Accessing Grants to Strengthen Justice System Capacity Workshop Parts 1 and 2

(Note:  This training will be recorded)

Date:  September 1-2, 2020

Time:  1:00 pm - 5:00 pm EST

WebEx Training Number:  103260

Registration Deadline:  Wednesday, August 26, 2020

 

The Department of Justice launched its Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) in direct response to concerns raised by tribal leaders that DOJ’s grant process did not provide the flexibility tribes need to address their criminal justice and public safety needs. In Fiscal Year 2019, the department awarded over $273.4 million in grants to improve public safety, serve victims of crime, combat violence against women and support youth programs in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The awards included more than $138 million for 149 American Indian tribes, Alaska Native villages, tribal consortia and tribal designees under CTAS. Tribes are using these funds to enhance law enforcement, combat domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sex trafficking, bolster justice systems, prevent and control juvenile delinquency, strengthen the juvenile justice system, serve sexual assault and elder victims, and support other efforts to address crime. Additionally, FY19 included up to $133 million to be used to serve tribal victims of crime. This workshop is designed to provide previous and new CTAS applicants with tools and guidance that may assist with the tribe’s efforts to access grant funding and other resources to improve their justice systems. Workshop sessions will be led by DOJ personnel and experienced technical assistance providers and will focus on topics such as: 1) strategic planning to support a strong program design; 2) writing a proposal; 3) grant writing tips; and 4) DOJ funding opportunities and training and technical assistance resources.

 

Due to COVID 19, this typically two-day residential training will be offered via webinar over two consecutive days.  New material will be covered each day.  You must register separately for each training date at the following links:

 

1. Register Here: Accessing Grants to Strengthen Justice System Capacity Workshop Part 1, September 1, 2020, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (eastern time) 
2. Registration Deadline:  Wednesday, August 26, 2020
3. Register Here: Accessing Grants to Strengthen Justice System Capacity Workshop Part 2, September 2, 2020, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (eastern time) 
4. Registration Deadline:  Wednesday, August 26, 2020
5. Fill out the pre-registration survey for Part 1 and Part 2.
6. Click the “Register” button.
7. Save the automated WebEx calendar appointment following your registration. 

 

Additional WebEx Instructions:

 

You should be able to join the event from the meeting link in your calendar invite by selecting “Join Event”/“Join Meeting.”  Please be aware that WebEx may prompt you to install a Cisco WebEx desktop app or add-on.  If you are not permitted/chose not to install, there are some other options for joining the meeting:

 

1. You may select “run a temporary application.”  You may be automatically prompted to do so or there may be a “go here” link if you have trouble joining (“go here” may appear for those using Internet Explorer).  Click on “run” to start the temporary application.  You may have to try this a couple times…it may take a minute or so to run and open the meeting using the temporary application.  Please note that other browsers may ask you to save (vs. run) the temporary application. 

 

2. You may try opening the webinar in Google Chrome.  Some users have reported better results with Chrome.

 

3. You may try joining the webinar from your Government phone or iPad.

 

4. You may forward the calendar invite to your personal email and open the meeting on your personal computer/device (ensure you do not change your government email address, which may be displayed when entering the meeting).  Again, you will likely be prompted to install a Cisco WebEx app/add-on or run a temporary application.

 

Please Note:  As a last resort, you may call in on your phone for audio only.  Please note the information below for accessing the WebEx via your telephone:

 

To access Part 1 of the audio only webinar, September 1, 2020, please use the phone number: 1-415-527-5035.  The Access Code for Part 1 is:  909-934-113.  

 

To access Part 2 of the audio only webinar, September 2, 2020, please use the same phone number as Part 1 (1-415-527-5035), however, the Access Code for Part 2 is:  909-401-579.

 

We recommend you test your access to the WebEx meeting early to avoid any delays at the time of the webinar.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Delores Johnson at delores.johnson@usdoj.gov or Leslie A. Hagen at leslie.hagen3@usdoj.gov

Birmingham Man Indicted for Fraud on Fallen Huntsville Police Officer’s Memorial Fund

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment last week charging a Birmingham man with fraud on customers of the U.S. Postal Service, and fraud on the memorial fund set up to provide aid to the family of a fallen Huntsville Police officer, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, U.S. Postal Inspector In Charge, Houston Division, Adrian Gonzalez, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.

A four-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges DEVONTE LEMOND HAMMONDS, 27, with one count of access device fraud and three counts of wire fraud.  In December 2019, Hammonds devised a scheme to fraudulently obtain money from the Billy Clardy Memorial Fund.  Billy Clardy was a Huntsville Police officer killed in the line of duty last year.  After Officer Clardy’s death, a memorial fund was established to collect contributions and provide aid to his family members.  According to the indictment, Hammonds used the identity of another person to open a bank account and transfer funds from the Billy Clardy Memorial Fund bank account to the fictitious account for his own use.  Hammonds also devised a scheme to defraud customers of the U.S. Postal Service.  According to the indictment, Hammonds used the U.S. Postal Service website to reroute mail from numerous U.S. Postal Service customers to addresses in Birmingham that he could access, used the rerouted mail to obtain personal identifying information of those customers, and used that information to pay bills, make purchases, and open new accounts.  

The maximum punishment for access device fraud is ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  The maximum punishment for wire fraud affecting a financial institution is thirty years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 

The FBI and USPIS investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorneys J.B. Ward and Michael Pillsbury are prosecuting. 

An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Fayetteville Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Drug and Firearm Charges

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Fayetteville man was sentenced today to 168 months in prison for Cocaine Base (Crack) and Firearm violations.

According to court documents, Elbert Tojuan McNeill, 40, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 280 Grams or More of Cocaine Base (Crack), Possession with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Cocaine Base (Crack), and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime on April 20, 2020.

In January 2018, investigators with the Fayetteville Police Department (FPD) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) learned that McNeill was distributing cocaine base (crack) in the Fayetteville area. Agents then conducted several controlled purchases of cocaine base (crack) from McNeill.

On February 6, 2019, agents executed a search warrant at a residence associated with McNeill. Agents seized currency, cocaine base (crack), a stolen 9mm Glock handgun, and a stolen .40 caliber Smith & Wesson firearm.

McNeill admitted that since 2015, he had purchased more than ten kilograms of cocaine. He had then cooked it into cocaine base (crack) and sold it to customers.

Based on his criminal history, McNeill was determined to be a Career Offender.

This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.

This case is part of the United States Attorney’s Office’s Take Back North Carolina Initiative.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.  For additional information about this initiative, click here https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/tbnc.

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III.  The Fayetteville Police Department (FPD) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott A. Lemmon  prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:18-CR-340-D-1.

Fifteen Years In Federal Prison For Nashville Man Who Illegally Possessed Firearm

Lengthy Criminal Record Qualifies as Armed Career Criminal

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – August 3, 2020 - A Nashville man arrested during a 2017 traffic stop has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee.

Brandon Desean Wells, 33, was sentenced Friday to the mandatory minimum sentence for being a felon in possession of a firearm and being qualified as an Armed Career Criminal, which subjected him to a mandatory sentence enhancement. 

Wells was arrested by officers with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department on April 20, 2017, after he was found to be a passenger in a vehicle which was stopped for traffic violations.  Wells was observed making furtive movements and after exiting the vehicle, he refused to comply with officer’s commands to place his hands behind his back.  After physically gaining compliance and handcuffing Wells, the officers found a loaded semi-automatic pistol in his waistband.  Wells was also in possession of hydrocodone pills and drug trafficking paraphernalia and told the officers he was under the influence of cocaine and other drugs. 

Wells was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2018 and pleaded guilty in January of this year.  Well’s criminal record dates back to his teenage years and includes multiple convictions for armed robbery, drug trafficking and firearm offenses, including a prior six-year federal prison sentence for illegal firearms possession for an offense that occurred only weeks after being placed on probation in state court.

U.S. Attorney Cochran commended the actions of the officers of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms & Explosives, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph P. Montminy in bringing this case and removing a dangerous criminal from the community.

Subcontractor Employee at Cyril E. King Airport Arrested After Discovery of Over 4 ½ Kilograms of Cocaine

St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced that a complaint has been filed charging Keilin Lopez Lopez with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance. 

According to the affidavit filed in this case, on July 31, 2020 at approximately 6:30 p.m., a Virgin Islands Port Authority employee witnessed an adult male tampering with a trashcan in a stall in the men’s restroom located inside the Cyril E. King terminal. Officers removed the trashcan from the wall revealing an open recess in between both sides of the interior wall. One (1) large, brick shaped bundle and one (1) small, brick shaped bundle containing approximately 4.6 kilograms of cocaine was lying at the bottom of the recess of the trashcan.

Airport video surveillance footage showed a male, later identified as Keilin Lopez Lopez, wearing a backpack enter the bathroom where the bundles were discovered. Officers located Mr. Lopez, who is an employee for a company contracted to work on the airport remodel. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Mr. Lopez waived them and stated he removed the trashcan from the wall in the restroom stall and placed the bundles inside the wall.

This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs
and Border Protection. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Juan Albino.

United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Wheeling Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Produce Child Pornography

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A Wheeling man pled guilty today to conspiring with another person to produce child pornography, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Randall Lee Peggs, 56, pled guilty to conspiracy to produce child pornography.

“These Project Safe Childhood cases are difficult but necessary,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We work closely with our partners in law enforcement to investigate and prosecute these cases. We will always hold child predators accountable.”

Peggs admitted that he began talking with codefendant Elizabeth Haway, of Princeton, on Facebook in November 2018. Over the course of several months, Peggs and Haway conspired to produce child pornography of a female minor child. The majority of their communications occurred on Facebook Messenger. Peggs encouraged Haway to record and send him nude videos of the female minor child. Ultimately, Haway recorded a video of the female minor child that showed the child nude and sent the video to Peggs via Facebook in February 2019.

Peggs faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison when sentenced on November 9, 2020. Haway is awaiting trial.

This case was investigated by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin F. Scott is handling the prosecution.

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

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cr-00304.

Tucker County man admits to his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution operation

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dustin Bruce Moran, of Parsons, West Virginia, has admitted to his role ina methamphetamine distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Moran, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Moran admitted to having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in April 2018 in Randolph County.

Moran faces not less than ten years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

South Berwick Man Sentenced for Possession of Fentanyl and Cocaine

PORTLAND, Maine:  A South Berwick man was sentenced today in federal court in Portland for possession of fentanyl and cocaine with intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.

U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Stephen Kissh, 54, to three years in prison and three years of supervised release. Kissh pleaded guilty on January 27, 2020.

According to court records, on January, 2, 2019, Kissh was arrested at his residence, a camper in South Berwick, Maine. South Berwick police officers responded to the residence after receiving a request to conduct a welfare check on another person at the location who was believed to be under the influence of drugs. Officers were familiar with Kissh, and were aware that he was on bail for Maine drug trafficking charges. Upon arriving at the camper, officers discovered Kissh and several other individuals inside, one of whom appeared to be under the influence of drugs but did not require medical attention. Officers searched Kissh and found him to be in possession of four plastic bags containing fentanyl and cocaine. The officers searched Kissh’s camper and recovered a safe that contained multiple plastic bags of fentanyl and cocaine.

The South Berwick Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case as part of the Department of Justice’s Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge, a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids.

FBI Reward Increased to up to $50,000 on Fifth Anniversary of Explosions at Las Cruces Churches

As a team of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies searches for whomever set off two explosions in Las Cruces five years ago, the FBI used the impending anniversary to make two announcements in the case Friday.

The FBI reward has been more than doubled, and portions of a letter sent around the time of the incidents are being released on the chance it could lead to tips.

On August 2, 2015, devices detonated about 20 minutes apart at Calvary Baptist Church and Holy Cross Catholic Church. Nobody was injured.

On August 14, 2015, an undetonated device was discovered near the entrance of First Presbyterian Church in Las Cruces and rendered safe.

It is believed this device was placed within hours of the other two devices, either in the late hours of August 1 or early morning of August 2, 2015.

“Fortunately, the devices that went off five years ago didn't hurt anyone, but had they exploded a few minutes earlier or later, it could have been a different story,” James Langenberg, special agent in charge of the Albuquerque FBI Division, said. “Investigators have conducted more than 700 interviews, and reviewed hundreds of files, tips, and other pieces of information in this investigation. We are determined to solve this case.”

“We’re grateful for the support we’ve received on this case from our local and federal partners,” said Miguel Dominguez, interim chief for the Las Cruces Police Department. “We hope the enhanced reward will lead to the suspect, or suspects, in this case.”

The FBI has increased its reward from $20,000 to up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for the explosions.

Anyone who recalls seeing something suspicious or knows anything about the explosions is urged call the 24/7 toll-free phone number for tips: 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324).

We are also seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the author of a letter sent around the time of the explosions.

Portions of the letter appear as follows:

“Four religious leaders know of three men who were put in mental institutions because they tried fight back without attorneys for telling the truth. All were scientists at one of the military bases in our area. The religious leaders never came forward to help these men. They are now in hospitals when there is nothing wrong with them.”

“Four men had their wives walk out on them while they were in Desert Storm, taking everything our family had for another man.”

“When we see these officers of the court arrested and the four religious leaders come forward without political threats, then we will back off.”

“You are more dishonest than we are and will have to go over every divorce in the Third Judicial Courthouse to find out who we are and will have to expose just how corrupt the legal system is in Southern New Mexico.”

We would like to better understand the specific issues the author raises. If they look familiar to you or you have an idea who wrote them, contact us. We do not know whether this letter is connected in any way to the incidents involving explosive devices.

Authorities are still looking for a person of interest in this case. A man was seen walking through the parking lot of Calvary Baptist Church around the time of the explosion there.

The unknown individual appears to be wearing a dark blue short-sleeve T-shirt, plaid shorts, and hiking boots. He is carrying a package or bag.

An FBI poster and a video of the person of interest is available at https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/person-of-interest

The FBI is actively pursuing all possible leads regarding this case, in collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Attorney’s Office; New Mexico State Police; Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office; Las Cruces Police Department; and New Mexico State University Police Department.

Guilderland Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Exploiting a Child

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Blake Spears, age 39, of Westmere, Town of Guilderland, New York, pled guilty today to sexual exploiting a child.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Spears admitted that on December 1, 2018, he used his phone to video-record himself masturbating while standing over a sleeping child. He also admitted to using a phone messaging application to distribute, to others, videos depicting the sexual abuse of other children.

Spears, who has been in custody since his arrest on February 15, 2019, faces at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, as well as a term of post-release supervision of at least 5 years and up to life, when United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino sentences him on December 1, 2020.  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 was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department and New York State Police.   The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.

Pineville Man Charged with Forced Labor and Transporting a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity

ALEXANDRIA, La. – A multiple-count indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Alexandria charging Darnell Fulton, 36, with forced labor, conspiracy, and transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, announced David C. Joseph, United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, and FBI’s New Orleans Field Office Special Agent in Charge Bryan A. Vorndran. 

The defendant was arrested and taken into federal custody on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, and made his initial appearance in court on July 29, 2020. A detention hearing is scheduled for Friday, July 31, 2020. 

According to the allegations set forth in the indictment, the defendant forced three victims, who were his step-children, to provide labor and services in his business by means of force and threats of force by causing the victims to believe that if they did not perform the labor and services, they would suffer serious physical harm.

As part of the conspiracy, the indictment alleges that the defendant subjected the victims to physical violence, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, withholding of food, degradation, intimidation, and psychological manipulation in order to obtain uncompensated labor and services from the victims. As the conspiracy progressed, the defendant took the victims out of school, water-boarded them, and set daily sale quotas. In addition, the indictment alleges that at three times between June 2016 and May 17, 2019, the defendant transported the minors in interstate commerce with the intent that they engage in criminal sexual activity. 

An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Fulton faces a sentence of up to life in prison, as well as mandatory restitution.

The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Alexandria Resident Agency, with assistance from the Alexandria Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker for the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Maryam Zhuravitsky for the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.

Man Stopped at Fort Bragg Gate Pled Guilty for Gun Possession in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

WILMINGTON, N.C. – A man who was stopped at a gate for Fort Bragg pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

According to court documents, Matthew Earl Carlton, 30, drove a blue Mercedes coupe to a gate at Ft. Bragg Military Installation at 2:00am on May 14, 2020.  Carlton’s car was searched after he did not have a driver’s license or military identification.  A loaded Ruger P85 nine millimeter handgun with an extended magazine and a bullet in the chamber was found under the driver’s seat.  In addition, approximately 162 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, packing materials, and $2,208 in cash were also found in the car.  At the time of this incident, Carlton was on parole from the State of New York for First Degree Robbery and Criminal Possession of a Weapon.

Carlton pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), and one count of possession with the intent to distribute marijuana in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1) and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 60 months in prison when sentenced at the court’s November 3, 2020 term.

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II accepted the plea. U.S. Army Military Police and Criminal Investigative Division investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad DeVoe is prosecuting the case with support from Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonino Monea.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-CR-308.

Upshur County man admits to methamphetamine distribution

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jason Benton Barcus, of Ellamore, West Virginia, has admitted to methamphetamine distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Barcus, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine.” Barcus admitted to distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in March 2019 in Upshur County.

Barcus faces not less than ten years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Lakes Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

Ohio man admits to role in drug distribution operation

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Cory Davonta Smith, Jr., of Barberton, Ohio, has admitted to his role in a drug distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Smith, also known as “C.J.,” age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Smith admitted to working with others to distribute 50 grams or more of crystal methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” in November 2018 in Gilmer County.

Smith faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Lakes Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.

Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.

Executive Charged With Skimming $1.1 Million From Federally Insured Nursing Homes

CHICAGO — The owner of several Illinois nursing homes has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly skimming money from federally insured facilities that had defaulted on mortgage loans to pay expenses of a non-federally insured facility.

MARK YAMPOL, 57, of St. Louis, Mo., is charged with one count of equity skimming, according to an indictment returned Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago.  The charge is punishable by up to five years in federal prison.  A date for arraignment has not yet been set.

According to the indictment, Yampol controlled a portfolio of nursing homes in Illinois, including homes in the Chicago suburbs of Northbrook and St. Charles.  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development insured the mortgage loans made by private lending institutions to all but one of Yampol’s nursing homes.  By March 1, 2015, the HUD-insured facilities had not made timely mortgage payments and were in default of their loans.  From May 2015 to August 2015, Yampol diverted approximately $1.1 million in funds derived from the HUD-insured facilities, which remained in default on their loans, to pay the mortgage and operating expenses of the non-HUD-insured facility, the indictment states.

The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Rae Oliver Davis, Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Devlin Su and Kathryn Malizia.

 “We would like to acknowledge our partners at the U. S. Attorney’s Office, who have worked tirelessly to bring this case forward,” said Inspector General Davis.  “The alleged diversion of funds is not only significant in its own right but played a significant role in one of the largest insured claims involving HUD’s Section 232 mortgage insurance program for elderly and disabled residents.  This office remains steadfastly committed to ensuring the integrity of HUD programs and particularly those designed to assist vulnerable populations.”

The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Gardner Man Arrested for Possession of Child Pornography

BOSTON – A Gardner man was arrested yesterday on a charge of possession of child pornography.  

Michael Irons, 44, was charged with one count of possession of child pornography. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester today, Irons was released to home detention.

According to the charging documents, during a search of Iron’s residence today, federal agents discovered two cell phones in Iron’s bedroom – belonging to him – that a preliminary search revealed to contain at least 200 videos of child pornography.

Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.

The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistance was provided by the Gardner and Worcester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucy Sun of Lelling’s Worcester office is prosecuting the case. 

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

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

Crown Point Man Sentenced To 60 Months Imprisonment

For Distribution of Crack Cocaine

HAMMOND-Leonardo Verduzco, 26, of Crown Point, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 60 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release following his guilty plea to distribution of crack cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.    

According to documents in the case, during the summer of 2019, law enforcement made purchases of crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and a firearm from Verduzco.  During a subsequent search of Verduzco’s residence, law enforcement recovered drug packaging materials, empty gun cases, gun magazines, ammunition, and $11,240 in cash.  In his plea agreement, Verduzco consented to forfeiture of the cash because it was connected or traceable to his drug crime, admitted responsibility for 28 grams of crack and 171 grams of methamphetamine as drug-involved conduct, and admitted that he had assisted another individual in illegally purchasing a firearm for him.  Verduzco, who has prior misdemeanor convictions for battery, theft, and marijuana possession, was on probation at the time of this federal offense.             

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives/High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Schererville Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla.

Nashua Man Sentenced to 63 Months for Participating in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy in Nashua Area

            CONCORD – George Cruz, 30, of Nashua, was sentenced on Wednesday to 63 months in federal prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, Cruz was a member of a drug trafficking organization that distributed crack cocaine and other drugs to various customers in the Nashua area.  Cruz actively sold drugs to customers for the organization.

             Cruz previously pleaded guilty on December 17, 2019. 

             In addition to Cruz, six defendants in this case have pleaded guilty. Four of the defendants have been sentenced: Donald Johnson was sentenced to 42 months in prison; Melvin Nooks, Jr. was sentenced to 120 months in prison; Marvin Morrison was sentenced to 15 months in prison; and Mallory Nooks received 60 months in prison.  William Greenleaf is scheduled to be sentenced on November 3, 2020 and Isaiah Kinard is scheduled to be sentenced on November 4, 2020. Three other defendants are awaiting trial.

             “This 63-month sentence should serve as a warning to drug dealers operating in the Nashua area,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Mr. Cruz now follows four of his fellow conspirators to federal prison. A similar fate awaits those who peddle crack cocaine anywhere in the Granite State. We will continue to work with the FBI and all of our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate the purveyors of dangerous illegal drugs.”

            “With today’s sentence, George Cruz became the fifth member of this drug trafficking organization to be held accountable for pumping illegal narcotics like crack cocaine into the neighborhoods of Nashua,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Given that the safety and quality of life of our communities are on the line, our Safe Streets Gang Task Force will vigorously work to put drug trafficking rings like this one permanently out of business.”

             This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police, Nashua Police Department, Manchester Police Department, Dover Police Department, and Portsmouth Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana Konesky and Anna Krasinski.

            This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. 

Council Bluffs Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Child Pornography Offenses

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger sentenced Michael Brandstrom, age 29, of Council Bluffs, to 480 months in prison. He was sentenced to 360 months imprisonment for Production of Child Pornography and 120 months to Possession of Child Pornography, to run consecutively. The federal sentence will be served concurrently with his prison sentence in Pottawattamie County State Court for Kidnapping in the Third Degree and Lascivious Acts with a Child. Brandstrom was ordered to serve fifteen years of supervised release to follow his prison term. He was also ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund and $10,500 in restitution to numerous victims.

The charges stem from an investigation initiated by local law enforcement after a mother reported her four-year-old child missing from their apartment in Council Bluffs on September 2, 2019. As Council Bluffs Police Officers searched the apartment complex, Brandstrom brought the missing child out to them. Brandstrom was nervous when questioned by the police, his story was not consistent as to why he did not contact police when he located the child, and the child’s shirt was inside out. Brandstrom had taken the child into his apartment without the consent of her mother and the child disclosed that Brandstrom took pictures of her in his bathroom.

A search warrant was executed on Brandstrom’s apartment and a laptop and two cellular phones were seized for forensic analysis. The analysis of the devices revealed a large number of child pornography images and videos, including those of the child he kidnapped. The analysis of the laptop computer also located communications Mr. Brandstrom had with children from another country where he attempted to sexually exploit them.

This investigation was conducted by the Council Bluffs Police Department and United States Secret Service. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa and the Pottawattamie County Attorney’s Office.

Plainville Man Charged with Enticement of Minor

BOSTON – A Plainville man was arrested yesterday and charged with attempted enticement of a minor.

David Cerasuolo, 47, of Plainville, Mass., was charged by criminal complaint with one count of coercion and enticement of a minor, or attempt thereof. Following an initial appearance via videoconference in federal court in Boston, Cerasuolo was detained pending a probable cause and detention hearing scheduled for July 31, 2020.

According to the criminal complaint, Cerasuolo used chat applications to engage in conversations with an individual he believed to be a 13-year-old girl, but was actually an undercover federal agent. During these conversations, Cerasuolo attempted to entice the 13-year-old to engage in sexual activity and sent her several photographs of himself, including one displaying his penis.

The charging statute provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. The Plainville, Arlington, Boston and Newton Police Departments and Massachusetts Department of Correction provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Deitch of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting 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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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

Dallas Police Officer Charged With Child Sexual Exploitation

A Dallas Police Officer has been charged with uploading sexually explicit images of children using the City of Dallas’ employee internet, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.

Daniel Lee Collins, a 35-year-old senior corporal assigned to DPD’s Auto Theft Unit, was charged via criminal complaint with one count of transportation of child pornography.

“Law enforcement officers take an oath to protect and serve,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox. “This defendant allegedly undermined that vow, preying upon our most vulnerable. The Department of Justice will not tolerate the exploitation of children – especially by our public servants.”

According to court documents, Mr. Collins allegedly uploaded sexually explicit photos of prepubescent girls to his various Google accounts via the City of Dallas’ internet network.

Google flagged the images – one uploaded on May 13 to an account tagged “Dan Collins” and two more uploaded on June 29 to an account tagged “John Smith” –  to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which filed a Cyber Tipline report with the Dallas Police Department. In the report, they noted that one of the profiles included a photo of a man in a police uniform, later determined to be Mr. Collins.

A Dallas IT specialist traced the IP addresses used for the uploads to the City of Dallas internet network. Investigators determined that the same Google accounts were also accessed from Mr. Collin’s residence.

In an interview with federal agents, Mr. Collins allegedly admitted to accessing the Google accounts and saving child pornography.

A complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. Like all defendants, Mr. Collins – who has been placed on administrative leave by the police department pending the results of an internal investigation – is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

Homeland Security Investigations’ Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Dallas Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Saleem is prosecuting the case.

Two Men Indicted For Conspiracy, Bank Fraud, And Aggravated Identity Theft

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment on July 7, 2020, charging two men with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, 13 counts of bank fraud, and 1 count of aggravated identity theft. The indictment was announced by Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The indictment charges Isaleb Anofils, 31, of Vero Beach, and Donyell Garland, 32, of Tallahassee. It alleges that Anofils and Garland conspired to defraud federally insured financial institutions between January 1, 2018, and April 9, 2018. Specifically, the indictment alleges that the two men used a combination of cell phone apps and various internet websites to obtain personally identifiable information on nine individuals. Anofils and Garland then allegedly used that information to make fraudulent cash withdrawals from ATMs at their victims’ financial institutions. In total, it is alleged that Anofils and Garland fraudulently obtained or attempted to obtain approximately $151,000 in funds to which they were not entitled.

Both men face a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison for the conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud counts, and an additional 2-year mandatory minimum prison sentence, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, for the aggravated identity theft count.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen is prosecuting the case.

A jury trial for Garland is scheduled for August 24, 2020, and Anofil’s jury trial is scheduled for September 28, 2020.  Each defendant will be tried before the Honorable Chief United States District Judge Mark E. Walker at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee.

An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

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

Five Central Ohioans charged in conspiracy to kidnap Hilliard couple, impersonate law enforcement

Group attempted to kidnap same victims 2 times

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal grand jury has indicted a victim’s ex-girlfriend and four of her associates for conspiring and attempting to kidnap her ex-boyfriend and his girlfriend. The indictment was filed today.

Denia I. Avila, 37, of Columbus, and co-conspirators allegedly impersonated federal law enforcement officers and used a Taser while attempting to kidnap the victims.

The four others charged include, Jessica E. Wise, 38, of Columbus; Ellis L. Ray, II, 19, of Canal Winchester; Michael K. Ousley, 43, of Columbus; and Jerry E. McCallister, Jr, 27, of Columbus.

According to court documents, the co-conspirators attempted to kidnap the two individuals on Nov. 25, 2019, and Dec. 4, 2019, near the victims’ residence in Hilliard.

An affidavit details that during the first attempt, two males wearing all black with black face masks approached the victims as they entered a vehicle around 5:30am. They Tased the male victim’s neck and attempted to remove him from his vehicle. The female victim screamed and the male victim was able to push the attacker back, causing both men to flee on foot.

In the second incident, also before 5:30 a.m., the female victim attempted to leave their residence in the male’s vehicle but was blocked in by the suspect’s vehicle.

It is alleged that two males – wearing black jackets with “Police” jacket patches and holding a photograph of the male victim – approached the truck yelling “Police, open the door.” They attempted to open the truck door, but the victim began honking her horn and drove over a curb to escape the area.

Detectives discovered two videos in which Avila and Wise discuss plans for kidnapping and injuring the victims. A Taser and leg shackles are shown in the videos. Throughout the videos, the two women allegedly discuss disposing of the victims’ vehicles, locking the male victim in a hotel room, leaving the female victim beaten in a remote location, and various ways to evade law enforcement.

In the videos, Avila allegedly states she knows the victims would be too fearful to go to the authorities because she helped smuggle the male victim back into the United States after he was deported, and therefore she knew he was here illegally.

Receipts show the co-conspirators also purchased “Immigration” patches. Avila’s work cell phone had a screenshot on “how ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) makes arrests” and searches including “ICE Federal Agent Halloween Costume.”

“In what some might think is a plot line for a movie, these individuals allegedly devised an elaborate scheme involving the impersonation of federal law enforcement agents to kidnap someone,” said Vance Callender, HSI special agent in charge for Michigan and Ohio.

“Not only did the alleged perpetrators try and fail to kidnap the victim, they tried a second time and failed,” said Keith Barwick, ICE Office of Professional Responsibility special agent in charge. “The suspects left a wide trail of evidence that agents and detectives were able to collect, follow, and use to arrest multiple coconspirators.” 

The five defendants were charged by criminal complaint on July 15.

Conspiracy to commit kidnapping is a federal crime punishable by up to life in prison. Attempted kidnapping is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Conspiring to impersonate an Officer of the United States carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison.

David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Vance Callender, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Keith Barwick, Special Agent in Charge, ICE Office of Professional Responsibility; and Hilliard Division of Police Chief Robert Fisher announced the charges. The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General and ICE Office of Professional Responsibility also assisted in the case.   

“The outcome of this case could have been very tragic without the exhaustive initial investigation by our detectives, and the ongoing and thorough collaboration with federal agencies,” said Hilliard Chief of Police Robert Fisher. “Hilliard citizens can feel reassured knowing the individuals who put this disturbing plan in place will be held accountable for their actions.”

Assistant United States Attorney Jessica W. Knight and Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher N. St. Pierre are representing the United States in this case.

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

Hawaii man sentenced to five years in prison for possessing child pornography

HONOLULU, Hawaii – Tyler Pang, 20, of Honolulu, received a sentence of five years imprisonment from United States District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi today for possessing child pornography. The defendant also must register as a sex offender in the jurisdiction(s) where he resides, is employed, or is a student.

U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii announced that according to information produced in court, Pang found a sexually explicit video of a minor female online. After identifying her and finding her social media account, Pang contacted the female with threats to disseminate her sexually explicit video unless she produced more explicit images for him. When she refused to comply with his demands, Pang distributed the explicit video to her friends on social media, and continued to threaten her over the course of months. In addition, Pang admitted possessing a collection of child pornography that he offered for sale on the internet.

“The defendant’s despicable conduct in this case appropriately landed him in federal prison for years, where he can reflect upon the harm he caused the victim. As the prosecution made clear, Pang weaponized a sexually explicit video of a minor in his attempt to satisfy his desire for explicit photos of her. My office will continue to seek justice for victims of this kind of extortion, as well as those who victimize our young people by contributing to the market for child pornography by possessing, distributing, or producing it,” said U.S. Attorney Price.

“Identifying predators who exploit the innocence of a child will always be a top priority for the FBI. Tyler Pang possessed sexual images of children and distributed the images over the internet. Today’s sentencing highlights the hard work of the men and women of the FBI and puts a child predator offline,” said Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Eli S. Miranda.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Morgan Early.

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

Troy Man Sentenced to 78 Months for Distributing and Receiving Child Pornography

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kurtis Walter, age 27, of Troy, New York, was sentenced today to serve 78 months in prison for distribution and receipt of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith, and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albany Field Office.

United States District Court Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also sentenced Walter to 15 years of supervised release, to begin following his term of imprisonment. Walter will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

Walter pled guilty on January 23, 2020.  At that time, he admitted that in November 2017, he used a laptop computer equipped with an Internet-based instant messaging and file-sharing application to distribute child pornography. He also admitted to using the same laptop to search for and download child pornography, which he accessed through sites located on the Internet’s so-called dark web.  Walter’s laptop and external devices contained approximately 98 video files and 2,349 image files depicting child pornography.

This case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the New York State Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon. This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood.  Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc/.

Utica Men Sentenced for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

UTICA, NEW YORK – Abner Peralta, age 31, and Luis Colon, age 35, both of Utica, were sentenced today after previously being found guilty after trial of drug trafficking charges. Peralta was sentenced to serve 60 months in federal prison, followed by a 4-year term of supervised release and forfeiture of $650.00. Colon was sentenced to time served. The sentences were announced by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Ray Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Field Division.

Earlier this year, Peralta and Colon were found guilty after a five-day jury trial in federal court in Utica of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine in the Utica area from October 2016 to October 2017. The jury also found Peralta guilty of possession with intent to distribute of 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack cocaine). The evidence at trial showed that Peralta and Colon conspired with each other and others to distribute cocaine in the Utica area and that Peralta, the head of the conspiracy, had access to kilogram-quantities of cocaine. The evidence also showed that Peralta maintained a drug “stash house” in Utica where he kept drugs and drug packaging materials. During the trial, a fingerprint analyst testified that he identified Peralta’s fingerprints on some of the drug packaging material seized from the stash location. The cocaine base Peralta possessed with the intent to distribute was found during a search warrant executed at this location in October 2017. The evidence at trial also included testimony that law enforcement officers searched Peralta’s house and found multiple items in the garage that tested positive for cocaine residue, including a digital scale.

This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) with assistance from the New York State Police, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Rome Police Department, Utica Police Department, Cortland Police Department, Investigators from the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office; U.S. Border Patrol; and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and it was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Perry & Thomas Sutcliffe.

Lame Deer man sentenced to prison for assaulting woman

BILLINGS — A man who admitted injuring a woman by hitting and punching  her during a fight in Lame Deer in 2017 was sentenced today to six months in prison and three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Frank Brent Flying, Sr., 38, of Lame Deer, pleaded guilty in November to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.

In court records filed in the case, the prosecution said that the assault occurred during an argument on Dec. 28, 2017 at a residence in Lame Deer on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. Flying punched the victim multiple times in the face and strangled her. The victim was treated for substantial injuries.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Dake prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.

Bridgeton Man Indicted for Armed Carjacking that Resulted in the Death of Female Victim

St. Louis – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Anthony D. Jones, Jr., 28, of Bridgeton, Missouri, for his role in the May 4, 2019 carjacking and death of victim Jessica Vinson.  The indictment charges Jones with carjacking resulting in death, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death, felon in possession of ammunition, felon in possession of a firearm, and witness tampering.

According to court documents, on May 4, 2019, Ms. Vinson’s body was recovered near the 5300 block of Vernon Avenue in St. Louis City.  Investigation revealed that she had been shot.  Her car, a 2015 Dodge Charger, was missing and her home in the 4300 block of Maffitt Avenue had been burglarized. 

On May 6, 2019, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop of Ms. Vinson’s vehicle, which fled at a high rate of speed and eventually crashed near an exit ramp at I-70 and Grand Avenue.  Anthony Jones fled from the driver’s seat of the vehicle and a female fled from the front passenger seat.  Police located Jones, who was hiding, and arrested him.  Officers also recovered a pistol from the vehicle.  The investigation also revealed that Jones sent electronic communications threatening to harm individuals who were aware of his violent conduct related to Ms. Vinson.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating these current charges.

The case was handled by Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) Jen Szczucinski as part of the Safer Streets Initiative. The initiative was launched by Attorney General Schmitt and U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen in January of 2019 as an unprecedented state and federal partnership to prosecute violent crime in St. Louis. Since April 2019, lawyers from the Attorney General’s Office sworn in as SAUSAs have filed over 200 charges.  

If convicted, carjacking resulting in death and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment or death; felon in possession of ammunition and felon in possession of a firearm carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000; and witness tampering carries a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine of $250,000 on each count.

Charges set forth in the Indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

West Seneca Man Charged With Selling Meth

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Timothy J. Chowaniec, 62, of West Seneca, NY, was arrested and charged by complaint with possessing with the intent distribute, and distributing, five grams of more of methamphetamine. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, and a maximum of 40 years. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles E. Watkins, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on three separate occasions in January and February of 2020, an undercover investigator with the New York State Police purchased quantities of methamphetamine from the defendant near Chowaniec’s residence in West Seneca. On April 14, 2020, the DEA and United States Postal Inspection Service executed a search warrant on a parcel from California addressed to the defendant at his West Seneca residence. Located inside the parcel was a plastic sandwich bag containing approximately 3.7 ounces of suspected methamphetamine.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major James Hall; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Boston Division Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin.

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