Category: United States Attorneys General

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Trio Pleads Guilty To Heroin Distribution Conspiracy

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Eric Massey (41) and Meldon Foster (44), both of Jacksonville, have pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Their co-defendant, Jaris Anacreon (33, Miami) pleaded guilty to the same offense on December 21, 2017. All three men face a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison.

According to their plea agreements, after selling an ounce of heroin to a confidential informant (CI), Massey introduced the CI to Foster, his source of supply, and told the CI that Foster had large amounts of heroin for sale. Foster and Massey later provided the CI with another ounce of what was sold as heroin, but which laboratory testing showed was carfentanil (an analog of the synthetic opioid fentanyl). In the period that followed, Foster sold the CI more heroin and discussed the possibility of larger deals. Foster eventually introduced the CI to Anacreon and bragged that he and Anacreon had access to significant quantities of both cocaine and heroin. The CI brokered the purchase of five ounces of heroin from Anacreon and Foster. While Anacreon was on the way to the deal with the drugs, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop, arrested Anacreon, and seized approximately five ounces of the heroin.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Fernandina Beach Police Department, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Texas Man Charged with Threatening Mass Shooting at Steelers-Jaguars Playoff Game

PITTSBURGH – Yuttana Choochongkol, aka Jason Manotham, 40, of San Antonio, Texas, has been arrested and charged in a criminal complaint with one count of transmitting interstate threatening communications, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

According to the January 12, 2018, criminal complaint, defendant Yuttana Choochongkol sent three separate communications threatening a mass shooting aimed at Pittsburgh Steelers players and fans at Heinz Field during the January 14, 2018, Steelers AFC Divisional Round game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Choochongkol is alleged to have communicated a threat of a mass shooting and suicide to KDKA-TV through their ‘Contact Us” internet portal on January 10, 2018, at 8:47 p.m. EST. He transmitted subsequent violent threats related to the Steelers playoff game through the Heinzfield.com “Contact Us” internet portal on January 10, 2018, at 8:26 p.m. EST and again on January 11, 2018, at 9:04 a.m. EST. Special Agents with the FBI-Pittsburgh’s Joint Terrorism Task Force were able to trace the originating address of the communications to a facility in San Antonio, Texas. FBI agents in San Antonio responded to that location and identified the individual who communicated the threats as Yuttana Choochongkol, aka Jason Manotham.

Choochongkol was arrested on January 12, 2018, in San Antonio, Texas. Today, a federal magistrate judge in the Western District of Texas granted the government’s request that Choochongkol be detained without bond pending trial in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

“Just days prior to 68,000 fans gathering at Heinz Field, the FBI worked rapidly to identify and arrest this defendant, who threatened mass violence against players and fans,” said U.S. Attorney Scott Brady. “We commend the FBI and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for their exceptional work in the arrest of Choochongkol, which averted a potential disaster. The safety and protection of the citizens of Western Pennsylvania remains our highest priority.”

The law provides for a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Paul Hull is prosecuting this case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, aided by the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, conducted the investigation that led to the complaint against Choochongkol. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas is also assisting in the prosecution of this case.

A criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant may not be prosecuted unless, within 30 days, a grand jury has found probable cause to believe that he is guilty of an offense.

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Buffalo Woman Indicted On Heroin Charge In Case Involving Overdose Death

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Brittney Ridgeway, 29, of Buffalo, NY, with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul C. Parisi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, on November 24, 2017, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Cheektowaga Police officers responded to a report of a possible overdose death. After the officers arrived, they discovered a deceased 28 year-old female in the residence. Investigators who examined the scene discovered a NARCAN kit which had been opened but unused, items of drug paraphernalia, and a red and white checkered wax envelope, the type commonly used to package heroin.

Also discovered, a cellular phone belonging to the deceased woman. Investigators accessed the contents and recovered a series of text messages between the woman and another individual that appeared to be drug related in nature. Subsequent investigation determined that the other individual was Brittney Ridgeway.

The defendant was previously convicted on a federal charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl and sentenced to 15 months in prison. Ridgeway was released on June 28, 2017, and began 36 months supervised release.

On November 29, 2017, United States Probation officers met with the defendant.  Ridgeway refused to provide her cell phone for examination. Officers then conducted a search of Ridgeway’s Waverly Street residence and recovered a box containing numerous red and white checkered wax envelopes, similar in physical size and color to the envelope found near the deceased woman. Ridgeway was uncooperative with Probation Officers conducting the investigation.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division; the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Zack; and the U.S. Probation Department, under the direction of Chief Probation Officer Anthony SanGiacomo.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Citizen Of Ghana Indicted On Charges Of Assaulting Federal Officers

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Nana Dwomah Yeboah, 34, a citizen of the Republic of Ghana, with assaulting and resisting federal law enforcement officers and possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, on the morning of December 24, 2017, Customs and Border Protection Officers were conducting a routine patrol of the Greyhound bus station on Cumberland Street in Rochester. Officers observed the defendant enter the bus station, place a package on a bench in the lobby area, and exit the station, leaving the package unattended. After several minutes, the officers searched the abandoned package to ensure that it did not pose a threat to the public. Inside, the officers discovered a quantity of marijuana that appeared to be packaged for sale. After several minutes, Yeboah returned to the area and was questioned by the officers, who quickly determined that he was not a U.S. Citizen. As officers attempted to detain and further identify the defendant, he fled the station, leading the officers on a short chase. Yeboah was ultimately apprehended, but proceeded to fight the officers for several minutes, causing one of the officers to suffer facial injuries that required treatment at Rochester General Hospital.

The defendant was arraigned this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan Feldman and is being detained. 

The indictment is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Rose Brophy, Director of Field Operations, with assistance from the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Ciminelli. 

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Schuele Boys Gang Member Pleads Guilty To Cocaine Conspiracy

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Schuele Boys Gang member Antwon Steward, a/k/a Stacks, 34, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wei Xiang and Scott Allen, who are handling the case, stated that Steward admitted to participating in a cocaine distribution operation with co-defendant Michael Robertson, a/k/a Bones. Among the defendant’s roles was cooking powder cocaine into “crack” for Robertson. Steward and Robertson also shared supplies of cocaine, locations for storing and selling cocaine, and customers. The investigation utilized court-ordered interceptions of wire and electronic communications between Robertson, the defendant, and customers. Robertson was previously convicted and sentenced to 97 months in prison. 

Steward was one of 28 Schuele Boys Gang members, associates and other individuals arrested and convicted in this case. The Schuele Boys Gang, which operated in the Schuele Street area of the East Side of Buffalo, was responsible for multiple acts of violence, including murder, and the distribution of illegal narcotics including cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 8, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Arcara.

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Canandaigua Man Arrested On Child Pornography Charges

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051

Rochester, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Eric P. Laube, 45, of Canandaigua, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt, distribution, and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a minimum sentenced of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in August, 2017, an undercover FBI Task Force Officer connected to a certain Peer-To-Peer network, and discovered that a device belonging to the defendant was being used to distribute video and picture files containing child pornography. The images and video depicted naked, prepubescent females.

In December, 2017, a federal search warrant was executed at Laube’s State Route 64 residence. Officers seized several digital devices, including two portable hard drives, a thumb drive, a laptop, and a desktop computer. A subsequent review determined that the devices contained approximately 1,130 images of child pornography and approximately 10 videos of child pornography.

The defendant made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan W. Feldman and was released on electronic monitoring.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen; the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Ciminelli; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the Direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter; and the Ontario County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Philip Povero. 

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Registered Sex Offender Arrested, Charged With Enticement Of A Minor

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051

Buffalo, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Carlos Francisco Lopez, 28, of Los Angeles, CA, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and attempting to transport a minor across state lines to engage in sexual activity. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on January 16, 2018, the City of Tonawanda Police Department received a request to conduct a welfare check on a 15 year old girl (victim) who was reported to have run away from home and gotten on a bus. Police officers located the bus in Tonawanda, stopped it, and located the victim who was a passenger. The victim told officers she was running away from home and intended to travel to California to visit family, claiming that her uncle purchased the bus ticket for her.

Subsequent interviews revealed that the victim met an unknown individual, with the username “playfulchaos,” on the internet application Kik in a group for runaway youth. In addition to discussing the victim running away, the two also discussed having sex. According to the victim, the two continued to communicate on the internet application Text Free, making plans for the victim to travel to California.  

On January 18, 2018, an undercover law enforcement (UC) officer posed as the victim to continue to communicate with Lopez. The UC wrote, “hey u there… this bus ride sucks.” The UC stated she was due into California around 10:00 pm on January 19, 2018 and asked what to do upon arrival. The defendant replied, “call me or text me. Wait at the station, and ill send an uber.” Lopez was arrested after the UC sent a message that the bus had arrived and the defendant ordered an Uber.

In 2011, Lopez was convicted of a sexual offense against a child under the age of 14 in the State of California. He is a registered sex offender. The defendant was released from prison in 2016 and is an active parolee. 

Lopez was arrested in Los Angeles, California and made an initial appearance in Federal Court in the Central District of California. The defendant will be returned to the Western District of New York at a later date.   

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen, the City of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief William Strassburg, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Zack.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Jackson County Man Charged With Federal Firearm Violation

 

On December 5, 2017, Anthony I. Hunter, a/k/a “Shug,” 29, of Murphysboro, was charged by one-count indictment with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois Donald S. Boyce announced today. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred on October 4, 2017, in Jackson County. Hunter made his initial appearance in federal court on January 24, 2018. He is currently being held without bond pending a January 26, 2018, bond hearing.

An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.

The firearm offense carries a maximum penalty of up to ten years of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The Jackson County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Williamson County Man Charged With Federal Firearm Violation

 

On October 3, 2017, Reginald L. Cavitt, a/k/a “Reggie,” 36, of Marion, was charged by one-count indictment with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois Donald S. Boyce announced today. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred on June 28, 2017, in Williamson County. Cavitt made his initial appearance in federal court on January 23, 2018. He is currently being held without bond pending a January 30, 2018, bond hearing.

An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.

The firearm offense carries a maximum penalty of up to ten years of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Marion Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The Williamson County State’s Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Williamson County Resident Charged With Methamphetamine Offenses

 

On January 17, 2018, a Williamson County man was indicted for methamphetamine offenses, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois Donald S. Boyce announced today.

Benjamin A. Burns, 44, of Pittsburg, was charged in a two-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between April 2017, and January 2018, in Williamson and Jackson Counties. Burns made his initial appearance in federal court on January 19, 2018. At his January 24, 2018, detention hearing, Burns was ordered held without bond pending a March 12, 2018, jury trial.

The conspiracy offense carries a maximum penalty of 5-40 years of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and a $5,000,000 fine. The distribution offense carries a penalty of up to 20 years of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine.

An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsburg Police Department, and Williamson County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.