FOUR SENTENCED FOR METHAMPHETAMINE VIOLATIONS IN EAST TEXAS

TYLER, TX --    United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that four men have been sentenced to federal prison for separate methamphetamine-related charges in the Eastern District of Texas. 

RAMON PENA, 26, of Longview, pleaded guilty on February 13, 2007, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison today by United States District Judge Leonard E. Davis.

According to information presented in court, an investigation began in January 2003 revealing a drug distribution conspiracy involving over 500 grams of methamphetamine.  A federal indictment was returned in September 2006 charging Pena and three co-defendants with federal drug violations. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office and the Gregg County CODE Unit.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Moore.

In a separate case, JOSE LUIS ROJAS, 30, of Longview, pleaded guilty on December 4, 2006, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison today by Judge Davis.

According to information presented in court, an investigation began in January 2003 into the distribution of “ice” methamphetamine in East Texas.  During this time, the investigation resulted in the arrest of 20 individuals.  A 36-count federal indictment was returned in May charging Rojas and 19 co-defendants with federal charges. 

This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office and the Gregg County CODE Unit.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Moore.

In a third case, JERRY HUDSON, 24, of Tyler, pleaded guilty on May 21, 2007, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison today by Judge Davis.

Hudson's co-defendant, DANIEL "DANNY" GOMEZ, 22, of Tyler, pleaded guilty on May 24, 2007, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison today by Judge Davis.

According to information presented in court, an investigation began in October 2004 into the distribution of “ice” methamphetamine in east Texas, Louisiana, and Florida.  During this time, the investigation resulted in 22 undercover drug purchases, the purchase and seizure of at least 15 handguns and the seizure of at least four pounds of “ice” methamphetamine and amounts of marijuana and pharmaceutical drugs, the seizure of three vehicles and a safe containing approximately $300,000 cash.  A 26-count federal indictment was returned in March charging 19 co-defendants with federal charges.  Thus far in Operation ICEBOX, there have been 21 convictions, over $300,000 cash, cars, firearms, and one house seized, and $1.95 million in forfeiture judgments.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the United States Marshal’s Service, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Tyler Police Department, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, and the Henderson Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William Baldwin and Mary Ann Cozby.

CARROLLTON, TEXAS, MEN SENTENCED TO 5 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON, WITHOUT PAROLE, ON CHILD PORN CONVICTION

DALLAS - Grant Trevithick, of Carrollton, Texas, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay to 60 months in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas.  Trevithick, who is in federal custody, pled guilty last September to one count of possession of child pornography in interstate commerce. 

Trevithick, 47, admitted that in September 2004 he knowingly possessed images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  On October 1, 2004, Trevithick took two hard drives to Data Recovery Services, requesting recovery of data from both hard drives, including retrieval of files from a folder entitled “ZZ Pics.”  That folder contained approximately 494 images of child porn which he had downloaded from the internet and saved onto his computer’s hard drive.

U.S. Attorney Roper commended the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aisha Saleem.

FEDERAL JURY CONVICTS THREE AMARILLO RESIDENTS IN METHAMPHETAMINE CONSPIRACY

AMARILLO, Tx. ---  Following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Mary Lou Robinson in Amarillo, a federal jury returned guilty verdicts this afternoon against three  defendants for their role in an elaborate methamphetamine organization that operated out of Amarillo, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper, of the Northern District of Texas.

The lead defendant in the case, Sitthiphone Phengsengkham a/k/a “Teddy Phengsengkham, 29, and his brother, co-defendant, Itthison Phengsengkham, a/k/a Eddy Phengsengkham, 35, were each convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit a drug offense and one count of money laundering conspiracy.  They each face a maximum statutory sentence of life in prison and a $500,000 fine.

Co-defendant Tuan Anh Tran, was convicted on one count of money  laundering conspiracy.  He faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  Defendant Stephanie Feng Tran, who was also charged with one count of money laundering, was acquitted.  

 The government presented evidence at trial that from January 1, 2004 to February 15, 2007, the defendants conspired together to conduct financial transactions involving illegal drug proceeds in order to arrange for, and facilitate the ongoing purchase, storage, transportation, sale and distribution of controlled substances, the ongoing distribution of currency derived from this illegal activity, and the concealment and disguise of the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the illegal drug proceeds.

A total of 24 defendants were charged in this case, U.S. v. Sitthiphone Phengsengkham, a/k/a “Teddy Phengsengkham,” et al.   Many of the defendants in this case were arrested in an early-morning round up on February 15, 2007, which was the culmination of an investigation that began several years ago.  The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Office in Amarillo, as well as the Potter County Sheriff’s Office, the Randall County Sheriff’s Office, the Odam County Sheriff’s Office, the Amarillo Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety, worked undercover in a joint effort to arrest major drug distributors.  During the course of the investigation, approximately 14 pounds of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of more than $700,000, was seized, along with more than $300,000 in U.S. currency and various firearms. 

The government presented evidence at trial that co-defendants in the case, Thongfoth and Pathoupone Phengsengkham, the parents of Eddy and Teddy Phengsengkham, owned a motel where the drug organization was headquartered.  They pled guilty shortly before trial.  In fact, all defendants charged in the case, have pled guilty to charges stemming from their role in the organization, and are awaiting sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Roper praised the investigative efforts of the DEA, the Potter County Sheriff’s Office, the Randall County Sheriff’s Office, the Odam County Sheriff’s Office, the Amarillo Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Vicki Lamberson of the Amarillo, Texas, U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.

WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FEDERAL CHILD KIDNAPPING CHARGE

LUBBOCK, Texas --- Rayshaun Parson, 22, of Clovis, New Mexico, whose trial was to begin in federal court in Lubbock on Monday, pled guilty this afternoon to one count of kidnapping before U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper.  Judge Cummings ordered a  pre-sentence investigation with sentencing to be scheduled after that investigation is completed.  Parson faces no less than 20 years in prison and up to life in prison, as well as a $250,000 fine and restitution.

Parson has been in custody since her arrest in March 2007 by federal agents on charges outlined in a federal criminal complaint.  A federal grand jury in Lubbock returned an indictment later that month charging her with one count of kidnapping, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1201(a)(1) and (g)(1).

According to documents filed with the Court today, on March 9, 2007, Rayshaun Parson, who was then age 21, traveled to Lubbock from her home in Clovis, New Mexico.  While in Lubbock, throughout the day, Parson visited the maternity wards at University Medical Center and Covenant Lakeside Hospital, observing the newborn babies.

At approximately 12:32 a.m. on March 10, 2007, Parson entered Covenant Lakeside Hospital, Lubbock, Texas, wearing medical scrubs.  After taking baby Mychael, Parson twice attempted to leave the hospital using the elevator.  On both occasions, however, because the baby had a security sensor on her leg, an alarm sounded and the elevator failed to operate.  Parson then went to a vacant room and cut and removed the security sensor and identification band from the baby so that she could leave the hospital with the baby.  When Parson left the hospital, she concealed the three-day-old infant under her coat.  She placed the baby, who was suffering from jaundice, in her car and drove back to her home in Clovis, New Mexico, approximately 100 miles from Lubbock.

Parson admits that she understood the nature and consequences of her act in kidnapping the baby, the wrongfulness of her act, and that kidnapping a baby is against the law, in that she pulled the hood of her coat over her face when leaving the hospital with the baby, concealed the baby under her coat, and discarded incriminating evidence of the crime in a dumpster more than a block away from her residence upon arriving back in Clovis.

Parson was not related to the victim in any way, and did not know the victim or her family before traveling to Lubbock on March 9, 2007.

After an Amber Alert was issued, a lead was received by the Lubbock Police Department which resulted in the infant being located, the day after the kidnapping, by the Clovis Police Department at a residence in Clovis.

U.S. Attorney Roper commended the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lubbock Police Department, and the Clovis, New Mexico Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven M. Sucsy and Dick Baker of the Lubbock, Texas, U.S. Attorney’s Office.

OWNER OF COUNSELING SERVICE SENTENCED TO MORE THAN THREE YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON, WITHOUT PAROLE, FOR DEFRAUDING MEDICAID

Defendant also Ordered to Pay More than $250,000 Restitution

DALLAS — Dolores Johnson, a former owner of a counseling services business in Dallas, was sentenced this morning to 37 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas.  Johnson, 53, who pled guilty in April to one count of health care fraud, was also ordered to pay $250,591.83 in restitution.  Judge Kinkeade ordered that she surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on September 19, 2007. 

Johnson owned and operated Gracious Steps Counseling Center and was an approved Texas Medicaid care provider.  She admitted that in January 2003 through August 2004, she and others defrauded Medicaid by submitting claims for services allegedly provided to Medicaid beneficiaries through the School Health and Related Services (SHARP) program.  Gracious Steps Counseling Center submitted a fraudulent school district affiliation agreement to Medicaid in order to participate in the SHARP program and admits that the counseling services were never provided to the named beneficiaries.  Johnson admitted that she, and other participants, caused Medicaid to pay more than $250,591 in fraudulent claims to the Gracious Steps Counseling Center’s business account at Washington Mutual.

In a related case, Tommy Clyde Ransom II, 36, of Dallas, pled guilty earlier this year to one count of health care fraud and in fact, it was the investigation of Tommy Clyde Ransom that led to the criminal charges filed against Dolores Johnson.  Ransom also owned and operated a counseling services business in Dallas, called Crossroads Community Outreach Center, and was also an approved Texas Medicaid care provider.  Ransom admitted that from March 2002 through May 2004, he and others defrauded Medicaid by submitting fraudulent claims to Medicaid for payment of counseling services allegedly provided to Medicaid beneficiaries through the SHARS program.  Ransom’s fraud caused Medicaid to pay $2,084,562 in fraudulently obtained proceeds to his Crossroad’s account at Resource One Credit Union.  Ransom was sentenced in May to 112 months in prison and ordered to pay $2,084.562 in restitution. 

U.S. Attorney Roper praised the excellent investigative work of Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Office - Medicaid Fraud Unit and said, “These cases are the culmination of a thorough investigation conducted by General Abbott’s Medicaid Fraud Unit.  Our cooperative efforts with the Attorney General’s office are crucial to ferreting out and prosecuting these type of cases.”  Roper continued, “These prosecutions should serve as a warning to all who would attempt to defraud our state’s Medicaid system that we will find them and they will pay the price.”

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Bridget Eyler.  The investigation remains ongoing.

FEDERAL GRAND JURY INDICTS LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR ON HEALTH CARE FRAUD CHARGES

LUBBOCK, TX. — A federal grand jury in Lubbock has returned a 24-count indictment charging Debra Smith, 39, with 12 counts of health care fraud and 12 counts of  making false statements related to health care matters, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas.  Smith, a former resident of Lubbock, now resides in San Gabriel, California.  Although an arrest warrant was issued, it is anticipated that she will surrender to federal authorities.  

According to the indictment, Debra Smith was licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services as a Licensed Professional Counselor.  In December 2001, she became a Medicaid-approved provider.  One of the types of assistance available to Medicaid recipients is counseling services.  Medicaid recipients are authorized to receive 30 counseling sessions per year.  If a patient needs additional sessions, the provider must submit a request to Medicaid to authorize additional services.

Beginning in January 2003 and continuing until the end of 2005, Smith filed, and caused to be filed, Medicaid reimbursement claims for counseling services that were never performed.  As a result, Medicaid paid Smith more than $70,000 for fraudulent and undocumented claims.      

As part of her scheme to defraud Medicaid, Smith used the names and Medicaid numbers of actual and former clients, and the names and Medicaid numbers of the family members and relatives of actual and former clients, to bill the Texas Medicaid program for counseling sessions, services, and benefits that were never performed or provided.

An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven otherwise.  If convicted, however, each count of health care fraud carries a maximum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine and each count of making false statements related to health care matters carries a maximum statutory sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  Restitution may be ordered.

U.S. Attorney Roper praised the excellent investigative work of Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Office - Medicaid Fraud Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and said,  “This case is the culmination of a thorough investigation conducted by General Abbott’s Medicaid Fraud Unit and the FBI.  Our cooperative efforts with the Attorney General’s office and the FBI are crucial to ferreting out and prosecuting this type of case.”

The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy R. Burch of  the Texas Attorney General’s Office.

PORT NECHES MAN GUILTY OF FEDERAL FINANCIAL CRIMES

(BEAUMONT, TX)          United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that a 39-year-old Port Neches man has pleaded guilty to federal financial crimes in the Eastern District of Texas. 

JAMES HAUCK pleaded guilty to one felony count of structuring financial transactions in violation of U.S. Treasury and banking statutes.  Hauck was charged by an Information filed by the U.S. Attorney and waived federal grand jury action.  Hauck entered his plea this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Keith Giblin.

According to the Information, Hauck structured transactions at Texas State Bank totaling $479,024.00 between February 2005 and July 2006 for the purpose of evading the reporting requirements of domestic financial institutions such as banks, credit unions and currency exchanges.  Such financial institutions are required to file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) with the Internal Revenue Service for deposits, withdrawals, or other transactions involving cash or currency in excess of $10,000.  "Structuring" generally involves making multiple cash transactions in amounts less than $10,000 at multiple banks or different branches of the same bank in the same day or consecutive days for the purpose of avoiding the requirement of a CTR.

Hauck faces up to five years in federal prison, a fine not to exceed $250,000.00, and possible forfeiture of the structured funds.  A sentencing date has not been set.  Hauck remains released on bond pending sentencing.

The case is being investigated by the North Texas Asset Forfeiture Task Force which is composed of a special investigator from Smith County, detectives from Arlington Police Department, Dallas Police Department, Flower Mound Police Department, and agents from the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Rawls.

BEAUMONT WOMAN CHARGED WITH FEDERAL GUN VIOLATIONS

(BEAUMONT, TX) –  United States Attorney John Ratcliffe announced today that a 46-year-old Beaumont woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm in the Eastern District of Texas.

DONNA LYNN BAINE was charged with possessing multiple firearms and explosive devices after being previously convicted of two felony drug offenses in 2006.

According to court documents, a search warrant was executed on August 7, 2007, at Baine's residence during which officers recovered 35 firearms, several explosive devices and numerous rounds of ammunition.

If convicted, Baine faces up to ten years in federal prison and a fine not to exceed $250,000.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Englade.

A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

FEDERAL INMATES CHARGED WITH MURDERING FELLOW PRISONER IN BEAUMONT

(BEAUMONT, TX)          United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that three federal prison inmates have been indicted for their roles in the murder of a fellow prisoner while they were incarcerated in the United States Penitentiary in Beaumont (USP-Beaumont). 

MICHAEL BACOTE, 32, JOSEPH EBRON, 28, and CRESCENO SHERMAN, 26, all former resident of the District of Columbia, were indicted late yesterday and charged with First Degree Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Murder.

According to information from prosecutors, on May 7, 2005, Bureau of Prison officials working in the USP-Beaumont, discovered the body of Keith Barnes in his cell.  Barnes had been stabbed to death.  After reviewing surveillance film from cameras inside the cell block, Bacote, Ebron, and Sherman, all inmates serving federal sentences at USP-Beaumont, were identified as the alleged suspects.

If convicted of First Degree Murder, Bacote and Ebron could receive a death sentence or a sentence of life imprisonment.  If convicted of First Degree Murder, Sherman could receive a sentence of life imprisonment. 

The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joe Batte.    

It is important to note that an indictment should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

FEDERAL GRAND JURY CHARGES SAN ANGELO, TEXAS, MAN WITH MAKING THREAT

 LUBBOCK, Tx. —  A federal grand jury in Lubbock returned an indictment yesterday charging San Angelo, Texas, resident, Marcus J. Martinez, with one count of willfully making a threat, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas.  If convicted, Martinez, 20, faces a maximum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

According to the indictment, on August 6, 2007, Martinez, used a telephone to maliciously convey false information, knowing that information to be false, concerning an attempt and alleged attempt being made to damage and destroy the Wells Fargo Bank, 3806 West Loop 306, in San Angelo, by means of fire and explosives.

While no bomb was located, Martinez’s threat caused a massive response from local and federal law enforcement officials.

An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven otherwise.

U.S. Attorney Roper praised the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the San Angelo Police Department and Goodfellow Air Force Base.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise Williams of the Lubbock, Texas, U.S. Attorney’s Office

CALIFORNIANS SENTENCED FOR FEDERAL DRUG VIOLATIONS IN EASTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS

(BEAUMONT TX)   United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that a 51-year-old California man and his 28-year-old son have been sentenced to federal prison for drug violations in the Eastern District of Texas. 

GODOLFREDO YERA GUZMAN, of Wilmington, California received 210 months in federal prison while his son, GODOLFREDO JUNIOR GUZMAN, of Bloomington, California was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison today by United States District Judge Thad Heartfield. 

According to information presented in court, on April 12, 2005, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department stopped a tractor trailer on Interstate 10, following a traffic violation.  During a search of the truck, they located and seized $1,786,827 in United States currency hidden beneath a load of corn.  Guzman denied knowledge of the currency was arrested and placed in the Jefferson County jail. Later that evening, he telephoned his father, Godolfredo Yera Guzman, in Los Angeles to report the seizure of the money. 

A coordinated investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration in Beaumont, Los Angeles, and El Paso, produced evidence indicating that both Godolfredo Yera Guzman and his son, Godolfredo Junior Guzman, through the use of their trucking company, were transporting large quantities of cocaine and drug proceeds for a major cocaine trafficking organization operating in Mexico and El Paso, Texas.  The DEA continued the investigation and on May 1, 2005, stopped another tractor trailer from Los Angeles and seized 250 kilograms of cocaine.

Both Godolfredo Yera Guzman and Godolfredo Junior Guzman pleaded guilty on March 13, 2007 to conspiracy to distribute more than 150 kilograms of cocaine.

This case was investigated by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Hobbs prosecuted the case.

DALLAS MAN GUILTY OF FEDERAL DRUG VIOLATIONS

TYLER, TX –  United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that a 35-year-old Dallas man has pleaded guilty to federal drug violations in the Eastern District of Texas. 

ANDRES SAENZ REYNA admitted to being involved in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine today before United States Magistrate Judge John D. Love.

According to information presented in court, an ongoing investigation began in January 2003 into the distribution of methamphetamine in East Texas.  The operation has resulted in numerous undercover purchases and seizures of both drugs and guns.  A federal indictment was returned on February 6, 2007 charging 16 individuals, including Reyna, with federal crimes.   

Reyna faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $2 million at sentencing.  A sentencing date has not been set.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Gregg County District Attorney's Office, the Longview Police Department and the Gregg County CODE Unit.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard L. Moore.

Two Mexican Nationals sentenced for illegally being in U.S.

SHERMAN, TX – United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that two Mexican Nationals have been sentenced in the Eastern District of Texas for illegally being in the United States.  United States District Judge Marcia Crone Schell presided over the sentencing hearings today.

ROBERTO RIVERA-PENA, a 32-year-old Mexican National residing in Dallas, was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison for being an illegal alien who had previously been deported then unlawfully re-entered the United States. 

Rivera-Pena was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 10, 2007 and charged with being an illegal alien that unlawfully reentered the United States. 

JOSE PADRON-GOMEZ, a 19-year-old Mexican National residing in McKinney, was sentenced to 9 months in federal prison for being an illegal alien who had previously been deported then unlawfully re-entered the United States.

Padron-Gomez was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 15, 2007 and charged with being an illegal alien that unlawfully reentered the United States. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele A. Ratcliffe prosecuted these cases which were the result of investigations by Department of Homeland Security, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The defendants will each be deported upon the completion of their federal prison sentences. 

FEDERAL JURY CONVICTS INMATE OF MAKING THREATS TO A FEDERAL JUDGE AND A NEWSPAPER EDITOR

AMARILLO, Tx. ---  A federal jury in Amarillo has convicted Alan Van DeLaughter on one count of mailing threats to damage or destroy property and one count of mailing a threatening communication, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper, of the Northern District of Texas.  Van DeLaughter, 36, was an inmate at the Allred Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Iowa Park, Texas.  He faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine; a sentencing date was not set.

The government presented evidence at trial that on March 26, 2007, Van DeLaughter mailed a threat to Robert W. Mong, Jr., the editor of the Dallas Morning News, that threatened a historical disaster at the Eldon B. Mahon U.S. Courthouse was going to take place.  The government also presented evidence to the jury that on June 7, 2005, Van DeLaughter mailed a letter addressed to:  United States District Court, Honorable Judge McBride, 501 West 10 Street, Ft. Worth, Texas 76102, 3643, which contained a threat to end the life of U.S. District Judge McBryde and his family.

U.S. Attorney Roper praised the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christy Drake and Vicki Lamberson of the Amarillo, Texas, U.S. Attorney’s Office.

TARRANT COUNTY MAN ADMITS ROLE IN CREDIT CARD FRAUD “SKIMMING” CASE

FORT WORTH, Tx.  — A local man who admitted purchasing credit card account information that had been “skimmed” from restaurant customers, pled guilty yesterday in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper.  Dung Ba Nguyen, 28, of North Richland Hills, Texas, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Terry R. Means to an Information charging one count of fraud in connection with access devices.  Nguyen admitted having more than 100 credit card and account numbers stored on his personal “thumb drive.”  He faces a maximum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and restitution.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Means on January 14, 2007.

The account numbers were stolen by a method known as “skimming.”  Specifically, individuals working at North Texas restaurants used a small hand-held device, known as a “skimmer,” to read and record account numbers and other account information from the magnetic strips on the backs of restaurant customers’ credit cards and debit cards.

Nguyen then used the stolen account numbers by encoding them onto the magnetic strips of his own credit cards and then making purchases with the cards.  In this way, although Nguyen appeared to be making charges against his own accounts, he was actually making charges against the accounts associated with the stolen account numbers.  Nguyen purchased expensive items, such as electronics, that he could then sell for cash.

U.S. Attorney Roper praised the investigative efforts of the U.S. Secret Service and the Euless, Arlington, Haltom City, Bedford, Plano and North Richland Hills, Texas, Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Buie.

GILMER MAN GUILTY OF FEDERAL FIREARMS VIOLATIONS

TYLER, TX –  United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that a 20-year-old Gilmer man has pleaded guilty to federal firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas. 

DAMON DEWAYNE DARDEN admitted to being a felon in possession of a firearm today before United States Magistrate Judge John Love.

According to information presented in court, on October 20, 2006, Darden sold crack cocaine for $40 and a revolver for $50 to an individual in Upshur County.  Darden was previously convicted of drug possession in Smith County in 1999 and theft in Upshur County in 2000, thereby prohibiting him from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.

Darden could receive up to ten years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00 at sentencing.  A sentencing date has not been set.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Gilmer Police Department investigated this case.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gregg A. Marchessault.

MARSHALL MAN GUILTY OF FEDERAL DRUG VIOLATIONS

MARSHALL, TX –  United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that a 36-year-old Marshall man has pleaded guilty to federal drug violations in the Eastern District of Texas. 

JOSE RAFAEL RAMOS admitted to being involved in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana today before United States Magistrate Judge Chad Everingham.

According to information presented in court, on May 30, 2006, a postal inspector, working in an undercover capacity, delivered a priority mail parcel containing marijuana to a residential address in Marshall.  Approximately 30 minutes after the parcel was delivered, Ramos and a co-Defendant arrived at the residence where the marijuana had been delivered and entered the residence.  A short time later, Ramos exited the residence carrying the parcel.  After Ramos and the co-defendant drove away, they were stopped by deputies with the Harrison County Sheriff's Office.  At the time of the stop, the unopened parcel was recovered from the vehicle.  The contents of the parcel were examined by the United States Postal Inspection Service Forensic Laboratory and were determined to be marijuana.  The total amount of marijuana attributable to the conspiracy, and to Ramos, is approximately 21 kilograms. 

Ramos could receive up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00 at sentencing.  A sentencing date has not been set.

The United States Postal Inspection Service and Harrison County Unified Narcotics Investigation Team investigated this case.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alan R. Jackson.