Districtof NebraskaUnited States Attorney's OfficeDistrictof Nebraska
June 20, 2001
United States Attorney Mike Heavican announced that the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska returned several unsealed original indictments late today. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Please telephone Mike Heavican, or, in his absence, First AUSA Mike Wellman, at 402 221 4774, if you need additional information on any of the following indictments:
January 11, 2002
United States Attorney Mike Heavican and U. S. Customs announce the following information for the attention of the media:
Event Triggering this Release: Rufus Todd Jones was sentenced in the United States District Court by the Honorable Judge Joseph F. Bataillon for trafficking in counterfeit Rolex watches over the Internet. Mr. Jones was sentenced to 3 years in prison, ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $ 116,779.50 and ordered to pay a special assessment of $100.
Two other defendants in this case, Robert Garza, age 26 of Garland, Texas and John Gerard Ryan, age 45 of Littleton, Colorado, have also entered pleas of guilty to this conspiracy. Garza will be sentenced on January 18, 2001. Ryan failed to appear for sentencing today and will be sentenced upon his apprehension or self-surrender.
A fourth defendant, Dawn Jones, the wife of Rufus Jones, was sentenced on November 15, 2001 for her involvement in the conspiracy. She received a sentence of 5 years probation and was ordered to pay restitution in the same amount of $116,779.50.
Rufus Jones and the others operated Internet based businesses from the Omaha, Nebraska, area. The court found that while using web-sites named fakewatch.com and dealsbytodd.com, Jones collected nearly $800,000 from the sale of counterfeit watches nationwide.
Jones will also forfeit his interest in approximately 10 computers he was using in the operation of his Internet businesses.
Jones has been in federal custody since December 18, 2001. He had been released pending sentencing, but his release was revoked when he violated the conditions of release.
Name of Defendant: Rufus Todd Jones, AKA: Todd Jones, Scott Lee
DOB: November 28, 1968
Last Known Non-Custodial Address of Defendant: 12919 Himebaugh Avenue, Omaha, NE
Crime(s) Charged and Potential Penalty (A CHARGE is merely an accusation and every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty):
Trafficking in counterfeit goods or services, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2320(a) & 2
Potential Penalty: 10 years imprisonment; $2,000,000 fine; 3 year term of Supervised Release; $100 Special Assessment
Specific Location of Alleged Crime:
Location of Arrest: N/A, appeared on Summons
Alleged Dollar Loss/Type and Quantity of Drug:
Others Charged in Same Scheme:
Relevant Dates:
Date(s) of Alleged Crime: December 1999
Federal Arrest Date: N/A, appeared on Summons
Date Complaint Issued:
Indictment Returned Date: June 20, 2001
Initial Appearance Date: July 20, 2001
Plea or Trial and Date(s): Pled guilty, October 19, 2001
Sentencing Date: January 11, 2002
Next Court Hearing Type and Date: none
Assigned Magistrate Judge: Honorable Thomas D. Thalken
In Continuous Custody Since: December 18, 2001
Assigned District Court Judge: Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon
Initials of Assigned AUSA/Preparer of THIS Release: DAM