Category: MIL-OSI

Source: US FBI

      LITTLE ROCK-United States District Judge Brian S. Miller sentenced Bradley Fly, 36, of Germantown, Tenn., to 20 months in federal prison for violating the Anti-Kickback Statute. In July 2019, Fly pleaded guilty to offering two TRICARE beneficiaries money in exchange for signing up to receive expensive compounded drugs.

      At sentencing, the United States introduced evidence that Fly bribed two people: his longtime friend (then a Marine reservist), plus an Army National Guardsman, whom Fly solicited while seated courtside at a Memphis Grizzlies game. Fly then facilitated prescriptions for both men and their wives, for which TRICARE paid over $500,000, earning himself over $180,000 in commission.

      Judge Miller heard testimony from the Marine reservist and from a Special Agent with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) that the prescriptions were part of a larger network of prescription generation, including recruiters whom Fly paid for TRICARE beneficiary information and a group of doctors whom Fly used to sign prescriptions without consulting patients.

      “There is no room for kickbacks in the healthcare marketplace,” said Acting United States Attorney Jonathan D. Ross. “Serious penalties and prison await those, like Mr. Fly, who fail to abide by the law. This office and its partners at the FBI and HHS-OIG are committed to rooting out such criminal conduct.”

      “Mr. Fly paid kickbacks generating fraudulent claims to line his pockets without concern for the health and welfare of the patients,” said Miranda L. Bennett, Special Agent in Charge of the HHS-OIG Dallas Region. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to pursue individuals defrauding federal health care programs.”

      “By defrauding TRICARE, Mr. Fly disgracefully cheated U.S. veterans, their families, and American taxpayers,” said FBI Little Rock Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Van Goor. “We are grateful for our state and federal partners who help us both investigate these cases and protect the financial integrity of our nation’s health care systems.”  

      In addition to the 20-month prison sentence, Fly was sentenced to three years of supervised release. The investigation was conducted by HHS-OIG and the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alexander D. Morgan.

# # #

This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the

United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

https://www.justice.gov/edar

Twitter:

@EDARNEWS

Source: US FBI

LITTLE ROCK, AR—As Americans become more aware of violent crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, the FBI Little Rock Field Office is urging Arkansas community groups and law enforcement agencies to sign up for an FBI course on hate crimes. This course, developed by the FBI and the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, clearly defines the criteria for hate crimes and provides insight into FBI hate crimes investigations. There is no charge for this class, and our previous trainings hosted throughout Arkansas are consistently well-received by course participants. Our presentation seeks to reduce civil rights abuses and promote cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

The FBI is the primary federal agency responsible for investigating allegations regarding violations of federal civil rights statutes. These laws are designed to protect the civil rights of all persons—citizens and non-citizens alike—within U.S. territory. Using cutting-edge investigative and intelligence capabilities, the FBI works closely with its partners to prevent and address hate crimes, color of law violations, and other civil rights offenses.

If you are a community leader or law enforcement executive, we urge you to contact the FBI and schedule a hate crimes presentation for your organization. Our presentation typically runs for two hours and is conducted by veteran FBI agents who are skilled investigators of federal civil rights violations. This training is interactive and encourages audience members to share thoughts and perspectives about real-world case studies. To schedule a training, please call the FBI Little Rock Field Office at 501-221-9100 and ask for the Community Outreach Specialist.

Source: US FBI

Note: A full copy of the indictment can be viewed 

WASHINGTON — On April 1, a superseding indictment was unsealed in federal court in the District of Columbia charging five men with assaulting Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Officers, as well as other crimes, during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 that disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress in the process of affirming the presidential election.

Jack Wade Whitton, 30, of Locust Grove, Georgia, was arrested Thursday in Atlanta. The indictment alleges that Whitton, along with Jeffrey Sabol of Kittredge, Colorado, and Peter Francis Stager of Conway, Arkansas, assaulted an MPD officer, referred to as “B.M.”, with a baton, flag, pole and a crutch.

The indictment also accuses Clayton Ray Mullins of Benton, Kentucky, of assaulting the same officer, as well as a second MPD officer, whom Whitton and Sabol are also accused of separately assaulting.

The indictment further alleges that Michael John Lopatic Sr. of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, assaulted a third MPD officer.

This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Counterterrorism Section of the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Security Division, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern District of Georgia, the Southern District of New York, the Eastern District of Arkansas, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and the Western District of Kentucky.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, Atlanta Field Office, New York Field Office, Philadelphia Field Office, Little Rock Field Office, and the Louisville Field Office, along with the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Capitol Police.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. 

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

Source: US FBI

      LITTLE ROCK—Multiple death threats, including repeated threats to FBI agents and a former United States Attorney, earned a Dewitt man 40 years in federal prison. Clayton Jackson, 35, whose legal address is in Minnesota but who was living in Dewitt when the original threats were made, received the 480-month sentence from United States District Court Judge Susan Webber Wright on Wednesday.

      Jackson originally pleaded guilty on November 2, 2020, to all five counts of an indictment that charged him with three counts of threatening to assault and murder a federal official and two counts of mailing threatening communications. Each of the five counts carried a maximum 10-year sentence. On Wednesday, Judge Wright sentenced Jackson to the maximum 10 years on each count, and then ran the sentences for counts 1 through 4 consecutively, and count 5 concurrently, to arrive at the 40-year sentence. There is no parole in the federal system.

      At his change of plea hearing, Jackson admitted that he mailed two letters to the FBI headquarters in Little Rock, one in February 2020 and one in March 2020, which threatened to kill multiple FBI employees who he believed were involved in an unrelated criminal matter. Both letters were signed by Jackson. After the FBI received and reviewed the correspondences, an FBI special agent not named in the letters interviewed Jackson. During the interview Jackson admitted that he sent the letters and reiterated his intention to kill the people named in the letters. During the interview, Jackson said that the letters were “not a threat, but a promise,” and acknowledged that he knew it was a crime to send those letters, but said “I can’t be sentenced forever” when emphasizing his desire to kill the FBI employees. Jackson was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 4, 2020.

      At the sentencing hearing on Wednesday, an FBI special agent testified that after indictment, Jackson continued to write letters threatening to kill the same people named in the original letters, as well as additional civilians not originally named. The FBI received three letters that Jackson wrote while in custody, which stated his intention to escape from prison and kill additional people, including former United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas Cody Hiland. According to testimony on Wednesday, the most recent letter, in which Jackson stated there was a “price tag” on two civilians, was dated March 11, 2021, and addressed to the “White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan.” Additional testimony Wednesday detailed an unsuccessful escape attempt by Jackson from Prairie County jail on March 7, 2021, in which Jackson assaulted a local prison guard.

      “This defendant’s repeated threats against law enforcement were a failed attempt to intimidate those who have sworn to protect and serve,” said Acting United States Attorney Jonathan D. Ross. “This lengthy sentence should serve as a warning: threats like these will not be tolerated and will not prevent law enforcement from doing their important work of protecting our communities.”

      “We are pleased with the Court’s decision regarding Clayton Jackson today,” said FBI Little Rock Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Van Goor. “We take any threat against law enforcement seriously, and we believe Mr. Jackson’s 40-year sentence will serve as a warning to anyone thinking about threatening federal agents and officers. As always, we are grateful to our partners at the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas for their tremendous work on this case.”

      In explaining her sentence, Judge Wright highlighted Jackson’s continued criminal conduct after indictment and his lack of remorse.

      The investigation was conducted by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Givens.

# # #

This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the

United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

https://www.justice.gov/edar

Twitter:

@EDARNEWS

Source: US FBI

      LITTLE ROCK—A Russellville woman was sentenced today for her role in two kidnappings carried out on behalf of a white supremacist gang. Amanda Rapp, 40, was sentenced to 262 months, or 21.8 years, in federal prison by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.

      Rapp pleaded guilty on October 29, 2020, to two counts of Kidnapping in Aid of Racketeering. In addition to the term of 262 months’ imprisonment, Judge Miller also sentenced Rapp to five years of supervised release following her term of imprisonment. 

      The investigation began in 2016, when local and federal agencies initiated a joint investigation to identify, infiltrate, and dismantle drug trafficking organizations in Russellville. Agents identified multiple individuals who were trafficking methamphetamine in the Pope County area. The investigation revealed that Rapp was an associate of the New Aryan Empire (NAE), a white supremacist organization that began as a prison gang and functioned as a drug trafficking organization.

      In May 2017, Rapp and other NAE members and associates kidnapped two individuals who they suspected of cooperating with law enforcement, which violated the rules imposed by leaders of NAE. The two victims were held against their will for over 24 hours, during which time NAE members and associates restrained the victims and assaulted them. During the kidnapping, one of the assailants heated a knife with a torch and placed the hot knife on the face of one of the victims, causing severe and permanent disfigurement.

      “Today’s sentence in Operation ‘To The Dirt’ is an important step in pushing back against the turmoil brought about by gang activity in the River Valley,” said Jonathan D. Ross, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. “We will continue to investigate the violent activities that stem from drug trafficking in this as well as other corrupt organizations.” 

      “This case was a joint effort with our state, local and federal partners and stands as a great example of a cooperative and complimentary investigation,” stated Clayton R. Merrill, Resident Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). “ATF continues to remain committed to stopping those who use firearms to further their criminal activities and who are preying on our communities.”

      “Our neighborhoods deserve to exist without fear and intimidation inflicted by violent drug gangs like the New Aryan Empire,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley. “The unprecedented collaboration between all law enforcement agencies represented in this region exemplifies the continuing unified goal of keeping our neighborhoods safe and secure. The sentencing of this individual will undoubtedly convey a strong and unified message to those who continue to engage in criminal activities, threatening the safety of our citizens.”

      “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will always prioritize cases involving violent crimes and narcotics.  We are proud to have investigated this case with our federal and local law enforcement partners to achieve this end,” said Thomas Noyes, Inspector in Charge of the Fort Worth Division.  “We thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their dedication to this case as well.  Working together, we will continue to identify, and bring to justice, those who threaten our communities.”

      “I greatly appreciate the cooperative investigative effort of our investigators in conjunction with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners that resulted in successful resolution of these cases,” said David Ewing, Chief of the Russellville Police Department. “The teamwork displayed by those involved shows that our cumulative efforts reinforces our commitment to safeguarding our respective communities from this type of criminal behavior.”

      Rapp was charged on September 3, 2019, in a federal indictment that charged more than 50 people from the Pope County area with violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering, and numerous gun and drug violations. The case is named “To The Dirt,” a reference to the NAE slogan referring to the rule that members must remain in the NAE until they die. The charges allege acts involving attempted murder, kidnapping, maiming, and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Of the 55 total defendants charged in “Operation ‘To The Dirt,’” 49 defendants have pleaded guilty, and nine of those defendants have already been sentenced to prison terms: Jared Dale, 84 months; Britanny Conner, 120 months; Keith Savage, 120 months; Joseph Pridmore, 150 months; Daniel Adame, 262 months; Justin Howell, 155 months; James George, 70 months; Amos Adame, 121 months; and Skippy Don Sanders, 262 months. The remaining defendants are awaiting trial.

      The investigation was conducted by ATF, DEA, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pope County Sheriff’s Office, Fifth Judicial Drug Task Force, and the Russellville Police Department, with assistance from the FBI.

# # #

This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the

United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

https://www.justice.gov/edar

Twitter:

@EDARNEWS

Source: US FBI

An Ohio man pleaded guilty today to sending threatening communications to an election official with the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office. 

“The Justice Department has no tolerance for illegal threats that target those who administer our elections, and it will not hesitate to investigate and prosecute such criminal conduct,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These threats endanger election workers and their families, and they endanger our democracy.”

According to court documents, on or about Aug. 2, 2022, on the date of Arizona’s primary elections, Joshua Russell, 44, of Bucyrus, left the following voicemail for an election official with the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office (Victim‑1): “This message is for traitor [Victim-1’s full name]. You’ve drug your feet, you’ve done nothing, to protect our election for 2020. You’re committing election fraud, you’re starting to do it again, from day one. You’re the enemy of the United States, you’re a traitor to this country, and you better put your sh[inaudible], your [expletive] affairs in order, ’cause your days [inaudible] are extremely numbered. America’s coming for you, and you will pay with your life, you communist [expletive] traitor [expletive].”

“Election officials are the first responders of democracy,” said U.S. Attorney Gary M. Restaino for the District of Arizona. “We best vindicate the work of these public servants when we locate, investigate, and prosecute those who make threats against them.”

Additionally, on or about Sept. 9, 2022, Russell left the following voicemail for Victim-1: “This message is for terrorist [Victim-1’s last name]. The only reason you’re still walking around on this planet is because we’re waiting for the midterms to see you prosecuted for the crimes you have done to our nation. You are a terrorist. You are a derelict criminal. And you have a few short months to see yourself behind bars, or we will see you to the grave. You are a traitor to this nation, and you will suffer the [expletive] consequences.”

“This case is another successful result from the hard work of the Election Threats Task Force,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI and our partners will continue to investigate anyone who threatens election officials working to keep America’s elections fair and free.”  

Finally, on or about Nov. 15, 2022, Russell left the following voicemail for Victim-1: “This message is for communist, criminal, [Victim-1’s full name]. We will not endure your crimes on America another day. You’ve been busted, over and over again. We will not wait for you to be drugged through court. A war is coming for you. The entire nation is coming for you. And we will stop, at no end, until you are in the ground. You’re a traitor to this nation. You’re a [expletive] piece of [expletive] communist, and you just signed your own death warrant. Get your affairs in order, cause, your days are very short.”

Russell pleaded guilty to one count of making a threatening interstate communication. The sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 13, and the defendant faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Phoenix Field Office is investigating the case, with the assistance of the FBI Cleveland Field Office, Mansfield Resident Agency.

Trial Attorney Tanya Senanayake of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean K. Lokey for the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the Department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers – whether elected, appointed, or volunteer – are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Two years after its formation, the task force is continuing this work and supporting the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the task force has begun.

Under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Monaco, the task force is led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and includes several other entities within the Department of Justice, including the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Criminal Division, the Civil Rights Division, the National Security Division, and the FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo.

To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov. Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.

Source: US FBI

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Vanessa Rene Dundon (a.k.a. Sioux Z, a.k.a. Suzie Q), 38, of Indian Wells, Arizona, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to three years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. As a condition of her supervised release, Dundon cannot travel to, or be on, the Hopi Reservation. Dundon pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

 “Drug trafficking causes particular harm for tribal communities,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “The exclusion of defendant from the Hopi Reservation is an additional tool to prevent future harm, and an extra measure of protection for Hopi villages.”

Dundon was stopped in her vehicle on the Hopi Reservation in April 2021, March 2022, and April 2022. On each occasion, she had controlled substances in her vehicle. At the change of plea hearing, Dundon admitted that on April 17, 2022, she possessed 58.4 grams of pure methamphetamine and that she intended to deliver it to other individuals in exchange for payment.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Phoenix Field Office, and Hopi Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
 

CASE NUMBER:           CR-22-08043-PCT-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER:    2023-128_Dundon

# # #

For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

Source: US FBI

An Iowa man was sentenced yesterday to two and a half years in prison for sending threatening communications to an election official on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and to the then-Attorney General of Arizona. 

“This sentence makes clear that individuals who illegally threaten election officials and others associated with the electoral process will face meaningful penalties,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Justice Department will diligently investigate and prosecute attempts to illegally threaten, intimidate, and coerce the individuals administering the nation’s free and fair elections.”

According to court documents, on or about Sept. 27, 2021, Mark A. Rissi, 64, of Hiawatha, said the following in a voicemail message he left for Clint Hickman, an election official with the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors: “Hello Mr. Hickman, I am glad that you are standing up for democracy and want to place your hand on the Bible and say that the election was honest and fair. I really appreciate that. When we come to lynch your stupid lying Commie [expletive], you’ll remember that you lied on the [expletive] Bible, you piece of [expletive]. You’re gonna die, you piece of [expletive]. We’re going to hang you. We’re going to hang you.”

“Those who weaponize election protests threaten our civility and our democracy,” said U.S. Attorney Gary M. Restaino for the District of Arizona. “Thanks to our partners with the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force and the FBI for ensuring accountability.”

Additionally, on or about Dec. 8, 2021, Rissi said the following in a voicemail message he left for then-Attorney General of Arizona Mark Brnovich: “This message is for Attorney General Mark Brnovich . . . . I’m a victim of a crime. My family is a victim of a crime. My extended family is a victim of a crime. That crime was the theft of the 2020 election. The election that was fraudulent across the state of Arizona, that the Attorney General knows was fraudulent, that the Attorney General has images of the conspirators deleting election fraud data from the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors computer system. Do your job, Brnovich, or you will hang with those [expletive] in the end. We will see to it. Torches and pitchforks. That’s your future, [expletive]. Do your job.”

Rissi pleaded guilty to two counts of sending a threatening interstate communication.

“The FBI works to ensure that threats to election officials will not impact election results, but will result in legal consequences,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Today’s sentencing represents the FBI and our partners’ dedication to keeping American elections impenetrable from criminal influences.” 

The FBI Phoenix Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI Omaha Field Office, Cedar Rapids Resident Agency.

Trial Attorney Tanya Senanayake of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean K. Lokey for the District of Arizona prosecuted the case.

This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the Department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers – whether elected, appointed, or volunteer – are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. The task force is continuing this work and supporting the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide.

Under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Monaco, the task force is led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and includes several other entities within the Justice Department, including the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Criminal Division, the Civil Rights Division, the National Security Division, and the FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo.

To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov. Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.

Source: US FBI

FAIRBANKS – A former substitute teacher from Kivalina, Alaska, was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline for soliciting nude photos and sex from multiple girls ages 11 to 16 years old.

According to court documents, while Jayson Knox, aka “Birdie,” 23, was a substitute teacher at the Kivalina school, he used social media and text messages to contact 10 young girls asking them for nude photos and to meet up with him to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Knox persisted in his behavior even after being confronted by some of the victims or their family members. He admitted that he was particularly attracted to underaged girls because he thought it was easier to get them to have sex. In addition to asking for nude photos, Knox also sent explicit photos of himself to several of the girls. Knox became the subject of a federal investigation when the Alaska State Troopers contacted the FBI concerning allegations that Knox had engaged in inappropriate conduct with minors in Kivalina. Knox pleaded guilty to one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor in September 2021.

“Child predators like Knox are every parent’s nightmare,” said John E. Kuhn, Jr. of the District of Alaska. “Fortunately, this sentence will protect the community for years to come. I commend our prosecutor, the FBI and the Alaska State Troopers for their excellent work in securing this conviction and sentence.”

“In his position of trust, the defendant sexually exploited innocent children, and betrayed his entire community in the process,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Whether it’s an urban area or a small coastal village on an island, the FBI will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and hold accountable anyone who seeks to harm children.”

“Child sexual exploitation is a problem in all of Alaska, but thanks to the dedication of skilled investigators and coordination with our federal and local partners, offenders such as Mr. Knox are being brought to justice,” said Alaska State Trooper Capt. Andrew Gorn, Commander of the Alaska Bureau of Investigation. “There is no place in society for these acts on children and we will continue to vigorously pursue those who perpetuate these crimes.”

The FBI and the Alaska State Troopers investigated the case as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Doty prosecuted the case.

This investigation is part of the Rural Alaska Anti-Violence Enforcement (RAAVEN) Working Group’s ongoing efforts to build the capacity of federal, state, and tribal law enforcement in rural Alaska. The RAAVEN Working Group, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, encourages extensive collaboration among law enforcement at all levels, rural communities, Alaska Native groups, victim service organizations, and care providers. Current law enforcement members of the working group include the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO), State of Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS), State of Alaska Department of Law (DOL), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), FBI, DEA, ATF, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and the Anchorage Police Department (APD).

The investigation is also part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visitwww.justice.gov/psc

###

Source: US FBI

ANCHORAGE – A Wasilla, Alaska, medical doctor was sentenced in federal court by Chief U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason to 34 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and fined $25,000 for illegally dispensing and distributing controlled substances to patients in his medical practice at the Camelot Family Health Clinic.

According to court documents, David Chisholm, 64, illegally prescribed his patients thousands of pills of highly addictive controlled substances, including oxycodone, methadone, hydrocodone, morphine, tramadol, fentanyl, hydromorphone and buprenorphine. An extensive undercover investigation revealed that Chisholm routinely distributed the controlled substances without administering a medical exam and without a legitimate medical purpose. He also did not develop pain management plans for his patients and his record keeping was virtually non-existent.   

Between January 2014 and October 2019, Chisholm wrote 20,524 prescriptions to approximately 350 patients amounting to nearly 2 million total dosage units of various opioids including more than 7,500 prescriptions for oxycodone, 3,600 prescriptions for methadone and 1,300 prescriptions for hydrocodone. Chisholm frequently wrote numerous prescriptions to patients under multiple variations of their names, allowing them to continue to refill their drugs without raising red flags from Medicare or their private insurance. At one point Chisholm’s practices became so egregious that Walmart refused to continue filling prescriptions he had written. In response, he instructed his staff to tell patients to go to other pharmacies. Chisholm often prescribed combinations of medications, including concurrent opioids, benzodiazepines, sedatives and carisoprodol. These combinations increased the likelihood of drug abuse and overdose among his patients. As part of the plea agreement, Chisholm acknowledged that his prescriptions were a significant contributing factor in the overdose deaths of five of his patients between 2016 and 2018.

“Dr. Chisholm’s reckless conduct reflects a shocking disregard for the welfare of his patients. Nothing can excuse his opioid prescribing practices in light of what is today universally understood about the risks of opioid use disorder and opioid overdose,” said U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. of the District of Alaska. “The United States Attorney’s Office, DEA, and FBI – together with our state and local partners – will investigate and prosecute any medical professional who jeopardizes the health and safety of patients with opioids and other addictive substances.”

“Dr. Chisholm intentionally distributed highly addictive and potentially lethal dosages and quantities of opioids to his patients,” said Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Seattle Field Division. “Today’s sentence sends a strong message that the DEA and law enforcement partners will fight the opioid epidemic through coordinated enforcement operations targeting medical professionals like Dr. Chisholm who betray their profession and use their prescription pads to further addiction and add fuel to the opioid epidemic.” 

Chisholm pleaded guilty in June 2021 and is required to surrender his Alaska State medical license.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Wasilla Police and the Alaska State Board of Pharmacy investigated this case as part of the Alaska Health Care Fraud Task Force (AHCFTF), a partnership of local, state, federal, and private agencies focused on the investigation of health care fraud, waste, and abuse in Alaska or affecting Alaskan interests. For more information and how to report health care fraud, please visit the FBI’s AHCFTF website: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/anchorage/alaska-health-care-fraud-task-force

Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Schroeder prosecuted the case.   

###