During the recent lapse in federal appropriations, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina continued its operations, pursuing prosecutions and enforcement actions without interruption. U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson released a summary of notable cases handled during this period.
“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.”
These cases were prosecuted under Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime.
Among highlighted cases:
- Decarlos Dejuan Brown, Jr., was indicted for an act of violence causing death on Charlotte’s light rail system.
- Kelvin Wayne Simmons faces charges including first-degree murder of a Cherokee County Detention Officer, attempted carjacking resulting in death, escape, multiple firearms offenses, and assaulting an officer.
- Derrick Alan Cucumber was indicted for first degree murder in Indian country and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
- Wyatt Austin Salus pleaded guilty to making interstate threats against United States Senator Thom Tillis by leaving threatening messages.
- Vance Deangelo Lewis is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine as well as several firearms offenses; authorities allege he possessed nearly half a kilogram each of fentanyl and methamphetamine along with 14 firearms.
- Eunorio Cortez Cortez was sentenced to 64 months in prison for illegal reentry after deportation and violating supervised release terms; his sentence was increased due to his extensive criminal history involving indecency with a child by exposure and multiple assaults causing bodily injury.
- Madison Dare Winslow received a 15-year sentence for selling fentanyl-laced pills that led to a teenager’s fatal overdose in Catawba County.
- Xana Dayanae Dove, formerly with Gastonia police, pleaded guilty to straw purchasing a firearm after making false statements on federal forms regarding her purchase from a licensed dealer.
- Marian Ovidiu Dumitru and Catalin Dumitru face charges related to a multistate fraud scheme involving more than $760,000 stolen from SNAP benefits through wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
- Shubh Ketankumar Patel was indicted for conspiracy to commit wire fraud by posing as a federal law enforcement officer targeting elderly victims.
- Jason Nathaniel Speier pleaded guilty to wire fraud after defrauding customers out of over $2.5 million through sales of log cabin kits across several states.
- Shabazz Emmanuel McCarthan was sentenced to 51 months imprisonment for using stolen identities—some belonging to deployed military service members—to commit fraud; he must also pay over $175,000 in restitution.
“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 office itself visit their official website.
