Florida Woman Sentenced to Serve 72 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Prescription Drugs Over the Internet

WASHINGTON—Lina Rodriguez, 34, was sentenced today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida to serve 72 months in prison, followed by 24 months of supervised release, for operating and facilitating the operation of an Internet-pharmacy business that illegally shipped more than $1.5 million in pharmaceuticals since July 2007 to U.S. and overseas purchasers.
According to the December 6, 2012 indictment, Rodriguez owned an Internet-pharmacy business used to advertise, sell, and distribute a wide variety of controlled substances and prescription drugs in the United States and abroad. Since May 2009, her co-defendant, Michael P. Jackson, of Carmi, Illinois, supplied Rodriguez with the prescription drug known as Adderall, which contains amphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The drugs distributed by Rodriguez’s business included Adderall, Ritalin (containing the controlled substance methylphenidate), Esbelcaps (containing a combination of the controlled substances fenproporex and diazepam), and other controlled and non-controlled substances.
“This prosecution aims to curb the flow of dangerous drugs into the hands of United States citizens,” said Stuart F. Delery, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. “The controlled substance drugs allegedly sold by the defendants were not dispensed by U.S. licensed pharmacies and were not prescribed by any physician. Along with FDA, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and our other law enforcement partners, we will continue to protect our citizens from unsafe and potentially harmful drugs.”
Rodriguez pled guilty to the lead count of the indictment on February 11, 2012, which charged her and Jackson with conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute Adderall. According to her plea agreement, Rodriguez agreed to forfeit two vehicles and not to oppose a judgment against her in the amount of $36,112, as gross proceeds of the offense to which she pleaded guilty. Jackson awaits sentencing on June 3, 2013.
The case was investigated by the Miami Field Office of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations; the Miami Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the Sacramento Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin J. Larsen of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, and Perham Gorji, Trial Attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch.

Texarkana Men Sentenced to More Than 19 Years Combined for Roles in the Distribution of Crack Cocaine

TEXARKANA, AR—Conner Eldridge, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that Michael Walker, 28, and Terry D. Martin, 28, both of Texarkana, Arkansas, were sentenced for their roles in the distribution of crack cocaine in Texarkana. Walker was sentenced to 13 years and four months in prison and three years of supervised release for distributing crack cocaine, and Martin was sentenced to six years and five months in prison and four years’ supervised release for possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute it. The sentences are the result of charges brought during Operation Stateline Sweep, a drug-trafficking investigation that took place in 2011. The Honorable Susan O. Hickey, United States District Judge, handed down the sentences in federal court in Texarkana.
Per court records, on February 17, 2011, investigators with the Bi-State Narcotics Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted a controlled purchase of crack cocaine from Walker, which took place at a location in Texarkana. On July 5, 2011, Martin was observed concealing drugs in his clothes by investigators with the Bi-State Narcotics Task Force. When officers attempted to make contact with him, he attempted to flee but was apprehended and placed in custody. During a search, investigators found baggies of drugs, and Martin later confessed to possessing and distributing crack cocaine.
Walker and Martin were originally charged on September 14, 2011, in a 190-count indictment that included 66 defendants. Walker pleaded guilty on September 18, 2012, and Martin pleaded guilty on November 15, 2012.
The case was investigated by the Bi-State Narcotics Task Force, which is composed of representatives of the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department, the Texarkana Texas Police Department, the Miller County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Quinn prosecuted the case for the United States.

Member of National Drug Organization Sentenced

NEWPORT NEWS, VA—Kevin Gerald Forde, aka “Miami Kev,” 38, of Newport News, Virginia, was sentenced today to 300 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for his participation in a complex drug trafficking organization operating between New York, California, and the Virginia Peninsula.
Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Mythili Raman, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Mark S. Davis.
Forde was found guilty by a federal jury on November 7, 2012, and convicted of drug conspiracy, distribution of cocaine, and illegal use of a communication device.
Forde was charged, along with several co-defendants, in a superseding indictment returned on August 15, 2012. According to court documents and evidence presented in court, suppliers of multi-kilogram quantities of illegal drugs in New York, California, Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas distributed cocaine and marijuana to leaders of the long-running organization for further distribution on the Virginia Peninsula. Forde was part of a sophisticated drug network that supplied the Thug Relations street gang, which was located primarily in the Aqueduct Apartments and Warwick Lawn Apartments in the Denbigh area of Newport News. Beginning in 1999 until his arrest in 2011, Forde was a buyer and seller of cocaine and crack cocaine who participated in hundreds of transactions with numerous individuals that involved a wide range of quantities.
This case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Virginia State Police, the Newport News Police Department, the Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, and Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Hurt and Trial Attorney Louis Crisostomo of the Organized Crime and Gang Section in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae.

Chief Money Launderer for National Drug Organization Sentenced

NORFOLK, VA—Alano Christobo Blanco, 46, of Newport News, Virginia, was sentenced today to 235 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for his participation in a complex drug trafficking organization operating between New York, California, and the Virginia Peninsula.
Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Mythili Raman, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Mark S. Davis.
Blanco was found guilty by a federal jury on November 7, 2012, and convicted of drug conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and interstate travel in aid of racketeering.
Blanco was charged, along with several co-defendants, in a superseding indictment returned on August 15, 2012. According to court documents and evidence presented in court, suppliers of multi-kilogram quantities of illegal drugs in New York, California, Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas distributed cocaine and marijuana to leaders of the long-running organization for further distribution on the Virginia Peninsula. Blanco was part of a sophisticated drug network that supplied the Thug Relations street gang, which was located primarily in the Aqueduct Apartments and Warwick Lawn Apartments in the Denbigh area of Newport News. From approximately 2004 until 2009, Blanco helped launder money from the drug sales in seemingly legitimate ventures and served as one of several couriers who would transport kilograms of cocaine and large bulk cash payments between New York and the Virginia Peninsula.
This case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Virginia State Police, the Newport News Police Department, the Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, and Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Hurt and Trial Attorney Louis Crisostomo of the Organized Crime and Gang Section in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae.

Man Sentenced for Heroin Distribution

MADISON, WI—John W. Vaudreuil, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Kelvin Haley, 30, of Beloit, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 42 months’ imprisonment and six years of supervised release to follow for distribution of heroin in August through September of 2012. On January 29, 2013 Haley pleaded guilty to a single count of heroin delivery that occurred on August 27, 2012.
Haley was sentenced based not only upon his delivery of heroin on nine occasions from August through September but also evidence that he delivered crack cocaine on three occasions in the spring of 2012, all while he was on probation for other offenses.
The charge against Kelvin Haley was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, which consists of the Beloit Police Department, Rock County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Anderson.

Three Sentenced in Heroin Conspiracy

Frederick Taylor, age 33, of New Orleans, Louisiana; Jermey Williams, age 29, of Cleveland, Texas; and Thiougest Wooldridge, age 34, of New Orleans, Louisiana, were sentenced today by the Honorable Nannette Jolivette Brown, announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente. Taylor was sentenced to 110 months in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons and a term of five years’ supervised release. Williams was sentenced to 75 months in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons and a term supervised release of five years. Wooldridge was sentenced to 70 months in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons and a term of five years of supervised release.
On June 8, 2012, Taylor, Williams, and Wooldridge were charged along with three other defendants in a superseding indictment for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act. On January 10, 2013, these defendants pleaded guilty to being members of a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
A jury trial for the other defendants in this case, Brandon Cheatham, Joshua Clofer, and Josh Tapp, is scheduled for July 22, 2013.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Sean Toomey.

Gang Members Indicted on Drug Trafficking and Other Charges

A federal grand jury indictment has charged five subjects with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and unlawful use of a communication facility. Two other subjects were indicted on felon in possession of a firearm charges. Subsequently, federal arrest warrants were issued.
On April 12, 2013, four subjects—Anthony Smith, Sean Stalker, Bruce O’Neal, and Joshua Vanriette—were arrested in Pontiac and Waterford by the Oakland County Violent Gang Task Force (OCVGTF).
Two other subjects, Jose Montalvo Jr., and Jeffrey James Morway remain wanted for arrest.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert D. Foley, III stated, “Those who engage in drug trafficking and illegal gang activity pose a serious threat to the safety of citizens. Through the Oakland County Violent Gang Task Force, the FBI is committed to working with its partners—the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, Bloomfield Twp. Police, Auburn Hills Police, Waterford Police, and Homeland Security Investigations—to combat gang violence.”
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard stated “One of the most important parts of our job is to remove dangerous and violent criminals from the streets. I thank our partners and our staff for their dedication in making this happen today.”
Assistance from the public is requested in locating the two remaining wanted individuals.
Anyone with information as to their whereabouts should contact the FBI at (313) 965-2323 or the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Additional Charges Against 12 Members of Bronx Drug Trafficking Crews for Three Murders, a Drug-Related Shooting, and Other Crimes

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; George Venizelos, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”); and Raymond W. Kelly, the Police Commissioner of the City of New York (“NYPD”), today announced additional charges against 12 alleged members of drug trafficking crews based in the vicinity of Allerton Avenue Co-ops and the Parkside Houses in the Bronx, New York. Eleven of the 12 defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and possessing, brandishing, and discharging firearms in connection with and in furtherance of the charged crack cocaine conspiracy. In connection with the crack cocaine conspiracy, ARMANI CUMMINGS is charged with the January 2010 murder of Lequan Jones and the June 2010 murder of Carl Copeland, both of whom were shot in the Bronx. BRYAN RHODES is also charged with Copeland’s murder. JOSE MUNOZ is charged with the December 2011 murder of Shameek Young, who was shot in the Bronx. In addition, JESSIE MCCOLLUM is charged with a non-fatal, drug-related shooting in the Bronx on that same day. Finally, MUNOZ is also charged with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, participation in a Hobbs Act robbery, and his use of a firearm in connection with and in furtherance of it.
Nine of the defendants are already in custody in connection with charges contained in previous indictments related to this prosecution, which led to the arrests of 63 individuals and was the result of a coordinated operation involving federal, state, and local law enforcement officers. Two of the defendants were released on bail following their arrests in December 2011. One of the defendants remains at large. The defendants will be arraigned today in Manhattan federal court before U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero on the charges in the Superseding Indictment at 2:00 p.m.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “The charges in this indictment once again put the nexus between drugs, guns, and fatal violence into stark relief. Through patient and painstaking work, the investigators and prosecutors targeted violent drug operations, charged drug crimes at first, and eventually were able to charge drug-related murders, shootings, and other violent crimes which might have gone otherwise unaddressed. The law enforcement drumbeat will continue until we clean up the streets of our communities once and for all.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge George Venizelos said: “The link between drug trafficking and gun violence could not be better illustrated than with this investigation. The defendants, initially charged with narcotics offenses, now stand charged with crimes of violence, including three fatal shootings. Policing drug trafficking reduces the threat of gun violence. That is the reason the FBI and the NYPD work these cases.”
NYPD Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said: “The charges announced today make clear the nexus between illicit drugs and violence, including murder, as well as the risk faced by police officers who work undercover to provide a modicum of safety to law abiding residents of public housing. I commend the NYPD detectives and the prosecutors in U.S. Attorney’s office for their thorough investigation.”
As alleged in the superseding indictment returned Wednesday and other documents filed in Manhattan federal court:
From 2006 through February 20, 2013, undercover officers with the NYPD made hundreds of purchases of crack cocaine from drug dealers in the Allerton Avenue Co-ops and Parkside Houses. During the buys, officers were able to purchase significant street level quantities of crack. In addition, members of the drug trafficking organization used firearms, threats of violence, and violence to secure and enforce their drug territory. This included the 2010 murder of Lequan Jones, the 2010 murder of Carl Copeland, and the 2011 murder of Shameek Young, all of which occurred in the Bronx. During the incident involving the fatal shooting of Young, an innocent bystander was shot and critically wounded.
A chart containing the ages, residency information, and charges against the defendants, as well as the maximum penalties they face is below.
Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and the NYPD. He added that the investigation is continuing.

* * *

The prosecution of this case is being overseen by the Office’s Violent Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy D. Sini and Hadassa Waxman are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the superseding indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

U.S. v. Armani Cummings, et al. S7 Indictment 12 Cr. 31 (VM)

Defendant	Age	Residence	Charges	Max Penalty
Armani Cummings	21	Incarcerated	Narcotics conspiracy; use of firearms in connection with narcotics conspiracy; two intentional murders; use of firearms in connection with the murders; discharge of firearms resulting in death	Death penalty
Bryan Rhodes	23	Incarcerated	Narcotics conspiracy; use of firearms in connection with narcotics conspiracy; intentional murder; use of a firearm in connection with the murder; discharge of firearm resulting in death	Death penalty
Christopher Nwanko	28	Bronx, New York	Narcotics conspiracy; use of firearms in connection with narcotics conspiracy	Life
Yackeem McFarlane	23	Incarcerated	Narcotics conspiracy; use of firearms in connection with narcotics conspiracy	Life
Jose Munoz	24	Incarcerated	Narcotics conspiracy; use of firearms in connection with narcotics conspiracy; intentional murder; use of a firearm in connection with the murder; discharge of firearm resulting in death; conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; Hobbs Act robbery; use of a firearm in connection with Hobbs Act robbery	Death penalty
Victor Andrades	22	At large	Narcotics conspiracy; use of firearm in connection with narcotics conspiracy	Life
Jose Nicole	26	Incarcerated	Narcotics conspiracy; use of firearm in connection with narcotics conspiracy	Life
Allen Colon	21	Incarcerated	Narcotics conspiracy; use of firearm in connection with narcotics conspiracy	Life
Charles Matthews	21	Incarcerated	Narcotics conspiracy; use of firearm in connection with narcotics conspiracy	Life
Bernard Miles	23	Bronx, New York	Narcotics conspiracy; use of firearm in connection with narcotics conspiracy	Life
Anthony Martinez	20	Incarcerated	Narcotics conspiracy; use of firearm in connection with narcotics conspiracy	Life
Jessie McCollum	22	Incarcerated	Felon in possession of firearms; discharge of firearm in connection with narcotics conspiracy	Life

Nearly Four Dozen Suspected Meth and Heroin Traffickers Indicted

Eighteen suspected methamphetamine and heroin traffickers were arrested during pre-dawn raids around the North County today.
More than 200 agents and detectives from the multi-agency North County Regional Gang Task Force made the arrests in Oceanside, Vista, Escondido, and elsewhere in the North County. Task force members confiscated 35 weapons during the course of the investigation. Among the weapons seized were handguns, semi-automatic rifles, and shotguns, including a 12-gauge Street Sweeper semi-automatic.
These arrests are associated with the unsealing of 15 grand jury indictments today charging 46 defendants with various narcotics trafficking crimes, including conspiracy plus importation, distribution, and possession of methamphetamine. A few defendants were charged with heroin trafficking.
“The number and types of weapons seized in this investigation are troubling,” said U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy. “We will to continue to target these well-armed drug traffickers who operate in our neighborhoods and put all of us at risk—especially our children.”
The North County Regional Gang Task Force is a multi-agency group including the FBI, ATF, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and police departments in Oceanside and Carlsbad, with assistance from other federal and local law enforcement agencies as well.
Daphne Hearn, FBI Special Agent in Charge, said, “Today’s arrests by the North County Regional Gang Task Force are the result of a long-term multi-agency investigation by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies working together. The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to make our communities a safer place.”
“It is only by the extremely hard work, commitment, and passion from the collaborative North County Gang Task Force that made Operation Corridor such a tremendous success,” said Oceanside police Chief Frank S. McCoy. “This operation is a great example of local and federal law enforcement agencies from all over San Diego joining together to combat drug traffickers in our community who threaten the safety and security of our citizens.”
“ATF considers the North County Gang Task Force a critical partner in its long-term mission of combating violent crime and removing criminals from our communities as was shown in Operation Corridor,” said Steven J. Bogdalek, Special Agent in Charge ATF Los Angeles Field Division. “ATF will continue to dedicate federal resources and work with our local agencies in the pursuit of eradicating illegal firearm trafficking and criminal activity.”
“Operation Corridor exemplifies the good work done by multiple agencies in San Diego County,” said San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore. “This is a multi-faceted approach to reducing violent crime and those who perpetrate it. This investigation is a prime example of how effective Intelligence Led Policing can be with respect to targeting prolific, criminal offenders and managing law enforcement resources. Operation Corridor has been extremely effective in restoring quality of life to our residents in the North County along the 78 corridor.”
“I commend all of the law enforcement professionals in the San Diego area who worked tirelessly in this coordinated effort to combat the threats that violence and fear tactics pose to public safety in our communities,” said Derek Benner, special agent in charge for Homeland Security Investigations San Diego.
Defendants in Case Number: 13cr1128-BEN

Name	Age	Location	Status
Laura Cruz	32	Oceanside, California	Already in custody
Raul Alvarado	34	Vista, California	Already in custody
Robert Rodriguez	36	Escondido, California	Already in custody
Carrie Brown-Rodriguez	33	Escondido, California	Arrested April 15, 2013
Anthony Palafox	31	Oceanside, California	Arrested April 17, 2013
Jessica Holguin	34	Oceanside, California	Arrested April 17, 2013
Robert Aguilar	33	Oceanside, California	At large
Christian Garundo	20	Escondido, California	Already in custody
Erick Garcia-Martinez	23	San Ysidro, California	At large
Joshua Sanchez	36	Oklahoma	Arrested April 17, 2013
Travis Job	36	San Diego, California	Arrested April 17, 2013
Brian Ramirez	28	Oceanside, California	Arrested April 17, 2013
Andy Espinoza	22	Oceanside, California	Arrested April 17, 2013
Lori Story	40	Vista, California	Arrested April 17, 2013
Angel Olmos	31	Oceanside, California	At large
Brad Woolard	43	Oceanside, California	Arrested April 17, 2013
Jose Antonio	30	Oceanside, California	Already in custody
Emily Baker	33	Oceanside, California	At large
Monorin Phiakeo	33	San Diego, California	Arrested April 17, 2013
Jessica Kisner	25	San Marcos, California	At large
Hector Medrano	51	Vista, California	Arrested April 17, 2013
Frankie King	40	Vista, California	Arrested April 17, 2013

Summary of Charges
Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and Title 21, United States Code, Sections 952, 960 (b) (1) (H) and 963-conspiracy to import methamphetamine; Title 21, United States Code, Section 841 (a) (1)-possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
Case Number: 13cr1238BEN

Name	Age	Residence	Status
Lydia Lucio	41	Oceanside, California	Arrested April 17, 2013
David Gamez	33	Vista, California	Arrested April 17, 2013
Ana Alvizovital	30	Oceanside, California	Already in custody
Errol White	37	Oceanside, California	Arrested April 17, 2013
Rudolph Figueroa	49	Lake Elsinore, California	Arrested April 17, 2013

Summary of Charges
Title 21, United States Code, Sections 952, 960 (b) (2) (A)-conspiracy to import heroin; Title 21, United States Code Sections 952, 960 and 963-conspiracy to import heroin
Case Number: 1232BEN
Alexandra Aguirre, 29 Oceanside, California
Arrested April 17, 2013
Summary of Charges
Title 21, United States Code, Sections 952, 960-importation of heroin
Case Number: 13cr1239MMA
Thomas Media, 34, Oceanside, California
Pablo Diaz, 45, Oceanside, California
Both arrested April 17, 2013
Summary of Charges
Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846-conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;Title 21, United States Code, Section 841 (a) (1)-possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
Case Number: 13cr1237L
Steven Hernandez, 40, Vista, California
Arrested April 17, 2013
Juan Uribe, 32, Temecula, California
Already in custody
Summary of Charges
Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846-conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;Title 21, United States Code, Section 841 (a) (1)-possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
Case Number: 13cr1243BEN
Robert Sarmiento, 34, Vista, California
Arrested April 17, 2013
Summary of Charges
Title 21, United States Code, Section 841 (a) (1)-possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; Title 18, United States Code, Section 922 (g) (1)-felon in possession of a firearm
Case Number: 13cr1242AJB
Carlos Rivera, 27, San Marcos, California
Arrested April 17, 2013
Summary of Charges
Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846-conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; Title 18, United States Code, Section 922 (g) (1)-felon in possession of a firearm
Case Number: 13cr1241BEN
Steven North, age 30, Oceanside, California
Arrested April 17, 2013
Robert Guilar, 33, Oceanside, California
At large
Summary of Charges
Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B)-distribution of methamphetamine; Title 18, United States Code, Section 922 (g) (1)-felon in possession of a firearm
Case Number: 13cr1231JAH
Javier Alvarez, 42 Oceanside, California
Already in custody
Summary of Charges
Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1)-distribution of methamphetamine
Case Number: 13cr1244W
Paul Woods, 43, Oceanside, California
At large
Summary of Charges
Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1)-distribution of methamphetamine
Case Number: 13cr1233BEN
Armando Arellano, 32, Vista, California
Already in custody
Summary of Charges
Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1)-distribution of methamphetamine
Case Number: 13cr1234WQH
Rudy Blanco, 38, Escondido, California
Amanda Kopp, 28, Vista, California
Both arrested April 17, 2013
Summary of Charges
Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846-conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; Title 21, United States Code, Section 841 (a) (1) and (b) (1) (B) (viii)-distribution of methamphetamine
Case Number: 13cr1240L
George Molina, 31, Carlsbad, California
Ulysses Ramos, 25, Vista, California
Both already in custody
Summary of Charges
Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846-conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; Title 21, United States Code, Section 841 (a) (1) and (b) (1) (B) (viii)-possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
Case Number: 13cr1235JAH
Rouanne Diaz, 40, Vista, California
Arrested April 17, 2013
Deandra Cox, 31, Vista, California
Already in custody
Summary of Charges
Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846-conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; Title 21, United States Code, Section 841 (a) (1) and (b) (1) (B) (viii)-distribution of methamphetamine
Case Number: 13cr1236GPC
Adam Espino, 33, Vista, California
Arrested April 17, 2013
Summary of Charges
Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a) (1)-distribution of methamphetamine
Agencies
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Oceanside Police Department
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
Homeland Security Investigations
Carlsbad Police Department
An indictment or complaint itself is not evidence that the defendants committed the crimes charged. The defendants are presumed innocent until the government meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Two Plead Guilty to Crack Cocaine Conspiracy Charges

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two individuals involved in a New Haven drug distribution ring have pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court. Rufus Hunter, also known as “Triple Black,” 30, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”). Wilonda Matthews-Gary, also known as “Woo,” 32, of West Haven, pleaded guilty to the same charge yesterday.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force into drug distribution and related gang activity in The Hill neighborhood of New Haven. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that members and associates of the Southside Bloods were distributing large quantities of crack cocaine.
Hunter and Matthews-Gary are scheduled to be sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in July 2013, at which time each faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, including the New Haven, Hamden, and Milford Police Departments, and the state of Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Kaplan and Gordon Hall.

Thirty-Seven Arrested for Alleged Roles in Austin-Based Drug Distribution Operations

Federal, state, and local authorities have arrested 37 individuals in connection with two related drug trafficking conspiracies based in Austin, announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Armando Fernandez, and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Javier Pena.
A three-count federal grand jury indictment (A13CR164), returned on April 2, 2013, and unsealed yesterday, charges 27 individuals with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine. The indictment also charges Gabriel Trevino with one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin. Jose Rodriguez, Jose Hernandez, Genaro Arellano, and Maria Granados also face one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Authorities allege that Jose Rodriguez-Campuzano was the Austin cell head of a large Mexican-based trafficking organization associated with the Knights Templar. Using hidden compartments in automobiles, the organization shipped methamphetamine and cocaine to defendant Jesse Trevino’s business, JT Body and Paint in Austin, where it would be prepared for shipment to distributors in Dallas, Oklahoma City, as well as cities in other states. During this investigation, authorities have seized over 75 kilograms of methamphetamine, 10 kilograms of cocaine, and two kilograms of heroin attributed to this distribution network.
A separate federal grand jury indictment (A13CR166), also returned on April 2, 2013, and unsealed yesterday, charges 14 individuals for their roles in a cocaine and methamphetamine distribution operation. The alleged leader of the organization, Jose Escamilla, as well as Rafael Ayala, Dai Zavala, Trocalle Amos, and Brian Griffin are charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine. Edgar Morales and Marco Ayala are charged in the cocaine conspiracy count; Salvador Cabral, Jessica Mitchell, and David Cooke, in the methamphetamine conspiracy count. Escamilla, Morales, Ayala, Zavala, Cooke, Josue Pineda, and James Dilworth are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Authorities allege that cocaine and methamphetamine were being transported from the Rio Grande Valley to Marco and Rafael Ayala in Austin under the direction of Jose Escamilla. Once in Austin, the drugs would be distributed locally and also outside of Texas. During the investigation, agents were able to seize multiple loads of drugs and proceeds from the sale of drugs. On one occasion, a load of 20 kilograms of cocaine was seized from a hidden compartment in an 18 wheeler. Agents seized multiple kilogram quantities of cocaine and marijuana during the course of the investigation as well as over $1,000,000 in suspected drug proceeds.
“The indictments returned this week represent the latest blow by federal and state law enforcement agencies against drug trafficking organizations in and around Austin. As a result of these charges, we hope to take more than 40 alleged drug dealers out of circulation and expect the evidence to show that their activities involved the distribution of millions of dollars’ worth of methamphetamine, cocaine, and other illegal drugs in this community and beyond,” stated United States Attorney Robert Pitman.
Upon conviction of the cocaine or methamphetamine conspiracy charge, the defendants face between 10 years and life in federal prison; on a heroin conspiracy charge, defendants face between five and 40 years in federal prison; and on a money laundering conspiracy charge, defendants face up to 20 years in federal prison.
“The magnitude of this investigation exhibits the patience, determination, and skill used by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agents and our law enforcement colleagues,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Javier Peña. “We are committed to staying the course until drug trafficking organizations like this one are fully dismantled.”
“Today’s dismantlement of this trafficking organization is a further step towards making Austin a safer community,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Armando Fernandez. “Our combined law enforcement efforts will continue to be the tool which most effectively removes organized criminals from our society.”
These cases resulted from investigations conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), along with the Central Texas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). The Central Texas HIDTA is made up of investigators from the following agencies: DEA; FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); United States Marshals Service; Texas Department of Public Safety; Austin Police Department; Round Rock Police Department; Georgetown Police Department; Cedar Park Police Department; Temple Police Department; Travis County District Attorney’s Office; Travis County Sheriff’s Office; Williamson County Sheriff’s Office; Hays County Sheriff’s Office; and the Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Office of Inspector General and the Kingsville Specialized Crime and Narcotics Task Force also assisted in this investigation.
An indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Drug Trafficker Receives 19-Year Prison Sentence in Connection with Two Cocaine Conspiracies

ANCHORAGE—U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that a cocaine trafficker who had been indicted for involvement in two separate cases for sending cocaine to Alaska in recent years was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Anchorage.
Derneval Rodnell Dimmer, 36, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Burgess to 228 months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. Dimmer, who used a host of aliases including “Jabba,” “Pedro Dimmer,” “Ronnell Dimmer,” and “Pedro Wood,” has at times lived in Anchorage, but more recently resided in Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Sayers-Fay, who prosecuted the cases, Dimmer’s drug trafficking crimes are among the most serious encountered in Alaska. In his plea agreement, Dimmer admitted that he has been engaged in shipping cocaine to Alaska since at least 2009. As part of that conspiracy, in September 2009, Dimmer dispatched three individuals to Anchorage with 11 kilograms of cocaine concealed in their checked luggage. All three were prosecuted, but Dimmer’s responsibility as the drug source did not become clear until his fingerprints were later discovered on one of the cocaine-laden boxes. For his actions culminating in the 2009 interception of the 11 kilograms of cocaine, Dimmer pled guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute cocaine.
While federal agents were endeavoring to find and arrest him on the 2009 case, Dimmer shipped additional kilograms of cocaine to Alaska. In early May 2012, Dimmer shipped two separate packages containing a total of approximately 8.5 kilograms of cocaine from Burbank, California to Alaska. Law enforcement intercepted one of those packages, removed the cocaine, and subsequently delivered the altered contents to the target who turned out to be Dimmer’s cousin, Quincy Hernandez, who resided in Alaska. After performing the “controlled delivery” of the sham package to an Anchorage residence, law enforcement found the second box of cocaine that Dimmer had sent to Hernandez from Burbank. Dimmer concealed the kilograms of cocaine sent from Burbank in unique, retro-looking Crosley Stereo “5 in 1” sound systems that contained kilograms of cocaine. For these subsequent actions, Dimmer pled guilty to one count in a distinct case of conspiring to distribute cocaine. Hernandez pled guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine and his sentencing is pending.
In sentencing Dimmer to 19 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release, Judge Burgess noted Dimmer’s prior criminal history, which included a shooting and a domestic violence conviction, as well as Dimmer’s admission that he obstructed justice by attempting to influence the testimony of witnesses. Judge Burgess emphasized that the sentence imposed, including the 10-year period of supervised release that will follow the 19-year prison term, was designed to provide long-term protection of the public.
Ms. Loeffler commends the Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation of this case, with which the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force also assisted.

Maryland Man Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Cocaine

WASHINGTON—William M. Bowman, 33, formerly of Bowie, Maryland, was sentenced today to 45 years in prison for conspiring to distribute large quantities of cocaine in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen, Jr.; Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office; and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Bowman and two others—Gezo G. Edwards, 39, and Henry B. Williams, 32—were found guilty of the drug conspiracy charge in November 2012 following a five-week trial in the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia. In addition, Bowman was found guilty of possession of a firearm during the commission of narcotics offenses. The three defendants were among 14 people indicted in 2011, following one of the largest recent seizures of cocaine in the area.
The Honorable Colleen Kollar-Kotelly sentenced Bowman this afternoon. Williams, of Glenn Dale, Maryland, was sentenced in February 2013 to a 51-month prison term. No sentencing date has been set for Edwards, of Silver Spring, Maryland. The government will be seeking a sentence of life imprisonment for Edwards at the time of his sentencing.
Last year, following the guilty verdict, the matter entered a second phase before the jury which determined that Edwards must forfeit assets that were the proceeds of or facilitated his drug trafficking activities. Specifically, the jury determined that over $366,000 in seized cash and a Rolex watch were among proceeds of the drug conspiracy or facilitated the drug dealing. Separately, Bowman did not contest the seizure of over $200,000 in additional money and a $9,400 diamond engagement ring that were recovered from his house at the time of his arrest.
In sentencing Bowman to 45 years, Judge Kollar-Kotelly stated that the court had no choice but to impose this mandatory-minimum sentence. However, she noted that the sentence was appropriate in light of the fact that Bowman was an upper-level manager in a significant drug trafficking organization that infused multi-kilogram amounts of cocaine into the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area; the fact that the defendant possessed two .40 caliber pistols, an assault rifle, and body armor;and in light of the defendant’s significant criminal history. The court further ordered that Bowman pay $500 in special court assessments and that the 45-year sentence was to be followed by 10 years of supervised release.
“William Bowman was responsible for importing millions of dollars of cocaine from California for distribution on the streets of Washington, D.C.,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “His conviction cut off a major source of supply of crack cocaine. This sentence reflects the strength of our commitment to preventing drug traffickers from flooding our neighborhoods with narcotics that fuel violence and addiction.”
“Today, justice was served as Mr. Bowman was sentenced for his participation in a large and dangerous drug trafficking organization,” said Assistant Director in Charge Parlave. “He will now pay the price for his activities, and our communities will be a safer place thanks to the diligent work of law enforcement and prosecutors.”
“This sentencing is a victory for our communities, as this large seizure of drugs would have had a devastating impact on neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. and Maryland,” said Chief Lanier. “The Metropolitan Police Department’s Narcotics and Special Investigations Division, along with our FBI partners, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have demonstrated once again that we will disrupt the trafficking of drugs, pursue criminals, and bring them to justice.”
The indictments in the case, returned in April 2011, followed a 15-month investigation by the FBI and MPD into people suspected of acting as wholesale distributors of cocaine in the metropolitan area. The investigation determined that from January 2009 through April 2011, the defendants and others maintained a drug trafficking organization that supplied distribution amounts of cocaine and crack cocaine to dealers in the District of Columbia and Maryland.
The investigation revealed that Bowman and Edwards obtained large quantities of cocaine from sources in the Los Angeles area, which they transported back to the Washington, D.C. area for redistribution to wholesale traffickers, including Williams.
In April 2011, investigators learned that members of the defendants’ organization had arranged for a large shipment of cocaine to the area and that they were storing it in a storage facility in Hyattsville, Maryland. After obtaining a search warrant, law enforcement searched the locker and recovered 29.5 kilograms of cocaine, nearly two kilograms of crack cocaine, several firearms, including an assault rifle, and packaging material, which included wrappings with cocaine residue that indicated that at least 60 additional kilograms of cocaine had passed through the storage facility and onto the streets of the Metropolitan Washington area. The cocaine had an estimated wholesale value of $1 million and an estimated street value of more than $3 million.
All told, 11 people have pled guilty to charges in the investigation. Bowman, Edwards, and Williams were the only defendants to stand trial.
The prosecution grew out of the efforts of the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, a multi-agency team that conducts comprehensive, multi-level attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. The principal mission of the nationwide program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director in Charge Parlave, and Chief Lanier commended the work of the FBI and MPD members of the task force who investigated the case. They also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, the FBI’s Baltimore Division, and the Prince George’s County and Montgomery County Police departments, which provided assistance. They cited the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Paralegal Specialists Jeanette Litz, Jeremy Stoller, Regan Gibson, and Starla Stolk and Litigation Support Specialist Ron Royal.
Finally, they acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Debra Long-Doyle and Steven B. Wasserman of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking Section and Zia M. Faruqui of the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section, who are prosecuting the case.

Federal, State, and Local Agencies Arrest 10 in Cocaine, Crack Distribution Ring

ALEXANDRIA, LA—United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a year-long undercover investigation resulted in 10 arrests in the Marksville and Alexandria areas on distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine charges.
Federal, state, and local law enforcement officials seized more than $60,000, five kilograms of powder cocaine, 350 grams of crack cocaine, and numerous firearms over the course of the investigation. The defendants are charged with various counts of cocaine and crack cocaine distribution, possession with intent to distribute, conspiracy, and firearms offenses that took place in Avoylles and Rapides parishes between January 2012 and March 2013.
Those arrested are: Michael J. Wright, 27, Houston; Dontour D. Drakes, 37, Alexandria; Sedrick D. Porter, 36, Alexandria; Abraham Baylor, III, 39, Alexandria; Earnest G. “Gucci” Miles, III, 25, Alexandria; Terrace D. Winchester, 34, Alexandria; Brandon C. “Lanky B” Thomas, 31, Marksville; Leotis V. Perry, 36, Alexandria; Falon S. Maricle, 31, Marsksville; and Dennis Lee Bradford, 30, Cottonport.
The charges and arrests are part of the Safe Streets Task Force Operation Double Down. The Federal Bureau of Investigation/Central Louisiana Gang Safe Streets Task Force; Alexandria Police Department; Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office; Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office; U.S. Marshals Service; Louisiana State Police; and Louisiana State Department of Probation and Parole, participate in the task force program and conducted the operation.
A federal grand jury returned the first Operation Double Down indictment March 20, 2013, charging the defendants on 16 counts related to the cocaine and crack cocaine distribution ring’s activities.
The defendants face a variety of federal and state charges. The penalties range from mandatory 10 years’ incarceration to life imprisonment. Initial appearance was held Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge James D. Kirk. Detention hearings have been set for April 1.
“It took the combined effort of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to make these arrests happen,” Finley said. “I want to thank the Alexandria Police Department, Avoyelles and Rapides Sheriff’s Offices, the Louisiana State Police, the Louisiana State Department of Probation and Parole, the U.S. Marshals, and the FBI for their roles in removing these drugs from our streets.”
“This operation will have a significant impact on the landscape of illegal drugs in Central Louisiana,” said Alexandria Police Chief Loren Lampert. “This investigation and its success serve as a perfect example of how federal, state, and local law enforcement can and should cooperate in fighting crime. We are extremely pleased with the efforts of all agencies and the results of those efforts. We look forward to future cooperative efforts such as this to improve the quality of life in our community.”
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Assistant U.S. Attorney James Cowles Jr. is prosecuting the case.

Sons of Silence Member Receives Life Sentence for Role in Terre Haute Meth Organization

INDIANAPOLIS—Joseph H. Hogsett, the United States Attorney, announced today that Phillip Mannebach, age 47, of Terre Haute, was sentenced to life in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker this morning. This follows his jury trial conviction in late 2012, where he was found guilty of participating in a local methamphetamine trafficking organization, as well as helping to orchestrate the abduction of an individual.
“Throughout the investigation and prosecution of this criminal organization, we have reiterated our stance that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has zero tolerance for those who use guns to terrorize Hoosier neighborhoods,” Hogsett said. “Through our Violent Crime Initiative, we’re continuing to target these groups and bring an end to their deadly trade of drugs, violence, and illegally possessed firearms.”
Today’s sentencing is the culmination of a multi-year investigation and prosecution of a drug trafficking organization that operated in Indianapolis and had extensive connections to a motorcycle club operating in Terre Haute. The methamphetamine trafficking organization operated from approximately May 2010 until the arrests of most of the members of the organization on August 6, 2011.
Mannebach, a member of the Sons of Silence Motorcycle Club in Terre Haute, was convicted of operating a methamphetamine distribution ring in Terre Haute along with co-defendant Michael Pitts, age 51, also of Terre Haute. They would receive the drugs from James Taylor, a previously prosecuted member of the Sons of Silence motorcycle gang in Indianapolis.
In addition, co-defendants Travis Umphries and Dustin Coffey, “hang-arounds” with the Sons of Silence Motorcycle Club in Terre Haute, assisted Mannebach with the abduction of Mannebach’s stepson in Terre Haute on November 1, 2010. The victim of the abduction had stolen approximately $5,000 in currency from Mannebach, who had obtained the money from methamphetamine trafficking activity in Terre Haute. After realizing that the victim had stolen the money, Mannebach directed Umphries and Coffey to accompany him to a third person’s residence to abduct the victim.
Mannebach entered the residence, assaulted the victim with a firearm, and ordered the victim out of the residence at gunpoint. Mannebach directed Umphries and Coffey to transport the victim to Mannebach’s motorcycle repair garage, located at 2001 ½ Maple Avenue in Terre Haute. Mannebach ziptied the victim to a chair in the bathroom of the garage until November 3, 2010, when the victim located a Leatherman’s tool in the bathroom, cut the zipties, and fled the garage.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley A. Blackington, who prosecuted the cases for the government, a total of 12 defendants have now been convicted and sentenced as a result of what was known as Operation Saw Mill. They include:

• Gary Baker—30 years
• Michael Pitts—16 years
• Travis Umphries—12 years, one month
• Stephen Davis—10 years
• Jackie Craft—six years, six months
• James Taylor—four years
• Brian Ellington—four years
• Aaron Byers—two years
• Joseph Woolsey—one year, five months
• James Baker—14 days
• Dustin Coffey—federally supervised probation

This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force in Indianapolis as part of the U.S. Attorney’s Violent Crime Initiative (VCI).
Announced in March of 2011, the VCI represents a district-wide strategy to work with local law enforcement and county prosecutors to combat drug traffickers and criminals that use and carry firearms in their illegal activities. In the first two years of the initiative, the VCI produced a dramatic increase in the number of violent gun-related charges brought federally—from just 14 felony possession charges in 2010 to more than 200 since the initiative began.

California Man Sentenced for Trafficking Cocaine in North Idaho

COEUR D’ALENE—Hector Rivera, 35, of Paramount, California, was sentenced today in United States District Court to 50 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Rivera to serve four years of supervised release after his prison term. He pleaded guilty to the charge on November 5, 2012.

Rivera’s co-defendant, Barbara Jeanne Willoughby, 23, also of Paramount, California, was sentenced on February 4 to 18 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.

Rivera admitted in court that on March 18, 2012, he conspired with Barbara Willoughby to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. According to court documents, Willoughby drove a rental vehicle from California to Idaho because Rivera’s license was suspended. The vehicle was stopped by law enforcement because it did not have a front license plate. During this contact, law enforcement became suspicious of Rivera and Willoughby’s behavior. A search of the vehicle discovered cocaine in a backpack in the cab of the truck.

The case was investigated by the Bonners Ferry Police Department, Idaho State Police, U.S. Border Patrol, and the North Idaho Violent Crimes Task Force (NIVCTF). NIVCTF members include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Idaho State Police, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office, Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Post Falls Police Department, and the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police Department. The NIVCTF investigates a myriad of violent crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, felonious assault, and drug trafficking.

Another Defendant Sentenced in East Idaho Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

POCATELLO—Rafael Ignacio Guerrero, 37, a Mexican national, was sentenced today in United States District Court to 42 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. He will face deportation after serving his sentence. Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Guerrero to pay $100 special assessment.

According to plea agreements filed in the case, from June 2005 through January 2012, a group of individuals centered around Samuel Nevarez-Ayon, a Mexican national, entered into a conspiracy to possess and distribute in excess of 50 grams of actual methamphetamine in the Idaho Falls area. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Nevarez-Ayon admitted that he distributed methamphetamine to other individuals on at least three occasions during this same time period. In June 2011, Guerrero delivered two pounds of methamphetamine to Nevarez-Ayon for subsequent distribution. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Nevarez-Ayon directed activities of various co-defendants. In addition to distributing methamphetamine, several defendants laundered proceeds from the sale of the methamphetamine and made false loan application to local banks to further the laundering of money. During the course of the conspiracy, the defendants obtained in excess of $500,000 from the distribution of methamphetamine.

Nevarez-Ayon and seven co-defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. One defendant is a fugitive.

Three co-defendants were sentenced in March 2013 for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of methamphetamine, including Antonio Javier Mendoza, of Shelley, Idaho, to 96 months in prison; Fabiola Esmerelda Marin Castro, to 36 months; and Daniel Quiroz, a Mexican national, to 78 months. Abel Garcia, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, was sentenced in March to one month in prison for making a false statement to a bank.

The charges are the result of a nine-month investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which included the Idaho State Police, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho Falls Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Rexburg Police Department, Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Other federal agencies participating in the OCDETF program include the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Marshals Service.

The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.

Another Treasure Valley Head Shop Owner Pleads Guilty

BOISE—Troy A. Rawlings, 33, of Meridian, Idaho, pleaded guilty today in federal court to count one of the indictment charging him with conspiracy to sell, offer for sale, and transport drug paraphernalia, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Rawlings and his co-defendant, Jason Guerrero, 34, of Boise, Idaho, were indicted by a federal grand jury on May 9, 2012.

Rawlings, the co-owner and operator of RG Distributing Inc., doing business as Smoke Shack and Smoke Shack 2, admitted in court today that he conspired to sell paraphernalia under the guise of “tobacco products,” or with claims of other “legitimate” uses. According to the indictment, Rawlings referred to the drug paraphernalia as “smoking accessories” to be used only to smoke tobacco. Virtually all of the smoking devices sold under this guise were commonly used to ingest marijuana, hashish, and/or other illegal drugs, not tobacco.

The charge is punishable by up to three years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to one year of supervised release. The government is seeking forfeiture of assets derived from or used in the offense.

Rawlings is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Boise.

On February 26, 2013, Guerrero pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with one count of offering drug paraphernalia for sale and one count of engaging in monetary transactions involving criminally derived property. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 4. He faces up to three years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to one year of supervised release on the drug paraphernalia charge and up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and not more than three years of supervised release on the money laundering charge.

Rawlings and Guerrero are among the 17 individuals charged last year as part of Operation Not for Human Consumption, which targeted illegal sales of drug paraphernalia and “spice” at 13 Treasure Valley businesses. According to search warrant affidavits, nine of the 13 businesses were openly selling “spice,” a substance that tested positive for AM-2201. The DEA has determined that AM-2201 is a controlled substance analogue. “Spice,” a synthetic form of cannabis, which is a psychoactive herbal and chemical product that, when consumed, mimics the effects of cannabis. In the spring of 2011, the Idaho Legislature criminalized the sale of “spice” under state law. In March of 2011, the Drug Enforcement Administration placed five synthetic cannabinoids into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. It is against federal law to sell or offer for sale any paraphernalia that is primarily intended or designed for drug use, regardless of whether the seller advises their customers that the paraphernalia is for tobacco use only. The businesses are commonly referred to as “head shops.”

Operation Not for Human Consumption includes the cooperative law enforcement efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Boise Police Department; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; Nampa Police Department; Meridian Police Department; and the Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office. The U.S. Marshals Service and Idaho State Police provided assistance.

Illinois Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Distributing Cocaine

MADISON, WI—John W. Vaudreuil, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Nicolas Covarrubias, 43, Rockford, Illinois, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb to 10 years in prison for conspiring to possess cocaine with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine. Covarrubias pleaded guilty to this charge on December 27, 2012.

On May 21, 2012, officers searched Covarrubias’ ranch in Rockford and found $722,016, a money counting machine, several handguns, and wrappers from kilograms of cocaine. The money was forfeited to law enforcement agencies who have been working on the case.

The court found the defendant was responsible for 15 to 50 kilograms of cocaine during the time he was involved in the conspiracy. The court also held the defendant responsible for the guns that were found at his residence.

Other people charged in the conspiracy along with Covarrubias were Omar Velazquez, Emeterio Velazquez, Rosalina Velazquez, Ruperto Ruiz, and Jose Castillo-Madrigal. Omar Velazquez also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. The other defendants are set for trial on July 29, 2013.

The charges against Covarrubias were the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Beloit Police Department; Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation; Stateline Area Narcotics Team; Rockford Police Department; FBI Safe Streets Task Force; Rock County Sheriff’s Department; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and Illinois State Police. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman.

Sons of Silence Member Receives Life Sentence for Role in Terre Haute Meth Organization

INDIANAPOLIS—Joseph H. Hogsett, the United States Attorney, announced today that Phillip Mannebach, age 47, of Terre Haute, was sentenced to life in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker this morning. This follows his jury trial conviction in late 2012, where he was found guilty of participating in a local methamphetamine trafficking organization, as well as helping to orchestrate the abduction of an individual.
“Throughout the investigation and prosecution of this criminal organization, we have reiterated our stance that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has zero tolerance for those who use guns to terrorize Hoosier neighborhoods,” Hogsett said. “Through our Violent Crime Initiative, we’re continuing to target these groups and bring an end to their deadly trade of drugs, violence, and illegally possessed firearms.”
Today’s sentencing is the culmination of a multi-year investigation and prosecution of a drug trafficking organization that operated in Indianapolis and had extensive connections to a motorcycle club operating in Terre Haute. The methamphetamine trafficking organization operated from approximately May 2010 until the arrests of most of the members of the organization on August 6, 2011.
Mannebach, a member of the Sons of Silence Motorcycle Club in Terre Haute, was convicted of operating a methamphetamine distribution ring in Terre Haute along with co-defendant Michael Pitts, age 51, also of Terre Haute. They would receive the drugs from James Taylor, a previously prosecuted member of the Sons of Silence motorcycle gang in Indianapolis.
In addition, co-defendants Travis Umphries and Dustin Coffey, “hang-arounds” with the Sons of Silence Motorcycle Club in Terre Haute, assisted Mannebach with the abduction of Mannebach’s stepson in Terre Haute on November 1, 2010. The victim of the abduction had stolen approximately $5,000 in currency from Mannebach, who had obtained the money from methamphetamine trafficking activity in Terre Haute. After realizing that the victim had stolen the money, Mannebach directed Umphries and Coffey to accompany him to a third person’s residence to abduct the victim.
Mannebach entered the residence, assaulted the victim with a firearm, and ordered the victim out of the residence at gunpoint. Mannebach directed Umphries and Coffey to transport the victim to Mannebach’s motorcycle repair garage, located at 2001 ½ Maple Avenue in Terre Haute. Mannebach ziptied the victim to a chair in the bathroom of the garage until November 3, 2010, when the victim located a Leatherman’s tool in the bathroom, cut the zipties, and fled the garage.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley A. Blackington, who prosecuted the cases for the government, a total of 12 defendants have now been convicted and sentenced as a result of what was known as Operation Saw Mill. They include:

• Gary Baker—30 years
• Michael Pitts—16 years
• Travis Umphries—12 years, one month
• Stephen Davis—10 years
• Jackie Craft—six years, six months
• James Taylor—four years
• Brian Ellington—four years
• Aaron Byers—two years
• Joseph Woolsey—one year, five months
• James Baker—14 days
• Dustin Coffey—federally supervised probation

This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force in Indianapolis as part of the U.S. Attorney’s Violent Crime Initiative (VCI).
Announced in March of 2011, the VCI represents a district-wide strategy to work with local law enforcement and county prosecutors to combat drug traffickers and criminals that use and carry firearms in their illegal activities. In the first two years of the initiative, the VCI produced a dramatic increase in the number of violent gun-related charges brought federally—from just 14 felony possession charges in 2010 to more than 200 since the initiative began.

Madison County Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Marijuana Trafficking Conspiracy

BIRMINGHAM—A federal judge today sentenced a Madison County man to 30 years and five months in prison for his lead role in a North Alabama marijuana trafficking conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance, FBI Special Agent in Charge Richard D. Schwein, Jr., and Madison-Morgan County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force Commander Dewayne McCarver.
U.S. District Judge Karon O. Bowdre sentenced Kingy Ossarius Holden, 34, of Toney, on one count of conspiracy to possess and distribute more than 1,000 kilograms, or 2,200 pounds, of marijuana; four counts of distributing marijuana; and one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, a Taurus handgun.
A federal jury convicted Holden in August. The jury also convicted three Huntsville men for conspiring with Holden to operate the Huntsville-based drug distribution ring between 2006 and 2011. Before the trial, eight other defendants in the case had pled guilty to various charges related to marijuana or cocaine distribution.
Holden was the ringleader of the marijuana trafficking conspiracy and “profited greatly from his crimes,” the government said in its sentencing memorandum to the court. Based on evidence at trial, Holden had no other means of support besides illegal drug distribution and dog fighting and breeding, the memorandum noted.
“Today, federal, state, and local law enforcement came together to take a leading drug trafficker off our streets,” Vance said. “I commend them for their work in dismantling this conspiracy and sending nearly a dozen drug dealers to prison,” she said.
“This multi-agency investigation dealt a significant blow to this criminal enterprise and has made our communities safer,” Schwein said. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners stand united in our commitment to identify, apprehend, prosecute, and dismantle drug trafficking conspiracies so that they are no longer a threat. I particularly want to thank the Madison-Morgan County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, whose efforts made this operation a success,” he said.
Trial evidence included conversations from federal wire taps that were conducted between July 2011 and September 2011. The wiretaps intercepted calls among all the defendants on trial and among most of the defendants in the case, in which they discussed the drug trafficking operation. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized $483,000, 17 firearms, about nine pounds of marijuana, and about 13 kilograms of cocaine from the illegal drug-distribution ring.
Convicted of the drugconspiracy at trial along with Holden were:

• Myrone Dewayne Tibbs, 35, of Huntsville
• Michael Arnez “Little Mike” Brown, 33, of Huntsville
• William Demetro “Little Will” Holden, 24, of Huntsville

The eight defendants who pleaded guilty before trial and their charges are:

• Ivan Fletcher, 37, of Toney; convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
• Roy Christian Lee, 45, of Huntsville; conspiracy to distribute marijuana and cocaine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine
• Cedrick Ramon “Ced” or “Big Ced” Carroll, 34, of Tuscumbia; conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute powder and crack cocaine, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
• Ashley Nicole Chunn, 25, of Huntsville; conspiracy to distribute marijuana
• Nathan Searcy Williams, 30, of Northport; conspiracy to distribute marijuana and four counts of money laundering
• Sharode Durome Pickett, 32, of Birmingham; conspiracy to distribute marijuana
• Lamaric Trevelle “Akbar” Douglas, 23, of Huntsville; conspiracy to distribute marijuana, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana
• Napoleon Lee Ingram, 45, of Muscle Shoals; conspiracy to distribute cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine

The FBI and the Madison-Morgan County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura D. Hodge, Enid D. Athanas and Jennifer Murnahan prosecuted the case.

Former Property Evidence Technician Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Drugs from the Asheville Police Department’s Evidence Room

ASHEVILLE, NC—A criminal bill of information was filed on Tuesday, March 26, 2013, in U.S. District Court charging the former property evidence technician with the Asheville Police Department (APD) with embezzling between $10,000 and $30,000 of controlled substances from the police department’s evidence room, announced Anne M. Tompkins, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
William Ledessie Smith, III, 49, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dennis Howell to a federal charge stemming from a joint federal and state investigation into the misappropriation of property from APD’s evidence room.
Roger A. Coe, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and Greg McLeod, Director of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NC SBI), joined U.S. Attorney Tompkins in making today’s announcement.
According to the criminal bill of information, the filed plea agreement, and statements made at today’s plea hearing, up until April 2011 Smith was a civilian employed for over 20 years by APD as the police department’s property evidence technician. In that capacity, Smith oversaw APD’s evidence room and had access to items including cash, firearms, and controlled substances, which were stored in the room as evidence. According to the charging document and today’s plea hearing, Smith surreptitiously opened envelopes containing controlled substances after their return from the SBI lab, where they had been analyzed. Smith then removed some or all of the controlled substances and then resealed the envelopes with a new layer of tape, carefully re-applied directly over the layer of tape that the SBI chemist had used to seal the envelope, with the chemist’s signature or initials. An analysis by the FBI lab revealed that in many instances, Smith’s fingerprints were found on the underside, or sticky side, of the new tape layer. Filed documents indicate that Smith embezzled between $10,000 and $30,000 of controlled substances from the police department’s evidence room.
“Mr. Smith betrayed the trust placed in him by the Asheville Police Department and the citizens of Buncombe County,” said U.S. Attorney Tompkins. “Instead of fulfilling his duties and safeguarding the evidence room, Mr. Smith pilfered controlled substances and, in the process,
compromised the integrity and good name of the Asheville Police Department. My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to root out public corruption and prosecute those who abuse their positions of trust for their own benefit.”
“Not only did Mr. Smith treat items inside the Asheville Police Department’s evidence room as his own property, he put countless criminal cases in jeopardy. The success of this case was due in great part to our strong relationship with the SBI. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the SBI to see that corrupt public officials are brought to justice,” said Roger Coe, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Charlotte Division of the FBI.
“I’m proud of our SBI agents’ excellent work in this case, which once again demonstrates our strong partnership with federal prosecutors in rooting out public corruption,” said SBI Director Greg McLeod.
Smith pleaded guilty to one count of federal program fraud. As the criminal information alleges, federal jurisdiction is based on the fact that the Asheville Police Department received over $10,000 in federal funds in the one-year period that includes April 1, 2011. At sentencing, Smith faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He has also agreed to pay restitution, the amount of which will be determined by the court at sentencing. The defendant has been released on bond and a sentencing hearing has not been set yet.
The investigation into Smith was handled by the SBI and FBI. U.S. Attorney Tompkins also thanked the Asheville Police Department and the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office for their invaluable assistance with the investigation.
Buncombe County District Attorney Ronald L. Moore stated, “I appreciate the hard work and diligence of the SBI, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. I also want to thank Mike Wright, the owner of Blueline Systems and Services, who conducted a meticulous audit of APD’s evidence room.”
The prosecution is handled by Richard Edwards of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville.

Passaic County Man Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Black Market Painkillers

NEWARK—A Passaic County, New Jersey man was sentenced today to 51 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute the prescription painkiller oxycodone and MDMA, an illegal drug commonly known as ecstasy, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Following a six-day trial before U.S. District Judge Jose L. Linares in December 2012, a jury found Bahadir Yahsi, 30, of Paterson, New Jersey, guilty on all five counts charged against him in the second superseding indictment: one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute quantities of oxycodone and ecstasy; one count of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute oxycodone; and three counts of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute ecstasy.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:
Starting in June 2010 and continuing through October 2010, Yahsi conspired with Ersin Eroglu, a fellow Paterson resident, and others to illegally traffic black market oxycodone pills and large quantities of ecstasy. On September 30, 2010, Yahsi set up and carried out an illegal drug transaction with Eroglu, during which Yahsi and Eroglu dealt 96 80-milligram black market oxycodone pills in the vicinity of Paterson, near the border with Clifton, New Jersey. After the illegal drug deal, which Yahsi and Eroglu intended to be a 100-pill transaction, Yahsi ensured that Eroglu distributed the remaining four 80-milligram oxycodone pills in October 2010 at a subsequent black market oxycodone deal carried out by Eroglu. Also, in August 2010, Yahsi dealt ecstasy pills on three separate occasions in Paterson on August 15, 19, and 25, 2010.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Linares sentenced Yahsi to three years of supervised release.
Eroglu pleaded guilty to distribution charges, including the September 30, 2010, illegal distribution with Yahsi, and was previously sentenced to 24 months in prison.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge David Velazquez in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentence.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shirley U. Emehelu and Special Litigation Counsel Mark J. McCarren of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.

Federal Defendants Caught in Law Enforcement Sting Operation Get Significant Prison Terms for Gun and Drug Crimes

Two federal defendants prosecuted as part of Operation Oliver’s Twist were sentenced today to significant prison terms, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan. The men were arrested in 2012 following the successful law enforcement operation where members of the Seattle Police Department, ATF, and FBI operated a storefront purchasing drugs and stolen property, including firearms. The defendants sentenced today will serve their federal time in addition to state sentences.
“Every gun in the hands of a criminal presents a danger to the community. This operation took stolen firearms off the street and uncovered drug networks pumping oxycodone into our neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan. “I commend the good work of our state and federal law enforcement partners, as well as our counterparts in the King County Prosecutors Office who have held 34 defendants accountable.”
One of the defendants sentenced today, PATRICK KELLY ANKROM, 48, of Snohomish, Washington, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez sentenced ANKROM to five years in prison and three years of supervised release. The federal sentence will be served consecutive to an additional 17-month sentence in Snohomish County. ANKROM sold oxycodone to undercover officers on multiple occasions in March and April 2011. On April 4, 2011, ANKROM sold officers three firearms that had been stolen in burglaries: a loaded Ruger .44 revolver, a Rock Island Armory .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a GSG .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle. ANKROM was indicted February 29, 2012 and pleaded guilty July 27, 2012.
In the second case concluded today, U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones sentenced SHAD BEACH, 38, of Seattle, to six years in prison and three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of firearms. In April and May 2011, BEACH sold numerous stolen items, including vehicles and computers, to the undercover law enforcement officers who were operating the storefront. On May 2, 2011, BEACH sold the undercover officers numerous firearms he had stolen in burglaries. The firearms included a Rohm .22 caliber revolver, a Ruger .22 caliber rifle, a Remington .243 caliber rifle, a Mossberg 410-gauge shotgun, a Remington .22 caliber rifle, and a Winchester 12-gauge shotgun. BEACH was indicted on February 29, 2012 and pleaded guilty on November 19, 2012. BEACH has a number of criminal convictions that preclude him from possessing firearms, including burglary, methamphetamine possession, attempted assault, eluding police, possession of stolen property, trafficking in stolen property, unlawful possession of a firearm, and residential burglary and theft of a firearm.
“This investigation uncovered over 100 participants, but today we see two of the most brazen face justice for their actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Laura M. Laughlin of the FBI Seattle Field Office. “Mr. Ankrom and Mr. Beach did not just sell stolen weapons and contraband, but they did so again and again. Without the joint SPD, ATF, and FBI effort on an inventive undercover operation, high-powered firearms could have ended up in the hands of violent criminals.”
“This was one of the most elaborate undercover operations our department has conducted in over 33 years. Our detectives developed great cases on these two suspects and brought them to justice. Our communities can rest a little easier knowing these dangerous men, their illegal drugs, and illegally possessed guns have been removed from the streets of Seattle. This is just another example of the incredible work that the men and women of the Seattle Police Department perform each and every day,” said Chief John Diaz.
The cases were investigated by the Seattle Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the FBI. Special Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Hobbs handled the sentencing hearings today.

Chief Money Launderer for National Drug Organization Sentenced

NORFOLK, VA—Alano Christobo Blanco, 46, of Newport News, Virginia, was sentenced today to 235 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for his participation in a complex drug trafficking organization operating between New York, California, and the Virginia Peninsula.
Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Mythili Raman, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Mark S. Davis.
Blanco was found guilty by a federal jury on November 7, 2012, and convicted of drug conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and interstate travel in aid of racketeering.
Blanco was charged, along with several co-defendants, in a superseding indictment returned on August 15, 2012. According to court documents and evidence presented in court, suppliers of multi-kilogram quantities of illegal drugs in New York, California, Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas distributed cocaine and marijuana to leaders of the long-running organization for further distribution on the Virginia Peninsula. Blanco was part of a sophisticated drug network that supplied the Thug Relations street gang, which was located primarily in the Aqueduct Apartments and Warwick Lawn Apartments in the Denbigh area of Newport News. From approximately 2004 until 2009, Blanco helped launder money from the drug sales in seemingly legitimate ventures and served as one of several couriers who would transport kilograms of cocaine and large bulk cash payments between New York and the Virginia Peninsula.
This case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Virginia State Police, the Newport News Police Department, the Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, and Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Hurt and Trial Attorney Louis Crisostomo of the Organized Crime and Gang Section in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae.

Canton Police Officer Arrested for Drug Violations

TYLER, TX—A 32-year-old Canton, Texas police officer has been arrested for federal drug violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.
James Melvin Bradshaw was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 27, 2013 and charged with six counts of acquiring a controlled substance by misrepresentation. Bradshaw was arrested this morning and went before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith Guthrie this afternoon for an initial appearance.
According to the indictment, on six separate occasions from January to November 2012, Bradshaw is alleged to have used his position as a police officer to obtain hydrocodone by fraud, deception, or misrepresentation. Bradshaw is alleged to have acquired the hydrocodone from individuals who had legitimate prescriptions to possess the substance.
If convicted, Bradshaw faces up to four years in federal prison on each charge.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Jackson.
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.

New York Man Charged with Cocaine Possession

PITTSBURGH—A resident of Yonkers, New York has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotic laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The one-count indictment returned on March 27, 2013, named Darrell Rhett, 51, of Yonkers, New York.
According to the indictment, on or about October 3, 2012, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Rhett possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to life in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, 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 Eric S. Rosen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police 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.