Man Charged with Burglary and Domestic Violence in Indian Country

 A Tulsa man made an initial appearance this week in federal court after being charged with Burglary in the First Degree in Indian Country and Strangulation of a Dating Partner in Indian Country, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

Tyler Austin McGhee, 26, was arrested on Oct. 23 by Broken Arrow Police officers after he entered the home of his former girlfriend and allegedly assaulted her.

According to the complaint, the victim stated that McGhee physically assaulted her by putting her in a headlock and attempting to cover her mouth with duct tape. She also stated that he later sexually assaulted her. The victim tried to calm McGhee down and eventually found an opportunity to text a friend to call 911 as she thought McGhee might kill her if she attempted to do so herself. When officers arrived, they found McGhee in the apartment and his backpack under the bed, which allegedly contained black duct tape, black latex gloves, handcuffs, a knife, condoms, and sexual lubricant. When officers questioned McGhee, he denied any assault to the victim and claimed he just wanted to talk to her.

“Survivors of domestic violence are a resilient group. Tragically, we’ve seen domestic violence cases on the rise during this global pandemic. These are often challenging cases to present, but this United States Attorney’s Office will not shy away from tough cases nor miss an opportunity to give a voice to victims of domestic violence,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “These allegations in the Complaint will receive the full attention and resources of my office as we seek to hold Tyler McGhee accountable for his alleged criminal acts.”

A Complaint is a temporary charge alleging a violation of law. For the case to proceed to trial, the United States must present the charge to a federal Grand Jury within 30 days. Once a Grand Jury returns an Indictment, a defendant has a right to a jury trial at which the United States would have the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The FBI and Broken Arrow Police Department are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Cozzoni  is prosecuting the case.

Okemah Man Pleads Guilty To Assault With A Dangerous Weapon

 MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Mike Avery Thompson, Jr., age 30, of Okemah, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Assault With A Dangerous Weapon With Intent To Commit Bodily Harm In Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 113(a)(3), 1151 and 1153, punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.

The Indictment alleged that on or about June 27, 2020, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, Mike Avery Thompson, Jr., an Indian, did assault L.H. with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.   

Assistant United States Attorney Jarrod Leaman represented the United States at the plea hearing.

Sanford Man Sentenced for Transferring Obscene Material to a Minor

 PORTLAND, Maine: A Sanford man was sentenced in federal court in Portland for transferring obscene material to a minor, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.

U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Dylan Neill, 39, to 41 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Neill pleaded guilty in November 2019.

According to court records, in October 2018, Neill used a social media application to send a series of videos and images to a minor under 16 years old. Several of the videos depicted Neill repeatedly penetrating the anus of an adult female with his fingers.

The Sanford Police Department and the FBI investigated the case.

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

Newport Resident Detained on Child Pornography Charges

 PROVIDENCE – A 39 year-old Newport man has been ordered detained following his arrest this morning on federal child pornography charges.

Craig M. Mulvey was arrested as Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and Newport Police executed a court-authorized search of the Newport residence where Mulvey lives. During the search, it is alleged that numerous images and videos containing child pornography were located on a laptop belonging to Mulvey.

Additionally, in a segregated compartment in a nightstand located in Mulvey’s bedroom, investigators located two pairs of soiled little girl’s underwear and a thumb drive.

According to court documents, in February 2020, HSI agents in Providence received information from HSI agents in Ottawa that an image of child pornography had been uploaded to a social media platform from an Internet address later determined to belong to the Newport residence where Mulvey resides. In October, HSI determined that a login used to access and upload the image of child pornography to the social media platform allegedly belonged to Mulvey.

Mulvey appeared this afternoon before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond and was ordered detained on a criminal complaint charging him with distribution of child pornography and possessing and accessing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge David Magdycz, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni, and Newport Police Chief Gary T. Silva.

A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.

Armed Convicted Felon Is Sentenced 24 Years In Prison For Two Carjackings And Related Gun Offenses

 The Defendant Committed the Crimes While Awaiting Trial for a Robbery Charge

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray announced today that Dejuan Evans, 30, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 288 months in prison for two carjackings and related firearms offenses.  In addition to the prison term imposed, U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr. also ordered Evans to serve five years under court supervision.

Robert R. Wells, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join U.S. Attorney Murray in making today’s announcement.

“Anyone willing to rob his elderly grandmother is a menace to society,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “I’m glad the prison sentence imposed will remove Evans from our streets for a long time.”

According to court documents, evidence presented at Evans’ trial and today’s sentencing hearing, on June 18, 2018, Evans carjacked at gunpoint a victim, identified in court documents as J.K., at a 7-Eleven located at 1501 N. Tryon Street, in Charlotte. Court records show that Evans approached the victim, who was walking back to his parked vehicle, pointed a firearm in the victim’s face and fled the scene in the victim’s pick-up truck. Two days after the carjacking incident, on June 20, 2018, Evans and another individual were involved in an assault on Evans’ grandmother, during which her purse was stolen. Immediately after the assault, court records show that Evans was captured on bank surveillance video, driving J.K.’s pick-up truck and using his grandmother’s ATM card.

On July 2, 2018, Evans carjacked a second victim, identified as M.L., at an apartment complex in Charlotte. According to trial testimony, M.L. was delivering pizza at the apartment complex, when Evans approached M.L. in the parking lot, pointed a firearm at M.L., and ordered M.L. to empty his pockets. The victim complied and Evans fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle.  Court records show that CMPD officers arrested Evans on July 10, 2018, as he was attempting to flee law enforcement. Court records also show that law enforcement recovered a firearm from Evans’ apartment.

At the time Evans committed the carjackings, he was on pretrial release on state charges for robbery, and had cut off his electronic monitor. Evans also has prior offenses and he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

A federal jury convicted Evans on December 3, 2019, of two counts of carjacking, two counts of possession and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray thanked the CMPD and the FBI for their investigation of the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Kelly and Erik Lindahl, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.

Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 840 Months in Federal Prison

 TYLER, Texas — U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox announced that a 40-year-old Ore City, Texas man has been sentenced to 840 months in federal prison for child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas. 

              Jeremy OKieth Kyle, also known as Corey Webster, also known as Rick, also known as Derrick Willis, also known as Eric Sanders, also known as Brad Smith, also known as Jason, also known as J, pleaded guilty on Feb. 19, 2020, to three counts of coercion and enticement and was sentenced to 840 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle today.

              According to information presented in court, between 2013 and 2018, Kyle, a convicted sex offender, committed numerous offenses against eighteen minor female victims and four adult female victims.  He used a variety of false personas and promises of love and money to convince the victims to meet him and engage in sexual encounters.  He acquired images and videos of the victims engaged in sexually explicit conduct and threatened to distribute those images and videos in order to coerce more sexual encounters.

              “What this man did is a tragedy. These young victims were treated in ways no person should ever be treated,” said U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox.  “This case also serves as a warning to parents: exploitation and abuse can be one click away in today’s social media and technological environment.  Parents should take strong precautions to protect children from victimization.”

“Predators are targeting children of all ages online by using threats and manipulative tactics. The FBI will continue working with our partners to hold these online predators accountable for their dangerous behavior,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matthew DeSarno. “We encourage potential victims and their parents to contact the FBI or local law enforcement if they are targeted online.”

              Anyone who had contact, in person or on social media, with an individual who identified himself as Jeremy OKieth Kyle, Corey Webster, Rick, Derrick Willis, Eric Sanders, Brad Smith, Jason, or J, is urged to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 1-800-804-3547.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office will take the necessary steps to protect the individuals’ identities and confidential information.                                                                                                

              This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.             

              The investigation leading to the charges was conducted by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Tyler Resident Agency, the Texas Department of Public Safety - Criminal Investigations Division, the Tyler Police Department, the Longview Police Department, the Ore City Police Department, the Hughes Springs Police Department, the Daingerfield Police Department, and the Red Oak Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld prosecuted the case.

International Firearms Trafficker Arrested In Georgia

 Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the arrest of Ihor Radionov (51, Alpharetta, Georgia) pursuant to an indictment charging him with conspiracy and smuggling goods out of the United States in violation of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. If convicted on all counts, Radionov faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. On October 26, 2020, Radionov made his first appearance in federal court in Atlanta, Georgia.

According to the indictment, between 2014 and 2020, Radionov, co-conspirator Vladimir Volgaev, and a co-conspirator residing in Ukraine, conspired to export defense articles out of the United States, including gun barrels and slides, without a license or prior written approval from the United States Department of State.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlton C. Gammons and Trial Attorney David Lim of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

Executive Order on Safe Policing for Safe Communities

 The Department of Justice today announced Standards for Certification that are a result of President Trump’s June Executive Order 13929, Safe Policing for Safe Communities. The Executive Order’s goal is to ensure that, together, we continue striving to provide transparent, safe, and accountable delivery of services to our communities. Our work on the Executive Order will enhance citizen confidence in law enforcement, and facilitate the identification and correction of internal issues before they result in injury to the public or to law enforcement officers.

 

Pursuant to authority vested in the Attorney General by the Executive Order, the designated organizations included here will serve as the independent credentialing bodies. Law enforcement will be eligible to receive federal funding from the Department of Justice grant making components upon certification by the respective credentialing organization.

 

An independent credentialing body will certify an applying law enforcement agency if it determines — or, within the past 36 months, has already determined — that the agency is in compliance with two mandatory safe policing principles in the Principles on Safe Policing and Use of Force.  Certification is a prerequisite to a law enforcement agency’s eligibility for Department of Justice discretionary grant funding. Agencies will be required to obtain certification by January 31, 2021 in order to be eligible for federal funds in 2021. The credentialing body will maintain a list of certified agencies within its jurisdiction, and submit this list to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (or “COPS Office”), which will serve as the repository for the list of all eligible law enforcement agencies. 

 

Please note that tribal law enforcement agencies are not subject to the requirements noted above.

 

We value your partnership and look forward to continuing to work with you to implement the Executive Order on Safe Policing for Safe Communities.

 

Please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/SafePolicingEO for additional information regarding implementation of Executive Order 13929.

Ongoing Investigation into Violent White Supremacist Gang Results in Rico Indictment and Additional Charges against Members and Associates

 New Charges Include Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Conspiracy, Assault and Kidnapping in Aid of Racketeering, and Accessory to Murder

The Justice Department announced today that additional charges have been brought in a superseding indictment against members and associates of a white supremacist gang known as the 1488s. The 1488s have been charged as a criminal organization that was involved in narcotics distribution, arson, obstruction of justice, and acts of violence including murder, assault, and kidnapping.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder of the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Robert Britt of the FBI’s Anchorage Field Office, and Alaska State Trooper Captain David Hanson, Commander of the Alaska Bureau of Investigation, made the announcement.

Two new defendants were added to the recently unsealed superseding indictment. Felicia King, 55, of Wasilla, Alaska, was charged with accessory after the fact for her role in the August 2017 beating, kidnapping, and murder of Michael Staton, aka “Steak Knife.”  

Justin Eaton, aka “Skulls” 45, of Anchorage, Alaska, who had been previously charged in a separate indictment as a felon in possession of a firearm, was charged with RICO conspiracy, kidnapping and assault for his role in the April 2, 2017, beating of a former 1488 member.    

Original defendants Filthy Fuhrer, (formerly Timothy Lobdell), 42; Roy Naughton, aka “Thumper,” 40; Glen Baldwin, aka “Glen Dog,” 37; Craig King, aka “Oakie,” 53; and Colter O’Dell, 26, were all charged in a RICO Conspiracy.  Fuhrer and Naughton also face additional charges for federal kidnapping, as well as kidnapping and assault in aid of racketeering for incidents occurring in April and July of 2017. 

In the original indictment, Fuhrer, Naughton, Baldwin, King, O’Dell, and Beau Cook, 32, were charged with murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, assault in aid of racketeering, kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit assault and kidnapping in aid of racketeering.  Two other key members, Nicholas M. Kozorra, aka “Beast,” 29, and Dustin J. Clowers, 34, previously pleaded guilty to murder in aid of racketeering in unsealed court documents.  Additionally, Cook has pleaded guilty to kidnapping for his role in the Staton homicide.

According to the superseding indictment, the 1488s are a violent prison-based gang operating inside and outside of state prisons throughout Alaska and elsewhere.  The 1488s employed Nazi-derived symbols to identify themselves and their affiliation with the gang.  The most coveted tattoo of 1488s members was the 1488s “patch” (an Iron Cross superimposed over a Swastika), which could be worn only by “made” members who generally gained full membership by committing an act of violence on behalf of the gang.

According to the indictment, as part of their operations, 1488s members and associates engaged in illegal activities under the protection of the enterprise, including narcotics trafficking, weapons trafficking, and other illegal activities to promote the influence of the gang.  The 1488s allegedly had an organizational structure, which is outlined in written “rules” widely distributed to members throughout Alaska and elsewhere. 

Members of the 1488s allegedly acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization, including “bosses” who had ultimate authority in all gang matters. “Key holders” were allegedly responsible for all gang matters within penal facilities where 1488s had a presence, and in “free world” Alaska (outside of prison).  “Enforcers” were allegedly responsible for enforcing the rules and performing tasks as assigned by higher-ranking gang members.  “Prospects” for membership were required to familiarize themselves with Nazi-inspired white supremacist ideology.  Violence against law enforcement was also a means of gaining standing within the 1488s.  Female associates of the gang were referred to as “lady-eights”.

In or about 2016, Fuhrer allegedly became more aggressive in his efforts to impose discipline within the gang. He allegedly believed that members who were defying the 1488 code of conduct were diminishing the power and influence of the gang.  As outlined in the superseding indictment, this culminated in the kidnapping and assault of former members on April 2, 2017, and July 20, 2017, and the kidnapping, assault, and murder of Staton on Aug. 3, 2017.  These acts were allegedly ordered by leadership of the 1488s acting from within and from outside of the prison system.

The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, and the Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Bureau of Investigation, investigated this case in conjunction with the District of Alaska U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime Division and the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section (OCGS).  Investigative Assistance was provided by IRS Criminal Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Anchorage Police Department (APD), and the State of Alaska’s Department of Corrections. 

This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Chad McHenry of OCGS and Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Taylor, James Klugman, and Chris Schroeder of the District of Alaska. 

The charges in the indictments are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Registration open for Center for Development of Security Excellence Fall Semester

 Registration is now open for the fall semester of CDSE Education classes that run from January 11 to May 7, 2021. Classes fill quickly, so please register early to secure your spot in the fall semester. CDSE Education Division offers:

- Tuition Free & Flexible 100% virtual instructor-led courses
- Five Security Education Certificate programs
- Highly qualified instructors
- Real-world practical assignments
- Virtual networking with professionals throughout the security community

You can learn more about the classes being offered and register for them by accessing the links here:  https://www.cdse.edu/education/courses.html. To register, log into STEPP via: https://cdse.usalearning.gov/login/index.php
If you have any questions, or need additional information, contact the CDSE Education Division at: dss.ncr.dss-cdse.mbx.cdse-education@mail.mil.

Jail-Specific Data Analysis: Considerations for Jail Analysts

 

Jails, large or small, are highly resource-constrained, safety-focused organizations that must securely house individuals, sometimes for extended periods of time. They operate like and provide all the services of a small city. A strong analytic capacity is essential for collecting and analyzing data that can immediately benefit jails. Furthermore, consistent data collection and analysis over time allows jails to derive deeper insights into their operations and provides greater opportunities for improving practices, performance, and outcomes. Our new paper highlights the basics of jail-specific analysis. It emphasizes the importance of linking data and information to the processes from which they are derived, and collecting data in forms amenable to analysis using readily available applications like worksheets and network mapping applications. DOWNLOAD THE PAPER

Augusta Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Gun and Drug Charges

 BANGOR, Maine:  An Augusta man was sentenced in federal court in Bangor for possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.

U.S. District Court Judge Lance Walker sentenced Keith Holmes, 24, to three years imprisonment for the fentanyl charge, followed by a consecutive term of five years imprisonment for the firearms charge. Judge Walker also sentenced Holmes to three years of supervised release. Holmes pleaded guilty on January 10, 2020.

According to court records, Holmes was found in his Augusta apartment on May 14, 2019, with bags of a mixture containing fentanyl packed for individual sales, as well as cash and four firearms. Other evidence found in his apartment indicated he was causing drug proceeds to be sent to individuals in New York State. In imposing the sentence, Judge Walker described the crimes as a “morbid” business, and noted the danger such acts present to the community.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Augusta Police Department investigated the case.

Shreveport Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Downloading and Receiving Child Pornography

 SHREVEPORT, La. -  Charles Heath Thompson, 44, of Shreveport, was sentenced today for receipt of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced. United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced Thompson to 120 months (10 years) in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. Thompson pleaded guilty to the charge on January 24, 2020.

In February 2015, federal agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were monitoring a members-only, dark net website known as Playpen. The website was not accessible through traditional web browsers and the users had to utilize a specific website link and special browsers to access it. The Playpen website was identified as a website in which users would trade, possess, receive, and view child pornography.

According to information presented to the court, while monitoring the Playpen website, the FBI determined that a certain user had actively logged into the website on various days, including February 21, 2015. During their investigation, it was revealed that this particular user had logged into the Playpen website for approximately 11 hours and 23 minutes on that date and had downloaded and received child pornography images. The images reflected minors under the age of 12 years old being sexually abused. After further investigation, FBI agents learned that the user was Charles Heath Thompson and he had in fact received said images from this website on the internet.

The FBI and Bossier City Marshal’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Luke Walker and Tennille Gilreath prosecuted the case.

Euclid man with previous conviction of involuntary manslaughter charged in string of armed robberies

 U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Cleveland has returned a nine-count indictment charging David C. Johnson, age 33, of Euclid with four counts of robbery, four counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The indictment states that between November 27, 2019, and January 25, 2020, the defendant is alleged to have committed a series of armed robberies of individuals and businesses in Cleveland, Euclid, Parkman, and Chardon. The following is a list of the alleged armed robberies charged in the indictment:

• Sunoco gas station in Euclid on November 27, 2019.
• BP gas station in Parkman on January 18, 2020.
• Dollar General in Chardon on January 18, 2020.
• Gas Mart gas station in Euclid on January 25, 2020.

According to the criminal complaint, investigators located a stolen vehicle used in the alleged robberies at the known residence of the defendant. A search of the residence and the defendant produced several items of clothing and a .40 caliber, semi-automatic pistol, all observed in surveillance video. In addition, law enforcement officers performed a review of a Google account connected to a cell phone seized during the search of the defendant. GPS coordinates of the account were consistent with the dates and times of several of the alleged robberies.

The defendant is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous convictions for felon in possession of a firearm, involuntary manslaughter and aggravated robbery.  

This matter is part of Operation Legend in Cleveland, a  systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative in which federal law enforcement agencies work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime.

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

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

The investigation preceding this indictment was conducted by the FBI, the ATF, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Geauga County Sheriff’s Office, Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office Crime Strategies Unit, Euclid Police Department, Willoughby Police Department and the Cleveland Division of Police. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly Galvin and Margaret Kane.

Drug Trafficker from Ville Platte Sentenced on Federal Drug Charges

 LAFAYETTE, La. - A Ville Platte man was sentenced today by United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook.

Closton John Melvin, a/k/a “Git Money C,” a/k/a “C.J.,” 34, was sentenced to 127 months (10 years, 7 months) in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. Melvin pled guilty to the charge on November 8, 2019. The charge stems from a multi-agency investigation into the drug trafficking activities of Melvin and 11 other co-defendants.

In November and December 2018, law enforcement agents made undercover purchases of methamphetamine and cocaine from Melvin. According to documents introduced in court, laboratory tests confirmed that the drugs sold by Melvin were 27.9 grams of cocaine and approximately 122 grams of methamphetamine. Law enforcement agents continued their investigation into the drug trafficking activities of Melvin and obtained authorization from the court to conduct a wiretap on Melvin’s cell phone that he used to organize narcotics transactions. During the interceptions, law enforcement agents intercepted calls wherein Melvin used his phone to coordinate methamphetamine distribution and he sold smaller amounts of other drugs including powder and crack cocaine.

This prosecution is part of a larger investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration through its Southwest Louisiana HIDTA Task Force and Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces. The Louisiana State Police Narcotics Division initiated the investigation, and Special Agents with DEA, as well as Task Force Officers assigned to the Southwest Louisiana HIDTA Task Force, completed the investigation. In addition to the above conviction and sentence, the investigation resulted in the dismantling of a drug trafficking organization in Ville Platte, Louisiana. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case.

Report Detailing Government Efforts to Combat Robocalls Released to Congress

 The Department of Justice has announced that an interagency working group convened by Attorney General William P. Barr released a report to Congress on efforts to stop the scourge of illegal robocalls affecting the American public. The report − composed pursuant to the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act (the TRACED Act) that President Trump signed into law in January 2020 − details the working group’s extensive work to end the harm caused by illegal robocalls, especially fraudulent robocalls that disproportionately affect elderly Americans, including through legal action, regulatory efforts, and private industry collaboration.

“The Department of Justice and its partners are committed to halting unlawful robocalls,” said Attorney General William P. Barr.  “As this report illustrates, we are working hand-in-hand with our federal and state partners to successfully halt the flow of robocalls domestically and abroad.  Americans should not have to put up with annoying and abusive robocalls, and the Department will continue to work to protect the American public, and particularly American seniors, from these illegal and harassing schemes.”

The report describes enforcement actions taken by the Department of Justice, including two civil actions filed in January 2020 against U.S.-based Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) companies.  The cases alleged that two sets of defendants engaged in wire fraud schemes by knowingly serving as “gateway carriers” for fraudulent robocalls from foreign customers targeting Americans, many of whom are elderly or otherwise vulnerable.  In both cases, the federal courts issued injunctions against the defendants, prohibiting them from carrying robocalls to U.S. consumers and selling U.S. phone numbers.  In the months following the department’s action in these cases, the number of robocalls that reached U.S. consumers sharply declined.

The report also describes how the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is using all of the tools at its disposal to fight illegal calls, including filing an action jointly with the Ohio Attorney General in December 2019 against VoIP service provider Globex for providing the means to make allegedly illegal robocalls.  The action resulted in a settlement that requires Globex and its U.S.-based subsidiaries to pay $1.95 million and to abide by client screening and monitoring provisions.  According to the report, since the National Do Not Call Registry began accepting registrations in 2003, the FTC has brought almost 150 enforcement actions against more than 500 companies and more than 400 individuals, and the FTC has collected over $160 million in equitable monetary relief and civil penalties.

The report further describes the actions of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to combat illegal robocalls.  The actions include enforcement of laws that prohibit spoofing activities, which occur when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to caller ID displays to disguise the caller’s identity.  FCC actions also include a June 2020 Notice of Apparent Liability proposing a forfeiture of $225,000,000 against persons allegedly responsible for making, in the first quarter of 2019 alone, approximately one billion spoofed robocalls that transmitted prerecorded messages falsely claiming affiliation with a major health insurance company. 

The report highlights how the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic greatly increased the importance of the working group’s collaboration as illegal calls bombarded consumers with bogus coronavirus-related claims.  As a result, in March 2020, the Department of Justice, the FCC, the FTC, and other members increased joint efforts to identify and halt fraudulent robocall campaigns that exploited the health crisis.

The report notes the important role played by state attorneys general, who serve the public by tracking down illegal robocallers and violators of telemarketing laws, often based on alerts from the private telecommunications industry.  The report also highlights the important role that private industry groups can play in ending unlawful practices that negatively impact the American telecommunications infrastructure.

The Department of Justice’s work to combat robocalls falls within its broader efforts to combat elder fraud schemes, including those perpetrated by transnational criminal organizations.  As part of this work, the department conducts outreach around the country to educate seniors about the various types of elder fraud schemes.  With this information, seniors and other members of the public are better empowered to protect themselves and their loved ones.

If you or someone you know is 60-years-old or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, whether through robocalls or other schemes, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).  This hotline, managed by the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps.  Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis.  Reporting is the first step and can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and can increase the likelihood of recovering losses.  The hotline is staffed 7 days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. eastern time.  English, Spanish, and other languages are available.

Rhode Island Man Sentenced for Bank Robbery

 BOSTON – A Rhode Island man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for five bank robberies, including one that resulted in a high-speed chase.

Charles Lamont Wheeler, 47, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 84 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In March 2020, Wheeler pleaded guilty to five counts of bank robbery. Co-defendant Dong Lee, 50, of Rhode Island, pleaded guilty on Oct. 13, 2020, and is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 16, 2021.

Between Sept. 8, 2018 and Sept. 14, 2018, five banks in the Greater Boston area were robbed. Based on the similarity of the robberies, and the descriptions of the robbers provided by bank tellers, it was determined that the same two individuals were responsible for these robberies. On Sept. 14, 2018, Wheeler and Lee robbed a branch of the Abington Bank in Avon.  Later in the day, Wheeler and Lee robbed a branch of the Crescent Credit Union in Brockton and were both arrested following a high-speed car chase in Attleboro.

Following an interview and review of banks’ surveillance tapes, it was determined that Wheeler and Lee, were responsible for the robberies of the Santander Bank in Andover on Sept. 8, 2018; Berkshire Bank in Boston on Sept. 8, 2018; Rockland Trust in Braintree on Sept. 12, 2018; Abington Savings Bank in Avon on Sept. 14, 2018; and Crescent Credit Union in Brockton on Sept.14, 2018.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Commissioner William Gross; Brockton Police Chief Emanuel Gomes; Avon Police Chief Jeffrey J. Bukunt; Braintree Police Chief Mark W. Dubois; and Andover Police Chief Patrick Keefe made the announcement today. Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Meth Trafficking Conspiracy

 United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on October 26, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Rex Leon Burtis, age 57, was sentenced to 144 months in federal custody, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Burtis was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 8, 2019.  He was found guilty as a result of a federal trial in Sioux Falls on July 30, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning at an unknown date and continuing until about January 7, 2020, when Burtis and other co-conspirators intentionally conspired and obtained 500 grams or more of methamphetamine through the U.S. Postal Service and resold it to others in the District of South Dakota.  Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance.

This case was investigated by the Division of Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Postal Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Sioux Falls Drug Task Force, and the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.

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

Okemah Man Pleads Guilty To Arson In Indian Country

 MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Seth Henry Thomas, age 22, of Okemah, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Arson In Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 81, 2, 1151 and 1153, punishable by not more than 25 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.

The Indictment alleged that on or about September 15, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, did attempt and conspire, and willfully and maliciously did set fire to and burn a building and dwelling. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Honorable John F. Heil III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.   

Assistant United States Attorney Ben Gifford represented the United States at the plea hearing. 

Shawnee Man Pleads Guilty To Robbing BancFirst Branch In Paden, Oklahoma

 MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Bobby Ray Scott III, age 42, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Bank Robbery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2113(a) and 2113(d). Bank Robbery is punishable by not more than life imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, or both.

The Indictment alleged that on or about June 12, 2020, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, by force, violence and intimidation did take from the person and presence of another, money belonging to and in the care, custody, control, management and possession of BancFirst located in Paden, Oklahoma, the deposits of which were then insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and in committing such offense, the defendant, Bobby Ray Scott III, did assault and put in jeopardy the life of another person by the use of a dangerous weapon, that is a firearm.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Okfuskee County Sheriff’s Office, the Homeland Security Investigations Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Trails Task Force. The Safe Trails Task force is made up of a coalition of numerous Federal, State, Local and Tribal partners.  The Safe Trails Task Force allows participating agencies to combine limited resources and increase investigative coordination to target violent crime, drugs, gangs, and gaming violations. Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represents the United States.

The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.   

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States at the plea hearing.