Lakeland Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Theft Of Public Money And Aggravated Identity Theft

 Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Julio Gonzales (45, Lakeland) to 2 years and 10 months in federal prison for theft of public money and aggravated identity theft. As part of his sentence, the court also ordered Gonzalez to pay $110,102.90 in restitution and, separately, entered a forfeiture money judgment against him in the amount of $28,527, the proceeds of the offense of conviction.

Gonzalez had pleaded guilty on June 22, 2021.

According to court documents, from February 2014 through February 2018, Gonzales stole Social Security benefit payments made by the Social Security Administration on behalf of four individuals. In total, Gonzalez knowingly and willfully stole approximately $110,102 in benefits to which he was not entitled. In addition, Gonzales used the identity of an unsuspecting U.S. citizen to commit Social Security fraud.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Huyler.

Annual Opportunity for Doctoral Students to get Applied Research Experience in Criminal Justice

 The NIJ Research Assistantship Program offers highly qualified doctoral students the opportunity to bring their expertise to NIJ to work across offices and program areas to obtain a practical and applied research experience.  

We welcome students from all academic disciplines to apply and connect their research to the criminal justice field. This unique assistantship is an opportunity to learn and contribute to the breadth and depth of science research in which NIJ engages. NIJ provides funds to participating universities to pay salaries and other costs associated with research assistants who work on NIJ research activities. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Research Assistants may work remotely until onsite working at NIJ has resumed. 

Students have until January 3, 2022 to work with their schools to apply. 

APPLY NOW

Bridgeport Man Admits Participating in Gang-Related Shootings

 DIOMIE BLACKWELL, also known as “Yamo,” 24, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today to a racketeering offense stemming from his participation in gang-related shootings, including a shooting in front of a state courthouse in Bridgeport in January 2020.

Today’s announcement was made by Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Acting Police Chief Rebeca Garcia; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence.  Blackwell has been a member of the “Greene Homes Boyz” (“GHB/Hotz”), a gang based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport’s North End, whose members and associates distributed heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana and Percocet pills; committed numerous acts of violence against rival gang members and other individuals, and celebrated their criminal conduct on social media websites such as Facebook and YouTube.  GHB/Hotz members and associates also committed acts of intimidation and made threats to deter potential witnesses to their crimes and to protect gang members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities.  From approximately 2017 until August 2020, GHB/Hotz members were aligned with members of the “Original North End” (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport, against rival groups in Bridgeport, including the East End, East Side and PT Barnum gangs, as well as 150, which is a geographic gang based on the West Side of Bridgeport.

In pleading guilty, Blackwell admitted that on February 7, 2018, he and an associate shot and attempted to kill “MJ,” a member or associate of the 150 gang.  And, on January 27, 2020, he and others attempted to kill members and associates of the East End gang in a brazen afternoon shooting in front of a Bridgeport courthouse.  At 12:11 p.m. on that date, Bridgeport Police responded to the area of 172 Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport after a Shot Spotter activation detected approximately 20 shots being fired in front of the state courthouse located there.  Upon arrival, investigators discovered that four victims had been shot while sitting inside a black Chevrolet Impala.  One victim was shot in the side of his chest and was left paralyzed and a second victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his back, shoulder and wrist.  The victims’ vehicle had approximately 23 entry bullet holes in the driver’s side and windshield area.

Blackwell also appears in YouTube videos and in social media posts, where firearms are present, promoting the gang.

Blackwell pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on December 28, 2021, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Blackwell has been detained since August 6, 2020.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by ATF, the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Naugatuck Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Rahul Kale, Peter D. Markle, Karen L. Peck and Stephanie T. Levick.

This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

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

Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities.  Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.  If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group.

South Florida School Teacher Sentenced to Federal Prison Term for Possessing Child Pornography

 Miami, Florida – A federal district judge in Miami has sentenced 27-year-old Hialeah resident Roberto Ortiz to 78 months’ imprisonment, followed by eight years of supervised release, for possessing approximately 1,700 images and 40 videos of child pornography. 

From 2019 until his arrest on July 30, 2020, Ortiz worked as a mathematics teacher at American Senior High School, a public school in South Florida.  Prior to that, Mr. Ortiz served as a teacher at Jose Marti High School in Miami and at Youth Co-Op Preparatory Charter School in Hialeah, a school which includes students as young as five.  

Based on information presented to the court, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a search warrant for Ortiz’s home after their investigation determined that a computer user at the residence was downloading and sharing child pornography by means of peer-to-peer file-sharing software.  Pursuant to their search, agents seized several electronic devices from the home, including a laptop belonging to Ortiz.  A forensic analysis of that laptop revealed over 1,700 files of child pornography.

On April 13, Ortiz pled guilty to possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  U.S. District Judge Marcia G. Cooke imposed the sentence.

Juan Antonio Gonzalez, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Miami, announced the sentence.

FBI Miami investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sajjad Matin prosecuted it.

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

Takedown of Lane County Drug Trafficking Cell Leads to Largest Seizure of Methamphetamine in Oregon State History

 EUGENE, Ore.—On September 15, 2021, a coordinated law enforcement operation targeting the leader and several associates of a Lane County drug trafficking cell led to the seizure of 384 pounds of methamphetamine, the largest single methamphetamine seizure in Oregon State history and valued at over a million dollars.

The operation, led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) with assistance from the Springfield Police Department, Eugene Police Department, and Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (LINE) came after the cell’s leader, Martin Manzo-Negrete aka Javier Cardenas-Manzo, a 47-year-old Eugene resident, was charged by federal criminal complaint with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Manzo-Negrete has a long history of drug trafficking and previously served 14 years in federal prison.

Manzo-Negrete was arrested during the operation and made his first appearance in federal court on September 16, 2021. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

Four of Manzo-Negrete’s associates were also arrested and are facing federal drug charges. They include Eugene residents Gustavo Manzo-Mares, 45; Candice L. Barrett, 52; John C. Willis, 59; and Nathan Lee Daniels, 46. A fifth associate, Frank Buehler, 52, also of Eugene, has been charged, but remains at large.

As part of the operation, law enforcement executed federal search warrants at multiple locations in Lane County. In addition to methamphetamine, they seized 14 firearms—some of which were stolen—and more than $76,000 in cash.

DEA and the Eugene Police Department Street Crimes Unit began investigating the Manzo-Mares cell in October 2020 for its role in trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine from California to Oregon for resale in and around Lane County. The drug trafficking organization transported large quantities of methamphetamine by car from Southern California to Oregon. Once in Oregon, the drugs were stored, divided, and then distributed into the community.

Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the DEA with assistance from Springfield Police Department, Eugene Police Department Street Crimes Unit, and LINE. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Huynh is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

Bags of seized methamphetamine.

Seized firearms.

Bags of seized cash.

Help Prevent Bullying and Cyberbullying in Your School Community

 October marks Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, an important time to focus on and raise awareness of the risk of bullying and cyberbullying in school communities. Bullying is widespread in the United States, and the behavior can threaten students’ physical and emotional safety as well as impact their social and academic success at school.

Everyone at school can work together to create an environment where bullying is not acceptable – whether that be in the classroom, on school grounds, or online. Read on for resources, programs, and tools kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) schools, educators, parents, and students can use to help identify, prevent, and address bullying and cyberbullying.

Bullying

• StopBullying.gov: This interagency website provides information and resources on bullying, cyberbullying, prevention, and response.
• Preventing Bullying: This webpage provides background information on bullying, including bullying statistics in the United States, as well as prevention strategies to stop bullying before it starts.
• KnowBullying Mobile App: Through this app, parents, caregivers, and educators can find information to start conversations with children, share successful bullying prevention strategies, recognize the signs of bullying, and support children who are being bullied.
• The Relationship Between Bullying and Suicide: What We Know and What It Means for Schools: This resource provides school administrators, teachers, and other school staff with concrete, action-oriented information based on the latest science to help improve schools’ understanding of and ability to prevent and respond to bullying.
• Measuring Bullying Victimization, Perpetration, and Bystander Experiences: A Compendium of Assessment Tools: This collection provides the school community with tools to measure a range of bullying experiences, including assessing self-reported incidents and the prevalence of bullying.

Cyberbullying

• Dealing with Cyberbullies: These tips and recommendations outline what cyberbullying is, why it has become a problem, and how to protect students.
• Tips for Teachers: This webpage provides information for teachers, school personnel, and staff to identify warning signs a child is being cyberbullied or is cyberbullying, as well as strategies to prevent and address it.

Social and Emotional Learning, School Climate, and Mental Health

• National Technical Assistance Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: This program supports schools, districts, and states to build a framework to improve outcomes for students with, or at-risk for, disabilities, enhance school climate and school safety, and improve conditions for learning to promote the well-being of all students.
• School Climate Improvement Resource Package: This set of resources, reference manuals, and action guides outlines ways school leaders, personnel, and community partners can improve school climate and create an environment where students feel safe, supported, and accepted.
• Mental Health and School Safety: This topic page on SchoolSafety.gov features resources, best practices, and strategies to support the implementation of mental health support and access initiatives at your school.

Visit SchoolSafety.gov to access bullying and cyberbullying resources and guidance and follow @SchoolSafetyGov on Twitter for additional school safety updates.  

---

Fort Myers Man Sentenced To More Than 22 Years For Firearms Offense And For Receiving Illegal Drugs Through The Mail

 Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Bradleigh Wayne Carter (32, Fort Myers) to 22 years and 6 months in federal prison for attempted possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine and for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The court also ordered Carter to forfeit firearms and ammunition that were related to the offense. 

Carter had pleaded guilty on October 6, 2020.

According to court documents, Carter agreed to have a United States Postal Service (USPS) Priority Mail parcel shipped to his residence in Fort Myers, knowing that the package contained approximately one pound of methamphetamine. During the execution of a search warrant at Carter’s residence, law enforcement located additional quantities of controlled substances, including methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine. Agents also seized several firearms and ammunition that Carter, a convicted felon, knowingly possessed in furtherance of his drug trafficking activity.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesus M. Casas.

Watertown Man Charged with Possession of a Sawed-Off Shotgun

 Rafael Rondon and Maryann Mooney-Rondon also Face January 6, 2021 Capitol Breach Charges

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Rafael Rondon, age 23, of Watertown, New York was arraigned today in federal court in Syracuse on an indictment charging him with possession of an unregistered sawed-off shotgun at his residence, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Rafael Rondon and his mother, Maryann Mooney-Rondon, 55, of Watertown, New York, both also appeared in court on a criminal complaint filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia containing the following charges stemming from the January 6, 2021 incident at the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

Theft of Government Property, 18 U.S.C. §§ 641 and 2 (Misdemeanor)

Obstruction of an Official Proceeding, 18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)(2) (Felony)

Entering/Remaining a Restricted Building, 18 U.S.C. § 1752(a)(1) (Misdemeanor)

Disorderly Conduct in a Restricted Building, 18 U.S.C. § 1752(a)(2) (Misdemeanor)

Entering/Remaining the Gallery of Congress, 40 U.S.C. § 5104(e)(2)(B) (Misdemeanor)

Entering/Remaining in Certain Rooms of Capitol Building, 40 U.S.C. § 5104 (e)(2)(C) (Misdemeanor)

Disorderly Conduct in Capitol Building, 40 U.S.C § 5104(e)(2)(D) (Misdemeanor)

Both Rafael Rondon and Maryann Mooney-Rondon appeared today in Syracuse, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Therese Wiley-Dancks, and were released pending further court proceedings.

The charge against Rafael Rondon alleging his possession of an unregistered sawed-off shotgun carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. 

A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The charges in the indictment and criminal complaint are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

These cases are being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the United States Capitol Police, and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), with assistance from the New York State Police. The indictment charging Rafael Rondon in United States District Court for the Northern District of New York is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Green and Richard Southwick. The case involving the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

Houston Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Trafficking Charge

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that, on September 30, 2021, WILSON ROMERO, age 55, of Katy, Texas, pled to one count of possession with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).

According to court documents, during a traffic stop on May 6, 2019, ROMERO was found with 994 grams of heroin hidden in a vacuum cleaner in the trunk of his vehicle.  ROMERO subsequently admitted that he had paid $32,000 for the heroin and was trafficking it from Houston to New Orleans.

ROMERO faces a sentence of between 5 years and 40 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe set sentencing for January 6, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Louisiana State Police in investigating this case.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maria M. Carboni and Jonathan L. Shih.

 

Atlanta Man Sentenced to Jail for Bribing U.S. Marine Corps Official in Exchange For $2,000,000 In Transportation Contracts

 NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on Thursday, September 23, 2021, the Honorable Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced DARREL FITZPATRICK, aged 31, to 60 months in the Bureau of Prisons in what the Judge called a “massive bribery and fraud scheme” involving the United States Marine Corps. 

The defendant had previously pleaded guilty on January 21, 2021 to Conspiracy to Commit Bribery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 201(b)(1).  The Court also set a restitution hearing on December 16, 2021, to determine how much money the defendant owes the government as a result of the scheme. The defendant must also serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to the Factual Basis, in 2019 FITZPATRICK was a senior account manager at Company A, a bus brokerage company that provided transportation to the United States Marine Corps Reserves.  That same year, FITZPATRICK started a competing transportation brokerage company called National Charter Express.

In 2019, FITZPATRICK agreed to pay kickbacks to Erik Martin, a civilian employee of the United States Marine Corps Reserves, in exchange for Martin directing business to Company A, and then later, National Charter Express. The conspiracy resulted in at least $2,000,000 in transportation contracts being corruptly awarded to companies associated with FITZPATRICK.  In exchange, FITZPATRICK wired and attempted to wire Martin over $250,000 in bribes.

U. S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), and the United States Secret Service for their investigation in this case.

“Mr. Fitzpatrick deserves to be held fully accountable for his criminal actions to bribe a Marine Corps employee to direct contracts to his transportation company,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas Cannizzo of the NCIS Southeast Field Office. “This sentencing should serve as a warning that those who seek to defraud the Department of the Navy will always be exposed and investigated to the fullest extent. NCIS and our partners remain committed to rooting out bribery and corruption that damages the integrity of the Department of the Navy’s procurement process, wastes American taxpayer money, and ultimately jeopardizes the safety of our nation’s warfighters.”

“I’d like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service for partnering on this important investigation,” stated Special Agent in Charge Cynthia A. Bruce of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the investigative arm of the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General. “I am pleased that we were able to secure a significant forfeiture to take back ill-gotten gains from the defendants and send a clear message that ultimately crime does not pay."

The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Andre Lagarde and Myles Ranier.

Tulsa Man Sentenced to More than 30 Years in Prison for Raping a Minor

 A Tulsa man who forced a minor to perform sex act in return for basic necessities was sentenced this week in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

Chief U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III sentenced James Damien McIntosh, 43, to a total of 365 months in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release.

On May 11, 2021, McIntosh pleaded guilty to incest in Indian Country and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. McIntosh admitted to knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor female from March 18, 2015, to Dec. 10, 2019. He further admitted to using his cell phone to coerce the minor into sexual activity.

According to court documents, the minor disclosed to authorities that she had been raped by McIntosh numerous times starting in 2015. She told officers that the defendant would send electronic messages using code words to coerce her into sex acts with him. McIntosh would make her perform the sex acts in exchange for privileges and basic necessities like clothing and toiletries.  He would also threaten the victim and physically assault the victim if she did not comply with his demands.

The FBI and Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sandra M. Urban and Christopher J. Nassar prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney's Office For Eastern District Of Oklahoma Obtains Forty-Six Indictments From Federal Grand Juries

 MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced federal grand juries sitting in Muskogee recently completed two separate August and two separate September sessions and returned forty-six felony indictments, including four superseding indictments.

From the four grand jury sessions in August and September, twenty-eight indictments were publicly filed and eighteen remain sealed pending arrest of the charged defendants. Twenty-three of the unsealed charges involve crimes arising out of Indian Country.  Six of the unsealed indictments are for murder or involuntary manslaughter, four are for sex crimes, and the balance contain allegations of assault with intent to commit murder, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, domestic violence, firearms violations, burglary, and robbery (including attempted robbery). The five unsealed non-Indian Country indictments involve possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, firearms violations, and traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

The following indictments were returned by the federal grand juries and filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.  The information listed in brackets is the county and reservation where the crime(s) allegedly occurred.

 

Murder Cases:

United States v. Jeriah Scott Budder (superseding indictment) –  Count 1: Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence –  18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii) & (iii); Count 3: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c) – 18 U.S.C. § 924(j); Forfeiture Allegation - 18 U.S.C. § 924(d) and 28 U.S.C. § 2461(c) [Cherokee County – Cherokee Nation Reservation]

United States v. Jeremy Matthew Girty –  Count 1: Murder in Indian Country, Second Degree – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153 [Carter County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]

United States v. Jimmy Louis Northcutt, Jr. (second superseding indictment) –  Count 1: Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Murder in Perpetration of Burglary in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153; Count 3: Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence – 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i),(ii) & (iii); Count 4: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) – 18 U.S.C. § 924(j)(1); Count 5: Burglary in the Second Degree in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1153 & 21 O.S.A. § 1435(A); Count 6: Felon in Possession of a Firearm – 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) & 924(a)(2); Count 7: Possession of Stolen Firearm – 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(j) & 924(a)(2); Forfeiture Allegation – 18 U.S.C. § 924(d) and 28 U.S.C. § 2461(c) [Pontotoc County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]

United States v. James Eric Parker (superseding indictment) –  Count 1: Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Murder in Perpetration of Kidnapping in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153; Count 3: Murder in Perpetration of Kidnapping in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C.  §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153; Count 4: Kidnapping Resulting in Death in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1201(a)(2), 1151 & 1153; Count 5: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) – 18 U.S.C. § 924(j)(1); Forfeiture Allegation – 18 U.S.C. § 924(d) and 28 U.S.C. § 2461(c) [Carter County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]

United States v. Troy Allen Stevenson –  Count 1: Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence – 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i),(ii) & (iii); Count 3: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c) – 18 U.S.C. § 924(j)(1); Forfeiture Allegation – 18 U.S.C. § 924(d) and 28 U.S.C. § 2461(c) [Sequoyah County – Cherokee Nation Reservation]

 

Sexual Assault:

United States v. Dustin Kane Adams –  Count 1: Aggravated Sexual Abuse of Child Under 12 in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2241(c), 2246(2)(c), 1151 & 1152; Count 2: Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2244(a)(5), 2246(3), 1151 & 1152 [Johnston County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]

United States v. Clay Lee Scrivener –  Count 1: Lewd and Indecent Touching of a Child Under 16 in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1152, 13 & 21 O.S.A. § 1123(A)(2) [Carter County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]

United States v. Montelito Sanchez Simpkins (superseding indictment)  –  Count 1: Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2243(a), 2246(2)(D), 1151 & 1152; Count 2: Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2244(a)(3), 2246(3), 1151 & 1152 [Pontotoc County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]

United States v. Jeffrey Brent Thomas –  Count 1: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2241(c), 2246(2)(D), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2241(c), 2246(2)(D), 1151 & 1153;  Count 3: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2241(c), 2246(2)(D), 1151 & 1153; Count 4: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2241(c), 2246(2)(D), 1151 & 1153; Count 5: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2241(c), 2246(2)(D), 1151 & 1153; Count 6: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2241(c), 2246(2)(D), 1151 & 1153 [Pittsburg County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]

 

Other Violent Crimes:

United States v. Michael Paul Blagg –  Count 1: First Degree Burglary in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1153 & 21 O.S.A. § 1431; Count 2: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(3), 1151 & 1153; Forfeiture Allegation – 18 U.S.C. § 924(d) & 28 U.S.C. § 2461(c) [Bryan County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]

United States v. Cameron Dale Bowden –  Count 1: Burglary in the Second Degree in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1153 & 21 O.S.A. § 1435(A); Count 2: Burglary in the Third Degree in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1153 & 21 O.S.A. § 1435(B)  [Haskell County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]

United States v. Justin Blake Castillo –  Count 1: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Do Bodily Harm in Indian Country - 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(3), 1151 & 1152 [Sequoyah County – Cherokee Nation Reservation]

United States v. Terrell Eugene Delozier –  Count 1: Domestic Violence in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2261(a)(1), 2261(b)(3), 1151 & 1152; Count 2: Assault With a Dangerous Weapon With Intent to Do Bodily Harm in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(3), 1151 & 1152; Count 3: Burglary in the First Degree in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1152 & 21 O.S.A. § 1431; Count 4: Use, Carry and Brandish of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence – 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i) & (ii); Count 5: Child Neglect in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1152 & 21 O.S.A. § 843.5(C) [Pontotoc County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]

United States v. Kody Fields, FVS-CHVTV Amos Lawhead, and Jimmy Dale Brown –  Count 1: Robbery in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2111, 2, 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Use, Carry, and Brandish of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence – 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A) & 2 [Cherokee County – Cherokee Nation Reservation]

United States v. Raymond David Goldman –  Count 1: Assault With a Dangerous Weapon With Intent to Do Bodily Harm in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(3), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge of a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence – 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i),(ii) & (iii); Count 3: Felon in Possession of Ammunition – 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) & 924(a)(2); Forfeiture Allegation – 18 U.S.C. § 924(d) and 28 U.S.C. § 2461(c) ) [Cherokee County – Cherokee Nation Reservation]

United States v. Ronald Edward Good – Count 1: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(3), 1151 & 1152 [Carter County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]

United States v. Andy Matthew Hyden a/k/a Andrew Mathew Hyden – Count 1: Robbery in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2111, 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(6), 1151 & 1153; Count 3: Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition – 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) & 924(a)(2) [Pittsburg County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]

United States v. Gregory Alan Mouse, a/k/a Gregory Alan Fields, a/k/a Gregory Alan Fields-Mouse –  Count 1: Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(6), 1151 & 1153 [Cherokee County – Cherokee Nation Reservation]

United States v. Gregory Alan Mouse, a/k/a Gregory Alan Fields, a/k/a Gregory Alan Fields-Mouse –  Count 1: Robbery in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2111, 1151 & 1153 [Cherokee County – Cherokee Nation Reservation]

United States v. Dustin James Patterson – Count 1: First Degree Burglary in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1153 & 21 O.S.A. § 1431; Count 2: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(3), 1151 & 1153; Count 3: Attempted Robbery in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2111, 1151 & 1153 [Adair County – Cherokee Nation Reservation]

United States v. Dustin James Patterson –  Count 1: First Degree Burglary in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1153 & 21 O.S.A. § 1431; Count 2: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. § 113(a)(3), 1151 & 1153; Count 3: Attempted Robbery in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2111, 1151 & 1153 [Adair County – Cherokee Nation Reservation]

United States v. Hunter Caleb Spence – Count 1: Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country, 18 U.S.C. §§ 1112, 1151 & 1153 [LeFlore County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]

United States v. Amada Edith Winship –  Count 1: Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(1), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(6), 1151 & 1153; Count 3: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(3), 1151 & 1153; Count 4: Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence – 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i),(ii) & (iii); Forfeiture Allegation – 18 U.S.C. § 924(d) and 28 U.S.C. § 2461(c) [Pittsburg County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]

 

Non-Indian Crimes:

United States v. Eugene Lee Dozier, Sr. – Count 1: Engaging in the Business of Dealing, Importing, and Manufacturing Firearms without a License – 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(a)(1)(A) & 924(a)(2); Count 2: Transferring a Firearm to an Out of State Residence – 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(a)(5) & 924(a)(1)(D) [Pittsburg County]

United States v. Nicolas Isaiah Franco, a/k/a Nicholas Isaiah Franco –  Count 1: Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine – 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) & 841(b)(1)(B) [Adair County]

United States v. Jeremy Matthew Girty – Count 1: Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine – 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) & 841(b)(1)(C); Count 2: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime – 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A); Count 3: Felon in Possession of a Firearm – 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) & 924(a)(2); Forfeiture Allegation – 18 U.S.C. § 924(d), 21 U.S.C. § 853 & 28 U.S.C. § 2461(c) [Carter County]

United States v. Bryan Todd Richardson, II –  Count 1: Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct – 18 U.S.C. § 2423(b); Count 2: Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity – 18 U.S.C. § 2423(a); Count 3: Travel With Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct - 18 U.S.C. §§ 2423(b) [Wagoner County]

United States v. Bendrick Anthony Whitfield –  Count 1: Possession With Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine – 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) & 841(b)(1)(A); Count 2: Distribution of Methamphetamine – 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) & 841(b)(1)(B); Count 3: Distribution of Methamphetamine – 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) & 841(b)(1)(B); Count 4: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime – 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A); Count 5: Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition – 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) & 924(a)(2); Forfeiture Allegation – 18 U.S.C. § 924(d), 21 U.S.C. § 853 & 28 U.S.C. § 2461(c) [McCurtain County]

 

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

 BECKLEY, W.Va. – Will Pope, also known as “Shorty,” 46, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to distribution of a quantity of heroin.

According to court documents, Pope sold a quantity of heroin to a confidential informant near Beckley on February 13, 2020.  Pope also admitted to distributing what he now knows was fentanyl on two other occasions, both transactions occurring on February 6, 2020.   

Pope faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on January 22, 2022.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Detroit. 

United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is handling the prosecution.

Jury Convicts KC Man of Meth Trafficking at Camdenton Hotel

 Officers Seized Four Loaded Firearms, Large Amounts of Drugs, Cash

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Missouri, man has been convicted by a federal trial jury of possessing methamphetamine to distribute.

Anthony Martinez Harris, 48, was found guilty on Wednesday, Sept. 29, of one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

On Sept. 26, 2019, employees at the Sleep Inn on Highway 54 called Camdenton, Mo., police officers to remove Harris from the property. When officers arrived and contacted Harris, hotel staff used a key card to open the hotel room door because Harris’s key card had been deactivated. When they opened the door, officers saw a large amount of cash on the room’s bed and a line of cocaine on the coffee table.

Harris was questioned by a Camden County, Mo., sheriff’s deputy who arrived to assist the officers. When officers searched the room they found an oblong object wrapped in camouflage fabric, which Harris identified as C-4 explosive. Officers immediately contacted the Missouri State Highway patrol bomb squad and began evacuating the hotel. The substance was later determined not to be an explosive.

After the area was deemed safe, officers searched Harris’s hotel room and found a bag in a dresser drawer that contained approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine, a bag on one of the beds that contained approximately seven grams of cocaine, a Ziploc bag on another bed that contained 18 bags of approximately 37 grams of heroin/opiates, a Dollar General bag on the same bed that contained approximately 224 grams of methamphetamine, a Ziploc bag on the bed that contained small bags of marijuana, and a brown leather bag that contained 10 tablets of Oxycodone Hydrochloride, nine Ziploc bags that each contained approximately one gram of heroin/opiates, and a Ziploc bag that contained approximately 28 grams of cocaine. Officers also found a Springfield Armory sub-compact 9mm handgun and a loaded magazine, a Glock 9mm handgun and a loaded magazine, a Glock .40-caliber handgun and a loaded magazine, additional ammunition, $11,259, and assorted drug paraphernalia.

Officers also searched Harris’s vehicle and found a Black Dawn Armory custom-made AR-15-style .223-caliber rifle loaded with a 30-round magazine in the trunk. Officers also found a plastic bag that contained an assortment of approximately 500 ecstasy tablets and additional ammunition in the vehicle.

Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Jefferson City, Mo., deliberated for about two hours before returning the guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes on Wednesday, Sept. 29, ending a trial that started on Monday, Sept. 28.

Under federal statutes, Harris is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Lynn and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Richenberger. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Camden County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Camdenton, Mo., Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group,

Mexican National Residing in Bakersfield Sentenced to Prison for Selling 12 Pounds of Methamphetamine

 FRESNO, Calif. — Rodolfo Cardenas-Lara, 44, a Mexican national unlawfully residing in Bakersfield who has been removed from the United States on five occasions, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for unlawfully distributing methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

On July 16, 2021, co-defendant Cesar Larios-Ortega, 40, also a Mexican national unlawfully residing in Bakersfield, was sentenced to seven years in prison.

According to court documents, during two meetings in May 2019, Cardenas-Lara and Larios-Ortega sold 12 pounds of methamphetamine to a customer in Kern County at a negotiated price of $1,750 per pound.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher D. Baker prosecuted the case.

Akron Man Charged with Armed Robbery and Carjacking

 Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that a federal grand jury returned a seven-count indictment charging Aaron J. Gaines, age 39, whose last known address was in Akron, Ohio, with interference with commerce by robbery, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, attempted carjacking, carjacking and felon in possession of a firearm.

According to the indictment, on or about January 25, 2021, the Defendant is accused of brandishing a firearm, threatening store employees and robbing a convenience store on Arlington Street in Akron.  Additionally, the Defendant is accused of discharging a firearm in an attempt to carjack a vehicle and brandishing a firearm in a second, successful attempt to carjack another vehicle.

The Defendant is also charged as a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The Defendant is accused of knowingly possessing a 9mm semiautomatic pistol and ammunition, while prohibited due to previous convictions of aggravated burglary and kidnapping in the Summit County Court of Common Pleas.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted, a defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the Defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the Defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Akron Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter E. Daly and Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthamel.

Two Individuals Convicted of Murder and Extortion of Queens Business Owner

 Defendants Killed the Owner of Family Business While Trying to Collect a Debt

Earlier today, a federal jury in Brooklyn convicted Ppassim Elder, also known as “Bsam,” “Big Sam” and “Sam,” and Wilbert Bryant, also known as “Will” and “La,” of extortion, bank fraud, firearms and murder offenses.  The verdict followed a three-week trial before by United States District Judge William F. Kuntz, II.  When sentenced, the defendants face up to life in prison.

Jacquelyn M. Kasulis, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Dermot F. Shea, Commissioner, New York City Police Department, announced the verdict.

“With today’s verdict, a jury has held the defendants accountable for their heinous crimes, including the murder of a Queens business owner while attempting to collect a debt they claimed was owed by the victim’s son,” stated Acting United States Attorney Kasulis.  “This Office and our law enforcement partners are working tirelessly to protect the communities in our district from violent criminals like the defendants who will now face very serious consequences for their actions.”  Ms. Kasulis also expressed her appreciation to the Queens County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance during the investigation and prosecution.

As proven at trial, on the morning of October 23, 2017, Bryant and two other perpetrators walked into Garden Valley Distributors, a family-owned wholesale distribution business located in Ozone Park, Queens.  The perpetrators said that “Big Sam” had sent them to collect his money.  Earlier that year, Elder, who was known as “Big Sam,” had given the murder victim’s son money, which the son used to support the business.  When Elder demanded full repayment, the son was unable to repay the debt because much of the money had been used to purchase merchandise for Garden Valley.  Elder then began a campaign of intimidation against the son and his family.  On one occasion, Elder paid co-conspirators to throw a rock through a window of the victim’s home.  On another, Elder barged into the family home, intimidating members of the victim’s family.  Finally, Elder dispatched Bryant and two co-conspirators into Garden Valley business where, on October 23, 2017, the perpetrators brandished a firearm, pistol-whipped the son and fatally shot the father in the face. 

In addition to the murder, Elder extorted another person whose brother had stolen the proceeds of a fraud scheme committed by Elder.  Although the victim was not involved in the theft, Elder nonetheless punched him in his face in front of his daughters, breaking and bloodying his nose in order to “send a message” to the victim’s brother.  Elder and Bryant were also convicted of bank fraud conspiracy for lying to banks about the true owner of certain bank accounts, which permitted Elder to defraud innocent victims across the country, including an elderly man who lost over $30,000 when he was tricked into believing he was purchasing a car and another individual who lost over $150,000 when he was defrauded into believing he was purchasing two real estate properties.  Elder was also convicted of crimes committed after his arrest in this case, including stealing his attorney’s identity and lying to federal officials.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  As part of the program, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and their local communities to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.  

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section.  Assistant United States Attorneys Keith D. Edelman, Genny Ngai and Anna L. Karamigios are in charge of the prosecution. 

The Defendants:

PPASSIM ELDER (also known as “Bsam,” “Sam” and “Big Sam”)
Age: 42 
Staten Island, New York

WILBERT BRYANT (also known as “Will” and “La”)
Age: 57
Brooklyn, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-92 (S-5) (WFK)

New Funding Opportunity - First Step Act: Review and Revalidation of the Bureau of Prisons Needs Assessment System, Fiscal Year 2022

 

With this funding opportunity, and in collaboration with the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is seeking responses to support the annual review and revalidation of the BOP’s needs assessment system, the Standardized Prisoner Assessment for Reduction in Criminality (SPARC-13). This initiative supports Section 3631 of Title I of the First Step Act (FSA) of 2018 and furthers the mission of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) by supporting research to reduce crime and protect public safety  NIJ will host a webinar to discuss this opportunity on October 21, 2021, from 1-2pm ET. Register to attend the webinar.  APPLY NOW

Gang Member Admits Drug Trafficking, Role in Bridgeport Courthouse Shooting

 DESTINE CALDERON, 26, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in federal court to a racketeering offense stemming from his participation in a Bridgeport gang, and his presence during a gang-related shooting that occurred in front of a state courthouse in Bridgeport in January 2020.

Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam occurred via videoconference.

Today’s announcement was made by Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Acting Police Chief Rebeca Garcia; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence.  Calderon has been a member of the “Greene Homes Boyz” (“GHB/Hotz”), a gang based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport’s North End, whose members and associates distributed heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana and Percocet pills; committed numerous acts of violence against rival gang members and other individuals, and celebrated their criminal conduct on social media websites such as Facebook and YouTube.  GHB/Hotz members and associates also committed acts of intimidation and made threats to deter potential witnesses to their crimes and to protect gang members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities.  Since approximately 2017, GHB/Hotz members have been aligned with members of the “Original North End” (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport, against rival groups in Bridgeport, including the East End, East Side and PT Barnum gangs, as well as 150, which is a geographic gang based on the West Side of Bridgeport.

In pleading guilty, Calderon admitted that he participated in gang-related drug trafficking.  He also was aware of the planning and present in a vehicle when GHB/Hotz and O.N.E. members attempted to kill members and associates of the East End gang in a brazen afternoon shooting in front of a Bridgeport courthouse on January 27, 2020.  At 12:11 p.m. on that date, Bridgeport Police responded to the area of 172 Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport after a Shot Spotter activation detected approximately 20 shots being fired in front of the state courthouse located there.  Upon arrival, investigators discovered that four victims had been shot while sitting inside a black Chevrolet Impala.  One victim was shot in the side of his chest and was left paralyzed and a second victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his back, shoulder and wrist.  The victims’ vehicle had approximately 23 entry bullet holes in the driver’s side and windshield area.

Calderon also appears in YouTube videos and in social media posts promoting the gang.

Calderon pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on December 28, 2021, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Calderon has been detained since August 6, 2020.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by ATF, the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Naugatuck Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Rahul Kale, Peter D. Markle, Karen L. Peck and Stephanie T. Levick.

This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

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

Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities.  Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.  If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group.

Leader of Drug Conspiracy Sentenced to 27 Years in Federal Prison

 

Charleston, South Carolina --- Acting U.S. Attorney M. Rhett DeHart announced today that Lamar Louis Johnson, a/k/a “McJag,” 39, of Mount Pleasant, was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison for his role in suppling cocaine to a drug trafficking organization that operated in the Dorchester Terrace neighborhood of North Charleston.

The evidence presented at the sentencing hearing showed that Johnson distributed dozens of kilograms of cocaine in the Charleston area since 2019.  His sentence was enhanced based on his leadership role in the organization, his possession of firearms at the time of his arrest, and his significant criminal history which included more than seventeen prior convictions for various narcotics offenses and violent crimes.

“The North Charleston Police Department is appreciative of the work of the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners, which assisted in the lengthy investigation, successful prosecution of the cases developed, and fair sentencing of the defendant,” stated Chief of Police Reggie Burgess of the North Charleston Police Department.  “One of the themes of the North Charleston Police Department is to create safer neighborhoods for our citizens and the sentence of this offender assists us in our mission.”

Johnson was one of twelve defendants charged in July 2019 during the first wave of Operation Lowcountry Line, a joint federal, state, and local multi-year investigation quarterbacked by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with assistance from the North Charleston Police Department, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, Charleston Police Department, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Pleasant Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Charleston County Aviation Authority, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. 

According to the fifty-count superseding indictment, the case targeted members of a street gang who obtained bulk supplies of heroin, cocaine, and other narcotics from interstate sources of supply and then redistributed the drugs to street-level drug dealers in the greater Charleston area.  The superseding indictment also asserted that gang members and associates threatened violence and used firearms to defend themselves and their criminal enterprise from rival drug dealers and gang members.  

Another twelve defendants were charged in a second-round indictment in mid-2020.  To date, twenty-two of the twenty-four defendants, including Johnson, have pled guilty. 

U.S. District Judge David Norton sentenced Johnson to 324 months in federal prison, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Armed Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced To 12 Years In Federal Prison

 Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington has sentenced Johnny Ordaz (32, Bradenton) to 12 years in federal prison for possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Ordaz to forfeit two firearms, 121 rounds of ammunition, and $588 in cash, which are traceable to proceeds of the offenses. 

A federal jury had found Ordaz guilty on July 8, 2021.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in September 2019, law enforcement officers stopped Ordaz’s car because he failed to stop at a stop sign and because the car’s window tint was illegally dark. During the traffic stop, officers discovered a firearm with an extended magazine, loaded with 31 rounds of ammunition, wedged between the driver’s seat and the center console. They also seized a bag containing fentanyl from the driver’s side door handle, as well as a digital scale and small clear plastic baggies. The officers also found a bag in the passenger seat that contained another firearm with an extended magazine loaded with 27 rounds of ammunition, 63 rounds of additional ammunition, another digital scale, sandwich bags, and more small clear plastic baggies. They also recovered $588 from Ordaz’s front pocket.

Ordaz was previously convicted of multiple felony offenses, including possession of an unregistered short barrel shotgun, fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As such he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charlie D. Connally.

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

Stephan Man Sentenced for Assault and Firearm Charges

 Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Stephan, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Brandishing of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence was sentenced on September 21, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Robert Johnson, a/k/a Pitbull, age 43, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

Johnson was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 14, 2020.  He pled guilty on June 21, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on June 20, 2020, in Lower Brule, South Dakota.  Johnson approached an individual while brandishing a shotgun.  In the course of a brief struggle, the shotgun fired and struck the victim in the shoulder region.  Johnson fled the scene, and the shotgun was recovered the next day.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

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

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

Fort Wayne Man Sentenced To 156 Months In Prison For Distribution of Methamphetamine

 FORT WAYNE – Eric W. Johnson, age 40, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady upon his plea of guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tina Nommay.

Johnson was sentenced to 156 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, in February 2019, Mr. Johnson distributed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Further, according to documents in the case, at the time of his arrest in August 2020, Johnson, a felon, also unlawfully possessed a firearm on his person.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department.  The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Nokes.

Oglala Man Indicted on Commercial Sex Trafficking Charges

 Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Oglala, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet and two counts of Commercial Sex Trafficking.

Gordon Weston, age 55, was indicted on September 14, 2021.  Weston appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on September 17, 2021, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to lifetime supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each charge.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to Weston using a cellular phone connected to the internet to persuade a female under 18 years of age to engage in prostitution and other sexual activities in South Dakota between August 2020 and February 2021.  The charges are merely accusations and Weston is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

Based on the evidence obtained in this investigation, authorities believe there may be additional victims of the alleged conduct.  Anyone with information about this matter is encouraged to call the FBI Minneapolis Field Office at (763) 569-8000.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen is prosecuting the case.   

Weston was released from custody pending trial.  A trial date has been set for November 23, 2021.

Jefferson Parish Man Charged with 3 Bank Robberies

 NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that ZACHARY VERDIN, age 29, of Marrero, Louisiana, was charged with three counts of Bank Robbery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a).

According to Count One of the bill of information, on or about July 19, 2021, VERDIN robbed the Capital One Bank located at 1867 Barataria Boulevard in Marrero, Louisiana. He obtained approximately $521 in the robbery. According to Count Two of the bill of information, on or about July 26, 2021, VERDIN robbed the Chase Bank located at 1425 North Broad Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. He obtained approximately $1,000 in that robbery. According to Count Three of the bill of information, on or about August 2, 2021, VERDIN robbed the Regions Bank located at 313 Westbank Expressway in Gretna, Louisiana. He obtained approximately $12,540 in that robbery.

If convicted on any of the charged offenses, VERDIN faces a maximum of twenty years in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release following his release from prison.  VERDIN also faces a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, as to each count.

United States Attorney Evans reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.  

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crime Task Force and officers with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and New Orleans Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri is handling the prosecution.

DEA, IRS Dismantle Eastern Arkansas Methamphetamine and Money Laundering Organization

       LITTLE ROCK—The final defendant in a multi-person indictment was sentenced to federal prison on Thursday, effectively bringing to a close the significant criminal activities of an eastern Arkansas drug trafficking and money laundering organization.

      On Thursday, United States District Judge James M. Moody sentenced Termaine Ontario Slaughter, 36, of Parkin, to 90 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release. On November 18, 2020, Slaughter pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Slaughter is the fourth and final defendant to be sentenced in an Indictment that was filed on June 6, 2018. Three of the defendants received federal prison sentences.

      “Our office and our federal partners will use every resource available to dismantle and disrupt drug trafficking organizations in Arkansas,” said Jonathan D. Ross, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. “In this case, we tracked the money, and it led us to straight to criminals who were trying to poison our communities. As these drug traffickers learned, if you choose this line of work, enjoy the money while you can, because it won’t last nearly as long as your prison sentence.”

      Beginning in 2014 and continuing through 2018, Slaughter, Demario Smith, 40, of Southaven, Miss., Elliott Davis, 41, of Colt, Montana Smith, 45, of Parkin, and others were involved in the distribution of methamphetamine in the Forrest City area. Slaughter and Demario Smith used drug proceeds to fund a trucking business called Prudent Transport and a rental property business called Upscale Properties. Evidence showed that Slaughter and his associates imported methamphetamine from the Dallas area using couriers who rode the Megabus from Memphis to Dallas and back. The organization also imported methamphetamine from California using the United States mail and other mailing services.

      An extensive analysis of records from the trucking business and rental properties showed that from 2013-2017 Slaughter’s personal and business accounts had $733,811 in deposits coming from unidentified sources. Analysis showed that there were $877,359.60 in cash expenditures on vehicles and other items that did not come from the accounts, including the purchase of tractor trailers for the trucking business. Bank records revealed that cash deposits in amounts under $10,000 were systematically made at bank branches in Memphis, Mississippi, and Arkansas, with corresponding amounts of cash being withdrawn from other bank locations on the same date or close in time.

      “This investigation is an extraordinary example of thorough and methodical financial exploitation in order to disrupt and dismantle the financial infrastructure of these methamphetamine drug trafficking organizations,” Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jarad Harper said. “The DEA will relentlessly pursue, exploit, and seize these illicit assets drug traffickers intentionally and nefariously conceal to circumvent reporting requirements. Working with all of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we will continue to combine our resources in order to identify these ill-gotten funds used to facilitate drug trafficking and violent crime in our region. By depleting these drug traffickers of their proceeds and eliminating their ability to continue distributing this poison in Arkansas and beyond, we are saving lives.”

      “The defendants in this case created a drug distribution and money laundering enterprise that spread methamphetamine throughout eastern Arkansas, and beyond,” stated Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. Altemus, Jr., IRS-Criminal Investigation, Dallas Field Office. “The IRS special agents used their financial expertise to trace the profits of this criminal activity through numerous bank accounts across multiple states. I commend my agents for effectively shutting down this devastating pipeline of poison into eastern Arkansas and the surrounding communities.”

      On November 19, 2020, Demario Smith pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and on May 26, 2021, was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment. On November 19, 2020, Davis pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and on June 8, 2021, he was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment. On November 19, 2020, Montana Smith pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony, and on June 9, 2021, he was sentenced to five years’ probation.

      During Thursday’s sentencing hearing, in addition to receiving his prison sentence, Slaughter agreed to forfeit numerous firearms and five vehicles, including four over-the-road trucks used by Prudent Transport and a Dodge Challenger. 

      This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

      The case was primarily investigated by the DEA-Little Rock Field Office and IRS-Criminal Investigation, along with assistance from the Little Rock Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Anne Gardner prosecuted the case.

Readout of Justice Department Leadership Meeting with Members of the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence

 Yesterday U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco, and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta convened a virtual listening session with Members of the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence to discuss the unmet needs of survivors and the ways in which the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) could be improved and strengthened to help to meet those needs. The Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General and Associate Attorney General were joined by leadership of the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW).

At the outset of the meeting, Attorney General Garland reaffirmed that combatting gender-based violence has long been and remains today a priority for the Justice Department. The Attorney General discussed the department’s FY 2022 Budget request, which includes an historic investment of $1 billion to support the work of the OVW. He noted that he was serving as Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General in 1995 when the Justice Department first established a dedicated office to address domestic violence and sexual assault.

The Deputy Attorney General also shared her own experience working to end gender-based violence, namely as a staff member on the Senate Judiciary Committee in the early 1990’s, when the Violence Against Women Act was first passed. Among the Deputy Attorney General’s responsibilities was gathering personal stories from individual survivors to illustrate the dire need for stronger legal protections. 

Members of the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence spoke about the importance of VAWA and the work of OVW over the past quarter century, including funding many of our nation’s first comprehensive rape crisis centers; recognizing tribal jurisdiction over non-Indian perpetrators of domestic violence; dedicating resources to enhance culturally-specific services and reach underserved communities, and reducing homicides through federal firearms prohibitions. The advocates emphasized the critical need for reauthorizing VAWA.

Attorney General Garland and Deputy Attorney General Monaco praised the national advocacy organizations for their efforts on behalf of survivors of sexual and domestic violence and thanked them for sharing their expertise and insights from the field in responding to these crimes. And the Deputy Attorney General closed the meeting by emphasizing the department’s commitment to working tirelessly for the swift reauthorization of VAWA this year, about which she will testify this Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee.