Nanuet Man Charged with Threatening to Kill Federal and State Officials and Illegal Possession of a Weapon

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Thomas P. Zugibe, the Rockland County District Attorney; George Venizelos, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Chief Michael Sullivan of the Clarkstown Police Department announced today the filing of federal and state criminal charges today against Lawrence Mulqueen of Nanuet, New York. Mulqueen faces federal charges for threatening to kill federal officials and others and separate state charges for criminal possession of a weapon. He was initially taken into custody on state charges on February 21, 2013, and was charged federally today. He is scheduled to appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in White Plains federal court tomorrow.
U.S. Attorney Bharara stated, “As alleged, Lawrence Mulqueen maliciously abused the power and reach of Facebook to call for murder—making bloody, incendiary death threats against federally elected officials and others. He even provided his like-minded Facebook friends with a virtual ‘how to’ on the most effective weapons to use in making good on those threats, as described in the complaint. The Internet is a forum for free expression, but it does not give anyone carte blanche to break the law.”
Rockland County District Attorney Zugibe stated, “In our fast-paced world of status updates and tweets, behavior of this type must be treated seriously and investigated promptly to ensure that all threats or indications of potential violence are mitigated and do not escalate. Overt threats of the sort made by this defendant against our elected leaders are especially troubling and must be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law. I want to thank U.S. Attorney Bharara and his team for their good work and partnership in bringing this dangerous individual to justice.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge George Venizelos stated, “The defendant is alleged not only to have threatened to kill elected officials. He did the virtual equivalent of standing in the town square with a megaphone, using his Facebook page to exhort others to carry out these assassinations. Freedom of speech is a fundamental right, but making overt threats is not protected speech, it’s a crime.”
Clarkstown Police Chief Sullivan stated, “We’re pleased and proud to work with other local and federal law enforcement agencies to bring this person into custody and to protect our elected officials and all other citizens.”
According to the allegations in the complaint filed today in White Plains federal court:
In February 2013, Mulqueen posted numerous messages to his page on the online social networking site Facebook, threatening to kill members of the United States Congress, state and local elected officials, and others. Among other things, Mulqueen posted on February 20 that he “[could] not wait to start killing” multiple United States senators and members of the United States House of Representatives, as well as a governor and mayor, adding that their “dirt nap [was] coming very soon.”
Mulqueen instructed people who commented on his posts to secure a “high powered rifle” and recommended a particular Italian-manufactured shotgun as “very light and...semi- automatic, [with] no need to pump or reload.” He added that readers should “[u]se blades when you can to conserve bullets.” In other posts, Mulqueen commanded readers to seek out and kill other individuals, including at least one political activist.
According to the allegations in the indictment returned today in Rockland County Court:
Mulqueen is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a class D felony. Mulqueen faces a maximum term of three-and-a-half to seven years on this charge

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Mulqueen, 49, is charged in the federal complaint with one count of threatening to kill federal officials and one count of transmitting threats in interstate commerce. He faces a maximum federal penalty of 15 years in prison.
Mr. Bharara and Mr. Zugibe praised the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Clarkstown Police Department.
The charges contained in the federal complaint and the state indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ilan Graff is in charge of the prosecution.

San Diego Jury Convicts Four Somali Immigrants of Providing Support to Foreign Terrorists

SAN DIEGO, CA—A federal jury today convicted four Somali immigrants, including a popular imam at a City Heights mosque, of conspiring to provide material support to the terrorist group al Shabaab.
The jury found that the four men—Basaaly Saeed Moalin, a cabdriver in San Diego; Issa Doreh, a worker at a money transmitting business that was the conduit for moving the funds; Mohamed Mohamed Mohamud, the imam at a mosque frequented by the city’s immigrant Somali community; and Ahmed Nasiri Taalil Mohamud, a cabdriver from Anaheim—conspired to raise money for the foreign terrorist organization and send it back to Somalia.
During the three-week trial, the United States presented evidence that Moalin, Mohamud, Doreh, and Nasir conspired to provide money to al Shabaab, a violent and brutal militia group in Somalia that engages in suicide bombings, targets civilians for assassination, and uses improvised explosive devices. In February 2008, the U.S. Department of State formally designated al Shabaab as a foreign terrorist organization.
At trial, the jury listened to dozens of the defendants’ intercepted telephone conversations, including many conversations between defendant Moalin and Aden Hashi Ayrow, one of al Shabaab’s most prominent leaders who was subsequently killed in a missile strike on May 1, 2008. In those calls, Ayrow implored Moalin to send money to al Shabaab, telling Moalin that it was “time to finance the Jihad.” Ayrow told Moalin, “You are running late with the stuff. Send some and something will happen.” In the calls played for the jury, Ayrow repeatedly asked Moalin to reach out to defendant Mohamud—the imam—to obtain funds for al Shabaab.
According to the evidence presented at trial, the defendants conspired to transfer the funds from San Diego to Somalia through the Shidaal Express, a now-defunct money transmitting business in San Diego.
The United States also presented a recorded telephone conversation in which defendant Moalin gave the terrorists in Somalia permission to use his house in Mogadishu, Somalia, telling Ayrow that “after you bury your stuff deep in the ground, you would, then, plant the trees on top.” Prosecutors argued at trial that Moalin was offering a place to hide weapons.
When Moalin cautioned, however, that the house could be easily identified from afar, Ayrow replied, “No one would know. How could anyone know, if the house is used only during the nights?”
According to United States Attorney Laura E. Duffy, the prosecution was the result of a lengthy investigation by the San Diego Joint Terrorism Task Force. She said she is pleased with the verdict. “Justice was served today in San Diego,” Duffy said. “The jury clearly did not accept defense claims that months of intercepted conversations about bullets, bombings, and jihad were actually conversations about their charitable efforts for orphans and schools.
“This case proves that our efforts to detect and disrupt terrorist financing—and prevent the violence that goes along with it—has paid off. The United States Attorney’s Office is dedicated to investigating and vigorously prosecuting any persons who provide support or resources to terrorists or foreign terrorist organizations. I commend the hard work and dedication of San Diego’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in this case.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Daphne Hearn commented, “While the FBI is not concerned with the legal transfer of funds to family, friends, and charities overseas, when individuals provide material support to designated terrorists or terrorist organizations, the FBI and our Joint Terrorism Task Force partners will bring all resources to bear, to investigate these plots with a common goal of protecting all Americans from those who wish to do us harm.”
“These convictions illustrate the importance of collaboration when promoting national security,” said Derek Benner, special agent in charge for ICE Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego. “Protecting our nation’s security is our top priority, and I commend all of the federal law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to make this a successful investigation. ”
Al Shabaab is a terrorist organization based in Somalia with objectives including the overthrow of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the elimination of African Union support for the TFG. Al Shabaab has engaged in and used, violence, intimidation, and acts of terrorism, including suicide bombings, in Somalia and elsewhere to further its objectives.
Here is a breakdown of the verdict:
Defendant Moalin: Convicted of five counts including conspiracy to provide material support to terrorist, conspiracy to provide material support to foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, providing material support to terrorists, and providing material support to foreign terrorist organization
Defendant Mohamed Mohamed Mohamud: Convicted of four counts including conspiracy to provide material support to terrorist, conspiracy to provide material support to foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and providing material support to foreign terrorist organization
Defendant Issa Doreh: Convicted of four counts including conspiracy to provide material support to terrorist, conspiracy to provide material support to foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and providing material support to foreign terrorist organization
Defendant Ahmed Nasir Taalil Mohamud: Convicted of threer counts including conspiracy to provide material support to terrorist, conspiracy to provide material support to foreign terrorist organization, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments
Sentencing was set for May 16 at 9 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey T. Miller.
This case was prosecuted in federal court in San Diego by Assistant United States Attorneys William Cole and Caroline Han and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Steven Ward. This case was investigated by the San Diego Joint Terrorism Task Force; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration, and Customs Enforcement; and the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection.
Defendants in Criminal Case No. 10cr4246-JM
Basaaly Saeed Moalin
Mohamed Mohamed Mohamud
Issa Doreh
Ahmed Nasir Taalil Mohamud
Summary of Charges
Count one (all defendants): Title 18, United States Code, Section 2339A(a)—conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists
Maximum penalties: 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Count two (all defendants): Title 18, United States Code, Section 2339B(a)(1)—conspiracy to provide material support to foreign terrorist organization
Maximum penalties: 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Count three (all defendants): Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(h)—conspiracy to launder monetary instruments
Maximum penalties: 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.
Count four (Basaaly Moalin): Title 18, United States Code, Section 2339A(a)—providing material support to terrorists
Maximum penalties: 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Count five (defendants Basaaly Moalin, Mohamed Mohamed Mohamud, and Issa Doreh): Title 18, United States Code, Section 2339B(a)(1)—providing material support to foreign terrorist organization
Maximum penalties: 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Participating Agencies
San Diego Joint Terrorism Task Force
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Department of Homeland Security, Immigration, and Customs Enforcement
Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection

Bank Executive Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Mortgage Fraud Scheme in California

SACRAMENTO, CA—U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb sentenced Joel Blanford, 44, of San Ramon, California, to 30 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for a mortgage fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced. On September 19, 2012, following a seven-day trial, a jury found Blanford guilty of six counts of mail fraud.
This case was the product of an investigation by the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul A. Hemesath and Michael M. Beckwith prosecuted the case.
According to evidence presented at trial, from approximately April 2003 through October 2005, Blanford, while working as a senior sales representative for Long Beach Mortgage, a wholesale subprime lender and former subsidiary of Washington Mutual Inc., participated in a scheme to defraud his employer. Blanford earned compensation based on the volume of loans processed by Long Beach Mortgage. The evidence established that he paid a loan coordinator in cash and checks to falsify documents, provide false verification of borrowers’ employment or professional licensing status and turn a blind eye to fraudulent representations contained in loan applications and other documents submitted to Long Beach Mortgage.
In each of the years 2003, 2004, and 2005, before taxes and payroll deductions, Blanford received more than $1 million in commissions and other compensation from Long Beach Mortgage as a result of his scheme. Between April 2003 and October 2005, he paid the loan coordinator more than $50,000 in checks alone.
U.S. Attorney Wagner stated, “This investigation exposed a sophisticated chain of fraud that started at the homebuyer level and extended all the way to banking insiders. It is a lesson that those earning million-dollar paychecks are not exempt from significant criminal penalties.”
This case was done in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated, and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices and state and local partners, it is the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory, and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state, and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending; and financial markets and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions, and other organizations. Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed nearly 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants including more than 2,900 mortgage fraud defendants. For more information on the task force, please visit www.stopfraud.gov.

Honduran National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Perjury

TAMPA—U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington today sentenced Jimmy Samir Mendoza-Valle (20, Honduras) to 15 months in federal prison for obstruction of justice and perjury charges. Mendoza-Valle pleaded guilty on November 30, 2012.
According to court documents, in June 2012, Mendoza-Valle was one of 14 defendants in a federal drug trafficking conspiracy case in the Middle District of Florida. A week prior to trial, Mendoza-Valle filed a motion to dismiss the indictment. The principal contention of his motion was that Mendoza-Valle was actually a minor and, accordingly, the United States should dismiss the indictment.
During the hearing on the motion before U.S. District Judge James S. Moody, Jr., on June 4, 2012, Mendoza-Valle lied under oath and claimed that he had been born on December 10, 1994, and that he was 17 years old. During the hearing, his counsel also offered into evidence a copy of a Honduran birth certificate of Mendoza-Valle, purportedly filed in 1993, reflecting a birth date of December 10, 1994.
Subsequent evidence, including a legitimate birth certificate introduced by the United States on June 5, 2012, showed that Mendoza-Valle’s true date of birth was December 10, 1992, and that he was in fact 19 years old on June 4, 2012. At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Moody ruled that the birth certificate offered by the government was Mendoza-Valle’s true birth certificate.
Mendoza-Valle has since admitted that he lied as to his true age and submitted a false birth certificate to the court during the hearing on June 4, 2012. By attempting to portray himself as a juvenile during that hearing, he admits to erroneously and falsely attempting to influence the hearing in an effort to get the charges against him dismissed.
This case was investigated by the Panama Express Strike Force, an OCDETF funded operation targeting maritime smuggling. Participating agencies include the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), the Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATFS), and the United States Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Jackson and former Special Assistant United States Attorney Austin Shutt.

Congressional Candidate Charged with Violation of the Federal Election Campaign Act

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Michael B. Steinbach, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, announced today that Justin Lamar Sternad, 35, was charged with having violated the Federal Election Campaign Act (Election Act) in connection with the 2012 Democratic Party primary election for Florida’s 26th Congressional District.
Defendant Sternad is expected to make his initial appearance in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alicia Otazo-Reyes on February 22, 2013 at 2:00 p.m.
The criminal information, filed earlier today, charges Sternad with engaging in a conspiracy to make false statements to the Federal Election Commission and to violate the contribution limits of the Federal Election Campaign Act (Count 1); making a false statement (Count 2); and accepting illegal campaign contributions (Count 3). If convicted, Sternad faces a maximum statutory term of imprisonment of up to five years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer stated, “The Election Act seeks to promote transparency in the campaign process and thereby increase accountability from our elected officials. Sternad, however, violated the Election Act and lied to conceal the true source of funds being used by his campaign. He sought to secretly provide and accept contributions in excess of the limits prescribed by law, using cash and third party checks to conceal the source and amount of contributions made to his campaign. He then compounded his crimes by filing false campaign reports to cover his trail. We are committed to promoting transparency and accountability from our elected officials and from those running for office. Our citizens deserve no less.”
“For citizens to have confidence in their government, they must be certain that their elected officials are fairly elected. We will not tolerate people who violate federal election law,” said Michael B. Steinbach, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Miami. “The South Florida community can be assured that public corruption will remain a top priority for the FBI.”
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the agents of the FBI for their hard work in this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Thomas J. Mulvihill and Richard C. Pilger of the Public Integrity Section of the U.S. Department of Justice.
An information is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

East St. Louis Tow Truck Operator Sentenced for Theft of Government Property, Making False Statements to the FBI, and Making False Declarations Before a Federal Grand Jury

Eddie Johnson, Jr., 47, of Cahokia, Illinois, was sentenced to 15 months in prison the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. In addition to the prison sentence, Johnson was ordered to serve three years’ supervised release and was ordered to repay to the FBI $6,194.66 in investigative costs.
Johnson was charged in a three-count indictment that charged theft or conversion of government property; making a false statement to a federal law enforcement officer; and making a false declaration before a federal grand jury.
The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation who was investigating allegations of potential corruption in the City of East St. Louis. The FBI conducted an integrity test wherein federal agents placed diamond earrings, a purse, a debit card, and other valuables in a Mercedes that which appeared to be an abandoned stolen vehicle. Audio and video surveillance was in place around the vehicle. On February 12, 2011, Johnson responded to the location following a call from the East St. Louis Police Department to a towing company. Johnson stole diamond earrings and other valuables from the vehicle that was set up as a stolen vehicle crime scene. Johnson subsequently made false statements to the FBI and to a federal grand jury in the investigation of the theft.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Norman Smith.

Hogsett Announces Sentencing of Two Outlaws Motorcycle Club Members

INDIANAPOLIS—Joseph H. Hogsett, the United States Attorney, announced today that Kent D. Whitinger, a/k/a Flush, age 49, of Indianapolis, and Steve A. Reynolds, age 38, of Fort Wayne, were sentenced to prison by U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton-Pratt this afternoon.
Whitinger was sentenced to 87 months (seven years, three months) in federal prison, and Reynolds was sentenced to 70 months (five years, 10 months). This follows their guilty pleas under the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) statute for their roles in the operation of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club.
“This office is committed to ending organized crime in Indianapolis, and Judge Walton-Pratt made clear today the serious consequences of participating in gang activity in this city,” Hogsett said. “We hope these sentences send a loud message across the state: if you are peddling guns, drugs, and violence on our streets, federal law enforcement is coming for you.”
In the 70-page, 37-count charging document filed in July 2012, it is alleged that members of Indianapolis OMC engaged in organized criminal activity in Indianapolis and across the state. The indictment charges the 42 alleged gang members with a wide variety of offenses, including racketeering, mail fraud, money laundering, extortion, drug charges, wire fraud, witness tampering, and operating an illegal gambling operation. In October 2012, nine additional club members were charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office as part of an ongoing investigation. Both individuals sentenced today admitted that they committed a variety of crimes in furtherance of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club. Whitinger, a member of the Indianapolis chapter of the club, engaged in money laundering, gambling, extortion, witness tampering, and cocaine distribution. Reynolds, a member of the Fort Wayne chapter, engaged in extortion and the distribution of prescription drugs.
According to Senior Litigation Counsel Bradley A. Blackington, who prosecuted the two defendants for the government, this case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force. Blackington noted that in addition to their prison terms, both defendants were also sentenced to five years of supervised release following their release from federal prison.
The conditions of supervised release subject both defendants to random urinalysis and random searches of their persons, vehicles, and residences by probation officers. The conditions of supervised release also forbid both defendants from affiliating with members of motorcycle clubs, including the Outlaws.

Lafayette Man Sentenced to Five Years in Church-Defacing Case

LAFAYETTE, LA—The U.S. Attorneys Office announced that Brian Toriano Crimiel, 35, of Lafayette, was sentenced today before U.S. District Court Judge Richard T. Haik to one year in prison for defacing Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and five years’ in prison for lying to a federal agent with time to be served concurrently.
Crimiel was ordered to pay $2,972 to the Immaculate Heart of Mary’s insurance company and $1,000 to St. James Baptist Church for damage to property. He also was ordered to serve one year of supervised release for defacing the church and three years of supervised release for lying to an FBI agent.
According to court documents, authorities discovered on February 26, 2011 that someone had painted racial slurs on the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and school on 12th Street in Lafayette. Crimiel later admitted to defacing the property, saying he was trying to frame his ex-girlfriend for the damages and threats, and left a number of pieces of evidence at the scene pointing to her as the culprit.
As part of his plea agreement, Crimiel also acknowledged that on February 13, 2011, he defaced and damaged the St. James Baptist Church on Plum Street in Lafayette as well by writing racial slurs on the church with spray paint and pouring gasoline on the bushes near the front door with a threat that the church would burn.
Crimiel also admitted that he lied to an FBI agent when he denied using his cell phone on the morning of February 13, 2011. Crimiel called 911 anonymously to advise authorities that he saw two women and one man trespassing on St. James Baptist Church property. He admitted later it was part of his scheme to frame his ex-girlfriend.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation-Lafayette Resident Agency and the Lafayette Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney James T. McManus prosecuted the case.

Former Officials and Broker of Peanut Corporation of America Indicted in Connection with Salmonella-Tainted Peanut Products

WASHINGTON—A 76-count indictment was unsealed yesterday charging four former officials of the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) and a related company with numerous charges relating to salmonella-tainted peanuts and peanut products, the Justice Department announced today. Stewart Parnell, 58, of Lynchburg, Virginia; Michael Parnell, 54, of Midlothian, Virginia; and Samuel Lightsey, 48, of Blakely, Georgia, have been charged with mail and wire fraud, the introduction of adulterated and misbranded food into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud or mislead, and conspiracy. Stewart Parnell, Lightsey, and Mary Wilkerson, 39, of Edison, Georgia, were also charged with obstruction of justice.
Also yesterday, an information filed against Daniel Kilgore, 44, of Blakely, was unsealed. On the same day that charges against Kilgore were filed, he pleaded guilty to that information, which charged him with mail and wire fraud, the introduction of adulterated and misbranded food into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud or mislead, and conspiracy.
The investigation into the activity at PCA began in 2009 after the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention traced a national outbreak of salmonella to a PCA plant in Blakely as the likely source. As alleged in the indictment, the Blakely plant was a peanut roasting facility where PCA roasted raw peanuts and produced granulated peanuts, peanut butter, and peanut paste; PCA sold these peanut products to its customers around the country.
The charging documents charge that Stewart Parnell, Michael Parnell, Lightsey, and Kilgore participated in a scheme to manufacture and ship salmonella-contaminated peanuts and peanut products, and in so doing misled PCA customers. As alleged in the indictment, those customers ranged in size from small, family-owned businesses to global, multi-billion-dollar food companies.
“When those responsible for producing or supplying our food lie and cut corners, as alleged in the indictment, they put all of us at risk,” said Stuart F. Delery, who heads the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will not hesitate to pursue any person whose criminal conduct risks the safety of Americans who have done nothing more than eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.”
Although PCA is now no longer in business, the allegations against each of the defendants arise from his or her conduct while at PCA and a related company. The following allegations are set forth in the indictment: Stewart Parnell was an owner and president of PCA; Michael Parnell, who worked at P.P. Sales, was a food broker who worked on behalf of PCA; Lightsey was the operations manager at the Blakely plant from on or about July 2008 through February 2009; and Wilkerson held various positions at the Blakely plant—receptionist, office manager, and quality assurance manager—from in or about April 2002 through February 2009. As charged in the information, Kilgore served as operations manager of the PCA plant in Blakely from in or about June 2002 through May 2008.
“We all place a great deal of trust in the companies and individuals who prepare and package our food, often times taking it for granted that the public’s health and safety interests will outweigh individual and corporate greed,” said Michael Moore, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “Unfortunately and as alleged in the indictment, these defendants cared less about the quality of the food they were providing to the American people and more about the quantity of money they were gathering while disregarding food safety. This investigation was complex and extensive, and I credit the cooperation of our federal agencies with not only making sure that the cause of this outbreak was uncovered and the people responsible called to account, but also with working hard every day to make sure that parents across the country can feel confident that the food they are feeding their children is safe.”
The charging documents allege that Stewart Parnell, Michael Parnell, Lightsey, and Kilgore participated in several schemes by which they defrauded PCA customers about the quality and purity of their peanut products and specifically misled PCA customers about the existence of foodborne pathogens, most notably salmonella, in the peanut products PCA sold to them. As the charging documents allege, the members of the conspiracy did so in several ways—for example, even when laboratory testing revealed the presence of salmonella in peanut products from the Blakely plant, Stewart Parnell, Michael Parnell, Lightsey, and Kilgore failed to notify customers of the presence of salmonella in the products shipped to them.
In addition, the charging documents allege that Stewart Parnell, Michael Parnell, Lightsey, and Kilgore participated in a scheme to fabricate certificates of analysis (COAs) accompanying various shipments of peanut products. COAs are documents that summarize laboratory results, including results concerning the presence or absence of pathogens. As alleged in the charging documents, on several occasions these four defendants participated in a scheme to fabricate COAs stating that shipments of peanut products were free of pathogens when, in fact, there had been no tests on the products at all or when the laboratory results showed that a sample tested positive for salmonella.
After the salmonella outbreak that gave rise to this investigation, FDA inspectors visited the plant several times in January 2009. According to the indictment, the inspectors asked specific questions about the plant, its operations, and its history; in several instances, Stewart Parnell, Lightsey, and Wilkerson gave untrue or misleading answers to these questions.
“The charges announced today show that if an individual violates food safety rules or conceals relevant information, we will seek to hold them accountable,” said FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D. “The health of our families and the safety of our food system is too important to be thwarted by the criminal acts of any individual or company.”
Stewart Parnell, Michael Parnell, and Samuel Lightsey are each charged with two counts of conspiracy, multiple counts of introducing adulterated food into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud, multiple counts of introducing misbranded food into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud, multiple counts of interstate shipment fraud, and multiple counts of wire fraud. Stewart Parnell, Lightsey, and Wilkerson are also charged with multiple counts of obstruction of justice.
Kilgore pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit fraud, one count of conspiracy to introduce adulterated and misbranded food into interstate commerce, eight counts of introducing adulterated food into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud, six counts of introducing misbranded food into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud, eight counts of interstate shipment fraud, and five counts of wire fraud.
Mark F. Giuliano, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated, “The FBI was brought in to this matter to provide additional resources and expertise to a complex and very serious investigation. We fully understand the victim impact as a result of this salmonella outbreak and will be asking to hear from other possible victims in this matter.”
Individuals who feel that they may have been affected by or have become ill from tainted PCA products, and businesses that purchased products that were recalled as a result of the outbreak, should fill out the following questionnaire: https://forms.fbi.gov/pca-salmonella-tainted-product-case/.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Patrick Hearn and Mary M. Englehart of the Consumer Protection Branch of the Civil Division of the Department of Justice and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Dasher of the Middle District of Georgia. Marietta Geckos, formerly a trial attorney with the Consumer Protection Branch, also worked on the prosecution. The case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations and the FBI.
The PCA indictment can be viewed at: www.justice.gov/iso/opa/resources/61201322111426350488.pdf.
Kilgore’s filed information can be viewed at: www.justice.gov/iso/opa/resources/22820132211141246302.pdf.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Dallas Man Sentenced to 42 Months in Federal Prison in Copyright Infringement Case

DALLAS—Victor Karl Shelby, 46, of Dallas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Barbara M. G. Lynn on Wednesday to 42 months in federal prison, following his guilty plea in July 2012 to one count of willful infringement of a copyright. Judge Lynn ordered Shelby to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons by March 12, 2013, to begin serving his sentence. The announcement was made today by U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.
According to documents filed in the case, Shelby owned and operated “In Tha Game Records,” which was located on East Illinois Avenue in Dallas, from sometime before September 2008 to November 2009. During that time, Shelby reproduced and sold DVDs containing copyrighted movie pictures. Shelby, or someone at his direction and with his authorization, used digital reproduction equipment located in the business to make copies of the copyrighted movies. Shelby sold each copyrighted movie for approximately $3.00.
As part of his plea, Shelby agreed to forfeit to the U.S. all the merchandise and property purchased and/or seized by law enforcement agents from his shop. That equipment included: two 11-slot DVD burner towers; 21 DVD burner drives; and approximately 2,400 copyrighted DVDs.
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Yanowitch.

Baltimore Man Exiled to More Than 11 Years in Prison for the Armed Robbery of Jewelry Store in Columbia Mall

BALTIMORE—U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Reginald D. Dargan, Jr., age 21, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 135 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for the March 30, 2011 armed robbery of a jewelry store in the Columbia Mall. Judge Blake also ordered Dargan to pay restitution of $33,255.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein; Commissioner Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department; Howard County Police Chief William McMahon; and Howard County State’s Attorney Dario Broccolino.
“This is the kind of cooperative effort that results in positive outcomes,” said Howard County Police Chief William McMahon. “The case is a great example of how a collaborative team can take a potentially dangerous criminal off the streets. We appreciate the efforts of all our partners.”
According to the testimony at Dargan’s three-day trial, on March 30, 2011, Dargan and two co-defendants, Deontaye Harvey and Aaron Pratt drove to Columbia Mall to commit the armed robbery. Dargan was armed with a knife and Harvey and Pratt were each armed with a gun. They entered a jewelry store in the mall and brandishing their weapons demanded that store employees open the display cases. One employee tried to run out into the mall to get help, but Dargan and Harvey went after him and brought him back into the store at gunpoint, while Pratt stayed in the store with the other employees. Dargan then had a store employee empty the men’s watch display into a bag that Dargan was carrying and the three robbers left the mall.
Dargan and his co-defendants stole 35 men’s Rolex watches valued at approximately $275,475.
Pratt and Harvey, both age 22, of Baltimore, previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme and were sentenced to 87 months and 162 months in prison, respectively.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Baltimore Police Department, Howard County Police Department, and the Baltimore City and Howard County State’s Attorney’s Offices for their work in this investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin M. Block, John W. Sippel, and A. David Copperthite, who prosecuted the case.

FBI Releases Writings of Israel Keyes

Mary Rook, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for the state of Alaska, announced today the release of the writings found in Israel Keyes’ jail cell at the time of his suicide on December 2, 2012. The writings, a combination of pencil and ink on yellow legal pad, were discovered beneath Keyes’ body, illegible and covered in blood. Because of their initial condition, the writings were sent to the FBI Laboratory in Virginia for processing. The FBI Laboratory was able to restore the notes to a condition that allowed for their review and analysis. The FBI concluded there was no hidden code or message in the writings. Further, it was determined that the writings do not offer any investigative clues or leads as to the identity of other possible victims. The FBI does not offer any commentary as to the meaning of these writings.

A page of notes by Israel Keyes found in his jail cell after his suicide. | View notes (pdf)

The FBI continues to work closely with state and local law enforcement agencies across the country to identify other victims of Keyes. Anyone with information concerning Keyes is encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Man Who Robbed New Haven Bank Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Douglas Hutchings, 41, of New Haven, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for bank robbery.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 8, 2012, Hutchings entered the TD Bank located at 466 Foxon Boulevard in New Haven, approached a teller, and handed her a note stating, “Please just the money. No gets hurt.”
After the teller provided Hutchings with $7,444 in U.S. currency, Hutchings ran out of the bank and entered the driver’s side of a minivan. He then drove away at a high rate of speed and engaged New Haven Police officers in a chase that ended when the minivan crashed in the vicinity of Hallock Street and Colombus Avenue in New Haven. Hutchings was apprehended a short distance from the accident scene.
Hutchings has been detained since his arrest on March 8, 2012. On August 6, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery.
Hutchings’ extensive criminal history includes convictions for manslaughter, assault, larceny, and arson.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.

Oregon Resident Convicted in Plot to Bomb Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

PORTLAND, OR—After a 14-day trial, Mohamed Osman Mohamud, 21, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Somalia and resident of Corvallis, Oregon, was convicted today by a federal jury in the District of Oregon of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction (explosives) in connection with a plot to detonate a vehicle bomb at an annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Portland.
At sentencing, Mohamud faces a maximum statutory sentence of life in prison. Mohamud was arrested on November 26, 2010, after he attempted to detonate what he believed to be an explosives-laden van that was parked near the tree lighting ceremony in Portland. The arrest was the culmination of a long-term undercover operation, during which Mohamud was monitored closely for months as his bomb plot developed. The device was in fact inert, and the public was never in danger from the device.
“When an individual concocts a plan to commit mass violence—and is determined to follow through—law enforcement has an obligation to take action to protect the public. Today’s verdict shows that they will be held to account,” said Lisa Monaco, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “I applaud all those who worked so diligently to thwart this plot and ensure no one was harmed.”
“This trial provided a rare glimpse into the techniques al Qaeda employs to radicalize home-grown extremists. With the verdict today, the jury has held this defendant accountable,” said Amanda Marshall, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “I thank the dedicated professionals in the law enforcement and intelligence communities who were responsible for this successful outcome. I look forward to our continued work with Muslim Communities in Oregon who are committed to ensuring that all young people are safe from extremists who seek to radicalize others to engage in violence.”
“The verdict returned in the Mohamed Mohamud case highlights the difficult but important work that FBI employees do every day. Whether an employee is an undercover agent or analyst or technician—each has a role to play in keeping our community safe while at the same time respecting the freedoms that make this country strong. Indeed, in this country everyone has a right to live, work and worship freely and without fear. FBI employees—in Oregon and around the world—find strength in preserving and protecting these core values,” said Gregory Fowler, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Division.
According to court documents and evidence presented by the government at trial, in February 2009, Mohamud began communicating via e-mail with Samir Khan, a now-deceased al Qaeda terrorist who published Jihad Recollections, an online magazine that advocated violent jihad, and who also published Inspire, the official magazine of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. Between February and August 2009, Mohamed exchanged approximately 150 e-mails with Khan. Mohamud wrote several articles for Jihad Recollections that were published under assumed names.
In August 2009, according to evidence presented at trial, Mohamud was in e-mail contact with Amro Al-Ali, a Saudi national who was in Yemen at the time and is today in custody in Saudi Arabia for terrorism offenses. Al-Ali sent Mohamud detailed e-mails designed to facilitate Mohamud’s travel to Yemen to train for violent jihad. In December 2009, while Al-Ali was in the northwest frontier province of Pakistan, Mohamud and Al-Ali discussed the possibility of Mohamud traveling to Pakistan to join Al-Ali in terrorist activities. Mohamud responded to Al-Ali in an e-mail: “yes, that would be wonderful, just tell me what I need to do.” Al-Ali referred Mohamud to a second associate overseas and provided Mohamud with a name and e-mail address to facilitate the process.
In the following months, Mohamud made several unsuccessful attempts to contact Al-Ali’s associate. Ultimately, an FBI undercover operative contacted Mohamud via e-mail under the guise of being an associate of Al-Ali’s. Mohamud and the FBI undercover operative agreed to meet in Portland in July 2010. At the meeting, Mohamud told the FBI undercover operative he had written articles that were published in Jihad Recollections. Mohamud also said that he wanted to become “operational.” Asked what he meant by “operational,” Mohamud said he wanted to put an explosion together but needed help.
According to evidence presented at trial, at a meeting in August 2010, Mohamud told undercover FBI operatives he had been thinking of committing violent jihad since the age of 15. Mohamud then told the undercover FBI operatives that he had identified a potential target for a bomb: the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse Square on November 26, 2010. The undercover FBI operatives cautioned Mohamud several times about the seriousness of this plan, noting there would be many people at the event, including children, and emphasized that Mohamud could abandon his attack plans at any time with no shame. Mohamud indicated the deaths would be justified and that he would not mind carrying out a suicide attack on the crowd.
According to evidence presented at trial, in the ensuing months Mohamud continued to express his interest in carrying out the attack and worked on logistics. On November 4, 2010, Mohamud and the undercover FBI operatives traveled to a remote location in Lincoln County, Oregon, where they detonated a bomb concealed in a backpack as a trial run for the upcoming attack. During the drive back to Corvallis, Mohamud was asked if he was capable of looking at all the bodies of those who would be killed during the explosion. In response, Mohamud noted, “I want whoever is attending that event to be, to leave either dead or injured.” Mohamud later recorded a video of himself, with the assistance of the undercover FBI operatives, in which he read a statement that offered his rationale for his bomb attack.
On November 18, 2010, undercover FBI operatives picked up Mohamud to travel to Portland to finalize the details of the attack. On November 26, 2010, just hours before the planned attack, Mohamud examined the 1,800 pound bomb in the van and remarked that it was “beautiful.” Later that day, Mohamud was arrested after he attempted to remotely detonate the inert vehicle bomb parked near the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
This case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Oregon State Police, the Corvallis Police Department, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and the Portland Police Bureau. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ethan D. Knight and Pamala Holsinger from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. Trial Attorney Jolie F. Zimmerman, from the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, is assisting.

East Hampton Man Charged with Placing Fake Bomb in Front of East Hampton Middle School

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment yesterday charging Sean Doran, 20, of East Hampton, with one count of intentionally conveying false or misleading information and a hoax by leaving a fake bomb device at the front doors of East Hampton Middle School in East Hampton on January 12, 2013.
The indictment was unsealed today during Doran’s initial appearance and arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford. Doran pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on a $50,000 bond.
“As alleged, the defendant purposefully placed a fake bomb right at the door of a Connecticut middle school,” stated U.S. Attorney Fein. “Hoaxes threaten the sense of security that children and teachers are entitled to enjoy in their school. This indictment should be a clear signal that all threats to schools will be vigorously investigated by my office.”
“The indictment of Mr. Doran should be a warning to those individuals who choose to disrupt and threaten everyday public life, hoax or no hoax,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Mertz. “Placing a hoax bomb in a public location is criminal. Placing it outside a school is absolutely appalling. The FBI and its law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to bring to justice those responsible for such criminal conduct.”
If convicted of the charge, Doran faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case has been assigned to Chief United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s JTTF, the East Hampton Police Department, the New Haven Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Anjna R. Kapoor.

California Man Pleads Guilty to $80 Million Ponzi Scheme

SACRAMENTO, CA—Anthony Vassallo, 33, of Folsom, California, pleaded guilty today for his role in a massive investment fraud scheme that brought in more than $80 million from more than 300 investors, U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner, FBI Special Agent in Charge Herbert M. Brown, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation (CI) Special Agent in Charge Jose Martinez announced.
This case is the product of an investigation by the FBI and the IRS-CI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jean M. Hobler and Lee S. Bickley are prosecuting the case.
“Anthony Vassallo and his co-conspirators lied to hundreds of people and took in more than $80 million based on those lies. Vassallo’s victims came from every walk of life and included his friends and family. This conviction is small consolation to Vassallo’s victims, but a message to anyone who takes advantage of others’ trust—there are extreme consequences for your actions and this office, with its partner agencies, will pursue you until justice is done,” stated U.S. Attorney Wagner.
“The magnitude of Vassallo’s actions against unsuspecting investors for personal gain is intolerable,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Herbert M. Brown. “The FBI continues to thoroughly investigate greed-motivated financial crimes such as these and is committed to seeking justice for victims.”
“This was a classic Ponzi scheme. Mr. Vassallo preyed on investors with the promise of huge returns with little risk,” said IRS Special Agent in Charge Jose M. Martinez. “IRS-CI is committed to identifying and investigating those who take advantage and impact the financial well-being of others for their own personal financial benefit.”
According to court documents, between April 2006 and March 2009, Vassallo and others operated Equity Investment, Management, and Trading Inc. (EIMT) in Folsom, a hedge fund investment company purporting to use a computer program designed by Vassallo to time the stock market. Vassallo promised investors an annual rate of return of 36 percent with little risk of loss. In fact, Vassallo and others operated EIMT as a Ponzi scheme using new investor funds to make “dividend” payments to previous investors, to make risky investments without investor knowledge or consent, and to fund his lifestyle. Although Vassallo lost the investors’ money and ceased trading in securities in about September 2007, he lulled investors into keeping their funds on deposit through December 2008 by fabricating investment information, forging trading and bank documents, and reporting positive returns. Neither Vassallo nor EIMT was registered with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC).
Co-conspirator Kenneth Kenitzer, 66, of Pleasanton, California, has previously pleaded guilty in a related case and is awaiting sentencing.
On March 11, 2009, the SEC charged Vassallo and Kenneth Kenitzer with the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws for their roles in the fraudulent investment scheme. The SEC obtained an injunction and court order against Vassallo and Kenitzer freezing the assets of EIMT. In the SEC action, a receiver has been appointed and has been working to recover assets to give back to Vassallo’s and Kenitzer’s victims.
Vassallo is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Garland E. Burrell, Jr. on May 3, 2013. He faces up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud, with fines up to twice the value of the victims losses and mandatory restitution.
This law enforcement action is part of the work being done by President Barack Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF). President Obama established the interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to wage an aggressive, coordinated, and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. The task force includes representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors general and state and local law enforcement who, working together, bring to bear a powerful array of criminal and civil enforcement resources. The task force is working to improve efforts across the federal executive branch and, with state and local partners, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, combat discrimination in the lending and financial markets, and recover proceeds for victims of financial crimes. One component of the FFETF is the national Securities Fraud Working Group, which is tasked with combating investment fraud schemes. For more information on the task force, visit stopfraud.gov.

Bad Hatter Bandit Sought for Three Sacramento-Area Bank Robberies

SACRAMENTO, CA—The Sacramento Violent Crimes Task Force (SVCTF) is seeking help from the public to identify a man suspected of robbing three Sacramento-area banks during the past two months. The dates of the robberies and locations that have been struck by the “Bad Hatter Bandit” are as follows:

• November 29, 2012: Chase Bank at 3501 Del Paso Boulevard, Sacramento
• January 10, 2013: Chase Bank at 1800 Douglas Boulevard, Roseville
• January 29, 2013: Chase Bank at 3501 Del Paso Boulevard, Sacramento

The Bad Hatter Bandit is a black male standing 5’7” to 5’9” tall with a small build. While his attire has changed frequently, the suspect arrived at each location with a leather folio and wearing one of a variety of black hats. A note or verbal demand for cash was issued in each of the robberies and the suspect indicated that he was armed.

A second, black male standing 5’9” to 5’11” tall who has an average build accompanied the primary suspect into the bank during the robbery in Sacramento on January 29, 2013. This second suspect approached the teller and told her that he had a weapon.

According to witnesses, additional accomplices have been seen in the Bad Hatter Bandit’s getaway vehicles. To date, all vehicles used for the commission of the robberies have been stolen and a different vehicle was used for each robbery. While no weapon was seen in any of the three robberies, the suspects are considered armed and dangerous due to the verbal threats.

The cases are being investigated by the SVCTF, FBI, Roseville Police Department, and Sacramento Police Department. Additional details and photos are available on the FBI’s new Wanted Bank Robbers website at https://bankrobbers.fbi.gov.

Anyone with information regarding this robbery is asked to contact the FBI in Sacramento at (916) 481-9110, Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP, Roseville Crime Stoppers at (916) 783-7867, Roseville Police Department, or Sacramento Police Department. Callers who provide information to Crime Alert and Roseville Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.

FBI South Sound Gang Task Force Arrests Subjects Wanted for Takeover-Style Bank Robberies

The FBI South Sound Gang Task Force (SSGTF) today arrested five subjects believed to be responsible for takeover-style bank robberies in Washington. The subjects entered banks in groups, covered head-to-toe in loose clothing and gloves, and demanded money while jumping over teller counters.

The SSGTF arrested Anthony V. Mosley, 46, of Tacoma, Washington; and four residents of Los Angeles, California: Kevin L. Brown, 38; Curtis W. Smith, 22; Douglas L. Smith, 22; and Jeanine M. Daniel, 32. Per the arrest warrant, investigators are still pursuing two additional subjects from Los Angeles, California: Charles A. Williams, 39, and Janalisa Estrada, 33.

According to the federal criminal complaint, the seven individuals conspired to commit the crime of bank robbery and committed at least three bank robberies in Washington state: on September 6, 2012, a U.S. Bank Branch in Lakewood, Washington; on October 22, 2012, a Wells Fargo Bank branch in Seattle, Washington; and on December 20, 2012, a Wells Fargo Bank branch in Kirkland, Washington.

The SSGTF continues to investigate the possible connection between these subjects and additional bank robberies conducted with similar methods—a September 13, 2012 robbery of a Washington Federal Bank in Federal Way, Washington; at least 10 bank robberies in Michigan committed between August 2011 and August 2012; and at least one bank robbery in Ohio in 2012.

FBI agents initially arrested the five subjects on December 22, 2012, on state bank robbery charges. The SSGTF arrested the subjects as they prepared to board a 2:55 p.m. Greyhound bus to Los Angeles, California. Investigators were waiting at the bus station, based on information that the group frequently traveled to Los Angeles by Greyhound bus within days of a bank robbery.

The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendants will make their initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Seattle at 1:30 p.m. today.

The case is being investigated by the FBI South Sound Gang Task Force, in partnership with the Lakewood Police Department’s Gang Unit and the FBI Seattle Safe Streets Task Force. FBI entities nationwide collaborated in the investigation, including the Ann Arbor, Toledo, and Los Angeles offices.