Trial Attorney

 Criminal Division (CRM)

Office of International Affairs

Attorney

Washington, DC 20530

United States

21-CRM-OIA-042

About the Office: 

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) works to keep Americans safe at home and abroad by ensuring that criminals are held accountable for their actions. OIA returns fugitives to face justice, transfers sentenced persons to serve their sentences in their home countries, and obtains essential evidence for criminal investigations and prosecutions worldwide by working with domestic partners and foreign counterparts to facilitate the cooperation necessary to enforce the law, advance public safety, and achieve justice. OIA’s five principal work streams are:

• Extradition and Return of Fugitives
• International Prisoner Transfer
• International Evidence Gathering
• Legal Advice to DOJ Leadership & Prosecutors
• Multilateral Work and Negotiation of Criminal Law Enforcement Treaties

Job Description: 

OIA trial attorneys develop positive working relationships with foreign counterparts as well as familiarity with relevant foreign laws and procedures, both of which are critical to support the Office’s operational and policy work. They prepare legally sufficient U.S. requests for extradition of fugitives and the gathering of evidence located abroad; analyze foreign requests seeking fugitives or evidence located in the United States, ensuring that such requests comply with treaty requirements and meet U.S. legal standards, including appropriate constitutional protections; prepare and file legal pleadings in court in support of legally sufficient foreign requests in order to obtain requisite orders from U.S. courts; and they adjudicate applications for transfer from sentenced persons who wish to complete their terms of incarceration in their home countries. Some attorneys may participate in litigation, including by appearing in court in support of foreign requests for extradition of fugitives located in the United States. OIA attorneys work on challenging issues in novel or evolving areas of law and policy, such as the areas of privacy and transnational access to digital data.

Responsibilities include handling long-lived, high-volume casework involving international extradition, mutual legal assistance (MLA) and international prisoner transfer requests; conducting treaty negotiations, as these arise, and treaty implementation consultations; preparing briefing materials for the Attorney General and other Department principals; representing the Department on international criminal matters in multilateral fora and providing advice on other transnational criminal law enforcement matters. These responsibilities require regular consultation and coordination with federal, state, and local prosecutors and law enforcement personnel, various Department of Justice components, the State Department, and other federal agencies, as well as foreign authorities. Please note: the responsibilities listed are at the full promotion potential of the position.

Qualifications: 

Required Qualifications: Interested applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and be an active member of the bar in good standing.

Grade Specific Qualifications:

• To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, applicants must have at least one and a half (1.5) years post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-12 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include:performing basic legal analysis and formulating recommendations for senior managers, composing legal memoranda, reports, and position papers on legislative history, laws, regulations, and court opinions in support of civil or criminal litigation.
• To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, applicants must have at least two and a half (2.5) years post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-13 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: performing legal analysis and formulating recommendations to senior managers; composing pleadings, briefs, and other court documents involving legal issues in civil or criminal litigation; and conducting civil or criminal litigation.
• To qualify at the GS-15 grade level, applicants must have at least four (4) years post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-14 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: independently performing legal analysis; composing pleadings, briefs and other court documents involving unique and/or difficult legal issues in civil or criminal litigation; conducting highly complex civil or criminal litigation; and leading paralegals and support staff.

 

Preferred Qualifications: Your qualifications will be further evaluated based on the following competencies:

• Experience in conducting investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses;
• Handling of international extradition and mutual legal assistance cases or other aspects of international criminal practice; and
• Proficiency in at least one foreign language, preferably Spanish, French, Portuguese, Arabic, Russian, and Chinese.

Salary: 

The salary range for this position is $103,690 - $172,500 per annum, which includes locality pay. See OPM's Web page at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2021/DCB.pdf.

Travel: 

Occasional international and domestic travel, sometimes on short notice, may be required.

Application Process: 

The Application Package must be received by 11:59 PM, Eastern Time, on the closing date of this announcement.

Please submit your application through USAJOBS. The list of required documents can be found in the USAJobs announcement.

1. If you do not already have an account, please create a USAjobs account before applying Create an Account. You will be able to upload your resume and supporting documents and complete your profile prior to applying.
2. Once you have an account, apply to the USAjobs vacancy:

Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

Application Deadline: 

Monday, April 19, 2021

Relocation Expenses: 

Relocation expenses will not be authorized.

Number of Positions: 

Few

Updated April 5, 2021

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Department Policies

Equal Employment Opportunity:  The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.  Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability (physical or mental), age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected genetic information, pregnancy, status as a parent, or any other nonmerit-based factor.  The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. For more information, please review our full EEO Statement.

Reasonable Accommodations:  This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency.  Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Outreach and Recruitment for Qualified Applicants with Disabilities:  The Department encourages qualified applicants with disabilities, including individuals with targeted/severe disabilities to apply in response to posted vacancy announcements.  Qualified applicants with targeted/severe disabilities may be eligible for direct hire, non-competitive appointment under Schedule A (5 C.F.R. § 213.3102(u)) hiring authority.  Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact one of the Department’s Disability Points of Contact (DPOC) to express an interest in being considered for a position. See list of DPOCs.   

Suitability and Citizenship:  It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment.  Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Congress generally prohibits agencies from employing non-citizens within the United States, except for a few narrow exceptions as set forth in the annual Appropriations Act (see, https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/). Pursuant to DOJ component policies, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Trustee’s Offices, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, qualifying non-U.S. citizens meeting immigration and appropriations law criteria may apply for employment with other DOJ organizations. However, please be advised that the appointment of non-U.S. citizens is extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ employees are subject to a residency requirement. Candidates must have lived in the United States for at least three of the past five years. The three-year period is cumulative, not necessarily consecutive. Federal or military employees, or dependents of federal or military employees serving overseas, are excepted from this requirement. This is a Department security requirement which is waived only for extreme circumstances and handled on a case-by-case basis.

Veterans:  There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service- connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his  or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).

 

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This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.

Huron Man Charged with Failure to Register

 Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Huron, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Patrick Red Legs, age 27, was indicted on March 9, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 29, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years, and up to life, of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on multiple occasions between May 31, 2020, and September 16, 2020, Red Legs, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, knowingly failed to register and update his registration as required by law.

The charge is merely an accusation and Red Legs is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.   

Red Legs was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date of June 8, 2021, has been set.

Robeson County Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Drug and Firearm Possession

 RALEIGH, N.C. – A Maxton man was sentenced today to 144 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On August 3, 2019, the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a community complaint regarding drug sales at a residence in Rowland, North Carolina.  During the investigation, deputies observed Cody Zachary Locklear, 29, run out of the residence and attempt to discard a firearm and a bag containing distributable amounts of cocaine, crack, marijuana, and various narcotic pills.  Deputies recovered the firearm and the controlled substances and took Locklear into custody. 

G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Webb prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:20-CR-89-D.

New Jersey Man Admits Operating Illegal Bitcoin Exchange

 NEWARK, N.J. – A Monmouth County, New Jersey, man today admitted operating an illegal bitcoin exchange, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

William Green, 53, of Wall, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty to Count 1 of an indictment charging him with operating an unlicensed money transmitting business.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From August 2017 through February 2019, Green operated a website called “Destination Bitcoin.”  Through the website and various referrals, Green received money from members of the public through cash, wire transfers into bank accounts controlled by Green, and online payment processors.  Green then converted the funds to bitcoin and transferred the bitcoin to bitcoin wallet addresses provided by the customers. Green charged the customers a fee for this service.

Federal law provides that any person who owns or controls a money transmitting business shall register the business (whether the business is licensed as a money transmitting business in any state) with the Secretary of the Treasury. Green admitted today that he knew he was required to register his business with the Secretary of the Treasury and that he failed to do so.

The unlicensed money transmitting charge to which Green pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 10, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez, and special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony P. Torntore and Matthew Feldman Nikic of the U.S. Attorney’s Cybercrime Unit in Newark.

Five Men Charged in Superseding Indictment for Assaulting Three Metropolitan Police Department Officers during the U.S. Capitol Breach

WASHINGTON — On April 1, a superseding indictment was unsealed in federal court in the District of Columbia charging five men with assaulting Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Officers, as well as other crimes, during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 that disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress in the process of affirming the presidential election.

Jack Wade Whitton, 30, of Locust Grove, Georgia, was arrested Thursday in Atlanta. The indictment alleges that Whitton, along with Jeffrey Sabol of Kittredge, Colorado, and Peter Francis Stager of Conway, Arkansas, assaulted an MPD officer, referred to as “B.M.”, with a baton, flag, pole and a crutch.

The indictment also accuses Clayton Ray Mullins of Benton, Kentucky, of assaulting the same officer, as well as a second MPD officer, whom Whitton and Sabol are also accused of separately assaulting.

The indictment further alleges that Michael John Lopatic Sr. of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, assaulted a third MPD officer.

This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Counterterrorism Section of the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Security Division, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern District of Georgia, the Southern District of New York, the Eastern District of Arkansas, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and the Western District of Kentucky.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, Atlanta Field Office, New York Field Office, Philadelphia Field Office, Little Rock Field Office, and the Louisville Field Office, along with the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Capitol Police.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. 

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

Convicted Fraudster Indicted for Providing False Information on Government-Backed Home Loan Application

 PROVIDENCE – A North Providence woman, serving a term of federal supervised release for having conspired to use the stolen personal identity information of numerous individuals to steal nearly $400,000 from the United States Treasury, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly making false statements related to her incarceration and the court-ordered requirement that she pay back the stolen money when she applied for a U.S. Federal Housing Administration-backed home mortgage.

It is alleged that Juliana Martins, 52, in June 2019, falsely represented on a home loan application, and in July 2019 on a closing document, that there were no outstanding judgements against her, when in fact she is under court order to pay restitution to the government totaling $385,533.58.

According to the indictment, when responding to requirements to truthfully disclose to the bank her credit report, assets, liabilities, and income, Martins falsely stated to the bank that “the reason I have a job gap in my employment was because I was away on a family emergency for over two years,” when in fact during that time she was incarcerated in federal prison. Additionally, it is alleged, Martins provided a false explanation for an inquiry from the Department of Justice on her credit report.

In March 2014, Martins pleaded guilty to conspiracy to embezzle United States Treasury checks, theft of government property, and aggravated identity theft, admitting that she was a leader of a criminal enterprise that possessed hundreds of people’s personal identifying information that was used to open bank accounts into which fraudulently obtained government checks were deposited. Martins was sentenced in September 2014 to serve 48 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of federal supervised release.

On Friday, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Martins with making false statements on bank loan applications, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus and Christina D. Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Region of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - Office of Inspector General.

The indictment requires, upon conviction, that Martin forfeit to the government her interest in her North Providence house and property.

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

Martins is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A Sullivan on Tuesday for a supervised release violation hearing.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Hebert.

Leader of Drug Trafficking Organization Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Trafficking Charges and Bribery

Members of the Drug Trafficking Organization Received Cocaine Through the U.S. Mail and Bribed U.S. Postal Service Letter Carriers to Divert Mail Parcels Containing Kilograms of Narcotics to the DTO

Greenbelt, Maryland – Russell Stanley III, age 40, of Bowie, Maryland, pleaded guilty on March 31, 2021 to the federal charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, and bribery of a government official.

The guilty plea was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Postal Inspector in Charge Peter R. Rendina of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Special Agent in Charge Imari R. Niles of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Assistant and Interim Chief Hector Velez of the Prince George’s County Police Department.

According to Stanley’s guilty plea, in August 2018 the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began a joint investigation regarding the importation of cocaine into Maryland through the United States mail.  Investigators identified Stanley as the leader of the drug trafficking organization (DTO) in Maryland.  Stanley admitted that he conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine in Maryland.  Stanley further admitted that he had others assisting him with facilitating his distribution of cocaine in Maryland.  Among those Stanley DTO members was Jovan Kirk Louis Savage, age 35, of Bowie, who picked up cocaine parcels in exchange for $500 per parcel from Stanley and assisted with delivering proceeds of the drug sales to pay off Stanley’s drug debt.

The investigation revealed that two U.S. Postal Service (USPS) letter carriers, Zakiyya Holloman, age 37, of Middle River, Maryland and Maurice Vaughn, age 34, of Washington, D.C. agreed to divert U.S. Priority Mail parcels, containing cocaine, sent to addresses on their routes, to Stanley or a member of the Stanley DTO in exchange for money. Holloman serviced a route in Bowie from April 2017 to October 2019, and Vaughn serviced a route in Bowie from July 2018 to October 2019.  As USPS letter carriers, Vaughn and Holloman were public officials and were expected, among other things, to deliver each package to the addressee at the proper address and to keep an accurate record of their deliveries.  Holloman began diverting packages containing cocaine to Stanley in approximately April 2018, after being introduced to Stanley by a mutual acquaintance.  Holloman received $500 from Stanley for each parcel diverted.  Hollman diverted cocaine parcels on at least six occasions, receiving a total of at least $3,000 from Stanley.  In an effort to conceal the scheme, Holloman scanned the parcels as delivered to the addressees, despite delivering those parcels to Stanley.   

As detailed in the plea agreement, at least once a month from December 2018 until October 2019, Vaughn diverted a U.S. Priority Mail parcel containing two kilograms of cocaine to the Stanley DTO.  Specifically, on February 15, 2019, Vaughn delivered to Stanley’s vehicle, a U.S. Priority Mail parcel containing two kilograms of cocaine addressed to a Bowie address on Vaughn’s postal route.  After Vaughn delivered the parcel to Stanley’s vehicle, Vaughn was paid $200 via Cash App.  Similarly, Vaughn delivered U.S. Priority Mail parcels containing two kilograms of cocaine each on August 29, 2019, and October 2, 2019.  Savage picked up each of the parcels, conducting counter-surveillance to make sure that law enforcement was not in the area.   Vaughn was paid $200 in exchange for diverting each of those cocaine parcels to the Stanley DTO.  In an effort to conceal the scheme, Vaughn scanned the United States Priority Mail parcels as delivered to the addressees, despite delivering those parcels to the Stanley DTO or to particular locations for pick-up by the Stanley DTO.

To help ensure that the letter carriers would not report their criminal activity, Stanley and a co-defendant required letter carriers to provide them with the letter carriers’ home addresses.  Stanley discussed with a co-defendant that they should also tell the letter carriers that they knew the location of the letter carriers’ childrens’ daycares.

In October 2019, Postal Inspectors intercepted a United States Priority Mail parcel destined for an Upper Marlboro address that contained the same contents as previous parcels including, edible peanuts, blue-and-white drinking straws, styrofoam plates and cups, and two kilograms of cocaine inside a Tupperware container.  Law enforcement executed a search and seizure warrant, seizing the two kilograms of cocaine from the package.   On October 9, 2019, Stanley and Savage worked together to pick up the parcel, not knowing that the cocaine had already been seized by law enforcement.  They conducted counter-surveillance to make sure that law enforcement was not in the area, but before they could pick up the package, they detected the presence of law enforcement who were conducting surveillance of the Upper Marlboro package’s delivery.  Stanley fled the scene in his vehicle, but Savage was arrested.    

 On October 9, 2019 investigators executed a search warrant at the shared residence of Stanley, Savage, and another member of the DTO.  Among the items that investigators found and seized were approximately 15 grams of cocaine in a clear baggie and two digital scales from a kitchen cabinet as well as a money counter.  Investigators searched Stanley upon his arrest, seizing $3,196 from his person.  Stanley admitted that during the course of the conspiracy at least 40 kilograms of cocaine were attributable to him.

Jovan Kirk Louis Savage, age 35, of Bowie, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.  Maurice Vaughn and Zakiyya Holloman each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and to bribery.  They face a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for the conspiracy charge and a maximum of 15 years in federal prison for bribery.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Judge Xinis has not yet scheduled sentencing dates for Savage, Vaughn, or Holloman.  

Co-defendant Barrington Albert Edwards, Jr. age 37, of Bowie, Maryland, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, and bribery.  Co-defendant Delonte Andre Gomez, a/k/a Turk, age 39, also of Bowie, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base.  An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

Stanley and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Stanley will be sentenced to 11 years in federal prison.  U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis has scheduled sentencing for Stanley on June 29, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the USPIS, the DEA, the U.S. Postal Service OIG, and the Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samika N. Boyd and Jason D. Medinger, who are prosecuting the case.

 

Dominican Man Sentenced to 75 Months for Participation in Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy

            CONCORD - Frailin Manuel Gomez-Gil, 29, a citizen of the Dominican Republic most recently residing in Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 75 months in federal prison on Friday for participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy, Acing United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, Gomez-Gil participated in a drug trafficking organization that was led by Sergio Martinez.  Martinez, who is now serving a 45-year prison sentence, employed numerous individuals to sell fentanyl to customers from various New England states, including New Hampshire. Gomez-Gil assisted Martinez with testing, diluting, and packaging the drugs for sale.

           Gomez-Gil previously pleaded guilty on November 18, 2020.  After serving his prison sentence, he faces likely removal to the Dominican Republic.

           “Over the past few years, fentanyl has caused tremendous damage to communities throughout New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we are fighting back against the organizations that distribute this deadly substance in the Granite State.  Drug traffickers who seek to profit from selling opioids in the Granite State will be prosecuted and sent to federal prison.”

           “The state of New Hampshire is faced with an opioid crisis unlike ever before,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl to the citizens of New Hampshire need to be held accountable for their actions.  DEA will aggressively pursue Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals who are coming from out of state to distribute this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives.  This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.” 

            The case was a collaborative investigation that involved the DEA; the New Hampshire State Police; the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office; the Nashua Police Department; the Massachusetts State Police; the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office; the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office; the Essex County District Attorney’s Office; the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations; Homeland Security Investigations; United States Customs and Border Protection Boston Field Office; the United States Marshals Service; the United States Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; the Manchester Police Department; the Lisbon Police Department; the Littleton Police Department; the Seabrook Police Department; the Haverhill (MA) Police Department; the Methuen (MA) Police Department; the Lowell (MA) Police Department; and the Maine State Police.

           The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Georgiana L. MacDonald and Seth R. Aframe.

           This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

Dominican National Admits to Trafficking Fentanyl, Health Care Fraud, ID Theft

 PROVIDENCE – A Dominican national living in Pawtucket faces between seven and fifty-seven years in federal prison after admitting to a federal court judge that in addition to operating a drug stash house and arranging for the sale of fentanyl on at least four occasions, he used the identity of an individual unknown to him, including the person’s Social Security number and other personal identifying information, to gain Rhode Island Medicaid benefits and Rhode Island driver’s licenses and permits.

According to information presented to the court, since 2010, Jeurin Celado, a/k/a “Tony,” 30, used the name, date of birth, and Social Security number of a person he does not know to gain permits and driver’s licenses from the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Celado’s most recent successful filing with the DMV using the stolen identity occurred on August 5, 2019.

Additionally, beginning in August 2014 and continuing through July 2018, Celado used the same stolen identity, Social Security number, and date of birth to obtain Rhode Island Medicaid benefits, health insurance that as a non-United States citizen he was not eligible to receive. Celado obtained Medicaid benefits valued at approximately $4,342.18.

In 2019, Celado was the target of an undercover drug investigation by the Woonsocket Police Department.  The investigation revealed that on four occasions – August 28, September 3, September 10, and September 17, 2019, an individual contacted Celado, whom that individual knew by the name of “Tony,” to arrange the purchase of fentanyl.  On each of these occasions, Celado directed the person to a location where that person was met by a “runner” who sold him the drugs in exchange for cash.

On October 7, 2019, law enforcement executed a court-authorized search of an apartment in Manville used by Celado as a stash house, where he stored, cut, and packaged fentanyl he sold as part of his drug operation. Investigators located between 40 and 400 grams of fentanyl in the apartment, along with other items consistent with a drug distribution operation.

Appearing on Friday before U.S District Court Judge William E. Smith, Celado pleaded guilty to false representation of a Social Security number, aggravated identity theft, health care fraud, and conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus, Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas Oates, Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker, Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.

At sentencing on July 9, 2021, Celado faces statutory penalties of 5-40 years imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl; up to 10 years imprisonment for health care fraud; up to five years imprisonment for false representation of a Social Security number; and a mandatory sentence of two years imprisonment for aggravated identity theft, to be served consecutive to all other sentences imposed in this case. In total, Celado faces between seven and fifty-seven years imprisonment to be followed by five years of federal supervised release.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dulce Donovan.

Acting United States Attorney Myrus acknowledges and thanks the United States Marshals Service for its assistance in locating the defendant.

USAO Northern District of Oklahoma Attorney

 USAO Northern District of Oklahoma

Attorney

110 W. 7TH STREET SUITE 300

TULSA, OK 74119

United States

21-OKN-11077167-AUSA

About the Office: 

If you are looking for an exciting and challenging career, this is the position for you! With a diverse and talented workforce of over 100,000 men and women, Justice leads the Nation in ensuring the protection of all Americans while preserving their constitutional freedoms. You can be part of a dedicated team helping to enforce Federal criminal and civil laws that protect life, liberty, and the property of citizens.

The Criminal Division's current staff of thirty-eight Assistant United States Attorneys and twenty support personnel investigate and prosecute all federal crimes in our jurisdiction. The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma seeks an experienced attorney to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Criminal Division.

Our office places a high value on diversity of experiences and perspectives and encourages applications from all qualified individuals from all ethnic and racial backgrounds, veterans, LGBT individuals, and persons with disabilities.

Job Description: 

Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) located in the Criminal Division of the Northern District of Oklahoma will be responsible for prosecuting a variety of violations of federal laws such as immigration, drugs, firearms, public corruption, and white collar crime. This position is part of the Criminal Division.

Qualifications: 

Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least 3 year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated capacity to function, with minimal guidance, in a highly demanding office and courtroom environment. Applicants must be willing and able to try jury and non-jury cases in federal court and demonstrate the motivation and professionalism to become an accomplished trial attorney. Applicants should possess analytical ability to quickly identify and to clearly and accurately articulate critical issues in criminal investigations or pending prosecutions. Applicants should be able to demonstrate superior oral and writing skills as well as strong legal research skills. Applicants should exhibit strong interpersonal skills, good judgment, the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with the court, other attorneys, support staff, and client agencies. Applicants should also possess computer literacy skills to include experience in automated research, electronic court filing, electronic e-mail, and word processing systems and software.

You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.

United States citizenship is required.

This is an open continuous announcement to fill current and future AUSA vacancies as needed. Positions are open until filled, however, applications received by April 12, 2021 will receive first consideration. Applications will then be reviewed on a rolling basis. (The filling of positions is subject to availability of funds).

Salary: 

$64,649 to $169,097 (which includes 15.95% locality pay.

Travel: 

Occasional travel in the District, the state of Oklahoma, and throughout the nation is likely to be necessary. Travel requirements typically entail no more than 1-5 days per month.

Application Process: 

Applications for this position must be submitted through USAJobs at the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/597007500

Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

Application Deadline: 

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Number of Positions: 

Few

Updated April 2, 2021

*         *         *

Department Policies

Equal Employment Opportunity:  The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.  Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability (physical or mental), age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected genetic information, pregnancy, status as a parent, or any other nonmerit-based factor.  The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. For more information, please review our full EEO Statement.

Reasonable Accommodations:  This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency.  Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Outreach and Recruitment for Qualified Applicants with Disabilities:  The Department encourages qualified applicants with disabilities, including individuals with targeted/severe disabilities to apply in response to posted vacancy announcements.  Qualified applicants with targeted/severe disabilities may be eligible for direct hire, non-competitive appointment under Schedule A (5 C.F.R. § 213.3102(u)) hiring authority.  Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact one of the Department’s Disability Points of Contact (DPOC) to express an interest in being considered for a position. See list of DPOCs.   

Suitability and Citizenship:  It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment.  Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Congress generally prohibits agencies from employing non-citizens within the United States, except for a few narrow exceptions as set forth in the annual Appropriations Act (see, https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/). Pursuant to DOJ component policies, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Trustee’s Offices, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, qualifying non-U.S. citizens meeting immigration and appropriations law criteria may apply for employment with other DOJ organizations. However, please be advised that the appointment of non-U.S. citizens is extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ employees are subject to a residency requirement. Candidates must have lived in the United States for at least three of the past five years. The three-year period is cumulative, not necessarily consecutive. Federal or military employees, or dependents of federal or military employees serving overseas, are excepted from this requirement. This is a Department security requirement which is waived only for extreme circumstances and handled on a case-by-case basis.

Veterans:  There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service- connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his  or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).

 

*         *         *

 

This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.

Assistant United States Attorney

 USAO District of Massachusetts

Attorney

300 State Street

Suite 230

Springfield, MA 01105

United States

21-MA-AUSA-04

About the Office: 

Assistant United States Attorneys in the Springfield Branch Office prosecute all criminal and civil cases brought by the Federal government and defend the United States in civil cases.  AUSAs across the district improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents by prosecuting terrorism, violent crime, narcotics trafficking, fraud, political corruption, and other crimes; by enforcing the federal civil rights laws; and by safeguarding federal programs such as Medicare and Medicaid through civil actions.

Our office places a high value on diversity of experiences and perspectives and encourages applications from all qualified individuals from all ethnic and racial backgrounds, veterans, LGBT individuals, and persons with disabilities.

Job Description: 

The position of an Assistant U.S. Attorney provides one with the responsibility and the authority to improve the lives of Americans who live in Massachusetts and across the United States.  We prosecute local and international drug dealers, fraudsters, terrorists, war criminals, major pharmaceutical companies that cheat in the sale of drugs and devices, and perpetrators of intellectual property crime.  We bring civil suits against bad actors in the health care industry and against companies that fail to comply with the laws protecting disabled Americans. 

Working as a federal prosecutor sworn to pursue justice in the name of the United States is deeply satisfying.  Many lawyers look back on their days as an Assistant U.S. Attorney as among the most rewarding of their professional careers.

Qualifications: 

Required qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar in good standing (in any jurisdiction), and have at least two years post-J.D. legal experience as an attorney.

Preferred qualifications:  Five years of experience handling complex litigation matters, superior academic credentials, and a record that demonstrates integrity and initiative.

United States citizenship is required.

All initial attorney appointments to the Department of Justice are made on a 14 month (temporary) basis pending favorable adjudication of a background investigation.

In practice, Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Office are paid based on their years of experience and year of graduation from law school, starting around $112,500 for lawyers who graduated in 2011.

Salary: 

As a technical matter, the range of pay for federal prosecutors in 2021 is $72,198 to $169,403 per annum.

Travel: 

Travel within the district and outside of the district may be required.

Application Process: 

To apply, please complete the AUSA Job Application found at: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/page/file/897256/download and forward it with a resume and cover letter to: USAMA.AUSA.Application@usdoj.gov (link sends e-mail)

Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

Application Deadline: 

Friday, April 9, 2021

Relocation Expenses: 

Relocation expenses will not be authorized.

Number of Positions: 

1 - As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.

Updated April 2, 2021

*         *         *

Department Policies

Equal Employment Opportunity:  The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.  Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability (physical or mental), age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected genetic information, pregnancy, status as a parent, or any other nonmerit-based factor.  The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. For more information, please review our full EEO Statement.

Reasonable Accommodations:  This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency.  Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Outreach and Recruitment for Qualified Applicants with Disabilities:  The Department encourages qualified applicants with disabilities, including individuals with targeted/severe disabilities to apply in response to posted vacancy announcements.  Qualified applicants with targeted/severe disabilities may be eligible for direct hire, non-competitive appointment under Schedule A (5 C.F.R. § 213.3102(u)) hiring authority.  Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact one of the Department’s Disability Points of Contact (DPOC) to express an interest in being considered for a position. See list of DPOCs.   

Suitability and Citizenship:  It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment.  Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Congress generally prohibits agencies from employing non-citizens within the United States, except for a few narrow exceptions as set forth in the annual Appropriations Act (see, https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/). Pursuant to DOJ component policies, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Trustee’s Offices, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, qualifying non-U.S. citizens meeting immigration and appropriations law criteria may apply for employment with other DOJ organizations. However, please be advised that the appointment of non-U.S. citizens is extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ employees are subject to a residency requirement. Candidates must have lived in the United States for at least three of the past five years. The three-year period is cumulative, not necessarily consecutive. Federal or military employees, or dependents of federal or military employees serving overseas, are excepted from this requirement. This is a Department security requirement which is waived only for extreme circumstances and handled on a case-by-case basis.

Veterans:  There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service- connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his  or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).

 

*         *         *

 

This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.

Leader of Aryan Knights Prison Gang Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for RICO Conspiracy

 BOISE – Harlan Hale, 55, a leader of the Idaho prison gang known as the Aryan Knights, or “AK,” was sentenced to life in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of participating in a RICO (the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act) conspiracy and one count of committing a violent crime in furtherance of racketeering activity, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. In imposing this sentence, Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye ordered that it be served after Hale’s existing sentences from a State of Idaho case and a federal case in the District of Wyoming.

As alleged in the indictment, the AK was formed in the mid-1990s in the Idaho prison system. It is a prison gang that operates within Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) prison facilities and also outside of IDOC facilities. It was founded to organize criminal activity for a select group of white inmates within IDOC custody. The AK has white supremacist and white separatist ideologies. Since its founding, the AK has expanded and is now believed to have over 100 members, both inside and outside of IDOC custody. The AK has used violence and the threat of violence to target non‑white inmates and other targeted inmates. The AK also has used drug trafficking, extortion, and gambling to generate revenue, which was shared among members.

“The life sentence imposed on this defendant recognizes the devastating effects that prison gangs, and especially white supremacist prison gangs, have on the rehabilitative mission of correctional institutions and individual inmates who sincerely hope to use their period of incarceration to successfully reenter society,” said Mr. Gonzalez. “Violent crime will not be tolerated, whether out of prison or in prison, and I commend the FBI and investigators at the Idaho Department of Correction for creating an effective partnership to root out the type of racketeering activity uncovered through this investigation.”

According to court records, Hale held a leadership role in the AK and participated in drug trafficking and violent assaults. The drug trafficking was extensive and involved significant quantities of methamphetamine. When debts went unpaid, the gang used violence to collect. For example, in 2015, Hale assaulted another inmate for failing to pay a drug debt, then provided that inmate with additional drugs and required that he sell the drugs in order to pay back the debt. The violence was not limited to non-members. In 2016, Hale and two other gang members assaulted a former AK member with improvised knives. During the attack, Hale stabbed the victim repeatedly.

“The crimes of organized prison gangs often go beyond the prison walls, bringing more drugs and violence into our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennis Rice of the Salt Lake City FBI. “This life sentence should be a message to others involved in violent gang crimes—regardless of where it takes place—that law enforcement will investigate and hold them accountable.”

Ten members of the AK were charged in this case. Seven of these defendants have pleaded guilty to date and three have been sentenced so far:

• Christopher Foss, 32, was sentenced in September 2020 to 210 months in federal prison, with 174 months to be served after his earliest possible parole date for his current state prison sentence. Foss was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release following his incarceration.
• Buck Pickens, 31, was sentenced in September 2020 to 206 months in federal prison, with 60 months to be served after his earliest possible parole date for his current sentence. Pickens was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release following his incarceration.
• Michael McNabb, 36, was sentenced in August 2020 to 28 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.

A jury trial for the remaining defendants is scheduled for October 4, 2021. These defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from IDOC’s Special Investigations Unit, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office.

New York Man Charged with Attempted Sex Trafficking of Two Minors

 NEWARK, N.J. – A New York man is scheduled to make his initial appearance today on charges that he attempted to engage in sex trafficking of two minors and transported the minors to engage in unlawful sexual activity, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Berry Norman, 32, is charged in a three-count complaint with attempted sex trafficking of two minors and transporting the minors to engage in unlawful sexual activity. He is scheduled to appear by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor this afternoon.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Feb. 24, 2021, Norman enticed the victims, both minors, to travel with him from Ohio to New Jersey. On Feb. 25, 2021, Norman housed the victims in a hotel in Hudson County, New Jersey. Norman allegedly attempted to convince the victims to engage in commercial sex acts.  Norman told the victims that they could “get paid” for having sex with men and for performing sexually explicit “shows” on the computer. The victims declined. On Feb. 27, 2021, Norman engaged in sex acts with one victim. 

On Feb. 28, 2021, Norman transported the victims to another hotel in New York. Norman purchased lingerie for the victims. When they returned to the hotel room, Norman allegedly encouraged the victims to put on the lingerie and perform sexual acts while a computer live-streamed the victims over the Internet. The victims declined again. Later that evening, one victim observed a laptop that was on and streaming a video of the victims in the hotel room. The victim contacted a relative for help. In turn, the victim’s relative contacted law enforcement, leading to Norman’s arrest.

Each count of attempting to engage in sex trafficking with a minor and transportation of a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity carries a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina; members of the New York City Police Department, under the direction of Chief Terence A. Monahan; and members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Esther Suarez, with the investigation leading to the charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Mitchell of the OCDETF/Narcotics Unit in Newark.

TERM AUSA

USAO District of Puerto Rico

 

Attorney

350 Carlos Chardon Avenue, Suite 1201

San Juan, PR 00918

Puerto Rico

21-PR-11065486-A3

About the Office: 

If you are looking for an exciting and challenging career, this is the position for you! With a diverse and talented workforce of over 100,000 men and women, Justice leads the Nation in ensuring the protection of all Americans while preserving their constitutional freedoms. You can be part of a dedicated team helping to enforce Federal criminal and civil laws that protect life, liberty, and the property of citizens.

The United States Attorney's Office (USAO) for the District of Puerto Rico has jurisdiction and responsibility in a broad range of areas, all of which involve representing the legal interests of the Federal government in the United States District Courts. The office employs over 100 persons, including Assistant United States Attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and administrative support staff. We are currently seeking to hire attorneys who will be assigned to the Criminal Division, Appellate Division, and Civil Division located in San Juan, PR.

The Criminal Division prosecutes a wide range of federal cases involving organized crime, terrorism, complex securities and fraud cases, narcotics, health care fraud, public corruption, and violent crimes. The Civil Division prosecutes a wide range of federal cases involving affirmative fraud and bankruptcy cases. The Appellate Division is responsible for drafting government's brief and presenting oral arguments before the First Circuit.

If selected for this position, the Assistant United States Attorney would investigate and prosecute complex federal drug, financial or related cases under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. The goal of the OCDETF Program is to identify, investigate, and prosecute the transnational, national, and regional criminal organizations most responsible for the illegal drug supply in the United States, the diversion of pharmaceutical drugs, and the violence associated with the drug trade. These organizations include the international sources or supply of illegal drugs, their international and domestic transportation organizations, their regional and local distribution networks, their money launderers and financial infrastructure, and their violent enforcers. These organizations typically engage in multiple forms of organized criminal activity in addition to drug trafficking, such as violence, terrorism, corruption, human smuggling, trafficking in persons, weapons trafficking, complex financial crimes, and other illegal activities that threaten the safety of our society and the security of our nation.

This is a term position not-to-exceed 24 months. This position may be extended or made permanent without further competition.

Our office places a high value on diversity of experiences and perspectives and encourages applications from all qualified individuals from all ethnic and racial backgrounds, veterans, LGBT individuals, and persons with disabilities.

Job Description: 

AUSAs have the opportunity to represent the interests of the United States of America in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, in performing this important public service, to exercise responsibility that is unparalleled in any other job that a litigator might undertake. AUSAs immediately undertake numerous cases, many high profile, in any of several units within each division. Employment with the USAO offers a unique and challenging experience for the highly motivated attorney: an opportunity to work on some of the most significant, complex, and visible cases being litigated today. You will be part of a dedicated team helping to enforce Federal laws that protect life, liberty, and property of citizens.

Qualifications: 

Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least 2 years post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience. The ideal candidate will possess superior oral and written communication skills in the English language, as well as strong character and interpersonal skills; have demonstrated the capacity to function, with minimal guidance, in a highly demanding environment. The USAO seeks highly qualified applicants with litigation experience, strong writing skills, excellent credentials, and a demonstrated commitment to public service. All AUSAs are given training by the U.S. Department of Justice and internally by the USAO Training Program.

United States citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications: Strong communication skills in English; including reading, writing and speaking English is imperative. Ability to read, write, and speak Spanish is highly preferred.

Salary: 

AUSA pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number of years of professional attorney experience. The range of basic pay is $64,649 to $169,096 which includes 15.95% locality pay. An additional 3.13% COLA is provided.

Travel: 

The AUSA will be required to travel throughout the District of Puerto Rico, the United States, and other countries to attend court, interview witnesses, attend conferences, seminars, and trainings.

Application Process: 

Applications must be submitted online through the following link:

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/596562000

Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

Application Deadline: 

Friday, April 9, 2021

Relocation Expenses: 

Relocation expenses will not be authorized.

Number of Positions: 

2

Updated April 1, 2021

*         *         *

Department Policies

Equal Employment Opportunity:  The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.  Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability (physical or mental), age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected genetic information, pregnancy, status as a parent, or any other nonmerit-based factor.  The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. For more information, please review our full EEO Statement.

Reasonable Accommodations:  This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency.  Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Outreach and Recruitment for Qualified Applicants with Disabilities:  The Department encourages qualified applicants with disabilities, including individuals with targeted/severe disabilities to apply in response to posted vacancy announcements.  Qualified applicants with targeted/severe disabilities may be eligible for direct hire, non-competitive appointment under Schedule A (5 C.F.R. § 213.3102(u)) hiring authority.  Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact one of the Department’s Disability Points of Contact (DPOC) to express an interest in being considered for a position. See list of DPOCs.   

Suitability and Citizenship:  It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment.  Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Congress generally prohibits agencies from employing non-citizens within the United States, except for a few narrow exceptions as set forth in the annual Appropriations Act (see, https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/). Pursuant to DOJ component policies, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Trustee’s Offices, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, qualifying non-U.S. citizens meeting immigration and appropriations law criteria may apply for employment with other DOJ organizations. However, please be advised that the appointment of non-U.S. citizens is extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ employees are subject to a residency requirement. Candidates must have lived in the United States for at least three of the past five years. The three-year period is cumulative, not necessarily consecutive. Federal or military employees, or dependents of federal or military employees serving overseas, are excepted from this requirement. This is a Department security requirement which is waived only for extreme circumstances and handled on a case-by-case basis.

Veterans:  There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service- connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his  or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).

 

*         *         *

 

This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.

Family members arrested for sex trafficking

 HOUSTON – Four Houston-area residents have been charged with sex trafficking and conspiracy to do so, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Maria Botello, 54, her son - Edgar Botello, 28, her nephew - Arian Botello, 23 and her daughter - Yudy Lucatero, 31, are expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Frances Stacy at 2 p.m. tomorrow.

The criminal complaint, filed March 30, alleges that from 2007 to 2020, the family members coerced waitresses working at the Houston bar Puerto Alegre to engage in commercial sex acts. The victims allegedly included adults and at least one minor.

The charges allege Maria Botello coordinated “dates” with clients who paid $70 for every 15 minutes with the girls. Edgar and Arian Botello were the enforcers who used weapons, threats and intimidation to keep the victims compliant, according to the complaint. The investigation also revealed Lucatero and Maria Botello discussed the rules and procedures in relation to the sex trafficking.

Authorities ultimately identified another victim who was brought to the United States specifically to work at Puerto Alegre, according to the allegations. While there, she was allegedly forced to engage in commercial sex. The charges allege she was only 17 at the time.

If convicted, the family members each face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) initiated the investigation with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  

Public cooperation is critical in the successful investigation of suspected human trafficking. Anyone victimized by suspected traffickers, or who has information about potential victims, may contact TABC’s Victims Services office at 1-713-494-5869 to make a report. Spanish speakers may contact HSI at 1-866-347-2423.

TABC and HSI are part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA) along with the Houston Police Department, FBI, Texas Attorney General’s Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Department of Labor (DOL), DOL – Wage and Hour Division, Department of State, Texas Department of Public Safety, Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General (OIG), Social Security Administration – OIG and Sheriff’s Offices in Harris and Montgomery counties in coordination with District Attorney’s offices in Harris, Montgomery and Fort Bend Counties.

Established in 2004, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Houston formed HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as both a national and international model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri Zack is prosecuting the case. 

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

Ex-con who helped destroy evidence in murder investigation sentenced to 10 years in federal prison

 Victim was the wife of deployed Fort Stewart soldier

SAVANNAH, GA:  A former federal prison inmate has been sentenced to another prison term for helping destroy evidence in the murder of the wife of a Fort Stewart soldier.

Devin Ryan, 30, of Hardeeville, S.C., was sentenced to 120 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge R. Stan Baker after pleading guilty to Use of Fire in Commission of a Federal Felony, said David H. Estes, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Ryan will be required to pay $26,475.16 in restitution, and after completion of his prison term, he must serve three years of supervised release.

There is no parole in the federal system.

“Devin Ryan helped a cold-blooded murderer destroy evidence in a homicide investigation – and committed the heinous crime while on supervised release from a previous felony conviction,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Estes. “Our communities are safer with him and his co-defendant locked away.”

After months of lying to investigators in an attempt to hide his involvement in the case, Ryan eventually admitted that he assisted Stafon Jamar Davis, 28, of Savannah, in destroying a 2018 Honda Accord. The vehicle belonged to Abree Boykin, 24, a resident of post housing at Fort Stewart Army Reservation and the wife of a deployed U.S. Army soldier.

Davis, who is serving a 700-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to Premeditated Murder and to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, shot Boykin twice as she slept in her apartment on July 9, 2018. To destroy evidence in the case, he enlisted the help of Ryan, whom he had met months earlier while the two were serving prison terms. A few hours after the murder, the two doused the vehicle with gasoline and set it on fire in a remote area of Hardeeville, S.C. The car exploded, and the burned vehicle later was hauled to a salvage yard and ultimately scrapped before investigators could track it down.

“Ryan’s sentence brings to an end a tragic story of cold-blooded murder and an attempted cover-up of a crime by two convicted felons,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Ryan joins his partner in the crime back in prison thanks to a determined investigation by the FBI, Army Criminal Investigation Command and the U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of Georgia.”

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Army Criminal Investigation Command, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer G. Solari and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Darron J. Hubbard, and Middle District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn Semales.

Man Faces First Degree Murder Charge for a 2005 Triple Homicide

 A man previously convicted in state court of a 2005 triple homicide appeared by video conference at a preliminary hearing today in federal court, said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

“Clarance Goode Jr. has been charged for the 2005 murders of Tara Burchett-Thompson, her daughter Kayla, and Mitch Thompson in Owasso,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “My office is working diligently to ensure that violent criminals are held accountable in light of recent jurisdictional court decisions, and we will do so again in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis Fries, who has more than 35 years of experience bringing violent offenders to justice, will lead the prosecution on behalf of the victims and their families.”

Clarance Rozell Goode Jr., also known as “C-Note,” 44, has been charged with murder in the first degree in Indian Country. Goode’s state conviction was overturned in March based on the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals’ ruling recognizing the Cherokee Nation Reservation had never been disestablished and that crimes occurring on the reservation involving Native American victims or defendants fall under federal and tribal jurisdiction.

Based on evidence presented in the criminal complaint and affidavit, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jodi F. Jane found probable cause to continue to trial and ordered Goode Jr. be held in custody as the case proceeds in federal court.

According to court documents, Goode Jr., along with accomplices Ronald Dwayne Thompson and Kenneth Dominick Johnson entered an Owasso residence and shot and killed the three victims on Aug. 25, 2005. Mitch Thompson and Tara Burchette-Thompson were asleep in the master bedroom, and 10-year-old Kyla Burchett was asleep on a pallet next to their bed when the murders occurred. The child’s primary residence was with her grandparents but had convinced them to let her stay at her mother’s home that night.

The next morning, Kayla Burchett’s grandmother went to the residence to pick up the young girl, discovered the victims and contacted authorities. At the crime scene, multiple 9 mm and .357 Sig Sauer spent cartridges were located in the master bedroom. Other smaller diameter apparent bullet holes were found in the bedroom wall.

During the investigation, authorities discovered an alleged inter-familial dispute, which involved attacks with baseball bats, occurring between the victim Mitch Thompson and Ronald Thompson. Witnesses reported hearing threats made by Ronald Thompson and Clarance Goode Jr. to “even the score” during those attacks, other harassment, and drug transactions.

Tulsa Police officers located Thompson, who allegedly named Goode Jr. and Kenneth Johnson as coconspirators. During an interview, Thompson stated that he went to another room in the house initially until he heard the gun shots and a scream. He stated that he entered the master bedroom where Goode Jr. ordered him, at gunpoint, to fire his weapon, but he claimed he didn’t aim at the victims. Goode Jr. also allegedly told his girlfriend about the killings and told her to “watch the television” if she didn’t believe him.

The FBI is the lead investigative agency in cooperation with the Owasso Police Department, who was the primary investigating department at the time of the crime.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis A. Fries is prosecuting the case.

This matter will proceed in U.S. District Court in Tulsa, where the criminal complaint is currently pending. A complaint is a temporary charge alleging a violation of law. For the case to proceed to trial, the United States must present the charge to a federal grand jury within 30 days. Once a grand jury returns an indictment, a defendant has a right to a jury trial at which the United States would have the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Swedish Actor Sentenced To More Than 15 Years For Enticing Florida Minor To Engage In Sexual Activity

 Orlando, Florida – United States District Judge Wendy W. Berger today sentenced Joaquin Nabi Olsson (46, Stockholm, Sweden) to 15 years and 8 months in federal prison for using the internet and social media to entice and persuade a minor to engage in sexual activity. Olsson was also ordered to serve a 5-year term of supervised release and was ordered to register as a sex offender. He was arrested on July 20, 2019, and has been detained since his arrest.

Olsson had pleaded guilty on July 14, 2021. 

According to court documents, Olsson, who was an actor in Sweden, met the child victim online in mid-2018, when she was 14 or 15 years old. For months, Olsson engaged in frequent communications with the victim through various online platforms. During those conversations, he learned about the challenges in the victim’s home life and assumed the role of a rescuer to help her through those challenges.

Eventually, Olsson revealed his sexual interest in the child victim, and engaged her romantically through their online communications, calling her his “wife” and expressing his intention to move to Florida to marry her. In March 2019, Olsson traveled from Sweden to the United States to visit the child for two weeks.  During that that visit, Olsson and the victim engaged in sexually explicit conduct together. Two months later, in May 2019, Olsson returned to the United States again to visit the victim and to have sex with her. He was arrested in July 2019, after being found together with the victim at a hotel in Brevard County.

“This child predator thought he could use international borders to abuse children and avoid law enforcement detection,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “Thanks to HSI special agents and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, he will now understand how seriously we take this crime in the United States.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, and the Palm Bay Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily C. L. Chang.

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

Five D.C. and Maryland Men Facing Federal Indictment for Conspiracy to Kidnap at Gunpoint a Victim They Met at a Maryland Casino

 Allegedly Kidnapped and Robbed a Man They Met at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, Stealing Thousands of Dollars, Narcotics, and Other Property

Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury returned an indictment late yesterday charging five men with conspiring to commit a kidnapping, in connection with an incident on February 3, 2021.  The defendants charged in the indictment are:

Darius Lawrence Young, a/k/a “Mup,” age 28, of Washington, D.C.;
Christopher Allen Young, a/k/a “40,” age 26, of Washington, D.C.;
Anthony Erik Hebron, a/k/a “Pain,” age 28, of Washington, D.C.;
Tray David Sherman, a/k/a “Racks,” and “Fat Det,” age 26, of Germantown, MD; and
Lamar Jamal Perkins, a/k/a “Lou,” age 27, of Washington, D.C.

Christopher Young and Tray Sherman were arrested on March 31, 2021 on a criminal complaint filed on March 30, 2021 for the same charge.  Darius Young was already in custody on a related charge. Hebron and Perkins are fugitives.

The federal charges were announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation - Washington Field Office Criminal Division; and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.

According to the indictment and the affidavit filed in support of the previous criminal complaint, on February 3, 2021, the five defendants conspired to kidnap at gunpoint an individual they had met at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in National Harbor, Maryland.  As detailed in the affidavit, Sherman and Hebron were seen on surveillance footage leaving the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in National Harbor, Maryland, with the victim.  The three men then allegedly drove to Washington, D.C. in Sherman’s vehicle and the victim can be seen in surveillance footage getting out of the car and meeting with an unknown male.  The victim and the man appear to give each other something and the victim then gets back in Sherman’s car and they drive away from the area.

A short time later, Hebron allegedly called C. Young.  A minute after that, C. Young called D. Young and allegedly told him about an opportunity to participate in the kidnapping and robbery of a victim who had already been picked up by Hebron and Sherman.  Perkins allegedly served as a lookout for the Youngs, while they held the victim at a location near the 600 block of 46^th Place SE in Washington, D.C.  In the meantime, Hebron and Sherman allegedly returned to the MGM Grand and were observed on surveillance footage appearing to enter the victim’s hotel room.  As detailed in the affidavit, Sherman, wearing a backpack, and Hebron, pulling a roller suitcase behind him, appeared to exit from the victim’s hotel room and walk down the hotel hallway.  When Sherman and Hebron were observed in the same hallway prior to entering the hotel room, they did not have a backpack or roller suitcase in their possession.

According to the affidavit, once the robbery was completed, officers saw C. Young and D. Young exiting the tree line directly behind the location where the victim was allegedly held and returning to their vehicle.  Law enforcement also located the victim in the 500 block of 46^th Place SE, with blood running down the front of his face from the top of his head, a cut on his mouth and eye, and a broken and swollen nose.  

Court documents allege that the victim was kidnapped at gunpoint, then beaten and threatened to obtain information regarding the code to the safe in his hotel room.  During the abduction, the defendants allegedly stole the victim’s hotel key, watch, wallet, identification, phone, and cocaine that the victim had purchased during the stop in Washington, D.C.  In addition, the robbers allegedly took approximately $6,000 in cash, approximately $1,500 to $2,500 in poker chips, marijuana, an Xbox, a backpack, and a suitcase from the victim’s hotel room.  The kidnappers also allegedly pointed a gun at the victim, placed a gun in the victim’s mouth, hit the victim in the face and head with a gun, and threatened to kill the victim’s family members if the victim contacted law enforcement. 

If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of life in federal prison for conspiracy to commit kidnapping.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  At t initial appearances yesterday in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, U.S. Magistrate Judge Gina L. Simms ordered that Christopher Young and Sherman be detained pending detention hearings, which are scheduled for April 2, 2021.  Darius Young is detained on a related charge and will have his initial appearance at a later date.

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

This case is an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the FBI Washington and Baltimore Field Offices for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leah B. Grossi and Jeffrey J. Izant, who are prosecuting the case.