Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Charge

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Aaron Acevedo, 27, of Syracuse, New York pled guilty in federal court today to possessing with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon, Ray Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, and Chief Kenton Buckner, City of Syracuse Police Department.

As part of his guilty plea, Acevedo admitted that in June 2020 he possessed, and intended to distribute, more than 40 grams of heroin and more than 120 grams of cocaine.  Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby scheduled sentencing for August 4, 2021 in Syracuse, New York.  At sentencing, Acevedo faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $2,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least six years and up to life.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Syracuse Police Department, the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Investigators from the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the New York State Police, and the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicolas Commandeur and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian LaRochelle.

Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas on the Grave Risk of Children Travelling with Smugglers

 “The inhumane way smugglers abuse children while profiting off parents’ desperation is criminal and morally reprehensible. Just this month, a young girl died by drowning, a six-month-old was thrown into the river, and two young children were dropped from a wall and left in the desert alone. There can be no doubt that children are exceptionally vulnerable when placed in the hands of smugglers. There is grave risk they will be exploited and harmed.  I applaud our heroic Border Patrol agents who have saved lives this week and every week, while putting their own lives at risk for the greater good of the country.”

New Britain Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Selling Fentanyl and Crack

 Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JORDAN FLYTHE, also known as “T,” 28, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl and crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and Hartford Police Department identified Flythe as a narcotics distributor who supplied various gang members in the Hartford’s South End.  On February 3, 2020, after investigators conducted a controlled purchase of approximately six grams of crack cocaine from Flythe in exchange for $300 in Hartford, Hartford Police stopped Flythe’s vehicle and arrested Flythe on state narcotics charges.  A search of Flythe’s vehicle and person at the time of his arrest revealed approximately 20 grams of crack, a digital scale and $3,450 in cash.    

Shortly after Flythe was released on bond in his state case, investigators made controlled purchases from Flythe of approximately 12 grams of crack on February 12, 100 sleeves of fentanyl and approximately eight grams of crack on February 17, and approximately 7 grams of crack on February 25.

On February 26, 2020, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of a Hartford apartment Flythe used to store, process and package narcotics and seized more than 30 grams of fentanyl, 18 grams of crack, nine ounces of marijuana and $5,582 in cash.  A search of Flythe’s New Britain residence revealed approximately 52 grams of heroin and $3,357 in cash.

Flythe has been detained since his federal arrest on February 26, 2020.  On October 9, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”).

The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

Harrison County Meth Dealer Sentenced to Decade in Federal Prison

 Prosecution Comes as Part of “Operation Pine Curtain,” a Multiagency Effort of Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement

MARSHALL, Texas – A Marshall, Texas, man was sentenced to federal prison today for drug trafficking crimes in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Fernie Moreno, 35, pleaded guilty on Nov. 23, 2020, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Rodney Gilstrap.

“Drug traffickers who ply their deadly wares in our communities will be met with harsh consequences,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.  “EDTX, along with its law enforcement partners, will do whatever it takes to ensure that Harrison County is kept safe and drug free.”               

According to information presented in court, Moreno was a member of a criminal organization responsible for selling large quantities of methamphetamine in Marshall.  Moreno and eight others were indicted by a federal grand jury on Feb. 19, 2020, with five of these co-defendants already having been sentenced for their roles in the criminal conspiracy. Danny Brian Hernandez was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison, while Ronald Charles Parker received 14 years, Armando Ivan De La Torre received 16 years, Daniel Ramirez received 10 years, and Martin Lopez received 10 years.  Pursuant to Operation Pine Curtain, numerous other co-conspirators have been arrested and are awaiting dispositions in their respective cases.

Operation Pine Curtain is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Texas Department of Public Safety; the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office; and the Marshall Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.

 

Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Heroin Trafficking

 Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on March 8, 2021 by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Jonathan Edward Brown, age 34, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Brown was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 1, 2020.  He pled guilty on December 14, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning on an unknown date and continuing until on or about September 1, 2020, when Brown knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with others to distribute a mixture and substance containing 100 grams or more of heroin.

Brown voluntarily and intentionally joined in the agreement to distribute heroin.  Brown also knew the purpose of the agreement.  Brown obtained over 100 grams of heroin from a co-conspirator and re-distributed to drug customers in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere.  Heroin is a Schedule I controlled substance.

This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.

Brown was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Leader of Darknet Drug Distribution Conspiracy Sentenced to Federal Prison

 PORTLAND, Ore.—The leader of and final defendant in a darknet drug distribution conspiracy was sentenced to federal prison today for his role in operating a narcotic vendor site that facilitated thousands of purchases of MDMA and generated nearly $200,000 in drug trafficking revenue, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug.

James Campbell Cardwell, 28, of Tigard, Oregon, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, Cardwell operated a large MDMA darknet vendor site called “The Collective.” Cardwell, through The Collective, distributed nearly six kilograms of MDMA in one and ten-gram quantities. Cardwell oversaw and ran the operation from his Tigard residence. Cardwell’s three co-conspirators, Gordon Filemu Cady, 35, of Portland; Heidi Gravier, 31, of Portland; and Ruth Lacy Gloe, 38, of Salem, Oregon, conspired to import and possess with intent to distribute MDMA, ketamine and cocaine.

During a search of Cardwell’s residence in May 2018, investigators located drug packaging paraphernalia, numerous pills, digital scales, mailing envelopes, an unknown white powder, a grinder containing an unknown white powder, 11 baggies containing 21 grams of MDMA, $1,670 in cash, several cell phones and computers, and a loaded 9mm firearm. Based on a review of records seized, Cardwell was involved in more than 3,000 transactions generating more than $197,000.

In August 2018, following Cardwell’s arrest and while he was on pretrial supervision, federal agents learned he was attempting to sell the login credentials for two darknet vendor accounts that he had operated during the charged offense. Later, in November 2018, Cardwell arranged to purchase a counterfeit Canadian passport and British Columbia driver’s license so he could leave the country.

On June 26, 2018, Cardwell, Cady, Gravier, and Gloe were all indicted on drug trafficking offenses. By February 2021, all of Cardwell’s co-conspirators had pleaded guilty and been sentenced to time served in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.

This case was investigated by a HIDTA Interdiction Task Force comprised of Homeland Security Investigations and the Portland Police Bureau. It was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

This case was brought as part of the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. The Oregon HIDTA program was established by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) in June of 1999. In 2015, the program expanded into Idaho and was renamed the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA. The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA consists of 14 counties and the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. Counties in the HIDTA include Oregon’s Clackamas, Deschutes, Douglas, Jackson, Lane, Linn, Malheur, Marion, Multnomah, Umatilla and Washington counties, and Idaho’s Ada, Bannock and Canyon counties.

Branson Man Indicted for Threatening Sheriff’s Department

 SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Branson, Missouri, man has been indicted for threatening on the internet to injure employees of the Los Angeles County, California, Sheriff’s Department.

Joshua L. Bippert, 26, was charged in a single-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo., on March 23, 2021. The indictment was unsealed and made public on Tuesday, March 30, following Bippert’s arrest and initial court appearance.

The federal indictment alleges that Bippert communicated the threat over the internet to the Sheriff’s Department between Sept. 20 and 21, 2020.

The charge contained in this indictment is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge 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 Casey Clark. It was investigated by the FBI and the Los Angeles County, Calif., Sheriff’s Department.

Westlake man sentenced to 13 years for possession with intent to distribute meth, cocaine, marijuana and firearms offenses

 Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Ryan Gallo, age 26, of Westlake, Ohio, was sentenced on Tuesday, March 30, to 157 months imprisonment by U.S. Judge John R. Adams. Gallo pleaded guilty in December of 2020 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

“Federal convictions for trafficking in methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana, when coupled with a conviction for carrying a loaded firearm to further those drug dealing efforts, will result in a  significant term of incarceration, like the sentence imposed here,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan. “We are grateful for the hard work and diligent efforts of the Broadview Heights Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration.”

“The sentencing of Gallo to more than 13 years in prison puts all drug traffickers on notice that they will be held accountable for their illegal conduct,” said DEA Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin. “Throughout the course of this investigation, agents seized firearms, methamphetamines and marijuana from Gallo. DEA remains committed to protecting Ohioans from those who prey on our communities.”

On August 26, 2020, Gallo was stopped by an officer with the Broadview Heights Police Department after reports that he had left the scene of an accident and was driving erratically. The officer identified Gallo as the driver and noted recent damage to the front of his vehicle. After identifying alcohol and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle, Gallo was placed under arrest, and his person and vehicle were searched.

During the search, officers located approximately 473 grams of methamphetamine, 25 grams of cocaine, 1,134 grams of marijuana and a loaded .32 caliber revolver. Gallo is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a 2018 drug trafficking conviction in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.

This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Broadview Heights Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret A. Sweeney.

Former Southern University Band Director Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzlement Charges

 Acting United States Attorney Ellison C. Travis announced that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Nathan Haymer, age 43, of Houston, Texas, to 13 months in federal prison following his conviction for federal program theft.  The Court further sentenced Haymer to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $78,690.16, as well as a money judgment for the same amount. 

According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, Haymer served as Director of Bands at Southern University A&M College (“Southern University”) and, in that role, was responsible for leading Southern University’s marching band, which performed at Southern University athletic events and a wide variety of other events both within Louisiana and across the United States.  Haymer’s duties included making purchases and paying expenses during the band’s trips.

According to the Bill of Information containing the charges, from November 2016 through March 2018, Haymer intentionally misapplied more than $30,000 that Southern University had provided to him to be used for official band expenses.  Specifically, according to the Bill, on more than a dozen occasions, Haymer submitted false documents, such as fictitious and forged invoices from purported vendors, knowing that he had not incurred the expenses reflected on the documents. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Travis stated, “The conviction and sentence of Mr. Haymer reaffirms our commitment to investigating, arresting, and prosecuting individuals who betray the trust of taxpayers.  Great credit goes to our partnership with local authorities for this result.  I want to thank our prosecutor, the FBI, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, and Louisiana State Police for their work on this case.”

“Mr. Haymer willfully stole money that was intended to support the students and their nationally acclaimed band program at Southern University.  We hope that this sentencing brings a level of comfort and satisfaction that justice has prevailed for the students and the taxpayers that Mr. Haymer attempted to defraud," said Bryan Vorndran, FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge.  “I would like to thank the efforts put forth by our partners at the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, Louisiana State Police, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Louisiana for helping the FBI disrupt fraud like this.”

“It is disappointing when seemingly trustworthy employees misuse public funds.  We will continue to aggressively investigate such complaints to ensure public funds are used for their intended purposes,” states Roger Harris, Director of Investigative Audit for the Legislative Auditor’s Office.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, and Louisiana State Police, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alan Stevens, who also serves as Senior Litigation Counsel.    

United States Attorney's Office District of Arizona February 2021 Immigration and Border Crimes Report

 I.  Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)

190 individuals were charged in February with illegal reentry

A.  151 of those 190 individuals had previously been convicted of non-immigration criminal offenses in the U.S.

Of the 151 individuals with non-immigration criminal records:

1.  44 had violent crime convictions, including:

2 individuals had homicide convictions
1 individual had a sex offense conviction
10 individuals had domestic violence convictions

 2.  5 had property crime convictions

3.  24 had DUI convictions

4.  78 had drug crime convictions

B.  83 of those 190 individuals had been deported three or more times

II.  Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)

         28 individuals were charged in February with alien smuggling

III.  Illegal Entry (Criminal Consequence Initiative) (8 U.S.C. 1325)

          0 individuals were charged in February with illegal entry on the CCI calendar

Criminal conviction information is based on preliminary criminal history reports provided by the arresting agency.

These numbers represent United States Attorney's Office prosecutions only. These numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process.

*The Department of Homeland Security instituted a policy in March 2020 of expeditiously returning aliens who illegally enter the United States rather than detaining them. The decreased number of individuals presented to this Office for prosecution coincides with the implementation of that policy and other COVID-19 related border restrictions.

RELEASE NUMBER:    2021-019_February Immigration and Border Crimes Report

Central Falls Man Sentenced to Thirty-Five Years in Prison for Creating and Distributing Child Pornography

 PROVIDENCE – A Central Falls man who admitted to repeatedly abusing a toddler that he photographed and filmed in various stages of undress, displaying her genitalia, and of him engaged in sexually explicit conduct with her, was sentenced today to 35 years in federal prison.

 According to court documents, Jose A. Cortes, 41, had regular access to a female toddler and used that relationship with her to sexually abuse her multiple times. He memorialized the abuse by filming and taking photographs of his actions.

In addition to creating a library of photographs and video of his abuse of the toddler beginning when she was approximately two-and-a-half years old, Cortes admitted to amassing a sizeable collection of thousands of images of child pornography, including a video of a prepubescent child in bondage being raped.

According to court documents, Cortes criminal conduct first came to the attention of the Central Falls Police Department when an acquaintance of Cortes told police that Cortes showed him images on a tablet of teenaged girls and images of babies being molested. While showing off the images, Cortes came upon images of the known victim and said, “That’s me with [redacted] daughter.”

According to court documents, Cortes told the induvial he would place the toddler’s sibling in another room with video games and treats so he could “do what he does to her.” He added, “If you’re gonna do this, you gotta get the children that don’t talk, they’re babies.”

Jose Cortes, detained since his arrest on April 19, 2018, pleaded guilty on June 15, 2020, to two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of possession of child pornography.

Cortes was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to 35 years in federal prison to be followed by lifetime federal supervised release, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus and Central Falls Police Chief Colonel Anthony Roberson.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton.

Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus acknowledges and thanks the Rhode Island State Police and Homeland Security Investigations for their assistance in the investigation, and the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General for their assistance preparing the case for prosecution in U.S. District Court.

Wayne and Clarke County Men Sentenced for Methamphetamine Trafficking Offenses

 DES MOINES, IA – On Tuesday, March 30, 2021, United States District Court Senior Judge James E. Gritzner sentenced Jaime Morales Cisneros, age 27, of Corydon, to 126 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute five grams or more of actual methamphetamine announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. On the same date, Judge Gritzner sentenced Chad Andrew Moore, age 39, of Allerton, to 141 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine; and Seth Brian Miller, age 28, of Corydon, to four years of probation for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

The above individuals were the last participants to be sentenced of the defendants charged in this methamphetamine conspiracy. On March 10, 2021, Judge Gritzner sentenced Travis Wesley Boyce, age 47, of Humeston, to 97 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. On March 10, 2021, Judge Gritzner sentenced Ruben Rios-Sanchez, age 33, of Osceola, who was charged in a separate indictment, to 300 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Following each of the prison terms the defendants will serve several years of supervised release.

In 2017 and 2018, Osceola-resident Rios-Sanchez was supplying Morales with methamphetamine for re-distribution. Morales in turn supplied Moore, Boyce, and Miller with methamphetamine that they sold to customers in South Central Iowa. At times, Rios-Sanchez also directly supplied Moore, Boyce, and Miller with methamphetamine. The conspiracy involved drug transactions in several South-Central Iowa Counties, including Wayne, Clarke, and Lucas.

This case was investigated by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, South Central Iowa Drug Task Force, Osceola Police Department, Chariton Police Department, Centerville Police Department, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Des Moines Police Department, Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force, and the Wayne County Attorney’s Office. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Lexington Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Filing False Tax Returns

 LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Lexington man pled guilty Tuesday, to charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and filing false tax returns.           

Ricky L. Meek, 63, pled guilty to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of filing false tax returns.            

The information charged that Meek conspired with J.M., the daughter of H.W., to receive and spend funds, that were deposited in a federally insured financial institution, under false pretenses.  In his guilty plea agreement, Meek admitted that he and J.M. failed to notify the Kentucky Teachers Retirement System (KTRS) of H.W.’s death, back in 2014.  Then, for a period of nearly five years, Meek and J.M. took H.W.’s pension benefits, which were continuing to be deposited in H.W.’s bank account, even though H.W. was only entitled to those benefits for her lifetime.  Meek admitted that he and J.M. purported to act as H.W. (or H.W.’s power of attorney) when withdrawing and spending the money.  As a result of his actions, Meek admitted to causing KTRS to pay out $256,253.13 in retirement benefits improperly. He also admitted to failing to report those funds on his tax returns.           

Carlton S. Shier, IV, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS – Criminal Investigation; and Lesley C. Allison, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge of the Pittsburg Division, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and United States Postal Inspection Service.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Anderson.

Meek is scheduled to appear on July 15, 2021, for sentencing at 1:00 p.m.  He faces up to 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1,000,000 on the bank fraud charges and up to three years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,00 on the false tax return charges.  Any sentence, however, will be set by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable sentencing statutes.  Meek has agreed to provide restitution in this case.

Former CEO Of Melrose Credit Union Convicted Of Bribery Schemes In Manhattan Federal Court

 Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the conviction in Manhattan federal court of ALAN KAUFMAN for participating in a scheme in which KAUFMAN, who was then the Chief Executive Officer of Melrose Credit Union (“Melrose CU”), accepted rent-free housing and financing for the purchase of his personal residence from Tony Georgiton as a reward for the approval of millions of dollars in loans to Georgiton’s companies at favorable terms.  KAUFMAN was also convicted for accepting lavish vacations, including to Paris and Hawaii, from a media company and other vendors, as a reward  for Melrose CU purchasing increased advertising from those companies.  The jury convicted KAUFMAN today following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan.  Georgiton pleaded guilty before Judge Kaplan on September 9, 2020.

U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “A unanimous Manhattan jury has found that Alan Kaufman, the former CEO of Melrose Credit Union, accepted luxurious gifts from Georgiton as a reward for favorable loan rates for his companies. In doing so, Kaufman shirked his fiduciary obligation to act in the best interests of Melrose to instead exploit his control of union funds for his own personal gain.  Melrose’s members certainly deserved better representation than Alan Kaufman, who placed his own selfish needs above theirs – and thanks to the work of the FBI, Kaufman and Georgiton both stand convicted of federal crimes.”

According to the Indictment, documents previously filed in the case, and evidence introduced at trial:

In 2010, Georgiton purchased a home in Jericho, New York (the “Jericho Residence”) and permitted KAUFMAN to live in that home rent-free for over two years.  While KAUFMAN was living rent-free at the Jericho Residence, KAUFMAN personally approved the refinancing of over $100 million worth of loans at Melrose CU held by a company owned by Georgiton with favorable terms. The head of Melrose CU’s loan department did not sign off on the loans given to Georgiton because, among other things, he believed that the terms were too favorable and did not comply with Melrose CU’s loan policy.

In 2011, KAUFMAN sought approval from Melrose CU’s Board of Directors for Melrose CU to purchase the naming rights to a ballroom under construction in Astoria, Queens (the “Melrose Ballroom”).  That ballroom was owned by a company owned by Georgiton.  KAUFMAN did not disclose to the Melrose Board that he was living rent-free in a house owned by Georgiton at the time he sought Board approval for the naming rights acquisition.  Over the next five years, Melrose CU paid $2 million to Georgiton’s company for the naming rights to the Melrose Ballroom.  KAUFMAN also directed that payment for the naming rights be paid a year in advance of the Melrose Ballroom’s actual opening for operations.   

In 2013, KAUFMAN purchased the Jericho Residence from Georgiton, with financing that largely came from Georgiton.  To purchase the Jericho Residence, KAUFMAN took out a $200,000 loan from Melrose CU co-signed by Georgiton and secured by Georgiton’s shares in Melrose CU.  Georgiton also gave KAUFMAN a $240,000 unsecured personal loan.  Georgiton has never made a demand for payment on that personal loan and KAUFMAN has never made a payment on that personal loan.  Rather than repay the loan, the following year, KAUFMAN purchased a used Maserati sports car for his wife, valued at over $100,000. 

In addition, from in or about 2010 through in or about 2015, KAUFMAN solicited and accepted lavish vacations and other gifts worth tens of thousands of dollars from a media company (“Media Company-1”) and other media vendors, as a reward  for KAUFMAN’s approval of advertising spending by Melrose CU.  For example, in 2010, Media Company-1 paid for KAUFMAN and his wife, who also worked at Melrose CU, to fly to Paris, France, and stay at the Four Seasons George V Paris.  In 2012, Media Company-1 paid for KAUFMAN and his wife to fly to Maui, Hawaii and stay at the Four Seasons in Wailea.  In 2013, Media Company-1 paid for KAUFMAN and his wife to attend the Super Bowl in New Orleans.

KAUFMAN did not seek approval for these vendor-paid trips from the Melrose CU Board, nor did he disclose these vendor-paid trips to the Melrose CU Board, in violation of Melrose CU’s anti-bribery policy.          

*                      *                      *

KAUFMAN was found guilty of two counts of bribery of a financial institution officer, which each carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.  KAUFMAN was found not guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit bribery of a financial institution officer.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.  KAUFMAN is scheduled to appear for sentencing before Judge Kaplan on June 23, 2021.

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding work of the FBI.  She also thanked the National Credit Union Administration for their efforts and ongoing support and assistance with the case.

The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit.  Assistant United States Attorneys Dina McLeod, Michael McGinnis, and Nicholas Chiuchiolo are in charge of the prosecution.

Searsport Man Sentenced for Attempting to Transfer Obscene Material to a Minor

 BANGOR, Maine:  A Searsport man was sentenced in federal court today for attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor, Acting U.S. Attorney Donald E. Clark announced.

U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Nicholas Norwood, 35, to a year and a day in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Norwood pleaded guilty on November 14, 2019. 

According to court records, in April 2019, Norwood, formerly of Frankfort, used a mobile messaging service to send an image of his genitalia to an undercover federal agent posing as a 13-year-old girl.  

The Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office and the Maine State Police investigated the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.

Nassau Felon Sentenced To 10 Years In Federal Prison For Possession Of Firearms And Illegal Drugs

 Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan today sentenced Justin Aaron Redding (37, Callahan) to 10 years in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Redding to forfeit more than $31,000, two handguns, and ammunition which are traceable to proceeds of the offense.         

Redding had pleaded guilty on October 22, 2020.

According to court documents, pursuant to an investigation regarding Redding, law enforcement officers located Redding walking outside a hotel on the Southside area of Jacksonville. At the time, Redding had several outstanding felony warrants. Following a foot pursuit of Redding, on his person and in his car, officers located two handguns with ammunition, more than $31,000, 205 grams of methamphetamine, 45 grams of cocaine, 4 grams of heroin, and 17 grams of marijuana.

Prior to these events, Redding had been convicted of various felony drug offenses. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. At the time of this offense, Redding had been out of prison for approximately one year.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Florida Highway Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Beatriz Gonzalez and Special Assistant United States Attorney Cyrus P. Zomorodian.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce Federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the Fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence and enhances coordination of Federal, State, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. For more information on Project Guardian visit www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

Columbus Area Drug Trafficking Organization Disrupted

 Seizure consisted of over 114 pounds of methamphetamine, along with heroin, fentanyl, marijuana, and 115 firearms

Indianapolis – Acting U.S. Attorney John E. Childress announced today that an extensive drug trafficking organization that was responsible for selling large quantities of illegal drugs in the Columbus area has been dismantled. Thirty-six individuals were indicted by a grand jury on various federal charges, including possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and felon in possession of a firearm. Twenty-four have already been convicted and sentenced to federal prison.

“The large drug trafficking organizations not only saturate our communities with illegal drugs, they bring gun violence and contribute to the addiction problems facing the Hoosier state and nation,” said Childress. “Federal law enforcement will continue to work with state and local law enforcement to eliminate these organizations and assure the citizens who live in the Southern District of Indiana that we are committed and determined to keep the communities where they live safe.”

Bartholomew County Chief Deputy Prosecutor, Gregory E. Long said, “We have a good working relationship with our federal partners, and I look forward to continuing to work together as a team to help stop the flow of illegal drugs from entering our community.”

In 2018, federal agents and officers assigned to the Bartholomew County Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET) initiated an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation called Operation Columbus Day.

During the investigation, agents and officers identified members of a Mexican based drug trafficking organization who were sending large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana to the Columbus, and Seymour, Indiana area. What followed was a multi-year investigation that targeted the Chavez family. The Chavez family lived and operated out of the Columbus area, where multiple family members and their close associates used a variety of methods to traffic drugs (primarily, methamphetamine). Throughout the investigation, agents and officers intercepted multiple parcels, conducted numerous controlled purchases, and conducted approximately 15 search warrants in the Bartholomew County area.

Operation Columbus Day netted approximately 114 pounds of methamphetamine, 4 pounds of heroin/fentanyl and 28 pounds of marijuana. In addition to drug seizures, approximately $224,124 in U.S. currency was seized as drug proceeds. Agents and officers also recovered approximately 115 firearms.

Following the investigation, 36 individuals were indicted federally through the United States Attorney’s Office and 23 additional individuals were prosecuted through the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office on charges ranging from possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine to felon in possession of a firearm. Of the 36 individuals indicted, 25 have been convicted, and sentences ranged from 12 months to 270 months in federal prison.

The below individuals are just five of the 24 defendants thus far that have been prosecuted and sentenced for federal firearm, drug, and/or immigration charges.

• Jorge Chavez – sentenced to 270 months
• Ivan Chavez-Lozoya – sentenced to 69 months
• Jacklyn Munoz – sentenced to 108 months
• Bryan Miranda-Alvidrez – sentenced to 120 months
• Fernando Lopez-Mendez – sentenced to 120 months (and subject to deportation)
   
  This investigation was a collaborative effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, United States Postal Inspection Service, Bartholomew County Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET), Seymour Police Department, U.S. Marshal Service, and Homeland Security Investigations.
   
  DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Michael Gannon said, “Operation Columbus Day was a huge success for the fine citizens of Bartholomew County and fellow Hoosiers.  Based on the exceptional work conducted by DEA and our partner’s approximately 60 individuals were arrested. In addition, over 100 pounds of methamphetamine and over 100 firearms were seized. This investigation was a perfect example of law enforcement collaborating at the highest levels. Any time we can remove large amounts of debilitating drugs such as methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and illegally possessed firearms from the streets, it is a big win. DEA remains committed to working hand in hand with the Bartholomew County Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team to keep our communities safe.”
   
  “Drugs and firearms violence unfortunately go hand in hand,” stated Roland H. Herndon, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “ATF is committed to making our communities safer for everyone, and the conviction of those involved in this violent drug trafficking scheme is a step toward that goal. My thanks go out to all of our local, state, and federal partners in this investigation for their tireless work and commitment.”
   
  Bryan Musgrove, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Detroit Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service stated, “This investigation is another example of a successful crack down on those seeking to abuse the Postal Service by shipping drugs and illegal proceeds through the U.S. Mail. Preventing illegal drugs from entering the U.S. Mail system is one of the highest priorities for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. As this case illustrates, we utilize enhanced investigative techniques and leverage strategic partnerships with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in an effort to prevent these dangerous drugs from harming our communities.”
   
  “Bartholomew County’s Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team is a well-coordinated initiative that is providing an entirely different approach and attack on dealing with drugs,” said Bartholomew County Sheriff Matthew A. Myers. “JNET was taken to the “next level” when a Bartholomew County Sheriff’s deputy was assigned to the DEA Task Force. “Our greatest focus and number one priority is on drug eradication, particularly targeting people who provide illegal narcotics to our residents. Having local, state and federal agencies working together, sends a huge message,” added Sheriff Myers.
   
  “Eliminating dangerous drugs from Columbus and holding those persons responsible who transport and distribute narcotics into our community is one of law enforcements most critical roles,” said Columbus Police Chief Michael Richardson. “These arrests spotlight the hard work that was done by our JNET detectives in collaboration with a number of law enforcement agencies. This investigation should serve as a wake-up call to anyone who is considering selling drugs in Columbus and Bartholomew County. I am extremely proud of every officer involved in this lengthy investigation and would like to commend them for their exceptional work.”
   
  According to Assistant U.S. Attorneys M. Kendra Klump and Lawrence Hilton, who prosecuted this case for the government, this case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
   
  In November of 2020, Acting United States Attorney John E. Childress renewed a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the Office’s enduring commitment to investigating and prosecuting organizations that supply and distribute methamphetamine and or heroin in the district. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Section 3.1.

Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery of Brockton Cell Phone Store

 BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with the March 2019 robbery of a T-Mobile store in Brockton and shooting at police officers as he and his co-defendants fled the scene.

Darius Carter, 28, pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by robbery; conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery; discharging, brandishing, using and carrying a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence; and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for July 20, 2021.

Darius Carter and co-defendants Diovanni Carter and Stephan Rosser-Stewart were charged in March 2019. Diovanni Carter was convicted by a federal jury and sentenced to 270 months in prison in September 2020. Rosser-Stewart has pleaded not guilty and is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

According to the charging documents, on the evening of Jan. 2019, Darius Carter and Rosser-Stewart entered a T-Mobile store in Brockton. It is alleged the men were carrying a semi-automatic firearm, which they pointed at the store manager as they demanded cash and electronics. Carter struck the store manager in the head with a firearm as he demanded that the manager open the door to a rear room with a large safe containing cell phones and cash. The men allegedly stole approximately $25,000 in cash and electronics, left the store, and fled in a getaway vehicle driven by Diovanni Carter.

Police responded and located the getaway vehicle. A high-speed chase ensued that reached over 70 mph in residential neighborhoods. During the chase, Darius Carter and, allegedly, Rosser-Stewart fired eight rounds at the pursuing police cruisers.

Law enforcement apprehended Darius Carter and Rosser-Stewart and recovered the stolen phones, cash and the three firearms used in robbery. Diovanni Carter was apprehended in March 2019.

Carter and his co-defendants were prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior criminal convictions.

The charge of interference with commerce by robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of use of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, and a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment ranging from five years for the possession of a firearm, seven years for the brandishing of a firearm to 10 years for the discharge of a firearm. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; John Gibbons, U.S. Marshal of the District of Massachusetts; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz; Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph D. McDonald Jr.; and Brockton Police Chief Emanual Gomes made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenn MacKinlay, Chief of Mendell’s Organized Crime & Gang Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard, a member of the unit, are prosecuting the case.

This prosecution 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.

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

Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI Baltimore Field Office Condemn Acts of Violence and Discrimination Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Urge Reporting of Hate Crimes

 Baltimore, Maryland  – Today, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office today condemned bigotry and hatred against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, and encouraged members of the public to report to law enforcement incidents of violence, threats and harassment.

Acting United States Attorney Lenzner stated: “Unfortunately, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders throughout the United States continue to be targeted because of their race or ethnicity.  No one should fear or be subjected to violence, discrimination, or harassment because of who they are, their appearance or their origin.  Attacks and discrimination against our AAPI residents and neighbors are affronts to all of us.  Through the leadership of our Civil Rights Unit and working with the FBI and our other partners, the United States Attorney’s Office is committed to addressing violations of federal law that undermine the civil rights of any residents of Maryland.”

“Acts of hate have no place in our community,” said Jennifer C. Boone, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “If a crime is shown to be motivated by bias, it will be investigated by the FBI and the perpetrators held responsible for their actions. Today, in partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office, we are reminding the public to report information regarding any hate crime to the FBI.” 

Through the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s prioritization and strengthened partnerships, civil rights violations in Maryland will be investigated and, as appropriate, prosecuted by federal or state prosecutors.  To report suspected violations of civil or criminal civil rights statutes, please contact the FBI at 410-265-8080 or tips@fbi.gov.     

The United States Attorney’s Office for Maryland on March 10, 2021, launched its Civil Rights Unit to ensure that the full spectrum of criminal and civil statutes are employed in addressing hate crimes and discrimination; to conduct outreach to government, not-for-profit and private entities in Maryland; and to help provide training and resources to local and state law enforcement in Maryland.  For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao/md; information on the Civil Rights Unit can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/civil-rights.

The most recent statistics on hate crimes are available here 2019 Hate Crime Statistics from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report.

Additional resources regarding hate crimes and bias incidents can be found by visiting these links: civilrights.justice.gov/#your-rights and fbi.gov/investigate/civil-rights/hate-crimes#FBI-Resources.

Criminal Justice Information Law Attorney

 Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)

Office of the General Counsel

Attorney

1000 Custer Hollow Road

Clarksburg, WV 26306

United States

OGC_MH_CJILU_2021

About the Office: 

The FBI's Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is seeking an experienced and highly qualified attorney to join its exciting and challenging legal practice in Clarksburg, West Virginia. OGC provides legal advice to the entire FBI, including the Director, FBI Headquarters officials and agents in the 56 domestic field offices, on a wide range of substantive issues. OGC works closely with other elements of the Department of Justice, other members of the Intelligence Community, including the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency and the White House. OGC also assists the FBI in forming partnerships with other federal, state, local and international agencies, as well as private sector entities, in support of FBI operations.

Mission:

The mission of the FBI is to protect the American People and uphold the Constitution of the United States.

Criminal Justice Information Law Unit (CJILU): Located in Clarksburg, West Virginia. This unit provides legal advice and support to the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division. It contributes and provides legal support concerning criminal justice information sharing from many programs including, but not limited to, the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Next Generation Identification (NGI), National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), and the National Threat Operations Center (NTOC). CJILU is seeking attorneys who have experience with criminal justice information systems, dissemination and access to criminal justice information, the ability to analyze complex issues of state and federal laws, and the desire to learn new technologies that require in depth analysis.

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

Job Description: 

GS - 14

· Provides guidance regarding services by the FBI CJIS Division;

· Conducts legal research and prepares written analysis on relevant topics;

· Drafts memos, policies, and other documents, ensuring compliance with law and policy;

· Consults and provides comprehensive legal guidance to CJIS clients on criminal justice information systems, access and sharing; and

· Advises clients verbally and in writing on legal issues relating to subject matter covered by unit.

In addition to the above duties:

GS -15

· Serves as a legal expert regarding legal issues faced by the FBI CJIS Division;

· Briefs executive management on legal conclusions derived from complex factual analysis and comprehensive legal research;

· Takes the lead on client initiatives and recognizes when other legal equities need to be incorporated; and

· Develops and evaluates legislative, regulatory, and other policy proposals that implicate criminal justice information issues.

Qualifications: 

Key Requirements:

· Must be a U. S. citizen

· Must be able to obtain a Top-Secret/SCI clearance

· Selectee will be required to complete form FD-887, Request for Access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)

· Selectee will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-450 annually.

The Department of Justice will approve candidates that are selected for this position.

Please ensure work experience/requirement(s) are identifiable in the resume. The resume and supporting documentations will determine whether the candidate meets the job qualifications listed in this announcement. Applicants must meet the qualification requirements at the time of application.

Applicants deemed most competitive will be sent to the hiring official for employment consideration.

All applicants are rated on the following competencies:

· Analytic Thinking

· Communication

· Governance and Legal Jurisprudence

· Leadership

· Oral/Written Communication

· Research

BASIC REQUIREMENT:

· Possess a law degree from an accredited American Bar Association law school; and

· Proof of active membership and good standing with any U. S. jurisdiction bar association

Positive Education Requirement: This position has a specific education requirement; all applicants must verify completion of this basic requirement by submitting proof of J.D. degree and proof of good standing with a U. S. jurisdiction bar association. Please see the “Required Documents: section of this announcement for additional information.

Education: Applicant must possess a J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (or have a LLM degree or other graduate law school degree in additional to J.D.) and be an active member of a U.S. jurisdiction bar association.

GS-14: Applicants applying for the GS-14 must have 2.5 or more years post J.D. attorney experience.

GS-15: Applicants applying for the GS-15 must have 4 or more years of post J.D. attorney experience.

Salary: 

GS-14: $122,530 - 159,286; GS-15: $ 144,128 - 172,500

Travel: 

Travel may be required

Application Process: 

NOTE: All FBI employees must undergo an FBI Background Investigation and receive an FBI Top Secret security clearance. For employment eligibility with the FBI, applicants must not violate any of the automatic employment disqualifiers, and adhere to the FBI's pre-employment drug policy. Please ensure you meet these standards before submitting an application. All of these disqualifiers are extensively researched during the FBI Background Investigation Process. The preliminary employment requirements include a polygraph examination; a test for illegal drug use; credit and records checks; and extensive interviews with former and current colleagues, neighbors, friends, professors, etc. Before applying for this position, please make sure that the FBI Employment Disqualifiers do not apply to you. https://www.fbijobs.gov/working-at-FBI/eligibility

How to Apply

To apply for this position, provide a complete application package which includes the following REQUIRED documents:
1. Your cover letter and resume
2. A writing sample, not to exceed 10 pages
3. Proof of current and active bar association membership
4. Copy of Law School Transcripts
5. Current SF-50 (if external government employee)
6. DD 214 (proof of Veteran's Preference)

Please Note: FBI employees currently assigned to a General Attorney position do not need to provide Law School Transcripts or Proof of Bar association Membership.

Step 1: Create a new email and attach all required electronic documents. Include contact information (phone number) and a brief introduction (2-3) sentences in the body of the email.
Step 2: Title the subject of the email using the following format, indicating whether you are an internal or external candidate. (Example: OGC_MH_CJILU_2021_External/Internal)
Step 3: Submit the completed application email to OGC-JOBS@fbi.gov

What to Expect Next
Once your complete application is received, the FBI will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. The Most Competitive candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. You will be notified of your status throughout the application process.

Internal Applicants Additional Information
· Management may select any grade for which this position is announced.
· Identification of promotion potential in this announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote the employee selected at some future date. Promotion will depend upon administrative approval and the continuing need for an actual assignment and performance of higher-level duties.
· Probationary employees are precluded from being considered for all job opportunities until 12-months of their 24-month probationary period has concluded. Probationary employees may be considered for competitive vacancies that are advertised within their respective division or field office after serving 90 days within the FBI.
· Candidates will not be considered if currently on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP); a Letter of Requirement (LOR); or failed a PIP or LOR and are currently awaiting the final action by HRD.
1. A Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is a 90-day written developmental plan for an employee whose performance on one or more critical elements is rated “Unacceptable.”
2. A Letter of Requirement (LOR) is issued when a supervisor identified leave abuse and/or when frequent absences negatively impact operations of the office.
· Limited Movement: Policy has been implemented wherein support employees entering a position through competitive OR non-competitive action may be precluded from moving to another position within the Bureau by means of reassignment or change to lower grade for a minimum of 12 months.
· Relocation expenses will be borne by the selectee, except FBI employees returning from LEGAT assignment. Employees returning from LEGAT assignments must advise the Staffing Unit, Administrative Unit, and the International Operations Unit of their application to apply.
· On December 22, 2017, the Presidential Administrative signed into law the Tax cuts and Jobs Act. This law may impact your transfer.
o This legislation may previously non-taxed moving expenses reimbursement taxable as of January 1, 2018. Please see HR Link for the list of FBI's current understanding of the applicable tax changes. However, this may change upon receipt of official guidance from GSA and DOJ.
o Current law provides the FBI with the authority to compensate employees for much of the tax burden caused by a transfer through the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA) possess, in an effort to identify way to minimize the additional tax burden on transferring employees.
· Candidates receiving a transfer of physical location , whether at the expense of the FBI or not, will be required to complete a one-year commitment to the assignment, prior to moving to a new position at the FBI. The 12-month waiting period begins the day an employee reports for duty at the new location.
· Employees selected for positions at the GS-14 level or higher, as well as employees selected for positions where a transfer of location is required, will be processed through the name check program prior to being notified of their selection.
· Memorandum of Understanding: Work performed outside assigned duties (that would not normally be documented on a SF-50, i.e. back-up duties), has to be documented in detail by an immediate supervisor in order to receive full credit for amount of time worked in that position. If no documentation is furnished, no credit will be given for the time worked in that position. The following notations must be specified in the documentation (Memorandum of Understanding):
o Percent of time worked in the particular position (cannot conflict with main duties)
o The month/year work began
o Frequency worked (ie daily, monthly, etc.)
o Specific duties performed
Attach the Memorandum of Understanding to your application in the “Cover Letters and Attachments” section of My Career Tools on the Careers Home page. Please upload the attachment as type “Other.”

External Applicants Additional Information
· The FBI is in the Executive Branch if the federal government. It is one of the components of the Department of Justice (DOJ). The FBI is the principle investigative arm of the DOJ. All FBI positions are in the excepted service.
· Applicants must be a U. S. citizen and consent to a complete background investigation, urinalysis, and polygraph. You must be suitable for Federal employment; as determined by a background investigation.
· Failure to provide necessary and relevant information required by this vacancy announcement may disqualify you from consideration. Additional information will not be requested if your application is incomplete. Your application will be evaluated solely on the basis of information you have submitted.
· Management may select any grade for which this position is announced.
· Identification of promotion potential in this announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote the employee selected at some future date. Promotion will depend upon administrative approval and the continuing need for an actual assignment and performance of higher-level duties.
· If you are hired, you will be required to serve a two-year probationary period. Probationary employees are precluded from being considered for all job opportunities until 12-months of their 24-month probationary period has concluded. Probationary Employees may be considered for competitive vacancies that are advertised within their respective division or field office after serving 90 days within the FBI. The probationary periods will be served concurrently.
· Memorandum of Understanding: Work performed outside assigned duties (that would not normally be documented on a SF-50, ie back-up duties), has to be documented in detail by an immediate supervisor in order to receive full credit for amount of time worked in that position. If no documentation is furnished, no credit will be given for the time worked in that position. The following notations must be specified in the documentation (Memorandum of Understanding):
o Percent of time worked in the particular position (cannot conflict with main duties)
o The month/year work began
o Frequency worked (i.e. daily, monthly, etc.)
o Specific duties performed

Veterans Preference
If you are entitled to Veterans' Preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume and application. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.

Nepotism
Nepotism is the act of favoring relatives in the hiring process and is prohibited by law. Public officials are prohibited from hiring or promoting relatives or relatives of officials in their chain of command, as well as actively or indirectly endorse a relative's appointment of promotion.

Reasonable Accommodation Request
The FBI provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of your application and/or hiring process, please notify the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Affairs (OEEOA). Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Program by either email at REASONABLE_ACCOMMODATION@fbi.gov, telephone at (202) 324-4128 or FAX at (202) 324-3976. Your request will receive an individualized assessment.

Benefits
The FBI offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees: http://www.opm.gov/insure/new_employ/index.asp

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

Application Deadline: 

Thursday, September 30, 2021

Number of Positions: 

Two

Updated March 31, 2021

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Department Policies

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

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

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

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

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

 

*         *         *

 

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

Alcohol Misuse Prevention Study (AMPS) Rating Changed from Promising to No Effects

 

This is an alcohol misuse prevention curriculum for 10- to 18-year-olds that emphasized resistance training, knowledge of the immediate effects of alcohol use, identification of the risks of alcohol misuse, and recognition of social pressures that lead to alcohol misuse. The program is rated No Effects. There were no statistically significant effects found on alcohol use, alcohol misuse, serious offenses, or refusal skills. The program was originally rated Promising in 2013. The rating for this program was changed to No Effects in February 2021 as part of CrimeSolutions’ continuous quality control process. That process ensures ratings, definitions, and information are current, accurate, and consistent with current policies and procedures for the program review process. LEARN MORE