Two Convicted Felons Indicted for Armed Robbery of 7-Eleven

St. Louis, Missouri – Monte Kent, 32, of St. Louis, and Harvey Cameron, 29, of St. Louis, were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.  Cameron was also indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

According to court documents, on June 21, 2020, Kent and Cameron robbed the 7-Eleven at 5350 Chippewa Street, St. Louis, Missouri.  As Kent drove a black Cadillac sedan to the front of the store, Cameron got out of the sedan with an AK-style pistol while clutching a trash bag.  Kent remained in the driver’s seat.  Once inside the store, Cameron pointed the gun at a 7-Eleven employee and demanded the entire cash register drawer.  The employee put the cash drawer in the trash bag.  Cameron then left the store and got into the black Cadillac sedan.  Kent and Cameron drove away.

Shortly after the robbery, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers were advised of the location of a Cadillac sedan matching the description parked on Blair Avenue in St. Louis.  The officers exited their police vehicle and announced their presence.  But, Kent and Cameron sped off, driving recklessly through the City of St. Louis.   When the vehicle finally hit a dead end, Kent and Cameron got out of the sedan and fled on foot.  They were subsequently apprehended.

Officers searched the black Cadillac sedan.  There was a black trash bag in it with over $90, the 7-Eleven cash register drawer, as well as the AK-style pistol.

If convicted, the charge of robbery carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a minimum sentence of seven years; and felon in possession carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on all charges.  In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

These charges are the result of a joint investigation by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Charges set forth in the Indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty

Career Criminal Sentenced To 20 Years For Armed Robbery And Gun Charges

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Dale Clark, 47, of Shelbyville, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for Hobbs Act robbery, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and using a firearm during a federal crime of violence before the Honorable Travis R. McDonough in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The convictions and sentence resulted from a plea agreement between Clark and the United States.

Court documents reflect that after 10 p.m., on July 21, 2019, Clark entered the Chally Wally convenience store in Shelbyville, and pointed a handgun at the clerk while demanding money. Clark then went behind the counter, grabbed the clerk violently by the hair, and pointed the gun at her head while forcing her to the ground. The clerk handed the money over, and was forced into a backroom. Clark threatened to "blow her head off," before striking her in the head and leaving the store with the stolen money.

Following a successful investigation, Shelbyville police officers obtained arrest and search warrants for Clark and his residence. During the search, a K-9 officer was able to locate and remove Clark from the attic, where he was hiding. In the home, officers found clothing, a mask, and a gun that all matched the robber’s from surveillance footage obtained from the convenience store. The stolen money was not recovered, as Clark admitted to using the money to pay off drug debts.

At the time of the offense, Clark was a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm. Court records show that due to Clark’s prior lengthy criminal history, he qualified to be sentenced as an armed career criminal.

Assistant United States Attorney Joe DeGaetano represented the United States.

The case resulted from an investigation by the Shelbyville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

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

Two Las Vegas Men Indicted For Distributing Opioids Resulting In A Death

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Marco Cebrenos-Osuna, 29, of North Las Vegas, who is accused of distributing opioids resulting in the death of another person, made his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel Neill for the DEA.

A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Cebrenos-Osuna and Daniel Anguiano, 41, of Las Vegas, with one count of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and one count of distribution of fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl. Cebrenos-Osuna was arrested on June 30, 2020, and Anguiano was arrested on May 27, 2020. A jury trial has been scheduled before U.S. District Judge Andrew Gordon on August 21, 2020.

As alleged in the indictment, Anguiano and Cebrenos-Osuna conspired to and distributed oxycodone, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl, resulting in the death of a man who obtained opioids from them. Oxycodone and fentanyl are classified as Schedule II controlled substances, and acetyl fentanyl is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance:

• Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug that is approximately 80-100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. Fentanyl poses a high risk of death not only to users, but to law enforcement since the drug may be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. A few milligrams of fentanyl, which is equivalent to a few grains of table salt, may be deadly.
• Acetyl fentanyl is an analog of fentanyl that is 10-15 times more potent than morphine. Acetyl fentanyl has never been approved for medical use and is not available by prescription.
• Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid that is a common drug of abuse. It can be prescribed for managing moderate to severe pain when other treatments are not sufficient.

If convicted, Aguiano and Cebrenos-Osuna each face: (a) a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine for the conspiracy to distribute oxycodone; and (b) a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment (with a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years imprisonment) and a $10,000,000 fine for distribution of fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl. In addition to imprisonment and fines, the defendants also each face a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This case is the product of an investigation by the DEA.

Man Charged in Federal Court for Attempting to Tear Down Statue of Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Square Amid Protests

Man also Charged with Destruction of Albert Pike Statue

            WASHINGTON – Jason Charter, 25, of Washington, D.C., was arrested and charged by Criminal Complaint today with destruction of federal property, announced Michael R. Sherwin, Acting U.S. Attorney; James A. Dawson, Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Division of the Washington Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Gregory T. Monahan, Acting Chief of the United States Park Police (USPP).

            The complaint alleges that on June 20, 2020, Charter, together with other individuals, destroyed the Albert Pike statue in Northwest, Washington, D.C., by pulling it from its base and setting it on fire.  The complaint alleges that Charter was captured on video dousing the statue with a flammable liquid and then igniting it as it lay on the ground.  Charter is depicted on video using the fire to light a cigarette. 

            The complaint further alleges that on June 22, 2020, Charter, together with other individuals, damaged and attempted to tear down the statue depicting Andrew Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans, located in Lafayette Square.  The complaint further alleges that Charter was captured on video climbing up onto the statue and affixing a rope to the statue that was then used to try to pull the statue down.  Three other men were previously charged with also destroying the Jackson statue.

            The defendant appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Deborah A. Robinson of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, where he was released pending further court proceedings.  A Criminal Complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct for purposes of establishing probable cause, not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

            “While the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia is committed to protecting the First Amendment right of individuals to protest peacefully, today’s additional arrest in connection with the violent destruction of federal property is a testament to our further commitment to prosecuting those criminal offenders who threaten not only property, but ultimately the safety of all through their violent acts,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael R. Sherwin.

            “These individuals chose to engage in unlawful activity while among fellow citizens who were conducting lawful and Constitutionally protected protest activities,” said James A. Dawson, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division. “The FBI is dedicated to protecting peaceful protesters from those threatening their safety with violence and destruction of property, and where there is a federal nexus, we will investigate and hold the wrongdoers accountable.”

            “This arrest is an example of excellent investigative work by the United States Park Police Criminal Investigations and the continued partnership with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The U.S. Park Police remains committed to protecting our icons, memorials, and park resources” said United States Park Police Acting Chief Gregory T. Monahan.

            In announcing the charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Sherwin, Special Agent in Charge Dawson, and Acting Chief Monahan commended the work of the FBI agents and USPP officers who apprehended the four men and are investigating the incident.  This joint investigation was conducted by the United States Park Police and the FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crime Task Force.  Significant assistance was also provided by the Washington Metropolitan Police Department.  The Violent Crime Task Force is charged with investigating acts of violence impacting the District of Columbia.  Tips associated with this matter or other acts of violence can be reported to the FBI at 202-278-2000 or tips.fbi.gov.

KC Man Pleads Guilty to Meth Trafficking, Illegal Firearms

Faces at Least 15 Years in Prison

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Missouri, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to receiving a large quantity of methamphetamine shipped to his residence and to illegally possessing firearms.

Danny Sanchez, 38, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

Federal investigators intercepted a 23-pound package shipped from San Diego, California, on Aug. 10, 2018, that was addressed to Sanchez’s residence. Officers conducted a controlled delivery of the package, which contained more than 5.4 kilograms of methamphetamine. After removing a portion of the methamphetamine, an officer posing as a delivery driver left the package on Sanchez’s front porch. When Sanchez carried the package inside, officers executed a search warrant and entered his residence.

Inside the residence, officers found the partially opened box next to an I.O. Inc. 7.62 x 39 caliber semi-automatic rifle. Officers also found a Glock 9mm semi-automatic handgun in Sanchez’s vehicle.

Sanchez told officers that he received other packages containing methamphetamine, which he delivered for $2,000 per package.

Under federal statutes, Sanchez is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney D. Michael Green. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics Task Force (MoWIN).

Former Hoosick Falls Resident Charged with Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography

ALBANY, NEW YORK – William Hines, age 42, formerly of Hoosick Falls, New York, appeared in court today on charges of receiving and possessing child pornography.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Kevin Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

A criminal complaint alleges that in January 2017, in Rensselaer County, Hines downloaded child pornography from a foreign website and possessed numerous images of child pornography on his cell phone and a computer. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty

Hines was arrested on April 20, 2020 in Hudson, Florida, and then transported to the Northern District of New York.  Today, Hines was ordered detained pending further proceedings.

If convicted of all charges in the complaint, Hines faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison, at least 5 years and up to lifetime post-imprisonment supervised release, and mandatory registration as a sex offender.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. 

This case is being investigated by HSI with the assistance of the Hoosick Falls Police Department and the New York State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia G. Suarez. 

This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, 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 identify and rescue victims.

Madera County Man Charged with Marijuana Cultivation Operation in the Sierra National Forest

FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against a Madera County man for a marijuana cultivation operation that consisted of over 1,000 marijuana plants grown in the Carter Creek watershed drainage network in the Sierra National Forest in Madera County, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

The five-count indictment charged Carson Shane Wilhite, 41, of Ahwahnee, with conspiring to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, manufacturing marijuana, damaging public lands and natural resources, possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and being a methamphetamine user in possession of firearms. According to the indictment, Wilhite was involved in the marijuana cultivation operation and, in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities, he possessed 12 firearms while using methamphetamine. The cultivation operation is alleged to have caused significant damage to the environment.

This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Madera County Sheriff’s Office. Integral Ecology Research Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the research and conservation of wildlife and their ecosystems, analyzed and documented the environmental damage. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen A. Escobar is prosecuting the case.

If convicted of the drug conspiracy and manufacturing offense, Wilhite faces a mandatory minimum statutory penalty of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison, as well as a $10 million fine. The environmental charge and the charge of being a drug user in possession of firearms carry a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking carries a mandatory minimum prison term of five years and a maximum term of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. The defendant faces a mandatory consecutive prison term of five years. In addition, he may be liable for restitution to the U.S. Forest Service for damage sustained to the land and natural resources as a result of the cultivation activities. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Monroe County Man Sentenced To 300 Months’ Imprisonment For Fentanyl Laced Heroin Distributions Resulting In Deaths

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Vincent Ingino, age 28, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania was sentenced on July 1, 2020, to 300 months’ imprisonment followed by three-years supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for distributions of controlled substances resulting in two deaths.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Ingino was convicted by a jury in February 2020 on two counts of knowingly and intentionally distributing controlled substances that included a mixture of fentanyl and heroin, causing the deaths of two individuals.  In August 2018, Ingino drove to Patterson, New Jersey to obtain bundles of heroin for resale in the Stroudsburg area. Ingino first sold fentanyl laced heroin to a 24-year-old male on August 10, 2018; he made another sale of fentanyl laced heroin to a 28-year-old male on August 11, 2018.  Both men were found dead by friends and family the day after Ingino’s sales of drugs to them.    

At sentencing, members of both families made moving statements to the Court, which Judge Mannion acknowledged. 

The charges stem from a joint investigation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Scranton, the Pennsylvania State Police, and detectives from the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Olshefski and Jenny Roberts.

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

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

Indictment Charges 9 Individuals Connecticut to Statewide Drug Ring

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Norwich Police Chief Patrick J. Daley today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging nine individuals with narcotics offenses related to their alleged involvement in a statewide drug ring.

The indictment was returned on June 30 and unsealed yesterday after six of the defendants were arrested.

This matter stems from a joint investigation led by the FBI and the Norwich, New London and Hartford Police Departments into a narcotics distribution network that stretched from southeastern Connecticut to the Hartford, New Britain and Waterbury areas.  The investigation has included court-authorized wiretaps, surveillance, search warrants, and seizures of cocaine and crack cocaine.

The four-count indictment charges each of the following individuals with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, various quantities of cocaine and/or cocaine base (“crack cocaine”):

LUIS CARRASQUILLO, a/k/a “Cuchi,” 49, of Hartford
JASHUA CARASQUILLO, a/k/a “Chuy,” 25, of Hartford
AARON CLAYTON, a/k/a “Ace,” 52, of New Britain
DARRICK SHELBY, a/k/a “Butch, and “Butchy Brown,” 60, of Norwich
HECTOR UMPIERRE, 57, of Waterbury
DARRIN HARRIS, 44, of Norwich
JERMAINE NEWELL, 34, of Waterbury
FRANK BIGGS, 62, of Hamden
KELLY MCGILL, 50, of Norwich

The indictment alleges that, between November 2019 and March 2020, each defendant conspired to distribute various narcotics.  If convicted of this charge, based on the type and quantity of narcotics involved, seven of the nine defendants face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of at least five years.  Based on his criminal history, Luis Carrasquillo faces a mandatory term of imprisonment of 15 years.  Harris and Newell face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

On March 17, 2020, law enforcement conducted court-authorized searches of the residences of Luis Carrasquillo, Jashua Carrasquillo and Aaron Clayton and seized approximately three kilograms of cocaine and nearly $100,000 in cash.  No arrests were made at the time due to concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Luis Carrasquillo, Jashua Carrasquillo, Clayton, Shelby, Umpierre and Newell were arrested yesterday.  Harris, Biggs and McGill are being sought by law enforcement. 

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Norwich, New London and Hartford Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Donovan and Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.

Loris Armed Robber Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison

Florence, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Fuquan Thompson, 52, of Loris, was sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a conspiracy to commit armed robbery.

Evidence presented to the court showed that on March 5, 2018, Thompson entered a store in Loris wearing a black mask, brandished a firearm, and demanded money and car keys.  The store clerk gave Thompson some money and the keys to the clerk’s car, and Thompson left the store.  Officers, who responded and viewed Thompson on the store’s surveillance video, found Thompson a short distance from the store.  In his possession, Thompson had a firearm, as well as the car keys and money he had taken from the store.  Thompson ultimately pleaded guilty.

Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Thompson to 60 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Horry County Police Department. 

This case was 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 United States Attorney Lauren Hummel of the Florence office prosecuted the case.

Santa Ana Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Possessing Nearly One Kilogram of Fentanyl and Gun in His Bedroom Closet

          SANTA ANA, California – An Orange County man who was arrested after authorities uncovered at his residence nearly one kilogram of the extremely potent synthetic opioid fentanyl, as well as a .45 caliber pistol, was sentenced today to 180 months in federal prison.

          Guillermo Ernesto Sanchez Hermosillo, 43, of Santa Ana, was sentenced by United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton. Hermosillo pleaded guilty on January 24 to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

          Hermosillo received a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence for the fentanyl crime and a consecutive five-year mandatory minimum sentence for the firearm offense.

          After receiving information that Hermosillo was engaging in drug-trafficking activities, officers with the Huntington Beach Police Department and a special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives went to Hermosillo’s apartment on July 31, 2018 to conduct a probation compliance check. Hermosillo was on probation after sustaining a conviction in a domestic violence case four months earlier. At the time of the search, there were three minors in the apartment, including a 3-week-old baby.

          Hermosillo admitted in his plea agreement that at the time of the July 2018 search, in a bedroom closet in his residence, he possessed 891 grams of fentanyl, nearly two kilograms of heroin and approximately 2.7 kilograms of methamphetamine. Hermosillo also admitted to knowingly possessing a firearm – a Glock.45 caliber pistol – in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

          The ATF and the Huntington Beach Police Department investigated this matter.

          This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anne C. Gannon of the Santa Ana Branch Office.

Cocaine and Crack Dealer Involved in Shootout Sentenced to Prison

NORFOLK, Va. – A Portsmouth man was sentenced today to 16 years in prison for his role in trafficking five kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of crack cocaine and for possessing with intent to distribute at least 28 grams of crack cocaine.

“Charles Algernon Boomer III has a criminal history that includes nearly 100 criminal charges, and more than 40 total convictions,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “In this case, Boomer trafficked wholesale amounts of powder and crack cocaine from two Portsmouth drug premises, one across the street from an elementary school. Boomer is precisely the type of defendant that has the full attention of this office and our investigative partners as we work together to rid our streets of criminals who pose a great danger to the safety of our communities.”

According to court documents, Boomer, 44, a 13-time felon with three drug-trafficking convictions, operated a drug premises across the street from an elementary school. That residence was the subject of a botched armed robbery in which Boomer's co-conspirator, who was providing security, exchanged gunfire with the would-be robbers and sustained gunshot wounds. Police caught Boomer trying to escape in a car while sitting on wholesale amounts of crack cocaine, powder cocaine, and marijuana, bundles of cash, and a gun loaded with an extended magazine was on the floorboard next to him. When Boomer exited the car, the arresting officer observed more cash falling out of Boomer's pant legs and recovered from Boomer's pockets even more cash and another magazine matching the gun.

Officers searched Boomer’s residence and observed more crack, powder cocaine, and marijuana in the kitchen sitting next to drug packaging and manufacturing materials, a bag of crack sitting in the driveway, and another bag of crack sitting in the backseat of a vehicle parked in front of the residence. They also recovered dozens of spent shell casings that were scattered throughout the inside and outside of the residence and observed bullet holes in the walls, furniture, and even the refrigerator.

The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), Operation Promotional Deceit. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. 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.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jesse R. Fong, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division; and Angela Greene, Chief of Portsmouth Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson. Assistant U.S. Attorney William B. Jackson prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-cr-191.

ATF and Firearms Industry Offer Reward of Up To $10,000 in Fayetteville Firearms Theft

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the National Shooting Sports Foundations, the trade association for the firearms industry, have announced a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a burglary in Fayetteville on May 31. ATF is offering a reward of up to $5,000, which will be matched by the NSSF for a total of up to $10,000. 

During a period of civil unrest, several individuals broke into Ace Pawn Shop, a federal firearms licensee, located at 5721 Bragg Blvd. Multiple firearms were stolen during the break-in.

Anyone with information about this crime should contact ATF at 1-800-ATF-TIPS (800-283-8477). Tips can also be submitted through email at ATFTips@atf.gov or through the ReportIt ® app. All calls and tips will be kept confidential.

ATF along with our law enforcement partners are committed to ensuring our communities are safe, and that those who commit violent crimes such as this are held accountable. The reward is part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the NSSF and ATF in which NSSF matches ATF rewards in cases involving the theft of firearms from federally licensed firearms retailers. ATF works closely with members of the firearms industry to curb the criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms.

For more information about ATF go to www.atf.gov.

Reno Resident Arrested And Charged For Breaking Windows At Reno Federal Courthouse During May 30 Civil Unrest

RENO, Nev. — Keith Leroy Moreno, 27, of Reno, made his initial court appearance today for allegedly destroying federal property on May 30, 2020, in Reno, following a protest relating to George Floyd’s death, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI, and U.S. Marshal Gary Schofield for the U.S. Marshals Service.

“Our office is committed to protecting the First Amendment right to peacefully protest and demonstrate,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “But violence, destruction, and vandalism, including damage to federal property such as courthouses, will not be tolerated.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Rouse stated: “The FBI’s mission is to uphold the Constitution, which includes freedom of speech and the right to assemble. We will continue working with our federal, state and local partners to ensure individuals who destroy parts of our city will be held accountable.”

As alleged in court documents, in the late evening of May 30, 2020, Moreno threw a cigarette receptacle (weighing about 23 pounds) and two rocks through the first floor windows of the Bruce R. Thompson Federal Courthouse, located at 400 South Virginia Street in Reno. Moreno broke three of the courthouse’s windows.

Subsequently, Moreno allegedly boasted about having thrown the receptacle through a courthouse window on May 30. In addition, Moreno allegedly bragged that law enforcement was not smart enough to find him and claimed that, if there was further civil unrest or rioting, “I’d go right back to it.”

Moreno was arrested on Wednesday, July 1, and he had his initial appearance via video conference this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Deborah Barnes of the Eastern District of California.

If convicted, Moreno faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for destruction of government property. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only. If convicted of any offense, the sentencing of a defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct for purposes of establishing probable cause, not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

This case was the product of an investigation by the FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Penelope Brady is prosecuting the case.

Salem New Hampshire Police Captain Arrested for Tax Fraud Related to Profit From Sales of Firearms

BOSTON – A Captain with the Salem, N.H. Police Department was arrested today and charged with tax fraud deriving from profits he earned from selling firearms. 

Michael Wagner, 48, of Pelham, N.H., was arrested and charged in an indictment unsealed today on one count of filing a false tax return. Wagner will make an initial appearance via videoconference at 2:15 p.m. in federal court in Boston. Wagner is a Captain with the Salem, N.H. Police Department.

The indictment alleges that in December 2012 and January 2013, Wagner purchased approximately 36 assault rifles from Sig Sauer Academy in Epping, N.H. and resold them in 2013 to earn a profit of more than $33,000 that Wagner purposely omitted from his 2013 tax return. Wagner allegedly used a 25 percent discount that Sig Sauer offered law enforcement officers, which increased his profit, and directed a subordinate police officer to make a purchase of an assault rifle for him after Sig Sauer stopped giving Wagner the law enforcement discount. The indictment further alleges that Wagner overstated his deductions in his 2013 tax return by falsely claiming more than $10,000 in reimbursed expenses for police equipment, ammunition and firearms.

The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $100,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Boston Field Division; Attorney General of New Hampshire Gordon MacDonald; and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil J. Gallagher, Jr. of Lelling’s Public Corruption Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Rockland Man Charged with Unlawfully Possessing a Firearm

BOSTON – A Rockland man was charged yesterday with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Lamont Boswell, 35, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition while being a convicted felon. Boswell was detained pending a detention hearing set for July 14, 2020, following an initial appearance today via videoconference in federal court in Worcester.

According to the criminal complaint, in the early morning hours of March 5, 2020, police officers were dispatched to a Hanover convenience store. As officers approached the vehicle, they noticed the engine was revving and the occupant, later identified as Boswell, appeared to be sleeping, laying in the driver’s seat with a sweatshirt pulled up over his head. Plainly visible on Boswell’s lap was a black revolver handgun. Officers were able to secure the firearm without incident. The revolver, a .38 Special caliber Smith & Wesson, was loaded with five rounds of .38 caliber special ammunition in the cylinder. It is alleged that Boswell could not produce any documentation for the firearm or a license to carry, and was subsequently arrested.

It is further alleged that Boswell was also in possession of quantities of suspected heroin and cocaine packaged individually in 10 small, clear plastic bags at the time of his arrest.  According to court documents, Boswell revealed during booking that he is a member of the Latin Kings gang. Due to previous state drug convictions punishable by more than one year of incarceration, Boswell is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.

The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz; and Hanover Police Chief Walter Sweeney made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details in the complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.    

A Topeka City Employee Indicted on Federal Child Porn Charges

Another Kansas man faces similar charges in a separate case

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A man who works for the city of Topeka was indicted today on federal child pornography charges, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Travis Bronson, 39, Lawrence, Kan., was charged with one count of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. Bronson works as a video producer for the city of Topeka.

The crimes are alleged to have occurred Nov. 15, 2017, and Feb. 1, 2018, in Douglas County, Kan.

In a separate case, another Kansas man was indicted today on child pornography charges.

Charles Shepherd, 76, Bonner Springs, Kan., was charged with one count of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. The crimes are alleged to have occurred June 11, 2016, and Feb. 16, 2018, in Wyandotte County, Kan.

If convicted, both defendants could face a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the distribution counts and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the possession count.

The FBI investigated both cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Flannigan is prosecuting.

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.

Baton Rouge Man Sentenced to 78 Months in Federal Prison for Gun and Drug Charges

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced John Butler, age 31, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 78 months in federal prison following his convictions for possession with the intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  The Court further sentenced Butler to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and ordered that the firearm involved be forfeited.

According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, on April 3, 2019, Baton Rouge Police Department conducted a traffic stop after observing a vehicle traveling well above the posted speed limit and having extremely dark window tint on the side and rear windows and a tinted cover on the license plate in violation of state and local traffic laws.

The BRPD officer smelled the strong odor of marijuana emanating from inside of the vehicle as the driver rolled down the window.  The driver and Butler were removed from the vehicle at which time a small plastic baggie containing heroin in the front passenger door was observed in plain view.  Upon further search of the vehicle, a loaded firearm was located on the front passenger-side floorboard near the center console.  

U.S. Attorney Brandon Fremin stated, “This conviction and sentence reaffirms our commitment to investigating, arresting, and prosecuting convicted criminals who decide to illegally possess firearms and sell drugs.  Great credit goes to our partnership with local authorities for this result.  I want to thank our prosecutor, the ATF, and the Baton Rouge Police Department for their work on this case.”

“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.  “ATF will remain focused on providing a safe environment to the communities and neighborhoods that are affected by crime.”

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Baton Rouge Police Department.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Demetrius D. Sumner.

Mason City Woman to Prison for Federal Meth Conviction

Led police on high speed chase with sawed off shotgun in the vehicle

A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced June 30, 2020, to more than 5 years in federal prison. 

Amanda Adams, age 30, from Mason City, Iowa, pled guilty on February 14, 2020, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that from about May 2019 through October 2019, Adams and others conspired to distribute at least 35 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine in Northwest Iowa. In June 2019, Adams and a co-conspirator sold “fake” methamphetamine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. In October 2019, Adams and her co-conspirator agreed to sell more methamphetamine to the same cooperator and make good on the previous transaction.  After a high speed vehicle pursuit, Adams and her co-conspirator were caught with two ounces of methamphetamine intended for the same cooperator.  Officers also seized a sawed-off shotgun and an axe during a search of the vehicle.   

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Adams was sentenced to 64 months’ imprisonment and must serve a term of 4 years of supervised release following the imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system. Adams remains in custody of the United States Marshal Service until she can be transferred to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office, Arnold’s Park Police Department, and Iowa Division of Criminalistics Investigation. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 19-4079.

Member of Mescalero Apache Tribe pleads guilty in federal court to assault with a chainsaw in Indian Country

           ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. –Josea Michael Kazhe, 19, of Mescalero, New Mexico pleaded guilty in federal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico on June 25 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country.

           According to Kazhe’s plea agreement, he assaulted the victim on Dec. 24, 2019 in Otero County, New Mexico within the boundaries of the Mescalero Apache Reservation. Kazhe cut the victim’s arm with a chainsaw causing a deep laceration.  The victim needed emergency transportation by helicopter to a hospital in El Paso, for treatment . Kazhe and the victim are both enrolled members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe.

           Kazhe is currently in custody awaiting sentencing.  He faces from 18 to 24 months in prison under the terms of his plea agreement. 

           The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.

Man Sentenced for Causing Opioid Overdose Resulting in Death

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A former Northern Virginia resident was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for the distribution of heroin that resulted in the death of a Leesburg man in March 2016. 

According to court documents, John Jacob Stapleton, 33, who most recently resided in Fort Pierce, Florida, regularly obtained illegal opioids from sources of supply that he and others distributed to customers within Loudoun County and the greater Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. In March 2016, Stapleton distributed heroin that resulted in the death of E.L., a former Loudoun County resident. A forensic toxicologist determined that E.L.’s blood and vitreous humor each contained a combination of morphine and 6-acetylmorhpine, and a forensic pathologist determined that E.L. died of heroin poisoning. Further investigation by law enforcement officials revealed that E.L. overdosed on heroin that another individual obtained directly from Stapleton.   

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; James A. Dawson, Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Division, FBI Washington Field Office; Michael L. Chapman, Loudoun County Sheriff; and Gregory C. Brown, Leesburg Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David A. Peters and Raj Parekh prosecuted the case.

This matter was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Safe Streets/HIDTA Task Force which is composed of Agents and Task Force Officers from the Leesburg PD, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, the Fairfax County Police, the Prince William County Police, the Alexandria City Police, the Vienna Police Department, the Herndon Police Department, the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security, and in cooperation with the DEA, ATF and USMS.  

The task force’s mission is to effectively identify, disrupt and dismantle the most egregious gangs and criminal enterprises engaged in violence and narcotics distribution within Northern Virginia. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cr-340.

Previously convicted felon from Santa Ana Pueblo pleads guilty to illegally possessing firearm possession in Indian Country

           ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  – Jose Rueben Garcia, 37, of Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, pleaded guilty in federal court today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

           According to public court documents, Garcia committed the offense in Sandoval County on June 22, 2019.  Garcia ran into his neighbor’s house carrying a firearm while appearing to be under the influence of drugs. Garcia was sweating and wearing no shirt or shoes.  He claimed two assailants were pursuing him and needed to fire his weapon to ward them off.  Garcia attempted to point out the assailants from a neighbor’s window but no one was there. Santa Ana Police responded to the scene and arrested Garcia, who could not lawfully possess any firearms due to a previous felony conviction for aggravated battery.  

           Garcia is currently in custody awaiting sentencing.  He faces 10 years in prison.

           The Pueblo of Santa Ana Police Department and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services – Branch of Criminal Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Aliberti is prosecuting the case.

Office of Justice Programs today announced that it has awarded over $35 million in grant funding to support the Regional Information Sharing

WASHINGTON – The Office of Justice Programs today announced that it has awarded over $35 million in grant funding to support the Regional Information Sharing Systems network. Composed of six regional centers and the RISS Technology Support Center, RISS encompasses more than 9,000 local, state, federal and tribal law enforcement and public safety agencies, which work together to share information and respond to the unique crime problems of each region.

 

          “A robust information sharing capability is essential to effective law enforcement and foundational to community safety,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The Department of Justice is proud to continue its support of RISS and its members as they solve crimes, arrest criminals and work to protect Americans from violence.”

 

          Six of the awards named below will fund the RISS centers and the operational costs associated with them, while the RISS Technology Support Center award will continue RISS’s national sharing capabilities and includes funding for the Ashanti Alert pilot program, which issues alerts about missing persons aged 18-64.

 

Institute for Intergovernmental Research (RISS Technology Support Center), Florida       

Total Awarded $5,813,000                

                       

Rocky Mountain Information Network Inc., Arizona

Total Awarded $5,132,681    

 

Western States Information Network, Inc., California

Total Awarded $5,401,820                                        

 

New England State Police Information Network, Inc., Massachusetts

Total Awarded $4,034,162    

 

Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center, Missouri

Total Awarded $4,732,110

 

Middle Atlantic Great Lakes Organized Crime Law Enforcement Network, Inc., Pennsylvania

Total Awarded $5,235,034                                                    

 

Regional Organized Crime Information Center, Tennessee

Total Awarded $5,301,820

 

          The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.