For the Week of April 17th
From the Department of Justice
Office of the Attorney General - Statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on the 28th Anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing: “And today, here at the Justice Department, we recommit ourselves to doing everything we can to prevent a tragedy like this from ever happening again. We remain vigilant in the face of the threat posed by domestic terrorism. And we remain committed to pursuing accountability for those who perpetrate such attacks and to pursuing justice for the victims and survivors.”
Bureau of Justice Assistance - BJS Releases Work Assignments Reported by Prisoners, 2016: This statistical brief presents findings on work assignments among federal and state prisoners while incarcerated. The brief report provides statistics on whether prisoners were required to have a work assignment, the types of work they performed while incarcerated, and reasons they chose to have a work assignment if one was not required.
Drug Enforcement Agency - DOJ and DEA Announce Charges against Chapitos: “Today’s indictments send a clear message to the Chapitos, the Sinaloa Cartel, and criminal drug networks around the world that the DEA will stop at nothing to protect the national security of the United States and the safety and health of the American people,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “The Chapitos pioneered the manufacture and trafficking of fentanyl – the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced – flooded it into the United States for the past eight years and killed hundreds of thousands of Americans. Over the last year and a half, the DEA proactively infiltrated the Sinaloa Cartel and the Chapitos network, obtained unprecedented access to the organization’s highest levels, and followed them across the world. I am grateful to the men and women of the DEA for their exceptional work on this case, which is the beginning of our work as ‘One DEA’ to dismantle every part of the criminal cartels that are killing Americans at record rates.”
Federal Bureau of Investigation - Inside the FBI: The China Threat: On this episode of Inside the FBI, we’ll discuss some recent criminal charges that demonstrate the lengths the Chinese government will go to threaten the economic well-being, national security, and democratic values of the United States.
U.S. Marshals - Connecticut Violent Fugitive Captured in New York: Since the inception of the U.S. Marshals – Connecticut Violent Fugitive Task Force in 1999, these partnerships have resulted in over 11,046 arrests (Updated as of 9/08/2022). The task force’s objective is to seek out and arrest violent fugitives and sexual predators. Membership agencies include Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Norwalk, Waterbury Police Departments and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 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, eight regional task forces, as well as a growing network of offices in foreign countries.
From ATF
Monday, April 17, 2023
Tampa Field Division - Fort Myers Felon Sentenced After Brandishing a Firearm on Social Media: According to court documents, on April 27, 2020, officers from the Fort Myers Police Department arrested Flournoy on an active warrant after he had posted a video on Instagram of food items at a Fort Myers area restaurant. When arrested, officers located a loaded Glock pistol. Flournoy’s fingerprint was later located on the magazine of the firearm. Officers further noted that Flournoy had posted a video on social media pointing what appeared to be a Glock pistol at the camera on the same evening of his arrest. Flournoy is a convicted felon, and as a result, is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
Tampa Field Division - Citrus County Man Found Guilty of Possessing a Short-Barrel Rifle: This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Tampa Field Division - Lee County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing Firearm as a Convicted Felon: According to court records, in the early morning hours of January 22, 2021, deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) responded to an emergency call for service at a residence in Fort Myers Beach and located an unconscious male in the living room of the home. It was later determined that the individual died as the result of a drug overdose. The deputies also located Rhodes inside the home, who was identified as the roommate of the decedent. When deputies searched the residence, they located a loaded Glock handgun in Rhodes’s bedroom. As a convicted felon who had previously served more than a decade in federal prison for a drug trafficking crime, Rhodes is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
Baltimore Field Division - Cherry Hill Gang Member Sentenced to 21 Years in Federal Prison for a Racketeering Conspiracy, Including Murdering a Rival Gang Member: As stated in his plea agreement, Hillside members and associates have been in a long-running dispute with rival gang members, including Up Da Hill (“UDH”), the Lakebrook Circle Boys, and others. Members and associates of Hillside have routinely engaged in murder and other acts of violence directed at members of these rival gangs, or persons in the territories controlled by these rival gangs. Cherry knew members of Hillside sold narcotics and committed violent acts against rival gangs or others who impeded on Hillside’s territory. Further, Cherry admitted that he participated in Hillside’s racketeering enterprise, including the murder of a UDH member (Victim 1). On May 22, 2010, Cherry shot and murdered Victim 1 in the 2900 block of Denham Circle. Later that day, Cherry was in possession of a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine containing 21 rounds. Ballistic evidence confirmed that Cherry’s firearm was used to murder Victim 1. Cherry also admitted that it was reasonably foreseeable to him that Hillside was responsible for the distribution of between one and three kilograms of heroin, between five and 15 kilograms of cocaine, between 280 and 840 grams of crack cocaine, as well as marijuana and oxycodone.
New Orleans Field Division - Kenner Man Indicted for Federal Gun and Drug Offenses: This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
St. Paul Field Division - Red Lake Felon Sentenced to Over Five Years in Prison for Firearm Possession, Fentanyl Distribution: According to court documents, on June 22, 2022, after Matt Dion Sayers, 47, had escaped from Red Lake Police custody, agents began investigating Sayers for suspected ongoing drug distribution from a motel in Bemidji. Agents observed Sayers arrive and park his vehicle at the motel, and then enter and exit a silver van parked nearby. Law enforcement detained Sayers moments after he left the van for suspicion of controlled substance sales and driving without a valid driver's license. Sayers told agents that he was staying at a room inside the motel, for which agents had already obtained a search warrant. During a search, agents found approximately 46 grams of fentanyl powder in Sayers’ pants pocket. During a search of Sayers’ Chevy Impala, law enforcement located approximately $11,000 in cash, a small safe containing various packaged controlled substances (including but not limited to multiple additional fentanyl and methamphetamine in small baggies). Law enforcement also located a loaded UZI Pro Brand 9 x 19 mm caliber semi-automatic pistol, which was found on the front driver's side floorboard.
St. Paul Field Division - Sturgis Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of Firearm: This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Tampa Field Division - Columbia County Convicted Felon Indicted on Narcotics and Firearms Charges: United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Kristofferson Farmer, Jr. (22, Lake City) with possessing with the intent to distribute alpha-PVP (a.k.a. flakka) and fentanyl, both controlled substances. Additionally, he was charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of those drug trafficking offenses. Farmer, a previously convicted felon, is also charged with possessing two Glock pistols and an AR-15 rifle after being convicted of offenses in Columbia County in 2018. If convicted, Farmer faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to life, in federal prison.
Tampa Field Division - Orlando Felon Sentenced to More Than 7 Years on Firearm Charges in Connection With Shooting: According to court documents, Garrett was charged with knowingly possessing a Glock pistol and .22 caliber rounds of ammunition on May 27, 2022, in connection with a shooting. At approximately 4:00 p.m. that day, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Americana Boulevard in Orlando where they found a man who had sustained gunshot wounds to the torso. That man was later treated and released from the hospital. Surveillance images from a nearby business captured the shooting.
Detroit Field Division - Convicted Felon Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearms Used in Two Shootings: This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
New Orleans Field Division - New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violations of the Federal Gun Control and Controlled Substances Acts: As to Counts 1 and 2, ELLIOTT faces a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release. As to Count 3, ELLIOTT faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a fine not to exceed $1,000,0000, and at least three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. As to Count 4, ELLIOTT faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a maximum term of imprisonment of life, all to be run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. As to each count , ELLIOTT also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
New Orleans Field Division - Jackson Man Sentenced to Over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Carjacking: This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Miami Field Division - Former Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Theft of Firearms From Police Weapons Vault and Tampering With Multiple Witnesses: The investigation revealed that Cintrón-Rivera attempted to intimidate and corruptly persuade two individuals to provide false information to federal investigators relevant to the theft, such as Cintrón-Rivera’s whereabouts on the night of the crime. Cintrón-Rivera also attempted to intimidate and corruptly persuade a female to provide false information to federal investigators regarding (a) the nature and duration of their relationship; (b) Cintrón-Rivera’s whereabouts during the timeframe of the theft; (c) the identity of an alleged informant; and (d) communications involving Cintrón-Rivera and her, including payment for an alleged cell phone.
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
St. Paul Field Division - North Dakota Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Prison for Armed Carjacking of a Delivery Truck: According to court documents, on July 30, 2022, at approximately 3:52 a.m., Joshua Lee Sinawa, 27, approached a bakery delivery box truck in the parking lot of a Cub Foods in Blaine, Minnesota. While the delivery driver was in the vehicle’s driver seat, Sinawa approached the vehicle on the driver’s side, pointed a firearm at the victim, and demanded that the victim get out of the vehicle. Sinawa then forced him to walk into the Cub Foods store at gunpoint. Sinawa left the Cub Foods store while the victim remained inside and fled the scene in the stolen bakery delivery box truck.
Tampa Field Division - Jacksonville Convicted Felon Guilty of Possessing a Firearm: This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Tampa Field Division - Eight Time Convicted Felon Sentenced to Five Years’ Imprisonment for Possessing Loaded Firearm: According to court documents, on December 26, 2021, Wimbley was driving a stolen sedan with another convicted felon as his passenger. Both men were armed with fully loaded, semi-automatic pistols. Wimbley and his passenger were arrested that night during a traffic stop in the Rivergrove neighborhood of Tampa, near the intersection of East Sligh Avenue and Rowlett Park Drive. The officers had followed the stolen vehicle until Wimbley and the passenger exited the car. When ordered to stop, both men fled on foot, leaving behind their loaded semi-automatic pistols in the stolen vehicle. During a search of the stolen car, the officers recovered a loaded black SCCY CPX-1 9mm pistol on the driver’s seat, and a loaded black Springfield XDS (HS Produkt) .45 caliber pistol in the passenger side footwell. Wimbley’s DNA was found on the SCCY CPX-1 pistol. Wimbley agreed to forfeit the pistol and ammunition, which are traceable to proceeds of the offense.
Kansas City Field Division - Former Employee Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Molotov Cocktail Attack on St. Charles Restaurant: On the evening of April 30, 2021, Rashaad Cotton, 25, of St. Louis County, first threw a Molotov cocktail on a residential street in a suburban area in St. Charles. Twenty minutes later, he threw another on the northeast side of the Sauce on the Side restaurant on Beale Street and one near the front door. A juvenile female with Cotton threw a Molotov cocktail at a patio area. The restaurant was open and serving customers. The pair then ran back to Cotton’s vehicle and fled, but were arrested after they crashed.
Headquarters - ATF National Response Team Joins Oklahoma City Church Fire Investigation: “ATF’s National Response Team is in town and will be here until we can determine what caused this horrific fire which has displaced so many parishioners,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II. “If it is determined to be caused by human hand, we won’t sleep until that individual is caught and brought to justice. No Americans should have to worry about where they can practice their religious beliefs because of a criminal act. Rest assured, the best of the best is in Oklahoma City, and we will figure this out.”
Thursday, April 20, 2023
New Orleans Field Division - Four Defendants Convicted of Trafficking Fentanyl, Methamphetamine and Cocaine Receive Sentences Totaling Over 43 Years in Federal Prison: United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that four defendants received lengthy sentences today for their participation in the trafficking of narcotics in the Lake Charles and Lafayette areas.
Denver Field Division - Billings Felon Admits to Firearms Crimes After Illegally Possessing Stolen Gun: The government alleged in court documents that on Oct. 13, 2022, Billings Police Department officers arrested Doney on a probation violation warrant after he was spotted in a stolen truck the previous night. Doney had absconded from state supervision in January 2022. In a search of a trailer where Doney had been living, officers seized a stolen Ruger .22-caliber semi-automatic pistol and ammunition. Doney admitted to an officer that there was ammunition in his trailer and that he was in the stolen truck the night before. In a recorded jail call after his arrest, Doney admitted he knew the gun was stolen. The owner of the stolen truck and pistol confirmed that the gun was in his truck, which was parked outside of his home, when both were stolen.
Tampa Field Division - International Firearms Dealer Involved in $2 Million COVID-19 Fraud Scheme Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison: “Disrupting the international flow of illegal guns inevitably saves lives and reduces crime both domestically and abroad. Stopping this scheme to illegally export weapons to the UK did just that,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “Cases like this highlight the great results that can be achieved when agencies work together to protect our communities both here and abroad.”
Tampa Field Division - South Carolina Man Arrested for Stealing and Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted Felon: According to the indictment, on or about October 26, 2021, Rosa unlawfully took a firearm from a pawn store that is licensed to engage in the business of dealing firearms. Rosa continued to possess the stolen firearm until November 9, 2021. Rosa was previously convicted of multiple felonies, including breaking into a motor vehicle (2014), grand theft (2015), robbery (2017), and two counts of assault and battery first degree (2017). As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
Denver Field Division - Two Butte Men Sentenced to Prison for Drug Trafficking, Firearms and Money Laundering Crimes: In court documents, the government alleged that law enforcement learned in July 2021 that Spani and Vires were dealing drugs together and purchased meth from Vires through a confidential informant. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Vires’ residence and recovered approximately five pounds of meth, a little more than one pound of heroin, 26 firearms and cash. In June 2022, law enforcement searched properties owned by Spani and found one pound of meth, cash and numerous firearms.
Baltimore Field Division - Cherry Hill Gang Member Sentenced to Over 21 Years in Federal Prison for Participating in Racketeering Conspiracy Including Murdering an Individual Believed To Be a Rival Gang Member: United States Attorney Erek L. Barron praised the ATF, the Baltimore Police Department, and the Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation and thanked the U.S. Marshals Service for its assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Patricia C. McLane and Brandon K. Moore, who are prosecuting the case. U.S. Attorney Barron also recognized Paralegal Specialist Andrew Murray for his assistance.
Friday, April 21, 2023
New Orleans Field Division - New Orleans Man Sentenced on Federal Carjacking and Weapons Charges: U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that defendant KEON ESTEEN, age 18, was sentenced on April 13, 2023 by U.S. District Court Judge Barry W. Ashe to a total term of 130 months. As to Count 1 the court sentenced ESTEEN to 46 months of imprisonment. As to Count 2, the court sentenced ESTEEN to 84 months, to run consecutively to the term imposed in Count 1. Additionally, upon release from imprisonment, Judge Ashe ordered that ESTEEN be on supervised release for 5 years consisting of 3 years for Counts 1 and 5 years for Count 2, all to run concurrently. Finally, ESTEEN was ordered to pay a mandatory $200 special assessment fee for Counts 1 and 2 of the two-count indictment.
FOLLOW US: