U.S. Attorney’s Office

Northern District of Florida

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Tallahassee Man Indicted For Conspiracy To Produce, Distribute, Possess, And Receive Child Pornography

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Eric Matthew Lipman, 59, of Tallahassee, Florida, was arrested this morning after a federal grand jury in Tallahassee returned an indictment charging him with conspiracy to produce, distribute, possess, and receive child pornography. The indictment was announced by Jason R. Coody, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Beginning February 8, 2021, through February 11, 2021, the indictment alleges that Lipman conspired to distribute, receive, and possess material containing child pornography. The indictment alleges that as part of the conspiracy, Lipman, along with others, was a participant in Mega.NZ chat groups that distributed, received, possessed, and discussed child pornography images and videos. It is further alleged that the participants posted child pornography images and videos within Mega.NZ chat groups for the benefit of other like-minded participants. The indictment alleges that Mega.NZ was an Internet cloud storage and file hosting service based in New Zealand. Lipman is also charged with receiving, distributing, and possessing material containing child pornography. The pornographic material allegedly found in Lipman’s possession involved a prepubescent minor, as well as a minor under the age of 12.

Lipman faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for conspiracy, receiving material containing child pornography, and distributing material containing child pornography, with a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years in prison, and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for possession of material containing child pornography, followed by a term of 5 years to life of supervised release on all counts following his prison sentence.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen is prosecuting the case.

A jury trial for Lipman is scheduled for August 23, 2021, at 8:15am. He will be tried before the Honorable United States Chief District Judge Mark Walker at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl/pr/tallahassee-man-indicted-conspiracy-produce-distribute-possess-and-receive-child

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Middle District of Georgia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

12+ Years Prison Sentence for Middle Georgia Man Guilty in International Child Exploitation Case

COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Fortson, Georgia man was sentenced to serve 151 months in federal prison for coercion and enticement of a minor as a result of an international child exploitation investigation.

Brandon Bywater, 27, of Fortson, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 151 months in federal prison to be followed by ten years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Clay D. Land after previously pleading guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor. In addition, Bywater will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration Act. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Kids need to know that hidden predators lurk on social media. In this case, the child victim did not know she was interacting with an adult male who collected child pornography of prepubescent children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office will not hesitate to pursue federal charges against child predators. The success of this case demonstrates the excellent interagency work between those investigators here at home and abroad who are committed to protecting children.”

“It’s unfortunate that there are predators like Bywater lurking in the shadows online waiting for their next victim. We all have to make sure we are monitoring our children’s online activities to protect them from danger,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “Fortunately, he will not be able to post or share these disturbing images and is being held accountable for his crimes against innocent children.”

According to court documents, on June 26, 2018, a Kik social media app user “drawingkid500” uploaded child pornography. This was detected by Kik and forwarded to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. The case was referred to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) after the RCMP geo-located the IP address of the Kik user to the United States. HSI’s investigation led to a search warrant of Bywater’s residence. Bywater admitted to being Kik user “drawingkid500” and that he sent, received and downloaded images of child pornography, including images of toddlers and infants. Agents discovered 27 images of child exploitation on Bywater’s phone, with 14 involving child pornography of prepubescent children. During a forensic examination of a device seized from the defendant, it was discovered that Bywater had texted with a 13-year-old 7th grader more than 400 times. In these texts, Bywater initially pretended to be a high school sophomore named “Jack” and enticed the victim to send nude photos of herself. In addition to receiving nude photos of the victim, Bywater sent nude photos of himself to the girl.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals prosecuted the case for the Government.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/12-years-prison-sentence-middle-georgia-man-guilty-international-child-exploitation

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 12, 2021

Bradford, PA Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child Pornography

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Bradford, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Daniel Thomas Sutton, 33, 595 South Kendall Avenue, Bradford, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Sutton received computer images and movies depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for November 22, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Sutton on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Sutton.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/bradford-pa-man-pleads-guilty-receiving-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 12, 2021

Pleasantville, PA Man Sentenced to 16 Years for Producing Child Pornography

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Pleasantville, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 16 years in jail, 5 years supervised release, and ordered to pay $30,162.96 in restitution on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Scott A. Anthony, 50.

According to information presented to the court, the evidence presented at trial established that Anthony produced sexually explicit videos depicting two minors. Anthony surreptitiously recorded the two minor victims, without their knowledge, while they were using a bathroom.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Cercone noted that Anthony’s conduct was extremely disturbing and occurred over a lengthy period.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Millcreek Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Anthony.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/pleasantville-pa-man-sentenced-16-years-producing-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Northern District of Oklahoma

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Sapulpa Man Sentenced after Child Pornography Convictions

Aaron James Seney, 33, of Sapulpa, was sentenced today to 78 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to distribution and receipt of child pornography and to possession of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell further ordered Seney to serve 10 years on supervised release following his prison sentence. The defendant will also forfeit property used to commit his crimes: an Iphone, USB Drive, a Samsung smartphone, a digital camera, and a desktop computer.

During his April plea hearing, Seney admitted that between March 24, 2020, and September 2, 2020, he distributed and received child pornography via the internet using file sharing programs. He further admitted that he knowingly possessed and accessed the child sexual abuse material. In total, investigators discovered 193 images and 33 videos depicting the abuse and rape of children as young as infants.

Judge Frizzell remanded Seney into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Tulsa Police Department, Sand Springs Police Department and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar prosecuted the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndok/pr/sapulpa-man-sentenced-after-child-pornography-convictions

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of Ohio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Murder victim’s ex-wife sentenced to 35 years in prison for interstate stalking resulting in death

DAYTON – A 37-year-old Centerville woman was sentenced in federal court today to 420 months in prison for interstate stalking that resulted in her ex-husband’s death.

Tawnney Caldwell accepted responsibility for her role in the August 2017 murder of Robert Caldwell. She pleaded guilty in federal court in October 2020.

According to court documents, around 6pm on August 15, 2017, Robert Caldwell and his three minor children left a counseling appointment in Riverside, Ohio. While crossing the parking lot, Robert Caldwell was shot multiple times by an assailant in front of his children and died at the scene. The assailant is alleged to be co-defendant Sterling Roberts.

Tawnney Caldwell is the ex-wife of the murder victim and was the girlfriend of Sterling Roberts at the time of the incident.

She and the murder victim had an ongoing dispute regarding the custody of their children and Tawnney Caldwell had talked to Sterling Roberts on at least two occasions (while Roberts was incarcerated in Montgomery County) about killing Robert Caldwell.

Tawnney Caldwell collaborated with others, including Sterling Roberts; his brothers, Chance Deakin and Christopher Roberts; Chandra Harmon (Tawnney’s mother); and James Harmon (Tawnney’s step-father), to plan, execute and cover-up the violent crime resulting in the death of Robert Caldwell.

Sterling Roberts is scheduled for jury trial in U.S. District Court on March 7, 2022. Each of the other defendants has pleaded guilty in this case.

Vipal J. Patel, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Riverside Police Chief Frank Robinson and Sugarcreek Township Police Chief Michael Brown announced the sentence imposed today by Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Rose. Assistant United States Attorneys Amy M. Smith, Sheila G. Lafferty and Kevin Koller are representing the United States in this case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh/pr/murder-victim-s-ex-wife-sentenced-35-years-prison-interstate-stalking-resulting-death

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of Georgia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Sylvania, GA man sentenced to federal prison for distributing child pornography

Defendant shared images with undercover investigator

STATESBORO, GA: A Screven County man was sentenced to federal prison after admitting that he distributed child pornography.

Daniel Boulineau, 34, of Sylvania, Ga., was sentenced to 63 months in prison after pleading pled guilty to Distribution of Child Pornography, said David H. Estes, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S District Court Chief Judge J. Randal Hall also ordered Boulineau to pay restitution to the victims in the case, to register as a sex offender, and to serve 25 years of supervised release after completion of his prison term.

There is no parole in the federal system.

“In collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we will relentlessly pursue predators who prey upon vulnerable children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Estes. “Daniel Boulineau’s incarceration will hold him accountable and protect other vulnerable citizens from this predator.”

As outlined in court documents and testimony, in early August 2020, Boulineau admitted that he electronically distributed images and videos of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. An investigation by the FBI and the Child Exploitation Task Force into online activity led to Boulineau’s arrest on Sept. 1, 2020, after he used an online messaging service to share videos and images of child exploitation with an undercover investigator.

“This sentence demonstrates the determination of the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office to find those who prey on children in our communities and bring them to justice,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The trauma suffered by a child who is sexually abused is deplorable and even more so every time images of that abuse are distributed and viewed.”

The case was investigated by the FBI, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney and Project Safe Childhood Coordinator Tara M. Lyons.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdga/pr/sylvania-ga-man-sentenced-federal-prison-distributing-child-pornography

>>14123984

Audit of the Office on Violence Against Women Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program Grants Awarded to the Montana Native Women’s Coalition, Billings, Montana

https://oig.justice.gov/reports/audit-office-violence-against-women-tribal-domestic-violence-and-sexual-assault-0

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/enforcer-violent-narcotics-trafficking-organization-sentenced-35-years-prison-his-role

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Minnesota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Federal Jury Convicts Man of Sexually Abusing a Minor Aboard Flight to Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS – A federal jury convicted a Minneapolis man for engaging in abusive sexual contact on an airplane, announced Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.

Following a three-day trial before Judge Nancy E. Brasel, Neeraj Chopra, 40, was convicted on one count of abusive sexual contact.

According to the evidence presented at trial, in April 2019, Chopra knowingly engaged in abusive sexual contact with a 16-year-old victim who was seated next to him aboard a Jet Blue flight from Boston to Minneapolis. During the flight, Chopra retrieved a blanket from his backpack and draped it over his lap, with a portion of the blanket also covering the victim’s right leg. Chopra put his hand under the blanket and began inappropriately touching the victim. Chopra ignored the victim’s multiple requests to stop and continued to inappropriately touch the victim.

Chopra faces up to two years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. At sentencing, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing date has yet to be scheduled.

This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Police.

This case was tried by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren O. Roso and Michelle E. Jones.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/federal-jury-convicts-man-sexually-abusing-minor-aboard-flight-minneapolis

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/long-island-ms-13-gang-member-sentenced-25-years-imprisonment-murder-brentwood

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of South Dakota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Sisseton Man Sentenced for Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sisseton, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child was sentenced on July 12, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Okokipe Jones, age 47, was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison, 10 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Jones was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 1, 2020. He pled guilty on April 20, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from incidents on or about July 1, 2010, and continuing through on or about July 31, 2010, when Jones knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, sexual contacts with a young female victim. Jones, by using force, intentionally touched, either directly or through the clothing, the victim’s genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, and buttocks.

At the time of the sexual contact, Jones was approximately 36 years old and the victim was under 12 years of age.

Jones is an enrolled member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe. The sexual assault occurred in Roberts County, State and District of South Dakota, within the exterior boundaries of the Lake Traverse Reservation. Jones and the victim resided together in the same household at the time.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.

Jones was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/sisseton-man-sentenced-abusive-sexual-contact-child