May 12, 2021

Four men sentenced to prison for purchasing millions of dollars worth of cigarettes using stolen credit cards

CEO Of Private Equity Fund Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Lying To Bank To Secure $95 Million Loan

Three Gang Members Arrested on Complaint Alleging Armed Robbery and Shooting at Beverly Hills Restaurant

Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS

California Private Equity Executive Sentenced in College Admissions Case

Defense Contractor Employee and O.C. Man Arrested on Complaint Alleging Theft and Sale of Government-Owned Technical Orders

Franklin, Tennessee Couple Charged With Defrauding Elderly Widow Of $1.7 Million

Union County Man Admits Role in Cocaine Trafficking and Money Laundering Conspiracy

Leader of Newark Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Participating in Heroin Conspiracy

Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Recognizes Police Week

Tax Preparer Arrested For Stealing From His Clients And Filing False Tax Returns

Bronx, New York, Woman Admits Fraudulently Obtaining over $200,000 Worth of iPhones

Former Controller Of Manhattan Company And Three Family Members Charged With Embezzling $17 Million

Maryland Woman Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Medicaid Program Out of Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars

Colombian Drug Kingpin Pleads Guilty to Running a Continuing Criminal Enterprise, Agrees to Pay $20 Million in Forfeiture

Four Men Receive Lengthy Federal Prison Sentences For Trafficking Drugs In Southeast Alabama

Murphy, N.C. Resident Is Sentenced To Six Years For Distribution Of Child Pornography

Dominican National Sentenced for Distributing Fentanyl

Nantucket Painting Business Owner Sentenced for $2 Million Income & Payroll Tax Fraud Scheme

Bristol Man Admits Illegally Possessing Loaded Handgun

Postal Worker Pleads Guilty to Stealing Mail

Swampscott Financial Advisor Pleads Guilty to Stealing Former Client’s Retirement Assets

Michael Gonzalez Sentenced to Time Served For Federal Firearm Offense

Former VA Employee Sentenced for Conspiring to Accept Bribes

Rocky Mount Tax Return Preparer Sentenced for Conspiracy to Filing False Tax Returns

>>13646840

May 12, 2021

Alleged Drug Cartel Leader Charged

Beaverton Man Indicted in Streaming Service Fraud Scheme

Sinaloa-based Narcotics Distributor Designated under the Kingpin Act for Trafficking Fentanyl, Heroin, and Methamphetamine in Oregon

Department of Treasury Designates Sinaloa-based Mexican Narcotics Trafficker Under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Act

Guatemalan Man Sentenced for Unlawful Reentry by an Alien Removed After Conviction of a Felony

33 Defendants Face Child Pornography and Enticement Charges as a Result of Operation Clean Sweep

Suburban Chicago Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Fraud Charge for Misappropriating Hundreds of Thousands From Non-Profit Organization

Philadelphia Man Sentenced to Over 15 Years in Federal Prison for Narcotics Trafficking

Browning man sentenced to prison for distributing methamphetamine on Blackfeet Indian Reservation

Indonesian Man Guilty of Illegally Using Social Security Number to Obtain Employment

Virginia Man Sentenced for Defrauding Export-Import Bank of $1.6 Million

Lawrence Man Sentenced for Fentanyl Conspiracy

Dominican National Sentenced for Fentanyl and Heroin Trafficking

Federal Grand Jury Indicts Jamestown Man On Meth Charges

Local woman guilty of disaster fraud

Federal Grand Jury Indicts West Seneca Man On Child Pornography And Obstruction Of Justice Charges

Federal Grand Jury Indicts Buffalo Man And Woman On Narcotics Conspiracy And Cocaine Charges

Hopkinton Man Arrested For Third Time On Child-Related Sex Charges

Former UGA Professor Ordered to Prison, Must Register as Lifetime Sex Offender

Dominican National Sentenced for Fentanyl Conspiracy

South Texan handed significant sentence for trafficking cocaine

Interstate Theft Scheme Ringleader Pleads Guilty

Shreveport Trauma Surgeon Sentenced for Stealing More than $200,000 in Social Security Benefits

Supplier to Drug Trafficking Organization and Member of Organization each Sentenced to Five Years in Prison

Alexandria Drug Trafficker Sentenced to Federal Prison

>>13646844

May 12, 2021

Goffstown Man Pleads Guilty to Transportation and Possession of Child Pornography

Two Indicted for $2 Million Scheme that Defrauded Over 20 Investors

New Haven Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Gun and Drug Offenses

Long Island Investment Advisor Pleads Guilty to Securities Fraud Conspiracy

Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Oxycodone from New Britain Grocery Store

Clearfield County Woman Sentenced to Prison for Preparing False Tax Returns, Falsifying Court Documents

LPR admits to smuggling fentanyl and heroin through Laredo

Shop owner admits to illegally selling hummingbirds

Morgantown man admits to his role in a drug trafficking operation

Berkeley County man admits to role in drug conspiracy

Ocean County Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Producing Images of Sexual Abuse of Children and Advertising Child Pornography

Florida Man Sentenced After Fraudulently Obtaining $3.9 Million in PPP Loans

German Citizen Sentenced in Maryland to Nearly Two Years in Federal Prison for Charges Related to a Scheme to Defraud the U.S. State Department

Gansevoort Woman Pleads Guilty to Charges of Supplemental Security Income Fraud

Texan sentenced for attempting to smuggle over 70 people in one trailer

Former Bank Teller Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Social Security Funds From Deceased Customer’s Account

Cheshire Investment Advisor Admits Stealing More Than $600K from Elderly Client

Dane County Man Charged with Distributing Child Pornography

Judge sentences Lewis County man for being a felon in possession of a firearm

Dark Web Vendor of Opioids and Counterfeit U.S. Currency Pleads Guilty

Fort Gordon soldier admits to possession of child pornography

Brooklyn Man Sentenced In Manhattan Federal Court To 20 Years In Prison For Attempting To Provide Material Support To ISIS

Charlotte Man Is Sentenced To Nine Years For Possession Of A Stolen Firearm

U.S. District Court Appoints Neil Barofsky to be the Independent Monitor Over the United Auto Workers Union

Federal Judge Sentences Monroe, N.C. Man To 20 Years For Receipt And Possession Of Child Pornography

>>13646840

>>13646844

>>13646851

Justice.gov/usao happenings

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Eastern District of New York

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Colombian Drug Kingpin Pleads Guilty to Running a Continuing Criminal Enterprise, Agrees to Pay $20 Million in Forfeiture

Roman Narvaez Ansazoy was a Leader of a Drug Trafficking Organization Responsible for Producing Multi-Ton Quantities of Cocaine Destined for the United States

Roman Narvaez Ansazoy, the founder and principal leader of an international drug trafficking enterprise based in Colombia, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Brooklyn to leading a continuing criminal enterprise as charged in a superseding indictment. When sentenced, Narvaez will face a mandatory minimum term of 20 years in prison and up to life in prison. As part of the plea agreement, Narvaez also agreed to pay a $20 million forfeiture money judgment. The proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy.

Mark J. Lesko, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ray Donovan, Special Agent-in-Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division (DEA), Dermot F. Shea, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), and Kevin P. Bruen, Acting Superintendent, New York State Police (NYSP), announced the guilty plea.

“With today’s guilty plea, the defendant will face significant punishment for the incalculable harm caused by poisoning our country with huge quantities of cocaine produced by his drug trafficking organization, while amassing substantial illicit wealth for himself,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Lesko. “The United States is committed to cooperating with our international partners to dismantle illicit organizations like the Narvaez drug trafficking organization.” Mr. Lesko extended his grateful appreciation to the DEA’s offices in Bogota, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Department of State, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the Colombian National Police, and the Government of Colombia.

“Ansazoy was admittedly a multi-ton supplier of cocaine with ties to narco-terrorist organizations. His arrest and plea are another victory for the Rule of Law and the victims of drug abuse, misuse, and overdoses. I applaud our global, state, local, and federal partners whose work resulted in today’s announcement,” stated DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Donovan.

“I commend the dedicated teamwork of the New York Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Strike Force which was instrumental in the takedown of this dangerous drug trafficker and bringing him to justice. This partnership of federal, state and local law enforcement continues to prevent dangerous narcotics making their way into our communities and helping to remove the violent criminals who profit at the expense of our communities. We are committed to working together with our law enforcement partners to keep these harmful narcotics off our streets and our neighborhoods safe,” stated NYSP Acting Superintendent Bruen.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/colombian-drug-kingpin-pleads-guilty-running-continuing-criminal-enterprise-agrees-pay

>>13646871

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of New Jersey

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Union County Man Admits Role in Cocaine Trafficking and Money Laundering Conspiracy

NEWARK, N.J. – A Union County, New Jersey, man today admitted his role in a cocaine trafficking and money laundering conspiracy, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Jose A. Rivera Jr., 48, of Union Township, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

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

Rivera is a leader of a drug-trafficking and money laundering organization. Law enforcement officers learned that Rivera utilized various locations to conduct narcotics trafficking and money laundering on behalf of the organization, including his residence and a stash location in Union.

On Nov. 6, 2020, law enforcement officers conducted lawful searches of the residence and the stash location and recovered over $1 million in cash, financial paperwork and notations related to narcotics proceeds and transactions. On Nov. 7, 2020, law enforcement officers conducted a lawful search of Rivera’s vehicle and recovered 191 grams of cocaine in a hidden compartment within the glove box of the vehicle.

The charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a statutory maximum fine of $1 million, or twice the amount involved in the offense. The charge of money laundering conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 29, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Raymond Donovan in New York; special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina in Newark; and inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/union-county-man-admits-role-cocaine-trafficking-and-money-laundering-conspiracy

>>13646876

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Northern District of West Virginia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Berkeley County man admits to role in drug conspiracy

ARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Medo Hallack, of Inwood, West Virginia, has admitted to this role in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Hallack, 32, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Hallack admitted to working with another to sell cocaine hydrochloride, also known as “coke,” in August and September 2019 in Berkeley County.

Hallack faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

This case is the result of investigations supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) under the Attorney General-led Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS)/Special Operations Division (SOD) Project Clean Sweep. This initiative seeks to reduce the supply of synthetic opioids in “hot spot” areas previously identified by the Attorney General of the United States, thereby reducing drug overdoses and drug overdose deaths, and identify wholesale distribution networks and sources of supply operating nationally and internationally.

OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

Related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/25-charged-six-state-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-cocaine

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/berkeley-county-man-admits-role-drug-conspiracy

>>13646881

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Northern District of West Virginia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Morgantown man admits to his role in a drug trafficking operation

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kenneth Burns, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Burns, 34, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Burns admitted to using a phone to help sell fentanyl, cocaine base, and heroin in March 2020 in Monongalia County.

Burns faces not more than four years of incarceration and a fine of not more than to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

Related press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/seventeen-people-charged-heroin-and-crack-cocaine-distribution-operation

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/morgantown-man-admits-his-role-drug-trafficking-operation

>>13646883

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of New Jersey

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Supplier to Drug Trafficking Organization and Member of Organization each Sentenced to Five Years in Prison

TRENTON, N.J. – Two men have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a drug trafficking organization that sold illegal drugs in Mercer County, New Jersey, and in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.

Jawaan Foreman, 37, of Trenton, was sentenced today to five years in prison. Foreman previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp to an information charging him with one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base.

Duane Paulino-Escalera, 28, of Philadelphia, was sentenced May 7, 2021, to five years in prison. Paulino-Escalera previously pleaded guilty before Judge Shipp to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

Paulino-Escalera and Foreman are the ninth and 10th defendants to be sentenced in conjunction with this investigation. Judge Shipp imposed both sentences in Trenton federal court.

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

From June 2018 through May 2019, the defendants and others engaged in a heroin trafficking conspiracy in the areas of Stuyvesant, Hoffman, and Highland avenues in Trenton, and around Barbary Road in Philadelphia.

Through the interception of telephone calls and text messages pursuant to court-authorized wiretap orders, controlled purchases of heroin, the use of confidential sources of information, and other investigative techniques, law enforcement learned that Robert M. Gbanapolor obtained regular supplies of “bricks” of heroin (approximately 50 smaller, individually packaged glassine envelopes or baggies containing heroin) from Paulino-Escalera, whom Gbanapolor referred to as “Papi.”

Members of the conspiracy distributed the heroin supplied by Paulino-Escalera to other conspirators, distributors, sub-dealers, and end users in and around Trenton. Law enforcement officers intercepted numerous discussions among the conspirators regarding issues such as heroin quality and availability, branding, quantity, and customer satisfaction.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/supplier-drug-trafficking-organization-and-member-organization-each-sentenced-five-years

>>13646885

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of Mississippi

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Philadelphia Man Sentenced to Over 15 Years in Federal Prison for Narcotics Trafficking

Jackson, Miss. - A Philadelphia man was sentenced today to 189 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca of the Southern District of Mississippi and Jack P. Stanton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations’ New Orleans Field Office.

According to court documents, Landon Marquale Dupree, 35, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, was charged with and pled guilty to selling methamphetamine to an individual on July 15, 2019, in Philadelphia. Dupree was sentenced to serve 189 months in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons, to be followed by 8 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $4595.00 in restitution to the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.

Dupree has a prior felony conviction for sale of cocaine in Neshoba County, Mississippi.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms/pr/philadelphia-man-sentenced-over-15-years-federal-prison-narcotics-trafficking

>>13646890

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Colorado

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Department of Treasury Designates Sinaloa-based Mexican Narcotics Trafficker Under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Act

Colorado U.S. Attorney’s Office Indicted the Lead Defendant in 2016

DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado today announced that the Department of Treasury has designated Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas and the Gonzalez Penuelas Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) as Significant Foreign Narcotics Traffickers. The designation is pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act and serves to deter the drug trafficking organization’s use of the U.S. financial system to launder illicit proceeds derived from narcotics sales. In 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office first indicted Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas, charging him with trafficking heroin and cocaine to the United States. The U.S. Attorney’s Office obtained a superseding indictment in 2018, which included charges against Ignacio Gonzalez Penuelas, a key lieutenant in the drug trafficking organization and the brother of Jesus Gonzalez-Penuelas. In 2019, the U.S. Attorney’s Office also charged Adelmo Nunez Molina with various drug trafficking offenses. Nunez Molina is a raw opium gum source of supply for Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas. All the defendants are fugitives.

“Drug traffickers are often motivated by the potential profit from the illegal drug trade,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matt Kirsch. “The sanctions associated with today’s Significant Foreign Narcotics Trafficker designations are a significant step towards preventing this DTO from profiting from its illegal drug trafficking.”

“These sanctions targeting Gonzalez Penuelas and his associates will go a long way to disrupting the heroin supply flowing across the Southwest Border,” said Deanne Reuter, Special Agent in Charge of DEA Denver Field Division. “DEA applauds the work of our partners in the United States Attorney’s Office and the Treasury Department in making it harder for Gonzalez Penuelas to commit these crimes that affect our communities.”

According to the announcement from the Department of Treasury, the Gonzalez Penuelas DTO operates primarily in Sinaloa and Sonora, Mexico, various ports of entry in the United States, as well as numerous United States-based distribution cells in Colorado, California, Texas, Washington, Utah, and Nevada. As a result of today’s designation, interests in property of the designated persons that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons must be blocked and reported to the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC). OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or persons within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.

This matter was investigated by the Strike Force associated with the Denver Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie Podolak and Zackary Phillips are prosecuting this case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-co/pr/department-treasury-designates-sinaloa-based-mexican-narcotics-trafficker-under-foreign

>>13646892

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of California

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Alleged Drug Cartel Leader Charged

Director of Media Relations Kelly Thornton (619) 546-9726

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – May 12, 2021

SAN DIEGO – A federal grand jury indictment was unsealed in San Diego today against alleged Mexican drug cartel leader Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas in connection with suspected heroin and fentanyl trafficking. Penuelas was also the target of sanctions imposed today by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

The indictment, returned on January 27, 2017, charges Gonzalez Penuelas with Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Intended for Importation, and Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances. On January 30, 2017, the Clerk of the Court issued a sealed warrant for his arrest. Gonzalez Penuelas remains a fugitive.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) identified Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas and the Gonzalez Penuelas Drug Trafficking Organization (Gonzalez Penuelas DTO) as Significant Foreign Narcotics Traffickers pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act). Please see https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0172.

Gonzalez Penuelas is the alleged leader of the Gonzalez Penuelas DTO, which is one of the largest raw opium gum and heroin sources of supply in northern Mexico, and increasingly a major distributor of fentanyl. The Gonzalez Penuelas DTO operates primarily in Sinaloa and Sonora, Mexico, various ports of entry in the United States, as well as numerous U.S.-based distribution cells in California, Texas, Colorado, Washington, Utah, and Nevada. The upper echelons of the Gonzalez Penuelas DTO hierarchy consist of Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas’ family members. The Gonzalez Penuelas DTO cooperates with other DTOs within Mexico, to include acting as an enforcement arm for the various Mexican DTO’s trafficking routes and is aligned with Mexican drug traffickers Fausto Isidro Meza Flores and Rafael Caro Quintero. The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Asset Control designated Fausto Isidro Meza Flores in January 2013 for his role in narcotics trafficking. The President identified Rafael Caro Quintero as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker pursuant to the Kingpin Act in 2000.

“This indictment and the Treasury Department sanctions announced today show that the Department of Justice, together with our law enforcement partners, will aggressively investigate and prosecute the most significant cartels and kingpins who import illegal drugs into the United States,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Randy S. Grossman. Grossman praised Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Sutton, HSI and DEA agents and all law enforcement partners for their excellent work on this case.

“This important Kingpin designation is an example of the effectiveness of our local and national law enforcement partnerships to help bring justice to drug smuggling organizations who benefit the most from smuggling dangerous drugs across the border,” said Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego, CA. “The nation’s opioid epidemic continues affect our local communities and our agents are working tirelessly with our partners to disrupt the flow of these and all illegal narcotics.”

“DEA and our law enforcement partners continue to target organizations that are fueling the American opioid epidemic,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge John W. Callery. “The indictment and the Department of Treasury sanctions against Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas serve as a warning to others causing the deaths of Americans through drug trafficking: we will utilize every resource available to disrupt your drug trafficking organization and bring you to justice.”

The indictment in this case marks the conclusion of the initial phase of a multi-year OCDETF investigation. This joint Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation targeted the leadership elements, lieutenants, associates, and money launderers connected with the Rafael Caro-Quintero DTO and Beltran Leyva Organization.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/alleged-drug-cartel-leader-charged

DDG Maricopa search results

Arizona secretary of state raises alarm about Wi-Fi router connected to Maricopa County election audit servers

Washington Examiner on MSN.com|2 hours ago

>Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs raised new concerns about the GOP-led Arizona Senate's audit of the 2020 election in Maricopa County on Wednesday.

Audit update: Arizona Senate-ordered audit of Maricopa County's presidential election ballot will stop for a week

The Arizona Republic|4 hours ago

>Get caught up on the latest news and comprehensive coverage of the Arizona Senate-ordered audit of Maricopa County's general election.

Election experts say giving Maricopa County routers to election auditors could be security threat

Indianapolis Star|6 hours ago

>That's an analogy one tech expert - Matt Bernhard, a research engineer at Voting Works, a nonpartisan nonprofit that advocates for open source election technology — gave while explaining the importance of keeping Maricopa County's routers secure.

Election experts say giving Maricopa County routers to Arizona Senate's election auditors could be security threat

Arizona Republic on MSN.com|7 hours ago

>One expert said access to routers is a "pretty specific risk" to Maricopa County. He and others are unclear why it's needed to audit an election.

Myth of Ballot Watermarks Flushed Out Again

FactCheck.org on MSN.com|8 hours ago

>An audit of ballots and a forensic audit of voting equipment earlier this year found no problems in the 2020 elections in Maricopa County, Arizona. But debunked claims about voter fraud revealed by secret "watermarks" are flowing again on social media amid a Republican-led audit.

Maricopa County is the fastest-growing county in the US, report says

KPNX on MSN.com|2 hours ago

>Maricopa County saw its population climb by 86,820, more than any other U.S. county, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Arizona recount: The story of the 'ridiculous' election charade

YAHOO!News|1 hour ago

>Lago, Trump is still complaining about his election loss. In Washington, Republicans just booted Liz Cheney, who said Biden was legitimately elected, from her congressional leadership post. And in Phoenix,

Listen: National elections expert tells The Gaggle podcast what Arizona's ballot audit means for US

Austin American-Statesman|2 hours ago

>Joined by elections law expert Rick Hasen, The Gaggle covers how the ongoing ballot audit could have long-term affects.

Want cheaper degrees? Then do more to rethink Arizona community colleges

Austin American-Statesman|9 hours ago

>If Arizona wants to truly serve students, its community colleges must evolve into full-fledged state colleges. SB 1453 alone won't get us there.

The more Republicans bow to Trump's lies, the more they destroy their party's future

Chicago Sun-Times|33 minutes ago

>Seventy percent of Republicans believe the lie that Trump won the presidential election. But that's less than one-third — and shrinking — of the total electorate.

Kevin McCarthy lives in an idyllic universe where his party no longer questions the 2020 election results

Washington Post on MSN.com|5 hours ago

>You're about to elevate someone to a leadership position who is still questioning the legitimacy of the 2020 election results," NBC News's Kristen Welker asked McCarthy, referring to Rep. Elise Stefanink (R-N.

>>13647009

Arizona's election audit has become a coast-to-coast embarassment. Senate should end it

The Arizona Republic on MSN.com|2 hours ago

>Arizona Senate President Karen Fann should end this disaster of an election audit. It's embarrassing and it won't achieve her goal.

VERIFY: What happens to our ballots after we cast them in Arizona?

KPNX on MSN.com|5 hours ago

>How long are ballots for federal elections actually held onto? How are election ballots disposed of? Let's verify.

OPINION | BRENDA LOOPER: Hit or myth

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette|8 hours ago

>Assistant Editor Brenda Looper is editor of the Voices page. Read her blog at blooper0223.wordpress.com. Email her at blooper@adgnewsroom.com.

Liz Cheney ousted from GOP leadership role over Trump criticism

CNN|4 hours ago

>House Republicans voted to replace Rep. Liz Cheney as GOP conference chair over her opposition to former President Trump. Follow here for the latest.

Fact check: Census voting data isn't proof of fraud in 2020 election

USA Today on MSN.com|5 hours ago

>Recent articles falsely claim a discrepancy in voter data is evidence of widespread fraud. This is a misleading interpretation of Census data.

Trial Delayed for Backup Driver in Fatal Crash of Uber Autonomous Vehicle

Phoenix New Times|10 hours ago

>Did an artificially intelligent machine, a faceless corporation, or a local woman kill pedestrian Elaine Herzberg on the streets of Tempe in 2018?

The Path to Herd Immunity

Political Wire|1 hour ago

>According to a new U.S. Census estimate, some 30 million American adults who are open to getting a Covid vaccine have not yet managed to actually do so. Their ranks are larger than the hesitant — more than 28 million who said they would probably or definitely not get vaccinated,

Silver Alert issued for Sun City man with serious medical issues

KTAR News|2 hours ago

>A Silver Alert was issued Wednesday for a Phoenix-area man with multiple serious medical conditions who may be driving to Las Vegas, authorities said.

Issues: audit

FactCheck.org|6 hours ago

>An audit of ballots and a forensic audit of voting equipment earlier this year found no problems in the 2020 elections in Maricopa County, Arizona. But debunked claims about voter fraud revealed by secret "watermarks" are flowing again on social media amid a Republican-led audit.

Steven Seagal puts Scottsdale bulletproof mansion on market

The Business Journals|8 hours ago

>Take a sneak peek into actor Steven Seagal's bulletproof Scottsdale mansion he just listed on the market. Several potential buyers from out of state already are flying in to get their own private tours.

Here's what Arizona parents should know about COVID-19 vaccines for kids

KTAR News|3 hours ago

>Here's what parents and guardians need to know about getting their tweens and younger teens vaccinated against COVID-19 in Arizona.

Arizona law enforcement struggle to halt deadly street racing

TUCSON News Now Kold on MSN.com|7 hours ago

>Carrasco, now 24, and Foster, now 61, face murder and other felony charges in the crash, but despite witness statements and Chagolla's confirmation to police, neither driver faces charges for street racing.

Silver Alert Issued For Elderly Sun City Man With Medical Issues

Patch on MSN.com|7 hours ago

>A Silver Alert has been issued for James Dean Trissel of Sun City, who was last seen leaving his house at 8 a.m. Tuesday, MCSO said.

Fitch Rates Tempe, AZ's $23.6MM GOs 'AAA', Affirms IDR and Excise Tax Revs at 'AAA'; Outlook Stable

Fitch Ratings|4 hours ago

>Fitch Ratings has assigned a 'AAA' rating to the following city of Tempe, Arizona obligations:–$23.55 million general

Health Officials Look To Combat Declining COVID Vaccination Rates

Patch on MSN.com|7 hours ago

>More than 2.5 million Arizonans have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but the numbers of people getting the shots are on the decline.

Feds target evictions by some of America's biggest landlords

CBS News on MSN.com|6 hours ago

>In Houston, Tampa and the Atlanta suburbs, most eviction cases come from corporate landlords, according to advocacy group.

It's about more than Cheney

The Scranton Times-Tribune|3 hours ago

>House Republicans' replacement of Cheney does not constitute the end of American democracy as we've known it, but there is a real possibility we'll look back on May 12, 2021, as the beginning of the end — unless enough principled Republicans can be persuaded to engineer an immediate,

Friedman: The Republican plot against Cheney and democracy

Times Free Press|1 hour ago

>I didn't want to write again about the House Republicans ousting Liz Cheney from their leadership for calling out Donald Trump's Big Lie

May 12, 2021 Project Safe Childhood Bun

33 Defendants Face Child Pornography and Enticement Charges as a Result of Operation Clean Sweep

>… agencies. Operation Clean Sweep netted 33 alleged child predators in 10 of the 11 counties in the Northern … court. The operation further identified and/or rescued 12 child victims during the investigation. “Operation Clean … to help counteract the spike in internet facilitated child-exploitation crimes, in part fueled by the COVID-19 …

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndok/pr/33-defendants-face-child-pornography-and-enticement-charges-result-operation-clean

Federal Grand Jury Indicts West Seneca Man On Child Pornography And Obstruction Of Justice Charges

>… 33, of West Seneca, NY, with three counts of receipt of child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography, and one count of obstruction of justice. … traced to the defendant, attempting to download suspected child pornography using the internet. On December 2, 2019, …

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/federal-grand-jury-indicts-west-seneca-man-child-pornography-and-obstruction-justice

Hopkinton Man Arrested For Third Time On Child-Related Sex Charges

>… determined that he allegedly downloaded and stored child pornography earlier in 2020, has been charged in federal court with possessing child pornography and with allegedly downloading images of child pornography in March of this year while on bail related …

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ri/pr/hopkinton-man-arrested-third-time-child-related-sex-charges

Former UGA Professor Ordered to Prison, Must Register as Lifetime Sex Offender

>… to authorities that he possessed hundreds of images of child pornography was sentenced to federal prison and will … previously pleaded guilty to one count possession of child pornography. There is no parole in the federal system. … said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Viewing child pornography is a direct assault against the very …

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/former-uga-professor-ordered-prison-must-register-lifetime-sex-offender

Goffstown Man Pleads Guilty to Transportation and Possession of Child Pornography

>… in federal court to transportation and possession of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney John J. … 1, 2019, Microsoft’s automated system detected potential child exploitation material on an account belonging to … Diggins confirmed that he used the internet to view child pornography. Subsequent search warrants revealed over …

https://www.justice.gov/usao-nh/pr/goffstown-man-pleads-guilty-transportation-and-possession-child-pornography

Ocean County Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Producing Images of Sexual Abuse of Children and Advertising Child Pornography

>… indictment charging him with one count of advertising child pornography. Judge Sheridan imposed the sentence today … indictment charging Attar and others with advertising child pornography. During a forensic review of the electronic …

https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/ocean-county-man-sentenced-40-years-prison-producing-images-sexual-abuse-children-and

>>13647048

Dane County Man Charged with Distributing Child Pornography

>… A Dane County man is charged with 2 counts of distributing child pornography in an indictment returned today by a … 1, 2020, Blomme sent a file containing an image of child pornography to another user via Kik Messenger. At the …

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwi/pr/dane-county-man-charged-distributing-child-pornography

Fort Gordon soldier admits to possession of child pornography

>… soldier training at Fort Gordon has admitted to possessing child pornography. Bryan S. Stills , 26, of Fort Gordon, pled … in U.S. District Court to one count of Possession of

Child Pornography, said David H. Estes, Acting U.S. Attorney … parole in the federal system. “Identifying and removing child predators is an important part of keeping our …

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdga/pr/fort-gordon-soldier-admits-possession-child-pornography

Federal Judge Sentences Monroe, N.C. Man To 20 Years For Receipt And Possession Of Child Pornography

>… Rabon, 37, of Monroe, N.C., for possession and receipt of child pornography, announced William T. Stetzer, Acting U.S. … became aware that Rabon was using the internet to download child pornography. Court records show that Rabon used peer to … that he possessed more than 30 images and videos of child pornography. Rabon was indicted by a federal grand jury …

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdnc/pr/federal-judge-sentences-monroe-nc-man-20-years-receipt-and-possession-child-pornography

Murphy, N.C. Resident Is Sentenced To Six Years For Distribution Of Child Pornography

>… of Murphy, N.C. to 72 months in prison for distribution of child pornography, announced William T. Stetzer, U.S. … later identified as Limon, was distributing multiple child pornography using various internet platforms, including … devices revealed that it contained more than 600 images of child pornography. On November 30, 2020, Limon pleaded guilty …

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdnc/pr/murphy-nc-resident-sentenced-six-years-distribution-child-pornography