In the Eastern District of Arkansas Sixteen Defendants Have Been Charged in an Alleged Cocaine Conspiracy

May 15, 2013

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on May 14, 2013 released the following:

“Sixteen Defendants, Including Mexican Drug Cartel Members, Charged in Cocaine Conspiracy

Christopher R. Thyer, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas and Randall C. Coleman, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Little Rock Field Office, announce that a 25-count indictment handed down by a federal grand jury on May 2, 2013, was unsealed today charging sixteen defendants in Arkansas, Texas, and Mexico with multiple drug offenses. The indictment alleges the lead defendant, Idalia Ramos Rangel, a/k/a La Tia or Big Momma, is a high-ranking member of the Gulf Cartel who directs a drug trafficking organization based in Matamoros, Mexico. That organization is responsible for the distribution of multiple hundreds of kilograms of cocaine in the United States.

The indictment is the result of a large-scale investigation into cocaine and narcotics trafficking from Mexico to Arkansas. Agents determined that Rangel’s drug trafficking organization is responsible for delivery of more than one hundred kilograms of cocaine in Arkansas. The charges in the indictment include conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, distribution of cocaine, and use of a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking crime. All 16 defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine. If convicted of conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, each defendant will face a sentence of not less than 10 years to life imprisonment.

“The arrests made in this case have dismantled a primary supply of cocaine into the State of Arkansas,” stated Thyer. “From the Gulf Cartel to prison to the streets of Central Arkansas, this was not a typical case to investigate. I want to thank the FBI for their leadership in this investigation. I also want to acknowledge the significant investigative work the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Little Rock Police Department provided. Those who do business with drug cartels should be on notice that law enforcement is investigating and will commit the resources necessary to punish them for their illegal trafficking.”

“Today, a strong group of dedicated federal, state, and local law enforcement officials—from Arkansas to Texas—came together to disrupt a criminal drug enterprise directly linked to the Gulf Cartel,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Randall Coleman. “It was simply a case of outstanding teamwork. In Arkansas, we will continue to work together to disrupt and dismantle those groups who choose to conduct their criminal enterprise activities here.”

According to the indictment, Rangel’s family members are alleged to be involved in the drug distribution conspiracy. Her son, Mohammed Kazam Martinez, a/k/a Mo, a federal inmate in the Bureau of Prisons, recruited inmates in the Federal Correctional Complex at Forrest City, Arkansas, to distribute Rangel’s Gulf Cartel cocaine upon their release from prison. Those inmates included Emmanuel Ilo, a/k/a Chi Chi or Chi, and Mervin Johnson, a/k/a Slim, who the indictment alleges began distributing kilogram and multi-ounce quantities of the cocaine in Central Arkansas upon their release from federal prison. Mohammed Martinez communicated with members of this drug trafficking organization using the prison telephone and e-mail systems to coordinate the distribution of cocaine to, and the collection of drug proceeds from, former federal inmates and others. Another of Rangel’s sons, Homar Martinez, and one of her daughters, Nishme Martinez, are also charged as part of the conspiracy.

The indictment alleges that Ilo distributed Rangel’s Gulf Cartel cocaine to Dwatney Noid; Dwight McLittle, a/k/a D.A.; Lamont Williams, a/k/a Peter Rabbit; Gerard Trice, a/k/a Fly; Tarvars Honorable, a/k/a Pudgy; and others for redistribution to customers in the Eastern District of Arkansas. The FBI made multiple controlled purchases of cocaine in Central Arkansas totaling more than one kilogram during the investigation of this case.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, with substantial assistance from the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Little Rock Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Gordon and Chris Givens.

An indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

U.S. Attorney’s Office News Release

Defendants/Charges
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine:

  • Idalia Ramos Rangel, 57, Matamoros, Mexico
  • *Mohammed Kazam Martinez, 31, Beaumount, Texas
  • *Emanuel Ilo, 34, Little Rock, Arkansas
  • Mervin Johnson, 37, Little Rock, Arkansas
  • *Homar Martinez, 31, Brownsville, Texas
  • Manuel Garza, 31, Brownsville, Texas
  • *Jaime Benevides, 27, Austin, Texas
  • *Nishme Martinez, 26, Austin, Texas
  • *Denice Duran Martinez, 34, Brownsville, Texas
  • *Yadira Anahy Martinez, 36, Brownsville, Texas
  • Dwatney Noid, 30, Little Rock, Arkansas
  • *Dwight McLittle, 27, Little Rock, Arkansas
  • *Shanieka Tatum, 35, Little Rock, Arkansas
  • *Lamont Williams, 34, Little Rock, Arkansas
  • Gerard Trice, 29, Little Rock, Arkansas
  • *Tarvars Honorable, 33, Little Rock, Arkansas

* Denotes individual is in custody.

In addition to the conspiracy charges, the following defendants are also charged with the following crimes:

  • Emanuel Ilo: distribution of cocaine (six counts) and use of a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking crime (two counts)
  • Mervin Johnson: distribution of cocaine (one count)
  • Dwatney Noid: distribution of cocaine (two counts) and use of a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking crime (two counts)
  • Dwight McLittle: distribution of cocaine (six counts)
  • Shanieka Tatum: use of a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking crime (three counts)
  • Lamont Williams: use of a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking crime (two counts)
  • Gerard Trice: use of a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking crime (two counts)
  • Tarvars Honorable: distribution of cocaine base (one count) and use of a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking crime (one count).

Statutory Sentences

Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine is punishable by not less than 10 years, not more than life, incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $10,000,000, and not less than five years’ supervised release.

Possession with intent to distribute less than 500 grams of cocaine or less than 28 grams of cocaine base is punishable by not more than 20 years’ incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $1,000,000 and not less than three years’ supervised release.

Use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking crime are not more than four years’ incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $250,000 and not more than one year supervised release.”

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Douglas McNabb – McNabb Associates, P.C.’s
Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys Videos:

Federal Crimes – Be Careful

Federal Crimes – Be Proactive

Federal Crimes – Federal Indictment

Federal Crimes – Detention Hearing

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To find additional federal criminal news, please read Federal Criminal Defense Daily.

Douglas McNabb and other members of the U.S. law firm practice and write and/or report extensively on matters involving Federal Criminal Defense, INTERPOL Red Notice Removal, International Extradition Defense, OFAC SDN Sanctions Removal, International Criminal Court Defense, and US Seizure of Non-Resident, Foreign-Owned Assets. Because we have experience dealing with INTERPOL, our firm understands the inter-relationship that INTERPOL’s “Red Notice” brings to this equation.

The author of this blog is Douglas C. McNabb. Please feel free to contact him directly at mcnabb@mcnabbassociates.com or at one of the offices listed above.

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Leon Benzer Indicted by a Federal Grand Jury of Tax Evasion By Alleging He Was Evading Federal Income and Employment Taxes

May 15, 2013

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on May 14, 2013 released the following:

“Former Construction Company Owner Indicted in Nevada for Income Tax Evasion

WASHINGTON—A federal grand jury in Nevada today returned an indictment against a former construction company owner for evading federal income and employment taxes, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Chief Richard Weber, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge William C. Woerner of the Las Vegas Field Office, and Sheriff Doug Gillespie of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

Leon Benzer, 46, of Las Vegas, was charged in U.S. District Court in the District of Nevada with two counts of tax evasion.

In January 2013, Benzer was indicted in a related case on charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. According to court documents, from approximately August 2003 through February 2009, Benzer orchestrated a scheme to direct construction defect litigation and repairs at condominium complexes to a conspiring law firm and Benzer’s construction company, Silver Lining Construction (SLC). As a result of this scheme, the indictment alleges that SLC was awarded a contract worth over $7 million for work at the Vistana Homeowner’s Association (Vistana HOA) in Las Vegas. The case is pending.

According to the indictment returned today, in August 2006, Benzer filed five years’ worth of personal tax forms and business tax returns without any payments accompanying those returns. As of April 2007, Benzer had allegedly failed to pay his personal tax liability of approximately $459,000 and SLC’s employment tax liability of approximately $687,000 and unemployment tax liability of approximately $18,000. In May 2007, the IRS issued a notice of intent to file a levy; Benzer subsequently appealed this process and indicated that he wanted to enter into an “offer-in-compromise” with the IRS to pay a portion of what was owed in full satisfaction of all his tax liabilities. According to the indictment, during this offer-in-compromise process, the IRS requested detailed financial information from Benzer.

Between March 2005 and January 2008, the indictment alleges that Benzer and SLC received over $7 million from the Vistana HOA contract, including a wire transfer of over $1 million on September 21, 2007, to a personal U.S. Bank account that Benzer opened in August 2007. The indictment alleges that when Benzer filed certain IRS forms related to the offer-in-compromise process on September 25, 2007, he failed to disclose this personal U.S. Bank account or the assets contained in it.

The maximum prison sentence for each count of tax evasion is five years in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000.

The charges and allegations against the indicted defendant are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Chief Kathleen McGovern, Deputy Chief Charles La Bella, and Trial Attorney Thomas B.W. Hall of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. The case is being investigated by IRS-CI, the FBI, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Criminal Intelligence Section.

Today’s charges were brought in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated, and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and state and local partners, it is the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory, and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state, and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions; and other organizations. Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed nearly 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants including more than 2,900 mortgage fraud defendants. For more information on the task force, please visit http://www.stopfraud.gov.”;

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Douglas McNabb – McNabb Associates, P.C.’s
Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys Videos:

Federal Crimes – Be Careful

Federal Crimes – Be Proactive

Federal Crimes – Federal Indictment

Federal Crimes – Detention Hearing

Federal Mail Fraud Crimes

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To find additional federal criminal news, please read Federal Criminal Defense Daily.

Douglas McNabb and other members of the U.S. law firm practice and write and/or report extensively on matters involving Federal Criminal Defense, INTERPOL Red Notice Removal, International Extradition Defense, OFAC SDN Sanctions Removal, International Criminal Court Defense, and US Seizure of Non-Resident, Foreign-Owned Assets. Because we have experience dealing with INTERPOL, our firm understands the inter-relationship that INTERPOL’s “Red Notice” brings to this equation.

The author of this blog is Douglas C. McNabb. Please feel free to contact him directly at mcnabb@mcnabbassociates.com or at one of the offices listed above.

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“Federal prosecutor to announce dozens of violent crime arrests Friday”

May 10, 2013

The Kansas City Star on May 10, 2013 released the following:

“BY MARK MORRIS
The Kansas City Star

A 10-month Kansas City undercover investigation culminated this week in the arrests of dozens of criminal suspects in one of the largest violent crime sweeps in western Missouri history, authorities said.

U.S. Attorney Tammy Dickinson is expected to announce today the indictment of 61 people, most already convicted felons, on a host of weapon and drug charges. State authorities are considering whether to prosecute in state court up to a dozen more cases generated by the federal operation, officials said.

The investigation, which involved up to 50 officers and agents each day, began in late June and focused exclusively on “violent individuals using firearms,” said Marino F. Vidoli, special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Kansas City office.

“We know who the violent individuals are in this community,” Vidoli said in a recent interview. “We know their backgrounds and it helps us target our law enforcement resources.”

Federal grand juries recently returned the indictments under seal. About 150 Kansas City police officers, federal agents and deputy U.S. marshals began making the arrests Tuesday.

Dickinson said the arrests and prosecutions are closely linked to work of the Kansas City No Violence Alliance, known as KC NoVa, that is designed to reduce shootings and killings in the city.

The NoVa effort has begun to identify individuals and groups most likely to commit violent crimes. Authorities offer social services, such as substance abuse treatment or job training, and promise swift prosecution if they do not leave the criminal life.

“This is shock and awe,” Dickinson said. “We’re sending a signal to the NoVa network that we’re going to come get you if you turn your back on us.”

As of late Thursday, authorities had arrested 28 people. Nineteer others already were in state or federal custody. Agents and officers continued to search for 14 fugitives, officials said.

Investigators recovered 222 firearms during the investigation, Vidoli said, including handguns, sawed-off shotguns, long guns and assault rifles. Some had been stolen; others had been defaced by having serial numbers filed off, he said.

And, after investigators ran ballistics evidence from the guns through an ATF database, they linked some of the weapons to other violent crimes, including homicides, Dickinson said.

Law enforcement records obtained by The Kansas City Star during the investigation showed that agents and police set up an undercover base in a high-crime area where they purchased drugs and guns.

The undercover location was equipped for audio and video recording, according to the records.

Throughout the summer, fall and winter, suspects offered to sell the undercover officers firearms, some of which turned out to have been stolen, court records said. About two-thirds of the sellers already had been convicted of felony crimes, investigators learned.

About half still were on probation or parole.

Others allegedly violated lesser known weapons charges, such as being illegal drug users or illegal aliens in possession of firearms.

One defendant purportedly possessed a .380-caliber pistol while facing a Jackson County burglary charge.

The investigation’s most serious charges have been laid against six men arrested as part of an ATF operation aimed at stopping deadly home invasions.

According to ATF records obtained by The Star during the investigation, the suspects agreed to participate in a robbery of a drug stash house and met several times with undercover agents to plan the heist.

An undercover ATF agent said recently that no stash house actually existed.

All six suspects face drug and robbery conspiracy charges and a firearms count, and could receive maximum life sentences if convicted.

The extensive planning behind the investigation extended to preparations for this week’s arrests and prosecutions. Just after taking office in January, Dickinson warned that prosecutors in units other than the Violent Crimes Strike Force should count on helping out with an expected influx of gun cases.

Judges, pretrial officers and even detention centers were warned about a surge of new defendants.

Court records show that at least three separate grand juries, meeting in April and early May, began churning out secret indictments, which remained under seal until this week.

Starting Tuesday morning, those arrested were herded through magistrate courtrooms in the federal courthouse for first appearances before judges. Prosecutors asked that about 95 percent of the new defendants be jailed without bond pending trial, Dickinson said.

“That has taken a huge amount of coordination with the courts, with the marshals and with federal probation and parole,” Dickinson said. “We were pleased with the cooperation and were welcomed with open arms.”

Following the news conference today, Dickinson and Vidoli plan to join Kansas City Police Chief Darryl Forte and Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker for individual meetings with targets of the NoVa initiative who did not appear at an April meeting to hear an offer of social services.

Organizers had invited 120 people to the meeting, but only about three dozen appeared.

“We’re going out to speak to individuals and let them know they’re on our radar screens,” Dickinson said. “This (investigation) helps drive home the point.””

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Douglas McNabb – McNabb Associates, P.C.’s
Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys Videos:

Federal Crimes – Be Careful

Federal Crimes – Be Proactive

Federal Crimes – Federal Indictment

Federal Crimes – Detention Hearing

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To find additional federal criminal news, please read Federal Criminal Defense Daily.

Douglas McNabb and other members of the U.S. law firm practice and write and/or report extensively on matters involving Federal Criminal Defense, INTERPOL Red Notice Removal, International Extradition Defense, OFAC SDN Sanctions Removal, International Criminal Court Defense, and US Seizure of Non-Resident, Foreign-Owned Assets. Because we have experience dealing with INTERPOL, our firm understands the inter-relationship that INTERPOL’s “Red Notice” brings to this equation.

The author of this blog is Douglas C. McNabb. Please feel free to contact him directly at mcnabb@mcnabbassociates.com or at one of the offices listed above.

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Credit Union Manager Victoria Rozanski Charged with Allegedly Embezzling More Than $100,000

May 2, 2013

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on May 1, 2013 released the following:

“PITTSBURGH— A Lawrence County woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of embezzlement from a credit union, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on April 30, named Victoria Rozanski, 59, of 807 Jefferson Ave. in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, from in or around January 2003 until in or around May 2009, Rozanski, who was the manager of the Holy Redeemer Parish Federal Credit Union in Ellwood City, embezzled in excess of $100,000 from the credit union.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, 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 Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”

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Douglas McNabb – McNabb Associates, P.C.’s
Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys Videos:

Federal Crimes – Be Careful

Federal Crimes – Be Proactive

Federal Crimes – Federal Indictment

Federal Crimes – Detention Hearing

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To find additional federal criminal news, please read Federal Criminal Defense Daily.

Douglas McNabb and other members of the U.S. law firm practice and write and/or report extensively on matters involving Federal Criminal Defense, INTERPOL Red Notice Removal, International Extradition Defense, OFAC SDN Sanctions Removal, International Criminal Court Defense, and US Seizure of Non-Resident, Foreign-Owned Assets. Because we have experience dealing with INTERPOL, our firm understands the inter-relationship that INTERPOL’s “Red Notice” brings to this equation.

The author of this blog is Douglas C. McNabb. Please feel free to contact him directly at mcnabb@mcnabbassociates.com or at one of the offices listed above.

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Posted by McNabb Associates, P.C.

Federal Grand Jury Returns a Federal Criminal Indictment Alleging Physician Michael Schuster Unlawfully Distributed Prescription Drugs

May 2, 2013

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on May 1, 2013 released the following:

“Grand Jury Returns Indictment Charging Manhattan Physician with Unlawfully Distributing Prescription Drugs

TOPEKA, KS— A grand jury has returned an indictment charging a physician in Manhattan, Kansas with unlawfully distributing prescription drugs, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Physician Michael Schuster, 53, who operates Manhattan Pain and Spine in Manhattan, Kansas, is charged with four counts: one count of conspiracy to illegally distribute controlled substances, one count of unlawful distribution of controlled substances, one count of unlawfully distributing controlled substances to a person under 21 years old and one count of maintaining a premises in furtherance of unlawful drug distribution.

The indictment alleges that Schuster employed unlicensed staff members who distributed controlled substances to patients using Schuster’s signature on prescriptions while he was traveling out of the state or out of the country. Schuster was out of the office when a total of 540 patients received prescriptions for medications including oxycodone, morphine, hydromorphone, methadone, oxymorphone, tapentadol, fentanyl, amphetamine, methylphenidate, hydrocodone, alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, and zolpidem.

Schuster initially was charged in a criminal complaint filed April 23, 2013, in U.S. District Court in Topeka. According to an investigator’s affidavit, the investigation began early in 2012 when the Riley County Police Department received reports that Schuster was issuing prescriptions for high dosages of scheduled drugs based on minimal or cursory physical examinations.

The indictment returned today states that controlled substances may be dispensed and distributed lawfully by means of a prescription that is issued for a legitimate medical purpose by a practitioner acting in the usual course of professional practice. The practitioner must be registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Signing a blank prescription and having unauthorized, unlicensed individuals who are not registered with the DEA distribute controlled substances is not a lawful prescription.

The indictment alleges Schuster routinely pre-signed blank prescription forms with the intent that his unlicensed staff members would use them to issue controlled substances to patients while he was not at the clinic.

Count two of the indictment alleges Schuster caused unlicensed staff using blank prescriptions to distribute controlled substances while he was out of the clinic at various locations including Russia, South Africa, Uruguay, Canada, New York, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and Israel.

Count three alleges that on June 16, 2010, Schuster caused oxycodone to be distributed to a person under the age of 21, who is identified in the indictment as Rex V.

Count four alleges that from April 2007 to August 2012 Schuster knowingly maintained a premises, his office at 1135 Westport Drive in Manhattan, Kansas, for the purpose of unlawfully distributing controlled substances.

The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of all the proceeds from the crimes.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:

Conspiracy: A maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million. If death or bodily injury results from the crime, the penalty is not less than 20 years.

Unlawful distribution of controlled substances: A maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million. If death or bodily injury results from the crime, the penalty is not less than 20 years.

Unlawful distribution of controlled substances to a person under 21 years old: A maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million. If death or bodily injury results from the crime, the penalty is not less than 20 years.

Maintaining drug involved premises: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $500,000.

Investigating agencies include the Riley County Police Department; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Department of Defense, Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS); the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (DHS-HSI); and the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS).

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.”

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Douglas McNabb – McNabb Associates, P.C.’s
Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys Videos:

Federal Crimes – Be Careful

Federal Crimes – Be Proactive

Federal Crimes – Federal Indictment

Federal Crimes – Detention Hearing

Federal Mail Fraud Crimes

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To find additional federal criminal news, please read Federal Criminal Defense Daily.

Douglas McNabb and other members of the U.S. law firm practice and write and/or report extensively on matters involving Federal Criminal Defense, INTERPOL Red Notice Removal, International Extradition Defense, OFAC SDN Sanctions Removal, International Criminal Court Defense, and US Seizure of Non-Resident, Foreign-Owned Assets. Because we have experience dealing with INTERPOL, our firm understands the inter-relationship that INTERPOL’s “Red Notice” brings to this equation.

The author of this blog is Douglas C. McNabb. Please feel free to contact him directly at mcnabb@mcnabbassociates.com or at one of the offices listed above.

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Posted by McNabb Associates, P.C.

“Century Man Arrested On Federal Weapons Charges While Coaching T-Ball”

May 2, 2013

NorthEscambia.com on May 2, 2013 released the following:

“Authorities said a Century man was arrested on a federal weapons charge while coaching a little league t-ball game Tuesday afternoon at a Century ballpark.

Joshua Duane Griffis, age 26 of North Century Boulevard, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of unlawful transport of firearms and transport of stolen firearms. According to the indictment, Griffis is a convicted felon, having been convicted of fraudulent use of a credit card, burglary of an unoccupied dwelling and burglary of an occupied dwelling.

Count one of the indictment alleges that Griffis knowingly possessed a .22 caliber revolver in violation of federal law during September 2012. Count two alleges Griffis knowingly concealed and disposed of the stolen firearm during the same time period.

Griffis was taken into custody without incident, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.

Griffis made his first appearance in federal court Wednesday before Senior United States District Judge Lacey A. Collier. Collier ordered Griffis held without bond until a detention hearing Monday in federal court in Pensacola before Magistrate Judge Elizabeth M. Timothy.”

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Douglas McNabb – McNabb Associates, P.C.’s
Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys Videos:

Federal Crimes – Be Careful

Federal Crimes – Be Proactive

Federal Crimes – Federal Indictment

Federal Crimes – Detention Hearing

————————————————————–

To find additional federal criminal news, please read Federal Criminal Defense Daily.

Douglas McNabb and other members of the U.S. law firm practice and write and/or report extensively on matters involving Federal Criminal Defense, INTERPOL Red Notice Removal, International Extradition Defense, OFAC SDN Sanctions Removal, International Criminal Court Defense, and US Seizure of Non-Resident, Foreign-Owned Assets. Because we have experience dealing with INTERPOL, our firm understands the inter-relationship that INTERPOL’s “Red Notice” brings to this equation.

The author of this blog is Douglas C. McNabb. Please feel free to contact him directly at mcnabb@mcnabbassociates.com or at one of the offices listed above.

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Federal Grand Jury Indicted former Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer Alleging Misappropriating State Funds and Solicitation

April 22, 2013

timesunion.com on April 22, 2013 released the following:

“Farmer indicted on felony fraud charges

ROGER ALFORD, Associated Press, By ROGER ALFORD and BRETT BARROUQUERE, Associated Press

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — A federal grand jury has indicted former Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer on four felony counts of misappropriating state funds and one of solicitation.

The indictment unsealed Monday in Lexington charges Farmer with using his state position to obtain thousands of dollars’ worth of gifts, hotel rooms, clothing and computers. It also charges him with hiring friends who did little or no work for the state.

“Throughout his tenure, Farmer wrongfully used public funds and KDA resources to obtain goods and services for himself and his family,” the 13-page indictment said.

Farmer, a former high school and college basketball icon, was agriculture commissioner from 2004 to 2012.

If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

“There’s no surprise in there,” said J. Guthrie True, Farmer’s attorney.

True was planning a news conference for later Monday, he said.

Arraignment is scheduled for April 30.

Along with the criminal charges, federal prosecutors want Farmer to give up $450,000 in either cash or assets as proceeds of the alleged illegal activity.

The indictment said Farmer, as head of the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture, used funds for an association conference in 2008 to purchase 25 Remington rifles, 25 rifle cases, 52 embossed Case knives and 50 personalized cigar boxes. Some of the gifts were given to attendees. Prosecutors say Farmer took the excess gifts for himself.

The grand jury also accused Farmer of using Agriculture Department funds to benefit his family and friends, including naming at least three people as “special assistants” who did little or no work for the department. Farmer directed the “special assistants” to perform personal tasks for him on work hours, including building a basketball court at his home, installing flooring in his attic, and organizing his personal effects, according to the indictment.

Farmer approved the salaries and overtime of the assistants who performed the work, the grand jury said.

Farmer is also accused of having Agriculture Department employees drive him on personal errands, babysit his children, mow his lawn and transport his dog.

In a separate action, Farmer also faces 42 ethics charges accusing him of misusing state funds and state employees during his time in office.

Farmer was a shooting guard for the University of Kentucky’s Wildcats basketball team from 1988 to 1992. The team was known as “The Unforgettables.”"

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Douglas McNabb – McNabb Associates, P.C.’s
Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys Videos:

Federal Crimes – Be Careful

Federal Crimes – Be Proactive

Federal Crimes – Federal Indictment

Federal Crimes – Detention Hearing

————————————————————–

To find additional federal criminal news, please read Federal Criminal Defense Daily.

Douglas McNabb and other members of the U.S. law firm practice and write and/or report extensively on matters involving Federal Criminal Defense, INTERPOL Red Notice Removal, International Extradition Defense, OFAC SDN Sanctions Removal, International Criminal Court Defense, and US Seizure of Non-Resident, Foreign-Owned Assets. Because we have experience dealing with INTERPOL, our firm understands the inter-relationship that INTERPOL’s “Red Notice” brings to this equation.

The author of this blog is Douglas C. McNabb. Please feel free to contact him directly at mcnabb@mcnabbassociates.com or at one of the offices listed above.

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Posted by McNabb Associates, P.C.

Four Jefferson County Men Indicted on Federal Criminal Charges Alleging Federal Mail Fraud Crimes

March 29, 2013

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on March 27, 2013 released the following:

“BEAUMONT, TX— Four Port Arthur, Texas men have been indicted and arrested in connection with a mail fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

An indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on March 6, 2013, charging Christopher Thomas, 41; Lawrence Thomas, 42; Haleem Collins, 35; and Quarmi Garlington, 25, with conspiracy to commit mail fraud.

The indictment, which was unsealed today, alleges that from November 6, 2006 to March 8, 2012, the defendants conspired with each other to defraud numerous auto insurance companies by submitting fraudulent insurance claims for personal injury and economic loss through the U.S. Postal Service. According to the indictment, the defendants repeatedly staged automobile collisions in Port Arthur after having purchased policies on the vehicles involved. Once the defendants either actually crashed the vehicles or staged a collision, they would contact police and assume the roles of drivers and passengers for emergency personnel. The indictment also alleges that the defendants would use aggressive driving tactics to induce automobile accidents with other unsuspecting drivers. Following these collisions, the defendants would falsely claim to be injured and submit, by means of the mail, fraudulent accident claims.

The defendants were taken into custody and made initial appearances this week before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn.

If convicted of the conspiracy charge, the defendants each face up to 20 years in federal prison.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Port Arthur Police Department; and the National Insurance Crime Bureau and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Baylor Wortham.

A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”

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Douglas McNabb – McNabb Associates, P.C.’s
Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys Videos:

Federal Crimes – Be Careful

Federal Crimes – Be Proactive

Federal Crimes – Federal Indictment

Federal Crimes – Detention Hearing

Federal Mail Fraud Crimes

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To find additional federal criminal news, please read Federal Criminal Defense Daily.

Douglas McNabb and other members of the U.S. law firm practice and write and/or report extensively on matters involving Federal Criminal Defense, INTERPOL Red Notice Removal, International Extradition Defense, OFAC SDN Sanctions Removal, International Criminal Court Defense, and US Seizure of Non-Resident, Foreign-Owned Assets. Because we have experience dealing with INTERPOL, our firm understands the inter-relationship that INTERPOL’s “Red Notice” brings to this equation.

The author of this blog is Douglas C. McNabb. Please feel free to contact him directly at mcnabb@mcnabbassociates.com or at one of the offices listed above.

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Posted by McNabb Associates, P.C.

“Thirty-Four Alleged Aryan Brotherhood of Texas Gang Members Indicted on Federal Racketeering Charges”

November 9, 2012

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on November 9, 2012 released the following:

“WASHINGTON— Thirty-four alleged members of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT) gang, including four of its most senior leaders, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Houston for allegedly conspiring to participate in a racketeering enterprise, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson of the Southern District of Texas; Special Agent in Charge Melvin D. King of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Houston Division; and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen L. Morris of the Houston Field Office.

The 17-count superseding indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on October 22, 2012, and unsealed today in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Texas. Fourteen individuals were taken into custody today, and 15 defendants charged in the superseding indictment are already in custody. Five defendants remain at large.

“Today’s takedown represents a devastating blow to the leadership of ABT,” said Assistant Attorney General Breuer. “Four ABT generals, 13 additional alleged ABT leaders, and numerous other gang members and associates are named in the indictment. As charged, ABT uses extreme violence and threats of violence to maintain internal discipline and retaliate against those believed to be cooperating with law enforcement. Through violence and intimidation, ABT allegedly exerts control over prison populations and neighborhoods and instills fear in those who come in contact with its members. As today’s operations show, the Criminal Division, working closely with its federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, is determined to continue disrupting and dismantling ABT and other violent, criminal gangs.”

“This indictment is the culmination of a joint federal, state, and local law enforcement effort targeting a large-scale prison gang involved in violent organized crime,” said U.S. Attorney Magidson. “Only when we work in partnership utilizing all our resources can we attack a criminal organization and dismantle it entirely.”

“ATF is serious about fighting violent crime. We remain steadfast in our commitment to focus on those violent criminals who illegally use firearms to prey on their victims,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge King. “Through a collective effort with our law enforcement partners, this operation was a success today.”

“This multi-year investigation and indictment clearly targets the worst-of-the-worst among the ABT,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Morris. “This effort not only exemplifies the level of effort the FBI and our law enforcement partners will expend to prevent prison gang racism and criminal activity from poisoning our communities. It sends a clear message that we will relentlessly pursue and prosecute the leaders and members of these criminal enterprises regardless of where they lay their heads.”

As charged, the defendants range from senior leaders to soldiers of the ABT, a “whites only,” prison-based gang with members operating inside and outside of state and federal prisons throughout Texas and elsewhere in the United States since at least the early 1980s.

According to court documents, the ABT has a detailed and uniform organizational structure, with territory divided into five regions, each run by a “general.” The superseding indictment charges four generals: Terry Ross Blake, 55, aka “Big Terry”; Larry Max Bryan, 51, aka “Slick”; William David Maynard, 42, aka “Baby Huey”; and Charles Lee Roberts, 68, aka “Jive,” with conspiracy to participate in the racketeering activities of the ABT, among other charges.

In total, the superseding indictment charges 34 alleged members of the ABT with conspiracy to participate in the racketeering activities of the ABT. Alleged members of the ABT are also charged with involvement in three murders, multiple attempted murders, kidnappings, assaults, and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine.

According to the superseding indictment, the ABT was established in the early 1980s within the Texas prison system. The gang modeled itself after and adopted many of the precepts and writings of the Aryan Brotherhood, a California-based prison gang that was formed in the California prison system during the 1960s. According to court documents, previously, the ABT was primarily concerned with the protection of white inmates and white supremacy/separatism. Over time, the ABT is alleged to have has expanded its criminal enterprise to include illegal activities for profit.

Court documents allege that the ABT enforced its rules and promoted discipline among its members, prospects, and associates through murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, arson, assault, robbery, and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the enterprise. Members, and oftentimes associates, were required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members, often referred to as “direct orders.”

According to the superseding indictment, in order to be considered for membership, a person must be sponsored by another ABT member. Once sponsored, a prospective member must serve an unspecified term, during which he is referred to as a prospect, while his conduct is observed by the members of the ABT.

Ten defendants have been charged with offenses that are eligible for the death penalty. The remaining 24 defendants face a maximum penalty of life in prison.

An indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This case is being investigated by a multi-agency task force consisting of the ATF; Drug Enforcement Administration; FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations; Texas Rangers; Texas Department of Public Safety; the Montgomery County, Texas Sheriff’s Department; Houston Police Department-Gang Division; Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Office of Inspector General; Harris County, Texas Sheriff’s Office; Tarrant County, Texas Sheriff’s Office; Atascosa County, Texas Sheriff’s Office; Orange County, Texas Sheriff’s Office; Waller County, Texas Sheriff’s Office; Fort Worth, Texas Police Department; San Antonio Police Department; Baytown, Texas Police Department; Carrollton, Texas Police Department; Alvin, Texas Police Department; Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office; Atascosa County District Attorney’s Office; Harris County District Attorney’s Office; and the Kaufman County, Texas, District Attorney’s Office.

The case is being prosecuted by David Karpel of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Hileman of the Southern District of Texas.”

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Douglas McNabb – McNabb Associates, P.C.’s
Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys Videos:

Federal Crimes – Be Careful

Federal Crimes – Be Proactive

Federal Crimes – Federal Indictment

Federal Crimes – Detention Hearing

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To find additional federal criminal news, please read Federal Criminal Defense Daily.

Douglas McNabb and other members of the U.S. law firm practice and write and/or report extensively on matters involving Federal Criminal Defense, INTERPOL Red Notice Removal, International Extradition Defense, OFAC SDN Sanctions Removal, International Criminal Court Defense, and US Seizure of Non-Resident, Foreign-Owned Assets. Because we have experience dealing with INTERPOL, our firm understands the inter-relationship that INTERPOL’s “Red Notice” brings to this equation.

The author of this blog is Douglas C. McNabb. Please feel free to contact him directly at mcnabb@mcnabbassociates.com or at one of the offices listed above.

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Posted by McNabb Associates, P.C.

Leo Joshua Kennedy Indicted by a San Jose Federal Grand Jury for Allegedly Committing Wire Fraud in a $17 Million Fraud Scheme

November 1, 2012

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on October 31, 2012 released the following:

“Danville Man Charged in $17 Million Fraud Scheme

SAN JOSE, CA— A federal grand jury in San Jose indicted Leo Joshua Kennedy, of Danville, California, today with 10 counts of wire fraud, United States Attorney Melinda Haag announced.

According to the indictment, Kennedy, 60, is alleged to have stolen $17 million from various beneficiary trust accounts at Backhouse Fiduciary Services. While working as an accountant for Backhouse Fiduciary Services, a San Jose based administrator of beneficiary trust accounts, the defendant allegedly transferred funds from various trust accounts without the account-holders’ permission. Kennedy allegedly used those funds to pay for his personal investments and living expenses.

Kennedy is scheduled to make his initial appearance in federal court in San Jose on November 20, 2012, before Magistrate Judge Grewal.

The maximum statutory penalty for each count of wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343 is 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or gross loss from the offense, plus restitution. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

Jeff Schenk is the Assistant U.S. Attorney who is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kamille Singh. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Please note, an indictment contains only allegations against an individual and, as with all defendants, Kennedy must be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Today’s announcement is part of efforts underway by President Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF) which was created in November 2009 to wage an aggressive, coordinated, and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices and state and local partners, it is the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory, and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state, and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions, and other organizations. Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed more than 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants including more than 2,700 mortgage fraud defendants. For more information on the task force, visit http://www.stopfraud.gov.”;

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Douglas McNabb – McNabb Associates, P.C.’s
Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys Videos:

Federal Crimes – Be Careful

Federal Crimes – Be Proactive

Federal Crimes – Federal Indictment

Federal Crimes – Detention Hearing

Federal Mail Fraud Crimes

————————————————————–

To find additional federal criminal news, please read Federal Criminal Defense Daily.

Douglas McNabb and other members of the U.S. law firm practice and write and/or report extensively on matters involving Federal Criminal Defense, INTERPOL Red Notice Removal, International Extradition Defense, OFAC SDN Sanctions Removal, International Criminal Court Defense, and US Seizure of Non-Resident, Foreign-Owned Assets. Because we have experience dealing with INTERPOL, our firm understands the inter-relationship that INTERPOL’s “Red Notice” brings to this equation.

The author of this blog is Douglas C. McNabb. Please feel free to contact him directly at mcnabb@mcnabbassociates.com or at one of the offices listed above.

Leave a Comment » | Federal Attorney, Federal Crime, Federal Crimes, Federal Criminal Attorney, Federal Criminal Defense, Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys - McNabb Associates, Federal Criminal Lawyer, Federal Lawyer | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by McNabb Associates, P.C.

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