M.C. Law Group Opens Office in Stamford, CT

M.C. Law Group has opened a new branch in Stamford, Connecticut. The full-service law firm is experienced in all areas of U.S. immigration and nationality law. In addition, the firm also handles cases in a wide variety of legal matters including family law and divorce cases, criminal matters, tax preparation and tax resolution, and business law cases.

The Stamford branch, located at 39 Clovelly Road, is the third branch for this growing law firm. Two additional branches are located in Waterbury and Hartford, and the firm is based in Bridgeport.

Follow the link below to learn more about the new branch, M.C. Law Group, and its legal services.

Stamford Immigration Lawyer in Connecticut

Cheese Smuggling Ring Lands Two Men in ICE Custody

One officer and a former officer with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRP), and an associate are in custody in Canada Thursday, September 27, 2012, following an investigation into a cheese smuggling scheme. The investigation is being conducted by members of Buffalo's Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST).

The arrests were announced by James Spero, special agent in charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the NRP, all members of the Buffalo BEST.

Scott Heron, 39, Casey Langelaan, 48, and Bernie Pollino, 44, all of whom reside in Fort Erie, Ontario, have been charged for smuggling goods, evasion of duties and other related charges under Canadian laws. The NRP arrested the three men the morning of Thursday, September 27, 2012. Heron is a member of the NRP. He was suspended from duty as the result of this investigation. At the time of the alleged criminal activity, Langelaan was also a member of the NRP. He was suspended at the time of the investigation and is no longer with the force. Pollino is not an officer but is alleged to have participated in the scheme with Heron and Langelaan.

The network involved the purchasing of cases of cheese and other food items in the United States and transporting them into Canada without declaring the items or paying duty. Once the products arrived in the country, they were sorted and prepared for distribution to a variety of restaurants in southern Ontario.

The investigation revealed that there was a significant financial gain to be made in the cheese smuggling operation due to the fact that duty imposed on cheese and dairy products imported from the United States ranged from 250-400 percent. The investigation also revealed over $200,000 worth of cheese and other products were purchased and distributed for an estimated profit of over $165,000.

The subjects were scheduled for an initial appearance Sept. 27 in court in Ontario.

In January 2006, DHS adopted the BEST initiative as a DHS task force in order to leverage federal, state, local, tribal and international law enforcement and intelligence resources in an effort to identify, disrupt and dismantle organizations that seek to exploit vulnerabilities along the U.S. borders and threaten the overall safety and security of the American public. BEST is designed to increase information sharing and collaboration among the participating agencies, focusing toward the identification, prioritization and investigation of emerging or existing threats.

Dominican Republic National Arrested for Heroin Ring

Special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and members of the New York Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Strike Force dismantled a heroin distribution operation and arrested a Queens man.

Special agents arrested Jose Santiago Diaz, 44, a Dominican Republic national who worked in the Queens apartment where heroin was repacked for distribution.

During a search warrant, special agents seized 39 kilos of heroin from the ground floor apartment the evening of Wednesday, September 19, 2012. The heroin has an estimated street value of more than $20 million. Eight packages of pressed heroin weighing nearly three pounds each were found lying on the floor of the studio apartment, while another 11 packages were recovered from inside a duffel bag. A makeshift assembly line had been set up on a table, complete with kilo presses and multiple buckets containing grinders, sifters and other drug paraphernalia. Another 10 kilograms of loose heroin was on the table with the buckets. Brown sugar used as a cutting agent was also recovered from the apartment.

Special agents and detectives with the strike force had been conducting surveillance at the suspected location for several weeks prior to the search. On the night of Tuesday, September 18, 2012, members of the strike force team observed an individual wearing latex gloves, typically worn by heroin mill workers, exit the front door of the building and then return inside. Moments later the special agents saw an individual wearing latex gloves open a window in the ground floor apartment. Special agents and detectives approached the building and noticed a strong odor of heroin emanating from a window and an air conditioner.

Shortly after midnight, Diaz exited the building and drove off in a vehicle. Special agents stopped the car and detained Diaz after he made inconsistent statements. Special agents detected the smell of heroin on Diaz and determined that he was in possession of the keys to the ground floor apartment.

Members of the strike force contacted the Port Authority Police K-9 Unit, which dispatched a Port Authority police officer and a K-9 dog to the building. Upon sniffing the door to the residence, the dog signaled the presence of narcotics. Special agents later searched the residence and found significant quantities of heroin.

"Heroin not only poses a significant public safety risk, it also generates huge profits that are often funneled back into other types of illegal activity," said James T. Hayes Jr., special agent in charge of HSI New York. The seizures and arrests are a testament to HSI's commitment to keep illegal drugs off our streets."

"I commend the excellent work by agents and detectives in this case," said Bridget G. Brennan, special narcotics prosecutor. "We seized a very large quantity of heroin high in the distribution chain. This would have ended up as millions of user-ready packets on the streets of our city."

"NYPD detectives and federal agents, supported by the outstanding work by Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget Brennan and her staff, have brought this heroin mill to a grinding halt," said Raymond W. Kelly, New York City police commissioner. "In putting a major drug dealer out of business, they have also saved lives in stopping the violent crime that is never far from narcotics trafficking."

"Over the past few years we have seen an increase in opiate abuse within the New York area. This has been a great concern to law enforcement and our community," said Wilbert L. Plummer, acting special agent in charge of the DEA in New York. "These arrests demonstrate that law enforcement is determined to identify those responsible."

The New York Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Strike Force is comprised of officers of the U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the New York City Police Department, HSI, the New York State Police, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Marshal Service and with assistance from the New York City Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor's Office. The strike force is partially funded by the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, which is a federally funded crime fighting initiative.

$22 Million of Cocaine Seized; 3 Dominican Republic Nationals Arrested for Drug Trafficking

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), working jointly with other members of the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force (CCSF), arrested three Dominican Republic nationals for drug trafficking and seized 918 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of more than $22 million Monday, September 17, 2012, off the southern coast of Puerto Rico.

"In less than one month HSI and its partners in the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force have seized more than 2,000 kilograms of cocaine," said Angel Melendez, acting special agent in charge of HSI San Juan. "These seizures and related arrests are clear proof that HSI, along with our state and federal partners, are vigilant and will not tolerate the importation of illegal drugs into the United States through Puerto Rico."

On Sept. 17, Puerto Rico Police Department's (PRPD) United Forces for Rapid Action (FURA), working jointly with CCSF partners, detected a suspicious vessel with two outboard engines reaching the shores of Tuna Beach in the town of Maunabo, Puerto Rico. Immediately after detection FURA, with the assistance of the U.S. Border Patrol, proceeded to intercept the vessel which had made it to the beach with 811 bricks of cocaine inside.

Three Dominican Republic nationals, Cecilio Mercedes-De la Cruz, Jose Miguel Guzman-De los Santos and Victor Manuel Carela, were arrested in conjunction with the seizure. They had their initial hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Camille Velez-Rive Tuesday and were transferred to the Guaynabo, Puerto Rico Metropolitan Detention Center awaiting the outcome of their case.

CCSF is an initiative of the U.S. Attorney's Office created to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations operating in the Caribbean. CCSF is part of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force that investigate South American-based drug trafficking organizations responsible for the movement of multi-kilogram quantities of narcotics using the Caribbean as a transshipment point for further distribution to the United States. The initiative is composed of HSI, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, the Coast Guard, CBP and PRPD's FURA.

ICE and HSI Dismantle Extensive Identity Tax Fraud Scheme

One of the nation's largest and longest running stolen identity tax refund fraud schemes – involving more than 8,000 fraudulent U.S. income tax returns seeking $65 million in illicit refunds – has been shut down by a New Jersey-based task force.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents assisted in the investigation as part of the New Jersey Financial Crimes Task Force.

Fourteen people were charged Wednesday, September 19, 2012, with conspiracy to defraud the United States and substantive counts of theft of government property, which resulted in $11.3 million in losses. They were arrested as part of a coordinated investigation by a New Jersey-based task force that includes IRS-Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).

Ten of the defendants made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Dickson Sept. 19 in Newark federal court while other defendants will be making their appearances in out-of-state federal courts including: New York; Grand Rapids, Mich.; and Greensboro, N.C. One defendant is already in custody in Texas on unrelated charges.

"The New Jersey Financial Crimes Task Force has proven to be an effective tool in dismantling criminal organizations that threaten the financial stability of our nation," said Andrew McLees, special agent in charge of HSI Newark. "Today's arrest exemplifies that HSI stands on the front line of financial crimes and continues proactive cooperation with our federal law enforcement partners to serve as a unified force in the fight against these illegal financial schemes that have far-reaching impact."

"The defendants in this case allegedly tried to steal $65 million using stolen identities to obtain refunds to which they were not entitled," U.S. Attorney Fishman said. "No matter how sophisticated, these crimes are pure theft. They victimize all members of the public, especially those whose identities are stolen."

"These types of tax fraud schemes have been around for many years," USPIS Inspector in Charge Phillip R. Bartlett said. "The Postal Inspection Service noted a significant increase in tax refund fraud schemes approximately three years ago and formed the New Jersey Financial Crimes Task Force in an effort to identify, disrupt and dismantle organized groups engaged in these schemes."

"Using stolen identities to file fraudulent tax returns seeking bogus refunds is a serious crime that we do not take lightly at the IRS," Richard Weber, chief, IRS-Criminal Investigation, said. "The refund fraud alleged in today's complaints was highly organized and relied on many willing accomplices. IRS-Criminal Investigation has made investigating refund fraud and identity theft a top priority and we will relentlessly pursue those who attempt to undermine the integrity of our tax system."

According to the criminal complaints, Stolen Identity Refund Fraud (SIRF) is a common type of fraud that results in more than $2 billion in losses annually to the U.S. Treasury. SIRF schemes generally share a number of hallmarks:

·                             Perpetrators obtain personal identifying information, including Social Security numbers and dates of birth, from unwitting individuals, who often reside in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. (Puerto Rican citizens are issued Social Security numbers, but are not required to pay federal income tax unless they derive income from United States-based companies or from the United States government. These Social Security numbers are a valuable commodity for perpetrators of SIRFs, because they are usually not already associated with a tax return.)

·                             Participants complete and file – frequently filing electronically – individual income tax returns using the fraudulently-obtained information, and falsifying wages earned, taxes withheld and other data. Perpetrators make it appear that the "taxpayers" listed on the fraudulent returns are entitled to tax refunds.

·                             Perpetrators direct the U.S. Treasury Department to issue the refunds through tax refund Treasury checks generated by the fraudulent tax returns to locations they control or can access.

Recognizing the seriousness of the problem, federal law enforcement agencies created a multi-agency task force in New Jersey led by investigators from the IRS and the USPIS, along with support from the U.S. Secret Service, HSI and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The task force has revealed that at least as early as 2007, dozens of individuals in the New Jersey and New York area have been engaged in a large-scale, long-running SIRF scheme involving more than 8,000 fraudulent U.S. income tax returns seeking $65 million in illicit refunds and with losses to the United States government of more than $11.3 million.

The scheme was carried out by Jose Torres, aka Jose Quilestorres, 46, of Bronx, N.Y.; Roberto Diaz, 44, of Demarest, N.J.; Elian Matlovsky, 27, of New York; Porfirio Paredes,44, of Hazelton, Pa.; Rosa Marmol, 34, of Grand Rapids, Mich.; Luis Martinez, 47, of Matthews, N.C.; Ennio Guzman, 44, and Alejandro Javier, 50, both of Newark, N.J.; David Pinski, 73, of Fort Lee, N.J.; Michael Senatore, 41, of Moscow, Pa.; Rosario Terzulli, 38, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Manuel Rodriguez, 50, of New Brunswick, N.J.; Rigoberto Torres aka R. Torres, 40, of New Brunswick, N.J., and others.

The complaints set forth the specific role that each conspirator played in the scheme, including obtaining the personal identifying information from Puerto Rican citizens, creating and filing the fraudulent 1040 forms, and obtaining, selling, depositing and cashing the tax refund Treasury checks.

Torres, Rodriguez and others gained control of refund checks in various ways, following the pattern of a classic SIRF scheme. Sometimes they bribed mail carriers to intercept checks and deliver them to other conspirators. One mail carrier, Bennie Haynes, who delivered mail along a route in Somerset, N.J., has previously been charged.

Torres and others also purchased "mail routes," that is, lists of addresses covered by a single mail carrier, from other conspirators, including Diaz. Once the mail route was purchased, Torres and others applied for tax refund checks, inserted addresses along the mail route as the purported home addresses of the "taxpayers," and obtained the checks sent to those addresses.

Hundreds of refund checks were mailed to just a few addresses in a few towns, including Nutley, Somerset and Newark, N.J., and Shirley, N.Y.

They induced third parties or straw account holders to open bank accounts at various banks in New Jersey and elsewhere or caused the checks to be cashed at check cashing businesses, and the proceeds deposited into bank accounts controlled by conspirators.

Members of the task force identified certain "hot spots" of activity related to the scheme, where conspirators were directing millions of dollars' worth of refund checks to just a few towns and cities in and around New Jersey. The task force members interacted with U.S. Postal Service employees in these hot spots, and more than $22 million worth of refund checks – fraudulently applied for – were interdicted by law enforcement officers.

The complaints also include forfeiture allegations seeking the seizure of more than $11 million in ill-gotten gains, including luxury autos that were seized.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Illegal Mexican National and Other Sentenced for Straw-Purchasing Firearms

The leader of a large straw-purchasing ring who was responsible for the purchase of more than 200 firearms is now headed to prison, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson, Southern District of Texas. The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Yahir Ricardo Garcia-Matias, 29, a Mexican national in the United States illegally, was sentenced Wednesday, September 19, 2012, along with nine others responsible for making false statements on ATF Forms 4473 in the acquisition of firearms from federal firearms licensees (FFLs).

According to court documents, Garcia-Matias pleaded guilty to one count of straw purchasing in one case and to being an illegal alien in possession of firearms in another. On Sept. 19, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane sentenced him to 120 months for the firearms possession and another 60 months for straw purchasing. The sentences will run consecutively for a total of 180 months in prison.

Also sentenced Wednesday, September 19, 2012 was Jose Duran-Loera, 26, of Mercedes, Texas, who pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon and straw purchasing. He was sentenced to 120 and 60 months, respectively, which will also run consecutively for a total of 180 months in federal prison.

Judge Crane sentenced seven others in this case. The defendants are: Humberto Galvan, 22, and Juan Angel Nunez Jr., 25, both of Mercedes; Jose Espinoza, 24, of Weslaco; Angelo Rosa, 23, and Antonio Espinoza, 22, both of Edinburg; Ashley Trevino, 22, of San Juan; and Maria Isela Morales, 22, of Donna. All have pleaded guilty to one count of straw purchasing at varying times.

Galvan, Antonio Espinoza, Jose Espinoza, Rosa, Trevino and Morales were all sentenced to 46-month-terms of imprisonment. Nunez, who pleaded guilty to two different violations of straw purchasing, will serve a total of 108 months in prison.

Court documents indicate that beginning in September 2010, ATF agents began investigating several individuals who had made large numbers of purchases of highly trafficked firearms from The Armory, an FFL in McAllen. Agents interviewed several individuals involved in the case and discovered they had straw-purchased firearms for Loera or Nunez. Loera and Nunez would recruit individuals to make the purchases, give them money to make to purchase, then direct the buyers as to which store to use and what firearms to purchase. After the buyer had acquired the firearms they then transferred them to Nunez or Loera and were paid for making the purchase.

ATF agents identified Garcia-Matias and Nunez as senior members of the straw-purchasing organization. On May 23, ATF agents received information that Nunez was attempting to straw-purchase 10 AK-style rifles. After observing the purchase and once the firearms were loaded into Nunez's vehicle, agents approached and interviewed Nunez. He admitted at that time to straw-purchasing in cooperation with Garcia-Matias, who had provided the money to him. Nunez was followed back to the Rio Grande Valley where he was observed meeting with Garcia-Matias and another defendant, Juan Carlos Solis-Venegas, 39, a Mexican national living illegally in the United States, when Solis-Venegas turned the firearms over to them. After agents observed the firearms being transferred from Nunez's vehicle to the vehicle occupied by Garcia-Matias and Solis-Venegas, all were taken into custody. Solis-Vengas was identified by the parties as the person who brought the money to Garcia-Matias.

In total, Garcia-Matias was held to be responsible for well over 200 firearms.

Solis-Venegas was also charged in this case and subsequently pleaded guilty. He will be sentenced Oct. 4, and will remain in custody pending that hearing.

This prosecution was responsible for sending more than 25 leaders, recruiters and straw-purchasers to prison. Most of the firearms in the case were already in Mexico by the time agents were able to begin their investigation of the offenses. The majority of the prosecution was historical and based upon completed ATF Forms 4473 that were examined. No firearms were allowed into Mexico as a part of this investigation.

Garcia-Matias and Nunez have been in custody, as are Loera and Juan Espinoza. They will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The remaining six sentenced Sept. 19 had been on bond but were remanded to custody following the hearing Wednesday, September 19, 2012.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Schammel, Southern District of Texas, prosecuted the case.

ICE and CBP Profiled in New National Geographic Series

Millions of dollars of contraband are seized annually by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents, and officers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, one of the largest hubs for international travel in the United States. In a new series "To Catch a Smuggler," National Geographic TV takes you inside the action.

The ICE HSI JFK Narcotics Smuggling Unit, known as JNSU, is highlighted as members investigate cases involving seized drugs, or apprehend individuals who attempt to smuggle contraband into the U.S. The public can follow the special agents as they uncover criminal activity as National Geographic TV cameras go where people are rarely allowed – into the interrogation room with HSI special agents as they identify, search and question smugglers.

ICE committed to the filming in an effort to educate the American public about the important work HSI special agents do protecting Americans by upholding over 400 federal statutes and U.S. customs laws. As a young federal agency it is important for the public to understand that ICE is responsible for investigating a wide range of domestic and international activities arising from the illegal movement of people and goods into, within and out of the United States.

HSI investigates the smuggling of humans, narcotics, weapons and other types of contraband, as well as immigration crime, human rights violations, financial crimes, cybercrime and export enforcement issues, to name a few. ICE special agents conduct investigations aimed at protecting critical infrastructure industries that are vulnerable to sabotage, attack or exploitation.

The National Geographic TV series shows how people employ numerous methods to smuggle drugs into the country. In one episode an Ecuadorian man is interviewed by HSI special agents, and despite continued protestations, an x-ray reveals he's swallowed large pellets of liquid heroin.

Later in the series, a random baggage search by CBP officers of an 18-year-old teenager reveals cocaine in the lining of his luggage, seeping out through the cracks in his suitcase and mixing in with his clothes. After he's arrested, HSI special agents convince him to cooperate and start naming names.

The new series premieres Monday, October 8, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.  

Hawaiian Men Sentenced for $1.6 Million Ponzi-Style Fraud Scheme

Three men who led a Ponzi-style scheme that defrauded investors of more than $1.6 million were sentenced in federal court Thursday, September 13, 2012, following a joint investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Syed Qadri, 39, Ruben Carrillo Gonzalez, 50, and Jeffrey Greenhut, 40, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi to 51 months, 41 months and 24 months in federal prison, respectively. The trio, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges in September 2010, were also ordered to pay restitution to the victims of the scheme.

In addition to the defendants, Qadri's wife, Patricia Roszkowski, 48, was also sentenced to one month in prison for filing a fraudulent credit application with a local bank as part of the scheme.

According to court documents, the three men schemed to defraud investors through two Honolulu companies, Amasse Capital, LLC, and Solomon & Co., LLC. The trio operated a Ponzi-style scheme in which the companies purportedly invested in high yield bonds that exposed investors' principal to minimal risk, when, in reality, the investments were used to pay back earlier investors, with the remainder of funds converted to Qadri's personal use. The net loss to victims as a result of the scheme was more than $1.6 million.

Qadri, who led the fraud scheme, served as Amasse Capital's president and chief executive officer. He and Roszkowski lived in a luxurious Kahala residence, purchased several expensive cars and leased an entire floor in a downtown office building. Gonzalez served as Amasse Capital's senior vice president of marketing and was responsible for soliciting investors. Greenhut, Amasse Capital's chief operating officer, managed investor funds.

Amasse Capital was marketed as an investment firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company's prospectus listed the defendants as management and members of the board of directors and made false claims about the experience of the defendants in order to induce investment. Additionally, the prospectus contained false statements about the business activity, capability and financial stability of the company. Qadri and Gonzalez claimed that the companies could return 100 to 400 percent monthly interest on investments.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Thomas and Ronald Johnson of the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Hawaii.

HSI Delivers $2 Million Check to U.K. Bailiwick for Assistance in Drug Case

The U.S. government has delivered a check to the Bailiwick of Jersey, a United Kingdom Crown Dependency, for $2 million. The check was turned over to the attorney general for Jersey Monday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) London attaché.

The payment recognizes the law enforcement assistance and support that Jersey provided the U.S. government beginning in 2004 when U.S. authorities identified over $8 million believed to be the proceeds of a Colombian drug trafficking cartel in a bank account at BBVA Privanza Bank in Jersey.

U.S. authorities had tracked these funds through various jurisdictions, and attempts to freeze them as they passed through the Cayman Islands and Switzerland had been unsuccessful. In April 2004, the Jersey Law Officers' Department succeeded in obtaining a "freezing order."

More than $8 million was forfeited under a settlement agreement between the account holder and U.S. authorities.

"I am pleased to share the forfeited proceeds of an illicit enterprise with the Bailiwick of Jersey for their efforts in this investigation," said Matthew J. Etre, HSI London attaché. "With equitable asset sharing like this, law enforcement agencies on both sides of the Atlantic are turning the tables on the bad guys. We simply take their illegal profits and invest them in law enforcement efforts. On behalf of HSI and the U.S. government, I look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the Bailiwick of Jersey – along with our other law enforcement partners throughout the world – in disrupting and dismantling criminal organizations that support drug trafficking."

"Latin Kings" Gang Members Face Federal and State Charges for Drug Trafficking

Twenty-six alleged members and associates of the Latin Kings street gang are facing federal narcotics charges, most of them for their alleged roles in one of two drug-trafficking organizations that supplied and distributed multi-kilogram quantities of heroin, cocaine and marijuana in Chicago and the south suburbs. Another 17 defendants face related state charges in Cook and Will counties.

The federal charges, contained in four separate criminal complaints, stem from a narcotics and firearms trafficking investigation led by the following agencies: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Joliet Metropolitan Area Narcotics Squad (MANS); and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

On Wednesday, September 12, 2012, agents seized an undetermined amount of cash and 13 firearms, including five long-barreled weapons, while arresting 16 of the federal defendants. Six other federal defendants were already in custody, and four remain fugitives. Previously, during the two-year investigation, agents seized more than $50,000; four firearms, including a sawed-off shotgun; more than two pounds of heroin, and wholesale quantities of cocaine; all in the Chicago area. Nearly two tons of marijuana that was interdicted along the Southwest border were also seized.

A federal magistrate judge approved the use of no-knock arrest warrants for two defendants: Damian Rivera, aka "Spook," aka "King Spook," 31, of Burbank; and Emmanuel Fernandez, aka "Maniac," aka "Manny," 27, of Chicago; based on allegedly possessing firearms and expressing a willingness to use violence.

Three federal defendants were arrested earlier this week and charged with conspiring to possess and distribute cocaine that they planned to steal from what they believed was a drug stash house. Instead, it was actually a ruse as part of an undercover sting operation. The overarching investigation made critical use of an undercover agent who successfully infiltrated the Latin Kings for an extended time.

Twenty-two of the defendants were charged with various drug distribution offenses in two separate criminal complaints filed Tuesday, September 11, 2012, in the Northern District of Illinois and unsealed following the arrests. The federal defendants arrested Wednesday, September 12, 2012, appeared before Magistrate Judge Arlander Keys in U.S. District Court; all but one remains in federal custody pending detention hearings.

Gary S. Shapiro, acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, praised the dedication and teamwork of HSI, ATF, and Joliet MANS agents who worked diligently to disrupt these alleged drug-trafficking organizations. Mr. Shapiro announced the charges with Gary Hartwig, special agent in charge of HSI Chicago, and Larry Ford, special agent in charge of ATF in Chicago.

The following agencies also participated: Internal Revenue Service's Criminal Investigation Division, Illinois State Police, as well as the Illinois police departments of Summit, Bolingbrook and Lyons. The investigation was conducted under the umbrella of the U.S. Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.

"These cases are textbook examples of the work that the U.S. Attorney's Office routinely performs with all of our law enforcement partners – federal, state and local – to stem the tide of gangs, guns, drugs and violent crime in Chicago and neighboring communities," Shapiro said.

Hartwig said: "This investigation has dealt a serious blow to alleged criminal organizations suspected of trafficking large quantities of heroin and cocaine from Mexico into the Chicago area. The arrests, including those of several high-ranking Latin Kings gang members, dismantled a destructive supply chain and prevented untold amounts of dangerous drugs and guns from reaching our streets."

"Combating drugs and violent crime, while protecting the public, is the mission of ATF," Ford said. "Yesterday, the men and women of ATF, together with our law enforcement partners, arrested ranking members of the Latin Kings street gang operating in the suburbs of Summit, South Holland, Joliet, Bolingbrook, Orland Hills, New Lenox, Lemont and Brookfield, with tentacles reaching into the Ogden police district on Chicago's near west side, thereby making our respective communities safer. It is a priority of ATF to protect our neighborhoods from drug trafficking and the accompanying use of firearms and violent crime," he added.

United States v. Rivera, et al.

 

Twelve defendants were charged with various conspiracies to distribute heroin, or were charged individually with possessing heroin with intent to distribute, or distributing heroin, in an eight-count complaint supported by a 234-page affidavit. These defendants were associated with defendant Rivera, the alleged leader of a Chicago-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) that bought and sold kilogram quantities of heroin on a monthly basis, the charges allege.

Between March and June, the Rivera DTO allegedly distributed or attempted to possess and distribute at least 5.5 kilograms (about 12 pounds) of heroin and collected more than $171,850 in heroin proceeds.

In May, agents seized more than a kilogram of heroin and more than $53,000 combined on two occasions in May and June. In June 2011, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized a shipment of about 1,674 kilograms (about 3,700 pounds) of marijuana that was found hidden inside furniture in a tractor-trailer on the U.S.-Mexican border at Laredo, Texas. The electronic manifest listed the "ultimate consignee" as "Damian Rivera dba D. Rivera Construction," with various personal identifiers associated with Rivera.

The complaint details recorded conversations in which Rivera allegedly said that the last time he was in Mexico was when he ordered the load of marijuana that was seized by CBP officers at the border.

Between September 2011 and March, the undercover agent and others allegedly purchased 100-gram quantities of heroin on four occasions from Rivera and others, as well as a .380-caliber pistol, a 9mm firearm, a Glock pistol, a sawed-off shotgun, and a bullet-proof vest.

Also charged in this complaint were Pedro Antonio Hernandez-Aceves, who allegedly brokered the shipment of kilogram quantities of heroin on behalf of the Rivera organization, and Fernandez, who allegedly stored and distributed wholesale quantities of heroin, and collected and delivered cash proceeds generated by selling heroin. Defendant Hector Arias allegedly distributed wholesale quantities of heroin and collected cash for delivery to the organization's heroin supplier, while Hilario Trevino allegedly collected the Rivera organization's money.

Rivera and his organization received shipments of wholesale quantities heroin from defendants Israel Rios, Eugenio Miranda-Aparicio and Arturo Esquivel-Camacho, the charges allege.

Defendants Lamont Wallace, William Nunez, Adalberto Diaz and Deangelo Curtis allegedly distributed the heroin.

United States v. Cisneros, et al.

 

Eight defendants were charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and two others were charged with distributing cocaine in a three-count complaint supported by a 132-page affidavit. These defendants were associated with Alan Cisneros, aka "Ghost," 27, of Summit, Ill. Cisneros is the alleged leader of a DTO based in Summit, and was the alleged regional leader of the Midwest Region of the Almighty Latin King Nation until he was arrested in May.

Between November 2011 and May 7 the Cisneros DTO allegedly obtained multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine from suppliers such as co-defendants Andres Garcia and Ricardo Juarez, and distributed the cocaine to its customers. Defendant Christian Ramirez allegedly distributed cocaine and served as a manager of the organization.

Ramirez assisted Cisneros by dealing directly with drug suppliers on Cisneros' behalf, and by obtaining, preparing and storing cocaine prior to its distribution to organization workers and drug customers, the charges allege. Further, Ramirez allegedly collected cash from workers, distributors and customers, and stored and delivered drug money on behalf of the organization.

Co-defendants Faustino Morales, Javier Abeja, Alejandro Cabrera, Fernando Llanes and Ernesto Rosales allegedly were drug distributors, or workers, to whom Cisneros allegedly fronted cocaine for distribution. These defendants also delivered cocaine or cash to Cisneros or Ramirez, prepared cocaine to be sold to customers, stored cocaine and money, and conducted counter-surveillance, according to the complaint. Additionally, Abeja and Llanes allegedly brokered purchases of cocaine from suppliers. Cisneros' wife, Diana Cisneros, allegedly worked for the organization and assisted her husband with storing and delivering drugs and proceeds, and conducting counter-surveillance.

In a separate complaint, Juan Amaya, aka "Crow," 37, of Chicago, was charged with distributing an ounce of cocaine to an undercover agent in November 2010. Amaya is an alleged ranking Latin Kings member who distributed drugs in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood.

The following three defendants were arrested Monday for allegedly conspiring to steal drugs from the undercover stash house: Justin R. Davila, aka "Fatman," 23; his brother, Jason J. Davila, 21; and Nieko E. Hadley, aka "Yogi," 20; all of Joliet.

Eight defendants in the Rivera case face a mandatory minimum of 10 years to a maximum of life in prison and a $10 million fine; the others face sentences ranging from a maximum of 20 to 40 years in prison and fines up to $5 million. All 10 defendants in the Cisneros case face a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $5 million.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany Tracy, Peter M. Flanagan, Christopher Grohman and Philip Fluhr, Northern District of Illinois, are prosecuting the case.

The public is reminded that complaints contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Guilty Plea for Former US Army Captain Who Smuggled Heroin from Afghanistan

A South Carolina man and former captain in the U.S. Army, pleaded guilty to charges of importing heroin and possession with the intent to distribute the drug. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations Division and the Wilmington Police Department.

Saleem Sharif, 36, of Johns Island, S.C., pleaded guilty to the charges. Each charge carries a maximum term of 40 years in prison. Sharif is scheduled to be sentenced January 15, 2013.

"This joint investigation is a terrific example of how law enforcement, with support from our partners abroad, were able to successfully dismantle this narcotics smuggling network," said John P. Kelleghan, special agent in charge of HSI Philadelphia. "HSI will continue to utilize its broad authorities to target those individuals that pose direct threats to our communities."

According to court documents, Sharif, a U.S. Military Academy graduate, admitted that he imported into the country at least 2.5 kilograms of heroin from Afghanistan while employed there as a contractor. Sharif concealed the heroin in DVD cases, each case containing approximately 2.5 ounces of heroin.

One of Sharif's customers was Darrold Thomas. Thomas, who pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking offense August 9, 2012, lived in Killeen, Texas. During his plea hearing, Thomas admitted that on two occasions he sold heroin directly to several individuals from the Wilmington area. Thomas stated that he sold approximately five ounces of heroin to Kelvin Cook in Killeen, Texas, in the summer of 2010. Thomas sold the heroin, which was concealed in two DVD cases, for $5,000.

Thomas also admitted he sold approximately 500 grams of heroin to Ronaldo Edmund and Kevin Morris in Washington, D.C., in December 2010. Thomas sold the heroin, which was packaged in several DVD cases, for $30,000. Edmund and Morris have each pleaded guilty to drug trafficking offenses in the District of Delaware.

In addition to heroin transactions with Cook, Edmund and Morris, Thomas also admitted that he directed the shipment of approximately 210 grams of heroin, which he had received from Sharif, to a DEA confidential source at an address in Newark, Del., in September 2011. The heroin was concealed in a DVD case and located within the false bottom of a can of oil.

Ultimately, Thomas placed the source in direct contact with Sharif. On April 27, 2012, Sharif and co-defendant Charles Richardson traveled to Wilmington to meet with the source. They were arrested while meeting with the individual in a vehicle outside the Amtrak train station. In a later search, agents found two DVD cases that contained heroin – one in a bag belonging to Sharif, and another in a bag belonging to Richardson. The total net weight of the heroin was approximately 115 grams.

Following his arrest, Sharif admitted to traveling to Delaware to sell the heroin to the source. He also admitted that he imported heroin into the U.S. during his time in Afghanistan.

Sharif is the 15th individual charged in connection with the Wilmington-based drug organization to enter a guilty plea. Eleven defendants have entered guilty pleas in the United States District Court, District of Delaware, while four other defendants have entered guilty pleas in the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas. Six other individuals remain in custody in Panama.

5 Plead Guilty to Counterfeit Trade and Intellectual Property Theft Conspiracy

Five individuals have pleaded guilty to conspiring to import misclassified merchandise. Each faces up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. This case is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

"The trademark laws in the United States were created to protect the investment of American manufacturers such as Nike as well as consumers," said U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr., Western District of New York. "These laws are designed to create a level playing field for businesses and protect consumers who might unwittingly purchase inferior counterfeit goods. Our office will continue to aggressively enforce customs laws for the benefit of American businesses and those who purchase their products."

"Selling counterfeit goods is stealing," said James C. Spero, special agent in charge of HSI Buffalo. "HSI is committed to ensuring the legitimate copyright holders are protected from individuals who are only motivated by greed. People and organizations which produce and sell counterfeit products undermine the U.S. economy; create inferior and sometimes dangerous products; and jeopardize public safety."

Xiao Cheng Lin, 50, and his wife, Ling Zhen Hu, 51, both of New York, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to conspiring to import misclassified merchandise. Hu, a native of China, worked for an individual who imported thousands of pairs of sneakers from China that bore the Nike "swoosh" logo and Nike labeling, but were not genuine Nike sneakers. Hu then negotiated the sale of large quantities of the mislabeled sneakers to Malik Bazzi, 44, of Montreal, who then sold them to customers throughout the United States - including in Buffalo - via his warehouses in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Bazzi is currently scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 1, 2013. Hu admitted that she negotiated the sale of 7,500 pairs of sneakers to Bazzi.

Lin, also a native of China, worked with his wife, delivering the 7,500 pairs of sneakers to Bazzi. The HSI investigation revealed that Bazzi's customers then sold the counterfeit Nike sneakers on the street and in retail stores to customers for about half the price of genuine Nike sneakers.

As part of their plea agreements, both Lin and Hu agreed to abandon any claim to more than $600,000 and dozens of pairs of counterfeit sneakers seized from their New York residence following their 2007 arrest.

The defendants were arrested along with 21 others. To date, 20 of the defendants have been convicted.

On Sept. 5, 2012, LaKeith Fowler, 32, of Dallas, pleaded guilty before Judge Arcara to conspiring to traffic in counterfeit sneakers. Fowler, one of Bazzi's customers, purchased and sold approximately 12,000 pairs of counterfeit Nike sneakers he obtained from Bazzi from April to September 2007. Fowler sold the sneakers in a retail store he owned in the Dallas-area. As part of his plea agreement, Fowler agreed to forfeit two bank accounts to the government which contain over $44,000 in deposits. The accounts were used to conduct counterfeit sneaker transactions.

On Sept. 7, 2012, Davion Briant, 37, of Milwaukee, pleaded guilty before Judge Arcara to conspiring to traffic in counterfeit sneakers. Briant, another of Bazzi's customers, purchased and sold approximately 4,500 pairs of counterfeit Nike sneakers he obtained from Bazzi from April to September 2007. Briant owned a retail store in the Milwaukee-area where he sold the counterfeit sneakers.

On Sept. 10, 2012, Hussien Sara, 30, of New York, pleaded guilty before Judge Arcara to conspiring to traffic in counterfeit sneakers. Sara worked in Bazzi's warehouses where, on behalf of Bazzi, he took delivery of over 13,000 pairs of counterfeit sneakers from several suppliers, including Hu and Lin. In addition, Sara assisted in packaging the sneakers for shipment to Bazzi's customers located throughout the United States.

Lin and Hu will be sentenced Jan. 24, 2013; Fowler Dec. 14, 2012; Briant Jan. 7, 2013; and Sara Jan. 11, 2013. All will be sentenced by Judge Arcara in Buffalo.

As the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security, HSI plays a leading role in targeting criminal organizations responsible for producing, smuggling and distributing counterfeit products. HSI focuses not only on keeping counterfeit products off our streets, but also on dismantling the criminal organizations behind such illicit activity.

This investigation was supported by the HSI-led National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) in Washington. The IPR Center is one of the U.S. government's key weapons in the fight against criminal counterfeiting/piracy. As a task force, the IPR Center uses the expertise of its 21 member agencies to share information, develop initiatives, coordinate enforcement actions and conduct investigations related to IP theft. Through this strategic interagency partnership, the IPR Center protects the public's health and safety, the U.S. economy and the war fighters.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Rogowski, Western District of New York, is prosecuting this case on behalf of the U.S. government.

Arrests for 4 Floridians in Immigration Fraud Scam

Four individuals were arrested in Naples, Fla., Aug. 31, for conspiring to commit immigration fraud.  These arrests resulted from an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Office of Professional Responsibility, ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the Collier County Sheriff's Office.

The indictment alleges the defendants conspired to sell fraudulent Cuban birth certificates and to assist in the preparation of fraudulent applications for immigration benefits. 

Nelson Daniel Silvestri Soutto, 53,  Laura Maria Ponce Santos, 59, and Amelia Osorio, 60,  all of Naples, Fla., Fidel Morejon Vega, 40, of Kissimmee, Fla.,  were indicted by a federal grand jury in Miami for conspiring to commit immigration fraud.  Vega was also charged with three counts of false impersonation of an officer of the United States. 

Former Airline Employee Sentenced for Cash Smuggling to the Dominican Republic

A former airline employee was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison Friday, September 7, 2012, after smuggling more than $150,000 on a commercial carrier from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to the Dominican Republic.

The sentencing comes after an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Juan Adames, 29, of Ridgefield Park, N.J., pleaded guilty to bulk cash smuggling and other related charges in June 2012. Adames was arrested in August 2010 after failing to declare approximately $153,000 to customs officers in the Dominican Republic. After his arrest and seizure of the funds, customs officials in the Dominican Republic released Adames and notified HSI special agents who subsequently began an investigation.

According to the investigation, Adames used his position as a commercial airline employee to circumvent federal screening procedures at PHL before reaching his destination. When he returned to the U.S. in January 2012, he was arrested by HSI special agents and charged.

"A major vulnerability was ultimately identified and closed as a result of this case," said John P. Kelleghan, special agent in charge for HSI Philadelphia. "We simply will not allow individuals working in and around commercial aircraft to exploit their positions for criminal ends. Through the cooperation of our domestic and international law enforcement partners, we will continue to ensure the safety and security of the flying public."

As part of the effort to combat bulk cash smuggling, ICE established the National Bulk Cash Smuggling Center (BCSC) in 2009. Since its inception, the center has initiated 474 criminal investigations, which have resulted in nearly 270 criminal arrests and the seizure of more than $170 million.

The BCSC is an operational, intelligence driven investigative unit with the mission to challenge bulk cash smuggling from both national and international perspectives. The BCSC is focused on the disruption of facilitation pipelines used to move currency derived from illicit activity including drugs, weapons, human trafficking, foreign political corruption and contraband.

Six Plead Guilty to Drug Trafficking Ring

Six men pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday, September 6, 2012, as a result of the efforts of a multi-agency investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson, Southern District of Texas.

The defendants were arrested in June on charges relating to their participation in a large-scale south Texas drug-trafficking organization. The criminal organization employing the defendants specialized in avoiding the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint by crossing through ranches adjacent to the checkpoint.

The following men from south Texas each entered guilty pleas before U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos Sept. 6: Jesus Marroquin, 49, of Rio Grande City; Alejandro Garza, 42, of Mission; Adrian De la Garza, 41, of Sullivan City; and Rene Salazar, 42, Jose Figueroa, 35, and Edwardo Munoz, 35, all of Falfurrias. Garza and Marroquin were identified as leaders in this criminal organization.

Garza, Marroquin, Salazar and De la Garza pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of marijuana. Based upon the amount of the marijuana involved, they face no less than 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment. Figueroa and Munoz were also convicted of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, which carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment.

In addition, Garza agreed to criminally forfeit several firearms; Marroquin agreed to forfeit 145 pieces of expensive jewelry, worth about $25,000.

Sentencing has been set for Dec. 4. With the exception of De la Garza and Salazar, who were released on bond, all have been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.

The following agencies assisted with this investigation: Internal Revenue Service's Criminal Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Texas Department of Public Safety; Brooks County Sheriff's Office; U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Border Patrol; and the U.S. Marshals Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie K. Hampton, Southern District of Texas, prosecuted the case.

HSI and ICE Provide Emergency Assistance to Victims of Hurricane Isaac

As Hurricane Isaac's fury swept the Gulf Coast states, many Slidell, La., residents found themselves trapped in their flooded homes without any electrical power or cell phone service.

With flood waters reaching as high as 48 inches in some areas, the city's ambulances, fire engines and police cars were unable to navigate the flooded streets to reach these helpless residents.

That's when the St. Tammany Parish Emergency Operations Center turned to the Rapid Response Team from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans.

"The sheer volume of medical assistance calls and calls involving high-water evacuations throughout the city and parish were mounting," said William Black, HSI New Orleans supervisory special agent and Rapid Response Team mission coordinator. "The only way to reach many of the residences was with a high-water vehicle."

HSI New Orleans routinely works with both the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office and the Louisiana State Police, so both agencies knew that HSI New Orleans' Rapid Response Team was their solution. One of 15 ICE Rapid Response Teams, their primary mission is to rapidly deploy during natural and manmade disasters, as well as emergency situations, when other federal, local or state agencies request ICE assistance.

HSI New Orleans is equipped with a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle that its Special Response Team and Rapid Response Team can deploy during emergencies. Weighing in at 30,000 pounds and standing approximately nine feet tall, this heavy-duty vehicle is well suited for emergency high-water rescue operations.

Within minutes of receiving the request, the team jumped into action. Forging through the water-logged streets of Eden Isles, which is located on Lake Pontchartrain's north shore and is an area of town prone to flooding, they rescued 12 individuals who could not evacuate their homes. After approximately five hours of combating the rainfall and storm surge, the flood waters rose above a safe operating level, and the team was forced to call off the day's rescue operations.

The next day, the parish called on the team to rescue two additional stranded individuals.
"The team members are professional special agents who volunteer to be a part of the Rapid Response Team," said Black. "When it's time to act, we act without hesitation."

ICE's Rapid Response Teams are operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are always prepared to deploy to an affected area within 12 to 24 hours.

US National of Ethiopian Descent Arrested for Citizenship Fraud and War Crimes

A local resident, of Ethiopian descent, was arrested without incident the week ending in Friday, August 31, 2012, by special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for making false statements on immigration documents and identity theft. The charges relate to mass murders committed throughout Ethiopia during the late 1970s.

U.S. Attorney John Walsh, District of Colorado, and HSI Denver Special Agent in Charge Kumar Kibble announced the arrest of John Doe, aka Habteab Berhe Temanu, aka Habteab B Temanu, aka "TUFA," aka Kefelegn Alemu, aka Kefelegn Alemu Worku, who is about 68 years old.

Doe appeared in court Aug. 30 for a detention hearing as well as arraignment, but that hearing was continued until Sept. 4.

The defendant was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver Aug. 20. He was arrested Aug. 24. Doe made his initial appearance Aug. 27 where he was advised of the charges pending against him.

According to the indictment, as well as other court documents, including an affidavit in support of a search warrant of the residence of Doe, the defendant knowingly possessed and used, and attempted to possess and use, without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person, Habteab Berhe Temanu. The indictment further charges that he knew that other person to be a real person when he committed the felony violation of unlawfully procuring U.S. citizenship or naturalization.

Further, between Nov. 22, 2009 and March 2, 2010, Doe made false statements in connection with his application for naturalization which was submitted in November 2009, and he re-affirmed under penalty of perjury in March 2010, including falsely identifying himself as Habteab Berhe Temanu. He also falsely representing that he was the father of five children; and he falsely responded "no" to the question: "Have you ever persecuted (either directly or indirectly) any person because of race, religion, national origin, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion?"

In May 2011, HSI received information from an informant who was a naturalized U.S. citizen, originally a native of Ethiopia, that he had recently encountered a person in Denver who he recognized as Kefelegn Alemu Worku. He claimed that Worku was a prison guard during a period in the late 1970s in Ethiopia known as the "Red Terror."

In the late 1970s in Ethiopia, Mengistu Haile Mariam assumed unofficial control of the Provisional Military Administrative Committee also known as the Dergue. The Dergue was a committee of nearly 120 military officers that established a Marxist regime and abolished Ethiopia's constitution.

They arrested the former emperor and members of the imperial government for alleged crimes against the Ethiopian people. Mengistu seized full control in 1977 which unleashed a two-year campaign known as the Red Terror.

During the Red Terror, tens of thousands of Ethiopian men, women and children – who were suspected of being members or supporters of the anti-Dergue group – were arrested, tortured and summarily executed. One prison that held, tortured and killed individuals was known as "Kebele 15" or "Kefetegna 15," which in English roughly translates as "Higher 15." This prison housed about 1,500 prisoners who had been imprisoned due to their political opinions and affiliations.

During the Red Terror, families of those who were killed or missing were often required to pay the government for the bullet used to kill their family member. Historical accounts indicate that a minimum of 10,000 people were killed in the city of Addis Ababa alone in 1977, with comparable victims likely in the provinces in 1977 and 1978.

The witness explained that he had become a political prisoner in Ethiopia in 1978 when he was arrested and sent to the Higher 15. He witnessed Worku torture fellow prisoners and learned that other prisoners were being executed at the hands of prison guards, including Worku. The informant managed to escape the prison in September 1979. Two additional Ethiopian refugees, who are now naturalized U.S. citizens, also identified the defendant as Worku and recounted how Worku had personally participated in beating and torturing them at the same prison during the same time period.

HSI special agents, using information obtained from the informant, charge that Doe is actually Kefelegn Alemu Worku, and Worku was using the identity of Habteab B Temanu. Immigration records confirmed that Doe, using Temanu's identity, came to the United States in July 2004 as a refugee. He lived in Denver until his indictment this month.

"Homeland Security Investigations will not allow international human rights violator fugitives to seek safe haven in the United States," said Kibble. "In addition to investigating these fugitives, HSI also works to strip the U.S. citizenship from these individuals who fraudulently obtained it."

"The United States' commitment to human dignity and freedom across the globe requires us to police our own borders against international criminals who use fraud and deceit to hide in our country," said U.S. Attorney John Walsh. "This case demonstrates our commitment as a nation to upholding the rule of law by identifying and prosecuting human rights violators."

If convicted of unlawful procurement of citizenship or naturalization, Doe faces not more than 10 years in federal prison, and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted of aggravated identity theft, he faces an additional two-year mandatory consecutive sentence over and above the sentence imposed for the underlying felony, as well as up to a $250,000 fine.

This case is being investigated by HSI.

The defendant is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brenda Taylor and ICE Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lillian Alves.

The charges contained in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

ICE Trains Federal Enforcement Agents in Computer Forensics

For the past 14 years, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been responsible for training ICE officers and special agents to become computer forensic investigators.

ICE teaches the class in conjunction with the U.S. Secret Service and the Internal Revenue Service.

Each year, two, six-week classes are offered at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Charleston, S.C. The class is comprised of 24 students – eight from each agency. Next year will be the 14th consecutive year of the program.

After each session, instructors get together to figure out what tweaks need to be made for the next class. Keeping the sessions as up-to-date as possible is a key priority.

"It's ever changing," said Computer Forensic Unit's Matthew Swenson. "Each year, we try and take into account and implement things that are relevant."

The course is comprised of two parts: Basic Computer Evidence Recovery Training (BCERT) and Post Computer Evidence Recovery Training (PCERT). The first two weeks are taught by Hewlett Packard employees who teach students the ins and outs of computer software and hardware. The next four weeks focus on teaching students how to use that knowledge to actually conduct a computer forensic investigation. Participants learn how to examine the computer, how to find evidence and how to write a report that all parties involved in an investigation can understand.

Swenson noted that it's not only the investigators who have to be able to understand the report, but also everyone in the justice system who will be involved in the sentencing.

As technology continues to advance, Swenson said the need for computer forensic investigators also rises. These days, he said, almost all criminals use some kind of technology that evidence can be found on.

"We take regular investigators off the street and teach them everything the need to know," he said.

There are currently 250 computer forensic agents within ICE, working at fields offices throughout the nation and attaché offices across the world.