Sticks and Stones: Amateur Sleuth Mystery Novel

The September 28, 2013 episode of American Heroes Radio features a conversation with law enforcement professional Liz Martinez the author of Sticks and Stones.

Program Date:  September 28, 2013

Program Time: 1500 hours, PACIFIC

Topic: Sticks and Stones: Amateur Sleuth Mystery Novel

Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lawenforcement/2013/09/28/sticks-and-stones-amateur-sleuth-mystery-novel

About the Guest

Bettye Paige is the pen name for author Liz Martinez, who was an investigator for state agencies in both New York and Arizona, and who served as an Auxiliary Police Officer for the NYPD. She is an Organized Retail Crime expert and a retail security consultant as well as the author of the book "The Retail Manager's Guide to Crime and Loss Prevention." Liz has co-edited the anthologies "Indian Country Noir," "Hit List: The Best of Latino Mystery," and "Cop Tales 2000." Her short stories have also appeared in the anthologies "Manhattan Noir" and "Queens Noir," as well as other venues. Liz Martinez’ new book is Sticks and Stones. 

Listeners can sign up to be notified when "Sticks and Stones" will be offered as a free Kindle download on the Web site at www.SticksAndStonesEBook.com or by sending their e-mail address to author@BettyePaige.com.

Sticks and Stones is an amateur-sleuth mystery novel about the underground sex trade in pre-9/11 New York City. Add in the Russian Mafiya, sex slaves, and a dead military officer who happens to be a client of the dominatrix heroine, and you have an explosive story that explores themes hidden from everyday view. The book includes the bonus short story "Prowling Wolves," about the Iwo Jima flag-raiser, Pima Indian Ira Hayes. "Sticks and Stones" is available in both paperbook and ebook formats.

About the Watering Hole

The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life.  Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.

           

About the Host

Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years.  He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant.  He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University.  He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, law enforcement technology and leadership.  Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One.  He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.

Listen from the Archive:

http://www.hitechcj.com/americanheroesradio/sticks_and_stones.html

Program Contact Information

Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA

editor@police-writers.com

909.599.7530

Facebook Event:

https://www.facebook.com/events/305149306290441

Texas Leader of Latin Kings Street Gang Sentenced in Indiana to 262 Months in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy

A Texas leader of the Latin Kings street gang was sentenced today in Hammond, Ind., to serve 262 months in prison for racketeering conspiracy, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney David Capp of the Northern District of Indiana.

Dante Reyes, aka “DK,” 41, of Alton, Texas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Rudy Lozano in the Northern District of Indiana.   In addition to his prison term, Reyes was sentenced to serve three years of supervised release.   On March 14, 2013, Reyes pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy.

According to the third superseding indictment filed in this case, the Latin Kings is a nationwide gang that originated in Chicago and has branched out throughout the United States, including the state of Texas. The Latin Kings is a well-organized street gang that has well-defined leadership and is composed of regions that include multiple chapters. The third superseding indictment charges that the Latin Kings was responsible for more than 20 murders in southeast Chicago, northwest Indiana and Big Spring, Texas.

 

During a co-defendant’s trial, the government presented evidence of several murders committed by members of the Latin Kings.  In addition, cooperating defendants testified that the Latin Kings was responsible for distributing more than 150 kilograms of cocaine and 1,000 kilograms of marijuana over the course of the racketeering conspiracy.

 

During his guilty plea proceeding, Reyes acknowledged that he became a member of the Latin Kings at an early age and ultimately rose to the level of South Texas Regional Inca.  He admitted that he attended at least two meetings in Texas with other members of the Latin Kings leadership in order to solidify the relationship between the Latin Kings in Texas and Chicago. Reyes further admitted that on at least one occasion, he traveled to the Chicago area with other Latin Kings members to meet with local Latin Kings leadership.

According to court documents, Reyes distributed cocaine and marijuana to Latin Kings members in Texas.   He also distributed cocaine in Michigan through the use of couriers.   These couriers traveled from Texas by bus or other vehicles and passed through the Northern District of Indiana while en route.

Twenty-three Latin Kings members and associates have been indicted in this case.   Including Reyes, 21 defendants have pleaded guilty, one was convicted by jury and one remains a fugitive.  

 

This case was investigated by the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; ICE Homeland Security Investigations; the National Gang Intelligence Center; the Chicago Police Department; the Houston Police Department; the Griffith, Ind., Police Department; the Highland, Ind., Police Department; the Hammond, Ind., Police Department; and the East Chicago Police Department.

 

The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Joseph A. Cooley of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Nozick of the Northern District of Indiana.   Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Porter of the Northern District of Illinois and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Haag of the Northern District of Texas, Lubbock Division, provided significant assistance.

 

The third superseding indictment is not evidence of guilt.   The defendant who has not been convicted is innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Greensboro Marshals Nab Alleged Sexual Predator

Liberty, NC – This morning at 10:00 AM, Steve McQueen Allen, a 50 year old black male was arrested by members of the U.S. Marshals Joint Fugitive Task Force (JFTF). On September 9th, 2013 the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office issued felony warrants on Allen for Indecent Liberties with a Child and Statutory Rape.

Allen was taken into custody without incident at his girlfriend’s residence located at 7922 County Line Rd. JFTF transported Allen to the Alamance County Jail and was placed under a $100,000.00 bond.

The U.S. Marshals Joint Fugitive Task Force for the Middle District of North Carolina is comprised of investigators from the U.S. Marshals Service, Chapel Hill Police Department, Durham Police Department, Greensboro Police Department, High Point Police Department, Winston Salem Police Department, Alamance County Sheriff’s Office, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Probation and Parole Division and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

RUN. HIDE. FIGHT. Surviving an Active Shooter Event

High-level Colombian Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 194 Months in Prison

Jose Maria Corredor-Ibague, aka “Boyaco,” a high-level drug trafficker and supporter of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC), has been sentenced in Washington, D.C., to serve 194 months in prison.  Corredor-Ibague was the first person in the nation to be indicted under the federal narco-terrorism statute, which became law in March 2006.

The sentencing was announced today by Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Carlin of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. of the District of Columbia; Michele M. Leonhart, Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael B. Steinbach of the FBI’s Miami Field Office; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami Special Agent in Charge Alysa D. Erichs; and Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service Southeast Field Office.

“Jose Maria Corredor-Ibague was an international drug lord who moved cocaine around the world through a close, criminal partnership with the FARC,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Raman.  “This narco-terrorism case was the first of its kind.  As this 194-month sentence demonstrates, the Justice Department is firmly committed to working with its counterparts to hold accountable anyone who uses narco-trafficking to support, assist and enable terrorism.”

“This defendant led a drug transportation network that distributed thousands of kilograms of cocaine to destinations in the United States and other countries, often acting in concert with the FARC terrorist organization,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “He was a leader of a broader conspiracy that engaged in narco-terrorism, and his apprehension, prosecution and 194-month prison sentence show that law enforcement is committed to combatting drug traffickers and those who provide support to terrorist groups.”

Corredor-Ibague’s sentence was unsealed today in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia.  On Monday, Sept. 9, 2013, Corredor-Ibague, 46, a Colombian National, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gladys Kessler.  In addition to his prison term, Corredor-Ibague was sentenced to serve three years of supervised release.

Corredor-Ibague was arrested in Colombia on Oct. 15, 2006.  He was extradited to the United States in October 2008 and subsequently pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine while knowing and intending that the cocaine would be imported into the United States, one count of narco-terrorism and one count of conspiracy to provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization.

According to court documents, Corredor-Ibague was the leader of an extensive drug manufacturing and transportation network that processed and manufactured cocaine in Colombian laboratories and used airplanes to fly multi-hundred kilogram loads of cocaine from clandestine airstrips in Colombia to various countries, including Brazil, Guyana, Mexico, Paraguay, Suriname and Venezuela.  From these countries, which were often used as transshipment points, the cocaine was sent to destinations in the United States and Europe.  Corredor-Ibague controlled the clandestine airstrips used by his organization and also owned and operated the laboratories used to manufacture and package the cocaine.  Corredor-Ibague and his associates also transported cocaine owned by other drug trafficking organizations, including cocaine belonging to the FARC.

Corredor-Ibague’s drug trafficking activities were conducted with the protection of the FARC.  In particular, the FARC’s “First Front” combat group profited from the activities of Corredor-Ibague and his associates.  Corredor-Ibague paid taxes to the FARC using U.S. currency and weapons.  Additionally, Corredor-Ibague provided material support, assistance and resources to the FARC, including assault-type weapons, machine guns, ammunition, uniforms and sophisticated communications equipment.  Corredor-Ibague conducted these activities with knowledge that the FARC engaged in terrorist activity and terrorism in Colombia and elsewhere.

“This narco-terrorist illegally exported sophisticated US military weapons and communications equipment to support criminal activities by a designated terrorist organization,” said DCIS Special Agent in Charge Khin.  “Joint investigations such as these highlight the success of multi-agency partnerships in protecting America’s national security interests in this region.”

This case was investigated by the DEA, the ICE-HSI Miami Field Office, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Southeast Field Office and the FBI Miami Field Office.  Additionally, the U.S. government expresses its grateful appreciation to the government of Colombia for their assistance and support during the investigation, arrest and extradition.

The case was jointly prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Robert Raymond and Jamie Perry of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS); Trial Attorney Glenn Alexander, formerly of NDDS and now with the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section; Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Asuncion of the District of Columbia; and Trial Attorney David Cora of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.  The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs also provided significant assistance in the provisional arrest and extradition of Corredor-Ibague.

High-level Colombian Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 194 Months in Prison

Jose Maria Corredor-Ibague, aka “Boyaco,” a high-level drug trafficker and supporter of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC), has been sentenced in Washington, D.C., to serve 194 months in prison.  Corredor-Ibague was the first person in the nation to be indicted under the federal narco-terrorism statute, which became law in March 2006.

The sentencing was announced today by Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Carlin of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. of the District of Columbia; Michele M. Leonhart, Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael B. Steinbach of the FBI’s Miami Field Office; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami Special Agent in Charge Alysa D. Erichs; and Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service Southeast Field Office.

“Jose Maria Corredor-Ibague was an international drug lord who moved cocaine around the world through a close, criminal partnership with the FARC,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Raman.  “This narco-terrorism case was the first of its kind.  As this 194-month sentence demonstrates, the Justice Department is firmly committed to working with its counterparts to hold accountable anyone who uses narco-trafficking to support, assist and enable terrorism.”

“This defendant led a drug transportation network that distributed thousands of kilograms of cocaine to destinations in the United States and other countries, often acting in concert with the FARC terrorist organization,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “He was a leader of a broader conspiracy that engaged in narco-terrorism, and his apprehension, prosecution and 194-month prison sentence show that law enforcement is committed to combatting drug traffickers and those who provide support to terrorist groups.”

Corredor-Ibague’s sentence was unsealed today in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia.  On Monday, Sept. 9, 2013, Corredor-Ibague, 46, a Colombian National, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gladys Kessler.  In addition to his prison term, Corredor-Ibague was sentenced to serve three years of supervised release.

Corredor-Ibague was arrested in Colombia on Oct. 15, 2006.  He was extradited to the United States in October 2008 and subsequently pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine while knowing and intending that the cocaine would be imported into the United States, one count of narco-terrorism and one count of conspiracy to provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization.

According to court documents, Corredor-Ibague was the leader of an extensive drug manufacturing and transportation network that processed and manufactured cocaine in Colombian laboratories and used airplanes to fly multi-hundred kilogram loads of cocaine from clandestine airstrips in Colombia to various countries, including Brazil, Guyana, Mexico, Paraguay, Suriname and Venezuela.  From these countries, which were often used as transshipment points, the cocaine was sent to destinations in the United States and Europe.  Corredor-Ibague controlled the clandestine airstrips used by his organization and also owned and operated the laboratories used to manufacture and package the cocaine.  Corredor-Ibague and his associates also transported cocaine owned by other drug trafficking organizations, including cocaine belonging to the FARC.

Corredor-Ibague’s drug trafficking activities were conducted with the protection of the FARC.  In particular, the FARC’s “First Front” combat group profited from the activities of Corredor-Ibague and his associates.  Corredor-Ibague paid taxes to the FARC using U.S. currency and weapons.  Additionally, Corredor-Ibague provided material support, assistance and resources to the FARC, including assault-type weapons, machine guns, ammunition, uniforms and sophisticated communications equipment.  Corredor-Ibague conducted these activities with knowledge that the FARC engaged in terrorist activity and terrorism in Colombia and elsewhere.

“This narco-terrorist illegally exported sophisticated US military weapons and communications equipment to support criminal activities by a designated terrorist organization,” said DCIS Special Agent in Charge Khin.  “Joint investigations such as these highlight the success of multi-agency partnerships in protecting America’s national security interests in this region.”

This case was investigated by the DEA, the ICE-HSI Miami Field Office, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Southeast Field Office and the FBI Miami Field Office.  Additionally, the U.S. government expresses its grateful appreciation to the government of Colombia for their assistance and support during the investigation, arrest and extradition.

The case was jointly prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Robert Raymond and Jamie Perry of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS); Trial Attorney Glenn Alexander, formerly of NDDS and now with the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section; Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Asuncion of the District of Columbia; and Trial Attorney David Cora of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.  The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs also provided significant assistance in the provisional arrest and extradition of Corredor-Ibague.

New Poetry Anthology: Request for Submissions

New Poetry Anthology: Request for Submissions


Goodbye, Mexico: Poems of Remembrance will be a poetry anthology of original work composed in response to the following question: what do you remember about Mexico?

That Mexico has been irrevocably altered by the ravages of narco-violence is indisputable.  Together with other complex dynamics of the current century, such as globalization, the failing middle class, and the disrupted tourist industry, this beloved country has changed almost beyond recognition.  Many people on both sides of the border grieve the loss of the Mexico that was, particularly the Mexico that existed during the last half of the Twentieth century.  This volume will give voice to poets on this side of the border.

This anthology will gather the varied voices of accomplished poets reaching into and beyond nostalgia to remember, to honor, or to document (through figurative imagery) their experiences.  These recollections may be sharp or sad, hilarious or tragic, celebratory or condemning.  Each poet will have his/her own unique reactions to remembering Mexico and its people, and the vibrant border culture.

We are seeking strong poems of human experience and personal reactions.  Do not send your polemics; do not send performance poetry.  The poems we want to see will be distinguished by a high level of craft in an array of voices and verse forms.  The poems may approach the topic directly or obliquely.

More Information:
 http://poetacortez.com/submission-requests/

Eight Defendants Plead Guilty in Los Angeles in Armenian Power Gang Case

Four members and associates of the Armenian Power gang and four other individuals pleaded guilty late yesterday to charges relating to the activities of the Armenian Power criminal enterprise, including racketeering conspiracy, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, drug-trafficking and illegal possession of firearms.

The guilty pleas were announced today by Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney André Birotte Jr. of the Central District of California and Assistant Director in Charge Bill L. Lewis of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.
 The following defendants pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dean D. Pregerson in the Central District of California:

• Karo Yerkanyan, aka “Guilty,” 32, of Tujunga, Calif., pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and felon-in-possession of a firearm;

• Arman Tangabekyan, aka “Spito” and “Thick Neck,” 34, of Encino, Calif., pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, bank fraud and aggravated identity theft;

• Artur Pembejian, aka “Cham,” 36, of Burbank, Calif., pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy;

• Raymond Tarverdyan, aka “Rye,” 35, of Montrose, Calif., pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and bank fraud;

• Simon Antonyan, aka “Simo,” 38, of Hollywood, Calif., pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft;

• Khachatur Arakelyan, aka “Khecho,” 39, of Glendale, Calif., pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft;

• Vartenie Ananian, 29, of Tujunga, pleaded guilty to bank fraud; and

• Adam Davoodian, 32, of Glendale, Calif., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana.

The defendants who pleaded guilty yesterday were among 70 individuals charged in a 140-count indictment in July 2011 for criminal activities associated with the Armenian Power gang.  The indictment accused 29 defendants, including four of those who pleaded guilty yesterday, of participation in the Armenian Power RICO conspiracy.  The RICO conspiracy charge alleges a host of illegal activities, many of which involved sophisticated fraudulent schemes of identity theft, bank fraud, credit card skimming, manufacturing counterfeit checks and laundering criminal proceeds, often electronically.  In addition, defendants were involved in a variety of violent crimes, such as extortion, kidnapping and firearms offenses.  Among the schemes charged in the racketeering indictment is a bank fraud and identity theft scheme that victimized hundreds of customers of 99 Cents Only Stores throughout Southern California.  Through the scheme, defendants caused more than $2 million in losses when they secretly installed sophisticated “skimming” devices to steal customer debit card account information at cash registers, and then used the skimmed information to create counterfeit debit cards to steal money from victims’ bank accounts.

The eight defendants who pleaded guilty yesterday played various roles in the activities of the Armenian Power gang, including participating in bank fraud, drug distribution, access device fraud, identity theft and illegal firearm possession.

Yerkanyan, a member of the Armenian Power conspiracy, participated in a bank fraud scheme that obtained the personal identifying information and account information of victims.  He and his co-conspirators used the information to open fraudulent bank accounts, loans and lines of credit at HSBC Bank and Bank of America without the knowledge of the victims.  Tangabekyan, a member of the Armenian Power conspiracy, participated in a bank fraud scheme by obtaining personal information and account information for victims and then obtaining or transferring over $475,000 in funds.

Yerkanyan also participated, along with Davoodian, in a scheme to steal approximately 207 pounds of marijuana, worth approximately $450,000, from another drug distributor.

Pembejian, a member of the Armenian Power conspiracy, abetted the illegal possession of a firearm by a leader of the Armenian Power gang, Mher Darbinyan.

Tarverdyan, an Armenian Power member, and Antonyan, Arakelyan and Ananian participated in the scheme to install secret “skimming” devices at the 99 Cents Only Stores in order to obtain victims’ account information.

According to court documents, the Armenian Power street gang formed in the East Hollywood district of Los Angeles in the 1980s.  The gang’s membership consisted primarily of individuals of Armenian descent, as well as of other countries within the former Soviet bloc.  The Armenian Power has been designated under California state law as a criminal street gang and is believed to have over 250 documented members, as well as hundreds of associates. According to court documents, Armenian Power members and associates regularly carry out violent criminal acts, including murders, attempted murders, kidnappings, robberies, extortions, and witness intimidation in order to enrich its members and associates and preserve and enhance the power of the criminal enterprise.

The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced beginning on Nov. 25, 2013.  Yerkanyan faces a maximum penalty of 102 years in prison.  Tangabekyan faces a maximum penalty of 52 years in prison.  Tarverdyan faces a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison.  Ananian faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.  Pembejian and Davoodian each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.  And Antonyan and Arakelyan each face a maximum penalty of two years in prison.

Fifty-one defendants have previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the activities of the Armenian Power gang.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Martin Estrada, Elizabeth Yang and Stephen Wolfe of the Central District of California and Trial Attorney Andrew Creighton of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.  The case was investigated by the Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force, which is comprised of the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Glendale Police Department, the Burbank Police Department, the Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations.

Former St. Louis Police Officer Indicted for Assaulting Two Juveniles and One Adult

A federal grand jury in St. Louis has indicted Stan Lee Stanback, 47, a police officer formerly with the Velda City Police Department, on charges related to the assaults of two juveniles and one adult on Sept.17, 2008.

 

Stanback is charged with three counts of using unreasonable force on the three victims listed in the indictment when he punched and struck each one of them.  The first two counts allege that Stanback used a police baton to assault the victims.  All three counts allege that Stanback’s actions resulted in injury to all of the victims.

 

The indictment also charges Stanback with making false statements to FBI agents when he intentionally lied, claiming that prior to his assaults on the victims, he was surrounded by 15 men in the parking lot of the Velda City Police Department and was forced to draw his gun during the encounter.  The indictment alleges that this was not true because Stanback knew at the time he spoke with FBI agents that he had only been approached by three juveniles and one adult and that he did not draw his gun.  

 

Stanback faces a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each of the civil rights violations and five years in prison for the false statements charge.

 

An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

 

This case is being investigated by the St. Louis Division of the Federal Bureau Investigation and is being prosecuted by Fara Gold of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Former Lorain County Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Assaulting an Inmate

A former Lorain County, Ohio corrections officer pleaded guilty today to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, announced Jocelyn Samuels, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office.

According to court documents, Marlon Tayor, 47, of Vermilion, Ohio, assaulted an inmate by striking him repeatedly while working as a corrections officer in the Lorain County Jail.

These actions caused bodily injury to the inmate and deprived the inmate of the right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment, according to court documents.

“We in the Civil Rights Division are committed to working with our partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI to identify, and where appropriate, prosecute instances of law enforcement abuse,” said Acting Assitant Attorney General Samuels.

 “The vast majority of law enforcement officials do a great job,” said U.S. Attorney Dettelbach said. “When someone abuses the power and privileges of their office, however, they can and will be held accountable.”

“The acknowledgment of excessive force exhibited by a fellow officer in law enforcement is disconcerting,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony.  “The public should be reminded that the vast majority of those serving within the criminal justice system do so with honor and integrity.  Any allegation of abuse or excessive force involving law enforcement officers takes on a particular sense of urgency and will continue to be a priority for the FBI.”

Taylor is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 19, 2013.

This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Cleveland Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Antoinette T. Bacon and Lauren Bell and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Betsy Biffl.

Aryan Brotherhood of Texas Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Federal Racketeering Charges

A member of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT) gang pleaded guilty today to racketeering charges related to his membership in the ABT’s criminal enterprise, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson of the Southern District of Texas.

Benjamin Troy Johnson, aka “South,” 42, of Corpus Christi, Texas, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Sim Lake in the Southern District of Texas to one count of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity.

According to court documents, Johnson and other ABT gang members and associates agreed to commit multiple acts of murder, robbery, arson, kidnapping and narcotics trafficking on behalf of the ABT gang.  Johnson and numerous ABT gang members met on a regular basis at various locations throughout Texas to report on gang-related business, collect dues, commit disciplinary assaults against fellow gang members and discuss acts of violence against rival gang members, among other things. 

By pleading guilty to racketeering charges, Johnson has admitted to being a member of the ABT criminal enterprise.

According to the superseding indictment, the ABT was established in the early 1980s within the Texas prison system.  The gang modeled itself after and adopted many of the precepts and writings of the Aryan Brotherhood, a California-based prison gang that was formed in the California prison system during the 1960s.  According to the superseding indictment, previously, the ABT was primarily concerned with the protection of white inmates and the promotion of white supremacy/separatism.  Over time, the ABT expanded its criminal enterprise to include illegal activities for profit.
Court documents allege that the ABT enforced its rules and promoted discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, arson, assault, robbery and threats against those who violated the rules or posed a threat to the enterprise.  Members, and oftentimes associates, were required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members, often referred to as “direct orders.”

According to the superseding indictment, in order to be considered for ABT membership, a person must be sponsored by another gang member.  Once sponsored, a prospective member must serve an unspecified term, during which he is referred to as a prospect while his conduct is observed by the members of the ABT.

Judge Lake has set sentencing for Jan. 30, 2013, at which time Johnson faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Johnson is one of 36 defendants charged with, among other things, conducting racketeering activity through the ABT criminal enterprise.  He is the 13th defendant charged in the indictment to plead guilty. 

This case is being investigated by a multi-agency task force consisting of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement -Homeland Security Investigations; Texas Rangers; Texas Department of Public Safety; Montgomery County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Houston Police Department-Gang Division; Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Office of Inspector General; Harris County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Tarrant County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Atascosa County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office;  Waller County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Alvin, Texas, Police Department; Carrollton, Texas, Police Department; Mesquite Texas, Police Department; Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office;  and the Atascosa County District Attorney’s Office. 
The case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas.

Attorney General Holder Meets with Mexican Attorney General About Mexico's Release of DEA Agent's Killer

Attorney General Eric Holder met with Mexican Attorney General Jesús Murillo Karam today to discuss the release by the Mexican government of Rafael Caro Quintero, who was convicted of murdering Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena in February 1985.

Caro Quintero was convicted and sentenced in Mexico for charges related to the 1985 kidnapping, torture and murder of DEA Camarena.  He was sentenced to serve 40 years in a Mexican prison in December 1989 but, after serving only 28 years of his sentence, a Mexican court ruled that he had been improperly tried in a Mexican federal court rather than a state court and ordered his release on August 9, 2013. Mexican authorities are seeking reversal of that decision. Nonetheless, Caro Quintero remains at large.

Attorney General Holder expressed grave concerns and disappointment immediately after learning of Caro Quintero’s premature release. At today’s meeting with Mexican Attorney General Murillo, Attorney General Holder reiterated those concerns.

“I appreciated the chance to discuss the recent developments in the case connected to the murder of DEA special agent Kiki Camarena and other important matters with Attorney General Murillo this afternoon.  I look forward to working with him to continue to advance our shared commitment to the rule of law. Nothing will weaken our resolve to hold accountable those who commit acts of violence against our brave law enforcement agents,” said Attorney General Holder.  “The kidnapping and murder of Agent Camarena was a heinous crime that shocked criminal justice professionals on both sides of the border.  Like many, I was surprised and deeply concerned to learn about the release of Rafael Caro Quintero last month.  We will continue to work with our Mexican counterparts to ensure that Caro Quintero does not escape justice.”

In May 1987, the Department of Justice, through the United States Attorney’s Office in the Central District of California, indicted Caro Quintero and several others, for conspiracy and racketeering charges related to the kidnapping, torture and murder in Mexico of Agent Camarena.  Since then, the Department of Justice has continued to make clear to Mexican authorities the continued interest of the United States in ensuring that Caro Quintero faces justice.