Charlotte Man Is Sentenced To Prison For Producing Child Pornography

 CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell sentenced Brian Elliott Kursonis, 59, of Charlotte, to 360 months in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for production of child pornography, announced Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Judge Bell also ordered Kursonis to register as a sex offender after he is released from prison.        

Chief Johnny Jennings, of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), joins U.S. Attorney Murray in making today’s announcement.

According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court, beginning as early as 2008, Kursonis repeatedly sexually abused two minor victims, and produced images and videos depicting the abuse. Kursonis’ conduct came to the attention of law enforcement when a witness discovered the child pornography on Kursonis’ computer. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement also located numerous images of child pornography on Kursonis’ seized computer and other electronic devices. On July 20, 2020, Kursonis pleaded guilty to production of child pornography.

In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney Murray thanked CMPD for their investigation which led to Kursonis’ lengthy sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.

Elmira Man Pleads Guilty To Possessing Child Pornography

ROCHESTER, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Brian Thomas, 60 of Elmira, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to possessing child pornography. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a lifetime period of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that on March 29, 2020, the defendant distributed, to an undercover FBI Task Force Officer, child pornography depicting the sexual abuse of several prepubescent children. Using IP information, the FBI was able to locate Thomas and execute a search warrant at his residence. Digital storage devices, including a computer and thumb drive, were seized.  A forensic examination determined that Thomas received and possessed child pornography on both devices. 

The defendant is a registered sex offender following previous New York State convictions for child sexual abuse and child exploitation crimes. When interviewed by the FBI, Thomas admitted that during the 1980’s and 1990’s, he sexually abused approximately nine children between the ages of 4 and 10. 

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Corning Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, with assistance from the Elmira Police Department, under the direction of Chief Joseph Kane.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 11, 2021, before Judge Geraci.

San Gabriel Valley Man Admits Role in Conspiracy to Kidnap Chinese National Whose Remains Were Buried in Mojave Desert

           LOS ANGELES – A Pasadena man pleaded guilty today to a federal charge of conspiring to kidnap a Chinese national who was violently abducted from a San Gabriel parking lot, and whose parents were extorted for $2 million in ransom before the victim died from his injuries.

          Anthony Valladares, 28, pleaded guilty to a single-count information charging him with conspiracy to kidnap. He has been in federal custody since July 14, when he was arrested on a criminal complaint in this case.

          According to his plea agreement, Valladares admitted to conspiring with others, including Chinese nationals Guangyao Yang, 27, and Peicheng Shen, 34, to kidnap Ruochen “Tony” Liao, of Santa Ana. Valladares was the “muscle” hired to intimidate, beat, and subdue Liao during the kidnapping. Valladares agreed to accept cash for the job, court papers state.

          During the summer of 2018, Shen, using an alias, met the victim several times under the pretense that Shen would help the victim collect a debt from another individual, the plea agreement states. During their third meeting, at a San Gabriel shopping center on July 16, 2018, Shen lured the victim to a minivan, where Valladares was hiding, and whose driver was Alexis Ivan Romero Velez, 24, of Azusa, whom Valladares recruited for the conspiracy.

          Liao entered the minivan and spoke in Chinese with Shen, who used a specific word to signal Valladares to begin attacking the victim. Once Shen uttered the word, Valladares and Shen violently assaulted Liao, used a taser to subdue him, and ultimately bound and restrained him with a black hood and ties. Valladares admitted to helping Yang acquire the taser used in the kidnapping, and also admitted to acquiring a revolver and bullets for the kidnapping. Romero then drove the minivan to a location in Rosemead, where Liao was moved into a different car, the plea agreement states.

          Shen and Yang then took the victim to a house in Corona, where they confined him by binding his legs together, taping his eyes shut, restraining his arms behind him, and confining him in a closet, court papers state.

          The day after the kidnapping, the victim’s father received a demand for a $2 million ransom in exchange for the victim’s life, with the money to be deposited into three Chinese bank accounts within three hours, court documents allege. The victim’s father also received photographs of the victim, who was physically restrained in a closet, according to court documents.

          Valladares was not physically present for Liao’s death, which occurred when Shen and Yang held him captive, the plea agreement states.

          Shen and Yang allegedly drove to the area of Mojave, California, to bury or otherwise dispose of the victim’s body and other physical evidence involved in the crime. Further, Shen allegedly had the closet of the Corona house re-carpeted. Yang also performed internet searches to determine, in effect, how fast a corpse decomposes in soil, court papers state. Liao’s remains were discovered in Mojave late last year.

          United States District Judge Fernando M. Olguin has scheduled a February 18, 2021 sentencing hearing, at which time Valladares will face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison. The parties have agreed that a prison sentence of at least 12 years but no more than 25 years represents a reasonable and appropriate sentence in this case. Judge Olguin will make the final determination as to the sentence.

          Yang and Shen, whose last known U.S. residences were in West Covina, are currently in custody in China on charges filed there related to the kidnapping. Last month, Romero pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to kidnap. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 4, 2021.

          The FBI conducted this investigation, with significant assistance provided by members of the FBI’s Safe Street Task Force, which includes the Pasadena Police Department.

          This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julia Choe of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section and Frances Lewis of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section.

Fort Thomas Man Sentenced to 90 Months for Distribution of Child Pornography

 COVINGTON, Ky. - A Ft. Thomas, Kentucky man, James Hamilton, 52, was sentenced to 90 months on Friday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for distribution of child pornography.

According to his plea agreement, between January 31, 2018 and March 1, 2018, an investigator with the Kentucky Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force traced a computer, which had connected to Bit Torrent and downloaded files depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, to a computer in Hamilton’s possession.  After a search warrant was obtained, Hamilton’s laptop was seized by law enforcement, who later found the suspected files, along with over 600 images depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Hamilton pleaded guilty in June 2020.           

Under federal law, Hamilton must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years, following his release.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jerry C. Templet Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations; and Chief Craig Sorrell, Campbell County Police Department, jointly announce the sentence.

The investigation was conducted by HIS and the Campbell County Police Department. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wade Napier.

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

Murder victim’s ex-wife pleads guilty to interstate stalking resulting in death

 DAYTON – A 35-year-old Centerville woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to interstate stalking that resulted in her ex-husband’s death.

Tawnney Caldwell accepted responsibility for her role in the August 2017 murder of Robert Caldwell. Parties involved in Tawnney Caldwell’s case have recommended a sentence of 20 to 35 years in prison. 

According to her plea agreement, around 6pm on August 15, 2017, Robert Caldwell and his three minor children left a counseling appointment in Riverside, Ohio. While crossing the parking lot, Robert Caldwell was shot multiple times by an assailant in front of his children and died at the scene. The assailant was later identified as co-defendant Sterling Roberts.

Tawnney Caldwell is the ex-wife of the murder victim and was the girlfriend of Sterling Roberts at the time of the incident.

She and the murder victim had an ongoing dispute regarding the custody of their children and Tawnney Caldwell had talked to Sterling Roberts on at least two occasions (while Roberts was incarcerated in Montgomery County) about killing Robert Caldwell.

Tawnney Caldwell collaborated with others, including Sterling Roberts; his brothers, Chance Deakin and Christopher Roberts; Chandra Harmon (Tawnney’s mother); and James Harmon (Tawnney’s step-father), to plan, execute and cover-up the violent crime resulting in the death of Robert Caldwell.

Court documents indicate Roberts pretended to be a customer in need of stonework and messaged Robert Caldwell to lure him into meeting in Jamestown, Ohio in early August 2017. Roberts, armed with a gun, allegedly ambushed Robert Caldwell, who fled and called 911. Robert Caldwell eventually escaped that encounter and reported it to the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.

According to Tawnney Caldwell’s plea, between the time of the attempted homicide and the eventual murder of Robert Caldwell, Roberts fled to a relative’s home in Tennessee. Tawnney Caldwell traveled interstate and brought him back to Ohio, stopping in Kentucky to illegally purchase Roberts an AK-47 rifle.

According to Tawnney Caldwell’s plea, the two planned the details of the victim’s murder together at Tawnney Caldwell’s residence and were in contact via cell phone multiple times before and after the murder.

Sterling Roberts is scheduled for jury trial in U.S. District Court on Nov. 30.

David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Riverside Police Chief Frank Robinson and Sugarcreek Township Police Chief Michael Brown announced the plea entered into today before Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Rose. Assistant United States Attorney Amy M. Smith and Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief Laura Clemmens are representing the United States in this case.

Reward Offered in Arson of Burkesville City Hall

 Louisville, Ky.  — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Louisville Field Division today announced the reward offered for information leading to the arrest of the individual(s) responsible for the recent arson fire of Burkesville City Hall. 

ATF is offering rewards of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of person(s) responsible for the October 25, 2020 arson of Burkesville City Hall located at 214 Upper Street in Cumberland County, Kentucky, at approximately 6 a.m., Central Daylight Time. ATF is conducting the investigation with assistance from Kentucky State Police, Burkesville Police Department, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Fire Marshal’s Office, Cumberland County Emergency Management, and the Burkesville Fire Department.  

ATF is requesting anyone with information to contact ATF at 1-270-393-4755 or the ATF tip line 1-888-ATF-Fire / (888) 283-347 or send a txt to 63975. Information can also be sent to ATFTips@atf.gov, through ATF’s website at www.atf.gov/contact/atftips.

Tips can also be sent anonymously via the reportit® app using ATF Louisville Field Division as the location. It is available through the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and at www.reportit.com.

ATF is the lead federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction involving violent crime investigations involving arson and arson-for-profit and conducting fire scene examinations. More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.

ATF Offers $5,000 Reward for Information About Arson Committed During Protests

 BALTIMORE – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division is offering a reward of $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for setting fire to First National Bank in Baltimore City during overnight protests in May. ATF is also asking for the public’s assistance in identifying five persons of interest.

At approximately 12:45 a.m. on May 31, unknown subjects damaged the exterior of First National Bank located at 300 E. Lombard St. and at least one suspect entered into the premises to set a fire. Investigators have recovered surveillance images and video of the crimes. ATF is working with Baltimore City Police Arson & Explosives Unit and assisted by the Baltimore City Fire Department’s Fire Investigation Bureau on this arson investigation.

“While ATF and our law enforcement partners continue to exhaust all investigative leads, we are now also asking for help from another one of our partners — the community,” said ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones. “Using peaceful protests as an excuse to cause destruction and commit crime is unacceptable. It puts everyone at risk and ATF’s top priority is to take offenders off the street so citizens can live safely. Help us to ensure that anyone wreaking havoc in Baltimore City is held responsible.”

Anyone with information about the persons of interest, about who committed this crime, or anyone with additional photos or videos is asked to contact investigators immediately. Call 888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477) or send an email to ATFTips@atf.gov.

Worcester Man Sentenced for Fentanyl and Heroin Conspiracy and Distribution Offenses

 BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for distributing fentanyl and heroin.

Albeiro Gomez, 55, of Worcester, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy J. Hillman to 38 months in prison, four years of supervised release and ordered to pay forfeiture. In November 2019, Gomez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute heroin and more than 40 grams of fentanyl, one count of distributing heroin and fentanyl, one count of distributing heroin and more than 40 grams of fentanyl and one count of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute.

In December 2018, Gomez was charged with co-defendant Erotides Mendez, 50, a Dominican national previously residing in New York City. Mendez previously pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl and heroin and was sentenced to five years in prison.

From September to December 2018, investigators intercepted communications to and from the defendants’ phones which evidenced their drug trafficking activities. Gomez was a livery driver in Worcester who used his livery vehicle to procure and distribute drugs, meet with customers and to collect cash derived from drug sales. Mendez was involved in the acquisition of heroin and fentanyl in New York and the transportation of these drugs for sale in and around Worcester.

In connection with this investigation, Freiber Betancourth, of Worcester, pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges and was sentenced to 12 months and a day in prison and three years of supervised release. Betancourth distributed heroin and fentanyl from the parking lot of his employer. In addition, Jonathan Francisco Bobadilla Rosa, a Dominican national previously residing in Worcester, pleaded guilty to drug possession charges, false representation of a Social Security number and aggravated identity theft. He was sentenced in May 2020 to 28 months in prison.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Assistance with the investigation was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Abely and John Mulcahy of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

Judge sentences St. Louis man for being a felon in possession of a firearm

 ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Henry E. Autrey sentenced Shaun Williams to 37 months in prison. The 37-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On September 8, 2019, Williams was approached by St. Louis County Police after officers saw him getting out of a vehicle reported stolen in St. Louis City. Williams, after being told he was being detained in reference to the stolen vehicle, ran from officers. Additional officers responded to search the area and found Williams in the backyard of a vacant home. Officers found a loaded Hi Point Model 995 rifle-style firearm in the backseat of the stolen car Williams had been driving. Williams admitted he ran from officers due to his knowledge of the firearm in the car.

The St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case.

Mexican Man Sentenced For Distributing Methamphetamine

 United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Juan Miranda-Funes today to 120 months in federal prison.  There is no parole in the federal system. Miranda-Funes will serve a 5-year term of supervised release following his release from the Bureau of Prisons.

Miranda-Funes, 44, was convicted of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine with co-defendant Juan Carranza in the Omaha area between February 1, 2019 and May 9, 2019. On February 20, 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration used an undercover officer to make a purchase of methamphetamine from Miranda-Funes. The undercover officer arranged a second methamphetamine transaction with Miranda-Funes, which was to occur on May 9, 2019 at a grocery store in Omaha. On that date, investigators followed Miranda-Funes from his work place to Motel 89 in Omaha, where Carranza resided. Miranda-Funes parked at the motel for a short while, then departed, traveling to a QT convenience store. Investigators observed Miranda-Funes waiting in the parking lot at the QT. The undercover officer exchanged text messages with Miranda-Funes, who indicated he was waiting on someone to bring the methamphetamine to that location.

Investigators thereafter observed Carranza arrive and meet with Miranda-Funes at the QT. Miranda-Funes got into Carranza’s car and they drove to the grocery store, which was nearby. Investigators made contact with Carranza and Miranda-Funes while they were seated in Carranza’s parked car. Both men were arrested. Officers searched the car and recovered approximately one pound of methamphetamine from a container sitting on the passenger seat.

Carranza was sentenced on September 24, 2020. Miranda-Funes will be deported from the United States to Mexico after serving his prison term

The case was primarily investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Omaha Police Department.

Judge sentences Jefferson County woman for production of child pornography charges

 ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Rodney Sippel sentenced Heather McDorman to 288 months (24 years) in prison today. The 32-year-old Barnhart, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to five counts of producing child pornography and two counts of attempting to produce child pornography.

According to court documents, between February 1, 2018 and March 12, 2018, McDorman, at the direction of her boyfriend and co-defendant Zachary Hamby, attempted to take pornographic photographs of children in restrooms at South County Mall, Walmart, other area malls, park bathrooms and a church bathroom. McDorman, at the direction of co-defendant Hamby, also sexually abused a child and photographed and livestreamed some of the abuse so that Hamby could view it.  The abuse was produced using an IPhone and then mailed, shipped or transported in interstate and foreign commerce.

The St. Louis County Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Colleen Lang handled the case.

Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation Offense

 John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PHILIP FROST, 30, formerly of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today to one count of receipt of child pornography.

Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector occurred via videoconference.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2016, Frost was convicted in state court of possessing child pornography in the second degree.  On October 1, 2019, while Frost was on special parole and residing in a halfway house, a staff member at the halfway house discovered Frost was in possession of a smartphone, which was a violation of Frost’s parole conditions.  The staff member secured the phone and contacted Frost’s parole officer.  That evening, before the parole officer arrived the next morning, Frost used another resident’s phone to delete the history of his various online messaging accounts.

Subsequent analysis of Frost’s smartphone revealed images of child pornography, including images depicting the sexual abuse of prepubescent children.  Frost had received the images on his smartphone after searching for them on the internet.

The investigation further revealed that, between July 31, 2019 and October 1, 2019, Frost engaged in sexual conduct with a 15-year-old victim.  Frost provided a cellphone to the minor victim so that they could communicate, and he enticed the minor victim to send him images of the minor victim engaging in sexually explicit conduct.  Frost also received these images on his smartphone.

Frost was on the Connecticut Sex Offender Registry at the time this criminal conduct.

Frost is scheduled be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on January 28, 2021, at which time he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.     

The minimum and maximum penalties in this case are enhanced based on Frost’s criminal history.

Frost has been detained since October 2, 2019.

This matter is being investigated by the Connecticut State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Stephan Man Indicted for Assault with Intent to Commit Murder and Other Crimes

 United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Stephan, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with Intent to Commit Murder, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Robbery, and Brandishing, Carrying, or Possession a Firearm during and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.

Robert Johnson, a/k/a Pitbull, age 42, was indicted on October 14, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 28, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on June 20, 2020, in Lower Brule, Johnson assaulted an individual with a shotgun, which resulted in serious bodily injury. The Indictment further alleges he took a duffle bag, and its contents, from the victim.  

The charges are merely accusations and Johnson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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 its 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 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: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.     

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.   

Johnson was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

Seven Defenants Arrested, Charged With Narcotics Conspiracy Operating In The Jamestown, NY Area

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a 34-count superseding indictment charging seven defendants for their roles in a narcotics conspiracy. Defendants Rocco A. Beardsley, Tyler N. Tedesco, Miller Hagga, a/k/a Kido, Kylie M. Reeves, Garland Beardsley, a/k/a Charlie Beardsley, and Austin Gordon, are charged with narcotics conspiracy. Rocco Beardsley is also charged with engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. All six defendants faces up to life in prison if convicted.   

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Misha Coulson, who are handling the case, stated that according to the superseding indictment, between December 2018 and October 27, 2020, the defendants participated in a drug trafficking ring led by defendant Rocco Beardsley. The ring sold methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, and hydrocodone in the Jamestown area. The defendants are accused of selling the illegal substances to, among others, a person under 21 years old and a pregnant woman. The conspiracy utilized residences at 12 Bishop Street, 631 Newland, 711 Newland, 158 Sampson Street, and 20 W. Cowden Place, all in Jamestown, to manufacture and distribute drugs.

In addition, a seventh defendant, Giselle Bennett is charged with obstruction of justice. The indictment states that in October 2019, in testimony before the grand jury, Bennett concealed information regarding the drug use of an individual identified as J.A., the circumstances of J.A. and defendant Bennett’s acquisition of narcotics, and the circumstances surrounding a visit by defendant Rocco Beardsley to J.A.’s residence shared with defendant Bennett. She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

The defendants were arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer. Defendants Rocco Beardsley, Tedesco, Hagga, Reeves, Gordon, and Bennett were detained. Defendant Garland Beardsley was released on conditions.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department and the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Acting Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.     

KC Brother, Sister Charged in Armed Robberies, Kidnapping of Pizza Delivery Drivers

 Third Suspect Killed in Shootout with Police Officers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Missouri, brother and sister were charged in federal court today with the armed robberies of two pizza delivery drivers, after a third suspect was killed during a shootout with police officers.

Samuel M. David, 18, and his sister Rochelle E. David, 22, were charged in a six-count criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. Samuel and Rochelle David remain in federal custody pending a detention hearing.

Today’s criminal complaint charges each of the defendants together in one count of armed robbery, one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of kidnapping and one count of carjacking. Samuel David is also charged with one count of armed robbery and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Samuel David participated in the robbery of two pizza delivery drivers at gunpoint. The second robbery, in which the affidavit says Rochelle David was involved, led to the carjacking and kidnapping of the victim driver. A third suspect in the robberies was fatally shot by police officers during a traffic stop.

The first robbery occurred on Oct. 18, 2020, when an employee of Domino’s Pizza was robbed at gunpoint by two men outside an apartment building at 4124 N.E. Davidson Road in Kansas City. One of the men pointed a handgun at the victim and the other man struck the victim twice in the face with a closed fist. They took cash and pizza from the victim, then went into the apartment building.

The second robbery occurred on Oct. 19, 2020, when an employee of Pizza Hut was robbed at gunpoint outside an apartment building at 4114 E.E. Davidson Road in Kansas City. The victim told investigators that one of the men had a teardrop tattoo under his right eye. The thieves demanded more money and ordered the victim to get into the driver’s seat of his/her vehicle. The two thieves then got into the front and rear passenger seats and demanded he victim drive them to a nearby gas station where there was an ATM. When they were unable to get cash from the ATM, one of the robbers stabbed the victim in his/her hand, causing it to bleed. They demanded the victim take them to his/her residence, where he/she lived with his/her parents, to get more cash. When they arrived at the victim’s residence, one of the men stayed with the parents who were in the living room and the other thief went with the victim to his/her room. The thief took a small safe from the victim, pushed or struck the victim, then both men left the residence.

On Oct. 23, 2020, police officers were conducting surveillance in the area where the armed robberies occurred in an effort to locate Rochelle David, who lived in the apartment building where the second robbery occurred, in connection with a homicide investigation. She was seen leaving the apartment building in a vehicle with Samuel David and Ennice Ross. Officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle in the area of Admiral and Tracy. During the stop, Ross fired upon officers, resulting in his death. Ross, who had a teardrop tattoo on his face, fit the description of one of the robbery suspects.

When Samuel David was taken into custody following the traffic stop, the affidavit says, investigators learned his telephone number was the same number used to order pizza in both of the armed robberies. Investigators also discovered a series of text messages between Rochelle and Samuel David allegedly related to the second robbery. 

The charges contained in this complaint are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Byron H. Black. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Baltimore Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Fentanyl, Heroin, and Fentanyl Analogues and for Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm

 Agents Recovered Stolen Gun, Drugs, and Cash

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Brian Lockett, age 48, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 12 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for the federal charges of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and 100 grams of more of heroin, and to possession of a stolen firearm.  Fentanyl analogues are chemical compounds designed to have effects similar to fentanyl and can be just as deadly.  Lockett was charged in federal court as part of a federal-state initiative announced in December 2018 to combat the fentanyl crisis in Maryland.

Under this new initiative, titled the “Synthetic Opioid Surge,” or “SOS” for short, every arrest involving distribution of fentanyl made by law enforcement in Baltimore is reviewed jointly by the State’s Attorney’s Office for Baltimore City, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to determine whether the case will be handled in the state or federal system.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office will prosecute more cases involving fentanyl as a result of this new program.  The use of federal resources and statutes, which carry significant terms of imprisonment, is necessary to prosecute those individuals who pose the greatest threat to public safety in distributing lethal doses of fentanyl.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; and State’s Attorney for Baltimore City Marilyn Mosby.

“Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl—which is 50 to100 times stronger than morphine—can kill you,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur.  “State and federal law enforcement and prosecutors in Baltimore City are working together to arrest and prosecute those who peddle deadly fentanyl on our streets and bring gun violence to our neighborhoods.  Armed drug dealers who sell fentanyl, like Mr. Lockett, face federal time, where there are no suspended sentences and no parole—ever.  We will continue to get guns off of our streets and reduce the supply of fentanyl and related substances that are causing so many tragic overdoses.”

According to his guilty plea, on May 24, 2018, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Lockett’s residence in the 1500 block of East Preston Street.  Some of the agents knocked on the front door to announce their entry to execute the warrant.  As they did so, Lockett and another individual were caught going out the rear door of the home in an attempt to get away.

From Lockett’s basement bedroom, law enforcement recovered approximately 1,644 gelcaps, which laboratory analysis found contained acetylfentanyl, fentanyl, or heroin, as well as smaller quantities of small ziplocks containing suspected cocaine.  From under the mattress, agents recovered a 9mm handgun and a magazine for that weapon, loaded with 15 9mm cartridges.  Also in the basement were bottles labeled as quinine and several bags of white and brown powdered substances, believed to be drugs and drug cutting agents.  One of the bags was found to contain approximately 182.52 grams of a mixture of acetylfentanyl, fentanyl, and heroin.  Agents also recovered cash, a cellular phone, and other supplies used in the packaging for drugs for street-level sale.  The gun recovered from Lockett’s bedroom was found to be stolen.

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

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; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.  For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.        

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the DEA and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey M. Hann, a cross-designated Baltimore City Assistant State’s Attorney, who prosecuted the case.

Methuen Man Charged with Bank Robbery

 BOSTON – A Methuen man was arrested and charged yesterday in connection with robbing five banks in Middlesex County in August and September 2020.

Caio Costa, 25, was charged by criminal complaint with armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence. Costa was arrested on state charges on Sept. 26, 2020, following the robbery of a branch of the Salem Five Bank in Tewksbury. Costa was detained following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston yesterday.

According to charging documents, between Aug. 28, 2020 and Sept. 25, 2020, four federally insured banks were robbed in Middlesex County. In each of these robberies, the robber entered the bank wearing dark clothing and a motorcycle helmet and brandished a black revolver. Following each robbery, the robber escaped on a dark-colored motorcycle.

It is alleged that, on Sept. 25, 2020, an individual, later determined to be Costa, wearing dark clothing and a motorcycle helmet entered a branch of the Salem Five Bank in Tewksbury. Costa approached a teller, brandished what appeared to be a black revolver and demanded the bank’s money. The teller handed Costa cash and Costa exited the bank and sped away on a dark-colored motorcycle. Local law enforcement, who became aware of the robbery, observed Costa on the motorcycle in traffic and attempted to stop him. Costa allegedly fled, accelerating at speeds estimated to be 80-100 miles per hour while weaving in and out of traffic. Costa eventually crashed the motorcycle and escaped on foot, leaving his black helmet behind. 

The following day, Costa was located in a New Hampshire hotel and arrested without incident. During an interview with law enforcement, Costa admitted to the Sept. 25, 2020 armed robbery of the Salem Five Bank in Tewksbury; the Aug. 28, 2020 armed robbery of the Eastern Bank in Chelmsford; the Sept. 18, 2020 armed robbery of the People’s United Bank in Lowell; and the Sept. 18, 2020 armed robbery of the Reading Co-Op in Wilmington.  

The charge of armed bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence provides for a mandatory sentence of seven years in prison to be served consecutive to the armed robbery charges. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan; Tewksbury Police Chief Ryan M. Columbus; Lowell Police Chief Christopher Hurst; Wilmington Police Chief Joseph Desmond; and Chelmsford Police Chief James M. Spinney made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

Ex-Keesler Airman Sentenced to Over Ten Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography

 Gulfport, Miss. – Gianluca Quagliaroli, 21, of North Carolina, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 121 months in prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, for receipt of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Acting Special Agent in Charge Gilbert Trill of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Orleans, and Special Agent Shannon Robinson, Commander of Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) Detachment 407 at Keesler Air Force Base.  Quagliaroli was ordered to pay $9,000 in restitution to identified victims and $5,100 in special assessment fees.  He was also ordered to register as a sex offender.   

“I want to commend the work of our law enforcement and military for discovering and bringing this criminal to justice. Those who deal and trade in child pornography perpetuate harm against children and combatting and ending this elicit market of child pornography is a high priority for the Department of Justice,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.

“Those who serve in trusted public positions are not immune to investigation and prosecution, especially those who participate in the exploitation of children,” said HSI New Orleans acting Special Agent in Charge Gilbert Trill. “HSI is committed to protecting our nation’s children. This sentencing demonstrates the effectiveness our collaborative efforts with civilian and military law enforcement partners.”

Special Agent Robinson stated, “This was a total win coupled with great teamwork.  The Office of Special Investigations, Detachment 407, is proud to have uncovered such criminal activity, shedding light on it through persistent and diligent investigative work.  We’re thankful to have a great working relationship with the United States Attorney’s Office, who successfully prosecuted this case.”

On March 11, 2019, Quagliaroli received both photographs and videos of child pornography that he solicited through the social media site Instagram.  Quagliaroli then stored some of the child pornography on his Google Drive account.  Shortly thereafter, the child pornography was identified through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).  The NCMEC tip was ultimately referred to the AFOSI Detachment at Keesler Air Force Base, where subsequent investigation disclosed that then-Airman Quagliaroli had received the child pornography referenced in the tip.

Quagliaroli was originally indicted for this offense on February 12, 2020.  With the cooperation of law enforcement partners at Keesler AFB, Quagliaroli was arrested by civilian federal authorities for receipt of child pornography immediately following his discharge from the Air Force.  Quagliaroli pled guilty before Judge Ozerden on June 3, 2020.

Homeland Security Investigations and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner and Special Assistant United States Attorney Alexxa Pritchett.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Georgia man sentenced to four life sentences plus 10 years for drug distribution resulting in death

 CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Terrick Robinson, of Cartersville, Georgia, was sentenced today to life incarceration plus 10 years for drug distribution resulting in death and a myriad of other charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

“This was a horrible series of events.  The facts placed a powerful spotlight on the depravity of the drug trade and the extent that those involved will go to conduct their activities.  Nothing can bring back Ms. Dubois to her family, but the prosecution and the sentencing sent the only message we can send:  these types of crimes will be severely punished.  The prosecution is the result of excellent work by law enforcement in multiple jurisdictions and a dedicated prosecution team intent on rendering justice.  I once again offer my condolences to the family of Ms. Dubois,” said Powell.

After a nine-day trial in January 2020, a federal jury found Robinson, age 35, guilty of one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled Substances,” one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine – Aiding and Abetting,” one count of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride – Aiding and Abetting,” one count of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl – Aiding and Abetting,” one count of “Use of a Firearm During and in relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime – Aiding and Abetting,” one count of “Use and Carry a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime,” and one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury or Death.”  

During the trial, the jury heard testimony that Robinson trafficked and distributed more than 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, as well as cocaine hydrochloride and fentanyl, in Marion County and elsewhere from May 2018 to September 2018. He would travel from Georgia to West Virginia, trafficking the drugs from different motel and hotel rooms and other locations. Robinson and his conspirators carried at least three firearms during the drug trafficking crimes. 

At one of the motels in Lewis County on August 9, 2019, Robinson distributed fentanyl to Courtney Dubois of Fairmont, West Virginia. That drug, according to a forensic pathologist, was an independent sufficient cause of Courtney Dubois’ death. The jury heard testimony and saw evidence that Robinson took the body of the victim to Georgia, where he dismembered the body and disposed of it at the Bartow County Landfill.

“All too often, drug dealers use guns to further their violent criminal activities and threaten the safety of our communities” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow, of the Louisville Field Division which includes most of West Virginia. “ATF provides investigative resources that assist in the arrest and successful prosecution of violent criminals like Terrick Robinson.  We remain committed to working with our task force partners in arresting these offenders and pursing sentences that are commensurate with their criminal activity.”

“Today, our hearts are with Ms. Dubois’ family,” said Special Agent in Charge Todd Scott, head of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Louisville Division.  “As a father, I can’t even begin to fathom what they must feel, after losing their daughter in such a violent and horrific manner.  Those responsible for this heinous crime should expect the full weight of the justice system.”

Robinson was sentenced to life incarceration for each of the following counts: “Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled Substances,” “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine – Aiding and Abetting,” and “Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury or Death.”  

He also was sentenced to 480 months for “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride – Aiding and Abetting,” 240 months for “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl – Aiding and Abetting,” and 60 months each for “Use of a Firearm During and in relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime – Aiding and Abetting,” and “Use and Carry a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime.” The life sentences will run concurrently, along with the sentences for 480 months and 240 months. Each of the 60-month sentences will run consecutive to one another to total another 10 years of incarceration.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Three Rivers Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force; the West Virginia State Police; The Bartow County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office; the FBI in Rome, Georgia; and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation investigated.

U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

Charleston Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Drug Crimes

 CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Levi Kennith Carter, 31, of Charleston, was sentenced to five years in federal prison pursuant to his previous guilty pleas to two counts of distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, and one count of distribution of methamphetamine.  Following his release from prison, Carter will serve three years of supervised release. 

“31 years old and this is Carter’s third federal drug conviction,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Maybe “three’s a charm” but if not, we’ll make it a fourth.”

Carter previously admitted that on February 28, 2020, and March 3, 2020, he met with a confidential informant working with the Charleston Police Department at an apartment complex on Renaissance Circle in Charleston.  On each occasion, he sold the informant a mixture of heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.  Carter admitted that he again met with a confidential informant working with the Charleston Police Department on March 5, 2020, also at the same apartment complex, and sold the informant a quantity of methamphetamine.  Each transaction was monitored by law enforcement officers. 

Carter has two prior federal convictions in the Southern District of West Virginia for felony offenses tied to drug dealing activity, making this his third conviction.  On October 12, 2010, he was convicted of aiding and abetting the possession with intent to deliver crack cocaine, and on October 2, 2015, he was convicted of distribution of heroin.          

The Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation.   Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe handled the prosecution.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00073.

Sheep Springs man pleads guilty to second degree murder in Indian Country

            ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Garrett Neal, 27, of Sheep Springs, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty today to an indictment charging him with second degree murder in Indian Country. 

           According to his plea agreement, on July 12, 2015, Neal and an accomplice engaged in a fight with a man in Sheep Springs on the Navajo Nation.  During the fight, Neal punched and kicked the man while he was on the ground. Neal also hit the victim with rocks and brass knuckles to his head and throat, causing fatal injuries.  Neal admitted that he was aware the victim was trying to breathe, had attempted to run away and did not fight back.  The victim died at the scene as a result of the beating.   

           Neal remains in custody awaiting sentencing.  By the terms of the plea agreement, he faces five to 15 years in federal prison, followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.

           The FBI and the Navajo Division of Public Safety investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Novaline D. Wilson is prosecuting the case.

Bridgeport Drug Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 8 Years in Federal Prison

 John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EVAN SHEFFIELD, also known as “Smooth,” 34, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 97 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2017, members of the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Bridgeport Police Department began investigating individuals who were distributing narcotics in and around Bridgeport.  The investigation has included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics, physical and video surveillance, and the execution of multiple search and seizure warrants.  The investigation revealed that Sheffield, Antonio Small, Louis McDowell, Anthony Small, Michael Munn, Christopher Rodriguez and others were distributing large quantities of heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine.  The investigation further revealed that the co-conspirators were using Sheffield’s residence on Poplar Street in Bridgeport to store, process and package narcotics for street sale, and that Sheffield and his associates kept a firearm at his residence.

Sheffield was arrested on November 6, 2018.  On January 14, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin and a quantity of cocaine base (“crack”).

Sheffield, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 5, 2021.

Antonio Small, McDowell, Anthony Small, Munn and Rodriguez have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department, as well as the DEA, Connecticut State Police, and the Stratford, Norwalk, Seymour and Trumbull Police Departments.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck and Patrick J. Doherty.

Union County Man Charged with Additional Counts of Coercing and Enticing Victims for Purpose of Prostitution

 NEWARK, N.J. – A federal grand jury today indicted a Union County, New Jersey, man for allegedly persuading, inducing and enticing numerous female victims, usually commercial sex workers, to travel in interstate or foreign commerce to engage in prostitution and other sexual acts, often by use of force, violence and threats, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Jose Torres, 43, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, was charged in a second superseding indictment with his fifth and sixth counts of coercing and enticing commercial sex workers, and will be arraigned on those counts on a date to be determined. Torres was originally charged by complaint in February 2020 with two counts of coercing and enticing commercial sex workers. On May 29, 2020, he was indicted on three counts, including a third count involving another victim. On July 31, 2020, he was indicted on a fourth count involving another victim.

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

From May 2015 to October 2019, Torres persuaded, induced and enticed female victims, often commercial sex workers, to travel from various out of state locations, including Canada, New York, and Pennsylvania, in order to engage in prostitution with him. In each instance, Torres lured a female victim to New Jersey with promises of large payments. In three of the previously charged instances, when the victim asked for payment, Torres became aggressive, often assaulting and raping victim. Torres never paid the women. The two recently charged counts involve allegations that in December and November of 2015, Torres lured Victim-5 and Victim-6, respectively, to travel from New York to New Jersey to engage in prostitution.

The coercion and enticement charge carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 fine for each count.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, and special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, with the investigation leading to the charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emma Spiro of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Violent Crimes Unit in Newark.

The charges and allegations against Torres are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Latin Dragon Nation Member Sentenced to 510 Months In Prison Following Conviction for Racketeering Conspiracy Including Two Homicides

 HAMMOND- Ralph Mendez, Jr., 24, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon to 510 months in prison following his guilty plea to conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity as a member of the Latin Dragons Nation street gang, including admitting responsibility for two homicides, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

According to documents in the case, Mendez, Jr., admitted to being a member of the Latin Dragon Nation street gang since approximately 2014. As a member of the gang, Mendez, Jr., participated in shootings of suspected gang members and associates, in addition to drug and firearms trafficking.  On May 23, 2017, while accompanied by others, Mendez, Jr., left Hammond, Indiana, in a stolen vehicle to go to a rival gang neighborhood in Chicago. Upon arriving, he shot Jose Gomez, a suspected rival gang member, resulting in his death.  On July 14, 2017, in Chicago, Illinois, Mendez, Jr., was accompanied by others when he fired in excess of 15 shots at four people whom he suspected were rival gang members or associates, resulting in the death of Mike Whitford and resulting in another victim being shot in the neck.  From 2014 through 2017, Mendez, Jr., also accompanied others on shootings and himself shot four additional victims, including shooting one victim in the back as he attempted to flee.

“This sentence should send a loud message that if you are involved in illegal and violent activity in our communities, federal law enforcement is coming for you,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan. “I am extremely proud of the work of our agents and law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly on this case to ultimately hold the defendant accountable for his actions.”

“Violence, including firearms and narcotics trafficking, will not be tolerated by the community of Hammond,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kristen de Tineo of the Chicago Field Division. “Coordination among local, state and federal law enforcement as well as across state lines between Indiana and Illinois is an effective force multiplier in ensuring gang members are held accountable for the violence they perpetrate.”

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Chicago Police Department Criminal Enterprise Unit; the Cook County Sheriff’s Office; the Bartlett Police Department; the Hammond Police Department; the East Chicago Police Department; the Merrillville Police Department; the Hobart Police Department; the Lake County Sheriff’s Department; and the Calumet City Police Department, with assistance from the Lake County, Indiana Prosecutor’s Office, the Cook County, Illinois State’s Attorney’s Office, the Indiana Department of Corrections, and the Illinois Department of Corrections.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin F. Wolff and Maria N. Lerner and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Toth, with prior assistance from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph A. Cooley.

Nashua Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking

           CONCORD - Charles Daye, 28, of Nashua, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 23, 2019, following a traffic stop, Nashua police officers located fentanyl and cash on Daye’s person.  Evidence located on his cellphone, as well as Daye’s admissions, confirmed that he was distributing fentanyl in Nashua.  Subsequently, on December 17, 2019, and January 16, 2020, a cooperating individual working with law enforcement officers made controlled purchases of fentanyl from Daye.

            Daye is scheduled to be sentenced on February 1, 2021.

            “Fentanyl traffickers are damaging public health and safety by peddling a deadly substance,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Through Operation SOS, we are working with the Nashua Police Department and all our law enforcement partners in Hillsborough County to identify and prosecute the drug dealers who are endangering lives by selling fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.”  

             This matter was investigated by the Nashua Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.

             This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.).  In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts.  The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.   In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.

Wetzel County man admits to drug charge

 WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Nicholas D. Klem, of Proctor, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug trafficking operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Klem, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Klem admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine from August 2019 to August 2020 in Marshall County and elsewhere.

Klem faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.

Union City, PA Man Indicted on Child Sex Exploitation Charges

 ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Union City, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Joseph Edward Schwenk, 68, 61 Parade Street, Apt. 201, Union City, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, from January 2018 to May 2020, Schwenk received and possessed computer images depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. 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 the 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.

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

Bend Resident, Sentenced for Conspiracy to Manufacture and Distribute Marijuana Under the Name "BHOys"

 EUGENE, Ore.—A Bend, Oregon resident was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment today for running an illicit Butane Honey Oil (BHO) extraction lab on rural Bend property, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.

Jacob Genaro Robe, 31 years old, was sentenced to 3 years in federal prison and 3 years’ supervised release.

“BHO extraction is a highly volatile and dangerous process that has resulted in explosions injuring and killing Oregon residents. When Oregon citizens passed state laws legalizing and regulating the manufacture of marijuana products including BHO, it was meant to bring those black market operations into the light of day and create safeguards protecting the health and safety of Oregon consumers” said U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams. “Those laws are ineffective without enforcement. As this case demonstrates, there are individuals who will violate laws in pursuit of profits over consumer protections and we stand ready to hold them accountable.”

According to court documents, Robe and his brother created a vertical operation growing marijuana, manufacturing BHO and distributing it in other states for significant profit. On March 27, 2018, an Oregon State Police trooper stopped Jacob Robe for a traffic violation near Klamath Falls, Oregon.  The officer recognized signs of drug trafficking and eventually located more than $20,000 in cash, BHO, and hallucinogenic mushrooms.

The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team had previously received information regarding defendant and his brothers having a BHO lab and selling BHO in other states, and detectives served a search warrant on the brothers’ rural property in Bend, Oregon.  Also found were freezers with marijuana, drying racks with sheets of BHO and jars with their logo “THE BHOys.” (Photos)

In an unattached two-story structure approximately 179 large, mature, marijuana plants were located along with around 280 starter plants.  Law enforcement located an indoor marijuana grow with hundreds of plants, a closed-loop BHO lab, 18 pounds of BHO, 200 pounds of marijuana and thirteen firearms. Police located the firearms in various places in the residence, including positioned near the front door (photo) in the kitchen (photo) and in Robe’s bedroom.

On November 25, 2019 Robe was charged by information, and on January 29, 2020 pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana.

Robe forfeited $23,000 in U.S. currency.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team and Oregon State Police investigated this case. It was prosecuted by Jeffrey S. Sweet, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, and the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office.

Labeled jars for butane honey oil (BHO)

Handgun in kitchen of Robe’s residence

Firearm near door in Robe’s residence

BHO extraction lab on Robe’s property

3 dimensional BHOys logo in a case

Schuylkill County Man Pleads Guilty To Methamphetamine Trafficking

 SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Shaquane Scott, age 31, of Frackville, Schuylkill County, pleaded guilty on October 27, 2020, before U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Karoline Mehalchick, for distribution of methamphetamine.        

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Scott admitted to distributing between 50 and 150 grams of highly-pure crystal methamphetamine in the Schuylkill County area over a several-week period in February and March 2019.  Scott’s girlfriend, Samantha Blume, age 28, of Frackville, was also indicted in September 2019 for methamphetamine trafficking.  Blume’s charges are still pending.

Magistrate Judge Mehalchick ordered that a presentence report be completed.  Sentencing will be scheduled before United States District Court Judge Malachy Mannion at a later date.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement 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 enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.

A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.  The maximum sentence under federal law is up to 40 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs.  For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

Denver Woman Pleads Guilty To Distribution Of Heroin Resulting In Death

 Defendant also sold heroin to an undercover DEA agent

DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced that Alicia Morelli, age 35, of Denver, pleaded guilty yesterday afternoon to distribution of heroin resulting in death.  Morelli appeared at the change of plea hearing in person and in custody.  She was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal at the conclusion of the hearing. The Denver Division of the DEA joins in this announcement. 

According to the stipulated facts contained in the plea agreement, on June 19, 2019, Denver Police officers responded to a Denver apartment on the report of an unresponsive female.  Upon arrival, first responders located a deceased female lying on the bedroom floor.  A syringe, a spoon with liquid, and an amount of suspected heroin were located on the table next to where the woman was lying.  The Office of the Medical Examiner for the City and County of Denver later determined the woman died as a result of the “toxic effects of heroin.”

Shortly after learning of the woman’s death, Denver Police Detectives assigned to the DEA’s Front Range Task Force used information from the victim’s phone to contact the defendant, who had sold the victim the fatal dose of heroin on June 18.  Between June 25, 2019, and October 30, 2019, an undercover Denver Police Detective made five separate purchases of heroin from the defendant.  At the conclusion of the controlled purchase on October 30, 2019, federal task force officers and uniformed officers arrested the defendant.

Morelli is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter McNeilly.  The guilty plea was tendered before U.S. District Court Judge William J. Martinez.  Sentencing is scheduled for April 14, 2021.  The case is being investigated by the Denver Division of the DEA and the Denver Police Department.  

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado.  Related court documents can be found on PACER.  The defendant’s case number is 20-cr-50.

Department of Justice Announces the Use of Body-Worn Cameras on Federal Task Forces

 Today, the Justice Department announced that it will permit state, local, territorial, and tribal task force officers to use body-worn cameras on federal task forces around the nation.  The department’s policy will permit federally deputized officers to activate a body-worn camera while serving arrest warrants, or during other planned arrest operations, and during the execution of search warrants.  The policy is the result of a pilot program launched by the department last October.

“After spending a substantial amount of time examining this issue, assessing the results of the pilot program, and taking into account the interests and priorities of all the law enforcement agencies involved, I am pleased to announce that the department will permit the use of body-worn cameras on our federal task forces in specific circumstances,” said Attorney General William P. Barr.  “The Department of Justice has no higher priority than ensuring the safety and security of the American people and this policy will continue to help us fulfill that mission.”

The Department of Justice, through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the FBI; and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), partners with state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement on hundreds of federal task forces throughout the nation. Together, these task forces work to combat violent crime, stem the flow of illegal narcotics, and arrest dangerous fugitives. 

On Oct. 28, 2019, after consulting with a number of state and local law enforcement associations, the Attorney General announced a pilot program to consider the use of body-worn cameras on federal task forces.  In January 2020, federal task force officers in several pilot cities began using body-worn cameras on task force operations and concluded the pilot program on Sept. 1, 2020.           

The department would like to thank the Houston Police Department, Detroit Police Department, Wichita Police Department, Salt Lake City Police Department and Park City Police Department for their participation in the pilot program, as well as all of the state and local law enforcement leaders that have provided input and guidance.

State and local agencies that would like to participate in DOJ’s task force body-worn camera program may contact the Special-Agent-in-Charge of the federal agency sponsoring the task force, or, in the case of USMS-led task forces, the federal district’s U.S. Marshal.  Due to the large number of state and local agencies nationwide that may like to participate, federal agencies may establish a graduated process to onboard partner agencies to the body-worn camera program.  This will ensure an orderly and coordinated process to deal with the technical, training, and operational considerations involved in establishing a large-scale body-worn camera program.

Read the policy:  Use of Body-Worn Cameras by Federally Deputized Task Force Member

Federal Law Enforcement Arrest Three Citizens of Mexico for Methamphetamine/Heroin Distribution Operation in San Antonio and South Texas

 Drug Trafficking Organization Leader Coordinated Narcotics Deliveries from within an Oklahoma Federal Prison Using Contraband Cell Phones

Federal and state authorities arrested three citizens of Mexico today for their roles in a methamphetamine and heroin distribution operation, announced U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Steven S. Whipple, Houston Division.

Those arrested today include: 27-year-old Daisy Menera and 22-year-old Jose Adam Alejandre-Navarro in Houston, TX; 46-year-old Manuel Montoya, in San Angelo, TX.

A federal grand jury indictment unsealed today charges those arrested, along with three other citizens of Mexico who were already in custody prior to today, with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin.  The other indicted defendants include: 47-year-old Marco Antonio Morales-Perez, 23-year-old Christopher Valenzuela Ramirez, and 44-year-old Israel Villegas Alcantar.

The indictment alleges that under the leadership of Morales-Perez, this organization was responsible for the coordination and distribution of over 80 kilograms of methamphetamine from Mexico to San Antonio and other areas in South Texas from June 2018 to February 2020.  According to the indictment, Morales-Perez coordinated narcotics deliveries from within the Great Plains Correctional Institution in Hinton, OK, using contraband cell phones smuggled into the facility by way of drones. 

“The idea that Mexican nationals can sell poison to Texans using drones and smuggled cell phones while serving time in a U.S. prison should worry us all.  As transnational criminal organizations become more sophisticated, law enforcement must be given the support, tools, and resources to stop them. Thanks to the combined efforts of our partners in the DEA, FBI, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, and the San Antonio Police Department, these defendants will now be held accountable,” stated U.S. Attorney Sofer.

“Methamphetamine and heroin are vicious drugs that continue to cause horrific damage in too many of our communities,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Whipple. “These indictments and arrests, as part of Operation Shawshank, conclude a 28-month investigation and demonstrate the level of sophistication utilized by the criminal organizations and the challenges faced by law enforcement.  The coordination and management of drug trafficking from within a correctional facility by these subjects underscores this and it is only through the professionalism of law enforcement on both sides of the border that these successes can be achieved.” 

To date, authorities have seized approximately 70 kilograms of methamphetamine and seven kilograms of heroin attributable to this drug trafficking organization.

Upon conviction, defendants face between ten years and life in federal prison.  All of those arrested today remain in federal custody.  Detention hearings are expected to occur next week in U.S. Magistrate Court in San Antonio. 

The DEA, FBI, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office and the San Antonio Police Department are conducting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation with assistance from the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Texas Department of Public Safety, Leon Valley Police Department, Hollywood Park Police Department, Castle Hills Police Department and Live Oak Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Fuchs is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.

The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering operations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.

It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt.  The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Española man sentenced to 16 years in federal prison for robbery, assault, and firearms crimes

               ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Michael Duran, 33, of Española, New Mexico, and a member of the Ohkay Owingeh tribe, was sentenced in federal court in Albuquerque on Oct. 21 to 16 years and six months in prison after pleading guilty to charges of robbery, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.

              According to court records, on two separate occasions Duran entered a business with the intent to rob it with a firearm.  On Oct. 1, 2017, Duran entered the San Pedro Shell gas station and store located near Española on the Santa Clara Pueblo, pointed a firearm at the store clerk and demanded money from the cash register.  Duran got away with $50 in cash and several boxes of cigarettes. On Oct. 16, 2017, Duran approached the walk-up order window at the El Parasol Restaurant in Española, also on the Santa Clara Pueblo, and demanded money while pointing a firearm at a restaurant employee.  Duran fired his weapon into the business and fled the scene.  No one was injured.

              Upon his release from prison, Duran will serve three years of supervised release.

            The Bureau of Indian Affairs – Northern Pueblo Agency investigated this case with assistance from the Española Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys David P. Cowen and Jennifer M. Rozzoni prosecuted the case.

Convicted Felon Sentenced To More Than 20 Years In Prison For Drug Trafficking And Firearm Related Offenses

 GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Daniel LeBron, 47, of Cross City, Florida, was sentenced on October 26, 2020, to a total of 21 and a half years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams methamphetamine, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.

“The sale and use of methamphetamines in our communities has devastating and wide-reaching effects and must be stopped,” said U.S. Attorney Keefe. “With the help of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we will continue to pursue, prosecute, and punish those who bring these drugs into hometowns across Northern Florida.”

Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have been working with deputies from the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) to investigate and prosecute individuals who are distributing large amounts of methamphetamine in the Dixie County area. On April 24, 2019, deputies from DCSO conducted a traffic stop on LeBron and arrested him after a search led to the discovery of two ounces of methamphetamine, pills, and more than $10,000 cash. The deputies also recovered the key to a safe from around LeBron’s neck. When DEA agents executed a federal search warrant at his residence, they used the key to open a safe found in his bedroom. Inside the safe, agents located an additional 7 ounces of methamphetamine, more pills, and drug paraphernalia. Agents also discovered two firearms in LeBron’s bedroom; an AR-15 and a loaded .22 caliber rifle. LeBron admitted that he had been dealing methamphetamine.

“Our law enforcement partnerships play such a vital role in fighting violent crime and protecting the public,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Daryl McCrary. “This sentencing is another example that working jointly with our partners is making our communities safer.”

Further investigation by the DEA revealed that LeBron was involved with several others in an ongoing conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the Dixie County area. Agents determined that over the course of the conspiracy, LeBron had trafficked over 7 kilograms of methamphetamine to individuals in Dixie County.

“LeBron is a dangerous methamphetamine trafficker who is now off the streets of Dixie County,” said DEA’s Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Keith Weis.

LeBron will serve 16 and a half years on the methamphetamine charge followed by 5 years on the firearm in furtherance charge.  The Court also ordered 10 years of supervised release following LeBron’s prison term. LeBron is now a five-time convicted felon with prior convictions for 2^nd Degree Murder and Escape.

This sentencing resulted from the collaborative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Elsey.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.