Three charged with money laundering conspiracy involving online romance scam

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal indictment accuses three central Ohio men of conspiring to launder the proceeds of online romance scams for more than five years.

Those charged include Robert Asante, 35, of Canal Winchester, Kwame Yeboah, 36, of Columbus, and Eric Ahiekpor, 49, of Lewis Center.

According to the indictment, which was unsealed yesterday, individuals committing fraud created several profiles on online dating sites. They then contacted men and women throughout the United States and elsewhere, with whom they cultivated a sense of affection, and often, romance.

After establishing relationships, perpetrators of the romance scams allegedly requested money, typically for investment or need-based reasons, and provided account information and directions for where money should be sent. In part, these accounts were allegedly in the names of the defendants, in the names of the defendants’ family members, and in the names of the defendants’ companies.

The indictment alleges that the funds were not used for the purposes claimed by the perpetrators of the romance scams. Instead, the defendants conducted transactions designed to conceal, such as withdrawing cash, transferring funds to other accounts, buying official checks, sending wires to Ghana, China, and the United States, and more. It is alleged that part of the conspiracy was for the defendants to move the romance fraud proceeds from the United States to Ghana.

“The defendants allegedly laundered proceeds earned from an online romance scam through a series of financial transactions intended to conceal the fraud,” said Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.

Conspiracy to launder money is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine, as well as forfeiture of any proceeds involved in the conspiracy. U.S. Marshals arrested Ahiekpor Tuesday. He was arraigned before a U.S. Magistrate Judge yesterday. Asante and Yeboah have court appearances scheduled for Monday, June 29.

David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); and Pete Tobin, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Ohio announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Peter K. Glenn-Applegate is representing the United States in this case.

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

Convicted Felon Sentenced to 13 Months in Prison for Possessing a Firearm

St. Louis, Missouri – Mark Harris, 25, of St. Louis, Missouri was sentenced to 13 months in prison on a charge of felon in possession of a firearm.  He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry. 

According to court documents, on May 27, 2019, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Officers received a call for suspicious person/drugs in the 4000 block of Blow Street.  Upon responding to that area, Officers observed three occupants of a vehicle smoking cigarillos, and the Officers smelled marijuana.  Officers knocked on the vehicle’s driver’s window and when the driver, later identified as Mark Harris, rolled down the window, the Officers observed a bag of marijuana on Harris’ lap.  When the Officers asked if there were any more illegal drugs in the vehicle, the backseat passenger stated that she had more marijuana in her bag, which she handed to the Officers.  Officers removed Harris from the vehicle and patted him down, at which time the Officer immediately felt a firearm in Harris’ shorts pocket.  The firearm was a loaded Hi-Point, 9mm semi-automatic pistol.  Harris has prior felony convictions for a 2015 Stealing of a Motor Vehicle and a 2016 Forgery. 

This case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

Project Safe Neighborhoods Missoula County continues violent crime decrease for second year

MISSOULA—For the second straight year, murders, robberies and aggravated assaults in Missoula County have decreased as law enforcement continues investigating and prosecuting methamphetamine trafficking, firearms offenses and armed robberies through Project Safe Neighborhoods, announced federal, state and local prosecutors today.

Crime statistics show that in Missoula County, these violent crimes decreased by 9.2 percent in the 12-month period ending May 2020. Overall, violent crime has decreased 25.7 percent since PSN was launched in May 2018, and 85 fewer people were the victim of a violent crime than in the 12 months before PSN began.

PSN is a reinvigorated U.S. Department of Justice initiative that targets the most violent criminals in high-crime areas and works with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and community partners to reduce crime.

PSN Missoula County’s partners include the U.S. Attorney’s Office; Missoula  County Attorney’s Office; Montana Department of Justice’s Prosecution Services Bureau, Highway Patrol and Division of Criminal Investigation; the Montana Department of Correction’s Adult Probation and Parole Division; the Missoula Police Department; the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office; Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Marshal’s Service.

"The continuing decline in violent crime in Missoula County is great news for the community. This focus on taking meth dealers and the most dangerous offenders off the street is working. But we're not done. We also must reduce demand for meth through a comprehensive prevention, treatment and diversion plan. I want to recognize the cooperation and hard work of all of our PSN partners for making Missoula County a safer place to live," U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

“Our continued success in reducing violent crime in Missoula County is due to hard work, multi-agency collaboration, and targeted enforcement,” Montana Attorney General Tim Fox said. “I am proud of our city, county, state, and federal law enforcement officers and prosecutors and the great results we have achieved working together.”

"Working together with our law enforcement and justice partners is beginning to pay off.  We’re bringing the highest risk offenders to justice while, at the same time, building a foundation for local drug treatment and prevention efforts.  I am proud of our law enforcement team’s great work,” Missoula County Attorney, Kirsten Pabst said.

From 2011 to 2017, the City of Missoula’s violent crime rate had increased 49 percent. Methamphetamine was identified as a primary cause of the increase.

In the 24 months PSN has been in effect, Missoula’s murders, robberies and aggravated assaults have fallen 25.7 percent to 246 crimes.

Since May 1, 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s office has charged 73 defendants with federal meth trafficking, armed robbery and firearms crimes.

In addition, 60 pounds of meth, representing 217,440 doses and having an estimated $450,000 street value, have been seized in the federal cases. Law enforcement officers also have seized 65 firearms, including three semi-automatic assault-style rifles. The U.S. Marshals Service Violent Offender Task force has served 938 federal and state warrants on violent offenders in Missoula County.

Since May 2018, Missoula County Attorney's Office has charged 39 persons identified as high risk with charges including meth or heroin possession, assault with a weapon, burglary, deliberate homicide and strangulation.

In addition to continuing its enforcement strategy to further cut the violent crime rate by reducing the meth supply, PSN is working with a community coalition called Missoula Substance Abuse Connect. A coalition of more than 30 nonprofit and government organizations, coordinated by United Way of Missoula County, has formed to develop a community plan to reduce the demand for meth through prevention and treatment.

Denison, Iowa Man to Federal Prison for Meth Conspiracy

Conspiracy spanned Northwest Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota

A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced on June 25, 2020, to more than 10 years in federal prison.

Juan Lopez-Zuniga, 50, from Denison, Iowa, was convicted by a jury on February 7, 2020, after a 3 day trial in federal court, of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.  The verdict was returned following about 3 hours of jury deliberations.

The evidence at trial showed that Lopez-Zuniga was involved in a conspiracy that distributed more than 500 grams of methamphetamine from October 2015 through September 2016, from the Denison, Iowa, area.  Evidence showed that Lopez-Zuniga conducted runs from Denison, Iowa, to Worthington, Minnesota, delivering half-pound quantities of methamphetamine to a co-conspirator for further re-distribution in Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota. Lopez-Zuniga would then return to Denison with the proceeds of drug sales. 

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Lopez-Zuniga was sentenced to 127 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 5 year term of supervised release following the imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Lopez-Zuniga is being held in the custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Drug Enforcement Administration; Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement; Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; Buffalo Ridge Task Force (Worthington/ Nobles County, Minnesota); and the Internal Revenue Service.

Polk County Man Sentenced To More Than Ten Years For Drug Trafficking

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell has sentenced Antonie Latimore (36, Winter Haven) to 10 years and 10 months years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute cocaine base. Latimore had pleaded guilty on March 6, 2020.

According to court documents, the FBI received information that Latimore and others were distributing narcotics in Polk County. Between March 2 and July 20, 2019, Latimore sold crack cocaine to a confidential source multiple times. Latimore also negotiated to sell methamphetamine to the confidential source.

On August 10, 2019, the Florida Highway Patrol arrested Latimore for driving with a suspended license and found crack cocaine and other drugs in his car.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Florida Highway Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sinacore.

Five Bay Area Residents Indicted for Burglarizing Vacaville Gun Store to Steal Guns During the Height of Recent Civil Unrest

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Five individuals were indicted Thursday for the burglary of a Vacaville gun shop, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

According to court documents, on June 1, police responded to reports of suspicious activity at Guns, Fishing and Other Stuff, a two-story gun and outdoor recreation store in Vacaville. Guns, Fishing and Other Stuff is a federally licensed firearms dealer. When officers responded, four vehicles fled the scene. After a high-speed chase on Interstate 80 during which vehicles reached over 100 miles per hour, one vehicle, a rented minivan, was stopped, and its five passengers were arrested after a foot pursuit. In total, the gun store reported that over 70 firearms had been stolen.

According to the criminal complaint, inside the minivan were bolt cutters, a power saw, and 13 handguns with price tags from Guns, Fishing and Other Stuff still attached. Donte Marcel Anderson, 31, of Antioch; Desteny Estrella Leilani Salazar, 22, of San Francisco; Donley Thompson, 27, of Pinole; Tracy Whitfield, 31, of Pittsburg; and Adrian Oscar Duran, 23, of San Francisco, were arrested. They are charged with possession of a stolen firearm and burglary of a federally licensed firearms dealer.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Vacaville Police Department, Fairfield Police Department, Antioch Police Department, Vallejo Police Department, and California Department of Justice – Bureau of Firearms. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin L. Lee and Brian A. Fogerty are prosecuting the case.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for both counts. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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

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

St. Louis Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Attempting to Possess with Intent to Distribute Approximately 8 Kilograms of Fentanyl

St. Louis, Missouri – United States District Judge Ronnie L. White sentenced Kaylin Robinson, 22, of St. Louis, to 60 months in prison for attempting to possess with the intent to distribute in excess of 400 grams of fentanyl.

According to the plea agreement, on Friday, January 18, 2019, the United Parcel Service (UPS) attempted to deliver a package addressed to “Robert Anderson” at 2110 McLaran Avenue, Jennings, Missouri.  The UPS driver went to 2110 McLaran but did not deliver the package because the house appeared to be vacant.  The driver went back to the truck and Robinson approached the driver to request delivery of the package.  Robinson said that he was picking the package up for his grandfather from 2110 McLaran.  The driver asked for Robinson’s identification and he said he did not have any.  The UPS driver returned the package to the Earth City customer service center.

On Monday, January 21, 2019, UPS security personnel opened the package in an effort to determine the correct address for delivery of the package.  A plastic tote was inside the cardboard box and there were several bundles that were wrapped in green and clear cellophane with lotion, coffee grounds, and dryer sheets.  Because the wrapping was suspicious, UPS security contacted the St. Louis County Police Department narcotics unit.  The St. Louis County Police Department took custody of the package and found it to contain 7.99 kilograms of fentanyl.

On Tuesday, January 22, 2019, Robinson went to the UPS Earth City customer service lobby and identified himself as “Robert Anderson.”  A UPS employee told the defendant that he would need to present photo identification showing that he was “Robert Anderson.”  He declined to present identification at that time.

Officers prepared an imitation package that looked like the original package to deliver to Robison if he returned to UPS.  On January 23, 2019, Robinson went to the UPS customer service center in Earth City and again identified himself as “Robert Anderson.”  Robinson presented a false Missouri Department of Revenue Temporary Driver License with his picture on it.  The license was in the name of “Robert Anderson” with an address of 2110 McLaran Avenue, Jennings, Missouri.  The issue date purported to be January 19, 2019. A UPS employee made a copy of the identification and informed Robinson that the package was out for delivery. 

On January 23, 2019, Robinson returned to the UPS customer service center where he was given the imitation package.  He placed the package in the trunk of a car waiting in the parking lot, got into the passenger seat, and then left the area.  Officers attempted to stop the car, but the car fled at a high rate of speed and went the wrong way down a one-way street.  Officers were unable to locate the car, however, they did locate the imitation package which had been discarded in the 12000 block of St. Charles Rock Road.

The St. Louis County Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case, with the cooperation and assistance of the United Parcel Service.

Lexington Man Sentenced to 87 Months for Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Clint Dion Davis, 39, of Lexington, was sentenced today, to 87 months in federal prison, by United States District Judge Danny C. Reeves, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 

According to his plea agreement, in April 2019, officers with the Lexington Police Department, initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by Davis. Davis admitted to the officers that he was in possession of a firearm.  Officers located a Sig Sauer .40 caliber pistol on his person. Davis has previously been convicted of a felony offense and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.            

Under federal law, Moberly must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence; and upon his release, he will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for three years. Davis will also be required to pay a $15,000.

The investigation was conducted by the ATF and Lexington Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia T. Rieker.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

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

East Stroudsburg Man Sentenced For Heroin Trafficking

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced Raheem Marrow, age 48, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, to 75 months’ imprisonment and a six-year term of supervised release for heroin trafficking.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Marrow pleaded guilty to distributing and possessing with the intent to distribute heroin within 1,000 feet of a protected location.  Marrow sold heroin to an informant on four occasions between June 2016 and March 2017 within 1,000 feet of a school or playground.  A warranted search of Marrow’s residence yielded heroin, packaging materials, and a .22 caliber handgun.  Marrow took responsibility for the heroin and firearm, and admitted to his criminal conduct. 

The case was investigated by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Stroud Regional Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni.

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

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

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

            WASHINGTON – Lee Michael Cantrell, 47, of Virginia; Connor Matthew Judd, 20, of Washington, D.C.; Ryan Lane, 37, of Maryland; and Graham Lloyd, 37, of Maine, were charged by criminal complaint yesterday with destruction of federal property, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael R. Sherwin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division James A. Dawson, and Acting Chief of the United States Park Police (USPP) Gregory T. Monahan.

            The complaint, unsealed today, alleges that on June 22, 2020, the four men along with other unidentified individuals, damaged and attempted to tear down the statue depicting Andrew Jackson located in Lafayette Square.  The complaint further alleges that Cantrell was captured on video attempting to pry the statue off its base with a wooden board and trying to pull the statue down with the aid of a yellow strap.  The complaint alleges that Judd is seen on video trying to pull down the statue, and that Lane is seen on video affixing a rope to one part of the statue and then pulling on another rope tied to the statue.  The complaint also alleges that video of the incident shows Lloyd as he breaks off and destroys the wheels of cannons located at the base of the statue.  Lloyd is also captured on video pulling on ropes in an effort to topple the statue, and handing a hammer to an unidentified individual involved in the incident.

            Judd was arrested on Friday and appeared in Superior Court of the District of Columbia today.  The matter will be transferred to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on Monday, June 29, 2020, where Judd will make his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Robin M. Meriweather.  The remaining defendants have not yet been apprehended. 

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

            “The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia will not stand idly by and allow our national monuments to be vandalized and destroyed.  This Office remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the sacred First Amendment right of individuals to peacefully protest, but these charges should serve as a warning to those who choose to desecrate the statues and monuments that adorn our nation’s capital:  your violent behavior and criminal conduct will not be tolerated,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael R. Sherwin.

            “The FBI respects the peaceful exercise of First Amendment rights, but we will not allow opportunists to hijack peaceful protests to incite violence and destruction of property,” said James A. Dawson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division.  “We will continue to work with our partners to enforce federal laws prohibiting damage to government facilities and property.”

            “Members of the United States Park Police are working tirelessly to provide quality law enforcement, safeguard lives, protect our national treasures and symbols of democracy, and preserve the natural and cultural resources entrusted to its service.  We are committed to ensuring that citizens are able to freely exercise their constitutional rights in a safe and peaceful manner.  The deplorable acts of violence and destruction of property are unacceptable and will continue to be pursued through ongoing collaborative investigations and enforcement efforts,” said Gregory T. Monahan, Acting Chief of the United States Park Police.

            In announcing the charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Sherwin, Special Agent in Charge Dawson, and Acting Chief Monahan commended the work of the FBI agents and USPP officers who apprehended the four men and are investigating the incident.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gilead Light, Sara Vanore, and Laura Crane of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

            This joint investigation was conducted by the United States Park Police and the FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crime Task Force.  Significant assistance was also provided by the Washington Metropolitan Police Department.  The Violent Crime Task Force is charged with investigating acts of violence impacting the District of Columbia.  Tips associated with this matter or other acts of violence can be reported to the FBI at 202-278-2000 or tips.fbi.gov.

Texarkana Rapper “Band Aid” Convicted of Drug Trafficking Violations

TEXARKANA, Texas – A 31-year-old Bowie County, Texas, man has been convicted of federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox today.

               Justin Rashad Young was found guilty of drug trafficking today, following a four-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III.

               According to information presented in court, on June 28, 2017, Young and his fellow drug trafficker, Joshea Cardwell, a.k.a. “Too Tall,” were found in the Magnuson Hotel near North State Line Avenue in Texarkana, Texas, with more than 400 grams of methamphetamine, 1.6 kilograms of marijuana, drug distribution materials, and a Taurus 9 mm pistol. When officers arrived on the scene, Young slammed the hotel room door on one of the responding officers. Before that day, Young had been shot at the drug house he had been operating on Waterman Street in Texarkana. On another occasion, Young was found in possession of marijuana after he left a drug house. At trial, a cooperating witness described how Cardwell and Young had been working together for months to sell marijuana from California and methamphetamine. Young and Cardwell were indicted by a federal grand jury on Nov. 14, 2018, and again on July 24, 2019.

               On June 4, 2020, Cardwell pleaded guilty to conspiring with Young to possess and distribute marijuana and methamphetamine and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

               Under federal statutes, Young and Cardwell face up to 40 years in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

               This case was investigated by the Special Operations Division of the Texarkana Texas Police Department, the Texarkana office of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Criminal Investigation Division, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan R. Hornok and Lucas R. Machicek.

Nampa Man Sentenced to Five Years for Distributing Methamphetamine

BOISE - Alfredo Esparza, Jr., 49, of Nampa, Idaho, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 60 months in prison for distribution of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Esparza serve four years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Esparza pleaded guilty to the charge on January 9, 2020.

According to court records, Esparza’s charge stemmed from an investigation into the West Side Loma gang that spanned from October 2018 to October 2019. Law enforcement used a confidential informant to purchase methamphetamine from Esparza, who has a history of drug dealing. According to court records, a federal grand jury indicted Esparza on November 13, 2019. Esparza has a lengthy criminal history including two prior convictions for delivering or possessing with intent to deliver a controlled substance. At the time he committed this federal offense, Esparza was on felony probation.

This case was investigated by Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force. The Task Force is comprised of federal, state, and local agencies. These agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Boise Police Department; Caldwell Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; Meridian Police Department; Nampa Police Department; and Idaho Department of Correction, Bureau of Probation and Parole.

This indictment was also the result of a joint investigation by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. Program participants include Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and U.S. Marshals Service.

This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit www.treasurevalleypartners.org.

Ridin’ High Proprietor Sentenced to 5 years of Probation for Distributing Marijuana

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that John Van Hazinga, aka “Big John,” 42 years old, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss to 5 years of probation following his felony conviction for distributing marijuana, a Schedule I controlled substance.  Van Hazinga agreed in his plea agreement to the forfeiture of $67,189 of drug proceeds seized from three of his properties, and also agreed to file amended tax returns for this undeclared income.

According to Court documents, Van Hazinga has been involved in the cultivation and distribution of marijuana in Chittenden County since at least 2004, utilizing his business Ridin’ High to facilitate those efforts.  In 2009, Van Hazinga was convicted in state court of selling marijuana.  In 2013, Van Hazinga was convicted in state court of felony marijuana possession for his possession of more than a pound of marijuana.  In 2015, while on state probation, Van Hazinga was again convicted of felony marijuana possession for his possession of more than a pound of marijuana.  Van Hazinga was on state parole at the time of his 2019 federal arrest.

During the summer of 2018, the Burlington Police Department (BPD), with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), began an investigation into the distribution of marijuana for profit out of defendant Van Hazinga’s business, Ridin’ High, located at 2 Pearl Street in Burlington, Vermont.  The investigation was spurred by community reports that individuals at the store were selling marijuana to juveniles.  One woman reported that she worked as an interventionist, and had spoken to multiple boys between the ages of 13 and 15 who reported they had purchased marijuana at Ridin’ High. 

An undercover BPD detective conducted five purchases of marijuana and/or THC-infused edible products. Law enforcement efforts revealed a potential grow operation at Van Hazinga’s residence in Underhill, Vermont; e-mail correspondence with Van Hazinga’s co-defendant revealed her willingness to sell a bulk order of THC-infused products, and links were discovered between Van Hazinga and a rural camp located in Keene, New York.

On July 24, 2019, law enforcement obtained federal search warrants for the Ridin’ High commercial location in Burlington, Van Hazinga’s residence in Underhill, Vermont, and the rural camp in Keene, New York.  On August 5, 2019, the undercover BPD detective conducted a final controlled purchase of marijuana from defendant Van Hazinga, utilizing serialized currency during the transaction.

On August 6, 2019, BPD and DEA executed the search warrants for the Ridin’ High location, the Underhill residence, and the Keene camp.  At the Ridin’ High location, agents seized three bags of suspected marijuana, nine jars of suspected marijuana, marijuana-growing literature, a marijuana grinder with residue, and two small digital scales.  A large safe in the bathroom contained suspected marijuana, marijuana extracts, and THC-infused edibles.  At the Underhill residence, agents discovered a suspected grow operation that laboratory testing revealed to be a mix of hemp and marijuana plants.  $9,000 in cash was seized from Van Hazinga’s vehicle, and an additional $33,289 in cash was seized from inside the residence.  Within the currency, agents located the serialized bills used during the August 5, 2019 controlled purchase from Van Hazinga.  At the Keene camp, agents seized $24,900 in cash, 18 jars of suspected marijuana, a jar of suspected hallucinogenic mushrooms, five bags of suspected marijuana, and eight suspected marijuana plants.

United States Attorney Christina E. Nolan commended the investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Burlington Police Department, and thanked the Vermont Air National Guard for their assistance.

“DEA has a sworn duty and responsibility to enforcing drug laws enacted by Congress, which make marijuana illegal,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “DEA will continue to enforce federal laws as it pertains to our mission.  This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, state and federal law enforcement partners in Vermont and our strong relationship with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

The United States was represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt.  Van Hazinga was represented by Paul Volk, Esq.

Petersburg Man Sentenced for Burglarizing Post Office

Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that a Petersburg man has been sentenced in federal court for burglarizing the Petersburg Post Office with the intent to steal parcels for pecuniary gain.

Christopher Scott Manske, 38, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess to serve four months in prison, followed by 150 hours of community service, after previously pleading guilty to burglary of a post office.  As part of his sentence, Manske was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims in this case, as well as $2,100 in restitution to the U.S. Forest Service.    

According to court documents, on Feb. 24, 2020, Manske broke into the Petersburg Post Office’s secured mail sorting area through a parcel locker.  The investigation revealed that Manske forcibly entered the parcel locker by breaking the steel pole that was designed to prevent unauthorized access.  While inside, Manske took approximately 70 parcels and placed them inside other parcel lockers.  Manske then took the parcel keys with the intent to go back and retrieve those parcels so he could sell the contents. While exiting with the parcel keys, Manske activated the alarm system, triggering a law enforcement investigation.

Manske was arrested on Feb. 24, after a search of Manske’s boat revealed a number of opened parcels belonging to other people, as well as a stolen heater belonging to the U.S. Forest Service.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Burgess stated the need to protect the public and to deter Manske from future criminal conduct.  Following Manske’s prison term, he will have to comply with conditions of release such as submitting to a mental health and drug treatment assessment and will have to follow recommendations. 

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Petersburg Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska.

Amarillo-Area Child Predator Sentenced to Life

A former sheriff’s deputy who preyed on children at his church has been sentenced to life in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox.

Davin Seth Waters, 26, a former deputy with Parmer County, Texas Sheriff’s Office, was convicted in November 2019 for transportation of minors with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

“This life sentence confirms the important message that exploiting children in any form will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox. “While this sentence will not repair the pain and damage done to the victims, it will ensure that Mr. Waters will never have the opportunity to prey upon children of our community again.”

"Today's life sentence demonstrates the FBI's commitment to holding sexual predators accountable for their crimes and removes a dangerous threat from our community," said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. DeSarno. "We will continue working with our partners to ensure that children are protected from abuse and exploitation."

During a two hour sentencing on Thursday, the court heard how Mr. Waters lured minor victims into engaging in sex acts by leveraging positions of power and trust as a sheriff’s deputy, childcare volunteer, and Tae Kwon Do instructor. Many of Mr. Waters’ victims that he sexually abused were “afraid” of him because he was “big” and thought he might “hurt” them, according to court documents.

Authorities began investigating Mr. Waters following a report from a church member at Frist Baptist Church Texico, New Mexico that a fellow member, identified as Mr. Waters, had sexually abused a child. Mr. Waters who served in the children’s ministry as a volunteer, admitted to unlawfully touching a minor 8-year-old child on multiple occasions while in his capacity as a volunteer at the church.

Mr. Waters resided in Farwell, Texas and owned Tae Kwon Do (TKD) Studio in Bovina, Texas where he instructed many young students. Mr. Waters admitted that he engaged in illicit sexual conduct at his studio with a 13-year-old minor and a TKD student between the ages of 9 and 10-years-old.

According to court documents, Mr. Waters also drove two minors from New Mexico to the Farwell, Texas to spend the night. At his home, Mr. Waters preformed sexual acts on the 11-year-old and 10-year-old while also after giving the 10-year-old pills to induce unconsciousness.

Through the course of the investigation, agents determined that Mr. Waters sexually exploited and abused seven children in the greater Amarillo-area.

The FBI's Dallas Field Office, the Texas Rangers, and Curry County, New Mexico Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Sean Taylor prosecuted the case. United States District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk handed down the sentence.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a Justice Department initiative designed to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The initiative organizes federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

Vincent Raymond Rios Sentenced to Prison in Drug Trafficking Case

          SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant VINCENT RAYMOND RIOS (Rios) , age 45, from Chalan Pago, Guam was sentenced in the United States District Court of Guam to 27 years imprisonment for Conspiracy to Distribute Fifty Grams or More of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1); 20 years imprisonment for Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute, in violation of 21 U.SC. § 841(a)(1); and 10 years imprisonment for two counts of Money Laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1957. The Court ordered the terms of imprisonment to run concurrently. The Court also ordered five years of supervised release following imprisonment, participation in a 500-hour drug treatment program, and a mandatory $400 assessment fee.  In addition, defendants convicted of a federal drug offense may no longer qualify for certain federal benefits.

          During October 2016, Special Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began an investigation after Rios attempted to transfer

$300,000.00 in drug proceeds through a local bank. On November 16, 2016, the U.S. Postal Inspector and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agents and Task Force Officers intercepted three suspicious packages in the mail. One package contained 18.7 pounds of methamphetamine with a 98% purity level. Further investigation revealed that Rios and Sueann Baker (Baker) traveled to Washington State to purchase the drugs. Rios concealed the drugs in air mattresses, which were then mailed to Guam. When Rios and Baker returned to Guam, they attempted to claim the packages at a local mail box service. Rios further conspired with other people on Guam to distribute the drugs throughout the island.

          ATF seized substantial amounts and types of property owned by Rios. This included $1,183,939.00 in cash from safe deposit boxes at Coast360 and Bank of Guam, in addition to $14,745.00 from a Mercedes Benz.  The Court also ordered forfeiture of real estate, including an Apusento Gardens condominium and a home in Gloria Circle, Dededo.  Both residences were purchased with illegal proceeds of drug trafficking.

          U.S. Attorney Anderson stated, “I congratulate our law enforcement partners for the results of their hard work in dismantling this extensive drug trafficking enterprise. This case reflects not only the substantial terms of imprisonment facing drug traffickers. Criminals will also lose all the benefits, in whatever form, related to their illegal activity. The public rightfully deserves protection from this scourge on our island.”

          This was an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case was prosecuted by Rosetta L. San Nicolas, Assistant United States Attorney in the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Former U.S. Marine And Registered Sex Offender To Serve 29 Years In Prison For Child Sex Offenses

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge James S. Moody, Jr. has sentenced Joshua Eugene Burton (34, Arnold, Missouri) to 25 years in federal prison for enticing and coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit activity, and for being a registered sex offender who committed another sex offense involving a minor. Burton is currently serving a 10 year federal prison sentence for related charges stemming from the Eastern District of Missouri. Today, the court ordered that part of Burton’s 25 year sentence run consecutive to his Missouri conviction; thereby effectively ordering Burton to serve at least 29 years in federal prison.

Burton had pleaded guilty on March 3, 2020.

According to court documents, in September and October 2016, Burton portrayed himself as a teenage girl from California and engaged in sexually explicit online conversations with a 14-year-old child ("Victim 1"). During his conversations, Burton persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced Victim 1 to produce and distribute sexually explicit images and videos of herself. Burton also coerced Victim 1 into performing oral sex on a 16-year-old child ("Victim 2") by threatening to publicly post to the internet the photos and sexually explicit videos Victim 1 had previously sent to Burton, if Victim 1 did not produce the sexually explicit material and send it to him. In order to add more credibility to his threat, Burton specifically referenced the schools that Victim 1 and Victim 2 attended. Victim 1 sent Burton approximately 10 sexually explicit videos depicting Victims 1 and 2, and over 20 sexually explicit photographs to Burton.

The FBI obtained a search warrant for Burton’s residence in Arnold, Missouri. Upon their arrival, Burton refused to open the door and announced that he was armed with a firearm. Burton then barricaded himself inside his bedroom and engaged in a 12-hour armed standoff with law enforcement officers. Eventually, the FBI took Burton into custody. During a search of his residence, agents located and seized multiple electronic devices. A forensic analysis of his devices revealed that Burton had been in possession of child pornography and had deleted evidence of his communications with Victim 1 from his device. Burton pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of child pornography in the Eastern District of Missouri and was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.

Burton is a former U.S. Marine who was convicted of distribution and possession of child pornography in 2008 during the time he served in the United States Marine Corps. As part of his conviction, Burton was required to register as a sex offender and was dishonorably discharged from the Marine Corps.

“The facts of this case are despicable and heart wrenching,” said Michael McPherson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI-Tampa Field Division. “Mr. Burton threatened and blackmailed his young victim into committing the unthinkable. These investigations are tough to work and I am proud of the dedicated special agents who do the job so that we have a safer community in which to raise our children.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa M. Thelwell and Candace Garcia Rich.

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

Convicted Felon Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for Possessing Stolen Firearm

St. Louis, Missouri – Altonio Steeples, 37, of St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced to 63 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Clark. 

According to the plea agreement, on June 23, 2019, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Officers responded to a reported disturbance in the 5800 block of Lotus. When Officers arrived, they observed Steeples and an unidentified male standing outside of a Nissan sedan. Upon seeing the marked police vehicle, Steeples and the unidentified male left the Nissan engine running, ran to a nearby porch and began knocking on the door. As Officers exited their patrol car to approach the two men on the porch, both men ran from Officers down a gangway. 

While Steeples was running, a chasing Officer observed him reach into his waistband and remove a firearm.  The Officer commanded Steeples to drop the firearm.  Steeples then threw the firearm down in the gangway and continued to run.  The Officer eventually took Steeples into custody and recovered the loaded Springfield Armory .45 caliber semiautomatic firearm Steeples had thrown while fleeing.  The Springfield Armory firearm had been reported stolen, and Steeples was serving a term of supervised release for a prior federal felony conviction at the time of arrest.  

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case.

Jackson County Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

Gulfport, Mississippi –   Nicholas Brown, Jr., 25, of Jackson County, Mississippi was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, to 60 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).  Brown was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.

On December 21, 2018, Brown was arrested on multiple, unrelated warrants.  During an investigation, multiple firearms, cash and marijuana were recovered in the residence where Brown was living.  Brown admitted that his fingerprints would be found on all of the firearms and that vacuum sealed bags found in the residence were from marijuana that he purchased and repackaged for sale. The investigation also revealed text messages that indicated Brown was involved in the distribution of controlled substances and photos of Brown with controlled substances and firearms.

On June 12, 2019, Brown was charged in a federal criminal indictment.  He pled guilty before Judge Ozerden on December 20, 2019, to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime

The case was investigated by the ATF and the Gautier Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shundral Cole.

This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.

Assistant Chief of Cumberland Police Indicted for Civil Rights Violation

LONDON, Ky. - A federal grand jury has indicted, Kenny Ray Raleigh, 42, of Partridge, Ky., on one count of unreasonable force by a police officer acting under color of law and one count of obstruction of justice.

Count One of the indictment alleges that while acting as an Assistant Chief of Police for the Cumberland Police Department, Raleigh willfully deprived an arrestee of the right to be free from unreasonable seizures, which includes the right to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a police officer.  Specifically, the indictment alleges that Raleigh assaulted the arrestee, striking him several times, resulting in bodily injury.    

Count Two of the indictment alleges that Raleigh attempted to persuade a fellow police officer, with the intent to hinder, delay, and prevent the communication of information, from providing information to a federal law enforcement officer and judge regarding the offense.  Specifically, the indictment alleges that Raleigh directed a fellow officer to charge the arrestee with resisting arrest in a citation, in an attempt to prevent communication of information about the unjustified use of force against the arrestee.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Raleigh’s next appearance before the United States District Court in London will be a jury trial scheduled for August 25, 2020. As charged in the indictment, Count One carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and Count Two carries a maximum penalty of 20 years.

            Any indictment is an accusation only. A defendant is presumed innocent, and is entitled to a fair trial at which government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.