI.gov/violence.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the FBI, the St. Paul Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley M. Endicott.

The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

Defendant Information:

MATTHEW SCOTT WHITE, 31

Minneapolis, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to commit arson, 1 count
• Arson, 1 count

Local marijuana trafficker imprisoned for drug scheme

LAREDO, Texas – A 32-year-old Laredo resident has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction for conspiring with intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. 

Agustin Martinez III pleaded guilty April 2, 2019. 

Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo sentenced Martinez to serve 60 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. He was further ordered to pay $2400 in restitution. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Martinez had created a dangerous risk to the community by engaging in a high speed chase.

On Jan. 12, 2019, Martinez planned to transport narcotics in a red GMC pickup truck. Authorities noticed the suspicious vehicle and immediately attempted to conduct a traffic stop after they spotted it leaving a Laredo ranch.

However, Martinez did not pull over which lead to a high-speed chase. It ended after he crashed into two tractor-trailers in Laredo.

Law enforcement immediately took him into custody. During the search of the vehicle, authorities found approximately 315 kilograms of marijuana with a value of $150,000.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco J. Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.

Two Arrested Pursuant to Grand Jury Indictment that Alleges Family-Run Narcotics Ring Trafficked Cocaine and Fentanyl

         LOS ANGELES – Federal authorities this morning arrested two defendants named in a federal grand jury indictment that alleges a family-run drug trafficking organization trafficked in kilogram quantities of cocaine, as well as fentanyl pills.

         With one of the named defendants already in federal custody, authorities are continuing to search for the three remaining defendants, which includes the mother who allegedly oversaw the operation.

         The eight-count indictment lists a series of drug deals, attempted narcotics transactions and money laundering activity starting in September 2018 and running through July 3, 2019.

         The indictment charges six defendants:

• Maria Trinidad Gutierrez Mendoza, aka “Tia,” 54, of Downey, the alleged leader of the narcotics ring, who allegedly possessed 4.3 kilograms (about 9.5 pounds) of cocaine one year ago;
• Maria’s son, Jose Ceja Gutierrez, aka “Feo” and other aliases, 32, of South Gate, who is currently in federal prison on unrelated charges;
• Maria’s daughter, Karina Ceja Gutierrez, 35, of Los Angeles, who allegedly helped her mother obtain cocaine and was arrested today;
• Jose’s girlfriend, Esmerelda Rodriguez, aka “Barbara Moran,” 29, of Huntington Park, who allegedly helped obtain fentanyl pills;
• Primitivo Cisneros Cruz, aka “Primo,” 70, of Los Angeles, an alleged source of narcotics for the drug ring, who allegedly was found with a kilogram of cocaine in May 2019 and was arrested today; and
• Bridgett Coates, aka “Sharol,” “Janet” and “Yane,” 55, of Lawndale, an alleged customer of the organization.

         Karina Gutierrez and Cruz are expected to be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

         All six defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, a charge that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a statutory maximum sentence of life.

         The indictment further charges Gutierrez Mendoza with possessing 4.3 kilograms of cocaine one year ago. Jose Gutierrez and Rodriguez are charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances related to an April 2019 seizure of nearly 7,400 fentanyl pills falsely marked as oxycodone. Cruz is charged with possessing a kilogram of cocaine in May 2019.

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

         The two-year investigation into the Gutierrez drug trafficking organization was conducted jointly by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations. Substantial assistance was provided by the South Gate Police Department.

         This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kathy Yu of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section.

Two Dayton men indicted, arrested for string of convenience store armed robberies

DAYTON – Kavonte Knolton, 21 and Jamaal Murphy, 19, both of Dayton, have been charged with committing a total of five armed robberies of convenience stores in the Miami Valley dating back to December 2019.

The charges were outlined in an 11-count indictment returned on June 23. Knolton and Murphy were arrested June 29 by Dayton Police and agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The indictment alleges that Murphy robbed the Wyoming Mini-Mart in December 2019 and that Knolton robbed a UDF on Woodman Avenue twice, once on January 25 and again on February 14. The indictment accuses both men of robbing a Circle K on Dorothy Lane on February 22 and the Wyoming Mini-Mart again on March 5. They are accused of using, carrying or brandishing firearms in each of the robberies.

A federal grand jury in Dayton indicted the men for violating the Hobbs Act, a federal law that punishes people who commit crimes involving businesses that operate in interstate commerce.

The indictment charges the men with one count of conspiracy and five counts of violating the Hobbs Act. Each count is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The indictment also charges five counts of using, carrying or brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Each of those counts is punishable by a mandatory term of seven years in prison, which must be served consecutive to any sentence for the robberies.

David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jonathan McPherson, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Dayton Police Chief Rick Biehl in announcing the indictment. Assistant United States Attorney Brent Tabacchi and Deputy Criminal Chief Dominick Gerace are representing the United States in this case.

An indictment merely contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Putting the Science into Self-Injury Risk Assessment and Prevention

Date and Time : Wednesday, July 15: 11am PT / 12pm MT /1pm CT / 2pm ET for one hour

Webinar Summary : Are you interested in learning about some of the reasons that people repeatedly and purposely injure themselves? Do you want to learn ways to manage serial self-injurious behavior? We know that self-injurious behavior is a significant problem in correctional settings. Compounding the problem is confusion about what constitutes self-injurious behavior, how to define it, and what are the potential motivational and etiological factors involved. A number of researchers have attempted to address these issues, but efforts to construct a paradigm have proven problematic. In response to this growing problem, this interactive one-hour webinar will introduce an innovative profiling system designed to develop profiles of inmates who engage in serial self-injuries. The Self-Injury Profile System (SIPS) identifies diagnostic and personality characteristics, behavioral patterns, and associated risk factors that create a SIPS profile which is used to analyze individual and group trends. Implementing a SIPS will help you and your agency develop a classification system for defining self-injurious behaviors and a paradigm for understanding the motivational and etiological factors involved. SIPS allows for the implementation of evidence-based management interventions, improvement in clinical outcomes, and reduction in health care costs associated with serial self-injurious behaviors across a facility, agency, or an entire correctional system.

Learning Objectives : During this one-hour interactive webinar, you will learn to 1) recognize the problems and obstacles to effective assessment and treatment of non-suicidal self-injury, 2) understand the differences and unique characteristics associated with serial self-injurious behaviors and how to document the risk assessment, and 3) identify how a profiling system may be useful in developing a classification system and a paradigm for better management of serial self-injurious behaviors.

Speaker : Dean Aufderheide Ph.D.

Dr. Aufderheide is a board-certified correctional psychologist and licensed clinical and forensic psychologist. A former president of the International Association of Correctional and Forensic Psychology, he is the Chief of Mental Health Services for the Florida Department of Corrections and serves as the American Correctional Association’s National Mental Health Advisor. He can be reached at dean_aufderheide@yahoo.com.

Who Should Attend?  Any employee of a state, federal or local correctional jurisdiction, routinely involved in direct interaction with inmates as part of their title or function.

How Do I Register?  Follow this link to register in NIC’s WebEx Event Center

https://nicmeetings.webex.com/nicmeetings/onstage/g.php?MTID=e4d6513ee71d6ae3b2377c4f34bdae903

Who Do I Contact for More Information?

Content Contact :

Scott W. Richards, Correctional Program Specialist, Prison’s Division

s1richards@bop.gov

Webinar Technical Contact : 

Leslie LeMaster, Correctional Program Specialist, Academy Division

llemaster@bop.gov

How Do I Participate Effectively In a WebEx Event Center Webinar? How Do I Get Ready?

For the best experience in your next NIC WebEx Event Center webinar, you’ll need a hands-free telephone, headset or earbuds, and an internet-enabled computer. For optimum learning, be in a quiet place, free from distractions/interruptions, sight-and-sound separated from others, where you can concentrate on what is happening during the webinar. A separate office space with a door to close is an ideal setting. Connect to the webinar audio bridge via a hands-free telephone, using earbuds/headset connected to your phone/cell phone, so your hands are free to interact with your keyboard.

While tablets and smartphones are also compatible with WebEx Events Center, several of the features are limited, and most devices require that the Cisco WebEx app is installed. Regardless of which device you plan to use, test its compatibility here. This is a quick test, and we strongly encourage you to do this before the webinar. If your browser does not pass the test, contact Webex Technical Support at 1-877-669-1782 and tell them you will be attending an NIC webinar on NIC's Webex site at http://nicmeetings.webex.com . They can help you troubleshoot connectivity issues.

NIC strongly recommends consulting with your agency/local IT , as you may encounter pop-up blocking and/or firewall issues that block the NIC Webex webinar url.

Gallatin Man Sentenced For Crimes Involving Sexual Exploitation Of Children

Former Army Recruiter’s Crimes Included Rape of Toddler & Seven-Year-Old Autistic Child

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – June 29, 2020 – Scott C. House, 31, of Gallatin, Tennessee, was sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court to 56 years in prison for child pornography and exploitation crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee.

“This sentence will ensure that no other innocent child will ever have to suffer the twisted abuse inflicted by this horrible individual,” said U.S. Attorney Cochran.  “Evil doers who seek sexual gratification through the abuse of children are being relentlessly pursued by our office and our law enforcement partners and we will go to extraordinary lengths to bring them to justice.”

House was indicted in February 2019 on two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, including production of child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography.  The investigation began in March 2018 when House was identified as the user on the Kik messenger phone app who sent sexually explicit images depicting the rape of a 22-month-old toddler girl.  House had also discussed his sexual abuse of a seven-year-old autistic boy. 

Law enforcement immediately obtained a search warrant for House’s Gallatin home and seized phones and other computers and electronics.  A forensic examination of the electronics discovered over 2000 images and over 300 videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.  The collection included images and videos of the rape of very small children, many of whom were babies and/or infants. Additionally, some of the children in the recordings were clearly in pain and crying.  Evidence also indicated that House had shared the videos and images that he produced and others, over the Internet with other like-minded individuals. 

House admitted to this conduct when he pleaded guilty to all counts in December 2019.

U.S. Attorney Cochran commended the swift action of the FBI and the Gallatin Police Department, and Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Carran Daughtrey in preventing the additional victimization of these children and bringing House to justice.

Grays Harbor County woman charged with production of child pornography

Cyber investigation revealed sexually explicit images of defendant with young child

Tacoma – A 34-year-old woman who resides in Hoquiam, Grays Harbor County in Southwest Washington State appeared in U.S. District Court in Tacoma Friday charged with production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran.  TAMARA STANLEY was arrested without incident on June 25, 2020, and remains detained at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac.

According to the criminal complaint, investigators obtained a judicially authorized search warrant for STANLEY’s email account.  A review of the account revealed sexually explicit images STANLEY had created of a young child.   

Production of child pornography is punishable by a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison and up to 30 years in prison.

The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  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.justice.gov/psc

The case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Airway Heights and Hoquiam Police Departments.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Hampton.

Westmoreland County Man Charged with Possessing Fentanyl

PITTSBURGH,- A resident of Adamsburg, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment, returned on June 23, named Chad Caye, age 22, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on February 12, 2020, Caye was found to be in possession of 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $5,000,000, a period of supervised release of at least 4 years, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

Alameda Resident Pleads Guilty To Illegally Importing Narcotics

OAKLAND –James Heyward Silcox III pleaded guilty to all three counts in an indictment charging him with illegally importing controlled substances, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Tatum King, Coast Guard Investigative Service Special Agent in Charge Kelly Hoyle, and Customs and Border Protection Director of Field Operations Brian J. Humphrey.   Silcox entered the guilty plea without a plea agreement.  The plea was accepted by the Hon. Jon S. Tigar, United States District Judge.

Silcox, 42, of Alameda, Calif., was originally charged by complaint on September 18, 2019.  The complaint alleged that he illegally imported Tramadol from Singapore and Germany to post office boxes he held.  Tramadol is a Schedule IV controlled substance and narcotic.    

Silcox, a U.S. Coast Guard Commander, was arrested on the complaint on September 17, 2019, at Coast Guard Island, in Alameda.  

During the change of plea hearing, the government advised the court of evidence that Silcox began purchasing tramadol in 2017 online from an unknown person he believed was in Singapore.  The government offered further evidence that Silcox had received shipments of tramadol from three separate overseas suppliers from 2017 to 2019, and sent shipments to downstream buyers of 500-1000 pills per month, which Silcox received from his overseas suppliers at his P.O. boxes.  According to the government, Silcox used end-to-end encrypted communication applications and email services to communicate with his overseas suppliers and his downstream domestic customers, and used crytpocurrency to make payments.

On September 26, 2019, a federal grand jury indicted Silcox charging him with three counts of importation of a Schedule IV narcotic drug, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 952(a) and 960(b)(6).  Pursuant to the guilty plea, Silcox pleaded guilty to all three counts. 

Silcox faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000, for each count in the indictment.  However, any sentence would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.  His next court appearance has been set for September 25, 2020, which is a status hearing concerning the sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Griswold is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Mimi Lam.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations; the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area-Transnational Narcotics Team (HIDTA-TNT); the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General; and the Coast Guard Investigation Service.  The prosecution is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force National Heroin Initiative to combat the opioid crisis.

Baton Rouge Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that that United States District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Charles Hunt, age 28, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 32 months in federal prison following his conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. This sentence is to run consecutive to any sentence imposed on state charges pending against Hunt. The Court further sentenced Hunt to three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.

According to admissions Hunt made as part of his guilty plea, on April 25, 2018, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), along with Baton Rouge Police Department officers, went to a residence in Baton Rouge to execute an active arrest warrant for Hunt. After Hunt was brought to East Baton Rouge Parish Prison, law enforcement obtained evidence indicating that Hunt, a convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm that he kept in the residence where he was arrested. Law enforcement secured a search warrant for the residence and located a Smith & Wesson, Model SD 40, .40 caliber handgun, in a bedroom were Hunt was residing.

Prior to possessing the firearm, Hunt was convicted in 2014 of attempted simple burglary and simple burglary

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This investigation, which involved a collective effort by several of our Violent Crime Strike Force partners, and the resulting conviction and sentencing of Hunt, exemplifies our effort to pursue offenders who have previously committed serious crimes and continue to engage in such conduct. Our collective efforts also reflect our continuing commitment to keep our community safe. I want to thank the ATF and Baton Rouge Police Department for their efforts.”

“The sentence imposed today sends a message to individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms that they will be held accountable for their actions,” said ATF New Orleans Field Division Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn. “Reducing firearm related crimes and keeping our neighborhoods and communities safe is the top priority for ATF.”

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Baton Rouge Police Department, with critical assistance provided by the Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Demetrius Sumner and Paul L. Pugliese. 

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl

BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to distributing fentanyl.

Yokasta Aybar-Soto, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams of more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Sept. 3, 2020. Aybar-Soto was initially charged by criminal complaint and has been in custody since Sept. 12, 2019.

With a companion, Aybar-Soto sold over 40 grams of fentanyl to an undercover officer in Lawrence on Sept. 12, 2019.

The charging statutes provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney James R. Drabick of Lelling’s Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.

Egyptian national charged with committing offenses against South Texas minor

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 45-year-old man has been indicted on charges of online solicitation of a minor, travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and transfer of obscene materials to a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

A Corpus Christi grand jury returned an indictment against Ehab Sadeek today. He resided in Winchester, Massachusetts, but is an Egyptian citizen with no legal status in the United States. He was initially charged by criminal complaint and made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Julie K. Hampton. At that time, the court found probable cause that Sadeek committed the alleged offenses and ordered him into custody. He will appear again in federal court in the near future on the indictment.  

The charges allege Sadeek used interstate and foreign commerce to knowingly persuade, induce, entice and coerce a minor victim in Live Oak County to engage in sexual activity. From May 7 to May 26, Sadeek allegedly transferred obscene material to the same victim, knowing she was less than 16 years of age. Sadeek traveled from Massachusetts to Texas with the intent to commit sexual offenses, according to the allegations.

The George West Police Department, Live Oak County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety and Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.

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

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

National Institute of Justice Research Provides Guidance on School Tip Lines

           WASHINGTON – The Office of Justice Programs’ National Institute of Justice today published an article detailing how educators, law enforcement professionals, community leaders and school safety experts can benefit through using an NIJ-funded tool kit to implement tip lines to prevent violence, self-harm and other disorders. School safety tip lines allow individuals to confidentially report threats and problems within a school system.

 

          “When properly set up and effectively administered, school safety tip lines have the potential to prevent acts of violence and ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff,” said NIJ Director David Muhlhausen. “This resource will help school administrators, community leaders and law enforcement officials determine how to develop a tip line system that provides maximum utility and security and greater peace of mind.”

 

            Students ages 12 to 18 experienced some 850,000 school victimizations in 2015, including 500,000 violent victimizations and 70,000 serious violent victimizations. The Department of Justice has been working to help school districts and local officials counter threats of school violence. Last year, OJP and the Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services awarded more than $85 million from the STOP School Violence Act to enhance school threat assessment efforts and develop technology-based solutions.          

 

              An NIJ-supported research team from RTI International developed the toolkit to help stakeholders navigate key decisions and consider the factors necessary for supporting and implementing successful and efficient tip lines as part of an overall school safety strategy.

 

      TITLE:        Implementing a School Tip Line? New Research Provides a Blueprint 

 

AUTHORS:       National Institute of Justice 

 

    WHERE:       https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/implementing-school-tip-line-new-research-provides-blueprint