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Major Mexican Heroin Trafficking Organization Targeted

May 24, 2017, 2:41 pm
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Action Targets Ruelas Torres Drug Trafficking Organization,a Key Heroin Producer and Distributor

MAY 24 - (Washington) – The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today identified the Ruelas Torres Drug Trafficking Organization (Ruelas Torres DTO) and its leader, Mexican national Jose Luis Ruelas Torres, as Significant Foreign Narcotics Traffickers pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act).  The Ruelas Torres DTO is a family-based, independent opium and heroin production and distribution organization that smuggles multi-kilogram heroin quantities into the United States.

OFAC also designated 10 key Ruelas Torres DTO associates as Specially Designated Narcotics Traffickers pursuant to the Kingpin Act for their role in the organization.  As a result of today’s action, all assets of those designated that are based in the United States or that are in the control of U.S. persons are frozen, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.

“The joint efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and OFAC represent a sustained initiative to combat foreign drug trafficking organizations, or those acting on behalf of them, from doing business via the United States,” said Barbara Roach, DEA Special Agent in Charge of the Denver Field Division.  “Such sanctions serve as one of the most important and multi-faceted avenues with which U.S. law enforcement can effectively and efficiently disrupt and dismantle major international drug trafficking organizations and anyone doing business with them.”

“Treasury is targeting Jose Luis Ruelas Torres as a Significant Foreign Narcotics Trafficker under the Kingpin Act because he and his drug trafficking organization are major contributors to our nation’s heroin epidemic,” said Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin.  “The Ruelas Torres Drug Trafficking Organization smuggles heroin from Mexico into the United States for distribution in cities from Los Angeles to New York City.  This action will hinder its ability to move and use the illicit proceeds from this activity.  Treasury and our partners in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Mexican government are committed to exposing, disrupting, and dismantling these criminal networks.”

The Ruelas Torres DTO is composed of Jose Luis Ruelas Torres’s immediate and extended family members and has been involved in manufacturing, importing, and distributing heroin from Sinaloa, Mexico to the United States for well over two decades, as well as moving laundered drug proceeds from the United States to Mexico.  Ruelas Torres and his criminal organization distribute heroin to various cities throughout the United States, including Phoenix, Denver, Salt Lake City, Albuquerque, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Columbus, Detroit, and New York City.  The Ruelas Torres DTO is aligned with Mexican drug trafficker Fausto Isidro Meza Flores, a.k.a. “Chapito Isidro,” whom OFAC designated in January 2013.

In 2015, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado charged Ruelas Torres and his son Joel Efren Ruelas Avila with running a Continuing Criminal Enterprise, along with related narcotics trafficking and money laundering offenses.  The indictment also charged Hector Librado Rivera Sandoval, Toribio Alberto Lugo Leon, and Jose Carlos Barraza Aceves with multiple charges related to narcotics trafficking, and Maria de Jesus Espinoza Rodriguez with several drug and money laundering charges.  All of these individuals are being identified or designated today.  In addition, the OFAC action targets Gilberto Ruelas Torres, Sigi Alfredo Mondaca Avila, Jesus Angel Ruelas Avila, Jose Luis Ruelas Avila, and Leobardo Ruelas Avila for their activities related to the Ruelas Torres DTO.

OFAC, DEA, and Mexican authorities worked closely to execute today’s action.

Since June 2000, more than 2,000 individuals and entities have been named pursuant to the Kingpin Act for their role in international narcotics trafficking.  Penalties for violations of the Kingpin Act range from civil penalties of up to $1,437,153 million per violation to more severe criminal penalties.  Criminal penalties for corporate officers may include up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $5 million.  Criminal fines for corporations may reach $10 million.  Other individuals could face up to 10 years in prison and fines pursuant to the Title 18 of the United States Code for criminal violations of the Kingpin Act.
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Statement from Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Leaks Following the Manchester Terror Attack

May 25, 2017, 11:42 am
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WASHINGTON – Attorney General Jeff Sessions today issued the following statement on the recent leaks following the Manchester terror attack:

“I share the president's deep concern and talked to Home Secretary Rudd yesterday about this matter. These leaks cannot be tolerated and we will make every effort to put an end to it. We have already initiated appropriate steps to address these rampant leaks that undermine our national security.”
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Three Nigerians Sentenced in International Cyber Financial Fraud Scheme

May 25, 2017, 1:45 pm
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Three Nigerian nationals, who were extradited from South Africa to the Southern District of Mississippi in July 2015, were sentenced to prison this week for their roles in a large-scale international fraud network.

Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco, Acting U.S. Attorney Harold Brittain of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Raymond R. Parmer Jr. of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Orleans made the announcement.

Oladimeji Seun Ayelotan, 30, was sentenced to 95 years in prison. Rasaq Aderoju Raheem, 31, was sentenced to 115 years in prison. Femi Alexander Mewase, 45, was sentenced to 25 years in prison. After a three-week trial in early 2017, a federal jury found each defendant guilty of offenses involving mail fraud, wire fraud, identity theft, credit card fraud and theft of government property. Ayelotan and Raheem were also found guilty of conspiracies to commit bank fraud and money laundering.

A total of 21 defendants were charged in this case, 12 of whom have pleaded guilty to charges related to the conspiracy, and 11 of whom have been sentenced to date. One of the leaders of the conspiracy, Teslim Olarewaju Kiriji, 30, of Nigeria was previously sentenced to 20 years in prison. Six other defendants were previously sentenced to 10 years in prison each for their roles in this conspiracy: Adekunle Adefila, 41, of Nigeria; Anuoluwapo Segun Adegbemigun, 40, of Nigeria; Gabriel Oludare Adeniran, 30, of Nigeria; Olufemi Obaro Omoraka, 27, of Nigeria; Taofeeq Olamilekan Oyelade, 32, of Nigeria; and Olusegun Seyi Shonekan, 34, of Nigeria. Genoveva Farfan, 45, of California, was sentenced to 9 years in prison, and Rhulane Fionah Hlungwane, 26, of South Africa, to five years in prison for their roles in the conspiracy. Olutoyin Ogunlade, 41, of New York, was sentenced to four years in prison. Dennis Brian Ladden, 75, of Wisconsin was sentenced to time served and six months’ home confinement. Susan Anne Villeneuve, 61, of California, pleaded guilty earlier this month and is awaiting sentencing.

According to the plea agreements and evidence at trial, the defendants and their co-conspirators carried out numerous internet-based fraud schemes dating back at least to 2001. These schemes involved using unsuspecting victims to cash counterfeit checks and money orders, using stolen credit card numbers to purchase electronics and other merchandise and using stolen personal identification information to take over victims’ bank accounts. As a whole, the conspiracy involved tens of millions of dollars in intended losses.

To accomplish their fraud schemes, the conspirators recruited the assistance of U.S. citizens via “romance scams,” in which the perpetrator would typically use a false identity on a dating website to establish a romantic relationship with an unsuspecting victim. According to trial evidence and plea documents, once the perpetrator gained the victim’s trust and affection, the perpetrator would convince the victim to either send money or to help carry out fraud schemes. For example, the defendants admitted that they used romance victims to launder money via Western Union and MoneyGram, to re-package and re-ship fraudulently obtained merchandise and to cash counterfeit checks.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Significant assistance was also provided by the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, the HSI Cyber Crimes Center, HSI Attachés in Pretoria, South Africa and Dakar, Senegal, the U.S. Marshals Service’s International Investigations Branch and the Southern District of Mississippi District Office, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigation (DPCI) Electronic Crimes Unit, the SAPS Interpol Extradition Unit, the South African National Prosecution Authority and the South African Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. Trial Attorney Conor Mulroe of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, Senior Counsel Peter Roman of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Annette Williams of the Southern District of Mississippi tried the case.
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Read About Alabama School's Reverse Checkout Procedure on SchoolSafetyInfo.org

May 25, 2017, 1:54 pm
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Visit www.schoolsafetyinfo.org to read "Fast, Free Reverse Checkout Plan Recognized as Best Practice," an article about Wedowee Middle School's plan for reuniting children and parents following a crisis situation. While you're visiting SchoolSafetyInfo.org, check out new Success Stories, the calendar of events and more.
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Read the Latest Issue of ACAConnect

May 25, 2017, 2:00 pm
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Download the most recent issue of ACAConnect, the online newsletter of the American Correctional Association, at http://service.meltwaternews.com/mnews-ws/resources/pastnewsletter/latestHtml?n=MzU1NDE3&r=MzI3ODM3.
ACAConnect shares stories from correctional agencies and news media in a section called Around the Country.It also includes news updates from ACA headquarters, its chapters and affiliate organizations, as well as legislative updates and relevant correctional and criminal justice news from Capitol Hill and the administration in the Capitol Report section.
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Eight People Indicted in Federal Court for Firearms Crimes

May 26, 2017, 9:30 pm
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Eight people were indicted in federal court for firearms violations, said David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Trevor Velinor, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division.

Indicted are: Carzell J. Gibbons, 27, of Cleveland; Andre L. Madison, Jr., 26, of Boardman; Quintin Carpenter, 33, of New Philadelphia; Jessica Carpenter, aka Jessica Dendak, 30, of Carrollton; Ronald A. Goodman, Jr., 26, of Cleveland; Jesse L. Melton, 27, of Cleveland; Jerry J. Monroe, 33, of Cleveland, and Ramone Drummond, 50, of Akron.

“We will continue to aggressively prosecute firearms crimes and people who illegally carry guns after being convicted of serious crimes,” Sierleja said.

“There is no place in our society for those who use firearms for violent, criminal purposes,” Velinor said. “ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners at all levels across the Columbus Field Division to bring those individuals to justice.”

Gibbons is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On March 8, 2017, he possessed a Kimber, model Ultra Crimson Carry II, .45 caliber pistol, and ammunition, after having been convicted of aggravated robbery with a firearm specification, burglary, tampering with evidence and other crimes, in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, according to the indictment.

The Gibbons case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office and the Garfield Heights Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason M. Katz.

Madison is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On March 28, 2017, Madison possessed a Smith & Wesson, model 28 Highway Patrolman, .357 caliber revolver, and ammunition, after having been convicted of burglary and aggravated assault in the Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, according to the indictment.

The Madison case was investigated by the ATF and the Youngstown Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer.

Quintin Carpenter is charged with being a felon in possession of firearms and Jessica Carpenter is charged with aiding and abetting a felon in possession of firearms.

From May 2013 through December 2016, Quintin Carpenter possessed a Ruger, model SR22, .22 pistol, a Henry Repeating Arms Co, .22 rifle, and a Remington, model 870, 12-gauge shotgun, after having been convicted of corrupting another with drugs in the Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas. Jessica Carpenter, aka Jessica Dendak, aided and abetted Quintin in obtaining the firearms, according to the indictment.

The Carpenter case was investigated by the ATF and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer.

Goodman is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On April 23, 2017, Goodman possessed a Ruger, Model AR-556, 5.56mm X 45mm caliber rifle, and ammunition, after having been convicted of drug trafficking in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, according to the indictment.

The Goodman case was investigated by the ATF and Cleveland Division of Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Morrison.

Melton is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On April 1, 2017, Melton possessed a 9mm Makarov pistol, after having been previously convicted of attempted robbery and drug trafficking in Cuyahoga County, as well as possession with intent to distribute narcotics in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, according to the indictment.

The Melton case was investigated by the Euclid, Bratenahl and Cleveland police departments, as well as the ATF. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad J. Beeson.

Monroe is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On March 22, 2017, Monroe possessed a 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol, Model Sigma, after having been previously convicted of attempted robbery and involuntary manslaughter in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, according to the indictment.

The Monroe case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of Police and the ATF. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad J. Beeson.

Drummond is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as possession with intent to distribute Oxycodone. On Aug. 10, 2016, Drummond possessed a Lorcin L25 pistol and ammunition, after having previously been convicted in U.S. District Court of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He also possessed Oxycodone with the intent to distribute the drug, according to the indictment.

The Drummond case was investigated by the U.S Postal Inspection Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Sweeney.

The cases are unrelated.

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 record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

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.
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Grandview Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Illegal Firearm

May 26, 2017, 9:41 pm
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tom Larson, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Grandview, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm.

Anthony B. Hutton, 29, of Grandview, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Hutton was sentenced as an armed career criminal due to his prior felony convictions.

On Feb. 16, 2017, Hutton pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Hutton admitted that he was in possession of a loaded Glock .40-caliber pistol.

Kansas City police officers found the pistol in Hutton’s waistband when he was being arrested on Jan. 31, 2016. Officers had been dispatched on a reported theft involving a beige Toyota Corolla. Officers saw the Corolla parked in the street on the curb, occupied by Hutton and another person. Hutton got out of the driver’s side of the vehicle when officers approached. Officers saw the grip of a black handgun tucked halfway in Hutton’s waistband and immediately placed him in handcuffs. A check of the pistol’s serial number revealed it to be stolen and Hutton was placed under arrest for possession of stolen property. Officers searched the vehicle and found nine individually wrapped plastic baggies containing a total of 44 grams of marijuana, six individual baggies of cocaine weighing a total of five grams, four green unknown pills, three yellow unknown pills and .5 grams of cocaine that was sitting on the ground by Hutton.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Hutton has three prior felony convictions for distribution of a controlled substance and a prior felony conviction for unlawful use of a weapon (for attempting to shoot someone). Hutton was on probation at the time of the offense.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
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Felon Wounded in Drug Deal Gunfight Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Illegal Firearm Possession

May 26, 2017, 9:50 pm
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One Man Killed in Early Morning Shootout at Downtown Seattle Gas Station

A 25-year-old Seattle man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to ten years in prison and five years of supervised release for three felony counts related to illegal gun possession, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. FRANKIE MANUEL MIRANDA survived an August 2015, gun battle inside a car at a downtown Seattle Shell gas station. In the shooting, another young man was shot in the head and killed. The shooting occurred during a drug deal involving MIRANDA and three others. At sentencing U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik said, “The Defendant armed himself not once, but three times with a firearm. His decisions resulted in tragic consequences and death.”

“This case demonstrates yet again that guns and drugs don’t mix,” said U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. “The devastating results are clear – one dead and a number of others who came far too close to the unthinkable. My office is steadfastly committed to working with our state and local partners to bring federal charges against convicted felons who flout the law and illegally possess firearms.”

According to records filed in the case, MIRANDA and another man drove into the Shell station on Denny Way in Seattle intending to do a drug deal. Different witnesses have said the deal was for marijuana, or for prescription cough syrup, or Xanax. What is known is that after two other men got into the back seat of the car, gunfire erupted and 22-year-old Wafi Kilaouy was shot in the head and killed. MIRANDA and a third man, Dion Hooks – also charged federally – were both shot but survived. The car’s driver managed to get out of the car uninjured and fled the scene.

The shooting on Lower Queen Anne Hill followed two other incidents in which MIRANDA, a convicted felon, illegally possessed firearms. As part of the resolution of the case, MIRANDA has pled guilty to two other felonies: possession of a stolen .40 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun in December, 2013; and possession of a stolen Glock .357 semi-automatic handgun in January 2014.

King County prosecutors, working with their federal partners, determined that MIRANDA could argue self-defense in connection with any charges brought for the death of Wafi Kilaouy. The resolution in federal court holds MIRANDA responsible for multiple instances of illegal firearms possession. MIRANDA has a prior adult conviction for the unlawful possession of a firearm.

The case was investigated by the Seattle Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Hobbs.
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ATF, Firearms Industry Offer Reward in Barboursville Firearms Theft

May 27, 2017, 12:41 pm
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BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) – the trade association for the firearms industry – have announced a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft of firearms from Sportsmen’s Gun and Pawn, a federal firearms licensee.

ATF is offering a reward of up to $2,500, which will be matched by the NSSF for a total possible reward of up to $5,000.

On May 15, 2017, unknown persons burglarized Sportsmen’s Gun and Pawn, located in Barboursville, by forcibly gaining entry into the store and stealing more than 100 firearms.

Anyone with information about this crime should contact ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (800-283-4867), email ATFTips@atf.gov (link sends e-mail), contact ATF through its website at www.atf.gov/contact/atftips, or texted to 63975 using the code ATFLOU. Tips can also be submitted by using the Reportit® app, available from both Google Play and the Apple App Store, or by visiting www.reportit.com (link is external). All tips will be kept confidential.

The reward is part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the NSSF and ATF in which NSSF matches ATF reward in cases involving the theft of firearms from federally licensed firearms retailers.  ATF works closely with members of the firearms industry to curb the criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms.
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Former Deputy Police Chief Found Guilty of Conspiring to Distribute Heroin and Marijuana

May 27, 2017, 1:14 pm
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FRESNO, Calif. — A federal jury in Fresno today found former Fresno deputy police chief Keith Foster, 53, guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

U.S. Attorney Talbert stated: “When a police officer misuses his official position to commit crimes for personal profit, it is the ultimate betrayal of public trust. The betrayal is only compounded when the officer involved is in a leadership position in the police department. By conspiring with others to traffic heroin and marijuana, Keith Foster not only disgraced the office he held, he put the community he was sworn to protect in danger. Although the jury was not able to reach verdicts on the additional counts relating to Foster’s alleged involvement in trafficking oxycodone, we are grateful for their hard work and the guilty verdicts they returned. My office is committed to rooting out corruption and prosecuting those who use their official position to commit crimes that endanger the community. We are proud to have worked alongside the ATF and FBI, with the full cooperation of the Fresno Police Department, in bringing Foster to justice.”

“The actions of Keith Foster and his co-defendants in this case jeopardized public safety and violated the trust of the citizens of Fresno he swore to protect,” said Special Agent in Charge Jill A. Snyder, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “During this investigation, ATF and FBI agents followed evidence of a drug trafficking conspiracy. That evidence led directly to the former deputy police chief of Fresno. Foster’s criminal activity will not deter ATF’s ongoing partnership with the Fresno Police Department to fight violent crime in the City of Fresno.”

“The FBI will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners, investigating any allegation of criminal activity within the law enforcement community. The community must be served by those who obey the laws they are sworn to uphold and fulfill the oath of office,” said Special Agent in Charge Monica M. Miller of the FBI’s Sacramento field office. “Public trust is essential to the success of the work that men and women in law enforcement do daily. Foster’s illegal acts have negatively impacted public perception of the men and women of the Fresno Police Department who proudly put their lives on the line every day to serve the Fresno community.”

According to evidence presented at trial, between July 19, 2014, and March 26, 2015, Keith Foster conspired with his nephew Iran Dennis “Denny” Foster, 46, of Fresno, to obtain marijuana from Ricky Reynolds, 50, of Shasta Lake. Denny Foster regularly traveled to Reynolds’ residence to purchase marijuana. On one of these trips, Denny Foster was stopped by the California Highway Patrol in Merced County and arrested for possessing six pounds of marijuana in the trunk of his car. When he was arrested, his passenger called Keith Foster and Foster said that he “could have provided cover” for Denny Foster if he had known about the trip ahead of time. He also said he would call his “narc guys.”

Also according to evidence presented at trial, between December 23, 2014, and February 2, 2015, Foster conspired with co-defendant Rafael Guzman, 43, of Fresno, to obtain heroin for another person.

Keith Foster resigned from his position on April 3, 2015, one week after his arrest.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Melanie L. Alsworth and Dawrence W. Rice Jr. are prosecuting the case.

Six others pleaded guilty before trial to various offenses related to the drug trafficking conspiracy. Randy Flowers and Denny Foster are scheduled to be sentenced on July 10, 2017. Ricky Reynolds is scheduled to be sentenced on September 11, 2017. On October 11, 2016, Rafael Guzman, 43, of Fresno was sentenced to three years and four months in prison. Jennifer Donabedian, 37, of Fresno, pleaded guilty to concealing a felony and served 12 months’ probation. Sarah Ybarra, 39, of Fresno, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute marijuana and served one year in prison.

Keith Foster is scheduled to be sentenced on October 10, 2017, by U.S. District Judge Anthony W. Ishii. Foster faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine for the count relating to heroin, and a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the marijuana trafficking offense. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
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North Carolina Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Charges Involving Scheme to Compel Five Women to Prostitute

May 30, 2017, 7:56 pm
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Eric J. Thompson, 29, of Jacksonville, N.C., was sentenced today to 15 years in prison and ordered to pay $19,200 in restitution after pleading guilty on November 9, 2016, to one count of interstate transportation for prostitution and one count of using an interstate facility to promote a prostitution business enterprise. Acting Assistant Attorney General Tom Wheeler of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney John Stuart Bruce of the Eastern District of North Carolina, and Special Agent in Charge Nick Anan of ICE Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta announced the sentence.

According to documents filed in the case and admissions in connection with the guilty plea, Thompson operated an interstate prostitution business enterprise in North Carolina and South Carolina. He used false promises of money and fame to recruit and entice five women to prostitute for his profit, and then used a scheme involving isolation, threats, and abuse to compel them to continue prostituting. Thompson further filmed himself performing sexual acts with the women and posted those videos online for sale without the victims’ consent.

“Human tracking is a heinous violation of an individual’s rights and freedoms, and today’s sentence sends a clear message that the Department of Justice will work tirelessly on behalf of human trafficking victims in order to stop this appalling criminal activity,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Tom Wheeler of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We are grateful for our law enforcement partners and U.S. Attorney Bruce as we combat and dismantle human trafficking networks.”

“Our office was pleased to partner with the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecutions Unit, ICE Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta, and the Raleigh Police Department in this important case. This prosecution gave the victims of this horrific human trafficking crime a voice and an opportunity to seek justice,” said United States Attorney John Stuart Bruce.

“Human trafficking is quite simply, a form of modern-day slavery, and the threats and abuse inflicted on these particular victims only adds to the heinous nature of the crime,” said Special Agent in Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta Nick Annan. “HSI made a record number of more than 2,000 human trafficking arrests in 2016 and rescued more than 400 trafficking victims nationwide, with many of them often hidden in plain sight. HSI will continue our relentless pursuit to investigate and seek prosecution of criminal traffickers while ensuring the victims of this terrible crime are rescued and get the care they need.”

Thompson was indicted on March 16, 2016, and charged with one count of sex trafficking, five counts of interstate transportation for prostitution, one count of using an interstate facility to promote a prostitution business enterprise, and one count of failing to maintain records related to individuals depicted in videos of sexually explicit conduct. A second defendant, Dequann Ross, was charged by information and pleaded guilty on August 9, 2016 to one count of using an interstate facility to promote a prostitution business enterprise for his role in aiding and abetting Thompson. He was sentenced on February 2, 2017, to 30 months in prison.

The case was jointly investigated by ICE Homeland Security Investigation’s Atlanta Division and the Raleigh Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Blondel and Eleanor Morales of the Eastern District of North Carolina and Trial Attorney Vasantha Rao of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
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Gabonese-French Dual Citizen Sentenced to 24 Months Imprisonment for Bribing African Officials

May 31, 2017, 1:45 pm
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A dual citizen of Gabon and France was sentenced to 24 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to pay bribes to senior government officials across Africa, in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).

Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget Rohde of the Eastern District of New York, Assistant Director in Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. of the FBI’s New York Field Office and Acting Special Agent in Charge Ronald L. Whitsett of Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI)’s New York office made the announcement.

Samuel Mebiame, 43, who resided in Paris prior to his arrest, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis of the Eastern District of New York. Mebiame pleaded guilty on Dec. 9, 2016, to one count of conspiracy to violate the FCPA.

According to admissions made at his plea hearing, Mebiame formed a conspiracy to provide improper benefits to government officials in multiple countries in Africa. Mebiame admitted that the improper benefits he provided were intended to influence the performance of official governmental duties, and that he took steps to further the conspiracy while physically in New York. Based on court documents, Mebiame worked as a “fixer” on behalf of a joint venture company owned by New-York-based hedge fund Och-Ziff Capital Management Group LLC (Och-Ziff) and its business partner, a Turks and Caicos Islands-registered corporate entity controlled by a co-conspirator. In that role, Mebiame traveled extensively across Africa, Europe and the U.S. and routinely made bribe payments to senior government officials in Africa. Mebaime’s plea documents indicated that at least five senior officials in three countries, Niger, Chad and Guinea, received corrupt payments and various illicit benefits from Mebiame. The officials, each of whom could influence the award of mining, oil and mineral concessions in their countries, received either cash payments, luxury vehicles or extravagant travel including the private rental of an Airbus jet. The bribes paid by Mebiame to the officials were often masked through additional intermediaries or attorneys.

According to court documents, in Niger, Mebiame paid more than $3 million in bribes to a high-ranking government official both directly and through intermediary agents who were selected by the Nigerien official. Mebiame also made payments for luxury cars for that foreign official and directed a $100,000 donation to a charity run by a government official. In return, Mebiame obtained licenses for uranium concessions for the joint venture from the government of Niger. Similarly, in Chad, Mebiame bribed a high-ranking government official with cash payments and luxury foreign travel for the official and the official’s wife. In return, Mebiame obtained uranium concessions for the joint venture, including rights to an asset which had been stripped by the Chadian government, at Mebiame’s urging, from a French-owned company. In Guinea, during a time when the conspirators were seeking to establish a state-owned mining company there, Mebiame made corrupt payments to gain special access to senior Guinean government officials. Mebiame provided the officials with cash and other benefits, including an S-Class Mercedes Benz vehicle and the use of private planes, in exchange for special access and confidential information.

Mebiame’s plea documents indicate that Mebiame repeatedly traveled to the United States between 2007 and 2015, the period of the criminal acts, and used facilities in both New York and Florida to further the conspiracy. Among other activities undertaken by Mebiame cited in court papers, he met with co-conspirators in New York, received funds from co-conspirators to U.S. bank accounts he controlled, and had telephone calls and email correspondence about the scheme.

Following Mebiame’s arrest in Brooklyn last August, as part of the government’s broader investigation, Och-Ziff was charged in September 2016 with violations of the FCPA’s anti-bribery, books and records, and accounting controls provisions for conduct in Libya and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and conduct in Chad and Niger connected to Mebiame and his co-conspirators’ conduct. Och-Ziff entered into a deferred prosecution agreement in connection with those charges. An Och-Ziff subsidiary company, OZ Africa Management GP LLC pleaded guilty to a one-count criminal information related to the payment of extensive bribes in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The FBI’s New York Field Office and IRS-CI New York investigated the case. Trial Attorney James P. McDonald and Assistant Chief Leo R. Tsao of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys James P. Loonam, Jonathan P. Lax and David Pitluck of the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in this matter. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Boston Regional Office provided significant cooperation.
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Check Out the New Look on the FTCoE's Website

June 1, 2017, 9:56 am
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The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Forensic Technology Center of Excellence has launched a modernized and restructured website at https://forensiccoe.org/. Stop by and check out resources, upcoming events, information on FTCoE projects and more. The FTCoE has also launched a social media campaign on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.
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VALOR for Blue to Hold Free Two-Day Conference

June 1, 2017, 10:08 am
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VALOR for Blue will co-host the inaugural Destination Zero Conference on Aug. 3–4, 2017, at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes Hotel. The two-day, no-cost conference will offer law enforcement professionals from around the nation an opportunity to hear about successful and/or promising officer safety and wellness programs and meet the people who developed them. To register, go to https://dzcon2017.valorforblue.org/. For information, call Christine Morgan at (850) 385-0600, extension 235, or e-mail cmorgan@iir.com.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance Destination Zero (DZ) Program is a collaborative effort between the VALOR Officer Safety Program and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, and was designed to help law enforcement agencies improve the health and safety of their officers across the United States.
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Competition Open for International Association of Chiefs of Police Research Award

June 1, 2017, 10:17 am
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The IACP/Laura and John Arnold Foundation Leadership in Law Enforcement Research Award recognizes law enforcement agencies that demonstrate excellence in conducting and using research to improve police operations and public safety. The goal of this award program is to promote the establishment of effective partnerships among law enforcement agencies and researchers, and implement the findings into police practices and policies. The application for this award can be found at http://www.theiacp.org/researchawardand the deadline for submissions is June 15, 2017.

The award recipient will be invited to attend the IACP Annual Conference, to be held this year in Philadelphia on Oct. 21-24, 2017, where the agency will be honored during IACP's Annual Banquet. Travel expenses (airfare up to $500) to the annual conference, the cost of one registration, and three nights' stay at a designated hotel will be provided to the award recipient.
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Submit Nominations for the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor

June 1, 2017, 12:34 pm
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The nomination period for the Bureau of Justice Assistance's Medal of Valor opened May 31 and runs through July 31.
This award recognizes valiant acts performed in the line of duty by the nation's federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency service officers. Visit the Medal of Valor page at https://www.bja.gov/programs/medalofvalor/index.htmlto access the nomination form and find guidelines for submitting nominations. Nominations must be submitted by, or at the direction of, the agency head of the organization that employs the nominee(s). Email MedalOfValor@usdoj.gov or visit the FAQ page at https://www.bja.gov/programs/medalofvalor/mov_faqs.htmlif you have specific questions
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Chicago Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Murder U.S. Citizen in Bali, Indonesia

June 2, 2017, 1:14 pm
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A Chicago man was sentenced to serve nine years in prison, and four years supervise for conspiring with his cousin and his cousin’s girlfriend to kill a U.S. citizen at an Indonesian resort in 2014.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Joel R. Levin of the Northern District of Illinois and Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Anderson of the FBI’s Chicago Division made the announcement.

Robert Ryan Justin Bibbs, 26, of Chicago, was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer of the Northern District of Illinois.  On Dec. 13, 2016, Bibbs pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit the foreign murder of a U.S. national.

According to admissions made in connection with his plea agreement, in 2014, Bibbs’s cousin Tommy Schaefer informed Bibbs that Heather Mack, Schaefer’s girlfriend, had offered Schaefer approximately $50,000 to kill her mother, Sheila Von Wiese.  In approximately late July or early August 2014, Mack told Bibbs that she wished her mother was dead and she asked Bibbs whether he knew someone who would kill her mother in exchange for money.  Bibbs knew that Von Wiese was wealthy and that she and Mack were taking a vacation in Indonesia in early August 2014.  Schaefer had conveyed to Bibbs that Mack was planning to kill her mother while they were overseas and that Schaefer intended to travel to Indonesia to join Mack.

According to the plea agreement, while Schaefer waited for his flight to depart O’Hare International Airport, he exchanged text messages with Bibbs, which Bibbs understood to mean that Von Wiese’s murder was imminent, that Schaefer expected to receive millions of dollars as a result of the murder, and that Schaefer would spend some of this money on Bibbs.  According to the plea agreement, after Schaefer arrived in Bali, he informed Bibbs that Mack had unsuccessfully attempted to kill Von Wiese.  Bibbs then provided advice to Schaefer via text message on alternative ways to kill Von Wiese, including by drowning or suffocation.     In addition, Bibbs admitted that he counseled Schaefer that he should murder Von Wiese as long as no cameras were present, that he counseled Schaefer to be careful, and that he further encouraged his cousin to kill Von Wiese.

A short time later, Schaefer bludgeoned Von Wiese to death, then, with Mack, stuffed Von Wiese’s body into a suitcase, placed the suitcase into a taxi cab and fled the resort.  Schaefer and Mack were subsequently arrested and convicted in Indonesian court, and are serving respective 18-year and 10-year sentences in prison.

Deputy Chief Hope Olds and Trial Attorney Christine Duey of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bolling Haxall of the Northern District of Illinois prosecuted the case.  The FBI investigated the case.  The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in this matter as well.
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Prisoner-Transport Officer Arrested for Sexual Assault

June 2, 2017, 10:19 pm
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Eric Scott Kindley, 49, a prisoner-transport officer, was arrested yesterday in Stockton, California on charges related to sexually assaulting females in his custody, and threatening them with a firearm while doing so. During his initial appearance today, a federal judge in Sacramento, California ordered that Kindley be detained over the weekend, pending potential transport to Phoenix, Arizona, from where the complaint was issued.
 
According to the complaint and probable cause affidavit, Kindley operates Special Operations Group 6, a company that contracts with local jails throughout the country to transport individuals who have been arrested on out-of-state warrants. The probable cause affidavit alleges that from January through May of this year, Kindley engaged in sexual misconduct in his Dodge Caravan with three different female prisoners during three different transports. The transports were from California to Arizona, Alabama to Arizona, and Mississippi to New Mexico. In each instance, the victim was handcuffed and restrained, and taken to secluded locations where Kindley sexually assaulted her. All the while, Kindley threatened each victim with his firearm and warned them that he will get away with his conduct because no one will believe them.

The probable cause affidavit further alleges that during the transports, Kindley bragged to the victims about sexually assaulting other female prisoners during prior transports.

A complaint is only an allegation, and Kindley is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call the Phoenix Division of the FBI at (623) 466-1999, or can email the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice at Prisoner.Transfer@usdoj.gov.

This case is being investigated by the Phoenix Division of the Federal Bureau Investigation and is being prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold and Trial Attorney Maura White of the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and Assistant United States Attorney Abbie Broughton Marsh of District of Arizona.
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Three Members or Associates of Wildboys Gang in South Carolina Sentenced for Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering

June 2, 2017, 10:55 pm
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One member and two associates of the Wildboys gang were sentenced today in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, after each pleaded guilty to attempted murder in aid of racketeering for their roles in retaliation attacks against a rival gang.

The announcement was made by Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge C.J. Hyman of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Charlotte, North Carolina Field Division; Solicitor Duffie Stone of the 14th Judicial Circuit; Solicitor David Pascoe of the First Circuit; Sheriff R.A. Strickland of the Colleton County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Chief Wade Marvin of the Walterboro, South Carolina Police Department; Sheriff Al Cannon, Jr. of the Charleston County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Sheriff L. C. Knight of the Dorchester County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Chief Jon Rogers of the Summerville, South Carolina Police Department; Director Jerry B. Adger of the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; and Chief Mark Keel of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

U.S. District Court Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Brian Manigo, aka “B-Nasty,” of Green Pond, South Carolina, to 10 years in prison; Damien Robinson, aka “Sacked Up,” also of Green Pond, South Carolina, to 10 years in prison; and Kelvin Mitchell, aka “Kevy Boy,”of Ruffin, South Carolina, to 39 months in prison, after each pleaded guilty to attempted murder in aid of racketeering.

According to court documents, all three defendants were members or associates of the Wildboys gang, a violent street gang that originated in the Green Pond area of Walterboro, South Carolina. From 2009 to 2015, Wildboys gang members used Facebook and YouTube to communicate with each other; threaten rival gang members and the police; flaunt gang colors, tattoos, and hand signs; and post photographs and videos depicting firearms, large amounts of cash, and what purported to be controlled substances.  Gang members also engaged in violent criminal activities, including robberies of convenience stores, attempted murders of rival gang members, and narcotics trafficking. The Wildboys gang was also, for a time, aligned with another violent street gang called the “Cowboys” that originated out of the Brittlebank, or Eastside, area of Walterboro, South Carolina. In addition to sharing a common interest in posting threats and photographs depicting firearms, large amounts of cash, and what purported to be narcotics on Facebook and YouTube, the Wildboys and the Cowboys gangs shared common enemies. These shared interests resulted in shootings aimed at rival gang members, which left innocent by-standers seriously injured.

Manigo and Mitchell were sentenced for their roles in a May 14, 2011, retaliation shooting aimed at a rival gang member. While Mitchell drove the vehicle, Manigo retrieved an AK-47 rifle from the trunk of the car and fired multiple shots at the gang member who was standing in a crowd of individuals. An innocent by-stander sustained serious bodily injury as a result of the shooting.

Robinson was sentenced for his role in the April 7, 2015, retaliation drive-by shooting aimed at members of a rival gang. Robinson was the driver of the vehicle containing two other members of the Wildboys gang. As Robinson drove past the residence of the known rival gang members, the two passengers fired multiple shots at the home using an AR-15 and an SKS rifle. Robinson gave the AR-15, which belonged to him, to his fellow gang member to use during the shooting. The shooting resulted in serious bodily injury to an innocent victim inside the residence.

As part of the sentence, Manigo, Mitchell and Robinson were ordered to serve a term of three years of supervised release and to pay the costs of medical care for the victims.

A fourth member of the Wildboys, Joshua Manigault, who pleaded guilty to the April 7, 2015, shooting, has yet to be sentenced.

Devin Brown, who was also charged in the indictment, is scheduled for a jury trial to begin on June 26.  The charges against Brown contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case was investigated by the ATF in Charleston, South Carolina, in partnership with the Walterboro Police Department; Colleton County Sheriff’s Office; Charleston County Sheriff’s Office; Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office; Summerville Police Department; Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office; First Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office; South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Leshia Lee-Dixon of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Tameaka A. Legette, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney from the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Bluffton, South Carolina.
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25 Members and Associates of Bronx Drug-Distribution Organizations Charged with Narcotics, Robbery, and Firearms Offenses

June 2, 2017, 11:55 pm
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Joon Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Darcel Clark, the Bronx County District Attorney, Ashan Benedict, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), Angel M. Melendez, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) New York, and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), today announced the unsealing of two Indictments charging 25 defendants with a variety of narcotics, firearms, and robbery-related offenses.

Of the 25 defendants, 21 are associated with a drug-distribution organization operating primarily in the Hunts Point neighborhood in the Bronx and are charged in United States v. Hector Palermo, et al. (the “Palermo Indictment”), which has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods.  Of those defendants, 14 were taken into federal custody today and were presented before Magistrate Judges Barbara C. Moses today.  One defendant, FREDERICK BURGOS, was presented in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.  MIGUEL RAMIREZ, FELIX CORDERO SR., KHAALIQ HARRIS, ANGEL BERMUDEZ, ELVIN MALDONADO, AND STEVEN VEGA remain at large.

The remaining four defendants are charged in United States v. Lattine Clark, et al. (the “Clark Indictment”), which has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick.  Of those defendants, three were taken into federal custody today and were presented before Magistrate Judges Barbara C. Moses today.  One defendant, TREVON NEDD, is currently detained in federal custody on unrelated charges and will be brought into federal custody on a writ.

Manhattan Acting U.S. Attorney Joon Kim said:  “One by one, our office, along with our law enforcement partners, is identifying and prosecuting the violent gangs and drug dealing crews operating in the Bronx.  These alleged gangs and drug crews – including the ones charged today – bring narcotics, guns, and violence to our neighborhoods.  The residents of the communities they harm deserve better.”

ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict said:  “Today's arrests are the culmination of a nearly two-year long investigation by ATF's Joint Firearms Task Force, NYPD, and HSI into alleged narcotics trafficking, armed robberies, and the illicit possession of firearms by criminal elements operating in the Hunts Point area of the Bronx.  Through the cooperative efforts of law enforcement, these individuals are off the streets and will face justice in federal court for their alleged crimes.  Today it is a better day to be a resident of Hunts Point, and all of us will continue our efforts to ensure it stays that way.  I would like to extend my gratitude to the ATF and HSI Special Agents, NYPD Detectives, and Assistant United States Attorneys for their hard work and dedication throughout this investigation.”

HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Angel M. Melendez, said:  “It’s a good day when more than two dozen alleged gun-wielding drug pushers are taken off the street.  These individuals are alleged to deal crack cocaine and heroin in their own backyards and commit robberies at gunpoint.  Today’s arrests are another great example of law enforcement working together in the interest of justice and making our communities safer.”

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said:  “We will continue to pursue those who commit violence in our streets.  This morning’s arrest of 25 defendants in the Bronx is just the latest example.  I’m thankful to the help and cooperation from our many law enforcement partners in this takedown and many others.”
                                  
The Indictments arise from a joint investigation by the NYPD, ATF, and HSI into several drug trafficking organizations operating in the Hunts Point area of the Bronx, New York.  As alleged in the Palermo Indictment, the 21 defendants charged in that case are responsible for the distribution of large amounts of crack cocaine and heroin, and used, carried, and possessed firearms in connection with that drug trafficking.

As alleged in the Clark Indictment, LATTINE CLARK, MICHAEL PATTERSON, and TREVON NEDD participated in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in the Hunts Point area, and RUBEN VIZCARRANDO participated in another conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in Hunts Point.  As further alleged, CLARK was a participant in a shootout, during which he fired a gun, in the vicinity of Coster Street and Spofford Avenue, on October 16, 2016.  PATTERSON, NEDD, and VIZCARRANDO are all alleged to have participated in a Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy, and a gunpoint Hobbs Act robbery of suspected narcotics traffickers in the Marble Hill area on June 22, 2016, during which robbery PATTERSON and another unnamed co-conspirator fired their weapons. 
         
Count One of the Palermo Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court, charges HECTOR PALERMO, MIGUEL GUZMAN, MIGUEL RAMIREZ, FELIX CORDERO SR.,  MATTHEW PRESTOL, CHRIS ALICEA, KHAALIQ HARRIS, ADRIAN QUINONES, FREDERICK BURGOS, RAFAEL GONZALEZ, ANGEL BERMUDEZ, JUAN CARLOS RODRIGUEZ, JESUS ANDINO, ELVIN MALDONADO, JOSE AYALA, ESTEBAN MARTINEZ, CHRISTIAN RIVERA, STEVEN VEGA, DENISE ORTIZ, CARMEN ROMAN, and ASHLEY RODRIGUEZ with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine and heroin.

Count Two charges GUZMAN, RAMIREZ, CORDERO SR., PRESTOL, ALICEA, BURGOS, GONZALEZ, RODRIGUEZ, and VEGA, with using, possessing, and carrying firearms in furtherance of the drug conspiracy charged in Count One.

Count Three charges RAMIREZ with possessing ammunition, which had previously been shipped in interstate commerce, after a prior felony conviction.

Count One of the Clark Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court, charges LATTINE CLARK, TREVON NEDD, and MICHAEL PATTERSON with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine.

Count Two charges CLARK with using, possessing, and carrying firearms in furtherance of the drug conspiracy charged in Count One.

Count Three charges RUBEN VIZCARRONDO with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine.

Count Four charges NEDD, PATTERSON, and VIZCARRONDO with participating in a conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery between 2015 and May 2017.  Count Four charges that this conspiracy involved armed robberies of suspected narcotics traffickers and others involved in commercial activities that affected interstate commerce.

Count Five charges NEDD, PATTERSON, and VIZCARRONDO with committing a robbery of suspected narcotics traffickers on June 22, 2016, in the vicinity of Marble Hill, New York.

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Charts containing the names, ages, residences, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants are set forth below.  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. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD, ATF, and HSI, and expressed gratitude for the coordinated efforts of the NYPD’s Violent Crime Squad and 41st Precinct.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit.  Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah Krissoff and Jason A. Richman are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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