BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Bernard T. Grucza, 38, of Elma, New York, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a person subject to as domestic violence order of protection before Chief U.S. District Court Judge William M. Skretny. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who is handling the case, stated the defendant made false written statements to Big Daddy Guns in order to obtain a Ruger .380 caliber pistol. Between July 13, 2013 and October 16, 2013, the defendant possessed the pistol despite being the subject of a restraining order issued by Elma Town Court. In addition, Grucza made false statements to special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives that he had destroyed the pistol and thrown out the parts when, in fact, he had not.
As part of his plea, the defendant admitted to stealing more than $200,000 worth of merchandise and cash from his employer, Toys R Us. Grucza then sold the merchandise on eBay. The plea agreement requires the defendant to pay restitution to Toys R Us in the amount of $223,000.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Cannon; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard; and the Hamburg Police Department, under the direction of Michael Williams.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 23, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Skretny.
Showing posts with label firearms. Show all posts
Showing posts with label firearms. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
Cambria County Man Sentenced for Narcotics and Firearms Violations
JOHNSTOWN, PA—A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months in prison and three years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Gerald P. Carr, 32.
According to information presented to the court, on February 1, 2013, Carr possessed with intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin and was found in possession of a Marlin Firearms Co., model 45 Camp Carbine, .45 caliber rifle. On February 19, 2007 , Carr was convicted in Cambria Co., Pennsylvania, of delivery of cocaine, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Mr. Hickton commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Johnstown Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Carr.
According to Mr. Hickton, this case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Gerald P. Carr, 32.
According to information presented to the court, on February 1, 2013, Carr possessed with intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin and was found in possession of a Marlin Firearms Co., model 45 Camp Carbine, .45 caliber rifle. On February 19, 2007 , Carr was convicted in Cambria Co., Pennsylvania, of delivery of cocaine, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Mr. Hickton commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Johnstown Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Carr.
According to Mr. Hickton, this case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Twenty-Eight Members and Associates of Paterson Bloods Street Gang Charged in Manhattan Federal Court with Distributing Heroin, Crack Cocaine, and Powder Cocaine and with Firearms Offenses
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Aaron T. Ford, the Special Agent in Charge of the Newark Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); William Fraher, the Acting Chief of Police of the Paterson Police Department, and Gary F. Giardina, the Chief of Police of the Clifton Police Department, today announced the unsealing of a superseding indictment charging 28 members and associates of the Bloods street gang operating in Passaic County, New Jersey, principally in the city of Paterson, with distribution and possession with the intent to distribute heroin, “crack” cocaine, and powder cocaine. The indictment also charges three of the defendants with brandishing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking activity and with being felons unlawfully in possession of firearms.
Of the 28 defendants named in the superseding indictment, nine were taken into custody in a weekend sweep. Those nine defendants were presented in Manhattan federal court this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman and detained. Five other defendants are presently detained in state custody on unrelated charges and will be writted into federal custody. One defendant, Hakim Lowery, remains at large. The other 13 defendants were arrested on earlier occasions on the underlying indictments, and all remain detained.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said, “Once again we see the convergence of drugs, guns, and violence that plagues neighborhoods, threatens their inhabitants, and spreads potentially lethal narcotics from city to city and across state lines. To keep our neighborhoods free of illegal drugs and gang violence, we will continue to work closely with our local law enforcement partners to vigorously enforce federal drug and firearms laws.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford said, “Dismantling violent gangs is a continuing priority for the FBI. Our efforts to address gang violence are not new, but we are working with our partners with increased manpower and increased urgency to address current circumstances. Today’s arrests and charges are the result of a successful, long term investigation conducted by the FBI and the Paterson and Clifton Police Departments.”
Paterson Police Department Acting Chief William Fraher said, “It is critically important for cities like Paterson to leverage their existing collaborative relationships with federal and local law enforcement to reduce not only the actual violence in our communities but also reducing the perception of fear which can be just as important.”
Clifton Police Department Chief Gary F. Giardina said, “Problems faced by law enforcement do not stop at the city borders. What is one city’s problem most likely is the next city’s and at times overlaps into the next state. It is for these reasons that it is imperative that agencies work in partnership to be successful. In this case, Clifton Police worked in partnership with the Paterson Police and FBI in order to bring this investigation to a successful conclusion.”
According to the allegations in the superseding indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:
Various “sets” of the Bloods, particularly the Fruit Town Brims and Sex Money Murder, among others, operated in Paterson, often coordinating, collaborating, and working together (defined in the Indictment as the “Paterson Bloods”). Ranking members of the Paterson Bloods would often meet to resolve disputes between their respective “soldier” members of the sets and could direct punishment against non-members. Among these punishments were that individuals were to be assaulted or killed by members of the Paterson Bloods.
The Paterson Bloods operated the drug markets in certain central locations in Paterson, New Jersey, including, in particular: North Main Street from East Main Street to Jefferson Street (an area known as “The Main”); Graham Avenue/Rosa Parks Boulevard from Lyon Street to Franklin Street (“The Boulevard”); Graham Avenue/Rosa Parks Boulevard from 12th Avenue to Hamilton Avenue; 12th Avenue from East 22nd Street to East 24th Street; 10th Avenue from East 26th Street to East 30th Street; Governor Street from Graham Avenue to Summer Street (“Up the Hill”); and Park Avenue from Madison Avenue to East 16th Street. Members of the Paterson Bloods were permitted to sell heroin and “crack” cocaine in these areas. Generally, non-members, outsiders, and rival narcotics dealers were prohibited or prevented from distributing narcotics in areas controlled by the Paterson Bloods. Certain individuals—such as people who had grown up in areas controlled by the Paterson Bloods, people of neutral gang or neighborhood group affiliation, or marijuana dealers who often sold to members of the Paterson Bloods—were permitted to distribute narcotics in areas controlled by the Paterson Bloods but did so without the protection of the members of the Paterson Bloods and at the risk of being robbed by members of the gang. For example, on June 17, 2013, a drug dispute broke out in the area of 12th Avenue and 22nd Street, during which the defendant Rachaun Parker, a member of the Fruit Town Brims set of the Bloods, assisted an individual who was considered a “neutral” from his neighborhood. Members of the Fruit Town Brims, including defendants Hakim Lowery and Jamar Edwards, violently beat Parker for violating the rules of the set.
Members of the Paterson Bloods and their associates committed and conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence to protect and expand their drug trafficking operations and to protect fellow members of the gang. These acts included beatings, stabbings, and shootings intended to prevent people not affiliated with the Paterson Bloods from distributing narcotics in areas controlled by the gang, or to dissuade members of rival gangs, such as the Latin Kings, from encroaching on territory controlled by the Paterson Bloods.
Members of the charged narcotics distribution conspiracy agreed to possess and distribute heroin, “crack” cocaine, and cocaine powder in the Bronx, Manhattan, and New Jersey. On at least two occasions, certain defendants, armed with loaded guns, delivered what they believed to be approximately one kilogram of cocaine to an address in the Bronx in return for delivery fees.
Mr. Bharara praised the investigative work of the FBI, the Paterson Police Department, and the Clifton Police Department. The investigation is a result of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force program, and it combined the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with local law enforcement.
The Office’s Violent Crimes Unit is overseeing the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justina L. Geraci and Michael D. Maimin are in charge of the prosecution. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolina A. Fornos is in charge of the asset forfeiture components of the case.
The charges contained in the superseding indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Of the 28 defendants named in the superseding indictment, nine were taken into custody in a weekend sweep. Those nine defendants were presented in Manhattan federal court this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman and detained. Five other defendants are presently detained in state custody on unrelated charges and will be writted into federal custody. One defendant, Hakim Lowery, remains at large. The other 13 defendants were arrested on earlier occasions on the underlying indictments, and all remain detained.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said, “Once again we see the convergence of drugs, guns, and violence that plagues neighborhoods, threatens their inhabitants, and spreads potentially lethal narcotics from city to city and across state lines. To keep our neighborhoods free of illegal drugs and gang violence, we will continue to work closely with our local law enforcement partners to vigorously enforce federal drug and firearms laws.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford said, “Dismantling violent gangs is a continuing priority for the FBI. Our efforts to address gang violence are not new, but we are working with our partners with increased manpower and increased urgency to address current circumstances. Today’s arrests and charges are the result of a successful, long term investigation conducted by the FBI and the Paterson and Clifton Police Departments.”
Paterson Police Department Acting Chief William Fraher said, “It is critically important for cities like Paterson to leverage their existing collaborative relationships with federal and local law enforcement to reduce not only the actual violence in our communities but also reducing the perception of fear which can be just as important.”
Clifton Police Department Chief Gary F. Giardina said, “Problems faced by law enforcement do not stop at the city borders. What is one city’s problem most likely is the next city’s and at times overlaps into the next state. It is for these reasons that it is imperative that agencies work in partnership to be successful. In this case, Clifton Police worked in partnership with the Paterson Police and FBI in order to bring this investigation to a successful conclusion.”
According to the allegations in the superseding indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:
Various “sets” of the Bloods, particularly the Fruit Town Brims and Sex Money Murder, among others, operated in Paterson, often coordinating, collaborating, and working together (defined in the Indictment as the “Paterson Bloods”). Ranking members of the Paterson Bloods would often meet to resolve disputes between their respective “soldier” members of the sets and could direct punishment against non-members. Among these punishments were that individuals were to be assaulted or killed by members of the Paterson Bloods.
The Paterson Bloods operated the drug markets in certain central locations in Paterson, New Jersey, including, in particular: North Main Street from East Main Street to Jefferson Street (an area known as “The Main”); Graham Avenue/Rosa Parks Boulevard from Lyon Street to Franklin Street (“The Boulevard”); Graham Avenue/Rosa Parks Boulevard from 12th Avenue to Hamilton Avenue; 12th Avenue from East 22nd Street to East 24th Street; 10th Avenue from East 26th Street to East 30th Street; Governor Street from Graham Avenue to Summer Street (“Up the Hill”); and Park Avenue from Madison Avenue to East 16th Street. Members of the Paterson Bloods were permitted to sell heroin and “crack” cocaine in these areas. Generally, non-members, outsiders, and rival narcotics dealers were prohibited or prevented from distributing narcotics in areas controlled by the Paterson Bloods. Certain individuals—such as people who had grown up in areas controlled by the Paterson Bloods, people of neutral gang or neighborhood group affiliation, or marijuana dealers who often sold to members of the Paterson Bloods—were permitted to distribute narcotics in areas controlled by the Paterson Bloods but did so without the protection of the members of the Paterson Bloods and at the risk of being robbed by members of the gang. For example, on June 17, 2013, a drug dispute broke out in the area of 12th Avenue and 22nd Street, during which the defendant Rachaun Parker, a member of the Fruit Town Brims set of the Bloods, assisted an individual who was considered a “neutral” from his neighborhood. Members of the Fruit Town Brims, including defendants Hakim Lowery and Jamar Edwards, violently beat Parker for violating the rules of the set.
Members of the Paterson Bloods and their associates committed and conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence to protect and expand their drug trafficking operations and to protect fellow members of the gang. These acts included beatings, stabbings, and shootings intended to prevent people not affiliated with the Paterson Bloods from distributing narcotics in areas controlled by the gang, or to dissuade members of rival gangs, such as the Latin Kings, from encroaching on territory controlled by the Paterson Bloods.
Members of the charged narcotics distribution conspiracy agreed to possess and distribute heroin, “crack” cocaine, and cocaine powder in the Bronx, Manhattan, and New Jersey. On at least two occasions, certain defendants, armed with loaded guns, delivered what they believed to be approximately one kilogram of cocaine to an address in the Bronx in return for delivery fees.
* * *
The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.Mr. Bharara praised the investigative work of the FBI, the Paterson Police Department, and the Clifton Police Department. The investigation is a result of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force program, and it combined the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with local law enforcement.
The Office’s Violent Crimes Unit is overseeing the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justina L. Geraci and Michael D. Maimin are in charge of the prosecution. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolina A. Fornos is in charge of the asset forfeiture components of the case.
The charges contained in the superseding indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Uniontown Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing Revolver
PITTSBURGH—A convicted felon was sentenced yesterday afternoon in federal court to 18 months’ imprisonment followed by three years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on William Kent Bricker, 56, of Varndell Street, Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, on September 2, 2012, Bricker, being a convicted felon, illegally possessed a .32 caliber revolver. Bricker was convicted of armed bank robbery in 1993 and illegal firearms possession in 2004. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm.
Assistant United States Attorney Charles A. Eberle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Pennsylvania State Police; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bricker. This case was prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.
United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on William Kent Bricker, 56, of Varndell Street, Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, on September 2, 2012, Bricker, being a convicted felon, illegally possessed a .32 caliber revolver. Bricker was convicted of armed bank robbery in 1993 and illegal firearms possession in 2004. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm.
Assistant United States Attorney Charles A. Eberle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Pennsylvania State Police; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bricker. This case was prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Rehoboth Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Firearms Conviction
ALBUQUERQUE—MacDavis Bahe, 31, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Rehoboth, New Mexico, was sentenced this morning to 10 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for his conviction on methamphetamine trafficking and firearms charges.
Bahe was indicted in June 2012 and charged with distributing methamphetamine and marijuana in McKinley County, Rehoboth, New Mexico between February 2012 and May 2012. He also was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of an unregistered firearm.
On September 6, 2013, Bahe admitted that he distributed methamphetamine on February 17, 2012 to an individual who, unbeknownst to him, was an undercover officer. Bahe also admitted that he unlawfully possessed a shotgun on May 1, 2012. Bahe acknowledged that he was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because he previously had been convicted of the following felony offenses in the 11th Judicial District Court for the State of New Mexico in McKinley County: burglary, aggravated fleeing from a law enforcement officer, and being a felon in possession of a firearm or destructive device.
The case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI, the Middle Rio Grande Valley Narcotics Task Force, the Gallup Police Department, and the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine Y. Ramirez.
The Middle Rio Grande Valley Task Force is comprised of agents and officers from the Albuquerque Police Department, the Albuquerque office of the DEA, Pojoaque Tribal Police Department, Rio Rancho Police Department, Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office, and Valencia County Sheriff’s Office. It is part of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program that was created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. HIDTA is a program of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) which provides assistance to federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug trafficking regions of the United States and seeks to reduce drug trafficking and production by facilitating coordinated law enforcement activities and information sharing.
Bahe was indicted in June 2012 and charged with distributing methamphetamine and marijuana in McKinley County, Rehoboth, New Mexico between February 2012 and May 2012. He also was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of an unregistered firearm.
On September 6, 2013, Bahe admitted that he distributed methamphetamine on February 17, 2012 to an individual who, unbeknownst to him, was an undercover officer. Bahe also admitted that he unlawfully possessed a shotgun on May 1, 2012. Bahe acknowledged that he was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because he previously had been convicted of the following felony offenses in the 11th Judicial District Court for the State of New Mexico in McKinley County: burglary, aggravated fleeing from a law enforcement officer, and being a felon in possession of a firearm or destructive device.
The case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI, the Middle Rio Grande Valley Narcotics Task Force, the Gallup Police Department, and the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine Y. Ramirez.
The Middle Rio Grande Valley Task Force is comprised of agents and officers from the Albuquerque Police Department, the Albuquerque office of the DEA, Pojoaque Tribal Police Department, Rio Rancho Police Department, Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office, and Valencia County Sheriff’s Office. It is part of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program that was created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. HIDTA is a program of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) which provides assistance to federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug trafficking regions of the United States and seeks to reduce drug trafficking and production by facilitating coordinated law enforcement activities and information sharing.
Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Carjacking and Firearms Charges
ALBUQUERQUE—Raul Ortega, 21, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, pleaded guilty this morning to federal carjacking and firearms charges, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven C. Yarbrough, Special Agent Carol K.O. Lee of the Albuquerque Division of the FBI, and Chief Allen Banks of the Albuquerque Police Department.
Ortega and co-defendant Joel Meeks, 20, also of Albuquerque, were arrested in April 2013 on an eight-count indictment charging the pair with offenses stemming from a series of armed robberies of commercial businesses and home invasions, including armed robbery and carjacking, occurring in Bernalillo County, New Mexico from December 6, 2012 to January 17, 2013.
During today’s proceedings, Ortega pleaded guilty to Counts 5, 6, and 7 of the indictment, charging him with two carjackings. In his plea agreement and with respect to Counts 5 and 6, Ortega admitted that on January 13, 2013, he and Meeks forcibly entered a residence and robbed the owner of credit cards, his identification, and other items. Ortega also admitted that he and Meeks physically assaulted the victim to obtain the PIN for his ATM card, his car keys, and the location of his car. Before departing, Ortega and Meeks threatened the victim’s life if he reported the crime to the police. Ortega admitted that he was armed with a handgun while committing these crimes.
In his plea agreement and with respect to Count 7, Ortega also admitted that on January 17, 2013, he and Meeks forcibly entered another residence and physically assaulted the owner. After restraining the victim, Meeks and Ortega robbed him of his credit cards, ATM cards, and other items. After obtaining the PIN for the victim’s ATM card by threatening him further physical abuse, Meeks and Ortega also robbed the victim of his car keys and car.
Under the terms of his plea agreement, Ortega will be sentenced to a prison term of 12 to 20 years to be determined by the court. Ortega has been in federal custody since his arrest and remains detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
Meeks has pleaded not guilty and remains in federal custody pending trial which currently is scheduled March 3, 2014. The charges against Meeks are merely accusations and Meeks is presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and the Albuquerque Police Department with assistance from the 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon K. Stanford as part of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.
Ortega and co-defendant Joel Meeks, 20, also of Albuquerque, were arrested in April 2013 on an eight-count indictment charging the pair with offenses stemming from a series of armed robberies of commercial businesses and home invasions, including armed robbery and carjacking, occurring in Bernalillo County, New Mexico from December 6, 2012 to January 17, 2013.
During today’s proceedings, Ortega pleaded guilty to Counts 5, 6, and 7 of the indictment, charging him with two carjackings. In his plea agreement and with respect to Counts 5 and 6, Ortega admitted that on January 13, 2013, he and Meeks forcibly entered a residence and robbed the owner of credit cards, his identification, and other items. Ortega also admitted that he and Meeks physically assaulted the victim to obtain the PIN for his ATM card, his car keys, and the location of his car. Before departing, Ortega and Meeks threatened the victim’s life if he reported the crime to the police. Ortega admitted that he was armed with a handgun while committing these crimes.
In his plea agreement and with respect to Count 7, Ortega also admitted that on January 17, 2013, he and Meeks forcibly entered another residence and physically assaulted the owner. After restraining the victim, Meeks and Ortega robbed him of his credit cards, ATM cards, and other items. After obtaining the PIN for the victim’s ATM card by threatening him further physical abuse, Meeks and Ortega also robbed the victim of his car keys and car.
Under the terms of his plea agreement, Ortega will be sentenced to a prison term of 12 to 20 years to be determined by the court. Ortega has been in federal custody since his arrest and remains detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
Meeks has pleaded not guilty and remains in federal custody pending trial which currently is scheduled March 3, 2014. The charges against Meeks are merely accusations and Meeks is presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and the Albuquerque Police Department with assistance from the 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon K. Stanford as part of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Twenty-Four Defendants with Ties to Powerful Italian Organized Crime Syndicate Known as the ‘Ndrangheta Arrested in Coordinated U.S.-Italian Takedown
BROOKLYN—A 15—count indictment was unsealed this morning in federal court in the Eastern District of New York charging seven defendants with narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and firearms offenses based, in part, on their participation in a transnational heroin and cocaine trafficking conspiracy involving the ‘Ndrangheta, one of Italy’s most powerful organized crime syndicates. The defendants—‘Ndrangheta member Raffaele Valente, also known as “Lello”; Gambino associate Franco Lupoi; Bonanno associate Charles Centaro, also known as “Charlie Pepsi”; Dominic Ali; Alexander Chan; Christos Fasarakis; and Jose Alfredo Garcia, also known as “Freddy”—were arrested earlier today. In a coordinated operation, Italian law enforcement authorities arrested 17 members and associates of the ‘Ndrangheta in Calabria, Italy, who were involved in the narcotics trafficking conspiracy, among other crimes.
The seven defendants arrested in the United States are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before Chief United States Magistrate Judge Steven M. Gold, at the United States Courthouse at 225 Cadman Plaza East in Brooklyn, New York. The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Sterling Johnson, Jr.
The charges were announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and George Venizelos, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI).
“The ‘Ndrangheta is an exceptionally dangerous, sophisticated, and insidious criminal organization with tentacles stretching from Italy to countries around the world,” stated United States Attorney Lynch. “The defendant Lupoi sought to use his connections with both ‘Ndrangheta and the Gambino crime family to extend his own criminal reach literally around the globe. Today, thanks to the vigilance and sustained cooperation of the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners in Italy, the ‘Ndrangheta’s efforts to gain a foothold in New York have been dealt a lasting blow.” Ms. Lynch praised the outstanding investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and expressed her thanks to law enforcement partners in Italy, including the Prosecutor of the Republic of Reggio Calabria; the Italian National Police (INP), in particular, the Squadra Mobile of Reggio Calabria and the Servizio Centrale Operativo; the Direzione Centrale per i Servizi Antidroga; and the Direzione Nazionale Antimafia. Ms. Lynch also expressed gratitude to the U.S. Department of Justice Attaché and the the FBI Legal Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Rome, who coordinated extensive evidence-sharing and undercover operations.
“As alleged, ‘Ndrangheta’s clan members conspired with members of the Gambino organized crime family in New York in an attempt to infiltrate our area with their illegal activities. Under the auspices of legitimate shipping businesses, the two criminal groups worked together to establish a plan of moving cocaine and heroin between the United States and Italy. Little did they know, there was an ongoing collaboration between the FBI and the Italian National Police to investigate and identify their scheme. This international cooperation between our great law enforcement agencies is one that was established at the beginning of our investigation, and it remains in place today. With every arrest made, both here and in Italy, FBI agents and Italian National Police officers closely coordinated their operations and share the success of this operation,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Venizelos.
As detailed in the indictment and detention letter filed today, defendant Franco Lupoi, a Brooklyn resident who has lived in Calabria, used his close criminal ties to both the Gambino organized crime family and the ‘Ndrangheta, an Italian criminal organization akin to the Mafia in Sicily and the Camorra in Naples, to pursue criminal activity that stretched across the globe. The Italian charges unsealed today reveal how the ‘Ndrangheta has operated for decades in Calabria in localized clans—known as ‘ndrine—based primarily on close family ties. In this case, Lupoi’s father-in-law, Italian defendant Nicola Antonio Simonetta, is a member of the Ursino clan of the ‘Ndrangheta. In 2012, Simonetta traveled to Brooklyn and met with Lupoi and an undercover FBI agent, who recorded Simonetta and Lupoi discussing plans to ship narcotics between the U.S. and Italy via the port of Gioia Tauro in Calabria, an infamous hub of ‘Ndrangheta activity. Simonetta revealed that his ‘Ndrangheta associates at the port would guarantee the safe arrival of container ships containing contraband.
As alleged in court documents, Lupoi exploited these underworld connections to link his criminal associates in New York with those in Calabria, forming conspiracies to traffic heroin and cocaine. On the Italian side, he allegedly engaged Italian defendant and ‘Ndrangheta leader Francesco Ursino and others as suppliers of heroin and buyers of cocaine. During two joint FBI-INP operations in Italy, Lupoi and Ursino sold more than 1.3 kilograms of heroin to an FBI undercover agent for what they believed was eventual distribution in the United States. In New York, Lupoi, Chan, and Garcia sold the undercover agent more than a kilogram of heroin.
As alleged, Lupoi also set into motion a plot to transport 500 kilograms of cocaine, concealed in frozen food, in shipping containers from Guyana to Calabria. In the course of these conspiracies, Lupoi assured his confederates of his relationship with a corrupt port official in Gioia Tauro, indicating that in return for €200,000, the official could guarantee passage of unlimited containers of contraband. In New York, Lupoi joined forces with defendants Alexander Chan and Garcia to orchestrate the Guyana-Italy cocaine conspiracy. In conversations recorded by the undercover agent, the conspirators discussed their connections to Mexican drug cartels operating in Guyana, South America, and plotted to transport 500 kilograms of cocaine internationally, hidden in shipments of frozen fish or pineapples. On the Italian side, Ursino and his co-conspirators planned to use a fish importation company to receive the shipment. As set forth in Italian court documents, the conspiracy slowed when shipping containers originating from the same Guyanese shipping company were seized in Malaysia and found to contain more than $7 million in cocaine hidden in pineapples and coconut milk.
As set forth in court documents, Lupoi also worked closely with U.S. defendant and ‘Ndrangheta member Raffaele Valente, who sold an illegal silencer and sawed-off shotgun to the FBI undercover agent at the Royal Crown Bakery in Brooklyn. In conversations intercepted on Italian wiretaps, Valente revealed that he had assembled a group of well-armed men in New York and that their base of operations was as secure as Fort Knox. Valente also discussed his devotion to St. Michael the Archangel as the purported “patron saint” of the ‘Ndrangheta and exhorted Italian defendant Andrea Memmolo to wear a special ring as a sign of pride and mutual recognition. Valente and Lupoi are charged with conspiracy to transfer a firearm, and Valente is charged with two counts of illegal possession of a silencer. Valente is also charged in Italy with the crime of mafia association based on his role in establishing an ‘Ndrangheta cell in New York.
As alleged, Lupoi further maintained a network of money laundering associates in New York. He and his co-defendants Dominic Ali, Charles “Charlie Pepsi” Centaro, and Christos Fasarakis, an employee of Alma Bank in Brooklyn, laundered more than $500,000 in funds that they believed were the proceeds of narcotics and illegal weapons trafficking. Centaro was recorded describing his access to bank accounts with millions of dollars through which he could launder and conceal criminal proceeds.
If convicted, Lupoi, Chan, and Garcia face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment; Ali, Centaro, and Fasarakis face a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on each money laundering charge; and Valente faces a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment on each firearms charge.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Cristina Posa, Kristin Mace, and Kevin Trowel.
The charges contained in the indictment and complaint are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defendants
Franco Lupoi
Age: 44
Brooklyn, New York
Dominic Ali
Age: 55
Brooklyn, New York
Charles Centaro, a.k.a. “Charlie Pepsi”
Age: 50
Brooklyn, New York
Alexander Chan
Age: 46
New York, New York
Christos Fasarakis
Age: 42
Brooklyn, New York
Raffaele Valente, a.k.a. “Lello”
Age: 42
Brooklyn, New York
Jose Alfredo Garcia, a.k.a. “Freddy”
Age: 47
New York, New York
The seven defendants arrested in the United States are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before Chief United States Magistrate Judge Steven M. Gold, at the United States Courthouse at 225 Cadman Plaza East in Brooklyn, New York. The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Sterling Johnson, Jr.
The charges were announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and George Venizelos, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI).
“The ‘Ndrangheta is an exceptionally dangerous, sophisticated, and insidious criminal organization with tentacles stretching from Italy to countries around the world,” stated United States Attorney Lynch. “The defendant Lupoi sought to use his connections with both ‘Ndrangheta and the Gambino crime family to extend his own criminal reach literally around the globe. Today, thanks to the vigilance and sustained cooperation of the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners in Italy, the ‘Ndrangheta’s efforts to gain a foothold in New York have been dealt a lasting blow.” Ms. Lynch praised the outstanding investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and expressed her thanks to law enforcement partners in Italy, including the Prosecutor of the Republic of Reggio Calabria; the Italian National Police (INP), in particular, the Squadra Mobile of Reggio Calabria and the Servizio Centrale Operativo; the Direzione Centrale per i Servizi Antidroga; and the Direzione Nazionale Antimafia. Ms. Lynch also expressed gratitude to the U.S. Department of Justice Attaché and the the FBI Legal Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Rome, who coordinated extensive evidence-sharing and undercover operations.
“As alleged, ‘Ndrangheta’s clan members conspired with members of the Gambino organized crime family in New York in an attempt to infiltrate our area with their illegal activities. Under the auspices of legitimate shipping businesses, the two criminal groups worked together to establish a plan of moving cocaine and heroin between the United States and Italy. Little did they know, there was an ongoing collaboration between the FBI and the Italian National Police to investigate and identify their scheme. This international cooperation between our great law enforcement agencies is one that was established at the beginning of our investigation, and it remains in place today. With every arrest made, both here and in Italy, FBI agents and Italian National Police officers closely coordinated their operations and share the success of this operation,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Venizelos.
As detailed in the indictment and detention letter filed today, defendant Franco Lupoi, a Brooklyn resident who has lived in Calabria, used his close criminal ties to both the Gambino organized crime family and the ‘Ndrangheta, an Italian criminal organization akin to the Mafia in Sicily and the Camorra in Naples, to pursue criminal activity that stretched across the globe. The Italian charges unsealed today reveal how the ‘Ndrangheta has operated for decades in Calabria in localized clans—known as ‘ndrine—based primarily on close family ties. In this case, Lupoi’s father-in-law, Italian defendant Nicola Antonio Simonetta, is a member of the Ursino clan of the ‘Ndrangheta. In 2012, Simonetta traveled to Brooklyn and met with Lupoi and an undercover FBI agent, who recorded Simonetta and Lupoi discussing plans to ship narcotics between the U.S. and Italy via the port of Gioia Tauro in Calabria, an infamous hub of ‘Ndrangheta activity. Simonetta revealed that his ‘Ndrangheta associates at the port would guarantee the safe arrival of container ships containing contraband.
As alleged in court documents, Lupoi exploited these underworld connections to link his criminal associates in New York with those in Calabria, forming conspiracies to traffic heroin and cocaine. On the Italian side, he allegedly engaged Italian defendant and ‘Ndrangheta leader Francesco Ursino and others as suppliers of heroin and buyers of cocaine. During two joint FBI-INP operations in Italy, Lupoi and Ursino sold more than 1.3 kilograms of heroin to an FBI undercover agent for what they believed was eventual distribution in the United States. In New York, Lupoi, Chan, and Garcia sold the undercover agent more than a kilogram of heroin.
As alleged, Lupoi also set into motion a plot to transport 500 kilograms of cocaine, concealed in frozen food, in shipping containers from Guyana to Calabria. In the course of these conspiracies, Lupoi assured his confederates of his relationship with a corrupt port official in Gioia Tauro, indicating that in return for €200,000, the official could guarantee passage of unlimited containers of contraband. In New York, Lupoi joined forces with defendants Alexander Chan and Garcia to orchestrate the Guyana-Italy cocaine conspiracy. In conversations recorded by the undercover agent, the conspirators discussed their connections to Mexican drug cartels operating in Guyana, South America, and plotted to transport 500 kilograms of cocaine internationally, hidden in shipments of frozen fish or pineapples. On the Italian side, Ursino and his co-conspirators planned to use a fish importation company to receive the shipment. As set forth in Italian court documents, the conspiracy slowed when shipping containers originating from the same Guyanese shipping company were seized in Malaysia and found to contain more than $7 million in cocaine hidden in pineapples and coconut milk.
As set forth in court documents, Lupoi also worked closely with U.S. defendant and ‘Ndrangheta member Raffaele Valente, who sold an illegal silencer and sawed-off shotgun to the FBI undercover agent at the Royal Crown Bakery in Brooklyn. In conversations intercepted on Italian wiretaps, Valente revealed that he had assembled a group of well-armed men in New York and that their base of operations was as secure as Fort Knox. Valente also discussed his devotion to St. Michael the Archangel as the purported “patron saint” of the ‘Ndrangheta and exhorted Italian defendant Andrea Memmolo to wear a special ring as a sign of pride and mutual recognition. Valente and Lupoi are charged with conspiracy to transfer a firearm, and Valente is charged with two counts of illegal possession of a silencer. Valente is also charged in Italy with the crime of mafia association based on his role in establishing an ‘Ndrangheta cell in New York.
As alleged, Lupoi further maintained a network of money laundering associates in New York. He and his co-defendants Dominic Ali, Charles “Charlie Pepsi” Centaro, and Christos Fasarakis, an employee of Alma Bank in Brooklyn, laundered more than $500,000 in funds that they believed were the proceeds of narcotics and illegal weapons trafficking. Centaro was recorded describing his access to bank accounts with millions of dollars through which he could launder and conceal criminal proceeds.
If convicted, Lupoi, Chan, and Garcia face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment; Ali, Centaro, and Fasarakis face a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on each money laundering charge; and Valente faces a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment on each firearms charge.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Cristina Posa, Kristin Mace, and Kevin Trowel.
The charges contained in the indictment and complaint are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defendants
Franco Lupoi
Age: 44
Brooklyn, New York
Dominic Ali
Age: 55
Brooklyn, New York
Charles Centaro, a.k.a. “Charlie Pepsi”
Age: 50
Brooklyn, New York
Alexander Chan
Age: 46
New York, New York
Christos Fasarakis
Age: 42
Brooklyn, New York
Raffaele Valente, a.k.a. “Lello”
Age: 42
Brooklyn, New York
Jose Alfredo Garcia, a.k.a. “Freddy”
Age: 47
New York, New York
Friday, February 7, 2014
Parkersburg Drug Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing 26 Firearms
CHARLESTON, WV—A Parkersburg man previously convicted of manufacturing a controlled substance pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Alan Keith Philpott, 46, pleaded guilty to possessing 26 firearms in spite of his status as a convicted felon. Philpott offered his guilty plea before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
On November 1, 2012 and March 21, 2013, police executed search warrants at Philpott’s residence on Elm Tree Drive near Parkersburg. During the first search, police seized approximately 22 firearms. During the second search warrant, police seized an additional four firearms. Philpott had been previously convicted in December 2006 in the Circuit Court of Wood County of the felony offense of manufacturing a controlled substance.
Philpott faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 15, 2014, at 10:00 a.m.
The West Virginia State Police, Parkersburg Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution.
On November 1, 2012 and March 21, 2013, police executed search warrants at Philpott’s residence on Elm Tree Drive near Parkersburg. During the first search, police seized approximately 22 firearms. During the second search warrant, police seized an additional four firearms. Philpott had been previously convicted in December 2006 in the Circuit Court of Wood County of the felony offense of manufacturing a controlled substance.
Philpott faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 15, 2014, at 10:00 a.m.
The West Virginia State Police, Parkersburg Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution.
Friday, January 24, 2014
Baltimore Felon Exiled to 20 Years in Prison for Gun and Drug Crimes
BALTIMORE—U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Antoin Lamont Garrison, age 46, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 20 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegal possession of guns and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Judge Blake enhanced Garrison’s sentence upon finding that he is an armed career criminal based on three previous convictions for drugs and violent crime.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein; Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts; and Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler.
According to testimony presented at Garrison’s five-day trial, in May 2011, Baltimore Police officers and FBI agents received information from a source that Garrison had offered to sell the source guns and drugs. Witnesses testified that after additional investigation, law enforcement arranged for the source to purchase ammunition, firearms, and cocaine from Garrison. On May 20, 2011, Garrison met with the source and sold the source 200 rounds of ammunition. On May 24, 2011, the source contacted Garrison. The two agreed to meet and Garrison provided the source with a police issued bullet proof vest. Later that same day, Garrison and the source met again at a residence on Bartlett Avenue. Garrison brought a black bag out of the residence and showed the source two handguns that were in the bag. Garrison explained that those guns were for protection but that he had other guns he could sell to the source. The source paid Garrison $3,750 in FBI funds to purchase three ounces of cocaine. Garrison told the source he would contact the source to arrange delivery of the cocaine. According to trial testimony, Garrison met with the source the next day and provided 70.7 grams of cocaine.
On May 27, 2011, a search warrant was executed at the Bartlett Avenue residence. Law enforcement agents seized a .22 LR rifle; a 30-30 caliber rifle; 9mm handgun loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition; a .22 caliber revolver; and various rounds of ammunition.
Garrison was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to his previous felony convictions.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Baltimore Police Department, Baltimore City State’s Attorney's Office, and Maryland Attorney General’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Special Assistant United States Attorney Gerald A. A. Collins, a cross-designated Maryland Assistant Attorney General assigned to exile cases, and Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin M. Block, who prosecuted the case.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein; Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts; and Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler.
According to testimony presented at Garrison’s five-day trial, in May 2011, Baltimore Police officers and FBI agents received information from a source that Garrison had offered to sell the source guns and drugs. Witnesses testified that after additional investigation, law enforcement arranged for the source to purchase ammunition, firearms, and cocaine from Garrison. On May 20, 2011, Garrison met with the source and sold the source 200 rounds of ammunition. On May 24, 2011, the source contacted Garrison. The two agreed to meet and Garrison provided the source with a police issued bullet proof vest. Later that same day, Garrison and the source met again at a residence on Bartlett Avenue. Garrison brought a black bag out of the residence and showed the source two handguns that were in the bag. Garrison explained that those guns were for protection but that he had other guns he could sell to the source. The source paid Garrison $3,750 in FBI funds to purchase three ounces of cocaine. Garrison told the source he would contact the source to arrange delivery of the cocaine. According to trial testimony, Garrison met with the source the next day and provided 70.7 grams of cocaine.
On May 27, 2011, a search warrant was executed at the Bartlett Avenue residence. Law enforcement agents seized a .22 LR rifle; a 30-30 caliber rifle; 9mm handgun loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition; a .22 caliber revolver; and various rounds of ammunition.
Garrison was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to his previous felony convictions.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Baltimore Police Department, Baltimore City State’s Attorney's Office, and Maryland Attorney General’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Special Assistant United States Attorney Gerald A. A. Collins, a cross-designated Maryland Assistant Attorney General assigned to exile cases, and Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin M. Block, who prosecuted the case.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Judge rules Chicago gun ban is unconstitutional
A federal judge ruled Monday that Chicago's ban on virtually all sales and transfers of firearms is unconstitutional.
"The stark reality facing the City each year is thousands of shooting victims and hundreds of murders committed with a gun. But on the other side of this case is another feature of government: certain fundamental rights are protected by the Constitution, put outside government's reach, including the right to keep and bear arms for self-defense under the Second Amendment," wrote U.S. District Judge Edmond Chang.
"Chicago's ordinance goes too far in outright banning legal buyers and legal dealers from engaging in lawful acquisitions and lawful sales of firearms," he continued.
Chang explicitly did not rule out other types of regulation, short of a complete ban, in order to "minimize the access of criminals to firearms and to track the ownership of firearms.
"But the flat ban on legitimate sales and transfers does not fit closely with those goals," Chang wrote.
The judge stayed his ruling to give the city time to file an appeal.
The FBI's latest annual crime report showed Chicago had 500 homicides in 2012, up from 431 in 2011 and more than any other American city.
Still, Chicago does not have the highest homicide rate in the United States.
That unwanted distinction belongs to Flint, Michigan, with one homicide for every 1,613 residents, according to the FBI data. Detroit is close behind, with one killing for every 1,832 residents.
"The stark reality facing the City each year is thousands of shooting victims and hundreds of murders committed with a gun. But on the other side of this case is another feature of government: certain fundamental rights are protected by the Constitution, put outside government's reach, including the right to keep and bear arms for self-defense under the Second Amendment," wrote U.S. District Judge Edmond Chang.
"Chicago's ordinance goes too far in outright banning legal buyers and legal dealers from engaging in lawful acquisitions and lawful sales of firearms," he continued.
Chang explicitly did not rule out other types of regulation, short of a complete ban, in order to "minimize the access of criminals to firearms and to track the ownership of firearms.
"But the flat ban on legitimate sales and transfers does not fit closely with those goals," Chang wrote.
The judge stayed his ruling to give the city time to file an appeal.
The FBI's latest annual crime report showed Chicago had 500 homicides in 2012, up from 431 in 2011 and more than any other American city.
Still, Chicago does not have the highest homicide rate in the United States.
That unwanted distinction belongs to Flint, Michigan, with one homicide for every 1,613 residents, according to the FBI data. Detroit is close behind, with one killing for every 1,832 residents.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Former Erie County Sheriff’s Deputy Pleads Guilty to Gun Charge
BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Thomas J. Blajszczak, 43, of Lancaster, New York, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara to being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Tripi, who handled the case, stated that the defendant was intercepted in November and December 2009, pursuant to a court-authorized wiretap, communicating with an a cocaine supplier named Jose De Leon. De Leon was previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. The conversations between the defendant and De Leon, his cocaine supplier, established that Blajszczak was receiving cocaine for his personal use while employed by the Erie County Sheriff’s Department. At that time, the defendant owned and was in possession of a Glock, Model No. 23, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
During an interview with the FBI, the defendant admitted that part of a monetary debt referenced during some of the intercepted telephone conversations related to money owed by the defendant to his cocaine supplier for powder cocaine. Blajszczak further admitted that he provided at least one box of 9mm ammunition and one box of .45 caliber ammunition to Jose De Leon.
Blajszczak’s plea is part of an FBI investigation that resulted in the arrest of a group of individuals between December 2009 and February 2010 who were involved in trafficking kilograms of cocaine from sources in Puerto Rico and in New Jersey and re-distributing the cocaine to drug dealers and users in Buffalo, New York. The defendant is the 27th person convicted in the investigation.
"In our efforts to rid this area of narcotics trafficking organizations, this office will follow the evidence to wherever it takes us and will prosecute accordingly," said U.S. Attorney Hochul.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian P. Boetig; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Michael Cerretto; and the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 14, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Tripi, who handled the case, stated that the defendant was intercepted in November and December 2009, pursuant to a court-authorized wiretap, communicating with an a cocaine supplier named Jose De Leon. De Leon was previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. The conversations between the defendant and De Leon, his cocaine supplier, established that Blajszczak was receiving cocaine for his personal use while employed by the Erie County Sheriff’s Department. At that time, the defendant owned and was in possession of a Glock, Model No. 23, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
During an interview with the FBI, the defendant admitted that part of a monetary debt referenced during some of the intercepted telephone conversations related to money owed by the defendant to his cocaine supplier for powder cocaine. Blajszczak further admitted that he provided at least one box of 9mm ammunition and one box of .45 caliber ammunition to Jose De Leon.
Blajszczak’s plea is part of an FBI investigation that resulted in the arrest of a group of individuals between December 2009 and February 2010 who were involved in trafficking kilograms of cocaine from sources in Puerto Rico and in New Jersey and re-distributing the cocaine to drug dealers and users in Buffalo, New York. The defendant is the 27th person convicted in the investigation.
"In our efforts to rid this area of narcotics trafficking organizations, this office will follow the evidence to wherever it takes us and will prosecute accordingly," said U.S. Attorney Hochul.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian P. Boetig; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Michael Cerretto; and the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 14, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Arcara.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Jon Kyle Alvarado-Hernandez Arrested on Firearms Charge
SAN JUAN—Special Agent in Charge Carlos Cases of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) San Juan Division announced the arrest of Jon Kyle Alvarado-Hernandez for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On December 14, 2013, Alvarado-Hernandez was taken into custody by the FBI.
A federal complaint states that on December 13, 2013, at approximately 10:10 p.m., in Ponce, Puerto Rico, agents of the Police of Puerto Rico Department (PRPD) observed a four-door, blue-colored, Toyota Yaris bearing Puerto Rico license plate number HVX-102 occupied with a driver and one passenger not wearing seatbelts. As agents attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the vehicle immediately increased speed and began to drive away from the area heading north on Colon Street.
The marked unit gave pursuit to the aforementioned vehicle through the streets of Clausel Ward ending when the vehicle made a left onto the last street on Colon Street. The vehicle stopped in the area of a known drug point located on the last street of a cemetery next to a big green garbage disposal. At that time, Passenger 1 exited the vehicle and began running toward the ally. The driver, later identified as Jon Kyle Alvarado-Hernandez, exited the vehicle and turned toward the agents. Agents noticed that Alvarado-Hernandez was holding a firearm with his left hand. An agent immediately gave him verbal commands to drop the firearm. Alvarado-Hernandez threw the firearm inside the vehicle and ran away from the vehicle and entered a dark alley.
Agents decided not to pursue Alvarado-Hernandez on foot for safety reasons and stayed at the scene to secure the vehicle. Agents approached the vehicle and discovered a black handgun with the serial number altered and a handgun magazine that contained 22 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition on the floor area of the driver’s side. One .40 caliber bullet was found inside the chamber of the firearm. Upon inventory, PRPD agents discovered a Puerto Rico electoral identification card in the driver’s side area of the vehicle belonging to Alvarado-Hernandez. In the glove compartment of the vehicle, a Puerto Rico License belonging to a female, Elineida Marie Lucca Rodriguez, along with a receipt of recently purchased furniture was discovered. The receipt was drafted for Luccia Rodriguez to an address of Barrio Caracoles 2, Parcela 547 Apartment de abajo, Penuelas, Puerto Rico. At approximately 3:20 a.m., Alvarado-Hernandez was arrested at the aforementioned address.
If convicted, the defendant faces imprisonment for 10 years.
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Victor Acevedo, and it is being investigated by the FBI.
The public is reminded that a criminal complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
A federal complaint states that on December 13, 2013, at approximately 10:10 p.m., in Ponce, Puerto Rico, agents of the Police of Puerto Rico Department (PRPD) observed a four-door, blue-colored, Toyota Yaris bearing Puerto Rico license plate number HVX-102 occupied with a driver and one passenger not wearing seatbelts. As agents attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the vehicle immediately increased speed and began to drive away from the area heading north on Colon Street.
The marked unit gave pursuit to the aforementioned vehicle through the streets of Clausel Ward ending when the vehicle made a left onto the last street on Colon Street. The vehicle stopped in the area of a known drug point located on the last street of a cemetery next to a big green garbage disposal. At that time, Passenger 1 exited the vehicle and began running toward the ally. The driver, later identified as Jon Kyle Alvarado-Hernandez, exited the vehicle and turned toward the agents. Agents noticed that Alvarado-Hernandez was holding a firearm with his left hand. An agent immediately gave him verbal commands to drop the firearm. Alvarado-Hernandez threw the firearm inside the vehicle and ran away from the vehicle and entered a dark alley.
Agents decided not to pursue Alvarado-Hernandez on foot for safety reasons and stayed at the scene to secure the vehicle. Agents approached the vehicle and discovered a black handgun with the serial number altered and a handgun magazine that contained 22 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition on the floor area of the driver’s side. One .40 caliber bullet was found inside the chamber of the firearm. Upon inventory, PRPD agents discovered a Puerto Rico electoral identification card in the driver’s side area of the vehicle belonging to Alvarado-Hernandez. In the glove compartment of the vehicle, a Puerto Rico License belonging to a female, Elineida Marie Lucca Rodriguez, along with a receipt of recently purchased furniture was discovered. The receipt was drafted for Luccia Rodriguez to an address of Barrio Caracoles 2, Parcela 547 Apartment de abajo, Penuelas, Puerto Rico. At approximately 3:20 a.m., Alvarado-Hernandez was arrested at the aforementioned address.
If convicted, the defendant faces imprisonment for 10 years.
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Victor Acevedo, and it is being investigated by the FBI.
The public is reminded that a criminal complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty in Conspiracy to Steal Checks from Mail
CAMDEN, NJ—A Camden man today admitted his role in a scheme in which he and others stole business checks from the U.S. Mail in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware; altered them; and cashed them at banks using a series of conspirators, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Derrick Warner, 29, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jerome B. Simandle in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. Warner admitted to illegally possessing the weapon (a Smith and Wesson .44 Magnum handgun) after purchasing it for a conspirator.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Warner and others stole checks from curbside U.S. mailboxes in business industrial parks in Burlington and Camden Counties in New Jersey and in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Warner and his conspirators would then recruit a conspirator to cash the stolen checks. Once they identified a person to cash the check, Warner and others would alter the stolen checks so that the name of the “payee” of the check would match the name of the recruited check casher. Warner, the check casher, and often a conspirator would then travel to a bank where the check casher would cash the check.
Warner and his conspirators cashed or attempted to cash more than 45 stolen and altered business checks worth more than $200,000. The scheme resulted in a total loss of more than $100,000 to the victim banks.
Warner is also charged with being a felon in possession of a handgun in late March 2013. He admitted that he purchased the firearm in Camden on behalf of one of his conspirators.
The conspiracy to commit bank fraud to which Warner pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1 million, or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense. The felon in possession of a firearm count is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for April 4, 2014.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge David Bosch; and the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Hanko in Philadelphia, for the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Smith of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Derrick Warner, 29, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jerome B. Simandle in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. Warner admitted to illegally possessing the weapon (a Smith and Wesson .44 Magnum handgun) after purchasing it for a conspirator.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Warner and others stole checks from curbside U.S. mailboxes in business industrial parks in Burlington and Camden Counties in New Jersey and in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Warner and his conspirators would then recruit a conspirator to cash the stolen checks. Once they identified a person to cash the check, Warner and others would alter the stolen checks so that the name of the “payee” of the check would match the name of the recruited check casher. Warner, the check casher, and often a conspirator would then travel to a bank where the check casher would cash the check.
Warner and his conspirators cashed or attempted to cash more than 45 stolen and altered business checks worth more than $200,000. The scheme resulted in a total loss of more than $100,000 to the victim banks.
Warner is also charged with being a felon in possession of a handgun in late March 2013. He admitted that he purchased the firearm in Camden on behalf of one of his conspirators.
The conspiracy to commit bank fraud to which Warner pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1 million, or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense. The felon in possession of a firearm count is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for April 4, 2014.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge David Bosch; and the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Hanko in Philadelphia, for the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Smith of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Member of Albanian Drug Gang Called the ‘Wolfpack’ Sentenced in Manhattan Federal Court to 135 Months in Prison in Connection with Narcotics and Firearms Offenses
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that Frankie Frokaj, a leader of an Albanian drug gang called the “Wolfpack,” was sentenced today by United States District Judge George B. Daniels to 135 months in prison in connection with his role in the organization. Frokaj pled guilty in April 2013 to one count of conspiring to distribute 1,000 kilograms and more of marijuana. All 13 members and associates of the Wolfpack originally charged in this case in September 2012 have pled guilty, and 10 have now been sentenced to terms ranging from probation to 168 months in prison.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said, “Today, Frankie Frokaj became the latest member of the Wolfpack organization to be punished for his role in this Bronx-based narcotics trafficking crew, whose members also illegally carried and sold dangerous firearms. All 13 defendants charged in this case have been convicted, several have been sentenced to significant prison time, and the Bronx neighborhood streets are safer as a result.”
According to the Indictment, other documents filed in Manhattan federal court, and statements made at various proceedings in this case:
The Wolfpack was a criminal organization composed primarily of individuals of Albanian descent that operated from at least 2008 until August 2012 in the Bronx, New York. The group planned and committed a variety of criminal acts as opportunities arose, including narcotics distribution and weapons possession. For example, the group maintained dedicated phones over which customers could order cocaine and marijuana and coordinated the use of cars to deliver cocaine and marijuana to its customers. Members and associates of the Wolfpack used these “drug routes” to distribute at least 1,000 kilograms of marijuana and 500 grams of cocaine. The group also distributed prescription pills containing oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance.
Wolfpack members, including Christopher Nrecaj, David Nrecaj, Joseph Camaj, and Frokaj, carried firearms in furtherance of their narcotics crimes and engaged in the sale of firearms. To date, the government has recovered eight firearms and ammunition from members of the Wolfpack through sales involving a confidential informant and during their arrests, including:
The earlier sentencings of Wolfpack members and associates included the following:
Mr. Bharara praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter M. Skinner and Rebecca G. Mermelstein are in charge of the prosecution.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said, “Today, Frankie Frokaj became the latest member of the Wolfpack organization to be punished for his role in this Bronx-based narcotics trafficking crew, whose members also illegally carried and sold dangerous firearms. All 13 defendants charged in this case have been convicted, several have been sentenced to significant prison time, and the Bronx neighborhood streets are safer as a result.”
According to the Indictment, other documents filed in Manhattan federal court, and statements made at various proceedings in this case:
The Wolfpack was a criminal organization composed primarily of individuals of Albanian descent that operated from at least 2008 until August 2012 in the Bronx, New York. The group planned and committed a variety of criminal acts as opportunities arose, including narcotics distribution and weapons possession. For example, the group maintained dedicated phones over which customers could order cocaine and marijuana and coordinated the use of cars to deliver cocaine and marijuana to its customers. Members and associates of the Wolfpack used these “drug routes” to distribute at least 1,000 kilograms of marijuana and 500 grams of cocaine. The group also distributed prescription pills containing oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance.
Wolfpack members, including Christopher Nrecaj, David Nrecaj, Joseph Camaj, and Frokaj, carried firearms in furtherance of their narcotics crimes and engaged in the sale of firearms. To date, the government has recovered eight firearms and ammunition from members of the Wolfpack through sales involving a confidential informant and during their arrests, including:
- a Sig Sauer nine millimeter handgun, a Bushmaster rifle, a Mac 11 machine pistol, and ammunition purchased by the CI from David Nrecaj;
- a Taurus PT99 AF nine-millimeter handgun and ammunition purchased by the CI from David Nrecaj and Corry Lombardi;
- two nine-millimeter handguns and a pump action shotgun recovered during the course of Christopher and David Nrecaj’s arrests; and
- a .22 caliber handgun recovered during the course of Driton Haxhijaj’s arrest. Haxhijaj was found hiding in a closet, and the handgun and roughly one pound of marijuana were found in the same closet.
* * *
In addition to the prison term, Frokaj, 29 of the Bronx, New York, was also sentenced to five years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $3,000,000.The earlier sentencings of Wolfpack members and associates included the following:
- On December 3, 2013, Christopher Nrecaj was sentenced to 168 months in prison on narcotics and firearms charges.
- On December 3, 2013, Corry Lombardi was sentenced to 70 months in prison on narcotics charges.
- On December 3, 2013, Driton Haxhijaj was sentenced to 60 months in prison on narcotics charges.
- On August 7, 2013, Joseph Camaj was sentenced to 70 months in prison on narcotics charges.
- On August 3, 2013, Deda Frokaj was sentenced to 63 months in prison on narcotics charges.
- On April 18, 2013, George Cekaj was sentenced to 151 months in prison on narcotics charges.
Mr. Bharara praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter M. Skinner and Rebecca G. Mermelstein are in charge of the prosecution.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Founder and Leader of Newburgh Latin Kings Sentenced to Life Plus 85 Years in Prison for Murder, Racketeering, Drug Distribution, and Other Crimes
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that WILSON PAGAN, 27, the founder and top leader of the Latin Kings gang in Newburgh, New York (the Newburgh Latin Kings), was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel in White Plains federal court to life plus 85 years in prison. PAGAN was convicted of murder; racketeering; conspiracy to distribute crack, cocaine, and heroin; assault; and using and carrying firearms in connection with violent crimes. PAGAN is one of 35 members and associates of the gang who were charged in the case, all of whom have been convicted, 28 of whom have thus far been sentenced.
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated: “Mr. Pagan was a gang leader, and what he led his followers to was a gang member’s life filled with death, blood, guns, drugs, and jail—and for him the gangster life in the street has become the inmate’s life in prison, forever. Gang leaders, members, associates, and wannabes in Newburgh and throughout the Hudson Valley need to understand—we will not tolerate gang violence. You will go to prison for it, potentially for the rest of your life.”
According to the indictment and evidence presented at trial:
PAGAN founded the Newburgh Latin Kings, and grew the gang from roughly a dozen members in 2008 to more than 50 members and associates by early 2010. On May 6, 2008, PAGAN ordered aspiring gang members to go on a so-called mission, during which they committed a drive-by shooting and killed, mistakenly, Jeffrey Zachary, a 15-year old boy who was an innocent bystander. PAGAN sold crack and heroin and helped other members and associates of his gang sell drugs, including at spots the Latin Kings controlled, such as the corner of Benkard Avenue and William Street in Newburgh. PAGAN also assaulted rivals of his gang and carried guns and instructed others to carry guns to protect PAGAN and the Newburgh Latin Kings’ drug turf. In leading the gang, PAGAN recruited and inducted new members, instructed the members how to behave in order to protect and conceal the gang’s criminal activities, and issued orders to gang members to shoot and assault others. PAGAN organized and led gang meetings for this purpose. During one such meeting, according to papers filed with the court, PAGAN told more than 20 assembled gang members: “[W]e don’t even live by rules of society... .”
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Allee, Abigail Kurland, and Nicholas McQuaid are in charge of the prosecution.
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated: “Mr. Pagan was a gang leader, and what he led his followers to was a gang member’s life filled with death, blood, guns, drugs, and jail—and for him the gangster life in the street has become the inmate’s life in prison, forever. Gang leaders, members, associates, and wannabes in Newburgh and throughout the Hudson Valley need to understand—we will not tolerate gang violence. You will go to prison for it, potentially for the rest of your life.”
According to the indictment and evidence presented at trial:
PAGAN founded the Newburgh Latin Kings, and grew the gang from roughly a dozen members in 2008 to more than 50 members and associates by early 2010. On May 6, 2008, PAGAN ordered aspiring gang members to go on a so-called mission, during which they committed a drive-by shooting and killed, mistakenly, Jeffrey Zachary, a 15-year old boy who was an innocent bystander. PAGAN sold crack and heroin and helped other members and associates of his gang sell drugs, including at spots the Latin Kings controlled, such as the corner of Benkard Avenue and William Street in Newburgh. PAGAN also assaulted rivals of his gang and carried guns and instructed others to carry guns to protect PAGAN and the Newburgh Latin Kings’ drug turf. In leading the gang, PAGAN recruited and inducted new members, instructed the members how to behave in order to protect and conceal the gang’s criminal activities, and issued orders to gang members to shoot and assault others. PAGAN organized and led gang meetings for this purpose. During one such meeting, according to papers filed with the court, PAGAN told more than 20 assembled gang members: “[W]e don’t even live by rules of society... .”
***
Mr. Bharara thanked the Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force for their work on the Latin Kings investigation. The Task Force is led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and combines the resources of dozens of law enforcement officers from federal, state, and local agencies and departments, including agents and officers of the FBI; the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the City of Newburgh Police Department; Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; the Middletown Police Department; the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Police.The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Allee, Abigail Kurland, and Nicholas McQuaid are in charge of the prosecution.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Eleven Members of Yonkers Gang Charged in White Plains Federal Court with Narcotics Trafficking and Firearms Offenses
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; George Venizelos, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Charles Gardner, the Commissioner of the Yonkers Police Department; and George N. Longworth, the Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging 11 defendants with a series of crimes, including the distribution of narcotics and the use of firearms in Yonkers, New York.
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated, “Our drive to remove armed drug gangs from Yonkers remains unrelenting, as evidenced by today’s arrests and charges. With motivated and cooperative law enforcement partners involved, we are a step closer to our goals.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge George Venizelos stated, “Combating the scourge of drugs in our cities remains a focus for this office. Like we’ve seen so many times before, these drugs also brought guns and violence. We will continue to work with any law enforcement agency to clean up our cities’ streets.”
Yonkers Police Commissioner Charles Gardner stated, “This operation is yet another example of our successful partnership with federal authorities in targeting a violent street gang on a local level. It should be a warning to any other groups in Yonkers who choose to engage in this activity. I want to thank U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, the FBI, and the Westchester County Department of Public Safety for their efforts in this investigation.”
Westchester Public Safety Commissioner George N. Longworth stated, “This is another example of the tremendous results that occur when federal and local law enforcement work together to maximize our resources to combat drug trafficking and the violence that goes along with it. We remain committed to working with all our law enforcement partners to keep the people of Westchester safe.”
A two-count indictment, United States v. Joaquin Thatcher, et al., charges 11 members and associates of a violent street gang hailing from Riverdale Avenue, known both as Two Gunz Up and simply Riverdale, with narcotics and firearms offenses. Specifically, the following 11 members of Two Gunz Up—Joaquin Thatcher, a/k/a “Wu"; Paul Foster, a/k/a “Pauly Pistols"; Charlie Jiminez, a/k/a “350,” a/k/a “Gucci"; Torrel Smith, a/k/a “Assassin"; Craig Major, a/k/a “Millz"; Reese Moore, a/k/a “Loc"; Anthony Oliver, a/k/a “Ant Pooh"; Daquon Powell, a/k/a “DP"; Dwayne Carr, a/k/a “Weezy"; Jimmie Hughes, a/k/a “Jim Jim"; and Alexander McCray, a/k/a “AWOL”—are charged with conspiring to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, crack cocaine and marijuana from about 2006 up to about October 2013. Eight of these defendants are also charged with using, carrying, possessing, and discharging firearms during the narcotics conspiracy.
The indictment is the result of a long-term investigation conducted by federal, state, and local law enforcement officers working with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and supported by the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force. As part of that investigation, in March 2009, this office obtained indictments charging three members of Two Gunz Up and the Elm Street Wolves, an allied Yonkers street gang—Gregory Fuller, Davon Young, and Thomas Chambliss—with the January 2008 murder of a narcotics dealer in northern Yonkers. Fuller, Young, and Chambliss were each convicted after trial of murder, conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, robbery, and firearms offenses and were sentenced to 100, 65, and 45 years of imprisonment, respectively.
In August 2011, 66 Yonkers gang members—47 members and associates of the Elm Street Wolves, 12 members and associates of the Cliff Street Gangsters, and seven other individuals—were charged with narcotics trafficking and firearm offenses. Five of the Elm Street Wolves defendants were also charged with the murder of Christopher Cokley, a/k/a “Bracks,” a leading member of the Strip Boyz, a rival Yonkers gang. Each of those defendants has since been convicted, many of them facing mandatory minimum sentences of between 10 and 18 years of imprisonment. Only one of those defendants, Steven Knowles, the leader of the Elm Street Wolves, proceeded to trial. After trial, Knowles was convicted of murder, racketeering, narcotics, and firearms offenses and now faces a mandatory term of life imprisonment.
Two Gunz Up, from Riverdale Avenue, has historically been aligned with other street gangs, including the Elm Street Wolves and the Cliff Street Gangsters, in a violent dispute with a number of rival gangs, including the Strip Boyz from the nearby Schlobohm Housing Project on Schroeder Street in Yonkers. In June 2012, 23 members and associates of the Strip Boyz were arrested and charged with narcotics trafficking and firearm offenses. Fifteen of these defendants have pled guilty, with all but one facing mandatory minimum sentences of between 5 and 12 years of imprisonment. The remaining cases are not yet resolved.
Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and the Yonkers Police Department. He added that the investigation is continuing.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division and Violent Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Hartman and Andrew Bauer are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated, “Our drive to remove armed drug gangs from Yonkers remains unrelenting, as evidenced by today’s arrests and charges. With motivated and cooperative law enforcement partners involved, we are a step closer to our goals.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge George Venizelos stated, “Combating the scourge of drugs in our cities remains a focus for this office. Like we’ve seen so many times before, these drugs also brought guns and violence. We will continue to work with any law enforcement agency to clean up our cities’ streets.”
Yonkers Police Commissioner Charles Gardner stated, “This operation is yet another example of our successful partnership with federal authorities in targeting a violent street gang on a local level. It should be a warning to any other groups in Yonkers who choose to engage in this activity. I want to thank U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, the FBI, and the Westchester County Department of Public Safety for their efforts in this investigation.”
Westchester Public Safety Commissioner George N. Longworth stated, “This is another example of the tremendous results that occur when federal and local law enforcement work together to maximize our resources to combat drug trafficking and the violence that goes along with it. We remain committed to working with all our law enforcement partners to keep the people of Westchester safe.”
A two-count indictment, United States v. Joaquin Thatcher, et al., charges 11 members and associates of a violent street gang hailing from Riverdale Avenue, known both as Two Gunz Up and simply Riverdale, with narcotics and firearms offenses. Specifically, the following 11 members of Two Gunz Up—Joaquin Thatcher, a/k/a “Wu"; Paul Foster, a/k/a “Pauly Pistols"; Charlie Jiminez, a/k/a “350,” a/k/a “Gucci"; Torrel Smith, a/k/a “Assassin"; Craig Major, a/k/a “Millz"; Reese Moore, a/k/a “Loc"; Anthony Oliver, a/k/a “Ant Pooh"; Daquon Powell, a/k/a “DP"; Dwayne Carr, a/k/a “Weezy"; Jimmie Hughes, a/k/a “Jim Jim"; and Alexander McCray, a/k/a “AWOL”—are charged with conspiring to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, crack cocaine and marijuana from about 2006 up to about October 2013. Eight of these defendants are also charged with using, carrying, possessing, and discharging firearms during the narcotics conspiracy.
The indictment is the result of a long-term investigation conducted by federal, state, and local law enforcement officers working with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and supported by the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force. As part of that investigation, in March 2009, this office obtained indictments charging three members of Two Gunz Up and the Elm Street Wolves, an allied Yonkers street gang—Gregory Fuller, Davon Young, and Thomas Chambliss—with the January 2008 murder of a narcotics dealer in northern Yonkers. Fuller, Young, and Chambliss were each convicted after trial of murder, conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, robbery, and firearms offenses and were sentenced to 100, 65, and 45 years of imprisonment, respectively.
In August 2011, 66 Yonkers gang members—47 members and associates of the Elm Street Wolves, 12 members and associates of the Cliff Street Gangsters, and seven other individuals—were charged with narcotics trafficking and firearm offenses. Five of the Elm Street Wolves defendants were also charged with the murder of Christopher Cokley, a/k/a “Bracks,” a leading member of the Strip Boyz, a rival Yonkers gang. Each of those defendants has since been convicted, many of them facing mandatory minimum sentences of between 10 and 18 years of imprisonment. Only one of those defendants, Steven Knowles, the leader of the Elm Street Wolves, proceeded to trial. After trial, Knowles was convicted of murder, racketeering, narcotics, and firearms offenses and now faces a mandatory term of life imprisonment.
Two Gunz Up, from Riverdale Avenue, has historically been aligned with other street gangs, including the Elm Street Wolves and the Cliff Street Gangsters, in a violent dispute with a number of rival gangs, including the Strip Boyz from the nearby Schlobohm Housing Project on Schroeder Street in Yonkers. In June 2012, 23 members and associates of the Strip Boyz were arrested and charged with narcotics trafficking and firearm offenses. Fifteen of these defendants have pled guilty, with all but one facing mandatory minimum sentences of between 5 and 12 years of imprisonment. The remaining cases are not yet resolved.
* * *
All 11 defendants charged in the indictment unsealed today were arrested today or have previously been taken into custody. They were presented in White Plains federal court this afternoon. The case is assigned to United States District Judge Vincent L. Briccetti.Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and the Yonkers Police Department. He added that the investigation is continuing.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division and Violent Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Hartman and Andrew Bauer are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
| Count | Charge | Defendants | Maximum Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|
| One | Narcotics conspiracy (conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms and more of cocaine) | JOAQUIN THATCHER, a/k/a “Wu,” PAUL FOSTER, a/k/a “Pauly Pistols,” CHARLIE JIMINEZ, a/k/a “350,” a/k/a “Gucci,” TORREL SMITH, a/k/a “Assassin,” CRAIG MAJOR, a/k/a “Millz,” REESE MOORE, a/k/a “Loc,” ANTHONY OLIVER, a/k/a “Ant Pooh,” DAQUON POWELL, a/k/a “DP,” DWAYNE CARR, a/k/a “Weezy,” JIMMIE HUGHES, a/k/a “Jim Jim,” and ALEXANDER MCCRAY, a/k/a “AWOL” | Life in prison Mandatory minimum: 10 years in prison |
| Two | Possession and/or discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime | JOAQUIN THATCHER, a/k/a “Wu,” PAUL FOSTER, a/k/a “Pauly Pistols,” CHARLIE JIMINEZ, a/k/a “350,” a/k/a “Gucci,” TORREL SMITH, a/k/a “Assassin,” CRAIG MAJOR, a/k/a “Millz,” REESE MOORE, a/k/a “Loc,” ANTHONY OLIVER, a/k/a “Ant Pooh,” and DAQUON POWELL, a/k/a “DP” | Life in prison Mandatory minimum: 10 (or five) years in prison, consecutive to any sentence |
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Las Vegas Street Gang Member Sentenced to Life in Prison on Racketeering, Murder, Firearm, and Drug Charges
WASHINGTON—A member of the Playboy Bloods street gang was sentenced today to life in prison for the retaliation murder of a man in November 2004 and the armed robbery of a Henderson, Nevada casino in 2002, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Daniel G. Bogden of the District of Nevada.
Jacorey Taylor, aka “Mo-B,” 30, who was convicted by a jury in May 2013, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert C. Jones. Taylor was convicted of engaging in a racketeering (RICO) conspiracy, committing violent crimes in aid of racketeering activity, using a firearm during a crime of violence, participating in a drug conspiracy, and possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute. He is the ninth gang member to be convicted out of 10 charged in a RICO indictment filed in 2008. The remaining defendant, Markette Tillman, 31, is awaiting trial.
Taylor and co-defendants Reginald Dunlap, aka “Bowlie,” and Steven Booth, aka “Stevie-P,” were convicted of participating in the murder of Billy Ray Thomas, who was shot multiple times in the back on the morning of November 1, 2004, as he worked on a car in the parking lot of the Pecos Terrace Apartments while waiting to take his girlfriend to work. The defendants murdered Thomas due to their mistaken belief that Thomas was a member of a rival street gang. According to evidence presented at trial, two car loads of Playboy Bloods members and associates, including Taylor, Dunlap, Booth, and others, drove through known Crip neighborhoods searching for rivals to retaliate against for the murder of Quaza Burns, a leader of the Playboy Bloods. The victim, Billy Ray Thomas, had no gang affiliation.
Evidence produced at trial also showed that on March 21, 2002, Taylor, armed with an AR-15 style assault rifle, and another man armed with an handgun entered the Klondike Casino in Henderson, forced their way behind the casino cage and robbed the casino of over $7,000 in currency.
Dunlap and Booth pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy charges during Taylor’s trial and were each sentenced in April 2013 to 20 years in prison. There is no parole in the federal criminal justice system.
According to court documents and evidence produced at trial, the Bloods are a nationally known criminal street gang whose members engage in drug trafficking and acts of violence. The Playboy Bloods is a local “set” or affiliate of the Bloods, with local control and operation within the Las Vegas metropolitan area. Other Bloods sets within the Las Vegas metropolitan area include the Piru Bloods and the West Coast Bloods. A subset of the Playboy Bloods is the Full Throttle Clique, a group made up of Playboy Bloods members who engage in acts of violence, including murder. According to evidence presented at trial, Taylor, Dunlap, and Booth were all members of the Full Throttle Clique of the Playboy Bloods. Taylor, along with other Playboy Bloods enterprise members, operated drug houses in the Sherman Gardens Annex (also known as the Jets) and the surrounding areas.
Eight other defendants who have been convicted and sentenced, as follows:
Jacorey Taylor, aka “Mo-B,” 30, who was convicted by a jury in May 2013, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert C. Jones. Taylor was convicted of engaging in a racketeering (RICO) conspiracy, committing violent crimes in aid of racketeering activity, using a firearm during a crime of violence, participating in a drug conspiracy, and possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute. He is the ninth gang member to be convicted out of 10 charged in a RICO indictment filed in 2008. The remaining defendant, Markette Tillman, 31, is awaiting trial.
Taylor and co-defendants Reginald Dunlap, aka “Bowlie,” and Steven Booth, aka “Stevie-P,” were convicted of participating in the murder of Billy Ray Thomas, who was shot multiple times in the back on the morning of November 1, 2004, as he worked on a car in the parking lot of the Pecos Terrace Apartments while waiting to take his girlfriend to work. The defendants murdered Thomas due to their mistaken belief that Thomas was a member of a rival street gang. According to evidence presented at trial, two car loads of Playboy Bloods members and associates, including Taylor, Dunlap, Booth, and others, drove through known Crip neighborhoods searching for rivals to retaliate against for the murder of Quaza Burns, a leader of the Playboy Bloods. The victim, Billy Ray Thomas, had no gang affiliation.
Evidence produced at trial also showed that on March 21, 2002, Taylor, armed with an AR-15 style assault rifle, and another man armed with an handgun entered the Klondike Casino in Henderson, forced their way behind the casino cage and robbed the casino of over $7,000 in currency.
Dunlap and Booth pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy charges during Taylor’s trial and were each sentenced in April 2013 to 20 years in prison. There is no parole in the federal criminal justice system.
According to court documents and evidence produced at trial, the Bloods are a nationally known criminal street gang whose members engage in drug trafficking and acts of violence. The Playboy Bloods is a local “set” or affiliate of the Bloods, with local control and operation within the Las Vegas metropolitan area. Other Bloods sets within the Las Vegas metropolitan area include the Piru Bloods and the West Coast Bloods. A subset of the Playboy Bloods is the Full Throttle Clique, a group made up of Playboy Bloods members who engage in acts of violence, including murder. According to evidence presented at trial, Taylor, Dunlap, and Booth were all members of the Full Throttle Clique of the Playboy Bloods. Taylor, along with other Playboy Bloods enterprise members, operated drug houses in the Sherman Gardens Annex (also known as the Jets) and the surrounding areas.
Eight other defendants who have been convicted and sentenced, as follows:
- Steven Booth, aka “Stevie-P,” 27, pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy and was sentenced to 20 years in prison on April 10, 2013
- Reginald Dunlap, aka “Bowlie,” 30, pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy and was sentenced to 20 years in prison on April 9, 2013
- Demichael Burks, aka “Mikey P,” 29, pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy and was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison on December 3, 2010
- Anthony Mabry, aka “Akim Slim,” 43, pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy and was sentenced to 14 years in prison on October 20, 2010
- Delvin Ward, aka “D-Luv,” 37, pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy and was sentenced to 11 years in prison on September 17, 2010
- Terrence Thomas, aka “Seven,” 40, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and was sentenced to 10 years in prison on June 16, 2010
- Sebastian Wigg, aka “Rock,” 36, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and was sentenced to five years in prison on March 29, 2010
- Fred Nix, aka “June P,” 36, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and was sentenced to five years in prison on March 29, 2010
Monday, October 21, 2013
Steven Prewit Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms Charge in Midland
Midland resident and land surveyor Steven Leonard Prewit, age 54, faces up to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty this afternoon to the possession of unregistered silencers in violation of National Firearms Registration requirements, announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Dallas Field Office Special Agent in Charge Robert Champion and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Mark Morgan.
Appearing this morning before United States Magistrate Judge David Counts in Midland, Prewit admitted to illegally possessing eight unregistered firearms silencers. According to court records, a search by the ATF and FBI of both his home and a ranch near Balmorhea on May 2, 2013, uncovered the silencers, as well as a number of fully automatic machine guns and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Specifically, Prewit possessed eight firearms silencers, 18 fully automatic machine guns, one short-barreled rifle, and four IEDs, all of which were unregistered. All eight of the unregistered firearms silencers did not have serial numbers or manufacturers' markings as required.
The investigation into Prewit began in March of this year when ATF and FBI agents received information that Prewit was in possession fully automatic machine guns, firearms silencers, and IEDs. An FBI undercover employee was on the ranch with Prewit in both March and April 2013 when he saw Prewit in possession of multiple fully automatic machine guns, silencers, and IEDs. Prewit admitted to the FBI undercover employee that none of the weapons, silencers, and/or IEDs was registered to him and that he knew they should have been.
Under Title 26, United States Code, Chapter 53, any individual who possesses a machine gun, destructive device, or firearm silencer is required by federal law to register the firearms and/or devices with the ATF National Firearms Act Branch (NFA). The applicant must complete and have approved an ATF Form 4: Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of the Firearm and pay a tax. After the application is approved, the firearm may be transferred, and the applicant will be entered into the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
In exchange for Prewit’s guilty plea today, the government has agreed to dismiss counts one and two, which involved the possession of the machine guns and explosive devices. Prewit will remain on bond pending his sentencing hearing later this fall. Assistant United States Attorney LaTawn Warsaw is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Appearing this morning before United States Magistrate Judge David Counts in Midland, Prewit admitted to illegally possessing eight unregistered firearms silencers. According to court records, a search by the ATF and FBI of both his home and a ranch near Balmorhea on May 2, 2013, uncovered the silencers, as well as a number of fully automatic machine guns and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Specifically, Prewit possessed eight firearms silencers, 18 fully automatic machine guns, one short-barreled rifle, and four IEDs, all of which were unregistered. All eight of the unregistered firearms silencers did not have serial numbers or manufacturers' markings as required.
The investigation into Prewit began in March of this year when ATF and FBI agents received information that Prewit was in possession fully automatic machine guns, firearms silencers, and IEDs. An FBI undercover employee was on the ranch with Prewit in both March and April 2013 when he saw Prewit in possession of multiple fully automatic machine guns, silencers, and IEDs. Prewit admitted to the FBI undercover employee that none of the weapons, silencers, and/or IEDs was registered to him and that he knew they should have been.
Under Title 26, United States Code, Chapter 53, any individual who possesses a machine gun, destructive device, or firearm silencer is required by federal law to register the firearms and/or devices with the ATF National Firearms Act Branch (NFA). The applicant must complete and have approved an ATF Form 4: Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of the Firearm and pay a tax. After the application is approved, the firearm may be transferred, and the applicant will be entered into the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
In exchange for Prewit’s guilty plea today, the government has agreed to dismiss counts one and two, which involved the possession of the machine guns and explosive devices. Prewit will remain on bond pending his sentencing hearing later this fall. Assistant United States Attorney LaTawn Warsaw is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Convicted Felon Living in Fort Worth Sentenced to 78 Months in Federal Prison on Federal Firearm Conviction
AMARILLO, TX—A Fort Worth, Texas, resident, Bounthieng Sommay, 39, was sentenced on Tuesday, October 15, 2013, by U.S. District Judge Mary Lou Robinson, to 78 months in federal prison following his guilty plea in August 2013 to one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.
Sommay, a Laotian immigrant in the U.S. illegally, has been in federal custody since May 15, 2013, when he was arrested in the Dallas/Fort Worth area on various charges outlined in a federal indictment.
According to the factual resume filed in the case, on March 5, 2013, FBI special agents executed a search warrant at Sommay’s residence, as well as at his relatives’ residence, both located on Cane River Road in Fort Worth. At Sommay’s residence, agents found a .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun and ammunition. At his relatives’ residence, agents found two firearms, one having an obliterated serial number. Sommay admitted he owned all of the firearms.
Sommay is a convicted felon, having been convicted in South Dakota in 2008 for possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Robinson also ordered that Sommay forfeit the firearms to the government.
The case was investigated by the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Potter County Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vicki Lamberson is in charge of the prosecution, and Assistant U.S. Attorney John de la Garza is handling the forfeiture.
Sommay, a Laotian immigrant in the U.S. illegally, has been in federal custody since May 15, 2013, when he was arrested in the Dallas/Fort Worth area on various charges outlined in a federal indictment.
According to the factual resume filed in the case, on March 5, 2013, FBI special agents executed a search warrant at Sommay’s residence, as well as at his relatives’ residence, both located on Cane River Road in Fort Worth. At Sommay’s residence, agents found a .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun and ammunition. At his relatives’ residence, agents found two firearms, one having an obliterated serial number. Sommay admitted he owned all of the firearms.
Sommay is a convicted felon, having been convicted in South Dakota in 2008 for possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Robinson also ordered that Sommay forfeit the firearms to the government.
The case was investigated by the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Potter County Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vicki Lamberson is in charge of the prosecution, and Assistant U.S. Attorney John de la Garza is handling the forfeiture.
Twelve Charged with Conspiring to Distribute Street Drugs
PITTSBURGH—Eleven Pennsylvania residents and a resident of Brooklyn, New York, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for violating federal narcotics trafficking and firearm laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The five-count indictment, returned on October 15, 2013, and unsealed today charges:
The law provides for maximum total sentences ranging from up to 20 years to up to life in prison, as well as mandatory minimum sentences starting at five years in prison. Fines ranging from $1,000,000 to up to $8,000,000 may also be imposed. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal histories, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office led the multi-agency investigation of this case that also included the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Moon Township Police Department; the North Fayette Police Department; the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police; the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office; the Pennsylvania State Police; the McKees Rocks Police Department; the Cranberry Township Police Department; the McKeesport Police Department; and the Wilkinsburg Police Department.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The five-count indictment, returned on October 15, 2013, and unsealed today charges:
- Neil Thomas, 29, of Imperial, Pennsylvania
- Marcus Battles, 27, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Luis Colon, 30, of Brooklyn, New York
- Gabriel Garcia, 24, of Carnegie, Pennsylvania
- Christopher Greene, 30, of Leetsdale, Pennsylvania
- Stephanie Goehring, 26, of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania
- Ryan Hutchinson, 28, of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania
- William Krszal, 22, of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania
- Phillip Lacher, 25, of Conway, Pennsylvania
- Colin Mitchell, 28, of Sewickley, Pennsylvania
- Dustin Petry, 26, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Kailen Young, 28, of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania
The law provides for maximum total sentences ranging from up to 20 years to up to life in prison, as well as mandatory minimum sentences starting at five years in prison. Fines ranging from $1,000,000 to up to $8,000,000 may also be imposed. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal histories, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office led the multi-agency investigation of this case that also included the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Moon Township Police Department; the North Fayette Police Department; the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police; the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office; the Pennsylvania State Police; the McKees Rocks Police Department; the Cranberry Township Police Department; the McKeesport Police Department; and the Wilkinsburg Police Department.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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