A member of MS-13’s East Boston Loco Salvatrucha (EBLS) clique pleaded guilty in connection with the assault of a rival gang member in East Boston.
Christian Alvarado, a/k/a “Catracho,” 28, of East Boston, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as racketeering or RICO conspiracy, and conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for July 6, 2017.
After a three-year investigation, Alvarado was one of 61 persons named in a January 2016 superseding indictment targeting the criminal activities of alleged leaders, members, and associates of MS-13 in Massachusetts. As alleged in court documents, MS-13 was identified as a violent transnational criminal organization whose branches or “cliques” operate throughout the United States, including in Massachusetts. MS-13 members are required to commit acts of violence to maintain membership and discipline within the group. Specifically, MS-13 members are required to attack and murder gang rivals whenever possible.
On May 11, 2008, Alvarado and other MS-13 members, including fellow EBLS member Edgar Pleitez, also known as “Cadejo,” attempted to murder a gang rival by beating him near a soccer stadium in East Boston. Alvarado also allegedly conspired with Santos Portillo-Andrade, also known as “Flaco,” the leader of the EBLS clique, and Pleitez to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. On several occasions in August 2015, Alvarado and Pleitez were recorded selling heroin to a cooperating witness. In addition, using a court-authorized wiretap, federal agents intercepted telephone calls between Alvarado and Portillo-Andrade in which the two men allegedly discussed selling a half-kilogram of heroin for $26,000. On Oct. 26, 2015, agents followed Alvarado and Portillo-Andrade to the sale, after which, the agents stopped Alvarado and Portillo-Andrade’s car and seized $26,000 in cash as well as a loaded firearm and a machete.
The RICO conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and no greater than 40 years in prison, a minimum of four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $8 million.
Alvarado is the thirteenth defendant to plead guilty in this case. Other defendants have pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy, drug trafficking, document fraud, and immigration offenses.
Monday, April 17, 2017
Friday, April 14, 2017
2 Zion Men Charged with Conspiring to Provide Material Support to the ISIS
Two men from a north suburb of Chicago were arrested on a federal complaint charging them with conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State.
JOSEPH D. JONES, also known as “Yusuf Abdulhaqq,” 35, of Zion, and EDWARD SCHIMENTI, also known as “Abdul Wali,” 35, of Zion, are charged with conspiring to knowingly provide and attempt to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). Jones and Schimenti were arrested. Also, authorities executed a search warrant at Jones’ residence in Zion.
The complaint and arrests were announced by Joel R. Levin, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Mary B. McCord, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security; and Michael J. Anderson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was investigated by the Chicago Joint Terrorism Task Force, which is comprised of FBI personnel and representatives from numerous federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The Zion Police Department provided valuable assistance.
According to a complaint and affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago, Jones and Schimenti pledged their allegiance to ISIS and advocated on social media for violent extremism in support of the terrorist group. In the fall of 2015 the pair befriended three individuals whom Jones and Schimenti believed were fellow ISIS devotees. Unbeknownst to Jones and Schimenti, two of the individuals were undercover FBI employees and the third individual was cooperating with law enforcement and was not an ISIS supporter, the complaint states.
Over the next several months Jones and Schimenti met the undercover FBI employees and the cooperating source on numerous occasions, during which Jones and Schimenti discussed their devotion to ISIS and their commitment to Islamic State principles, the complaint states. Some of the meetings took place in Waukegan, Zion, Bridgeview, North Chicago, Highland Park and Chicago.
At one point, Jones and Schimenti shared photographs of themselves holding the Islamic State flag at the Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, according to the complaint. In a recorded conversation with the cooperating source, Schimenti commented that Schimenti would like to see the ISIS flag “on top of the White House,” the complaint states.
Earlier this year Schimenti engaged in physical training exercises with the cooperating source at a gym in Zion, the complaint states. Schimenti believed the cooperating source intended to travel overseas to fight for ISIS, and Schimenti commented that the exercises would “make you good, you know, in the battlefield,” according to the complaint.
Last month the pair furnished several cellular phones to the cooperating source, believing they would be used to detonate explosive devices in ISIS attacks, the complaint states. On April 7, 2017, Jones and Schimenti drove the cooperating source to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago with the understanding that the source would be traveling to Syria to fight with ISIS, the complaint states. Schimenti told the source to “drench that land with they, they blood,” according to the complaint.
JOSEPH D. JONES, also known as “Yusuf Abdulhaqq,” 35, of Zion, and EDWARD SCHIMENTI, also known as “Abdul Wali,” 35, of Zion, are charged with conspiring to knowingly provide and attempt to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). Jones and Schimenti were arrested. Also, authorities executed a search warrant at Jones’ residence in Zion.
The complaint and arrests were announced by Joel R. Levin, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Mary B. McCord, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security; and Michael J. Anderson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was investigated by the Chicago Joint Terrorism Task Force, which is comprised of FBI personnel and representatives from numerous federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The Zion Police Department provided valuable assistance.
According to a complaint and affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago, Jones and Schimenti pledged their allegiance to ISIS and advocated on social media for violent extremism in support of the terrorist group. In the fall of 2015 the pair befriended three individuals whom Jones and Schimenti believed were fellow ISIS devotees. Unbeknownst to Jones and Schimenti, two of the individuals were undercover FBI employees and the third individual was cooperating with law enforcement and was not an ISIS supporter, the complaint states.
Over the next several months Jones and Schimenti met the undercover FBI employees and the cooperating source on numerous occasions, during which Jones and Schimenti discussed their devotion to ISIS and their commitment to Islamic State principles, the complaint states. Some of the meetings took place in Waukegan, Zion, Bridgeview, North Chicago, Highland Park and Chicago.
At one point, Jones and Schimenti shared photographs of themselves holding the Islamic State flag at the Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, according to the complaint. In a recorded conversation with the cooperating source, Schimenti commented that Schimenti would like to see the ISIS flag “on top of the White House,” the complaint states.
Earlier this year Schimenti engaged in physical training exercises with the cooperating source at a gym in Zion, the complaint states. Schimenti believed the cooperating source intended to travel overseas to fight for ISIS, and Schimenti commented that the exercises would “make you good, you know, in the battlefield,” according to the complaint.
Last month the pair furnished several cellular phones to the cooperating source, believing they would be used to detonate explosive devices in ISIS attacks, the complaint states. On April 7, 2017, Jones and Schimenti drove the cooperating source to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago with the understanding that the source would be traveling to Syria to fight with ISIS, the complaint states. Schimenti told the source to “drench that land with they, they blood,” according to the complaint.
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
FBI Hosts Hate Crimes Symposium, Broadens Collaborative Efforts with Local and State Officials
Last week, the FBI’s New York Field Office hosted its inaugural Hate Crimes Symposium at 290 Broadway in Lower Manhattan. The symposium, coordinated by FBI Supervisory Special Agent Anthony Bivona, aimed to extend the FBI’s reach into the communities they serve by providing them with valuable information as it relates to federal hate crime violations. In addition to speakers from the FBI, representatives from the Department of Justice, the New York City Police Department, and the non-profit Life After Hate provided the backdrop for this event.
“Investigating hate crimes is the highest priority of the FBI’s Civil Rights program. Today’s symposium is a reminder of our commitment to continue working with our partners to make sure justice is served for communities that have been victimized by crimes or threats of this nature,” said FBI New York Assistant Director in Charge William F. Sweeney, Jr.
"Investigating acts of hate is one of the highest priorities for the New York City Police Department," said Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill. "Over the last year, we have seen hate crimes in this city on the rise. Fortunately, the NYPD has dozens of our best detectives assigned to fully investigate every incident. I am thankful to the help from the FBI—and many others—who have worked jointly on many cases, including the recent series of threats made against Jewish institutions in New York City."
Groups that preach hatred and intolerance have a devastating impact on families and communities, and they can plant the seed of terrorism here in our country. The FBI investigates hundreds of these cases every year and works to detect and deter further incidents through law enforcement training, public outreach, and partnerships with a myriad of community groups.
Traditionally, FBI investigations of hate crimes were limited to crimes in which the perpetrators acted based on a bias against the victim’s race, color, religion, or national origin. In addition, investigations were restricted to those wherein the victim was engaged in a federally protected activity. With the passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009, the Bureau became authorized to investigate these crimes without this prohibition. This landmark legislation also expanded the role of the FBI to allow for the investigation of hate crimes committed against those based on biases of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or gender.
Also last week, in an effort to pool together all available resources in confronting this threat, the FBI has embedded a representative from the New York State Police within their Civil Rights Program. As with all of their partners who assist them in so many of their law enforcement efforts, including the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices from the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, they’re looking forward to broadening this relationship for the benefit of FBI and the public alike.
New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach, II said, "This new level of partnership between the state police and the FBI is unprecedented and only strengthens our ability to respond to the threat posed by hate crimes. I want to thank the FBI New York and Assistant Director in Charge William F. Sweeney, Jr. for sharing our commitment to protect all New Yorkers."
“Investigating hate crimes is the highest priority of the FBI’s Civil Rights program. Today’s symposium is a reminder of our commitment to continue working with our partners to make sure justice is served for communities that have been victimized by crimes or threats of this nature,” said FBI New York Assistant Director in Charge William F. Sweeney, Jr.
"Investigating acts of hate is one of the highest priorities for the New York City Police Department," said Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill. "Over the last year, we have seen hate crimes in this city on the rise. Fortunately, the NYPD has dozens of our best detectives assigned to fully investigate every incident. I am thankful to the help from the FBI—and many others—who have worked jointly on many cases, including the recent series of threats made against Jewish institutions in New York City."
Groups that preach hatred and intolerance have a devastating impact on families and communities, and they can plant the seed of terrorism here in our country. The FBI investigates hundreds of these cases every year and works to detect and deter further incidents through law enforcement training, public outreach, and partnerships with a myriad of community groups.
Traditionally, FBI investigations of hate crimes were limited to crimes in which the perpetrators acted based on a bias against the victim’s race, color, religion, or national origin. In addition, investigations were restricted to those wherein the victim was engaged in a federally protected activity. With the passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009, the Bureau became authorized to investigate these crimes without this prohibition. This landmark legislation also expanded the role of the FBI to allow for the investigation of hate crimes committed against those based on biases of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or gender.
Also last week, in an effort to pool together all available resources in confronting this threat, the FBI has embedded a representative from the New York State Police within their Civil Rights Program. As with all of their partners who assist them in so many of their law enforcement efforts, including the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices from the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, they’re looking forward to broadening this relationship for the benefit of FBI and the public alike.
New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach, II said, "This new level of partnership between the state police and the FBI is unprecedented and only strengthens our ability to respond to the threat posed by hate crimes. I want to thank the FBI New York and Assistant Director in Charge William F. Sweeney, Jr. for sharing our commitment to protect all New Yorkers."
Monday, April 10, 2017
Cook County Judge Myles Assassinated
A judge involved in several high-profile cases in Chicago was shot and killed outside his home Monday morning, police said.
Cook County Judge Raymond Myles, 66, and a 52-year-old woman were both shot outside the home on Chicago's South Side, police said. The woman, described as "a close associate of the judge," is expected to survive, Chicago police Chief of Detectives Melissa Staples said.
Myles was involved in the case against William Balfour, who was convicted of killing singer and actress Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew, WGN reported. The judge was also involved in the case of the 1993 massacre at a Brown's Chicken fast food restaurant in Palatine, Illinois, WGN reported.
Staples said it was not clear whether Myles was targeted due to his work as a judge. "We're investigating a multitude of possible leads," she said.
Police said the woman was walking out of a home around 5 a.m. when she encountered the gunman.
"Upon hearing the commotion and the gunshot, Judge Myles exited his residence to investigate," Staples said. Myles and the shooter exchanged words, and the gunman shot Myles multiple times.
Staples said the two victims were known to regularly leave the home around 5 a.m. "They would tend to go work out every morning together," Staples said.
Police said they are investigating whether robbery may have been a motive, but so far, it does not appear any property was stolen.
Authorities have not released a detailed description of the gunman, who remains at large. The FBI is offering a $25,000 reward for anyone with information leading to the arrest of the killer.
Cook County Judge Raymond Myles, 66, and a 52-year-old woman were both shot outside the home on Chicago's South Side, police said. The woman, described as "a close associate of the judge," is expected to survive, Chicago police Chief of Detectives Melissa Staples said.
Myles was involved in the case against William Balfour, who was convicted of killing singer and actress Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew, WGN reported. The judge was also involved in the case of the 1993 massacre at a Brown's Chicken fast food restaurant in Palatine, Illinois, WGN reported.
Staples said it was not clear whether Myles was targeted due to his work as a judge. "We're investigating a multitude of possible leads," she said.
Police said the woman was walking out of a home around 5 a.m. when she encountered the gunman.
"Upon hearing the commotion and the gunshot, Judge Myles exited his residence to investigate," Staples said. Myles and the shooter exchanged words, and the gunman shot Myles multiple times.
Staples said the two victims were known to regularly leave the home around 5 a.m. "They would tend to go work out every morning together," Staples said.
Police said they are investigating whether robbery may have been a motive, but so far, it does not appear any property was stolen.
Authorities have not released a detailed description of the gunman, who remains at large. The FBI is offering a $25,000 reward for anyone with information leading to the arrest of the killer.
Your Witness: Lessons on Cross-Examination and Life from Great Chicago Trial Lawyers
In Your Witness: Lessons on Cross-Examination, fifty of the nation’s top trial lawyers share the secrets of the most engaging
, difficult, and dramatic aspect of their work – cross-examination.
These secrets are revealed through richly told courtroom “war stories” with a point. While the stories contain some interesting bits of Chicago “color” – mobsters, corrupt politicians and businessmen, street gangs, mass murderers, sports figures, Nobel Laureates, and Colonel McCormick of the Tribune – many of the stories occur across the nation, and the book has broad appeal to lawyers and non-lawyers alike.
Thomas Anthony Durkin, William Kunkle, Don H. Reuben, Edward L. Foote, Robert F. Coleman, Michael T. Hannafan. R. Eugene Pincham, Michael J. Morrissey, Sam F. Adams, C. Barry Montgomery, Robert W. Tarun, Jo-Anne F. Wolfson, Charles B. Sklarsky, Matthias A. Lydon, Gordon B. Nash, Steven P. Handler, Michael W. Coffield, Richard A. Halprin, George N. Leighton, Thomas M. Chrisham, James S. Montana, Jr., Michael D. Monico, Marc W. Martin, Steven F. Molo, Peter C. John, Donald Hubert, Patrick A. Tuite, Raymond J. Smith, Walter Jones, Jr., Jeffrey E. Stone, Chris C. Gair, Robert L. Byman, James R. Figliulo, Philip S. Beck, Donald G. Kempf, Jr., Anton R. Valukas, Dan K. Webb, Patricia C. Bobb, Lorna E. Propes, Allan A. Ackerman, Terrence F. MacCarthy, Thomas Breen, Thomas M. Durkin, Vincent J. Connelly, Charles W. Douglas Manuael Sanchez, James D. Montgomery, William J. Martin, Robert A. Clifford, Thomas A. Demetrio
, difficult, and dramatic aspect of their work – cross-examination.These secrets are revealed through richly told courtroom “war stories” with a point. While the stories contain some interesting bits of Chicago “color” – mobsters, corrupt politicians and businessmen, street gangs, mass murderers, sports figures, Nobel Laureates, and Colonel McCormick of the Tribune – many of the stories occur across the nation, and the book has broad appeal to lawyers and non-lawyers alike.
Chapter Authors
Thomas Anthony Durkin, William Kunkle, Don H. Reuben, Edward L. Foote, Robert F. Coleman, Michael T. Hannafan. R. Eugene Pincham, Michael J. Morrissey, Sam F. Adams, C. Barry Montgomery, Robert W. Tarun, Jo-Anne F. Wolfson, Charles B. Sklarsky, Matthias A. Lydon, Gordon B. Nash, Steven P. Handler, Michael W. Coffield, Richard A. Halprin, George N. Leighton, Thomas M. Chrisham, James S. Montana, Jr., Michael D. Monico, Marc W. Martin, Steven F. Molo, Peter C. John, Donald Hubert, Patrick A. Tuite, Raymond J. Smith, Walter Jones, Jr., Jeffrey E. Stone, Chris C. Gair, Robert L. Byman, James R. Figliulo, Philip S. Beck, Donald G. Kempf, Jr., Anton R. Valukas, Dan K. Webb, Patricia C. Bobb, Lorna E. Propes, Allan A. Ackerman, Terrence F. MacCarthy, Thomas Breen, Thomas M. Durkin, Vincent J. Connelly, Charles W. Douglas Manuael Sanchez, James D. Montgomery, William J. Martin, Robert A. Clifford, Thomas A. Demetrio
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