Brockton Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Drugs via the Dark Web

 BOSTON – A Brockton man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with conspiring to manufacture and distribute controlled substances.

Binh Thanh Le, 25, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as ecstasy, Ketamine and Alprazolam (Xanax). U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for Jan. 19, 2022.

Le was indicted in June 2019 along with co-conspirators Steven McCall and Allante Pires.

According to court records, Le received wholesale quantities of controlled substances in the mail. Le and, allegedly, his co-conspirators then processed and manufactured those controlled substances at an office space Le rented in Stoughton. To distribute the drugs, Le created and operated a vendor site called “EastSideHigh” on Dark Net Market websites, where various drugs for sale, including cocaine, MDMA, Ketamine and Xanax, were advertised.

During the investigation, an undercover agent ordered MDMA from one of the “EastSideHigh” vendor sites on a Dark Net Marketplace, and later observed Le deposit the envelope containing the order into a U.S. Postal Service collection box in Stoughton. Numerous other envelopes containing MDMA and Ketamine, which are connected to this drug distribution scheme, were intercepted. 

On March 27, 2019, Le met with undercover law enforcement officers at a hotel in Norwood to exchange $200,000 worth of Bitcoin for cash. Le was arrested after he transferred the bitcoin to the agents.  

More than 18 kilograms of MDMA, almost seven kilograms of Ketamine, more than $200,000 worth of Bitcoin and more than $100,000 in cash were seized by authorities. Investigators also recovered from the office space in Stoughton a computer with the “EastSideHigh” vendor page open, numerous packages containing MDMA and Ketamine, various shipping and packaging materials and a pill press. 

McCall and Pires have pleaded not guilty and are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joshua McCallister, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Jennifer De La O, Director of Field Operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Boston Field Office; and Norfolk County District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey made the announcement. Special assistance with the investigation was provided by the Homeland Security Investigations in Colorado; Postal Inspectors from around the country; and the Stoughton, Norwood, and Brockton Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Arnold of Mendell’s Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty After Cocaine And A Loaded Weapon Were Found In His Residence

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Adrian Funderburk, 37, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of life.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles E. Watkins, who is handling the case, stated that on January 6, 2021, the Buffalo Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence on Wecker Street in Buffalo. Investigators recovered a loaded .40 caliber pistol, approximately 36 grams of cocaine, approximately seven pounds of marijuana, and $70,000 in cash. Funderburk possessed the firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking in order to protect himself, his drugs, and his drug proceeds.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 18, 2022, before Judge Sinatra.

Guilty Verdict in 77-Kilogram Cocaine Conspiracy

 WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that a federal jury convicted a Bear, Delaware man on Monday on charges of conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. The defendant was acquitted on two related charges. U.S. District Judge Leonard P. Stark accepted the verdict. 

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Omar Morales Colon, age 44, imported 77 kilograms of cocaine into Delaware from California.  The cocaine was smuggled inside four-foot-tall oxygen tanks.  Colon was arrested shortly after giving his cocaine supplier $382,045 in cash in a hotel parking lot in Newark, Delaware.  The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) also discovered a secret underground bunker beneath Colon’s residence, accessed by a tunnel behind a false fireplace, in which Colon hid a marijuana grow operation. 

Colon and his wife, Shakira Martinez, have also been charged with various money laundering offenses.  A trial date for the money laundering charges has not yet been set.

U.S. Attorney Weiss commented on the case, “The defendant was a sophisticated drug trafficker who conspired with others, including members of the Sinaloa cartel, to bring vast amounts of cocaine into Delaware. The DEA’s investigation led to the seizure of 17 kilograms of cocaine, pounds of marijuana, nearly $1 million in cash, and the conviction of a major drug trafficker. My office will continue working with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who profit from illegal drug operations.”

Colon faces a mandatory minimum of ten years in prison when sentenced. Judge Stark will determine the defendant’s sentence, after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer K. Welsh and Whitney C. Cloud are prosecuting the case.  This case was investigated by the DEA Philadelphia Division.

Grand Rapids Man Sentenced To Five Years, $1.6 Million In Restitution For Arson

           GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN —U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge announced that today Kevin Daniel Baker, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment, followed by two years’ supervised release, by U.S. District Judge Janet T. Neff. 

          Mr. Baker admitted to breaking into Austin Jordan Engines, an automotive repair business located in Wyoming, Michigan, to find items that he could steal and sell to support his drug addiction.  To conceal the evidence of his burglary, Mr. Baker set the business on fire and then drove away in a stolen car packed with stolen goods.  The next day, Mr. Baker drove the stolen car to a local business and attempted to cash checks that he had stolen from Austin Jordan Engines.  A suspicious employee called law enforcement and Mr. Baker was quickly placed under arrest. 

          Judge Neff commented that Mr. Baker “was extremely lucky no one was injured or killed” because of his arson.  The blaze severely damaged Austin Jordan Engines, resulting in over $1.6 million dollars of loss and damages, which Judge Neff ordered Mr. Baker to pay back as a part of his sentence. 

          “Setting a fire to conceal evidence of another crime is extremely dangerous” commented U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge. “Arson is an inherently violent act that puts many of our community members at risk, including the firefighters who respond to the scene.  With today’s sentence, Mr. Baker is held accountable for his actions.”

          “Our partnerships with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our State and local counterparts, along with our considerable fire investigative resources, ensures those responsible for violent crimes like arson are apprehended and prosecuted,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Acting Special Agent in Charge Keith Krolczyk.

          This case was investigated by the ATF and Wyoming Fire Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin K. Lane.

Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Offense

 Gulfport, Miss. – A Florida man pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

According to court records, on February 24, 2021, law enforcement officers stopped a vehicle driven by Vincente Aguirre, 29, in Jackson County for a traffic violation. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of over 400 grams of methamphetamine. 

Further investigation revealed that Aguirre had traveled to Texas from Florida to obtain the methamphetamine and was returning to Florida at the time of the traffic stop.

Aguirre will be sentenced on January 19, 2022, at 10:00 a.m.  He faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.  A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI and the Ocean Springs Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner is prosecuting the case.

Jennifer Lynne Faith Charged With Murder-For-Hire in Husband’s Death

 Jennifer Lynne Faith, the Oak Cliff woman whose boyfriend allegedly shot her husband to death, has been charged with orchestrating the murder, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Prerak Shah announced today.

Ms. Faith, 49, was charged Tuesday via superseding indictment with use of interstate commerce in the commission of murder-for-hire, a charge that carries a potential death penalty. She was previously charged with obstruction of justice, to which she entered a plea of not guilty.  

Ms. Faith’s boyfriend, Darrin Ruben Lopez, 49, allegedly gunned down her husband, American Airlines technology director Jamie Faith, on Oct. 9, 2020 in front of his home in Oak Cliff. Mr. Lopez was previously charged by the state with murder and by the feds with a gun crime, to which he also entered a plea of not guilty.

Court documents unsealed today allege that Ms. Faith used two phony email accounts to correspond with Mr. Lopez, assuming the identities of her own husband and one of her friends in order to falsely convince Mr. Lopez that her husband was physically and sexually abusing her.

“Ms. Faith’s alleged murder-for-hire scheme was depraved and calculated. She preyed on her boyfriend’s protective instinct and his pocketbook in order to convince him to execute her husband,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Prerak Shah. “Jamie Faith’s brutal murder was a tragedy. His death has been a double blow to his family and friends, who had just begun to absorb the news of his murder when they were confronted with evidence of his wife’s alleged involvement. We are committed to getting justice for Jamie – and to holding both Ms. Faith and Mr. Lopez accountable for their alleged crimes.”

“Although the indictment of Ms. Faith is a win for law enforcement, I can’t help but think of the pain associated with so many others in this investigation. ATF is grateful to the Dallas Police Department for their dogged efforts in bringing this case to justice. ATF will not waver in its fight against violent crime in North Texas and beyond,” stated ATF Dallas Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II.

According to the superseding indictment, Ms. Faith allegedly created the fake Gmail account in her husband’s name on April 9, 2020. Posing as Mr. Faith, Ms. Faith emailed Mr. Lopez multiple times during the spring and summer of 2020, taunting Mr. Lopez with details of extreme physical and sexual abuse that had never actually occurred. (Investigators have found absolutely no evidence of domestic or sexual violence by Jamie Faith.) Ms. Faith repeatedly attached fake photos of injuries as bogus proof of the abuse.

“I am telling you to stay away from my family,” she wrote in an email to Mr. Lopez on April 10 while posing as Mr. Faith.

“Enjoy knowing you can’t do a [expletive] thing about it,” she wrote in another email to Mr. Lopez on May 9, attaching close-up photos of purported injuries.

Ms. Faith allegedly created the fake Gmail account in her friend’s name on May 13. Posing as that friend, Ms. Faith sent multiple emails to Mr. Lopez’s personal email account falsely claiming that Mr. Faith was physically and sexually abusing her. Ms. Faith downloaded stock images of injuries from the internet and attached those images to her emails.

“Jamie slapped Jen … then he sent the pic of him choking her,” she wrote in an email to Mr. Lopez on May 13 while posing as her friend. “I am asking if you are willing to get involved and help Jen get out of this situation.”

“Jamie is abusing Jen today,” she wrote in another email to Mr. Lopez. “Any ideas how we can help her?”

“I know I won’t feel better about her situation until she is out of the house away from him or she lets me put a bullet in Jamie’s head,” Mr. Lopez replied by email on May 20.  

“I am also very concerned and if it were up to me, I would tell you to go for it with your idea --- lol; I’ll give you an alibi,” Ms. Faith responded, still posing as her friend.

“Darrin, I talked to Jenn – he’s burning her, among other things,” she continued in another email sent to Mr. Lopez on July 26.

On Oct. 8, Mr. Lopez allegedly drove from his home in Cumberland Furnace, Tennessee, to the Faiths’ home in Dallas, where he laid in wait until the early morning hours of Oct. 9. When Mr. and Ms. Faith emerged from their home to walk the family dog, Mr. Lopez allegedly approached Mr. Faith from behind and shot him seven times – three times in the head, three times in the torso, and one time in the groin – before fleeing the scene in his black Nissan Titan pickup truck with a distinctive “T” decal on the back window.

In the days following the murder, the pair exchanged multiple text messages about removing the decal from Mr. Lopez’s truck – messages they later attempted to delete.

On Oct. 10, an associate of Ms. Faith created a GoFundMe account to raise money for the deceased’s family. Ms. Faith allegedly withdrew approximately $58,000 from the fund, which she used to pay for purchases made on two credit cards she gave to Mr. Lopez. She also used the credit cards to pay for expenses for Mr. Lopez and his family, purchase airline tickets for Mr. Lopez and his daughters, and pay FedEx to ship Mr. Lopez a large screen television.

On Nov. 11, Ms. Faith initiated a life insurance claim seeking approximately $629,000 in death benefits from Met Life. She repeatedly updated Mr. Lopez as to the status of the claim:

“Ok, so life insurance. They aren’t processing the claim yet because when they spoke to Det Walton in November, he told them I couldn’t be ruled out as a suspect,” she texted Mr. Lopez (as herself) on Dec. 29.

“Oh no,” Mr. Lopez texted back.

On Jan. 10, 2021, law enforcement agents asked Ms. Faith to come in for an interview. She immediately texted Mr. Lopez in Tennessee:

“Detective called. He wants me in for an interview tomorrow. He said he wants to go over the investigation and go through some things to start moving things forward.  I’m a ball of nerves now,” she wrote.  

“You don’t need to be,” Mr. Lopez responded. “Just keep saying what you have been … you will be fine.”

“If asked about you, you are an old friend going through a divorce,” Ms. Faith replied. “Don’t text me Monday, I am going to factory reset my phone on Sunday night after deleting texts. Just thinking in case they pulled phone records and ask.”

On Jan. 11, Mr. Lopez was arrested in Cumberland Furnace, Tennessee. Law enforcement agents located the .45 caliber handgun used to kill Jamie Faith inside a satchel in Mr. Lopez’s residence. Jamie Faith’s blood was recovered on the firearm.  

The following week, Ms. Faith allegedly transferred a total of $118,00 from her checking account into an account belonging to a third party. A few days later, she asked another individual to transmit a message to Mr. Lopez:

“I’ve just needed to be cautious because every communication is being monitored,” she said. “Please tell him ASAP that I will always be his.”

“Please stay strong for US,” Mr. Lopez, who was in custody, responded via the individual. “Your knight always.”

Indictments are merely allegations of criminal conduct, not evidence. Like all defendants, both Ms. Faith and Mr. Lopez are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If convicted, Ms. Faith faces up to life in federal prison, and could be subject to the death penalty. Mr. Lopez faces up to 10 years in federal prison on the firearm charge and up to life in a state penitentiary on the Dallas County murder charge.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division and the Dallas Police Department’s Homicide Unit conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee. NDTX Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Calvert, Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Briggs and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian McKay are prosecuting the case.

Rockford Man Charged With Illegal Possession of Firearms

 ROCKFORD — A Rockford man was indicted Tuesday by a federal grand jury for allegedly illegally possessing multiple firearms earlier this year.

The first count of the indictment alleges that on April 30, 2021, JAMES PETERSON, 40, illegally possessed a loaded .380-caliber semi-automatic handgun and a .45-caliber handgun.  The second count alleges that on Aug. 18, 2021, Peterson illegally possessed a .45-caliber handgun.  As a previously convicted felon, Peterson was not lawfully allowed to possess a firearm.

Arraignment in U.S. District Court in Rockford has not yet been set.

The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Angie Salazar, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  The Illinois State Police’s State Line Area Narcotics Team (SLANT), the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration assisted in the investigation.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ladd.

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

Each count in the indictment carries a maximum sentence of ten years in federal prison.  If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.  

Rockford Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison on Child Pornography Charges

 ROCKFORD — A Rockford man was sentenced Tuesday to ten years in federal prison on child pornography charges. 

PIERRE D. HAYES, 32, admitted in a plea agreement that on May 4, 2015, he used a computer to send a video file over the internet.  The image in the file depicted a female child under the age of 18 engaged in sexually explicit conduct. 

In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Harry D. Leinenweber ordered Hayes to pay $25,000 in restitution.

The sentencing was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Angie Salazar, Special Agent-in-Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Chicago; and Carla Redd, Chief of the Rockford Police Department.  The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica V. Mallory.

Southeastern Connecticut Residents Charged in Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy

 Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Joshua W. McCallister, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Town of Groton Police Chief Louis J. Fusaro, Jr., today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging CARLOS ANTONIO CRESPO-FEBUS, 40, of New London, and STEVEN COLLAZO, 30, of Groton, for their alleged involvement in a scheme to receive large quantities of cocaine from Puerto Rico through the U.S. Mail for distribution in Connecticut and elsewhere.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in April 2021, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating a cocaine trafficking operation headed by Crespo-Febus.  The investigation revealed that Crespo-Febus was coordinating the shipment of parcels, typically containing two kilograms of cocaine, from U.S. Post Offices in Puerto Rico to various “drop addresses” in New London County.  Collazo, who served as the primary “runner” for Crespo-Febus, picked up parcels from the drop addresses and delivered them to Crespo-Febus at Crespo-Febus’s New London residence.

It is further alleged that investigators have intercepted and seized more than 12 kilograms of cocaine that were mailed from Puerto Rico to Connecticut, and have identified dozens of other suspicious parcels that likely contained kilogram quantities of cocaine.

Crespo-Febus and Collazo were arrested on federal criminal complaints on September 20, 2021.

The indictment charges Crespo-Febus and Collazo with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.  Based on his prior conviction for a serious violent felony, namely second degree murder, Crespo-Febus faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years if he is convicted of the charge.

Crespo-Febus is currently detained and Collazo is released on a $100,000 bond.

Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the New London and Town of Groton Police Departments.  The Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden and Town of Groton Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman.

New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Narcotics Distribution Charge

 Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JAMES LEE, 24, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”).

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 13, 2021, New Haven Police approached Lee as he was sitting in a car at a gas station.  The car had fled from police on March 8.  A search of Lee’s person revealed $3,815 and a search of the car revealed $3,443.  Officers then found a hidden compartment in the vehicle’s center counsel that contained heroin, crack and cocaine packaged for distribution, and a loaded 9mm handgun.

On the morning of April 5, 2021, a New Haven Police detective traveling in an unmarked police cruiser in the area of Orange Street and Wall Street identified another car that had fled from West Haven Police during an attempted traffic stop on April 1.  The detective followed the car to a location of Brown Street, where he observed occupants of the vehicle engage in what appeared to be street-level drug transactions, and then to a location on Elm Street.  On Elm Street, James Lee, who had been released on bond, and Darryl Russell exited the car and entered a building.  Lee was arrested after he exited the building.  Russell ignored commands not to leave the scene but was apprehended a short distance away after he was found hiding in a trash can.  A search of their car revealed heroin, crack and cocaine packaged for distribution, and more than $2,000 in cash.

Lee has been detained since April 5, 2021.  Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for December 21, 2021, at which time Lee faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Russell, 32, of New Haven, has been detained since his arrest on May 21, 2021.  On that date, he possessed additional narcotics packaged for distribution.

On September 14, 2021, Russell pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute, heroin, cocaine and cocaine base.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 7, 2021.

This matter has been investigated by the New Haven Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.

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.

Mason City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiracy and Distribution of Meth

 Brunstein received pound quantities of meth and sold it in Mason City.

A Mason City man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced September 27, 2021 to 14 years in federal prison.

Cameron Brunstein, age 30, from Mason City, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine.

Brunstein admitted receiving pound quantities of methamphetamine and reselling it in and around the Mason City, Iowa area.  Brunstein was caught selling methamphetamine twice in Mason City.  Search warrants were conducted on Brunstein’s home, where law enforcement seized methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, LSD, and other pharmaceutical drugs, along with cash and distribution materials. 

Brunstein was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Brunstein was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Brunstein is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jack Lammers and was investigated by the North Central Iowa Drug Task Force, the Cerro Gordo Sheriff’s Office, the Mason City Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.

Goffstown Man Sentenced to 78 Months for Transportation and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

             CONCORD - Timothy P. Diggins, 60, of Goffstown, was sentenced on Tuesday to 78 months in federal prison for transportation and possession of child sexual abuse material, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, Microsoft OneDrive is an online cloud-based storage service used to store and share digital files, images and/or video.  On or about January 1, 2019, Microsoft’s automated system detected potential child exploitation material on an account associated with an IP address located at Diggins’ Goffstown home.  The matter was referred to law enforcement for investigation. 

            On September 18, 2019, investigators conducted a consensual interview with Diggins at his home.  Diggins confirmed he lived alone and admitted to using the internet to view child sexual abuse material.  Investigators subsequently obtained a search warrant for Diggins’ residence and seized cellular phones, computer equipment and various electronic media for forensic examination.  The examination revealed that Diggins downloaded child sexual abuse material from the internet and saved his collection of over 1,000 of the images on his computer equipment and electronic media.

            “Protecting children from abuse is one of the highest priorities of law enforcement,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Criminals who possess or transport child pornography are furthering the abuse of the innocent victims who appear in these images.  As part of our effort to protect children, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit offenses involving images of child sexual abuse.”

            "The New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is proud to work with our local and Federal partners in law enforcement in an effort to protect the children of New Hampshire.” said Eric Kinsman, Commander, NH ICAC.  “We encourage parents to talk to their children about internet safety and to visit https://www.missingkids.org/ for resources and helpful information."

            This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Goffstown Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.

Seven Former Postal Service Employees Charged in Federal Probe of Credit Cards Stolen From the Mail

 CHICAGO — Seven former U.S. Postal Service employees in the Chicago area have been charged with participating in schemes to steal credit cards and other financial instruments from the mail.  The indictments are the latest charges in “Operation Cash on Delivery,” a federal investigation that previously resulted in conspiracy charges against several other former USPS employees.

Indictments unsealed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago allege that credit cards and other financial instruments were stolen from the mail and provided to others in exchange for cash or other items.  Some of the defendants unlawfully obtained USPS customers’ personal identifying information, including dates of birth and Social Security numbers, which was then used to fraudulently activate the stolen cards, the charges allege.  The newly charged USPS employees delivered mail in Chicago or processed and sorted the mail at a USPS facility in suburban Palatine. 

Many of the new defendants were arrested Tuesday and have begun making initial appearances in federal court in Chicago.

The indictments and arrests were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; William Hedrick, Inspector-in-Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Chicago; Andre Martin, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Great Lakes Area Field Office of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General; and Angie Salazar, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of Homeland Security Investigations.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shy Jackson and Paige Nutini, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Madriñan.

Charged with conspiring to steal mail are former USPS employees CHARLESE BENNETT, 31, of Chicago; SHUNTONESE RICHARDSON, 24, of Willowbrook, Ill.; LATIYAH DAVIDSON, 28, of Chicago; C’ORY VONPIER MCNEAL, 32, of Atlanta, Ga.; BRANDY WALKER, 33, of Chicago; and ZAKEYA BLAKE, 24, of Hammond, Ind.  Also charged in the conspiracy are DARAY ROSS HINES, 25, of Chicago; TRAMONT MILLER, 23, of Wheaton, Ill.; MAHLIK WASHINGTON, 30, of Chicago; and WILLIAM CRAWFORD, 33, of Chicago.  Former USPS employee KENNETHIA HOWLEIT, 27, of Chicago, is charged with knowingly receiving and possessing stolen mail.

The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

Charlotte Man Is Sentenced To Six And A Half Years For Armed Carjacking

 CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney sentenced Ricky Lewis Bush, 21, of Charlotte, to 78 months in prison late yesterday, for carjacking and gun charges, announced William T. Stetzer, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.  Judge Whitney also ordered Bush to serve three years under court supervision after completing his prison term and to pay restitution to the victim of the carjacking.

Acting U.S. Attorney Stetzer is joined in making today’s announcement by Vincent C. Pallozzi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD).

According to filed court documents and the sentencing hearing, on the night of January 13, 2021, Ricky Lewis Bush and his co-defendant, Jontez Xavier McLeod, carjacked at gunpoint a female victim identified in court documents as C.K. Court records show that C.K. was exiting her vehicle which was parked at the parking lot of an apartment complex in Charlotte, when Bush and McLeod approached the victim. Bush pointed a firearm at the victim, and the two men grabbed the victim and pulled her from her vehicle. Bush and McLeod then got into the victim’s car and fled the scene, leaving the victim in the parking lot.

According to court documents, CMPD officers located the victim’s car. McLeod was driving the vehicle and Bush was in the front passenger seat. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the defendants sped off in an attempt to evade the police. CMPD officers pulled over the vehicle and arrested Bush and McLeod. Over the course of the investigation, CMPD officers recovered several videos from Bush’s cell phone, taken shortly before and after the carjacking. In one of the videos, Bush is holding the same firearm used in the carjacking. 

On November 12, 2020, Bush pleaded guilty to carjacking and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He is currently in federal custody. Upon designation of a federal facility, he will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons.  

McLeod has also pleaded guilty for his role in the case and will be sentenced at a later date.

The ATF and CMPD investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor G. Stout, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, is prosecuting the case.

Janesville Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Receiving Child Pornography

 MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Brian Garbe, 47, of Janesville, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to five years in federal prison for receiving child pornography.  This term of imprisonment is to be followed by 10 years of supervised release.  Garbe pleaded guilty to this charge on June 24, 2021.

Garbe bought child pornography from a website dedicated to the exploitation of children three times in 2016.  He also visited the website numerous times between September 2015 and March 2018.  In 2018, agents searched electronic devices found at Garbe’s home and found more than 1,000 images and videos depicting child pornography. 

Judge Conley noted Garbe made a horrendous decision to access child pornography but found his conduct mitigated by his military service and mental health issues.

The charge against Garbe was the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation; and Janesville Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman prosecuted this case. 

Bland County Man Pleads Guilty to 17 Counts of Production of Child Pornography, Illegal Possession of a Firearm

 Plea Agreement Calls for Sentence Between 20-50 Years in Federal Prison

ABINGDON, Va.– A Bland County, Virginia man pleaded guilty yesterday to 17 counts of producing child pornography at his home and illegally possessing a firearm after previously being convicted of a felony offense.

According to court documents, William Dean Blankenship, 42, was a previously convicted felon residing in Bland County, Virginia. On February 12, 2021, the Bland County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police executed a state search warrant at Blankenship’s home after receiving information that the defendant had engaged in sexual acts with children and was in possession of child pornography.

During that search, law enforcement found a firearm, cellular phone and other electronic devices that belonged to Blankenship. Blankenship’s phone contained over 50 video files of child pornography produced by the defendant which depicted him engaging in sexual intercourse with two minors under the age of 18. Further investigation determined Blankenship routinely coerced and enticed the two minors to engage in sexual activity with Blankenship and with one another after providing the minors with narcotics and other controlled substances.  Blankenship’s abuse began when the minors were approximately 14 and 13 years old.

“Blankenship repeatedly used coercive means to abuse his child victims, and now faces a lengthy prison sentence for these horrific acts,” Acting United States Attorney Bubar stated today. “I am thankful for the hard work of the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and Virginia State Police, who will continue to investigate and, together with our office, prosecute anyone like Blankenship who seeks to prey on our children.”

“Homeland Security Investigations is proud to have partnered with the Bland County Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold Mr. Blankenship accountable for his reprehensible actions,” said Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge of Washington D.C. Homeland Security Investigations.  “His sentencing should serve as a reminder to others who victimize children; we will work tirelessly to bring predators to justice.” 

Blankenship pleaded guilty yesterday to 17 counts of production of child pornography and one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 17, 2021 and faces an agreed upon sentencing range of between 20-50 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Department of Homeland Security Investigations and Virginia State Police are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Murphy is prosecuting the case.

New Solicitation: W.E.B. Du Bois Program of Research on Reducing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Justice System, Fiscal Year 2021

 The W.E.B. Du Bois Program supports quantitative and quantitative research that furthers the Department’s mission by advancing knowledge regarding the intersections of race, crime, violence, and the administration of justice within the United States. In FY 2021 under the W.E.B. Du Bois Program, NIJ seeks applications for funding of investigator-initiated research examining how observed racial and ethnic disparities in the justice system might be reduced through public policy interventions at any point during the administration of justice. NIJ seeks applications for funding from two categories of researchers:

W.E.B. Du Bois Scholars – Researchers who are advanced in their careers (awarded a terminal degree at least seven years prior to December 31, 2021) may apply for grants for research, evaluation, and mentoring less-experienced researchers. W.E.B. Du Bois Fellows – Researchers who are early in their careers (awarded a terminal degree within seven years of December 31, 2021) may apply for grants for research and evaluation. Under this solicitation, NIJ will only consider applications for research on public policy interventions that may reduce racial and ethnic disparities in the justice system. Interested applications are invited to register for a webinar on October 19, at 1:00 PM Eastern to learn more about the application process, eligibility, and ask questions. In FY 2021, applications will be submitted in a two-step process, each with its own deadline: Submit an SF-424 and an SF-LLL in Grants.gov. Step 1, Grants.gov, Deadline: December 30, 2021, by 11:59 PM ET   Submit the full application including attachments in JustGrants. Step 2, Application JustGrants, Deadline: January 13, 2022, by 11:59 PM ET   APPLY NOW Applicants must register with Grants.gov and register with JustGrants prior to submitting an application. This solicitation is competitive; therefore, NIJ staff cannot have individual conversations with prospective applicants. Any questions concerning the solicitation should be submitted to the OJP Response Center: 1-800-851-3420; TTY at 301-240-6310 (for hearing impaired only); or email grants@ncjrs.gov. See also NIJ.gov's solicitation FAQ page. The following application elements MUST be included in the application submission for an application to meet the basic minimum requirements to advance to peer review and receive consideration for funding: Program Narrative, Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative, and resumes/curriculum vitae of key personnel. Make sure to also go over the application checklist provided in the solicitation before submitting.

Wilson Man Determined to be Career Offender, Sentenced for Distributing Illegal Drugs

 NEW BERN, N.C. – A Wilson man was sentenced today to 151 months in prison for two counts of Distribution of Cocaine Base (Crack); one count of Distribution of Cocaine Base (Crack) and Marijuana; and two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (Crack).

According to court documents, Frank Roosevelt Giggetts, Jr., pled guilty to the charges on February 5, 2020. 

In March 2018, officers with the Wilson Police Department learned that Giggetts was selling cocaine base (crack) from his residence in Wilson. Officers then conducted three controlled purchases of controlled substances from Giggetts, including cocaine base (crack) and marijuana.

On August 2, 2018, officers executed a search warrant at Giggetts’s residence and seized additional cocaine base (crack).

On November 9, 2018, Giggetts was arrested on outstanding warrants and was found in possession of additional cocaine base (crack).

Giggetts has 22 prior convictions, including convictions for assault, burglary and drug trafficking. Based on his criminal history, Giggetts was determined to be a Career Offender, resulting in an enhanced recommended sentence.

G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Wilson Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott A. Lemmon prosecuted the case.

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

Washington Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Attempted Enticement of a Child to Engage in Sexual Activity

 PEORIA, Ill. – On September 21, 2021, United States District Court Judge James E. Shadid sentenced Thomas R. Alt, 28, of Washington, Ill., to 120 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, for Attempted Enticement of a Child to Engage in Sexual Activity.

Alt was found guilty on May 5, 2021, following a jury trial, in which the United States presented evidence to establish that Alt used the mobile application Grindr to arrange to meet a person he believed to be a 15-year-old minor for sexual activity.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Division, Illinois State Police, Peoria County Sheriff’s Office, and the Peoria Metropolitan Enforcement Group (MEG) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Morris and Keith Hollingshead-Cook represented the government in the prosecution.

“The district-wide ongoing operation to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals who use modern communication technology to solicit sex with people they believe to be children has been a tremendous success,” said Acting United States Attorney Doug Quivey. “We will continue to work closely with the FBI and our other law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who intend to sexually harm children.”    

“A child’s vulnerability to sexual exploitation is magnified over the internet,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “Today’s sentencing effectively ends Alt’s ability to sexually exploit children and underscores the FBI’s commitment to keep our children safe by going after those who seek to exploit their innocence online. The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, will aggressively investigate where persons prey on our children.”

The case against Alt was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to 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.

Armed Bowie Narcotics Trafficker Pleads Guilty and is Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Five Kilograms of Cocaine

 Douglas Transferred Large Amounts of Money and Drugs and Possessed Firearms and Ammunition

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Dwayne Douglas, age 39, of Bowie, Maryland, to eight years in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release for being a member of a conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute five kilograms of cocaine.

The guilty plea and sentence were announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office (DEA); Special Agent in Charge James R. Mancuso of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Postal Inspector in Charge Daniel A. Adame of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division (USPIS); Lieutenant Colonel Kevin M. Anderson, Chief of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police (MDTA Police); Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD); and Chief Marcus Jones of the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD).

“Our law enforcement team here in Maryland is focusing on individuals and groups who are driving the violence and bringing large quantities of narcotics into our communities,” said Acting United States Attorney Jonathan Lenzner.  “As a large-scale narcotics dealer who also illegally possessed firearms, Dwayne Douglas endangered communities in our state.  I would like to commend and thank the local, state and federal law enforcement agencies who worked together to hold accountable Douglas and other members of the conspiracy.”

According to his guilty plea, in furtherance of the narcotics conspiracy, Douglas met with co-conspirators on several occasions. In one meeting, Douglas transferred drug proceeds directly to an individual who unbeknownst to Douglas was a confidential informant (CI). In order to conduct the transactions, the CI would call a third party to arrange the transfer and a code would be assigned. Thereafter, the CI would meet Douglas and, after Douglas received the code from the CI, Douglas would transfer the drug proceeds to the CI.

Specifically, in October 2016, Douglas delivered approximately $250,000 in narcotics to a CI in a Bowie, Maryland hotel parking lot. In March 2017, Douglas delivered approximately $149,960 to a CI in the parking lot of a College Park, Maryland restaurant.

Additionally, in November 2016, a CI received a notification and the description of a vehicle that would transfer drug proceeds and gave that description to law enforcement. Law enforcement then conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle, in the vicinity of Hyattsville, Maryland. Douglas was the driver of the vehicle. During the car stop, law enforcement observed an open box in the back passenger seat filled of U.S. Currency. Douglas informed law enforcement that there was “a lot” of money in the car. Following a positive canine sniff, law enforcement searched the vehicle and recovered a total of $158,609. 

One day later, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant in which Douglas was the target in Lanham, Maryland. As a result of the search warrant, law enforcement recovered numerous items including a scale with cocaine residue, Douglas' personal items, and a loaded semi-automatic pistol. A federal search and seizure warrant was authorized the next month for Douglas’ DNA. DNA found on the firearm was compared to Douglas’ DNA and the chances of an individual other than Douglas being the DNA contributor was one in 7.24 octillion. The DNA that matched Douglas was found on the grip and trigger of the firearm. 

As stated in his plea agreement, on July 28, 2020, investigators executed federal search and seizure warrant on Douglas’ Silver Spring, Maryland apartment. Investigators recovered a pistol loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition, 10 rounds of .45 caliber bullets, two magazines, four separate boxes of ammunition, more than 10 cellular phones, a money counter machine, a food-saver heat sealer machine, packaging materials for controlled substances, latex gloves and three digital scales. Within a safe, DEA agents recovered approximately $25,241.00. DEA agents arrested Douglas, who was inside his apartment.

In his plea agreement, Douglas agrees that it was reasonably foreseeable to him that the conspiracy distributed five kilograms or more of cocaine. Douglas further admits and agrees that he possessed the two above-described firearms even though he was prohibited from doing so due to a prior felony conviction.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

The overdose crisis continues to devastate our states and local communities. If you believe you may need substance use disorder treatment or recovery services, please call 1800-662-HELP (4357). You may also visit the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland for further information and resources on opioid awareness at https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/page/file/1390896/download.

Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the DEA, HSI, the MDTA Police, the BCP, U.S. Postal Inspectors, and the MCPD for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Warwick and Zachary B. Stendig, who prosecuted the case.