Category: US Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

NEW ORLEANS – Brandon Johnson, aka Brandon Smith, 32, of Jefferson Parish, pled guilty on Jan. 18 before U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier to counts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 of the indictment pending against him.

Count 1 charged Johnson with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 924(c). Count 2 charged him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18 USC § 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). Count 3 charged him with possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and cocaine, in violation of Title 21 USC § 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). Count 5 charged him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18 USC § 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). Count 6 charged him with the illegal possession of a machinegun, in violation of Title 18 USC § 922(o). Count 7 charged him with possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, fentanyl and marijuana, in violation of Title 21 USC § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and (D). The sentencing will be held April 25.

Based on his guilty plea, Johnson will face the following sentences as to each count:

As to count 1, Johnson will face a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than five years up to a maximum of life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Any jail sentence imposed in connection with count 1 must be consecutive to any other count. He will also face up to five years of supervised release.

As to count 2, Johnson will face up to 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release.

As to count 3, Johnson faces up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1 million fine and a term of supervised release of not less than three years up to life.

As to count 5, Johnson faces up to 10 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release.

As to count 6, Johnson will face up to 10 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release.

As to count 7, Johnson faces up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1 million fine and a term of supervised release of not less than three years up to life.

Additionally, as to each charged count, Johnson faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

On Feb. 21, 2021, Jefferson Parish Deputies stopped Johnson in his vehicle for a traffic violation and saw marijuana in his car. Deputies then searched Johnson and found additional drugs. They then searched his car, found MDMA pills and a gun and arrested him. A subsequent jail search of Johnson uncovered approximately 90 pieces of crack cocaine (approximately 12 grams) in his possession. 

While Johnson was out on bond after his arrest, Jefferson Parish narcotics detectives saw Johnson conducting hand to hand drug transactions and arrested him. A post-arrest search of Johnson, plus two vehicles in his possession and his two cell phones, revealed methamphetamine, fentanyl, marijuana, a gun with a Glock switch as well as photos of Glock switches, drugs, money and guns.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu Jr. of the Narcotics Unit.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.

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Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. – Eighty-two people have been indicted by a federal grand jury for a drug trafficking operation that distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine in the Eastern Panhandle.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced today that an indictment was unsealed, charging individuals from Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia with drug trafficking. According to court documents, Gary Bernard Brown Jr., aka “Gee,” 38, of Baltimore, supplied others with large quantities of fentanyl capsules and powder for redistribution in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties. The investigation yielded 10 kilograms of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, firearms and hundreds of thousands of dollars in assets.

“In a coordinated effort across three states, the FBI and our partners worked seamlessly to degrade the capabilities of a criminal enterprise that endangered the lives of our children and neighbors by pedaling illegal narcotics into our communities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Mike Shanahan of the FBI-Pittsburgh Division. “Today, their illicit activities came to an end.”

After a large-scale arrest operation in the region, 11 of the 82 defendants are still at large. Investigators are searching for:

• Charles Delroy Singletary, 43, of Baltimore
• Jeffrey Lee Pullen, 52, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
• Benjamin Paul Knotts, 48, of Charles Town, West Virginia
• Haile Madalynn Speaks, 21, of Charles Town, West Virginia
• James Sanford, 39, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• John Ernest LeCluse, 39, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
• Shelby Elizabeth Thompson, 29, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
• April Dawn Wentzell, 36, of Ranson, West Virginia
• Daniel Lee Corbin Jr., 35, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Kendall Axavier Baker, 31, of Winchester, Virginia
• David Lewis Pennington Jr., 20, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

If you have any information, call 1-877-926-8332 or go to www.usmarshals.gov.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

This case was a collaborative investigative effort that includes the FBI (Pittsburgh Field Division, Baltimore Field Division and Richmond Field Division); the Drug Enforcement Administration; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; Ranson Police Department; Martinsburg Police Department; Charles Town Police Department; the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; Stafford County Sheriff’s Office (Virginia); Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (Maryland); Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (Virginia); Winchester Police Department; and the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office (Virginia).

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

View the list of defendants.

View the indictment:
U.S. v. Brown et al. indictment

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Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

SHREVEPORT, La. — Joseph Chad Castillo, 36, of Converse, was sentenced today announced U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter sentenced Castillo to 30 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of firearms.

Information introduced in court revealed that on Dec. 26, 2022, a deputy with the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office attempted to serve an arrest warrant at a residence in Converse. While the deputy was at the residence, a vehicle drove down the driveway and stopped and the rear seat passenger, later determined to be Castillo, fled into the woods. After a brief pursuit, law enforcement officers stopped and searched the vehicle and found a Remington Model 1100 shotgun and a Remington Model 7600 rifle, as well as Castillo’s cell phone in the backseat. The rifle had an obliterated serial number and Castillo had previously stolen it from a private residence.

Castillo has two prior felony convictions, one for attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in 2018 in Sabine Parish and another for possession of Schedule II CDS in Desoto Parish in 2017. He knew of his felony convictions and that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Castillo pleaded guilty to the charge on Aug. 16, 2023.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Justice Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.

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Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to two years in prison for possessing ammunition as a convicted felon and possessing a machine gun.

According to court documents, on Feb. 1, 2023, detectives with the Richmond Police Department saw Dai’Quan Jarrvel Lane, 23, displaying a firearm in a live social media video feed. The detectives knew Lane was a convicted felon and, based on past encounters, believed him to be in the Whitcomb Court area. Officers arrived at Whitcomb Court within minutes of the live video ending and encountered Lane outside. When officers tried to stop Lane, he led them on a foot chase. During the chase, he tossed a firearm. That firearm turned out to be a privately made firearm with a machine-gun conversion device affixed to the back. It was loaded and outfitted with a 30-round extended magazine.

Lane admitted that not only did he possess the firearm, but that he had been on his way to sell it for $750 when officers located him.

Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Schulz and Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Norman prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for case number 3:23-cr-62.

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Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

FORT MYERS, Fla. — U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Nicholas Munson Troemner, 41, of Marco Island, today pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Troemner faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, on Feb. 16, 2023, in North Fort Myers, Troemner was in possession of a loaded Taurus pistol. At the time, Troemner had multiple prior felony firearm and drug-related convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. Troemner agreed to forfeit the pistol and ammunition as part of a plea agreement.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Morgan.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.

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Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

BILLINGS, Mont. — A Hardin felon who illegally possessed firearms and used them to kill eagles and sell their parts for profit was sentenced today to three years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Harvey Alvin Hugs, 60, pleaded guilty in September 2023 to felon in possession of firearms.

Hugs’ sentence is to run concurrently to a three-year prison sentence he received in U.S. District Court in South Dakota for conviction of violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act because his crimes there were deemed as relevant conduct to his firearms offense.  

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.

The government alleged in court documents that Hugs was prohibited from possessing firearms because he was convicted in 2002 of felony involuntary manslaughter in U.S. District Court in Montana and was sentenced in 2014 for two separate state felony convictions in Big Horn County. Hugs illegally possessed firearms and used them to kill eagles and sell their parts for profit. Hugs engaged in this conduct for more than a year and sold multiple eagle parts to the same informant. When law enforcement executed a search warrant of Hugs’ property in March 2021, officers recovered ammunition in his home; a loaded rifle, spent shells, ammunition and eagle parts in his white Chevrolet Silverado; and another rifle, two boxes of ammunition, spent shells and eagle feathers in his red Chevrolet Silverado. The investigation recovered body parts from 21 different eagles.

Hugs was charged and convicted in a jury trial in U.S. District Court in South Dakota on three counts of violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act for the sale and shipment of eagle parts to the informant. Hugs was sentenced to one year in prison on each count, to run consecutively, and ordered to pay $70,000 restitution. Hugs has appealed the restitution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.

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Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

FORT MYERS, Fla. — U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jonnetric Devonte Ivey, 30, of Fort Myers, today pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Ivey faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, on March 22, 2023, Ivey was stopped by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for a traffic stop. Ivey made a throwing motion prior to complying with the deputy’s demands. In the same area of the throwing motion, deputies located a loaded Taurus pistol. DNA evidence later linked Ivey to the loaded pistol. At the time, Ivey was a convicted felon and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. Ivey agreed to forfeit the loaded pistol as a part of the plea agreement.

This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Morgan.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.

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Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

LOS ANGELES – Seven members of a San Fernando Valley drug trafficking crew were indicted on a 15-count federal grand jury indictment alleging they ran an operation that sold cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl. Law enforcement arrested four of the seven defendants earlier this morning.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) led the three-year joint investigation that included numerous controlled buys and interdictions of narcotics.

Giselle Buraye, 23, aka “Giselle Haidy Dykhouse,” aka “Bandida,” aka “bandida.loka,” of Van Nuys; Efren Meraz Jr., 35, aka “Jr.,” aka “Junior,” of Sylmar; Max Roman-Betancourt, 41, of Sunland; and Esteban Armas, 36, of Panorama City, were arrested. Those arrested are scheduled for arraignment this afternoon in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. Oscar Alejandro Melendez, 50, aka “Ozzy,” aka “Oz,” of Van Nuys, and Robert Carlton Lavilette, 68, of Ventura, are expected to be arraigned in the coming days.

Sarkis Kyurkchian, 40, aka “Z,” aka “Sam,” of North Hollywood, is a fugitive and is being sought by law enforcement. 

As part of this case, law enforcement seized 19 kilograms (42 pounds) of methamphetamine, 58 kilograms (128 pounds) of cocaine, 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds) of fentanyl powder and two firearms. Law enforcement estimates that the value of the drugs seized exceeds $1 million. Throughout this case, more than $150,000 in U.S. currency was seized.

During search warrants executed today at five locations in the San Fernando Valley, law enforcement seized more than 14 firearms, 2 pounds of methamphetamine, $153,000 in U.S. currency and various narcotics.

“Reducing violent crime in our community and throughout our country is the priority of ATF,” said ATF Los Angeles Field Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Bombardiere. “This case illustrates the importance of genuine relationships between law enforcement agencies to keep our communities safe. Stopping the illegal and highly dangerous flow of narcotics by this ring will make the Valley safer tonight.”

“The culmination of this investigation is an example of the strong partnerships built between federal and local law enforcement agencies focused on combatting drug and gun trafficking,” said DEA Ventura Resident Office, Resident Agent in Charge Ryan Olson. “Members of this criminal organization were involved in the distribution of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs that are poisoning our communities. DEA is committed to making our communities safer by removing violent offenders and dangerous drugs from the streets. We will continue to push forward and utilize all necessary resources to dismantle the largest criminal organizations negatively impacting our communities.”

“Powerfully addictive drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine devastate families and communities,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada. “With these charges we have dismantled a drug trafficking organization that put profits over people’s lives. We will continue to do everything in our power to make sure every resident has an opportunity to live in safety.”

According to the federal grand jury indictment, Buraye, Melendez and Meraz spearheaded the operation by obtaining the fentanyl pills, methamphetamine and cocaine. The trio, along with Kyurkchian, would provide the drugs to Lavilette and Bentancourt, who would then sell the drugs in the streets. Armas would store the narcotics. Buraye and Melendez would also sell the drugs to customers.

All defendants were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances.

Buraye is also charged with possession and intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession and intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. In March 2022, she sold more than 700 fentanyl pills in controlled purchases. 

On April 14, 2021, Buraye and Mendez allegedly sold approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills and were charged with aiding and abetting, and distribution of fentanyl. 

On April 28, 2021, a controlled sale occurred with Buraye selling approximately 100 fentanyl pills and brokering a sale by Kyurkchian (a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing a firearm) of a .45 caliber pistol and 893 grams (approximately 1.9 pounds) of methamphetamine, the indictment alleges. This resulted in Kyurkchian being charged with being a felon in possession and aiding and abetting with distribution of methamphetamine. 

According to the indictment, on May 12, 2021, Buraye, Melendez and Kyurkchian sold 1,323 grams (approximately 2.9 pounds) of methamphetamine, 110 fentanyl pills and a privately made firearm or “ghost gun.” They are charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Melendez and Meraz on Feb. 17, 2022, allegedly provided Lavilette with approximately 1 kilogram (approximately 2.2 pounds) of cocaine. Lavilette was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

On March 10, 2022, Melendez attempted to deliver 6,377 grams (approximately 15 pounds) of methamphetamine to Betancourt but he was interdicted by law enforcement while enroute. Following his arrest, Melendez using coded language in a telephone conversation from jail to tell Buraye he had been arrested and instructed her to get rid of drugs at their shared residence.

A search warrant was executed on May 19, 2022, at Armas’s residence and law enforcement seized 2,504 grams (approximately 5.5 pounds) of fentanyl powder, 57 kilograms (approximately 125 pounds) of cocaine, 10.92 kilograms (approximately 24 pounds) of methamphetamine and $152,602 in drug proceeds.

The Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (L.A. IMPACT), IRS Criminal Investigation and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office assisted in this investigation.

This case is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, ATF, DEA and IRS. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, firearms trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. OCDETF uses an intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

Assistant U.S. Attorney MiRi Song is prosecuting this case.

FUGITIVE

Sarkis Kyurkchian, 40, aka “Z,” aka “Sam,” of North Hollywood

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Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

NEW YORK — Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging Luis Rosario with being a felon in possession of ammunition relating to a Dec. 3, 2023, shooting in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn. Rosario was arrested this morning and will be arraigned this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo. 

Breon Peace, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Tommy Kalogiros, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) New York Field Division; and Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced the arrest and indictment.

“As alleged, Rosario is a convicted felon who shot and injured a man in broad daylight on a Brooklyn sidewalk without regard for the victim or passersby who were in the line of fire,” said U.S. Attorney Peace. “Today’s arrest and indictment demonstrates the important work that this office and our law enforcement partners are doing to reduce gun violence in our communities.”

“With today’s indictment, the NYPD continues its tireless efforts to rid our communities of gun violence,” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “I thank all of our law enforcement partners for their dedication to this critical aspect of our public safety mission.”

“The callous disregard for life will not be tolerated under any circumstance. This indictment demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement and prosecutors working together at all levels. ATF NY is laser-focused on targeting the most significant drivers of violent crime in our communities. I commend the work of ATF NY’s Joint Firearms Task Force, NYPD’s Brooklyn South Violent Crime Squad, NYPD’s 76th Precinct, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Secret Service and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. We are dedicated to protecting the public and holding trigger pullers accountable for their actions,” stated ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kalogiros. 

As alleged in the indictment and other court filings, on Dec. 3, 2023, Rosario fired multiple shots from close range at three men standing on the sidewalk outside of a supermarket and restaurant located across the street from a housing development in Red Hook. Surveillance video footage shows Rosario pulling a gun from his jacket and opening fire while passersby were walking along the sidewalk. Rosario shot one man in the leg, causing him to collapse. As the wounded victim lay on the sidewalk, Rosario got into a car and drove it directly toward the victim, running over his foot.

Rosario has a prior felony conviction. On June 20, 2016, he was convicted in Bronx County Supreme Court of knowingly making or possessing dangerous contraband in prison in the first degree.

The charge in the indictment is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Rosario faces up to 15 years in prison.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. As part of the program, U.S. Attorney’s Offices work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and their local communities to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York is currently partnering with the SCPD, the NYPD, the FBI, ATF, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (DHS/HSI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in its PSN mission.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew M. Roddin and James R. Simmons are in charge of the prosecution.

Defendant:
Luis Rosario
Age: 30
Cliffside Park, New Jersey

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-20 (RER)

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Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

NEWARK, N.J. — Two Essex County men are charged with seven gunpoint robberies of gas stations located in different parts of New Jersey in September 2023, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Ahmad Singletary, 24, and Joseph Young, 26, both of Newark, are charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; one count of conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; seven counts of Hobbs Act robbery, and two counts count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Singletary is also charged with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Singletary and Young each made their initial appearance on Jan. 16, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court and were detained.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On three occasions on Sept. 5, 2023, and four occasions on Sept. 12, 2023, Singletary and Young robbed gas stations in Middlesex, Union and Essex counties. The defendants targeted gas stations on or near highways, used a firearm, committed the robberies in the early morning and performed the robberies in approximately four minutes or less. During the course of four of the robberies, Singletary threatened, assaulted and struck victims in the head with a firearm, causing physical injuries.

The Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence count carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison. The using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment imposed. Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offenses, whichever is greatest. Singletary is subject to a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison for the charge of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; the Union County Prosecutors Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William A. Daniel; the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Director Fritz G. Fragé; the Township of Union Police Department, under the direction of Director Chris Donnelly; the Woodbridge Police Department, under the direction of Director Robert Hubner; and the West Orange Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Abbott, with the investigation leading to the charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Douek of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.

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

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