Security News: Bloomfield Man Sentenced for Selling Heroin, Firearm

Source: United States Department of Justice News

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on July 29, 2022, MICHAEL SIMPSON, 33, of Bloomfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and illegally selling a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 22, 2018, Hartford Police arrested Simpson who was selling drugs from his car while parked at a car wash on Homestead Avenue in Hartford.  At the time of his arrest, Simpson possessed distribution quantities of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana; a loaded Taurus .380 caliber handgun, and $2,664 in cash.

Simpson’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for firearm, robbery and drug offenses.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

On February 25, 2021, Simpson pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.

Simpson, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on August 29.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crime Task Force and the Hartford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Security News: Woonsocket Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Trafficking Crack Cocaine

Source: United States Department of Justice News

PROVIDENCE – A Woonsocket man who led a crack cocaine distribution operation, and who attempted to disguise his involvement by having others deliver drugs that he had arranged to sell, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.

According to court documents, during an FBI Safe Streets Task Force and Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation into the sale of crack cocaine in and around Woonsocket in early 2020, Anthony Medeiros, 31, arranged at least four sales of crack cocaine, utilizing text messaging, phone calls, and Snapchat.

On each occasion, in an effort to insulate himself from responsibility for his role in trafficking crack cocaine, Medeiros utilized a “runner” to deliver the drugs that he sold. In at least one instance, Medeiros had his girlfriend deliver crack cocaine that he had arranged to sell.

Arrested and detained in federal custody in October 2020, and indicted in November 2020, Medeiros pleaded guilty on May 6, 2021, to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base; and two counts of distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base. He was sentenced on Monday by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 60 months of incarceration to be followed by 4 years of federal supervised release.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey P. Veroni.

###

Security News: Woman Admits Committing Health Care Fraud While Awaiting Sentencing in Another Health Care Fraud Case

Source: United States Department of Justice News

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on July 29, 2022, NICOLE STEINER, formerly known as Nicole Balkas, 32, formerly of Stratford and now residing in Edison, New Jersey, pleaded guilty in Bridgeport federal court to a health care fraud offense that she committed while awaiting sentencing in another health care fraud case.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 28, 2021, Steiner pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud related to her operation of Helping Hands Academy, LLC, in Bridgeport, which provided applied behavior analysis services to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and was enrolled as a participating provider in the Connecticut Medicaid Program (“Medicaid”).  From December 2018 to October 2020, Steiner submitted and caused to be submitted fraudulent claims to Medicaid for applied behavior analysis services that were purportedly provided to Medicaid clients.  She submitted claims for dates of service when no applied behavior analysis services of any kind had been provided to the Medicaid clients identified in the claims, and she inflated the number of hours for certain claims even when applied behavior analysis had been provided to the Medicaid clients identified in the claims.  Steiner also submitted false Medicaid claims in 2020 using a former employee’s name and performing provider number.

After the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), which administers the Medicaid program in Connecticut, terminated Helping Hands Academy as a provider, Steiner made several false statements and submitted an altered document to DSS in an effort to rescind the termination and to receive payment for previously submitted claims.

Medicaid suffered a loss of $551,311.85 as a result of Steiner’s admitted conduct.

After her guilty plea, Steiner was released on a $50,000 bond.  While she was awaiting sentencing in her case, Steiner was a silent partner in another company that provided applied behavior analysis services to children diagnosed with ASD called New Beginnings Children’s Behavioral Health LLC.  Steiner was responsible for billing claims to Medicaid, managing payroll, and recruiting and screening potential employees, and she and had access to and used her business partner’s email and other online accounts to operate the company.  Steiner and the company engaged in health care fraud by billing Medicaid for thousands of dollars in services not rendered and, in particular, billing for services not rendered by Steiner.

Steiner was arrested on May 2, 2022.

Steiner is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer on October 21, 2022.  She faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years for the new case, part of which must be imposed consecutively to the sentence she receives in her initial health care fraud case.

Pending sentencing Steiner is released on a $250,000 bond in home detention and under electronic monitoring.

This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

U.S. Attorney Avery acknowledged the valuable cooperation of the Connecticut Department of Social Services in the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.

People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.

Security News: Sixteen Members Of Own Every Dollar Gang Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Racketeering And Narcotics Offenses

Source: United States Department of Justice News

Charges Include Five Murders, Twelve Attempted Murders, and Seven Gunpoint Robberies

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Frank A. Tarentino III, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), Keechant Sewell, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), and Kevin P. Bruen, the Superintendent of the New York State Police (“NYSP”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging 16 members and associates of the Own Every Dollar (or “OED”) gang, a subset of the Trinitarios, with committing various racketeering, narcotics, and firearms offenses, including murder and attempted murder. 

JOWENKY NUNEZ, JR., a/k/a “Juju,” JERRIN PENA, a/k/a “Rooga,” a/k/a “Perry,” JUSTIN DEAZA, a/k/a “Booka,” a/k/a “Pepito,” WILSON MENDEZ, a/k/a “Tati,” BRIAN HERNANDEZ, a/k/a “Malikai,” HUGO RODRIGUEZ, a/k/a “Juice,” MAYOVANEX RODRIGUEZ, a/k/a “Menorcito,” JOHANN ZAPATA, a/k/a “Zapata,” ELVIS TREJO, a/k/a “Po Po,” STEVEN JOAQUIN, a/k/a “Baby Gunz,” IYAURY RODRIGUEZ-ROSARIO, a/k/a “Bricha,” JOWENKY NUNEZ, SR., a/k/a “Bala,” ARGENIS TAVAREZ, a/k/a “Nose,” a/k/a “A-Kash,” VICTOR COLON, a/k/a “V,” JOSE GUTIERREZ, a/k/a “G,” and NIJMAH MARTE, a/k/a “N,” a/k/a “Nena,” are members or associates of the OED gang.

The Indictment charges five defendants—JOWENKY NUNEZ, JR., JERRIN PENA, BRIAN HERNANDEZ, MAYOVANEX RODRIGUEZ, and IYAURY RODRIGUEZ-ROSARIO—with committing one or more of a total of five murders in the Bronx and Manhattan.  Eleven of the defendants—JOWENKY NUNEZ, JR., JERRIN PENA, JUSTIN DEAZA, WILSON MENDEZ, BRIAN HERNANDEZ, HUGO RODRIGUEZ, ELVIS TREJO, STEVEN JOAQUIN, IYAURY RODRIGUEZ-ROSARIO, JOWENKY NUNEZ, SR., and ARGENIS TAVAREZ—are charged with committing one or more of a total of 12 attempted murders. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Our indictment alleges that for the past four years, OED has wreaked havoc in this City – committing multiple murders, numerous armed robberies, shootings, assaults, and also dealing dangerous drugs, including fentanyl.  The defendants charged today include OED’s leadership and some of the gang’s most violent members, who we allege murdered five victims over the past four years, committed 13 shootings, and committed seven robberies or attempted robberies.  The charges we unseal today required the partnership and dedication of our law enforcement partners.  It required us to work together, side by side, across jurisdictions, to protect the people.  I want to thank all of our partners here today for their hard work on these and so many other investigations.”

DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino said: “These arrests and seizures amplify our commitment and focus to safeguard our communities from the perils of violent crime, and the destruction that follows.  The DEA works in partnership with our law enforcement partners having two goals in mind: saving lives and making our communities healthy and safe.  I applaud the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York and the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force comprising DEA, NYPD, and NYSP for their diligence and commitment to this impactful investigation.”

NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell said:  “These individuals lived by a brutal code of street violence – where firearms were recklessly pulled out and indiscriminately fired, where innocent lives were disregarded, where families and neighborhoods were traumatized and torn apart. Now they will no longer be able to terrorize New Yorkers.  And make no mistake: Organized groups like this do terrorize.  They sow fear and disorder, and they show zero respect for the lives of the people who reside and work in the neighborhoods where they wreak havoc.  The vast resources and untiring efforts of the NYPD and our law enforcement partners, across multiple agencies, are concentrated on the nexus of gangs, guns, and drugs that drive much of the crime in New York City.  And all the people we serve are safer today because of our collaboration.”

NYSP Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said: “The charges brought today against these dangerous individuals are a direct result of the vigilant work conducted by law enforcement partners.  These partnerships were instrumental in shutting down this racketeering operation, took dangerous drugs and weapons off our streets, and interrupted heinous crimes in our neighborhoods.  Let this be a strong message that New York State will not tolerate those who bring drugs and violence into our communities.”

As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court and in statements made in court filings[1]:

OED Acts of Violence

The following murders, attempted murders, shootings, and gunpoint robberies and attempted robberies were perpetrated in part so that the following members and associates of OED could maintain or increase their positions in the OED racketeering enterprise operating in the Southern District of New York:      

  • On August 31, 2018, JOWENKY NUNEZ, JR. shot and killed Nicolas Vargas in the vicinity of 232nd Street in the Bronx, and aided and abetted the same. 
  • On April 14, 2019, JOWENKY NUNEZ, JR. and JERRIN PENA shot and killed Hector Cruz in the vicinity of West 135th Street in Manhattan, and aided and abetted the same. 
  • On January 24, 2020, JOWENKY NUNEZ, JR., BRIAN HERNANDEZ, WILSON MENDEZ, STEVEN JOAQUIN, and ARGENIS TAVAREZ shot at a rival gang member in the vicinity of West 136th Street in Manhattan, and aided and abetted the same. 
  • In February 2020, JOWENKY NUNEZ, JR., JERRIN PENA, BRIAN HERNANDEZ, and ARGENIS TAVAREZ shot at rival gang members in the vicinity of West 138th Street in Manhattan, and aided and abetted the same. 
  • On March 30, 2020, JOWENKY NUNEZ, JR. and STEVEN JOAQUIN shot at a rival narcotics trafficker in the vicinity of West 180th Street in Manhattan, and aided and abetted the same.  Photographs of NUNEZ, JR. (on the left) and JOAQUIN (on the right) committing that shooting are below:
  • On April 18, 2020, JOWENKY NUNEZ, SR. shot at an individual in the vicinity of Audubon Avenue in Manhattan, and aided and abetted the same.
  • On May 13, 2020, JUSTIN DEAZA and WILSON MENDEZ shot at rival narcotics traffickers in the vicinity of West 184th Street in Manhattan, and aided and abetted the same. 
  • On May 15, 2020, BRIAN HERNANDEZ shot at a rival narcotics trafficker in the vicinity of West 188th Street in Manhattan, and aided and abetted the same. 
  • On June 26, 2020, JOWENKY NUNEZ, JR., STEVEN JOAQUIN, and IYAURY RODRIGUEZ-ROSARIO shot at rival narcotics traffickers during a high-speed chase through Washington Heights in Manhattan, and aided and abetted the same. 
  • On July 2, 2020, JOWENKY NUNEZ, JR., BRIAN HERNANDEZ, and IYAURY RODRIGUEZ-ROSARIO shot and killed Richard Dominguez and Israel Cabrera in the vicinity of Sedgewick Avenue in the Bronx, and aided and abetted the same. 
  • On July 5, 2020, JOWENKY NUNEZ, JR. and IYAURY RODRIGUEZ-ROSARIO shot at rival gang members in the vicinity of West 136th Street in Manhattan, and aided and abetted the same. 
  • On July 18, 2020, JOWENKY NUNEZ, JR. shot at an individual in the vicinity of West 183rd Street in Manhattan, and aided and abetted the same. 
  • On October 22, 2020, JOWENKY NUNEZ, JR. and JUSTIN DEAZA shot at individuals in the vicinity of Valentine Avenue in the Bronx, and aided and abetted the same. 
  • On December 13, 2020, WILSON MENDEZ robbed an individual at gunpoint, in the vicinity of West 188th Street in Manhattan, and aided and abetted the same. 
  • On August 12, 2021, HUGO RODRIGUEZ and JOWENKY NUNEZ, SR. engaged in a shootout with each other in the vicinity of West 183rd Street in Manhattan, and aided and abetted the same.  A photograph of NUNEZ, SR., committing that shooting is below:
  • In August 2021, JUSTIN DEAZA robbed an individual at gunpoint, in the vicinity of West 28th Street in Manhattan, and aided and abetted the same. 
  • In September 2021, JUSTIN DEAZA attempted to rob an individual at gunpoint, in the vicinity of the FDR Drive in Manhattan, and aided and abetted the same. 
  • In September 2021, JUSTIN DEAZA and WILSON MENDEZ robbed an individual at gunpoint, in Queens, and aided and abetted the same. 
  • On January 22, 2022, JOWENKY NUNEZ, JR., JERRIN PENA, ELVIS TREJO, and STEVEN JOAQUIN robbed and shot several individuals in the vicinity of West 145th Street in Manhattan, and aided and abetted the same. 
  • On February 7, 2022, MAYOVANEX RODRIGUEZ shot and killed Anthony Savarese in the vicinity of Andrews Avenue in the Bronx, and aided and abetted the same. 
  • On February 14, 2022, HUGO RODRIGUEZ and ELVIS TREJO robbed several individuals at gunpoint in the vicinity of West 203rd Street in Manhattan, and aided and abetted the same.
  • On March 4, 2022, JOWENKY NUNEZ, JR. and ELVIS TREJO shot at a rival gang member in the vicinity of Dyckman Street in Manhattan, and aided and abetted the same.   A photograph of NUNEZ, JR., committing that shooting is below:

Narcotics Trafficking and Firearms Use

Between 2018 and July 2022, JOWENKY NUNEZ, JR., JERRIN PENA, JUSTIN DEAZA, WILSON MENDEZ,  BRIAN HERNANDEZ, HUGO RODRIGUEZ, MAYOVANEX RODRIGUEZ, JOHANN ZAPATA, ELVIS TREJO, STEVEN JOAQUIN, IYAURY RODRIGUEZ-ROSARIO, JOWENKY NUNEZ, SR., ARGENIS TAVAREZ, VICTOR COLON, JOSE GUTIERREZ, and NIJMAH MARTE conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, oxycodone, ecstasy, and marijuana.  In addition, these defendants used, carried, and possessed firearms in furtherance of their narcotics trafficking, and aided and abetted the same.

Firearms Trafficking

Between May 2020 and October 2020, JOWENKY NUNEZ, JR., JERRIN PENA, and IYAURY RODRIGUEZ-ROSARIO unlawfully obtained approximately thirteen firearms in Pennsylvania and transported those firearms to New York for use by members of OED.

*          *          *

H. RODRIGUEZ, 26, M. RODRIGUEZ, 27, ZAPATA, 20, TREJO, 21, JOAQUIN, 20, and NUNEZ, SR., 39, were all arrested yesterday, and will be presented today before United States Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker.  Today, RODRIGUEZ-ROSARIO, 41, was arrested and will be presented in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.  NUNEZ, JR., 20, PENA, 20, DEAZA, 21, MENDEZ, 20, HERNANDEZ, 22, COLON, 24, GUTIERREZ, 20, and MARTE, 22, were charged in a prior indictment and have been presented on those charges.  TAVAREZ, 23, has not been arrested at this time.  This case is assigned to United States District Judge J. Paul Oetken.

Charts containing the names, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants are set forth below.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD and DEA.  Mr. Williams also thanked the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, the New York State Police, and the NYPD Task Force Officers assigned to this Office for their assistance in the investigation.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit.  Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Mead, Sarah L. Kushner, and Ashley C. Nicolas are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

COUNT

DEFENDANT(S)

MAX. TERM OF IMPRISONMENT

Count One: Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering

(18 U.S.C. § 1962(d))

Jowenky Nunez, Jr.

Jerrin Pena

Justin Deaza

Wilson Mendez

Brian Hernandez

Hugo Rodriguez

Mayovanex Rodriguez

Johann Zapata

Elvis Trejo

Steven Joaquin

Iyaury Rodriguez-Rosario

Jowenky Nunez, Sr.

Argenis Tavarez

Life Imprisonment

Count Two:  Murder in Aid of Racketeering

(18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(1) and 2)

Jowenky Nunez, Jr.

Brian Hernandez

Iyaury Rodriguez-Rosario

Death or a Mandatory Minimum Sentence of Life Imprisonment

Count Three: Use of a Firearm to Commit Murder (18 U.S.C. § 924(j)(1))

Jowenky Nunez, Jr.

Brian Hernandez

Iyaury Rodriguez-Rosario

Death or Life Imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 5 years

Count Four:  Murder in Aid of Racketeering

(18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(1) and 2)

Jowenky Nunez, Jr.

Brian Hernandez

Iyaury Rodriguez-Rosario

Death or a Mandatory Minimum Sentence of Life Imprisonment

Count Five: Use of a Firearm to Commit Murder

(18 U.S.C. §§ 924(j)(1) and 2)

Jowenky Nunez, Jr.

Brian Hernandez

Iyaury Rodriguez-Rosario

Death or Life Imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 5 years

Count Six:  Murder in Aid of Racketeering

(18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(1) and 2)

Mayovanex Rodriguez

Death or a Mandatory Minimum Sentence of Life Imprisonment

Count Seven: Use of a Firearm to Commit Murder (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(j)(1) and 2)

Mayovanex Rodriguez

Death or Life Imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 5 years

Count Eight: Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3), (a)(5), and 2)

Brian Hernandez

Argenis Tavarez

20 years’ Imprisonment

Count Nine: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, which Firearm was Discharged (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii), and 2)

Brian Hernandez

Argenis Tavarez

Life Imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 10 years

Count Ten: Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3), (a)(5), and 2)

Jerrin Pena

Brian Hernandez

Argenis Tavarez

20 years’ Imprisonment

Count Eleven: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, which Firearm was Discharged (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii), and 2)

Jerrin Pena

Brian Hernandez

Argenis Tavarez

Life Imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 10 years

Count Twelve: Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3), (a)(5), and 2)

Jowenky Nunez, Sr.

20 years’ Imprisonment

Count Thirteen: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, which Firearm was Discharged (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii), and 2)

Jowenky Nunez, Sr.

Life Imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 10 years

Count Fourteen: Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3), (a)(5), and 2)

Justin Deaza

Wilson Mendez

20 years’ Imprisonment

Count Fifteen: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, which Firearm was Discharged (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii), and 2)

Justin Deaza

Wilson Mendez

Life Imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 10 years

Count Sixteen: Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3), (a)(5), and 2)

Brian Hernandez

20 years’ Imprisonment

Count Seventeen: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, which Firearm was Discharged (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii), and 2)

Brian Hernandez

Life Imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 10 years

Count Eighteen: Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3), (a)(5), and 2)

Jowenky Nunez, Jr.

Steven Joaquin

Iyaury Rodriguez-Rosario

20 years’ Imprisonment

Count Nineteen: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, which Firearm was Discharged (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii), and 2)

Jowenky Nunez, Jr.

Steven Joaquin

Iyaury Rodriguez-Rosario

Life Imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 10 years

Count Twenty: Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3), (a)(5), and 2)

Jowenky Nunez, Jr.

Iyaury Rodriguez-Rosario

20 years’ Imprisonment

Count Twenty-One: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, which Firearm was Discharged (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii) and 2)

Jowenky Nunez, Jr.

Iyaury Rodriguez-Rosario

Life Imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 10 years

Count Twenty-Two: Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3), (a)(5), and 2)

Jowenky Nunez, Jr.

20 years’ Imprisonment

Count Twenty-Three: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, which Firearm was Discharged (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii), and 2)

Jowenky Nunez, Jr.

Life Imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 10 years

Count Twenty-Four: Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3), (a)(5), and 2)

Jowenky Nunez, Jr.

Justin Deaza

20 years’ Imprisonment

Count Twenty-Five: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, which Firearm was Discharged (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii), and 2)

Jowenky Nunez, Jr.

Justin Deaza

Life Imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 10 years

Count Twenty-Six: Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3), (a)(5), and 2)

Hugo Rodriguez

20 years’ Imprisonment

Count Twenty-Seven: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, which Firearm was Discharged (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii), and 2)

Hugo Rodriguez

Life Imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 10 years

Count Twenty-Eight: Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3), (a)(5), and 2)

Jowenky Nunez, Sr.

20 years’ Imprisonment

Count Twenty-Nine: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, which Firearm was Discharged (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii), and 2)

Jowenky Nunez, Sr.

Life Imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 10 years

Hobbs Act Robbery (18 U.S.C. §§ 1951 and 2)

Jowenky Nunez, Jr.

Jerrin Pena

Elvis Trejo

Steven Joaquin

20 years’ Imprisonment

Count Thirty-One: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, which Firearm was Discharged (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii), and 2)

Jowenky Nunez, Jr.

Jerrin Pena

Elvis Trejo

Steven Joaquin

Life Imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 10 years

Count Thirty-Two: Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3), (a)(5), and 2)

Jowenky Nunez, Jr.

Elvis Trejo

20 years’ Imprisonment

Count Thirty-Three: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, which Firearm was Discharged (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii), and 2)

Jowenky Nunez, Jr.

Elvis Trejo

Life Imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 10 years

Count Thirty-Four: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 2)

Wilson Mendez

20 years’ Imprisonment

Count Thirty-Five: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 2)

Justin Deaza

20 years’ Imprisonment

Count Thirty-Six: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 2)

Justin Deaza

20 years’ Imprisonment

Count Thirty-Seven: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 2)

Justin Deaza

20 years’ Imprisonment

Count Thirty-Eight: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 2)

Justin Deaza

Wilson Mendez

20 years’ Imprisonment

Count Thirty-Nine: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 2)

Hugo Rodriguez

Elvis Trejo

20 years’ Imprisonment

Count Forty: Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. § 846)

Jowenky Nunez, Jr.,

Jerrin Pena

Justin Deaza

Wilson Mendez

Brian Hernandez

Hugo Rodriguez

Mayovanex Rodriguez

Johann Zapata

Elvis Trejo

Steven Joaquin

Iyaury Rodriguez-Rosario

Jowenky Nunez, Sr.

Argenis Tavarez

Victor Colon

Jose Gutierrez

Nijmah Marte

Life Imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 10 years

Count Forty-One: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and 2)

Jowenky Nunez, Jr.,

Jerrin Pena

Justin Deaza

Wilson Mendez

Brian Hernandez

Hugo Rodriguez

Mayovanex Rodriguez

Johann Zapata

Elvis Trejo

Steven Joaquin

Iyaury Rodriguez-Rosario

Jowenky Nunez, Sr.

Argenis Tavarez

Victor Colon

Jose Gutierrez

Nijmah Marte

Life Imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 5 years

Count Forty-Two: Interstate Transportation or Receipt of Firearms (18 U.S.C. §§ 922(a)(3), 924(a)(1), and 2)

Jowenky Nunez, Jr.

Jerrin Pena

Iyaury Rodriguez-Rosario

5 years’ Imprisonment

 


[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Security News: Three Men, Who Acquired and Transferred Almost 1,000 Guns, Charged With Firearms Trafficking

Source: United States Department of Justice News

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A federal grand jury returned three indictments charging Radamés Revilla-Machín, Roberto Miranda-Schmidt, and Luis Matos-Rosa with the unlicensed business of dealing in firearms, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is in charge of the investigation, with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB).

According to the indictments, since 2012 Revilla-Machín and Miranda-Schmidt have transferred over 820 firearms in Puerto Rico. Since 2019, Matos-Rosa has transferred over 100 guns. Several of these transfers occurred within 72 hours of the defendants’ acquisitions of the guns. The three defendants advertised guns for sale on websites, such as comprayventadearmas.com and pewpewpr.com.  None of these individuals had a license to sell firearms.  In 2019, ATF sent Revilla-Machín a letter advising him to stop engaging in the unlicensed business of dealing in guns.

“Working with our local partners to tackle violent crime is a top priority of the Justice Department,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “Today’s arrests are yet another example of our commitment to combating violent crime and illegal firearms trafficking. We will continue to investigate and disrupt the networks that put guns into our communities — oftentimes with tragic consequences.”

“Today’s arrests mark significant strides in ATF and PRPB efforts to combat firearms trafficking Puerto Rico,” said Christopher A. Robinson, Special Agent in Charge of ATF Miami Field Division. “This collaborative effort enhances our violent crime prevention strategy by apprehending those who place firearms in the hands of criminals.”

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Linet Suárez and Jonathan Gottfried of the Violent Crimes and National Security Section are in charge of the prosecution of the case.  If convicted, each defendant faces a sentence of up to five years in prison.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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