(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio)— The following are updates from the State of Ohio regarding remediation work at the site of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
Severe Weather Impacts
Heavy rain in East Palestine on Monday resulted in increased water flow in the contaminated section of Sulphur Run, which remains dammed to the east and west. Any rainwater that enters the contaminated section of the creek is considered contaminated and vacuumed from the site.
Recent rains also caused minor damage to some containment, collection, and stream treatment systems which were expected to be fixed by the railroad today. According to the Ohio EPA, the damage may have caused a small amount of heavily diluted contaminants from Sulphur Run to enter Leslie Run.
Bulk Liquid Transfer
Norfolk Southern has reported that their onsite contaminated liquid storage bins are now approximately 90% full due to the recent rains, necessitating the use of a bulk transfer method for the contaminated liquid.
Contaminated liquid was previously removed from the derailment site by truck and transported directly to licensed hazardous waste disposal facilities. The new bulk disposal method still utilizes semi trucks to remove liquid wastewater from the derailment site, but instead of bringing the wastewater directly to the licensed hazardous waste disposal facilities, the trucks will now offload the wastewater, which is mostly water, into rail cars stationed at the rail yards in Lordstown, Ohio.
This bulk transfer method was approved by the federal and state authorities overseeing the incident response.
The Ohio EPA is overseeing the transfer of the liquid wastewater from the trucks to the rail cars. The U.S. EPA will determine the rail cars’ destination and where the liquids will be disposed of.
Track Removal Plan
Ohio EPA and U.S. EPA are finalizing the process that Norfolk Southern will use to ensure the safe, complete, and effective cleanup of the hazardous waste under the train tracks at the derailment site. Track removal could begin as soon as tomorrow.
Private Well Sampling
Water sample results from private water systems of East Palestine area homes continue to show no harmful levels of contaminants.
The Ohio Department of Health, working with the Columbiana County Health District, today received verified laboratory results from 11 additional samples from private water systems as of noon Tuesday. Six of those wells showed no detectable contaminants. Five wells had trace detections at levels well below safe drinking-water standards. There is no evidence that these trace detections are linked to the train derailment.
In total, 126 private water wells in Ohio have been tested, and results have been returned for 30 of those wells, none of which showed evidence of contaminants linked to the train derailment.
Residents near East Palestine who would like their private water systems sampled should call 330-849-3919. As test results are returned, they will be posted at columbiana-health.org/resources/.
Air Monitoring
The U.S. EPA announced the deployment of a Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer mobile laboratory to conduct real-time air monitoring and air sampling analysis during the waste removal process.
To date, the U.S. EPA has not detected contaminants associated with the derailment while testing air quality within area homes. Those living in East Palestine who have not yet requested free air sampling can call 330-849-3919.
Wild Animal Necropsies
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will be submitting additional deceased wildlife to the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) for necropsies. Three raccoons, two muskrats, and one snapping turtle were all recently found dead in or around Sulphur Run.
Final necropsy results on four other animals previously submitted to the ADDL showed no findings to support chemical toxicity as a cause of death. Testing results from one six-week-old beef calf that died on February 11, 2023, are still pending.
Health Assessment Clinic
Hours for the Ohio Department of Health’s Health Assessment Clinic in East Palestine this week are:
Wednesday-Thursday
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ohioans will not be called by Ohio Department of Health employees to complete a health assessment. If you receive a call, do not give the caller personal information.
The Health Assessment Clinic is located at the First Church of Christ, 20 West Martin St. The numbers to call to make appointments are 234-564-7755 or 234-564-7888.
More information and previous updates are available at ema.ohio.gov/eastpalestine.
Coping with Trauma
According to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, traumatic events, such as the train derailment, can cause intense stress, anxiety, and worry, especially in the first several weeks following the event.
Local certified professionals are onsite at the East Palestine Mobile Health Clinic and are ready to assist anyone who has questions or concerns. In addition, any resident can call the Ohio CareLine at 1-800-720-9616 at any time of day for free, confidential, emotional support from a trained professional.
For more information about local behavioral health resources and providers, contact the Columbiana County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board at https://www.ccmhrsb.org/.
7 defendants sentenced for conspiring to launder more than $11.8 million of online romance scam proceeds
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The final defendant charged in a conspiracy to launder the money generated from online romance scams was sentenced in federal court here today to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
Kwame O. Yeboah, 38, of Columbus, conspired to launder more than $1.7 million through bank accounts in his control. As part of his sentence, Yeboah is ordered to pay the $1.7 million in restitution.
Yeboah and six other co-conspirators were convicted and sentenced for laundering the proceeds of online romance scams; they did not conduct the actual online scamming. The total amount generated by romance fraud that these individuals laundered was more than $11.8 million.
The other defendants convicted and sentenced include:
The romance scams involved individuals who created several profiles on online dating sites. They then contacted men and women throughout the United States and elsewhere, with whom they cultivated a sense of affection, and often, romance.
After establishing relationships, perpetrators of the romance scams requested money, typically for investment or need-based reasons, and provided account information and directions for where money should be sent. In part, these accounts were in the names of the defendants, their family members and their companies.
Funds were not used for the purposes claimed by the perpetrators of the romance scams. Instead, the co-conspirators conducted transactions designed to conceal, such as withdrawing cash, transferring funds to other accounts, buying official checks, sending wires to Ghana, China, the United States, and more. Part of the conspiracy was for the defendants to move the romance fraud proceeds from the United States to Ghana.
As part of their sentences, the defendants will pay the approximately $11.8 million in total.
Toure was also sentenced for money laundering as part of an unrelated COVID fraud scheme. Another individual submitted a fraudulent application for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). The U.S. Small Business Administration approved the COVID disaster-related loan and sent $110,000 in loan proceeds to Toure’s bank account. He then laundered the funds to conceal and disguise the fraud proceeds.
Ahiekpor was also sentenced for Wire Fraud for his role in defrauding the EIDL Program. In June 2020, he obtained a fraudulent $150,000 EIDL for his business. He spent the funds on two boats, an outboard motor, and a boat trailer. Ahiekpor committed part of his fraud scheme while on pretrial release for his money laundering charges, which means he will serve his Wire Fraud sentence after he completes his Money Laundering sentence.
The public can report online romance scams and other internet crimes at ic3.gov.
Experts offer tips for flagging romance scams:
Be careful what you post and make public online. Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you.
Beware if the individual seems too perfect or quickly asks you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly.
Beware if the individual attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests inappropriate photos or financial information that could later be used to extort you.
Beware if the individual promises to meet in person but then always comes up with an excuse why he or she can’t. If you haven’t met the person after a few months, for whatever reason, you have good reason to be suspicious.
Never send money to anyone you have only communicated with online or by phone. Never provide your financial information or allow your bank accounts to be used for transfers of funds.
Requests for gift cards are also a red flag. The FBI has additional tips and information for protecting against romance and confidence fraud: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/safety-resources/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/romance-scams.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday–Friday. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant United States Attorneys Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and David J. Twombly are representing the United States in this case.
Patrol Investigates Fatal Crash on State Route 3 north of Pleasant Home Rd. in Canaan Township in Wayne County
Canaan Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a two vehicle fatal crash that occurred at 4:23 p.m. on State Route 3 North of Pleasant Home Rd. in Canaan Township in Wayne County.
The crash involved a black 2021 Kia Seltos driven by Raven N. Park, age 31, of Seville, Ohio and a black 2007 Jeep Cherokee driven by Damon C. Hart, age 33, of Chippewa Lake, Ohio.
Initial investigation revealed Mr. Hart was southbound on State Route 3. Mrs. Park was traveling northbound on State Route 3. Mr. Hart’s vehicle traveled left of center striking Mrs. Park’s vehicle head on. After impact Mrs. Park’s vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway.
Mrs. Park was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Mr. Hart was transported by Canaan Township Fire Department to Akron General Hospital with serious life threatening injuries.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol Reconstruction Unit, Wayne County Coroner’s Office, and the Ohio Department of Transportation assisted on scene.
Alcohol does not seem to be a factor in this crash. Both drivers were belted. The crash remains under investigation.
(YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio) — Old-fashioned detective work, modern DNA technology, and a serendipitous tip that was offered in one case but proved vital in another case have led to the identification of two John Does in northeast and central Ohio, Attorney General Dave Yost announced this afternoon.
Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown, Youngstown Police Chief Carl Davis and Fayette County Sheriff Vernon Stanforth joined Yost at the press conference.
“Cases like these are why I created BCI’s cold case unit,” AG Yost said. “It’s to put the pieces together and assist local law enforcement so they can help bring closure to loved ones.”
Not long after, Youngstown police began to receive tips, including one that ultimately did not relate to their case but that detectives thought might be valuable in a different case elsewhere in the state.
In turn, detectives forwarded the information to BCI, which realized its relevance to a Fayette County human remains case dating back to 1981. The tip proved to be the missing piece that lead to the identification of Theodore Long.
Facial Reconstruction
Long’s body was found Nov. 17, 1981, in Paint Creek near Lamp Road. Deputies from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office diligently worked the case and had partnered with BCI’s Cold Case Unit in April 2022 to review potential new leads.
“It gives us some comfort that we no longer have to refer to this person by a location, but instead his name: Teddy Long,” Fayette County Sheriff Vernon Stanforth said. “Our condolences go out to the family who has been looking for 41 years to identify their loved one. We have an appreciation for the Youngstown Police Department and BCI for their assistance. Now our work begins to solve a homicide.”
Theodore Long
Long’s case remains an ongoing homicide investigation led by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.
In the meantime, detectives in Youngstown continued working their John Doe case. With the help of genetic genealogy research funded by the Porchlight Project, a nonprofit that offers support for families of missing and murdered persons, detectives ultimately determined the Mahoning County John Doe to be Robert Sanders.
“Each day, the greatest men and women in our country don the uniform and put their lives on the line to keep us safe in our homes, one our way to school, and as we enjoy a nice dinner out on the town,” said Carl Davis, Youngstown Chief of Police. “Those same men and women are driven by an inherent desire to solve the cases they investigate and provide resolution so that not only may the criminals be brought to justice, but that families can help find some peace in their lives.”
Robert Sanders
Law enforcement is increasingly turning to genetic genealogy to put a name to human remains that have long defied all other methods of identification. A relatively new tool, genetic genealogy involves comparing a John Doe’s DNA to DNA submitted voluntarily to commercial databases by members of the public. The more genetic variations, or markers, that any two people have in common, the nearer they are on the family tree. Subsequent research involving a search of public records allows a genetic genealogist to fill in the branches of the tree and to ultimately connect the John Doe’s DNA to a family with a missing person.
Anyone with information in the investigation regarding Theodore “Teddy” Long is encouraged to contact the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office at 740-335-6170.
Anyone with information in the investigation regarding Robert Sanders is encouraged to contact the Youngstown Police Department at 330-742-8900.
(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio)— The following are updates from the State of Ohio regarding remediation work at the site of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
Sediment Washing
The process of sediment washing has begun in both Sulphur Run and Leslie Run.
Much of the contamination remaining in these waterways is attached to the sediment in the creek beds, which is why contaminants can be seen rising to the surface of the water when the ground beneath the water is disturbed.
A private contractor has finished the first round of sediment washing, and the second round started today. The process involves disturbing the sediment to release the contaminants to the surface of the water, and the contaminants are then removed from the water by vacuum trucks.
Additional rounds of sediment washing may take place in the future.
Contaminated Waste Removal
Following a one-day pause of waste removal ordered by the U.S. EPA, Norfolk Southern has resumed removing contaminated soil and liquid from the train derailment site. The U.S. EPA today also identified Ross Incineration Services in Grafton, Ohio, and Heritage Environmental Services in Roachdale, Indiana, as licensed hazardous waste disposal facilities that can take contaminated waste from the derailment site.
Solid Waste
According to the Ohio EPA, approximately 4,832 cubic yards of contaminated soil have been collected from the derailment site. This number is an estimate based on visual surveys of the collected soil. A more precise number is calculated at the time the soil is weighed for disposal.
Of the contaminated soil removed from the site:
Approximately 280 tons of contaminated soil have been disposed of at U.S. Ecology Wayne Disposal, a licensed hazardous waste disposal facility in Michigan. This disposal occurred prior to the U.S. EPA’s pause on waste disposal.
Two 28-cubic-yard boxes of contaminated soil are being sent today to Heritage Thermal Services, a licensed hazardous waste disposal facility in East Liverpool, Ohio.
Additional contaminated soil at the derailment site will be collected when the process to remove the rails begins.
Liquid Waste
According to the Ohio EPA, approximately 1.8 million gallons of liquid waste have been collected from the derailment site. The calculation of 1.8 million gallons has been revised from Friday’s previous estimate of over 2 million gallons collected. Liquid waste amounts are estimates until they are weighed during the disposal process. The revised number of 1.8 million gallons reflects the actual amount of liquid waste hauled away from the derailment site, plus a revised estimate of the amount of collected liquid waste that has not yet been transported for disposal.
Of the liquid waste removed from the site:
Approximately 1.249 million gallons were disposed of at Texas Molecular, a licensed solid waste disposal facility in Texas. This disposal took place prior to the U.S. EPA’s pause on waste disposal.
Approximately 319,002 gallons were disposed of at U.S. Ecology Romulus, a licensed solid waste disposal facility in Michigan. This disposal took place prior to the U.S. EPA’s pause on waste disposal.
Approximately 94,372 gallons were disposed of at Vickery Environmental, a licensed solid waste disposal facility in Vickery, Ohio. This total includes liquid disposed of both before and after the U.S. EPA’s pause on waste disposal.
More contaminated liquid will be collected as the cleanup process progresses.
Private Well Sampling
A second set of testing results from private water wells in the area of East Palestine showed no harmful levels of contaminants.
The Columbiana County Health District on Monday received verified laboratory results from seven private water systems. Three wells showed no detectable contaminants. Four wells had trace detections of contaminants at levels well below safe drinking-water standards. There is no evidence that those trace detections are linked to the train derailment.
In total, 126 private water wells in Ohio have been tested, and results have been returned for 19 of those wells, none of which showed evidence of contaminants linked to the train derailment.
Residents near East Palestine who would like their private water systems sampled should call 330-849-3919. As test results are returned, they will be posted at columbiana-health.org/resources/.
Air Monitoring
The U.S. EPA reported that they have conducted indoor air testing at a total of 578 homes. No contaminants associated with the derailment were detected. Those living in East Palestine who have not yet requested free air sampling can call 330-849-3919. Outdoor air monitoring is ongoing with 15 air monitors in the area. These monitors have not detected contaminants associated with the derailment.
Wild Animal Necropsies – Final Results
Final necropsy results for four deceased wild animals from the East Palestine area show no findings to support chemical toxicity as a cause of death. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources brought the animals to the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory on February 21, 2023.
Coping with Trauma
According to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, traumatic events, such as the train derailment, can cause intense stress, anxiety, and worry, especially in the first several weeks following the event.
Local certified professionals are onsite at the East Palestine Mobile Health Clinic and are ready to assist anyone who has questions or concerns. In addition, any resident can call the Ohio CareLine at 1-800-720-9616 at any time of day for free, confidential, emotional support from a trained professional.
For more information about local behavioral health resources and providers, contact the Columbiana County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board at https://www.ccmhrsb.org/.
Business Support
The Ohio Department of Development has a number of programs to support small businesses in Ohio. Businesses impacted by the train derailment are encouraged to email businesshelp@development.ohio.gov for more information.
Health Assessment Clinic
Hours for the Ohio Department of Health’s Health Assessment Clinic in East Palestine this week are:
Tuesday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday-Thursday
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ohioans will not be called by Ohio Department of Health employees to complete a health assessment. If you receive a call, do not give the caller personal information.
The Health Assessment Clinic is located at the First Church of Christ, 20 West Martin St. The numbers to call to make appointments are 234-564-7755 or 234-564-7888.
More information and previous updates are available at ema.ohio.gov/eastpalestine.
(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio)— The following are updates from the State of Ohio regarding remediation work at the site of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
Derailment Site Water Monitoring Wells
Ohio EPA is overseeing the installation of water monitoring wells that will be installed by a private contractor at the site of the train derailment.
This week, up to three wells will be drilled to determine if ground water immediately below the derailment site is contaminated, with a total of 10 wells planned after the soil under the rails is completely excavated. These monitoring wells will also support a better understanding of the direction and rate of the ground water flow in the area.
The wells announced today are in addition to four monitoring wells that were installed last week to monitor groundwater between Leslie Run and the village’s wellfield. Out of an abundance of caution, these four wells were drilled to detect any potential contaminants before they reach the village’s municipal water wells, which have been tested and determined to be safe.
Rail Cars
Other than the 11 cars being held as part of the National Transportation Safety Board’s ongoing investigation, all rail cars have been removed from the derailment site.
Contaminated Waste Removal
Removal of contaminated soil and liquid from the train derailment site will resume tomorrow.
According to the U.S. EPA, the U.S. EPA has approved Norfolk Southern to transport contaminated soil to the Heritage Thermal Services in East Liverpool, Ohio. The U.S. EPA has also approved Norfolk Southern to transport contaminated liquid to Vickery Environmental in Vickery, Ohio. The U.S. EPA and U.S. Department of Transportation will oversee the transport of the waste from East Palestine to the disposal sites.
The U.S. EPA also continues to work with Norfolk Southern to identify additional waste disposal locations.
Approximately 1.8 million gallons of liquid waste and 4,832 cubic yards of solid waste have been collected to date. Additional solid and liquid waste are being staged daily as the cleanup progresses.
Private Well Sampling
According to the Columbiana County Health Department, a total of 126 private wells have been tested for the presence of contaminants.
As test results are returned, they will be posted at columbiana-health.org/resources/.
Air Monitoring
The U.S. EPA reported that they have conducted indoor air testing at a total of 578 homes. No contaminants associated with the derailment were detected. Those living in East Palestine who have not yet requested free air sampling can call 330-849-3919. Outdoor air monitoring is ongoing with 15 air monitors in the area. These monitors have not detected contaminants associated with the derailment.
Business Support
The Ohio Department of Development has a number of programs to support small businesses in Ohio. Businesses impacted by the train derailment are encouraged to email businesshelp@development.ohio.gov for more information.
Health Assessment Clinic
Hours for the Ohio Department of Health’s Health Assessment Clinic in East Palestine this week are:
Monday-Tuesday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday-Thursday
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ohioans will not be called by Ohio Department of Health employees to complete a health assessment. If you receive a call, do not give the caller personal information.
The Health Assessment Clinic is located at the First Church of Christ, 20 West Martin St. The numbers to call to make appointments are 234-564-7755 or 234-564-7888.
More information and previous updates are available at ema.ohio.gov/eastpalestine.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Following the unexpected death of State Representative Kris Jordan (R-Ostrander) Governor Mike DeWine has ordered that the flags of the United States and the State of Ohio be flown at half-staff at the Ohio Statehouse and at all public buildings and grounds throughout Delaware County until sunset on the day of his funeral.
“Fran and I are shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Representative Kris Jordan,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “We extend our sincerest condolences to his entire family for this most unexpected loss. Kris will be remembered for his expertise as a legislator and his advocacy for the people of Delaware County.”
(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio)— The following is an update on the status of remediation work in East Palestine, Ohio.
Municipal Water Sampling
Last week, test results confirmed that East Palestine’s municipal water was free from contaminants associated with the derailment. Out of an abundance of caution, the Ohio EPA will independently test the municipal water once a week to ensure that this water source remains clean.
Private Well Sampling
The Columbiana County Health Department reports that it has sampled 74 private wells in the East Palestine area. Final testing results are pending. Those whose drinking water is sourced from a private well are encouraged to drink bottled water until testing results are returned. To schedule testing for your private well, call 330-849-3919.
Air Monitoring
The U.S. EPA reported that they have conducted indoor air testing at a total of 560 homes. No contaminants associated with the derailment were detected. Those living in East Palestine who have not yet requested free air sampling can call 330-849-3919. Outdoor air monitoring is ongoing with 20 air monitors in the area. These monitors have not detected contaminants associated with the derailment.
Surface Water Cleanup
The contaminated section of Sulphur Run near the derailment site remains dammed to the east and west to prevent contamination of other water bodies. Clean creek water at the eastern dam continues to be funneled away before entering the contaminated area and is then released back into Sulphur Run at the western dam.
Aeration, the process of injecting oxygen into the water to treat contamination, also remains underway on Sulphur Run. Aeration drives chemicals to the water’s surface, which are then extracted from the water. More than 1.6 million gallons of contaminants and contaminated water associated with the derailment have been removed from the area.
The quality of Leslie Run continues to improve. The most recent test results available, which are from samples taken on February 15, show very low levels of two contaminants, butyl acrylate and ethyl hexyl acrylate. Tests from North Fork Little Beaver Creek show much lower levels of ethyl hexyl acrylate and no traces of butyl acrylate. No vinyl chloride has been detected in any of these waterways.
The Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission is no longer detecting contaminates related to the derailment in the Ohio River.
Soil Removal
To date, approximately 4,588 cubic yards of contaminated soil have been removed from the immediate area of the derailment.
Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Claims
The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has created a specialized team to specifically handle any workers’ compensation claims related to the derailment. These claims will be subject to the same standards, rules, and laws as any other claim within the jurisdiction of Ohio but will be administered by staff members with specialized knowledge related to toxic substance/harmful physical agent exposure. All claim-related inquiries may be directed to Sarah Shackelford at Sarah.S.2@bwc.state.oh.us or Wilma Rhone-Perez Wilma.P.1@bwc.state.oh.us.
Indictment Unsealed Charging Six Nigerian Nationals with Operating International Fraud Scheme That Defrauded Elderly U.S. Consumers
An indictment was unsealed today charging six Nigerian nationals – three residing in the United Kingdom and three residing in Spain – with operating a large transnational fraud scheme. One of the charged defendants made his initial appearance today, after being extradited from the United Kingdom.
Ezennia Peter Neboh, 48, Kennedy Ikponmwosa, 51, and Prince Amos Okey Ezemma, 49, of Madrid, Spain; and Iheanyichukwu Jonathan Abraham, 44, Emmanuel Samuel, 39, and Jerry Chucks Ozor, 43, of London, face federal charges in Miami. Neboh, Ikponmwosa, Abraham, Samuel, and Ozor were arrested in April 2022 by authorities in Madrid and London, based on an indictment filed in the Southern District of Florida, and have remained incarcerated since then. Samuel made his initial appearance in Miami today. Okey Ezemma remains at large.
According to court documents, the defendants are charged with operating an inheritance fraud scheme. Over the course of more than five years, they allegedly sent personalized letters to elderly consumers in the U.S., falsely claiming that the sender was a representative of a bank in Spain and that the recipient was entitled to receive a multimillion-dollar inheritance left for the recipient by a family member who purportedly had died years before in Spain. Victims were told that, before they could receive their purported inheritance, they were required to send money for delivery fees, taxes, and payments to avoid questioning from government authorities. Victims sent money to the defendants through a complex web of U.S.-based former victims, whom the defendants convinced to serve as money mules. According to the indictment, victims who sent money never received their purported inheritance funds.
“Schemes that prey on the elderly are particularly insidious,” said Principal Deputy Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch will pursue and prosecute transnational criminals who defraud U.S. consumers, wherever they are located. I thank the Kingdom of Spain and the United Kingdom for their tireless efforts in assisting U.S. authorities to find and arrest these individuals so that they may face charges here in the United States.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has a long tradition of protecting citizens from these types of schemes and bringing those responsible to justice,” said Postal Inspector in Charge Juan A. Vargas for the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Miami Division. “The indictment unsealed today is a testament of the dedicated partnership between the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, to protect our citizens from these scams”.
“The successful extradition of the defendant is the result of a dynamic and coordinated investigative effort by HSI, our law enforcement and judicial partners,” said Special Agent in Charge Scott Brown for HSI Arizona Field Office. “Crimes aimed at the elderly have devastating financial effects. HSI will continue to aggressively investigate greedy swindlers who prey on the vulnerable for profit.”
The defendants are all charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, as well as mail fraud and wire fraud. Emmanuel Samuel made his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan Goodman of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Neboh, Ikponmwosa, Abraham, and Ozor remain in extradition proceedings. If convicted, Samuel faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Consumer Protection Branch, USPIS, and HSI are investigating the case.
Senior Trial Attorney Phil Toomajian and Trial Attorneys Josh Rothman and Brianna Gardner of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, Europol, the Portuguese Judicial Police, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, and the Spanish National Police, all provided critical assistance.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud, and reporting certain financial losses sustained due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern time. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
More information about the Department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at https://www.ovc.gov.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio)— Governor DeWine provided the following updates regarding East Palestine today.
East Palestine Health Clinic
Ohio will set up a medical clinic in East Palestine next week to engage with residents, answer questions, evaluate any symptoms, and provide medical expertise.
In response to a request from Governor DeWine, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will send federal officials to East Palestine to support the clinic.
“We know that the science says that East Palestine is safe, but we also know that residents are very worried,” said Governor DeWine. “They are asking themselves ‘Is my headache just a headache? Or is it a result of the chemical spill? Are other medical symptoms caused by the spill?’ Those are very legitimate questions and residents deserve answers.”
Working with the Ohio Department of Health, Ohio EPA, and U.S. EPA, HHS teams will begin seeing patients early next week. Teams will include national experts on the impacts of chemical exposure.
The location of the clinic and hours are will be announced on ema.ohio.gov/eastpalestine when this information is available.
Emotional Support
Because of the tremendous toll the train derailment has had on residents in East Palestine, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services is supporting the county Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Board to ensure that residents know what resources are available.
In addition to local resources, the Ohio Careline, 1-800-720-9616, is open 24 hours a day and staffed with trained mental health professionals who are there to listen and help. All calls are free and confidential. They can also connect you with local resources if follow-up care is needed.
FEMA
East Palestine currently does not qualify for FEMA assistance. Although FEMA is synonymous with disaster support, they are most typically involved with disasters where there is tremendous home or property damage such as tornadoes, flooding, and hurricanes.
However, to ensure that East Palestine can receive assistance from FEMA should this disaster qualify for FEMA aid in the future, Governor DeWine is preemptively filing a request with FEMA to preserve these rights.
A recording of today’s public briefing can be found at ohiochannel.org.
Air Monitoring
Twenty air monitors, strategically located throughout the community by U.S. EPA and an independent contractor, continue to monitor outdoor air. Those monitors, which are not detecting contamination from the derailment, continue to be moved throughout the area to collect samples from various locations.
The U.S. EPA, in partnership with an independent contractor, also continue to monitor the air in and around East Palestine. To date, the air has been sampled in 500 homes with no detections of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with the train derailment. More than two dozen additional homes are scheduled for air testing today. Teams are still taking appointments for those who wish to schedule a screening. To make an appointment, call 330-849-3919.
Apart from the derailment, VOCs are generally present in things such as paint, flooring, carpet, furniture, and cigarette smoke. Although the testing in approximately 75 homes did show elevated levels of VOCs, further testing found that contaminants of concern from the derailment were not present in these homes.
Residential Well Sampling
Although testing results from East Palestine’s municipal water source have determined that municipal drinking water is safe to drink, those who get their water from private wells are still encouraged to use bottled water until their water is tested.
Testing results are pending for 38 private wells and more wells are scheduled for testing today. To schedule testing for your private well, call 330-849-3919.
Ohio River
The chemical plume of butyl acrylate in the Ohio River has dissipated.
The level of concern for this contaminant is 560 parts per billion, and readings yesterday were under 3 parts per billion. Water testing on the Ohio River is no longer detecting the presence of butyl acrylate or any other contaminant associated with the derailment.
Sulphur Run
Visible chemical contamination in the section of Sulphur Run that is directly near the crash site should be expected, and this area should be avoided.
Very soon after the crash, Sulphur Run was dammed so that the contamination in that part of the creek does not contaminate other waterways. Teams are pumping clean creek water from the point of the eastern dam, funneling it away from the contaminated section of the creek, and releasing it back into Sulphur Run at the western dam. This allows clean water to bypass the area of the derailment and prevents clean creek water from picking up contaminants and carrying them into other waterways.
The remediation of the impacted area of the creek is expected to take time, and residents are encouraged to avoid that area.
Waste Removal
Contaminated Soil: To date, 8,350 cubic yards of contaminated soil have been removed from the immediate area of the derailment. This soil has been moved into containers and stockpiled for proper disposal.
Contaminated Water: Although most contaminants did not enter local waterways, contaminants are pooling at the derailment site in puddles and ditches. A total of 1.1 million gallons of contaminants and contaminated liquid have been removed from the immediate site and stockpiled for proper disposal.
More Information
Additional information related to the cleanup process, including contact phone numbers, press conference videos, FAQs, water and air sampling information, and previous updates can be found at ema.ohio.gov/eastpalestine.
Joe Lyons •
February 28, 2023
In August 2022, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) 
Long’s body was found Nov. 17, 1981, in Paint Creek near Lamp Road. Deputies from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office diligently worked the case and had partnered with BCI’s Cold Case Unit in April 2022 to review potential new leads.
“Each day, the greatest men and women in our country don the uniform and put their lives on the line to keep us safe in our homes, one our way to school, and as we enjoy a nice dinner out on the town,” said Carl Davis, Youngstown Chief of Police. “Those same men and women are driven by an inherent desire to solve the cases they investigate and provide resolution so that not only may the criminals be brought to justice, but that families can help find some peace in their lives.”
