Online Criminal Justice News

Illegal narcotics, guns, and cash seized

Indianapolis – United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today, federal criminal charges against 35 individuals for their role in two separate drug trafficking rings.

“These methamphetamine trafficking organizations were fueling some of the violence that the citizens of central Indiana have been experiencing.” said Minkler. “Thirty illegally possessed guns, twenty-two pounds of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and approximately $70,000 in drug money support the decision to make custodial arrests today. Violent drug trafficking organizations should know that this national health crisis offers no safe harbor for them. Federal, state and local law enforcement will continue to work together to keep the public safe from violent drug traffickers.”

Those charged include:

Danielle Dowling, 43, Indianapolis

Linda Bow, 56, Indianapolis

Josh Stoops, 41, Indianapolis

James Bacon, 51, Indianapolis

Micheal Fisher, 27, Indianapolis

Steve Anderson, 46, Indianapolis

James Swartz, 41, Indianapolis

Eric Poore, 42, Indianapolis

Janna Broaddus, 33, Indianapolis

Josh Unger, 36, Indianapolis

Ryan Sawyers, 37, Indianapolis

Troy Thornton, 47, Indianapolis

Darius Anthony Garcia, 33, Indianapolis

Amber Seats, 31, Indianapolis

Jeremy Osmon, 40, Indianapolis

Tyler Greenwalt , 35, Indianapolis

Guy Karnes, 28, Indianapolis

Clifford King, Jr., 27, Indianapolis

Lisa Roth, 25, Indianapolis (Fugitive)

Dylan Williams, 41, Indianapolis

Eric Walker, 30, Indianapolis

Jeffrey Sacks, 63, Indianapolis

Paula Adams, 33, Lafayette

Christopher Tate, 29, Indianapolis

Jovan Stewart, 31, Indianapolis

Robert Hinton, 33, Indianapolis (Fugitive)

Tia Dimmett, 29, Indianapolis

Lacey Guzman, 35, Indianapolis

Sandra Kellogg, 38, Silver Lake, Indiana

Desirae Evans, 40, Indianapolis

Jose Rodriguez-Chavez, 42, Indianapolis

Jason Lewis, 28, Indianapolis

Dwyatt Harris, 40, Indianapolis

Dorothy Knight, 43, Indianapolis (Fugitive)

Chaylon Rush, 52, Indianapolis (Fugitive)

Federal agents along with local officers from different agencies, served arrest warrants and search warrants at 19 locations in the Indianapolis area today. Thirty one persons were arrested and are in federal custody. Four persons remain as fugitives.

During this six month investigation, approximately 30 firearms, $70,000 in US currency, and 22 pounds of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl were seized.

According to the two indictments, Danielle Dowling and Christopher Tate led separate drug trafficking organizations that operated in Indianapolis. Dowling, Tate, and their associates distributed large amounts of methamphetamine as well as heroin and fentanyl in the Indianapolis area.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Indianapolis Metropolitan Drug Task Force, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

The Lawrence Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations also assisted in today’s operation.

“The individuals arrested today, utilized violence, fear and intimidation as a platform to terrorize fellow Hoosier’s while they made a living peddling poison into our communities,” said Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of DEA Indianapolis District Office. “This high-level drug trafficking organization was responsible for distributing multi-pound quantities of methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl in various cities within Indiana. Today’s takedown was a big win for the Indianapolis Metropolitan area, 31 drug dealers are now in jail where they belong.”

“Today’s search and arrest warrants signal an important victory for the American public. The role of IRS Criminal Investigation in narcotics investigations is to follow the money so we can financially disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations,” said Kathy A. Enstrom, IRS Criminal Investigation, Special Agent in Charge, Chicago Field Office. “We are proud to work hand-in-hand with our law enforcement partners to bring these criminals to justice.”

“In addition to fueling the opioid epidemic, these bad actors spurred violence in our city. These acts cannot and will not be tolerated,” said IMPD Chief Randal Taylor. “Working together, law enforcement partners are continuing to address violence and protect the safety of our neighborhoods – and we will remain dedicated to this effort throughout the difficult days and weeks ahead.”

“Central Indiana has no room for those who use firearms to further their criminal enterprise,” said Jonathan McPherson, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local levels to bring those individuals to justice.”

“When federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies partner for comprehensive investigations, the resulting arrests, along with the firearms & drugs removed from the streets, inevitably result in reduced opportunity for violent crime to occur,” said Gary Woodruff, Deputy Chief with Lawrence Police.

“The message here is clear, the FBI will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners and utilize all available resources to target those who are responsible for trafficking and distributing drugs poisoning our citizens,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Middleton, FBI Indianapolis. “The distribution of illicit drugs impacts families and communities, and by disrupting and dismantling these organizations we can continue our focus on eliminating a major cause of violent crime in our communities.”

An indictment is merely a charge and not evidence of guilt. All defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in federal court.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Brad Blackington who is prosecuting this case for the government, most of the defendants face sentences of up to life imprisonment if convicted.

In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the office’s firm commitment to utilizing OCDETF to target, investigate, and prosecute more organizations that supply and distribute methamphetamine and or heroin in the District. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Section 3.1-3.5.

BOSTON – An inmate at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Devens was charged today with making threats to murder a federal law enforcement officer and threats to kill an individual or damage or destroy a building using fire or explosive.

Nathan Danforth, 34, will appear in federal court in Worcester on March 26, 2020.

According to the charging documents, in July of 2019, Danforth allegedly attempted to mail a letter from FMC Devens to a federal court in Florida, threatening to kill the agents who previously investigated him and to cause an explosion at the courthouse. In February 2020, Danforth allegedly sent an email to the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General threatening that the President of the United States would die and federal buildings would be “blown up.”

Each charge provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. FMC Devens Special Investigation Section provided valuable assistance to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

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

Burglarized a Home and Stole Two Handguns Before Getting

A convicted felon who unlawfully possessed guns he stole was sentenced today to over eight years in federal prison.

Jack Good, age 47, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 25, 2019 guilty plea to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Information at sentencing showed that in November 2018, Good broke into a home in which he used to reside. Good stole two handguns and some credit cards from the home. Three days later, he was arrested at a hotel with one of the guns. That same day, the other gun, which was loaded, was found by a passerby along the railroad tracks in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Prior to this federal conviction, Good had 25 adult criminal convictions. In 1995, Good was convicted of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse. That same year, he was convicted of attempted murder. Good’s other convictions include multiple convictions for theft, burglary, and failure to register as a sex offender. In 2019, Good absconded from work release in Black Hawk County. While escaped from custody, Good burglarized a church, stealing multiple credit cards from the church, which were then used in multiple cities in Iowa.

Good was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Good was sentenced to 100 months in prison. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

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

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

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/ag/page/file/1217186/download.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department.

Had almost a pound of marijuana on him at time

A Waterloo man who unlawfully possessed a gun while a drug user was sentenced today to over three years in prison.

Anthony Torres, age 19, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison sentence after a November 21, 2019 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a drug user.

Information disclosed at sentencing and at his plea hearing showed that on June 23, 2019, Waterloo police officers tried to stop the car Torres was driving. Torres failed to stop for officers and ran a stop sign in the process. Eventually, Torres got out of his car and attempted to walk away quickly. Officers took Torres into custody for driving with a suspended license. Officers could smell marijuana in his car. Officers searched the car and located a loaded .40 caliber Smith & Wesson and ammunition in the glove box. In the trunk, officers located 402 grams of marijuana and 19 ecstasy pills. Torres admitted he intended to distribute the marijuana. Torres has a criminal history which includes five controlled substance convictions. He also robbed a local store at gunpoint when he was 15 years old.

Torres was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Torres was sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make payment of $100 to the special assessment fund. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Corkery and investigated by the Waterloo Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from its Project Guardian partners. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/ag/page/file/1217186/download.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced today that Taylor Ruffin Herrington, a.k.a. “Tee,” 34, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was arrested today in Philadelphia by the FBI on an outstanding arrest warrant issued last week in the District of Vermont. Herrington made his initial appearance today in the U.S. District Court in Philadelphia before U.S. Magistrate Judge David Strawbridge. He was detained pending his transfer to Vermont.

According to court documents, on March 3, 2020, at or about 2:50 a.m., Michael Haines and Amy Pudvah contacted the Vermont State Police, reporting that an individual known by the nickname “Tee” was attempting to enter their residence in Cambridge, Vermont. According to the callers, Tee was with a person named “Sam Simms,” in Simms’ truck. Tee left in the truck but then returned to the residence a short time later and asked Haines for his (Tee’s) duffle bag. Haines threw the bag over the back deck. A short time later, while Haines was on the phone with a Vermont State Police trooper, Haines told the trooper he had been shot. Pudvah was in the residence with Haines and, after Haines was shot, she ran upstairs to her two juvenile children who were also in the residence. Tee was later identified as Taylor Ruffin Herrington.

Investigation in the case further revealed that Pudvah had picked up Herrington in Burlington on March 2 at Haines’s request. Herrington got in the car and put a duffle bag in the trunk. Pudvah brought Herrington back to the Cambridge residence where Haines and Herrington hung out together. Haines and Herrington eventually left Cambridge and went back to Burlington. Haines then suddenly left Burlington, without Herrington, and returned home. Around this same time, Haines went to a friend’s house, again without Herrington, and showed the friend a large amount of heroin in a ziplock baggie. After Haines was killed, investigators searched Haines’s residence and found a large amount of heroin in a ziplock bag hidden inside the residence.

On March 12, 2020, the grand jury sitting in Burlington returned an indictment charging Herrington with carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A), and conspiracy to distribute heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 846. If convicted of the firearm charge, Herrington faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine. For the drug charge, Herrington faces a maximum sentence of 20 years and up to a $500,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.

United States Attorney Christina Nolan commended the collaborative investigation of federal, state, and local law enforcement. She specifically thanked the Vermont State Police, the FBI in Vermont and Philadelphia, and the Lamoille County State’s Attorney’s Office. She stated: “Thanks to the tremendous teamwork of Vermont and Philadelphia law enforcement, this crime was efficiently investigated and the suspect swiftly identified and apprehended. We will be unflagging in our efforts to protect Vermonters, fight for the rights of victims, and promote public safety. We will continue to prioritize prevention and punishment of violent crime, and those who engage in crimes like this will find themselves facing severe penalties.”

“When crimes occur, the Vermont State Police works diligently to identify offenders, apprehend them and bring them to court to answer charges,” said Maj. Dan Trudeau, commander of the Criminal Division for the state police.

“We’re grateful to have federal partners including the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office that are equally dedicated to pursuing justice. That’s what we owe to victims, their families and the public,” Trudeau added. “In this case, the arrest of a suspect in Philadelphia just over two weeks after a homicide in Cambridge, Vermont, is due in no small part to the tireless work and seamless collaboration between the Vermont State Police, the Vermont Drug Task Force, the Lamoille County State’s Attorney’s Office, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont. We’re incredibly thankful for the joint effort that led to this arrest.”

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

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy Fuller. Taylor Ruffin Herrington is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth.

WASHINGTON – Today, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Justice announced action to further expand opportunities for scientific and medical research on marijuana in the United States.

The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking provides details on the proposed process and was filed for public inspection today, March 20. The proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register on Monday, March 23. The new approach will expand opportunities for marijuana growers who seek to grow marijuana for research purposes and outline the agency’s proposed process for administering the new program, consistent with applicable law.

“The Drug Enforcement Administration continues to support additional research into marijuana and its components, and we believe registering more growers will advance the scientific and medical research already being conducted,” said DEA Acting Administrator Dhillon. “DEA is making progress to register additional marijuana growers for federally authorized research, and will continue to work with other relevant federal agencies to expedite the necessary next steps.”

This proposed rule will result in additional registered growers and a larger, more diverse variety of marijuana available for research. The new regulations will enable DEA to evaluate each of the 37 pending applications to grow marijuana for research under the applicable legal standard and conform the overall program to relevant laws.

The release of this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is the latest and most significant action taken to expand the number of registered marijuana growers in the United States and underscores the federal government’s support for scientific and medical research with marijuana and its chemical constituents.

Since the beginning of this Administration, there has been a 58 percent increase in the number of active researchers registered with DEA to conduct research with marijuana, marijuana extracts, and marijuana derivatives – from 377 in January 2017 to 595 in March 2020. At present, more researchers are registered to conduct research on marijuana, marijuana extracts, and marijuana derivatives than on any other schedule I substance in the United States. More than 70 percent of DEA’s total schedule I research registrant population is registered to conduct research on these substances. To accommodate this growth in research, DEA has increased the annual production quota for marijuana by 575 percent – from 472 kilograms in 2017 to 3,200 kilograms in 2020.

To ensure transparency and public participation, this process will provide applicants and the general public with an opportunity to comment on the regulations that will govern the program of growing marijuana for research.

The Federal Register Notice is available at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/03/23/2020-05796/controls-to-enhance-the-cultivation-of-marihuana-for-research-in-the-united-states.

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PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court for violating the Clean Air Act, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti sentenced Vikas Jain, 48, to one month of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release that will include nine months of home detention.

In connection with the defendant’s guilty plea and sentencing, the Court was advised that the defendant controlled various business entities focusing primarily on residential and commercial real estate development and management. In approximately May 2012, the defendant, through one such entity, purchased the George Westinghouse Research and Technology Park (the Westinghouse Facility), a multi-building commercial and industrial complex located on approximately 150 acres in Churchill, Pennsylvania. The Westinghouse Facility was built between approximately the 1950s and 1970s, and it comprised over one million square feet of testing, laboratory, and office space across more than a dozen buildings. As the defendant acknowledged, he sought to redevelop the Westinghouse Facility and surrounding property for commercial and residential mixed-use purposes.

The defendant further admitted that, prior to completing the purchase of the Westinghouse Facility, he obtained the results of an earlier environmental assessment of the property, which identified the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in, among other substances, floor tile and pipe insulation located throughout the complex. Between approximately May 2012 and February 2017, the defendant, through entities he controlled, leased space at the Westinghouse Facility to third-party tenants, including television production companies. For the most part, however, the Westinghouse Facility remained unused and unoccupied.

In connection with one licensing agreement in approximately 2015, the defendant obtained two asbestos-abatement permits from the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) allowing for the proper removal of ACM in portions of two of the buildings at the Westinghouse Facility. The removal was completed by a licensed abatement contractor. Later, in early 2017, the defendant, through a contractor working on the redevelopment project, obtained a proposal from a different licensed abatement entity to inspect another building that the defendant intended to demolish. The proposal was never consummated.

Rather, as the defendant admitted, beginning no later than approximately February 1, 2017, and continuing until February 28, 2017, he directed various workers to remove previously unabated ACM from two buildings at the Westinghouse Facility, including large quantities of ACM floor tiles, mastic, and pipe insulation. The defendant further directed a worker to rent floor grinders, which the workers then used to remove and pulverize ACM floor tiles and mastic. The defendant did not apply for or obtain an ACHD permit for the abatement activity, and workers conducted the removal of ACM without proper protective clothing or adequate respirators. Once removed, ACM debris was placed in black trash bags and taken by workers via a pick-up truck to a dumpster located outside of one of the defendant’s residential rental properties. As the defendant admitted, the contents of the dumpster, including trash bags containing ACM, were subsequently taken to a local landfill that was not qualified to receive asbestos-contaminated waste.

Finally, the defendant admitted that, after local Churchill authorities and ACHD investigators learned of the illegal asbestos abatement, he took steps to conceal the nature and extent of the removal activity, including by causing grinders to be removed from the Westinghouse Facility, cleaned, and, as to two grinders, returned to the equipment rental company prior to inspection by ACHD. At no time did the defendant inform ACHD that the grinders he presented for subsequent inspection had been cleaned of ACM or otherwise were not the same ones that had been used in the Westinghouse Facility.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government, with assistance from Perry D. McDaniel, Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel of the Environmental Protection Agency. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation of the defendant.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge James S. Moody has sentenced Derrick Coleman (41, New Port Richey) to 18 years and 4 months in federal prison for bank robbery. As part of his sentence, the court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $5,000, the proceeds of the bank robbery.

A jury found Coleman guilty on November 19, 2019.

Evidence presented at trial showed that, on June 30, 2018, Coleman visited a Chase Bank in Tarpon Springs and spoke to a teller about opening a new account. As the teller explained the process, Coleman placed a bag on the counter, told the teller that he had a gun, and demanded money from the teller. The teller complied and Coleman fled the bank with $5,000.

The Tarpon Springs Chase bank robbery was Coleman’s thirteenth bank robbery. From February 2007 through December 2007, Coleman engaged in a bank robbery spree, where he robbed or attempted to rob twelve banks in Illinois.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tarpon Springs Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charlie D. Connally.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Pamela Emanuel, 58, of San Jose, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Morrison C. England, Jr. to 6 years and 3 months in prison and ordered to pay $773,733 in restitution for her role in scheme to defraud the State of California by filing false unemployment insurance claims, United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

“Pamela Emanuel conspired to file fraudulent unemployment insurance claims, diverting vital taxpayer resources away from those in dire need of unemployment benefits. Protecting the integrity of the unemployment insurance program remains one of our highest priorities, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to safeguard the unemployment benefits for those who need it, especially during this critical time,” said Quentin Heiden, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor. Office of Inspector General, Los Angeles Region.

According to court documents, between July 22, 2015, and July 14, 2016, Emanuel and her co-conspirators engaged in a scheme to defraud the state of California. Emanuel worked as a tax compliance representative for the California Employment Development Department (EDD) and used her position to access the personal identifying information of workers throughout California. The conspirators used that information to file fraudulent unemployment claims in the names of the unknowing victims. In total, the conspirators filed at least 269 false claims seeking over $2.4 million in fraudulent benefits. EDD’s actual overpayment was approximately $887,199.

Emanuel was the fifth co-conspirator to be sentenced for their participation in this scheme. On August 16, 2018, Brittany Maunakea, 30, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison and ordered to pay approximately $139,000 in restitution. On Sept. 20, 2018, Sergio Doriante Sanchez Reyna, 26, was sentenced to 4 years and 3 months in prison and ordered to pay approximately $436,000 in restitution. On Feb. 22, 2019, Gregory Lee, 57, of Antioch was sentenced to 9 years in prison and ordered to pay approximately $353,000 in restitution. On Sept. 19, 2019, Russell White III, 38, of San Jose, was sentenced to 4 years and 3 months in prison and ordered to pay approximately $212,000 in restitution.

This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Employment Development Department, Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Schuller Hitchcock is prosecuting the case.

St. Thomas, USVI – Thomas Olive, II, 29, was sentenced yesterday on his conviction of possessing marijuana with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.

Evidence at Olive’s trial established that on December 11, 2018, he was the driver of a vehicle travelling on Main Street on St. Thomas with heavily tinted windows. Officers of the Virgin Islands Police Department ordered Olive out of the vehicle and discovered four pounds of marijuana packaged for distribution. VIPD also discovered $6,225 in cash and an unlicensed Glock firearm.

District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced Olive to four months incarceration, and six months home confinement. Judge Gomez also sentenced Olive to three years supervised release with 300 hours of community service. As part of his sentence Olive forfeits $6,225 in cash and was ordered to pay a $4,000 fine.

This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.

St. Croix, USVI – Marshall D. Miller, age 44, of Illinois, was sentenced on Monday, March 16th, to time served (i.e. 69 days) in prison for simple possession of fentanyl, by Magistrate Judge George W. Cannon, announced United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert. Judge Cannon also sentenced Miller to a term of supervised release to end upon completion of an inpatient substance abuse program at The Village, Virgin Islands Partners in Recovery but not to exceed one year, and ordered him to pay a fine of $1,000.000 and a special assessment of $25.00.

According to court records, a Virgin Islands police officer encountered Miller on January 7, 2020 as he walked towards the Limetree Bay housing facilities in St. Croix. The officer noticed that Miller was wobbling and appeared strange. He approached and inquired whether Miller required assistance and eventually called the ambulance for him. While awaiting arrival of the ambulance, Miller withdrew five plastic baggies from his pockets and threw them on the ground. The baggies contained fentanyl weighing about .7 grams. Miller arrived in St. Croix from Illinois in December of 2019 and was employed by a subcontractor of Limetree Bay. He was a resident of the Limetree Bay housing facility.

This case is the first federal case filed in the Virgin Islands involving fentanyl. In an effort to avoid an adverse impact of the deadly street drug on the Virgin Islands community, the U.S. Attorney’s office will continue to vigorously prosecute those who possess or sell it. Anyone with information that may assist investigators regarding fentanyl or other illegal drugs is encouraged to contact the DEA tip line at www.dea.gov/submit-tip.

The case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alphonso G. Andrews, Jr.

Federal Court Issues Temporary Restraining Order Against Website Offering Fraudulent Coronavirus Vaccine

The Department of Justice announced today that it has taken its first action in federal court to combat fraud related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The enforcement action filed today in Austin against operators of a fraudulent website follows Attorney General William Barr’s recent direction for the department to prioritize the detection, investigation, and prosecution of illegal conduct related to the pandemic.

As detailed in the civil complaint and accompanying court papers filed on Saturday, March 21, 2020, the operators of the website “coronavirusmedicalkit.com” are engaging in a wire fraud scheme seeking to profit from the confusion and widespread fear surrounding COVID-19. Information published on the website claimed to offer consumers access to World Health Organization (WHO) vaccine kits in exchange for a shipping charge of $4.95, which consumers would pay by entering their credit card information on the website. In fact, there are currently no legitimate COVID-19 vaccines and the WHO is not distributing any such vaccine. In response to the department’s request, U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman issued a temporary restraining order requiring that the registrar of the fraudulent website immediately take action to block public access to it.

“The Department of Justice will not tolerate criminal exploitation of this national emergency for personal gain,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “We will use every resource at the government’s disposal to act quickly to shut down these most despicable of scammers, whether they are defrauding consumers, committing identity theft, or delivering malware.”

“Attorney General Barr has directed the department to prioritize fraud schemes arising out of the coronavirus emergency,” said U.S. Attorney John F. Bash of the Western District of Texas. “We therefore moved very quickly to shut down this scam. We hope in the future that responsible web domain registrars will quickly and effectively shut down websites designed to facilitate these scams. My office will continue to be aggressive in targeting these sorts of despicable frauds for the duration of this emergency.”

“At a time when we face such unprecedented challenges with the COVID-19 crisis, Americans are understandably desperate to find solutions to keep their families safe and healthy,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs of the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office. “Fraudsters who seek to profit from their fear and uncertainty, by selling bogus vaccines or cures, not only steal limited resources from our communities, they pose an even greater danger by spreading misinformation and creating confusion. During this difficult time, protecting our communities from these reprehensible fraud schemes will remain one of the FBI’s highest priorities."

The United States filed today’s announced action to shutter the website immediately while an investigation of the website and its operators continues. In so doing, the government is employing a federal statute that permits federal courts to issue injunctions to prevent harm to potential victims of fraudulent schemes.

The Department of Justice recommends that Americans to take the following precautionary measures to protect themselves from known and emerging scams related to COVID-19:

Independently verify the identity of any company, charity, or individual that contacts you regarding COVID-19.

Check the websites and email addresses offering information, products, or services related to COVID-19. Be aware that scammers often employ addresses that differ only slightly from those belonging to the entities they are impersonating. For example, they might use “cdc.com” or “cdc.org” instead of “cdc.gov.”

Be wary of unsolicited emails offering information, supplies, or treatment for COVID-19 or requesting your personal information for medical purposes. Legitimate health authorities will not contact the general public this way.

Do not click on links or open email attachments from unknown or unverified sources. Doing so could download a virus onto your computer or device.

Make sure the anti-malware and anti-virus software on your computer is operating and up to date.

Ignore offers for a COVID-19 vaccine, cure, or treatment. Remember, if a vaccine becomes available, you won’t hear about it for the first time through an email, online ad, or unsolicited sales pitch.

Check online reviews of any company offering COVID-19 products or supplies. Avoid companies whose customers have complained about not receiving items.

Research any charities or crowdfunding sites soliciting donations in connection with COVID-19 before giving any donation. Remember, an organization may not be legitimate even if it uses words like “CDC” or “government” in its name or has reputable looking seals or logos on its materials. For online resources on donating wisely, visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website.

Be wary of any business, charity, or individual requesting payments or donations in cash, by wire transfer, gift card, or through the mail. Don’t send money through any of these channels.

Be cautious of “investment opportunities” tied to COVID-19, especially those based on claims that a small company’s products or services can help stop the virus. If you decide to invest, carefully research the investment beforehand. For information on how to avoid investment fraud, visit the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, consumers may visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO websites.

In addition, the public is urged to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or by e-mailing the NCDF at disaster@leo.gov.

The enforcement action taken today is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas A. Parnham, Jr. and Michael C. Galdo of the Western District of Texas, and Senior Litigation Counsel Ross S. Goldstein of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch. The FBI’s San Antonio Field Office is conducting the investigation.

The claims made in the complaint are allegations that, if the case were to proceed to trial, the government must prove to receive a permanent injunction against the defendant.

For information about the Department of Justice’s efforts to stop COVID-19 fraud, visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas, visit its website at www.justice.gov/usao-wdtx.

CHICAGO — A federal indictment unsealed this week charges ten alleged members of the LAFA street gang with participating in a criminal organization that murdered its rivals and violently protected its drug-dealing territories on the South Side of Chicago.

Law enforcement uncovered the criminal activity through an investigation conducted by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). Drug or firearm charges were originally filed in related cases against eleven individuals, including a woman and two of her sons. The superseding indictment unsealed this week adds new defendants and alleges numerous acts of violence, including four murders and 13 attempted murders. The new charges include racketeering conspiracy against ten of the defendants.

Arrests were carried out this week in Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota. One defendant was arraigned this week in federal court in Chicago, while arraignment dates for the others have not yet been scheduled.

During the course of the multi-year probe, law enforcement seized 34 firearms, a machete and sheath, approximately a kilogram of cocaine, 78 pounds of marijuana, more than $190,000 in suspected illicit cash proceeds, designer clothing appraised at more than $300,000, Rolex watches, and numerous pieces of diamond jewelry, including two necklaces that had attached to them 14-carat gold pendants with the initials “LAFA” written in diamonds.

The superseding indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the FBI; and Charlie Beck, interim Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Substantial assistance was provided by U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Districts of Northern Indiana and Minnesota; Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office; U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago; Illinois State Police; Cook County Sheriff’s Office; police departments in Orland Park, Evergreen Park, Bolingbrook and Joliet; Minnesota-based Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force; Duluth, Minn., Police Department; St. Louis County, Minn., State’s Attorney’s Office; and FBI offices in Minneapolis, Minn., and Indianapolis, Ind. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sheri Wong, Ankur Srivastava and Paul Mower represent the government.

“These RICO charges are the result of many federal, state, and local law enforcement partners working together to hold violent Chicago gang members accountable for various acts involving murder, attempted murder, witness intimidation, and drug trafficking, and for committing certain firearm offenses,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “Our common mission is clear: we want to keep the people of Chicago and our other communities safe.”

"These charges reflect an outstanding show of teamwork by our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners at all levels,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Buie. “We will continue to work tirelessly to remove illegal drugs, weapons, and other ill-gotten gains from our streets and ensure that our communities remain safe for all."

The superseding indictment alleges that LAFA members trafficked illicit drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, cocaine base, heroin, methamphetamine, and MDMA, in Chicago and Duluth, Minn. LAFA members allegedly stole vehicles for use in the affairs of the enterprise, and violently retaliated against rivals, former members, victims, and witnesses to prevent cooperation with law enforcement.

The charges accuse five alleged LAFA members of committing murder in furtherance of the gang’s activities:

AKEEM ASAD, 28, of Chicago, allegedly murdered Janeen Hancock and Alixi Johnson on July 23, 2012, in Chicago.

MARTEZ EASTER, 27, of Chicago, and COTTRELL MACKEY, 26, of Chicago, allegedly murdered Denero Appleton on June 1, 2014, in Chicago.

MARDI LANE, 31, of Chicago, and REGINALD JONES, 26, of Chicago, allegedly murdered Deonte Hoard on March 2, 2015, in Chicago.

Asad, Lane, Easter, Jones and three other defendants – CAREY HINTON, 27, of Chicago, TONY PARKER, 25, of Chicago, and QUENTIN LUCIOUS, 29, of Chicago – are charged with committing attempted murders on behalf of the gang.

Several firearm offenses are also charged in the indictment, as are multiple counts of witness intimidation.

The investigation was conducted under the OCDETF program, a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of OCDETF is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations.

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

Racketeering conspiracy generally carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, but a life sentence is possible for certain underlying racketeering activities, including certain murders and attempted murders charged in the indictment. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Michael Edward Cook, Jr. (48, Winter Park) with three counts of bank robbery. If convicted on all counts, Cook faces a maximum penalty of 60 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Cook that the United States intends to forfeit the $6,854 he stole from the banks.

According to the indictment, between February 10 and March 6, 2020, Cook robbed three banks. On February 10, 2020, he robbed the TD Bank located at 2501 US 1 South in St. Augustine. Later that month, on February 20th, he robbed the Fifth Third Bank located at 11683 San Jose Boulevard in Jacksonville. On March 6, 2020, Cook robbed the TD Bank located at 2844 W US Highway 90 in Lake City.

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Jacksonville Office), the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Lake City Police Department, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Tampa/Orlando Resident Agency), the Gainesville Police Department, and the Orlando Police Department Fugitive Investigation Unit. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian.

A federal grand jury in Toledo has returned a two-count indictment charging Manish Raj Gupta, aka Manny Gupta, age 49, of Sylvania, Ohio and a Toledo area plastic surgeon, with one count of sex trafficking by force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion and one count of illegally distributing a controlled substance to the sex trafficking victim.

The indictment alleges that, from August through September of 2016, Manish Raj Gupta used force, threats of force, fraud and coercion to compel a woman, identified as Victim #1, to engage in commercial sex by drugging her without her consent or knowledge, outside the course of any legitimate medical treatment, and then committed sexual acts on her while she was unconscious, which he recorded.

Based on other court records and public filings:

The defendant would travel to medical conferences in large urban areas including Chicago in March and April of 2013, Cleveland of April 2013, Miami/Ft. Lauderdale of June 2015 and July 2019, Los Angeles of September 2016, and various other dates in San Francisco and Detroit. The defendant would often stay at centrally located hotels and hire escorts in the area. He would then administer drugs to his victims and perform sexual acts of violence.

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

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

Due to the possible nature and scope of potential victims, federal and local law enforcement officials across the country are asking that anyone who may have been victimized or have information about Maish Raj Gupta to contact the FBI at Ohiodoctortips@fbi.gov or call (216) 622-6842.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Toledo, Ohio. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tracey Ballard Tangeman and Carol Skutnik.

Columbia, South Carolina --- Acting U.S. Attorney A. Lance Crick of South Carolina, today announced that more than $65 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities combat human trafficking and serve adults and children who are victimized in trafficking operations.

“Our nation is facing difficult challenges, none more pressing than the scourge of human trafficking. Human traffickers pose a dire threat to public safety and countering this threat remains one of the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight against this insidious crime. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”

The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs that support human trafficking task forces and services for human trafficking survivors.

A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.

Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance Program

https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17351

Total Available $1.8 million Deadline 4/6/20202 (Extended)

Multidisciplinary Task Force Program to Combat Human Trafficking

Total Available $22 million Opens week of 3/16/2020

Preventing Trafficking of Girls

Total Available $1.7 million Opens week of 3/16/2020

Research and Evaluation on Trafficking in Persons

https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17324

Total Available $2.5 million Deadline 4/20/2020

Services for Victims of Human Trafficking

Total Available $16.5 million Opens week of 3/16/2020

Specialized Training and Technical Assistance on Housing for Victims of Human Trafficking

Total Available $2 million Opens week of 3/16/2020

Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Program

Total Available $5 million Opens week of 3/16/2020

Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking

Total Available $6 million Opens week of 3/16/2020

Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Labor Trafficking

Total Available $8 million Opens week of 3/16/2020

For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities.

A man who committed two carjackings in Tulsa was sentenced Thursday in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Kameron Todd Myers, 32, to 168 months in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. In December 2019, Myers pleaded guilty to two counts of carjacking; two counts of carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

“Kameron Myers’ decision to engage in a carjacking will cost him 14 years in federal prison. Other criminals should take notice. My office fights for victims and holds violent criminals accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Johnston and Mark Morgan, along with the Tulsa Police Department and FBI, should be commended for bringing Myers to justice.”

In his plea agreement, Myers admitted that on June 2 and June 4, 2019, he used force, fear and intimidation during two carjackings. Myers stated that he brandished a pistol and threatened to harm the owners of the vehicles during the crimes. On June 10, Tulsa Police officers found a Glock .45 caliber pistol in the car driven by Myers at the time of his arrest. Because he was previously convicted of a felony, Myers is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.

The Tulsa Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric O. Johnston and Mark R. Morgan prosecuted the case.

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Jerel Andre Williams, 37, of Mansfield, Texas, was charged today by Information with 9 counts of mail fraud and 2 counts of filing a false tax return.

The Information alleges that the defendant defrauded Cisco Systems Inc. (“Cisco”), by engaging in a sophisticated warranty fraud scheme. The charges state that Williams and a co-schemer obtained serial numbers to products manufactured by Cisco. He then allegedly utilized false email addresses and false names to submit false warranty claims to Cisco using those serial numbers, pretending to own Cisco products that were under warranty and supposedly not working. Next, Williams provided Cisco customer service representatives with descriptions of the non-existent defects that he knew could not be solved by troubleshooting and would therefore require replacement with new products. Cisco shipped the replacement products to Williams and his co-schemer on the expectation that the defective products would be returned.

The charges allege that Williams and his co-schemer successfully obtained 157 warranty replacement products from Cisco in this manner, each with a retail value of between $3,693 and $34,500. They had the products shipped to addresses throughout the United States, including in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania; Cherry Hill, New Jersey; Wilmington, Delaware; Las Vegas, Nevada; Henderson, Nevada; La Jolla, California; San Diego, California; Arlington, Texas; Dallas, Texas; and Fort Worth, Texas. Williams and his co-schemer then traveled to these addresses, picked up the products, and resold them to computer resellers. Williams allegedly failed to return the supposedly defective Cisco products, despite his promises to do so -- because he never owned them in the first place.

In addition to operating this fraud scheme, the Information also alleges that the defendant filed false tax returns for tax years 2015 and 2016 in which he underreported his gross receipts by $284,741 and $349,177, respectively.

Williams faces a total maximum sentence of 193 years’ incarceration, a five-year period of supervised release, and a fine of $2,750,000.

“Warranties are designed to make honest consumers whole by replacing faulty products, not to be exploited by scammers looking to turn an illegal profit,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Williams allegedly engaged in a sophisticated, nationwide warranty fraud scheme worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. I would like to thank the FBI and IRS for their dedication and partnership in this matter.”

“All income, whether it be from legal or illegal sources, is taxable,” said Michael Montanez, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation. “Our Agents have both law enforcement and financial investigation expertise that uniquely qualifies us to assist with these types of cases by following the illegally obtained proceeds.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael S. Lowe.

An Indictment, Information, or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

St. Thomas, USVI – Thomas Olive, II, 29, was sentenced yesterday on his conviction of possessing marijuana with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.

This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.

Attorney General William P. Barr today announced the fourth annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing, launching the nomination period for this award. Awardees selected from nominations received during this period will be announced at a ceremony to be held later this year.

The Attorney General’s Award recognizes individual state, local or tribal sworn, rank-and-file police officers and deputies for exceptional efforts in community policing. The awarded officer(s), deputy(ies) or trooper(s) will have demonstrated active engagement with the community in one of three areas: criminal investigations, field operations or innovations in policing.

“Law enforcement is the toughest job in America. The challenges our officers face on a daily basis are more complex, more difficult, and more extensive than ever before,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “We are grateful for every man and woman in blue for their dedication and sacrifice. Among those who have answered the call of public service, several individuals in the past year performed in ways that surpassed even the highest expectations of the profession. I look forward to recognizing these individuals with the fourth annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing.”

President Trump has established clear directives for the department – with three executive orders – demonstrating his strong support of the law enforcement community. These executive orders commit the department to working in tandem with state and local law enforcement to restore the rule of law, reduce violent crime, dismantle criminal gangs and combat the growing drug epidemic. Our support to the dedicated men and women of law enforcement is strong and today’s announcement is in furtherance of the president’s directives. The Department of Justice is committed to supporting the law enforcement community that keeps this great nation safe and makes it even safer. Today we honor our law enforcement officers by announcing the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing.

Within each category, an award will be given to law enforcement agencies serving small, medium, and large jurisdictions:

Small: Agencies serving populations of fewer than 50,000

Medium: Agencies serving populations of 50,000 to 250,000

Large: Agencies serving populations of more than 250,000

By distinguishing and rewarding these efforts, the department strives to promote and sustain its national commitment to policing and to advance proactive policing practices that are fair and effective.

With the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing, the Office of the Attorney General recognizes that the nation’s more than 18,000 law enforcement agencies, individual officers, deputies, and troopers are working hard to keep our communities safe.

For more information about the Attorney General’s Award and to submit an application for nominees, please visit https://www.justice.gov/ag/policing-award.

Indianapolis area methamphetamine and heroin trafficking organizations dismantled

Federal Inmate Charged with Making Threats

Waterloo Felon with 25 Adult Criminal Convictions Sentenced to Over Eight Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing Guns

Waterloo Man Sentenced to Federal Prison after He Was Found with Loaded Gun, Ecstasy, and Marijuana in Car

Philadelphia Man Arrested For Crimes Related To Cambridge Homicide

DEA proposes process to expand marijuana research in the United States

Mt. Lebanon Real Estate Developer Sentenced for Illegally Removing Asbestos from Former Westinghouse Facility

Career Offender Sentenced To Over Eighteen Years In Federal Prison For Bank Robbery

Former Edd Employee Sentenced To Over Six Years Imprisonment For Unemployment Benefits Fraud

St. Thomas Man Sentenced for Distributing Marijuana

Illinois Man Sentenced For Simple Possession of Fentanyl

Justice Department Files Its First Enforcement Action Against COVID-19 Fraud

Racketeering Charges Added in Federal Investigation of Chicago Street Gang; New Indictment Charges Multiple Murders

Winter Park Man Indicted For Multiple Bank Robberies

Toledo area physician indicted for sex trafficking and illegally distributing a controlled substance

South Carolina U.S. Attorney's Office Announces More Than $65 Million Available to Fight Human Trafficking and Help Trafficking Victims

Carjacker Sentenced to 168 months in Prison

Texas Man Charged with Operating Elaborate, Nationwide Warranty Fraud Scheme Targeting Cisco Systems

St. Thomas Man Sentenced for Distributing Marijuana

Department of Justice Announces Nomination Period for Fourth Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing