PRESS RELEASES - December 2006
December 6, 2006 - PROJECT SAFE CHILDHOOD
December 7, 2006 - GRIGSBY, Winfred James
December 7, 2006 - LAYMAN, Clonnie Alonzo
NGUYEN, Hong Son
a/k/a NGUYEN, Sonny
a/k/a NGUYEN, Son Hong
December 13, 2006 - MIDDLEBROOK, Rickey Glen
December 14, 2006 - LEWIS, Mary Margaret
December 14, 2006 - POOLE, John Charles
December 21, 2006 - ELLIOTT, Edward James
December 21, 2006 - SALAZAR, Elijah
December 27, 2006 - WEBB, Lisa
a/k/a BROWNFIELD, Lisa
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FOR RELEASE: December 6, 2006
SUBJECT: PROJECT SAFE CHILDHOOD
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales delivered remarks on Monday at the Justice Department’s Project Safe Childhood conference on Department efforts to prosecute sex predators and protect children from sexual exploitation through Project Safe Childhood. He called upon Americans to report suspicious behavior and signs of abuse, and upon federal and state prosecutors to aggressively pursue sex predators.
“Project Safe Childhood, announced by the Attorney General in February 2006, creates a coordinated national response to the growing threat posed to America’s youth by online sexual exploitation,” reported United States Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “It brings federal, state and local law enforcement communities together in order to maximize resources and obtain the strictest penalties available against sex predators under federal and state law.”
“As technology advances and as the Internet becomes more accessible, the number of computer-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes committed against children – including child pornography offenses and “traveler” or enticement crimes – continues to grow,” U.S. Attorney Sperling noted.
“The sexual abuse and exploitation of children is one of the most disturbing crimes known to humankind,” said Attorney General Gonzales. “Much has been done to protect and defend them, but more must be done. Through Project Safe Childhood, the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners are able to work together to pursue and prosecute sex predators with greater coordination and determination than ever before.”
“In addition to its emphasis on increasing the prosecutions of sex predators, Project Safe Childhood works to increase public awareness about the presence of pedophiles on the Internet,” continued U.S. Attorney Sperling. “Project Safe Childhood has partnered with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and The Ad Council on a public education campaign targeted to children and their parents. The campaign, including print, broadcast and web content, will debut in early 2007.”
“I have designated Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Wilson as our Project Safe Childhood Coordinator,” U.S. Attorney Sperling said. “We look forward to working with the ten District Attorneys in the Eastern District of Oklahoma in this, as in other initiatives. Veteran District Attorneys Tom Giulioli, Bill Peterson, and Max Cook are prosecutorial leaders in whom their districts have long expressed confidence. Emily Redman, Craig Ladd, and Jim Miller are off to excellent starts in their first fall terms – particularly with regard to sex offenses against children. We look forward to welcoming Larry Moore, Jerry Moore, Jeff Smith and Laura Wallis into this prosecutorial bond of sisters and brothers.”
“Project Safe Childhood has five key components:
1) Integrated federal, state and local efforts to investigate and prosecute child exploitation cases.
The U.S.Attorneys have partnered with ICAC Task Forces that exist within their districts and other federal, state and local law enforcement partners working in their districts to implement Project Safe Childhood. Working with these partners, the U.S. Attorneys have developed district-specific strategic plans to coordinate the investigation and prosecution of child exploitation crimes; to identify and rescue victims; and to coordinate local training, educational and awareness programs.
2) Major case coordination by the Criminal Division.
The Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), in conjunction with the FBI’s Innocent Images Unit, has integrated the Project Safe Childhood Task Forces into pursuing local leads generated from CEOS major national operations.
3) Increased federal involvement in child pornography and enticement cases.
Given the beneficial investigative tools and stiffer punishments available under federal law, U.S. Attorneys and the federal investigative agencies have increased the number of sexual exploitation investigations and prosecutions. The goal is to ensure the worst offenders get the maximum amount of jail time possible.
4) Training of federal, state and local law enforcement.
Members of the Project Safe Childhood Task Forces have attended training programs facilitated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), the ICAC program and other ongoing programs, in order to be taught to investigate and prosecute computer-facilitated crimes against children, as well as to pursue leads from national operations and from NCMEC’s CyberTipline and Child Victim-Identification programs.
5) Community awareness and educational programs.
Project Safe Childhood has partnered with NCMEC and the ICAC Task Force program to raise awareness about the threat of online sexual predators and to provide the tools and information parents and youngsters need in order to report suspicious activity on the Internet. The public education campaign, featuring print, broadcast and web content, will debut in the spring of 2007.”
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FOR RELEASE: December 7, 2006
SUBJECT: GRIGSBY, Winfred James
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that on Wednesday, December 6, 2006, WINFRED JAMES GRIGSBY, age 71, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, was convicted by a jury of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country. “After three days of trial, the jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilty,” U.S. Attorney Sperling reported. “The jury determined, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant engaged in a sexual act with a five year old female relative in the Spring of 2006.”
“Charges arose from an investigation by the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” commented U.S. Attorney Sperling. “At trial, evidence revealed the defendant had committed the offense while the victim was staying overnight at his home in Stilwell. The child victim reported the sexual abuse immediately to a family friend and later to her mother. Investigators questioned GRIGSBY at his home. He confessed to the molestation and signed a statement confirming the abuse.”
“The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the jury trial,” U.S. Attorney Sperling noted. “Assistant United States Attorneys Trent Shores and Ryan Roberts professionally and deftly represented the government.”
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FOR RELEASE: December 8, 2006
SUBJECT: LAYMAN, Clonnie Alonzo; and NGUYEN, Hong Son; a/k/a NGUYEN, Sonny; a/k/a NGUYEN, Son Hong
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - United States Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling announced today that CLONNIE ALONZO LAYMAN, age 63, of Eufaula, Oklahoma, and HONG SON NGUYEN, a/k/a Sonny Nguyen, a/k/a Son Hong Nguyen, age 42, of Oklahoma City, were sentenced in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, at Muskogee, Oklahoma.
“LAYMAN was sentenced to sixty (60) years imprisonment, sixty (60) months supervised release, and a special assessment fee of $700.00,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling.
“NGUYEN was sentenced to two-hundred (200) months imprisonment, sixty (60) months supervised release, and a special assessment fee of $100.00.”
“LAYMAN and NGUYEN were found guilty of Conspiracy to manufacture, possess with the intent to distribute and distribute methamphetamine in July 2006,” recalled U.S. Attorney Sperling. “Defendant LAYMAN was also found guilty of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, attempt to manufacture methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of an unregistered firearm.”
“The charges arose from an investigation by the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, Drug Enforcement Administration, assisted by Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Tahlequah Police Department, and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse.”
“LAYMAN used his commercial welding business as a mechanism for purchasing large quantities of anhydrous ammonia,” commented U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “Large quantities of over-the-counter medications containing pseudoephedrine were acquired through his co-defendant, NGUYEN, who owns a convenience store in Oklahoma City.”
“LAYMAN developed a pool of methamphetamine manufacturers, and together they developed a number of locations at which methamphetamine could be manufactured. LAYMAN supplied the materials and they all “cooked” the meth, paying LAYMAN with finished product. The product was then disseminated to numerous parties for further distribution to users of the illicit drug,” continued U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“This network of meth manufacturing and distribution was perhaps the largest in Oklahoma,” remarked U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “We are grateful to the law enforcement officers and agents who, through diligent investigative efforts over an extended period of time, brought an end to this deadly drug operation.”
“The Honorable Joe Heaton, District Judge, presided over the sentencing. Assistant United States Attorneys Rob Wallace and Chris Wilson represented the government.”
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FOR RELEASE: December 13, 2006
SUBJECT: MIDDLEBROOK, Rickey Glen
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that RICKEY GLEN MIDDLEBROOK, age 31, of McCurtain County, Oklahoma, pled guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Drug Addict, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. Section 922(g)(3).
“Charges arose from an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service and the Broken Bow Police Department,” noted U.S. Attorney Sperling. “MIDDLEBROOK was in possession of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine while in possession of a loaded firearm. The defendant was a user and addict of methamphetamine at the time.”
“The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted MIDDLEBROOK’s plea, and ordered the preparation of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled after its completion. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Roberts represented the government. The defendant could receive a sentence of up to ten (10) years imprisonment and/or up to $250,000.00 in fines.
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FOR RELEASE: December 14, 2006
SUBJECT: LEWIS, Mary Margaret
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that MARY MARGARET LEWIS, age 48, of Wetumpka, Oklahoma, was sentenced to thirty (30) months imprisonment, twenty-four (24) months supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $299,887.26.
“In July LEWIS pled guilty to embezzlement and theft from Indian Tribal Organizations and theft concerning programs receiving federal funds,” recalled U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“Charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The defendant embezzled approximately $299,887.26 from the Kialegee Tribal Town in Hughes County, a federally recognized tribal organization which received in excess of $10,000 in federal funds in a one year period,” commented U.S. Attorney Sperling. “The defendant used her position of trust as the senior bookkeeper in order to methodically steal thousands of dollars. Her sentence will be served without parole.”
“Chief U.S. District Judge James H. Payne presided over today’s sentencing in Muskogee. Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the government.”
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FOR RELEASE: December 14, 2006
SUBJECT: POOLE, John Charles
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that after four days of trial by jury, JOHN CHARLES POOLE, age 44, of Cherokee County, Oklahoma was found guilty of assimilated assault and battery domestic violence in the presence of a minor and attempting to influence the testimony of another.
“Charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service,” commented U.S. Attorney Sperling. “At trial the evidence showed that the defendant assaulted his 21 year old Cherokee Indian girlfriend, who was five months pregnant at the time. During the course of the investigation, POOLE attempted to influence the testimony of the prosecution’s witnesses, including that of the victim, through manipulation and intimidation.”
“The Honorable Stephen P. Friot, District Judge, presided over the trial. Assistant United States Attorneys Dean Burris and Trent Shores represented the United States. Judge Friot ordered the preparation of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled after its completion. The defendant could be sentenced to up to ten (10) years imprisonment and/or up to $250,000.00 in fines.”
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FOR RELEASE: December 21, 2006
SUBJECT: ELLIOTT, Edward James
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that EDWARD JAMES ELLIOTT, age 44, of Pallesade, ND, was sentenced on two counts of False Federal Income Tax Return.
“District Judge James H. Payne sentenced ELLIOTT to one year plus one day imprisonment for each count, twelve months supervised release for each count, and a special assessment of $100 per count,” reported U.S. Attorney Sperling. “The defendant had made restitution of $64,366.00 prior to today’s sentencing.”
“Charges arose from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service after the defendant failed to file income tax returns for a five-year period. After IRS contact, ELLIOTT filed forms for all five years, which were fraudulent.”
Lance Sumpter, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation in Oklahoma said, “When the majority of citizens out there are working hard to pay their share of taxes, it is IRS’ duty to investigate individuals like Edward Elliott who are not paying their fair share of taxes. And, as Edward Elliott found out, the end result of such an investigation is time in a federal prison.”
Assistant United States Attorneys Paul G. Hess and Linda A. Epperley represented the government.
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FOR RELEASE: December 21, 2006
SUBJECT: SALAZAR, Elijah
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that ELIJAH SALAZAR, age 25, of Gainesville, Texas, was sentenced to one hundred sixty-eight (168) months imprisonment, sixty (60) months supervised release, and $100.00 special assessment fee.
“In July SALAZAR pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribute methamphetamine, marijuana and cocaine powder,” recalled U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“SALAZAR was one of nine federal defendants indicted in the Eastern District of Oklahoma as a result of the March 2006 arrests on drug related charges in South Central Oklahoma and Northern Texas. There were fifteen Federal Indictments for Conspiracy and Distribution of methamphetamine, and eighty-seven State of Oklahoma and State of Texas Indictments for additional drug charges.”
“This sentencing brings a massive cooperative law enforcement and prosecution effort to a remarkably successful conclusion,” U.S. Attorney Sperling concluded.
“This task force began when Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) supervisors committed resources to an ambitious undertaking,” U.S. Attorney Sperling continued. “OSBI agents did doubletime on this enterprise, while performing many other duties for an unfunded mandate to investigate internet sexual predators of children.”
“OSBI agents did the legwork to parlay information from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, District 20 District Attorney’s Office Task Force, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, Ardmore Oklahoma Police Department, Carter County Oklahoma Sheriff’s Office, Gainesville Texas Police Department, Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Chicago Illinois Police Department, Denton County Texas Sheriff’s Office, Denton Texas Police Department, United States Marshal Service, and Bureau of Indian Affairs. This interstate enterprise operated from Oklahoma and Texas and was connected to a violent Chicago street gang known as Satan’s Disciples.”
“Over 100 drug defendants were successfully prosecuted by state and federal prosecutors. District Attorney Craig Ladd handled the lion’s share of the state defendants. U.S. Attorney Matt Orwig tackled a significant number of federal defendants in the Eastern District of Texas,” reflected U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“You have to see an assembly of 200 local, county, state and federal agents who gather in the middle of the night to serve more than 100 arrest warrants, in order to fully grasp the magnitude of this operation,” U.S. Attorney Sperling noted.
“Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace led the troops on the ground. We are gratified that arrestees were safely apprehended and law enforcement officers returned home without injury or incident.”
“Chief U.S. District Judge James H. Payne presided over today’s sentencing in Muskogee. Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the government. “
“ROCKY SALAZAR, CODY JOE SHELL, MATTHEW JOHN HORN, ISRAEL HERNANDEZ, CODY ALLEN PIERCE, IRAN LEWIS ROLON, SARA CATHERINE BRULE, and DANIEL RAY GRAYSON were indicted with SALAZAR. All defendants pled guilty and have been or are awaiting sentencing, except GRAYSON, who was found guilty by a jury after nearly three days of trial in October and awaits sentencing.”
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FOR RELEASE: December 27, 2006
SUBJECT: WEBB, Lisa; a/k/a BROWNFIELD, Lisa
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that LISA WEBB, a/k/a Lisa Brownfield, age 38, of Dewar, Oklahoma, was sentenced for Embezzlement.
“The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, sentenced WEBB to six (6) months home detention and sixty (60) months supervised release,” commented U.S. Attorney Sperling. “WEBB was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $25,601.30 to Glass Molders Plastics Local 48 and Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland.”
“Charges arose from an investigation by the Department of Labor. In her position of trust as the Financial Secretary/Treasurer of the Local, WEBB handled all financial records and deposits of dues checks. From on or about November 26, 2002, through on or about December 5, 2003, the defendant deposited 25 dues checks written to Local 48 from Anchor Glass into her personal bank account. WEBB pled guilty to the charges in August 2006.”
“Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wilson represented the government at today’s sentencing.”
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