The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina continued its core functions during the recent federal government shutdown, according to a summary released by U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. Despite the lapse in appropriations, prosecutors and staff carried on with their duties without pay.
“Our work never stops,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “During the longest shutdown in U.S. history, the majority of the Office’s prosecutors and staff continued to perform their duties without pay and despite personal challenges. The safety of our communities and our mission to uphold justice were never compromised, which speaks to the dedication of the public servants working at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
Several significant cases were pursued under Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, transnational criminal organizations, violent crime, and protecting vulnerable populations.
Among notable prosecutions:
– In Charlotte, Decarlos Dejuan Brown, Jr., was indicted for an act of violence causing death on a railroad carrier after a fatal attack on Iryna Zarutska.
– Kelvin Wayne Simmons was charged with first-degree murder of Cherokee County Detention Officer Francisco Paul Flattes II and other offenses including attempted carjacking resulting in death.
– Derrick Alan Cucumber faced charges for first degree murder in Indian country and firearm use during a violent crime related to Mario Sanchez Nino’s killing.
– Wyatt Austin Salus pleaded guilty to making interstate threats against United States Senator Thom Tillis.
– Vance Deangelo Lewis was charged with drug trafficking offenses involving fentanyl and methamphetamine as well as multiple firearms violations.
– Eunorio Cortez Cortez received a 64-month prison sentence for illegal reentry by a deported alien; his prior convictions included crimes involving children and family violence.
– Madison Dare Winslow was sentenced to 15 years in prison for distributing fentanyl-laced pills that resulted in a teenager’s fatal overdose.
– Former Gastonia police officer Xana Dayanae Dove pleaded guilty to straw purchasing a firearm by making false statements on federal forms.
– Romanian nationals Marian Ovidiu Dumitru and Catalin Dumitru were charged with fraud schemes that stole over $760,000 from SNAP benefits funds through unauthorized access devices and identity theft.
– Shubh Ketankumar Patel was indicted for wire fraud conspiracy targeting elderly victims by impersonating federal law enforcement officers.
– Jason Nathaniel Speier admitted guilt to wire fraud involving over $2.5 million taken from customers seeking log cabin kits across four states.
– Shabazz Emmanuel McCarthan was sentenced for committing identity theft-based fraud against military service members, ordered to serve 51 months in prison plus restitution payments.
“Our message is simple,” U.S. Attorney Ferguson added. “Those who threaten public safety, pollute our neighborhoods with deadly drugs, exploit the vulnerable, or steal taxpayer dollars will face the consequences. No matter the circumstances, we will always work hard to protect the people of Western North Carolina.”
For further information about these cases or about the U.S. Attorney’s Office activities during this period visit their official website.
