FROM: JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Property Owner and Maintenance Supervisor Plead Guilty in Albany to Crimes Relating to Illegal Handling and Disposal of Asbestos
John Mills and Terrance Allen, both of Malone, N.Y., pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Albany, N.Y., to conspiracy to violate the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and substantive CERCLA counts in relation to the illegal removal, handling, and disposal of asbestos from properties owned and operated by John Mills, announced Robert G. Dreher, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice.
Mills and Allen were charged in an 11-count indictment alleging a conspiracy to impede the functions of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and to violate the Clean Air Act and CERCLA, along with substantive violations of the Clean Air Act and CERCLA. The indictment further charged Mills and Allen with making false statements to law enforcement officers and Mills with retaliating against a witness. CERCLA requires that owners and operators of regulated facilities notify the National Response Center immediately after becoming aware of the release of more than one pound of asbestos into the environment.
Mills and Allen pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate CERCLA. Mills also pleaded guilty to two counts of knowingly violating CERCLA for failing to immediately report the release of more than a pound of asbestos from properties owned by Mills. In addition to the conspiracy, Allen pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly violating CERCLA.
In open court Tuesday, Mills and Allen admitted that they knowingly failed to report to the National Response Center the release of asbestos, in the form of thermal system insulation, or “pipe wrap,” that had been removed from the basement of buildings owned and operated by John Mills, as soon as they knew of the release. According to the indictment, the defendants illegally removed and disposed of more than 260 linear feet of pipe wrap containing asbestos. The defendants directed an employee to remove the asbestos containing pipe wrap without warning him or giving him adequate personal protective equipment. They transported and caused others to transport that pipe wrap, which was in open bags, in the open bed of a pickup truck.
They further admitted that they conspired together to violate CERCLA. The asbestos pipe wrap was deposited by the defendants in a UHaul-style box truck owned by Mills and a shed maintained by the Malone Department of Public Works in an effort to conceal the material from authorities.
Conspiracy to violate CERCLA carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced by in Albany on May 12, 2014.
The investigation was conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division and the New York State Department of Labor Asbestos Control Bureau with assistance from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Malone Police Department, and the Malone Department of Public Works. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Gary N. Donner and Lana N. Pettus, paralegal Puja Moozhikkattu, and litigation support specialist Elga Ozols of the Environmental Crimes Section of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
CORRECTIONS OFFICERS CONVICTED OF TAX FRAUD & IDENTITY THEFT
FROM: JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Monday, January 27, 2014
Alabama Jury Convicts Current and Former Corrections Officers of Identity Theft and Tax Fraud
Following a week-long trial, a jury in the Middle District of Alabama convicted Bryant Thompson and Quincy Walton of conspiracy to defraud the United States on Jan. 24, 2014, announced Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Keneally of the Justice Department's Tax Division and U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. for the Middle District of Alabama. Thompson, an Alabama corrections officer, was also convicted of seven counts of wire fraud and seven counts of aggravated identity theft, and Walton, a former Alabama corrections officer, was also convicted of one count of aggravated identity theft.
According to evidence introduced at trial, Thompson was assigned to the shift clerk position at an Alabama state prison, which gave him access to the personal identifying information of every inmate in the custody of the Alabama Department of Corrections, past and present. Thompson and Walton, his former co-worker, used information stolen from the databases to file false federal income tax returns in the names and Social Security numbers of inmates. All of the inmates testified that they did not consent to the filing of the tax returns in their names, and many testified that they did not know tax returns were filed in their names until being called as witnesses in this trial.
According to the evidence introduced at trial, the investigation revealed that several internet protocol (IP) addresses were used to file the fraudulent tax returns, including one IP address directly assigned to Thompson’s residence at the time certain tax returns were filed. Circumstantial evidence tied both Thompson and Walton to the other IP addresses.
Also according to evidence introduced at trial, Thompson and Walton directed stolen tax refunds onto prepaid debit cards and requested other refunds in the form of U.S. Treasury Checks. Evidence showed that the cards and checks were mailed to several addresses associated with Thompson and Walton in Montgomery and Prattville, Ala., and that several of the checks were cashed at a local retail store by Walton’s uncle and at a local check casher. During this time, Thompson purchased a new paint job and new rims for his SUV and later purchased a BMW.
At sentencing, Thompson and Walton face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for the conspiracy count and a statutory minimum of two years in prison for each aggravated identity theft conviction. Thompson also faces a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count. In addition to prison time, Thompson and Walton also face the possibility of fines and restitution to the IRS and other victims. Their sentences will be determined by a federal judge after consideration of the sentencing guidelines and statutory factors.
The case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Justin Gelfand, Jason Poole and Alexander Effendi of the Tax Division, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Alabama Jury Convicts Current and Former Corrections Officers of Identity Theft and Tax Fraud
Following a week-long trial, a jury in the Middle District of Alabama convicted Bryant Thompson and Quincy Walton of conspiracy to defraud the United States on Jan. 24, 2014, announced Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Keneally of the Justice Department's Tax Division and U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. for the Middle District of Alabama. Thompson, an Alabama corrections officer, was also convicted of seven counts of wire fraud and seven counts of aggravated identity theft, and Walton, a former Alabama corrections officer, was also convicted of one count of aggravated identity theft.
According to evidence introduced at trial, Thompson was assigned to the shift clerk position at an Alabama state prison, which gave him access to the personal identifying information of every inmate in the custody of the Alabama Department of Corrections, past and present. Thompson and Walton, his former co-worker, used information stolen from the databases to file false federal income tax returns in the names and Social Security numbers of inmates. All of the inmates testified that they did not consent to the filing of the tax returns in their names, and many testified that they did not know tax returns were filed in their names until being called as witnesses in this trial.
According to the evidence introduced at trial, the investigation revealed that several internet protocol (IP) addresses were used to file the fraudulent tax returns, including one IP address directly assigned to Thompson’s residence at the time certain tax returns were filed. Circumstantial evidence tied both Thompson and Walton to the other IP addresses.
Also according to evidence introduced at trial, Thompson and Walton directed stolen tax refunds onto prepaid debit cards and requested other refunds in the form of U.S. Treasury Checks. Evidence showed that the cards and checks were mailed to several addresses associated with Thompson and Walton in Montgomery and Prattville, Ala., and that several of the checks were cashed at a local retail store by Walton’s uncle and at a local check casher. During this time, Thompson purchased a new paint job and new rims for his SUV and later purchased a BMW.
At sentencing, Thompson and Walton face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for the conspiracy count and a statutory minimum of two years in prison for each aggravated identity theft conviction. Thompson also faces a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count. In addition to prison time, Thompson and Walton also face the possibility of fines and restitution to the IRS and other victims. Their sentences will be determined by a federal judge after consideration of the sentencing guidelines and statutory factors.
The case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Justin Gelfand, Jason Poole and Alexander Effendi of the Tax Division, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
ARMED ROBBERY FUGITIVE ARRESTED
FROM: U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE
Massachusetts Man Wanted in Connection With Two Armed Robberies Arrested by U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in New Hampshire
Concord, NH – This evening, members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force from both New Hampshire and Massachusetts arrested fugitive Jeffrey Leonard, age 29. Leonard was being sought in connection with two armed robberies in MA.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in Massachusetts had been requested to assist in the location and arrest of Jeffrey Leonard. Leonard was wanted by both the Yarmouth and Dennis, Massachusetts Police Departments on outstanding arrest warrants for armed robbery while masked with a firearm. Information developed by the Marshals Task Force in Massachusetts, led investigators to NH, where Leonard was originally from and had a previous conviction for another armed robbery.
Today, investigators narrowed their search to a residence in the 900 block of Union Street in Manchester, NH. After a period of surveillance, it was determined that Leonard was likely inside the residence. Officers initially checked the apartment that Leonard was believed to be in without finding him. A further search of the residence led investigators to the basement where Leonard was found hiding, and he was arrested without any further incident.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has charged Leonard as a fugitive from justice on the two outstanding Massachusetts arrest warrants. Leonard will be held as a fugitive, without bail at the Hillsborough County Jail (Valley Street) pending his initial court appearance on Wednesday.
These arrests were made by members of the task force, including; Rockingham, Hillsborough, & Belknap County Deputy Sheriffs, deputy U.S. Marshals from MA and NH.
Since the inception of the New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force in 2002, these partnerships have resulted in over 5,523 arrests. These arrests have ranged in seriousness from murder, assault, unregistered sex offenders, probation and parole violations and numerous other serious offenses.
Nationally the United States Marshals Service fugitive programs are carried out with local law enforcement in 94 district offices, 85 local fugitive task forces, 7 regional task forces, as well as a growing network of offices in foreign countries.
Massachusetts Man Wanted in Connection With Two Armed Robberies Arrested by U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in New Hampshire
Concord, NH – This evening, members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force from both New Hampshire and Massachusetts arrested fugitive Jeffrey Leonard, age 29. Leonard was being sought in connection with two armed robberies in MA.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in Massachusetts had been requested to assist in the location and arrest of Jeffrey Leonard. Leonard was wanted by both the Yarmouth and Dennis, Massachusetts Police Departments on outstanding arrest warrants for armed robbery while masked with a firearm. Information developed by the Marshals Task Force in Massachusetts, led investigators to NH, where Leonard was originally from and had a previous conviction for another armed robbery.
Today, investigators narrowed their search to a residence in the 900 block of Union Street in Manchester, NH. After a period of surveillance, it was determined that Leonard was likely inside the residence. Officers initially checked the apartment that Leonard was believed to be in without finding him. A further search of the residence led investigators to the basement where Leonard was found hiding, and he was arrested without any further incident.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has charged Leonard as a fugitive from justice on the two outstanding Massachusetts arrest warrants. Leonard will be held as a fugitive, without bail at the Hillsborough County Jail (Valley Street) pending his initial court appearance on Wednesday.
These arrests were made by members of the task force, including; Rockingham, Hillsborough, & Belknap County Deputy Sheriffs, deputy U.S. Marshals from MA and NH.
Since the inception of the New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force in 2002, these partnerships have resulted in over 5,523 arrests. These arrests have ranged in seriousness from murder, assault, unregistered sex offenders, probation and parole violations and numerous other serious offenses.
Nationally the United States Marshals Service fugitive programs are carried out with local law enforcement in 94 district offices, 85 local fugitive task forces, 7 regional task forces, as well as a growing network of offices in foreign countries.
Friday, January 24, 2014
BAIL BONDS BRIBERY CASE ENDS WITH FORMER SHERIFF'S OFFICE SERGEANT SENTENCED TO PRISON
FROM: JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Former Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Sentenced for Conspiracy and Bribery
A former sergeant of the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office (PSO) was sentenced to serve 15 months in prison today for accepting bribes in exchange for favors and referrals.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente of the Eastern District of Virginia made the announcement.
Melvin Hike, 65, of Portsmouth, Va., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen of the Eastern District of Virginia. Hike was also sentenced to serve three years of supervised release and to pay a $10,000 fine.
On Oct. 8, 2013, Hike pleaded guilty to conspiracy and federal programs bribery. According to court documents, throughout the relevant time period of 2008 to 2012, Hike was a PSO sergeant assigned to the warrant squad. Ulysses Stephenson, aka “Tugger,” was a bail bondsman based in Portsmouth whose income depended on the number of arrestee clients he served. At various times between 2008 and 2012, Stephenson gave Hike cash payments and other items of value, and in exchange, Hike referred arrestees to Stephenson as prospective clients. Stephenson previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy and federal programs bribery in connection with bribing Hike, and he was sentenced to 30 months in prison on Nov. 2, 2012.
This case was investigated by the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Monique Abrishami and Peter Mason of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy E. Cross of the Eastern District of Virginia.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Former Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Sentenced for Conspiracy and Bribery
A former sergeant of the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office (PSO) was sentenced to serve 15 months in prison today for accepting bribes in exchange for favors and referrals.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente of the Eastern District of Virginia made the announcement.
Melvin Hike, 65, of Portsmouth, Va., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen of the Eastern District of Virginia. Hike was also sentenced to serve three years of supervised release and to pay a $10,000 fine.
On Oct. 8, 2013, Hike pleaded guilty to conspiracy and federal programs bribery. According to court documents, throughout the relevant time period of 2008 to 2012, Hike was a PSO sergeant assigned to the warrant squad. Ulysses Stephenson, aka “Tugger,” was a bail bondsman based in Portsmouth whose income depended on the number of arrestee clients he served. At various times between 2008 and 2012, Stephenson gave Hike cash payments and other items of value, and in exchange, Hike referred arrestees to Stephenson as prospective clients. Stephenson previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy and federal programs bribery in connection with bribing Hike, and he was sentenced to 30 months in prison on Nov. 2, 2012.
This case was investigated by the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Monique Abrishami and Peter Mason of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy E. Cross of the Eastern District of Virginia.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
STOLEN IDENTITY TAX REFUND FRAUDSTER CONVICTED BY JURY
FROM: JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Jury Convicts Georgia Woman for Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud
Two Other Conspirators Pleaded Guilty Before Trial
A jury in the Middle District of Georgia convicted Kimberly Michelle Banks on Jan. 14, 2014, of conspiring to file false federal income tax returns in the names of stolen identities, the Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced today. Banks was also convicted of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and theft of government money.
According to evidence introduced at trial, Banks obtained the names and Social Security numbers of nursing home patients from her employer and conspired with Donalene Mosely, Arneshia Austin and others to use the stolen identifying information to steal money from the government. Mosely and Austin each pleaded guilty to related charges before trial. Several victims testified that they did not consent to the use of their names and Social Security numbers on these tax returns and testified that they did not receive any money from refunds generated from the false tax returns filed with the IRS. The tax returns at issue were filed from two internet protocol addresses assigned to Banks, and the fraudulent tax refunds were deposited onto prepaid debit cards mailed to addresses belonging to Banks and others, including Mosely and Austin. The evidence also revealed that Banks and others used the stolen proceeds to make payments on their car loans, to throw a party and to buy products online.
The court has not yet scheduled sentencing for Banks, Mosely or Austin. Banks faces a statutory minimum of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft, a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count and 10 years in prison for each theft of government money count. Banks, Mosely and Austin each face a statutory maximum of five years in prison for the conspiracy count.
This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Justin Gelfand, Kimberly Shartar and Alexander Effendi for the Tax Division. Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Keneally thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Georgia and the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with this prosecution.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Jury Convicts Georgia Woman for Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud
Two Other Conspirators Pleaded Guilty Before Trial
A jury in the Middle District of Georgia convicted Kimberly Michelle Banks on Jan. 14, 2014, of conspiring to file false federal income tax returns in the names of stolen identities, the Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced today. Banks was also convicted of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and theft of government money.
According to evidence introduced at trial, Banks obtained the names and Social Security numbers of nursing home patients from her employer and conspired with Donalene Mosely, Arneshia Austin and others to use the stolen identifying information to steal money from the government. Mosely and Austin each pleaded guilty to related charges before trial. Several victims testified that they did not consent to the use of their names and Social Security numbers on these tax returns and testified that they did not receive any money from refunds generated from the false tax returns filed with the IRS. The tax returns at issue were filed from two internet protocol addresses assigned to Banks, and the fraudulent tax refunds were deposited onto prepaid debit cards mailed to addresses belonging to Banks and others, including Mosely and Austin. The evidence also revealed that Banks and others used the stolen proceeds to make payments on their car loans, to throw a party and to buy products online.
The court has not yet scheduled sentencing for Banks, Mosely or Austin. Banks faces a statutory minimum of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft, a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count and 10 years in prison for each theft of government money count. Banks, Mosely and Austin each face a statutory maximum of five years in prison for the conspiracy count.
This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Justin Gelfand, Kimberly Shartar and Alexander Effendi for the Tax Division. Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Keneally thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Georgia and the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with this prosecution.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
MAN PLEADS GUILTY IN CASE INVOLVING OVER 100 FALSE TAX RETURNS
FROM: JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Monday, January 13, 2014
Alabama Man Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud and Identity Theft
Nakia Jackson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one count of aggravated identity theft for his role in a stolen identity refund fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Keneally of the Justice Department's Tax Division, U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. for the Middle District of Alabama and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
According to court documents, between January 2009 and March 2011, Jackson obtained stolen identities from an Alabama state employee and used those identities to file false tax returns. Jackson recruited a bank employee, LaQuanta Clayton, to assist him in having the false income tax refunds deposited into various bank accounts. He obtained permission from several individuals to use their bank accounts to receive false refunds and when a false refund was deposited, Jackson would direct the individuals to withdraw the money and give the money to him. In total, Jackson filed over 100 false tax returns and requested over $400,000 in refunds.
Sentencing has been scheduled for April 23, 2014. Jackson faces a statutory minimum sentence of two years in prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 12 years in prison, three years of supervised release, restitution and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the loss caused by the offense. LaQuanta Clayton has already pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
IRS-Criminal Investigation agents investigated this case and Tax Division Trial Attorneys Charles M. Edgar Jr. and Michael Boteler and Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Brown are prosecuting the case.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Alabama Man Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud and Identity Theft
Nakia Jackson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one count of aggravated identity theft for his role in a stolen identity refund fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Keneally of the Justice Department's Tax Division, U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. for the Middle District of Alabama and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
According to court documents, between January 2009 and March 2011, Jackson obtained stolen identities from an Alabama state employee and used those identities to file false tax returns. Jackson recruited a bank employee, LaQuanta Clayton, to assist him in having the false income tax refunds deposited into various bank accounts. He obtained permission from several individuals to use their bank accounts to receive false refunds and when a false refund was deposited, Jackson would direct the individuals to withdraw the money and give the money to him. In total, Jackson filed over 100 false tax returns and requested over $400,000 in refunds.
Sentencing has been scheduled for April 23, 2014. Jackson faces a statutory minimum sentence of two years in prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 12 years in prison, three years of supervised release, restitution and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the loss caused by the offense. LaQuanta Clayton has already pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
IRS-Criminal Investigation agents investigated this case and Tax Division Trial Attorneys Charles M. Edgar Jr. and Michael Boteler and Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Brown are prosecuting the case.
Friday, January 17, 2014
CORRECTIONS OFFICER TO SERVE PRISON TERM FOR REPEATEDLY STRIKING INMATE
FROM: JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Former Lorain County, Ohio, Corrections Officer Sentenced to Serve 18 Months in Prison for Repeatedly Striking Inmate
A former Lorain County, Ohio, corrections officer was sentenced today to serve 18 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Samuels for the Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach for the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Office.
Marlon Taylor, 47, of Vermilion, Ohio, was working as a corrections officer in Lorain County Jail on July 29, 2012, when he assaulted an inmate by striking him repeatedly, according to court documents.
These actions caused bodily injury to the inmate and deprived the inmate of the right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment, according to court documents.
"Uses of excessive force by corrections officers undermine our system of justice and the rule of law,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Samuels. “Today's sentence reflects that the Department of Justice will aggressively protect the constitutional rights of every American."
“The vast majority of law enforcement officials do a great job,” said U.S. Attorney Dettelbach. “When someone abuses the power and privileges of their office, however, they can and will be held accountable.”
“Marlon Taylor is not representative of the vast majority of the honorable men and women serving within the criminal justice system,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony. “Any allegation of abuse or excessive force involving law enforcement officers takes on a particular sense of urgency and will continue to be a priority for the FBI.”
This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Cleveland Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Antoinette T. Bacon and Lauren Bell and Trial Attorney Betsy Biffl prosecuted the case.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Former Lorain County, Ohio, Corrections Officer Sentenced to Serve 18 Months in Prison for Repeatedly Striking Inmate
A former Lorain County, Ohio, corrections officer was sentenced today to serve 18 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Samuels for the Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach for the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Office.
Marlon Taylor, 47, of Vermilion, Ohio, was working as a corrections officer in Lorain County Jail on July 29, 2012, when he assaulted an inmate by striking him repeatedly, according to court documents.
These actions caused bodily injury to the inmate and deprived the inmate of the right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment, according to court documents.
"Uses of excessive force by corrections officers undermine our system of justice and the rule of law,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Samuels. “Today's sentence reflects that the Department of Justice will aggressively protect the constitutional rights of every American."
“The vast majority of law enforcement officials do a great job,” said U.S. Attorney Dettelbach. “When someone abuses the power and privileges of their office, however, they can and will be held accountable.”
“Marlon Taylor is not representative of the vast majority of the honorable men and women serving within the criminal justice system,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony. “Any allegation of abuse or excessive force involving law enforcement officers takes on a particular sense of urgency and will continue to be a priority for the FBI.”
This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Cleveland Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Antoinette T. Bacon and Lauren Bell and Trial Attorney Betsy Biffl prosecuted the case.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
DISC JOCKEY PLEADS GUILTY TO SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF MINORS VIA INTERNET CHAT PROGRAM
FROM: JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Monday, January 13, 2014
Disc Jockey in Puerto Rico Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exlpoitaton of Three Minors
A former disc jockey for area high school parties pleaded guilty today in the District of Puerto Rico to producing child pornography.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia RodrÃguez-Vélez of the District of Puerto Rico, and Special Agent in Charge Angel M. Melendez of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in San Juan made the announcement.
Eduardo Santiago-Rivera, 45, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge V élez-Riv é in the District of Puerto Rico to nine counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography. Santiago-Rivera was charged by superseding indictment on May 13, 2013.
Santiago-Rivera was a disc jockey who met his victims at area high school parties and on various social networking sites. Santiago-Rivera admitted that in June and July 2012, he induced, persuaded, enticed, coerced and used at least three minors, who ranged in age from 12 to 15, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of creating video images. Santiago-Rivera used an Internet-based video chat program, “ooVoo,” to direct and coerce the minors to undress and to engage in various acts of sexually explicit conduct, including masturbation and the lascivious exhibition of their genitals. Santiago-Rivera also recorded himself engaging in sexual acts with one of the minors.
Santiago-Rivera has been in federal custody since he was arrested on July 27, 2012. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
This case was investigated by ICE HSI. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Mark Angehr of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Amy E. Larson of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marshal Morgan of the District of Puerto Rico.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Disc Jockey in Puerto Rico Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exlpoitaton of Three Minors
A former disc jockey for area high school parties pleaded guilty today in the District of Puerto Rico to producing child pornography.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia RodrÃguez-Vélez of the District of Puerto Rico, and Special Agent in Charge Angel M. Melendez of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in San Juan made the announcement.
Eduardo Santiago-Rivera, 45, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge V élez-Riv é in the District of Puerto Rico to nine counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography. Santiago-Rivera was charged by superseding indictment on May 13, 2013.
Santiago-Rivera was a disc jockey who met his victims at area high school parties and on various social networking sites. Santiago-Rivera admitted that in June and July 2012, he induced, persuaded, enticed, coerced and used at least three minors, who ranged in age from 12 to 15, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of creating video images. Santiago-Rivera used an Internet-based video chat program, “ooVoo,” to direct and coerce the minors to undress and to engage in various acts of sexually explicit conduct, including masturbation and the lascivious exhibition of their genitals. Santiago-Rivera also recorded himself engaging in sexual acts with one of the minors.
Santiago-Rivera has been in federal custody since he was arrested on July 27, 2012. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
This case was investigated by ICE HSI. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Mark Angehr of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Amy E. Larson of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marshal Morgan of the District of Puerto Rico.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
TWO FORMER OFFICERS, LIEUTENANT AT ROXBURY PLEAD GUILTY IN INMATE ASSAULT CASE
FROM: JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Two More Former Officers and Another Former Lieutenant at Roxbury Correctional Institution Plead Guilty for Conduct Related to the Assault of an Inmate
Edwin Stigile, formerly a Lieutenant at Roxbury Correctional Institution (RCI) in Hagerstown, Md., and two former RCI Correctional Officers, Tyson Hinckle and Reginald Martin, each pleaded guilty to an offense arising out of the assault of an inmate on Mar. 9, 2008. Hinckle pleaded guilty to conspiring to assault an inmate, identified by the initials K.D. Martin pleaded guilty to failing to intervene to stop the assault of K.D. Stigile admitted that he was guilty of destroying evidence related to that assault. Hinckle, Martin and Stigile are the ninth, 10th and 11th former RCI officers to enter a plea in connection with the federal investigation into a series of assaults that K.D. suffered at RCI on Mar. 8-9, 2008.
According to court documents filed in connection with his guilty plea, Hinckle admitted that, during the 7 a.m.-3 p.m. shift on Mar. 9, 2008, that he, Dustin Norris and three other RCI officers assaulted K.D. in order to punish him for striking an officer during a prior shift. Hinckle also admitted that this assault in 2008 was consistent with prior incidents at RCI, where officers from three consecutive shifts would beat an inmate who had previously assaulted an officer. Finally, Hinckle admitted that he and other officers tried to cover up their involvement in, or knowledge of, the assault of K.D.
Martin admitted that, during the 7 a.m.-3 p.m. shift on Mar. 9, 2008, he watched RCI officers assault K.D. Instead of stopping the assault, however, Martin walked out of K.D.’s cell and waited. After some time, Martin heard a supervisor say, “He’s had enough.” The officers then filed out of K.D.’s cell. Later, when investigators began to ask to about K.D.’s injuries, Martin met with officers who had been involved in the beating and agreed to falsely deny any knowledge of an assault of K.D.
Stigile, a former lieutenant, admitted that he used a magnetic device to alter and destroy surveillance videotapes related to RCI officers’ assaults of inmates, including the beating of K.D. Stigile also admitted that, when questioned about K.D. in 2012, he provided false and misleading statements to federal investigators and to a federal grand jury.
“Mr. Hinckle and Mr. Martin have admitted their involvement in an unlawful assault of an inmate, and Mr. Stigile has acknowledged that, as a supervisor, he destroyed evidence related to that assault,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Samuels for the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute officers who use their official position to commit and to cover up violations of federal criminal law.”
Stigile faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Hinckle and Martin each could receive a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years of incarceration. All will be sentenced before U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar, and their sentencing dates are as follows: Stigile will be sentenced Jun. 17, 2014, Hinckle will be sentenced Apr. 7, 2014 and Martin will be sentenced May 15, 2014.
In related cases before Judge Bredar, former RCI Correctional Officers Ryan Lohr, Dustin Norris, Philip Mayo, Jeremy McCusker, Walter Steele, Lanny Harris, Keith Morris and former RCI Lieutenant Robert Harvey each has entered a guilty plea. Four current or former RCI officers still face federal charges in connection with the alleged assault of K.D. Two former RCI officers previously entered guilty pleas in state court.
The investigation by the Frederick Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation is ongoing. The case is being prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Forrest Christian and Trial Attorney Sanjay Patel of the Civil Rights Division, with the assistance of Michael Cunningham of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Two More Former Officers and Another Former Lieutenant at Roxbury Correctional Institution Plead Guilty for Conduct Related to the Assault of an Inmate
Edwin Stigile, formerly a Lieutenant at Roxbury Correctional Institution (RCI) in Hagerstown, Md., and two former RCI Correctional Officers, Tyson Hinckle and Reginald Martin, each pleaded guilty to an offense arising out of the assault of an inmate on Mar. 9, 2008. Hinckle pleaded guilty to conspiring to assault an inmate, identified by the initials K.D. Martin pleaded guilty to failing to intervene to stop the assault of K.D. Stigile admitted that he was guilty of destroying evidence related to that assault. Hinckle, Martin and Stigile are the ninth, 10th and 11th former RCI officers to enter a plea in connection with the federal investigation into a series of assaults that K.D. suffered at RCI on Mar. 8-9, 2008.
According to court documents filed in connection with his guilty plea, Hinckle admitted that, during the 7 a.m.-3 p.m. shift on Mar. 9, 2008, that he, Dustin Norris and three other RCI officers assaulted K.D. in order to punish him for striking an officer during a prior shift. Hinckle also admitted that this assault in 2008 was consistent with prior incidents at RCI, where officers from three consecutive shifts would beat an inmate who had previously assaulted an officer. Finally, Hinckle admitted that he and other officers tried to cover up their involvement in, or knowledge of, the assault of K.D.
Martin admitted that, during the 7 a.m.-3 p.m. shift on Mar. 9, 2008, he watched RCI officers assault K.D. Instead of stopping the assault, however, Martin walked out of K.D.’s cell and waited. After some time, Martin heard a supervisor say, “He’s had enough.” The officers then filed out of K.D.’s cell. Later, when investigators began to ask to about K.D.’s injuries, Martin met with officers who had been involved in the beating and agreed to falsely deny any knowledge of an assault of K.D.
Stigile, a former lieutenant, admitted that he used a magnetic device to alter and destroy surveillance videotapes related to RCI officers’ assaults of inmates, including the beating of K.D. Stigile also admitted that, when questioned about K.D. in 2012, he provided false and misleading statements to federal investigators and to a federal grand jury.
“Mr. Hinckle and Mr. Martin have admitted their involvement in an unlawful assault of an inmate, and Mr. Stigile has acknowledged that, as a supervisor, he destroyed evidence related to that assault,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Samuels for the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute officers who use their official position to commit and to cover up violations of federal criminal law.”
Stigile faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Hinckle and Martin each could receive a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years of incarceration. All will be sentenced before U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar, and their sentencing dates are as follows: Stigile will be sentenced Jun. 17, 2014, Hinckle will be sentenced Apr. 7, 2014 and Martin will be sentenced May 15, 2014.
In related cases before Judge Bredar, former RCI Correctional Officers Ryan Lohr, Dustin Norris, Philip Mayo, Jeremy McCusker, Walter Steele, Lanny Harris, Keith Morris and former RCI Lieutenant Robert Harvey each has entered a guilty plea. Four current or former RCI officers still face federal charges in connection with the alleged assault of K.D. Two former RCI officers previously entered guilty pleas in state court.
The investigation by the Frederick Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation is ongoing. The case is being prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Forrest Christian and Trial Attorney Sanjay Patel of the Civil Rights Division, with the assistance of Michael Cunningham of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE REPORTS HOMICIDE SUSPECT ARRESTED IN NEW YORK BY FUGITIVE TASK FORCE
FROM: U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE
|
| Harrisburg, PA – United States Marshal Martin J. Pane announced today that the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Fugitive Task Force arrested Johnny Garriga, a 23-year old man, in York, Pennsylvania. Garriga was being sought for a homicide that occurred on December 26, 2013 in Brooklyn, New York. The incident left an individual dead after sustaining gunshot wounds. On December 27, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) requested the assistance of the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force (NY/NJ RFTF) in locating and apprehending Garriga. NY/NJ RFTF members believed that Garriga fled the area to the York, Pennsylvania region. An investigative lead was sent to the Middle District of Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force (M/PA) for assistance in locating Garriga. On December 30, Garriga was arrested without incident by M/PA in the 200 block of South Queen Street in York, Pennsylvania. Garriga was turned over to local authorities for processing. United States Marshal Martin J. Pane stated, “Our top priority is to arrest violent offenders, especially those who use guns against our citizens. This arrest takes a murder suspect off the street and it is my sincere hope that this will bring the victims family some measure of justice.” The USMS worked jointly in this investigation with officers from the York City Police Department, York County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police Fugitive Unit, New York City Police Department, and the NY/NJ RFTF. The concept of all USMS-led fugitive task forces is to seek out and arrest the nation’s most dangerous offenders. |
Sunday, January 5, 2014
U.S. MARSHALS TASK FORCE CAPTURES SUSPECTED VEHICLE SHOOTER
FROM: U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE
U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force Captures Suspect Charged with
Shooting an Occupied Vehicle with an Assault Rifle
Gainesville, FL - The U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force located and arrested Bricen Bowden tonight at approximately 5:00 p.m. in the parking lot located at 15910 NW 144th Terrace in the city of Alachua. Bowden was wanted by the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office on an outstanding arrest warrant for (1) shooting into an occupied vehicle, (2) possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, (3) aggravated assault, and (4) discharging a firearm in public. Bowden's warrant was issued following an investigation by the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office into a daytime shooting on 12/5/13 near Mayo where Bowden is suspected of firing an AK-47 style assault rifle into a vehicle occupied by three people. Bowden was released from state prison in July 2013.
Through investigation, Task Force members determined Bowden had fled to Alachua County after the shooting and later developed information that Bowden was hiding with friends near the city of Alachua in an attempt to avoid arrest. This afternoon, Task Force members - including investigators from the U.S. Marshals Service, the Alachua County Sheriff's Office, and the Gainesville Police Department - initiated surveillance and spotted a vehicle occupied by several people including Bowden. Task Force members along with an Alachua County K-9 unit stopped the vehicle and ordered Bowden out at gunpoint. Bowden was placed under arrest on his outstanding warrant and booked into the Alachua County Jail.
U.S. Marshal Ed Spooner of the Northern District of Florida stated that the arrest of Bricen Bowden highlights the great cooperation between the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force and local law enforcement agencies, including the Alachua County Sheriff's Office and the Gainesville Police Department, which leads to the apprehension of fugitives wanted for violent crimes.
U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force Captures Suspect Charged with
Shooting an Occupied Vehicle with an Assault Rifle
Gainesville, FL - The U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force located and arrested Bricen Bowden tonight at approximately 5:00 p.m. in the parking lot located at 15910 NW 144th Terrace in the city of Alachua. Bowden was wanted by the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office on an outstanding arrest warrant for (1) shooting into an occupied vehicle, (2) possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, (3) aggravated assault, and (4) discharging a firearm in public. Bowden's warrant was issued following an investigation by the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office into a daytime shooting on 12/5/13 near Mayo where Bowden is suspected of firing an AK-47 style assault rifle into a vehicle occupied by three people. Bowden was released from state prison in July 2013.
Through investigation, Task Force members determined Bowden had fled to Alachua County after the shooting and later developed information that Bowden was hiding with friends near the city of Alachua in an attempt to avoid arrest. This afternoon, Task Force members - including investigators from the U.S. Marshals Service, the Alachua County Sheriff's Office, and the Gainesville Police Department - initiated surveillance and spotted a vehicle occupied by several people including Bowden. Task Force members along with an Alachua County K-9 unit stopped the vehicle and ordered Bowden out at gunpoint. Bowden was placed under arrest on his outstanding warrant and booked into the Alachua County Jail.
U.S. Marshal Ed Spooner of the Northern District of Florida stated that the arrest of Bricen Bowden highlights the great cooperation between the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force and local law enforcement agencies, including the Alachua County Sheriff's Office and the Gainesville Police Department, which leads to the apprehension of fugitives wanted for violent crimes.
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