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Florida Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Sex Trafficking Nearly a Dozen Women and Girls

Source: United States Department of Justice

Shannima Yuantrell Session, also known as Shalamar, 47, of Lake Placid, Florida, was sentenced today to life in prison for trafficking nearly a dozen women and girls. Previously, a jury in the Southern District of Florida found him guilty of 10 counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and three counts of sex trafficking of a minor. The court has set a restitution hearing date of April 17.

“Protecting victims of human trafficking and child exploitation is a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael S. Davis for the Southern District of Florida. “We are committed to aggressively combating these exploitative crimes that victimize the most vulnerable people in our society. Human beings are not commodities to be bought and sold, but rather demand our united protection. Our dedicated team of prosecutors, victim witness coordinators, and support personnel will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to combat human trafficking and child exploitation to bring these offenders to justice.”

“This substantial sentence is indicative of the egregious sexual exploitation committed by Shannima Yuantrell Session on numerous juveniles and women in Highlands County, Florida,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office. “It is a testament to the cooperation and commitment of several law enforcement agencies including the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. We will continue working with these and other partners to dismantle human trafficking networks that operate in the shadows and brutalize their victims.”

The evidence presented at the nine-day trial in September 2024 demonstrated that Session compelled victims to commit commercial sex acts between July 2011 and July 2013 as well as between February 2016 and February 2019. Session made promises of legitimate work and housing assistance to women and girls struggling with unstable living accommodations, substance abuse and neglect or who otherwise led unstable lives. Session’s promises were often false and empty, designed to provide him with the opportunity to learn about a victim’s vulnerabilities while misrepresenting himself as caring and empathetic. Session then exploited the victims’ vulnerabilities to compel their commercial sex acts.

At times, Session used food and housing to control and coerce the victims. For example, he would not permit one of his victims to eat if the victim did not follow his instructions. Often, Session required his victims to engage in sexual activity with him after they had spent a night having compelled sexual intercourse with up to 18 men.

Further, the evidence presented during the trial demonstrated that Session resorted to extreme physical violence to compel and intimidate certain victims. He violently punched some of the victims in the back of their heads in order not to leave marks on their bodies. Once, Session dragged a victim to a shower and beat her in the back of her head with a metal object until she fell limp to the floor. Session also choked another victim to the point that she lost consciousness, beat another victim with a bat and brutalized yet another so badly that her nose ring fell out due to the force of the assault. In addition, Session took multiple victims to a nearby lake, where he held two of their heads underwater and threatened to drown them if they did not do as he ordered.

The evidence also showed that Session used a firearm to intimidate and control his victims. He consistently kept a firearm in his possession and frequently displayed it to victims or referred to it when talking with them. Once, Session pointed a firearm at a victim while he was driving and threatened to “kill” her after she asked him how he would feel if someone treated his daughter the way he treated her.

Finally, the evidence indicated that Session manipulated and took advantage of some victims’ substance abuse problems to compel their commercial sex services. For example, Session provided victims with cocaine and methamphetamine to give them sufficient energy to engage in commercial sex acts and force them to lose weight.

The FBI Miami Field Office, Ft. Pierce Resident Agency, investigated the case, with assistance from the Highlands County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Hoover for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Leah Branch and Matthew Thiman of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case.

Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

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Seven Charged in Nation’s Largest COVID-19 Tax Credit Scheme

Source: United States Department of Justice

An indictment was unsealed today in Central Islip, New York, charging seven individuals with operating a multi-state conspiracy in which they attempted to defraud the United States of more than $600 million by filing more than 8,000 false tax returns claiming COVID-19-related employment tax credits. 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact, Congress authorized a tax credit that incentivized businesses to keep employees on their payroll, also known as the “Employee Retention Credit” or ERC.

Congress also authorized a credit that reimbursed businesses for the wages paid to employees who were on sick or family leave and could not work because of COVID-19. This “paid sick and family leave credit,” or SFLC, was equal to the wages the business paid the employees during their leave.

According to the indictment, from November 2021 to June 2023, defendants Keith Williams, Jamari Lewis, Morais Dicks, Janine Davis, Tiffany Williams, James Hames Jr. and Ewendra Mathurin, all current or former New York residents, repeatedly exploited these programs that were intended to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme was allegedly headquartered at Credit Reset, a purported credit repair business Keith Williams owned and operated. Acting as tax preparers, the defendants allegedly filed more than 8,000 false employment tax returns with the IRS claiming COVID-related tax credits on behalf of themselves and their clients. Each of these returns were allegedly fraudulent in that they claimed SFLC in excess of the amount of wages reported on the tax return, listed the same wages as both qualified sick leave wages and qualified family leave wages or claimed the SFLC and ERC for the same wages, none of which was permitted by law. The defendants allegedly profited from the scheme by receiving tax refund checks from the U.S. Treasury and by charging clients a fee or a percentage of the tax refund the client received. The defendants also allegedly recruited others into the scheme who were compensated by receiving a percentage of fraudulently obtained U.S. Treasury checks.

In total, the defendants sought more than $600 million of which the IRS paid approximately $45 million to the defendants and their clients. 

Additionally, the defendants allegedly concealed their preparation of the false tax returns by not listing themselves as the paid preparer on the tax returns and by using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to obscure their IP addresses while filing the false returns. If a client did not have a business, members of the conspiracy allegedly would sometimes sell shell companies to them in order to file false tax returns. After noticing discrepancies in the filed returns, the IRS and Social Security Administration (SSA) allegedly requested additional information regarding the tax returns the defendants prepared. In response, members of the conspiracy allegedly would often transmit false information to the IRS and SSA.

Some of the defendants also allegedly submitted false Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications.

In total, the defendants were charged with 45 counts relating to the scheme including conspiracy to defraud the United States, wire fraud and aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns.  Keith Williams, Lewis, Mathurin, Davis, Tiffany Williams and Dicks were also charged with wire fraud in relation to fraudulent PPP applications they submitted.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the conspiracy to defraud the United States charge, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each wire fraud charge arising out of the ERC scheme, a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison for each wire fraud charge arising out of the PPP fraud and a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each charge of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false return charge. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence of each defendant after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney John J. Durham for the Eastern District of New York, Acting Inspector in Charge Brendan Donahue of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)’s New York Division and Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis Jr. of IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) New York made the announcement.

IRS-CI and USPIS are investigating the case.

Trial Attorney Richard Kelley of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Toporovsky and James Simmons for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case. Former Tax Division Trial Attorney Samuel Bean assisted with the investigation. 

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

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Defense News: Pakistan Assumes Command of Combined Maritime Forces’ Combined Task Force 151

Source: United States Navy

Türkiye navy Rear Adm. Rustu Sezer turned over command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 to Pakistan navy Commodore Sohail Azmie.

Since assuming command in July, Sezer oversaw ships supporting the task force as they conducted multinational exercises to hone skills and promote transnational relationships. Ships also routinely conducted maritime patrols in the Gulf of Aden to directly suppress piracy outside territorial waters of coastal states, in coordination with the European Union Naval Force.

This was Türkiye’s seventh time in command of CTF 151.

Sezer thanked the many nations that take part in counter-piracy operations, particularly Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Pakistan, for their contributions.

“The main objective was not only deter, suppress and disturb piracy, but also maintain effective and meaningful coordination with the other counterpiracy task forces, regional partners and nations to ensure efficient use of assets and information sharing,” Sezer said. “We have been in close cooperation and sharing information to increase the effectiveness of our counterpiracy operation.”

Vice Adm. George Wikoff, commander of Combined Maritime Forces, thanked Sezer for continuing to move CTF 151 forward in supporting the task force and CMF mission.

“The challenge was clear: disrupt illicit activities, create a safer maritime domain and foster cooperation amongst the key stakeholders, and to that end, you’ve achieved all those objectives,” Wikoff said of Sezer’s tenure in command. “CTF 151 took significant step towards forwarding regional cooperation, reflecting the absolute requirement for us to combine effects to counter the maritime threats. Moving forward, we will maintain our resolute focus on maritime security, and thanks to leaders like Commodores Sezer, we remain engaged and fully mission capable.”

Calling him, “the right leader at the right time,” Wikoff expressed confidence in Azmie’s experience as a surface warfare officer. He also noted Pakistan’s strong record of leading CMF task forces.

“As most of you know, it was a week ago that the Pakistan Navy relinquished command and Task Force 150, here we are today, welcoming another senior Pakistan Navy leader to command a CMF Task Force. Pakistan’s dedication to regional security is exemplified by its willingness to demonstrate consistent leadership within the CMF,” Wikoff said.

This will be Pakistan’s eleventh time in command of CTF 151.

“We believe there exists a maritime cooperative continuum. At one end of it is the independent deployment of assets while remaining open to what Robert Kaplan says, is ‘plug-and-play’ maritime security architecture, and on the other end is the contribution towards multi-lateral constructs such as the CMF, where one aligns with the partners and allies for collective good,” Azmie said. “Our focus would be to work together with the partner nations, other commands and maritime organizations for accomplishing CMF and CTF 151 missions.”

CTF 151 was established as a multinational task force in January 2009, and is one of five operational task forces under CMF. In conjunction with the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), and together with independently deployed naval ships, CTF 151 helps to patrol the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor.

CMF’s other task forces include CTF 150, which conducts maritime security operations outside the Arabian Gulf against threats from no-state actors; CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; CTF 153, providing maritime security in the Red Sea; and CTF 154, which delivers maritime training.

CMF headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with 46 nations committed to upholding the international rules-based order at sea. It promotes security, stability and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

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Defense News: Commander, Navy Installations Command Increases Unit Recreation Funds for Shore Commands

Source: United States Navy

“We listened to feedback from commanders that it was time to adjust the funding to better align with inflation and current costs,” said Lisa Sexauer, director of CNIC’s Fleet Readiness division, which oversees Navy Morale, Welfare & Readiness (MWR). “By raising the unit recreation funds, we’re giving commanding officers more flexibility to address the immediate needs of their Sailors and enhance morale, unit culture, cohesion, and camaraderie.” 

The increased funding applies to Navy Regions, installations, and tenant commands assigned to Navy installations for more than 30 days. Mobile units are eligible for funding only during the periods aboard the installation. This increase does not apply to shipboard afloat commands, as their recreation funds are managed under separate policies.

Unit recreation funds can be used for command-sanctioned events, recreation equipment, team-building activities, and special training. The funds may also be spent on emblematic items, recognition awards, and materials for advancement, award, and reenlistment ceremonies. All expenditures must comply with CNIC Instruction 1710.3 CH-1.

Eligible unit commanders must request funds in writing from their Navy region or installation MWR program manager and provide a list of all active-duty members assigned to the command. Requests can be submitted quarterly, bi-annually, or annually.

Commander, Navy Installations Command is responsible for worldwide U.S. Navy Shore installation management and policy. CNIC develops and implements integrated solutions for the Navy shore’s infrastructure, operations and quality of life programs. CNIC oversees 10 Navy regions, 70 installations, and more than 43,000 employees who sustain the fleet, enable the fighter, and support the family.

Learn more by visiting CNIC’s website at https://www.cnic.navy.mil/ or following CNIC on social media: Facebook, Facebook.com/NavyInstallations; X, @cnichq; and Instagram, @cnichq.

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Defense News: Don Roberts Shares Poetic Verse to Inspire NNSY Workforce in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Source: United States Navy

“Be so good at whatever you do – that when you’re gone, we miss you.”

This single phrase rang true during Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Jan. 16. Hosted by the African American Employee Resource Group (AA-ERG), this annual event brought hundreds of employees together to honor the life and achievements of the late civil rights activist ahead of the annual holiday in January. Award-winning journalist and author Don Roberts took to the stage as the guest speaker for the event, sharing his poetic verse regarding Dr. King and sharing his insights on how Dr. King’s influence continues to inspire people to this day.

“Think about that phrase for a moment. In your work area or office, if you don’t show up for work – are you missed? Are you needed?” said Roberts. “Think about it in a grander scale in your home, neighborhood, community. Is there something you are doing that makes a difference? Are you using your gifts, your talents, your skills to do something that means something?”

He continued, “Now let’s talk about the man of the hour – Dr. King – he did exactly that – using his talents to make a difference.” Roberts recalled his report on Dr. King’s birthday in 1986 where he shared a passage regarding Dr. King’s life and achievements. “Martin has a cause and determination to make a change. We proudly honor Martin because he was a ‘king’. He died for what he believed. Be so good at whatever you do, so that when you’re gone, we miss you. That was Martin. Comfortable on the big stage, using his gifts, his talents, his skills, to try to change opinions, to try to save lives, to try and make a difference. But that was him. What about you?”

Roberts then shared that you don’t have to be a “king” to make a difference in this world, noting his own father’s contributions and the legacy he left for his family. “My dad, Nathaniel Roberts, was a humble man, hardworking man, talented man. His fingerprints were all over every inch of our house in Baltimore. If we needed something done and he didn’t have the skill to do it, he reached across the aisle, found a friend, made a friend, and they did it together,” said Roberts. “My dad was a ‘king’. He used what he had to get what he wanted, which was to care for his family, protect them, love them, raise us. He wouldn’t stand on this stage to speak to you but that wasn’t his calling. That wasn’t his gift, his talent, his skill. But dad would reach across the aisle and shake a hand and introduce himself, say ‘How you doing?’ Or if he heard that someone needed a helping hand, he would offer that. And in that way, that one man made a difference. What a way to honor Dr. King on this day ‘on’ instead of a day off. To do something that means something.”

Roberts shared that as he approached retirement in the 2010s, he began to think about what his next steps were and how he could make a difference in the community. During a news story where he visited the Newport News Juvenile Detention Center, he met with teens in the facility. He wanted to learn more about them, why they were in custody, how it impacted their families, and what their plans were for the future once they were released. Roberts found the teens were reluctant to openly talk but upon hearing that they enjoyed playing board games, an idea flickered in his mind. The next week, Roberts returned to the detention center and played chess with the teens. The following week, he returned with friends to do it again. This led to the Chess Nutz Knights Network, a weekly gathering every Wednesday where volunteers spend time playing chess with the teens while also developing meaningful mentorships through conversation.

“Chess is a very personal game so we are able to use the time spent to do something they enjoy while also talking with them, learning from them, talking about choices and consequences,” said Roberts. “Our motto in Chess Nutz [is] ‘Think before you move – always protect the king.’ We’re not just talking about the pieces. If we can get you to see yourself as a ‘king’, think of the possibilities.”

In closing, he urged the crowd to reflect on how Dr. King’s life and legacy could influence their own actions today. “When you hear the name ‘Dr. King’, what does it mean to you? It’s reputation, history, legacy. When I say your name, what do people think of you? What’s your reputation? What’s your legacy? Dr. King’s legacy is written – yours is being written right now. Let me challenge you on this birthday to do something that means something and continue to write your legacy so that when I say your name, then it will mean something. You reached across the aisle, you shook a hand, you helped someone, you took care of business at home, you’re excellent on the job, you’re so good that when you’re gone – we miss you.”

Roberts was presented with an honorary plaque and certificate of appreciation from the AA-ERG and Shipyard Commander Capt. Jip Mosman in gratitude for his time to speak with the employees of America’s Shipyard. Capt. Mosman concluded the ceremony with a reminder to all that our values within the Navy and the shipyard align directly with Dr. King’s, “When it comes to honor, courage and commitment, as well as care, ownership, respect, and excellence – I look to Dr. King’s stance of equality and justice for all, as well as love and compassion. We at America’s Shipyard strive for honor and equality by ensuring we are treating others with respect. We have a level of bravery, determination, and are willing to face any challenge that comes our way. We have ownership for what we do and have the dedication to serve. We have respect and dignity, we stand up for what is right, and we serve something better than one’s self. I’m proud of each of you and hope you are able to shine on this day ‘on’ in honor of Dr. King.”

For more information on the AA-ERG or how to become involved in programs like the Dr. King Celebration, please contact AA-ERG Chairperson Brian Harris at (757) 396-4787.