Northern District of California
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Man Who Participated in Illegal Marijuana Grow Operation in Los Padres National Forest Sentenced to Five Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – Jacinto Correa Cruz, 56, a Mexican national, was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison for his role in a large-scale illegal cannabis cultivation operation in the Los Padres National Forest. U.S. District Judge Eumi K. Lee handed down the sentence.
Correa Cruz pleaded guilty on Dec. 17, 2024, to one count of depredation of federal lands and one count of manufacture of, and possession with intent to manufacture and distribute, marijuana. Correa Cruz admitted to injuring and damaging federal property by willfully participating in an illegal marijuana grow operation on federal public lands and knowingly manufacturing marijuana plants.
According to court documents, Correa Cruz was arrested in July 2022 during a multi-agency search of one of the largest illegal marijuana cultivation operations found on federal land, known as the “Ventana Complex.” The complex is located in the Ventana Wilderness region of the national forest, a federally protected area that is known as a top “biodiversity hotspot” and home to more threatened and endangered species than any other national forest in California.
The investigation into the Ventana Complex emerged after evidence revealed that the 2020 Dolan Fire, which killed one firefighter and 12 condors, was started by a marijuana grower who ignited the fire at an illegal marijuana cultivation site located in the same region of the Los Padres National Forest. The investigation revealed that, between 2021 and 2022, the Ventana Complex comprised of at least seven interconnected illegal marijuana sites.
The cultivation site where Correa Cruz was arrested included two plots that had been cleared of most native vegetation to make way for approximately 10,000 marijuana plants. Law enforcement also discovered a camp area with a tent and 15 sleeping bags, a kitchen area with thousands of pounds of trash and dead animal parts, and significant quantities of hazardous materials and chemicals on site. An environmental damage assessment found that the illegal operation diverted and used approximately 33,780 gallons of water a day in an area that was experiencing severe drought conditions.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins, Brandon Robinson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Law Enforcement and Investigations, Pacific Southwest Region, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Lee ordered the defendant to pay $35,074 in restitution and sentenced him to three years of supervised release. The defendant was immediately remanded into custody at sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne C. Hsieh is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Sara Slattery. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by USFS and the FBI, with assistance from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Norteño Gang Member Who Fled Days Before 2024 Sentencing Date Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Nicholas Addleman was sentenced today to 84 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge James Donato handed down the sentence.
According to court documents, Addleman, 38, of Vallejo, Calif., a longtime member of the San Francisco Mission District Norteños, previously served five years in state custody following convictions for assault with a deadly weapon and shooting at an inhabited dwelling. Addleman was released on parole in July 2022. A few months after his release, on Oct. 14, 2022, police officers conducted a parole search of Addleman’s vehicle and recovered two Glock firearms, including one with a loaded extended magazine, in a hidden compartment behind the center console. Addleman admitted to officers that the firearms were his, and his DNA was found on the grip of one of the guns.
Addleman was charged by complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) in November 2022. He pleaded guilty to the offense in September 2023, and was originally scheduled to be sentenced on his federal firearms conviction in February 2024. Days before the sentencing, Addleman absconded from pretrial supervision, and the Court issued a bench warrant for his arrest. At the time of his arrest in December 2024, a search of his Vallejo residence found multiple assault rifles, large capacity magazines, and suspected gun silencers.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Donato ordered Addleman to serve three years of supervised release and to forfeit the firearms and ammunition seized by police.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This prosecution was brought by the Violent Crime Strike Force and is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leif Dautch prosecuted this case, with the assistance of Nina Burney. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, the San Francisco Police Department, and Vallejo Police Department.
Man Who Defrauded Investors with Sham Technology Company Found Guilty of Wire Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – A federal jury today convicted Ramesh Kris Nathan on six counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering in connection with fraudulently obtaining investors’ money for a company that had no legitimate business activities. The guilty verdict followed an eight-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Nathan, 43, a U.S. national, promised investors that their money would fund Relativity Research Fund, Inc., a company for which Nathan set up a bank account in San Francisco. He promoted Relativity as being involved in the research and development of advanced technologies, including prototype spacecraft and space-related propulsion systems. He also made false promises of future trading of the company’s shares on the Nasdaq Private Market.
“Ramesh Nathan spun fantastic tales about space travel technology and advanced robotics to entice investors into funding his company, but all he had to offer was science fiction. He deceived his investors, many of whom were veterans, about a nonexistent business. Then he used the ill-gotten funds to line his own pockets,” said Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins. “Thanks to the jury’s verdict, Mr. Nathan is being held accountable for the harms he caused to multiple victims.”
“Ramesh Nathan orchestrated a scheme rooted in deception, betraying the trust of investors for his own gain,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani. “Today’s guilty verdict reflects the seriousness of his crimes and brings justice to the victims he defrauded. The FBI remains committed to holding financial criminals accountable and protecting the public from fraud.”
The evidence presented at trial showed that Nathan induced potential investors to provide funds by making false and misleading statements on his company’s website, in promotional materials, and in emails to potential investors. For example, Nathan claimed that the company was developing numerous technology-related enterprises, including advanced robotics and space travel technology. Nathan also represented that the company had significant capital investments, worldwide offices with over 15,000 employees, and tens of billions of dollars in profits and revenue.
The jury also found that Nathan laundered investor funds through various bank accounts, and then used the funds for his personal expenses and transfers to his mother and his then-girlfriend. Nathan carried out his fraudulent scheme by recruiting an intermediary to share his lies with investors, many of whom were veterans of the United States military and friends and family of veterans.
The defendant will next appear in court on June 13, 2025, for further proceedings. Nathan faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud and 10 years in prison for each count of money laundering, and forfeiture of all property that is traceable to his wire fraud and money laundering violations. Any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roland Chang and Sara Henderson are prosecuting the case, with the assistance of Tina Rosenbaum. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
Oakland Man Sentenced to Nearly Six Years in Federal Prison for Unlawful Firearms and Ammunition PossessionRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Michael Tatum was sentenced yesterday to 70 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White handed down the sentence.
Tatum, 35, of Oakland, pleaded guilty on Jan. 23, 2024, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). In pleading guilty, Tatum admitted that, during a search of his residence in February 2022, law enforcement found that he illegally possessed five loaded firearms, including two loaded assault rifle-style firearms, two firearms loaded with high-capacity magazines, and one stolen firearm, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Law enforcement also seized $148,531.05 in U.S. currency from Tatum’s residence. At the time, Tatum had a prior felony conviction.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King made the announcement.
In addition to the 70-month prison term, Judge White ordered Tatum to serve a three-year period of supervised release and to forfeit his interest in the recovered firearms, ammunition, and currency. The defendant will begin serving the sentence on July 22, 2025.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Dahlke and Charles Bisesto prosecuted this case with the assistance of Laurie Worthen and Amala James. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI and California Highway Patrol.
Former Executive Director of Non-Profit Serving Oakland Youth Pleads Guilty to Embezzling over $500,000 from OrganizationRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Howard Solomon, also known as Solomon Howard, pleaded guilty today to one count of mail fraud and one count of tax evasion in connection with embezzling from his former employer, the East Oakland Boxing Association (EOBA), a non-profit organization that serves low-income youth in East Oakland neighborhoods and communities through a variety of programming, including after-school boxing lessons.
Solomon, 38, of Oakland, Calif., who served as the Executive Director of EOBA from late 2016 until 2021, was charged by information in February 2025. In pleading guilty, Solomon admitted to a multi-year mail fraud scheme in which he embezzled at least $549,000 from his former employer.
According to court documents and the plea agreement, after being added in September 2016 as an authorized signatory on EOBA bank accounts at Wells Fargo Bank, Solomon transferred EOBA funds out of the Wells Fargo accounts into accounts he controlled at other banking institutions. He also deposited charitable contributions to EOBA into the accounts he controlled, some of which were business accounts and others of which were his personal accounts. Solomon acknowledged that he took these actions without informing or seeking authority from EOBA board members or any other person affiliated with EOBA.
As one example, Solomon admitted that he deposited into a personal account a $50,000 donation that EOBA received in October 2019. The $50,000 donation was made to EOBA in connection with a December 2019 appearance by Stephen Curry and Ayesha Curry on the Ellen DeGeneres Show for a segment known as “Ellen’s Greatest Night of Giveaways,” during which the Currys delivered various gifts to EOBA, including a $50,000 check from the show.
Solomon used the embezzled funds and donations to pay for personal expenses that had no connection to his job, including vacation expenses, a Ford Explorer, and Amazon purchases for personal use.
Solomon also admitted to tax evasion by failing to disclose the money he embezzled from EOBA as income and misstating expenses associated with two alleged businesses that Solomon claimed lost money on his tax filings for the years 2017 through 2021. In total, Solomon caused a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $287,185.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge of the Oakland Field Office Linda Nguyen made the announcement.
Solomon’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Aug. 14, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gain of the fraud, and restitution of at least $549,132 to the East Oakland Boxing Association for the mail fraud count under 18 U.S.C. § 1341, and five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and restitution of at least $287,185 to the IRS for the tax evasion count under 26 U.S.C. § 7201. Any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas R. Green is prosecuting this case with the assistance of Amala James and Alycee Lane. This prosecution is the result of an investigation by IRS-CI.
Former Lay Leader Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Mail Fraud for Role in Scheme to Defraud AME Zion Church Congregations in CaliforniaRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Sheila Quintana pleaded guilty in federal court today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud in connection with her role in a scheme to defraud congregations of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (AME Zion Church) across California as well as private lenders.
Quintana, 71, of Vallejo, was indicted along with co-defendant Staccato Powell, 65, of Wake Forest, N.C., by a federal grand jury in January 2022 on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349 and two counts of wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343. Powell was additionally charged with one count of mail fraud.
On April 18, 2025, an information was filed charging Quintana with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371, and re-alleging the three counts against her in the indictment. Quintana waived indictment on the charges in the information. She pleaded guilty this afternoon to the count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371 and agreed to cooperate with the government.
According to court documents, Powell and Quintana were officers of the Western Episcopal District, Inc. (WED, Inc.), an entity that Powell formed in 2016 after Powell’s selection as bishop to AME Zion Church’s Western Episcopal District, a geographic division of the church covering several states in the western United States, including California. AME Zion Church is an historically African-American denomination of approximately 1.4 million adherents worldwide.
Powell was the chief executive officer (CEO) of WED, Inc., and Quintana became the chief financial officer (CFO) in March 2017. In pleading guilty, Quintana admitted to using false statements and material omissions to obtain from local pastors grant deeds to church properties, and then using fake resolutions to memorialize the agreement of the local congregations to new mortgages on the local church properties when no such authorization had been given.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.
Quintana admitted to fraudulently obtaining mortgages on the following church properties:
- Kyles Temple in Vallejo: Quintana was part of a group that assisted with the purchase of a $1.5 million episcopal residence in Granite Bay, with approximately $1 million covered by a bank loan. To obtain the additional $500,000 in funding, Quintana learned that the anticipated loans required the use of two church properties as collateral. The group identified two church properties that would be used as collateral to secure financing to purchase the episcopal residence, including Kyles Temple in Vallejo. At the time, Quintana was the chair of the Board of Trustees of Kyles Temple as well as the CFO of WED, Inc. Quintana drafted a fake resolution reflecting authorization by Kyles Temple for the loan and giving herself authority to execute loan documents in her role as Chair of the Board of Trustees. She admitted that there was no meeting at Kyles Temple to approve (or even discuss) this resolution.
- First AME Zion Church in San Jose: In October 2017, Quintana assisted with documents and transactions to use the First AME Zion Church in San Jose as collateral for a new loan to buy a parsonage, a residence for the congregation’s new pastor. Quintana prepared a fake resolution on the San Jose congregation’s letterhead stating that the new pastor was authorized to sign all documents pertaining to the real estate transactions, following a “unanimous vote by the membership.” During the processing of the loan paperwork, Quintana learned that a title search for the San Jose church revealed a title interest in the property held by the AME Zion Church of Los Angeles. She then prepared another fake resolution stating that the AME Zion Church in Los Angeles held a membership meeting on or about Oct. 12, 2017, and voted to deed the church in San Jose to WED, Inc. Using the resolutions, WED, Inc. obtained a loan, the proceeds of which were used to purchase the parsonage. Quintana learned in late November 2017 that the San Jose congregation disputed the transaction, including the assertion that the church’s membership voted unanimously to approve the resolution. In or about August 2019, Quintana assisted with an additional transaction to refinance the 2017 loan using the First AME Zion Church of San Jose as collateral.
- Greater Cooper AME Zion Church in Oakland: As CFO of WED, Inc., Quintana executed loan documents in May 2019 to borrow $525,000 using the Greater Cooper AME Zion Church in Oakland as collateral. Quintana signed the grant deeds transferring the property of Greater Cooper AME Zion Church in Oakland to WED, Inc. and other closing documents on May 16, 2019, and signed the deed of trust for the transaction as CFO of WED, Inc. on May 24, 2019. Following that, Quintana emailed Powell to inform him that the “expected cash amount from the Cooper loan is $506,000 . . . .” Quintana later learned that the property of Greater Cooper had been encumbered with approximately $1.5 million in debt and that the congregation objected to the encumbrance as unauthorized.
- University AME Zion Church of Palo Alto: Quintana understood in 2017 that Powell had informed the Reverend of University AME Zion Church of Palo Alto that Powell planned to use the University church as collateral for a loan. Quintana prepared the paperwork needed for the transfer of the University AME Zion Church to WED, Inc. In March 2018, Quintana received paperwork for a $2 million loan using University AME Zion Church as collateral, and emailed the loan papers to Powell for him to sign. WED, Inc. encumbered the University AME Church with loans totaling $3.6 million, which Quintana admitted was debt that the congregation’s membership neither knew about nor authorized.
- First AME Zion Church in Los Angeles: Beginning in December 2017, Quintana assisted with documents and transactions to use the First AME Zion Church in Los Angeles as collateral for a new loan. Quintana understood from Powell that the pastor of the Los Angeles church had told Powell that the membership had approved the transfer of title from the Los Angeles church to WED, Inc. Quintana prepared a resolution that purported to document a meeting at which the membership approved the transfer and authorized the Reverend of the Los Angeles church to sign documents pertaining to the transfer, as well as an updated resolution that purported to document a meeting at which the membership approved the transfer of title to WED, Inc., and authorized Powell to sign all documents pertaining to the transaction. She sent both fake resolutions to the lender. Quintana signed a resolution of the Board of WED, Inc. on Dec. 15, 2017, approving the obtaining of a loan using the Los Angeles church property as collateral, and executed loan documents on Dec. 20, 2017. Quintana admitted that she knew that the resolution included false information that was material to obtaining the loan using the church as collateral, and intended that the use of the false and material information would result in the loan’s approval and funding.
Quintana further admitted that between September 2018 and June 2019, in recognition of the amount of time she had spent assisting Powell with the business of the Western Episcopal District, she prepared and signed three checks drawn on WED, Inc.’s bank account and made payable to her spouse totaling $67,500. The checks were payable to Quintana for her benefit. Quintana wrote and signed these checks making payment to her spouse because she did not want anyone other than Powell to know of the payments.
According to the information filed on April 18, 2025, WED, Inc. filed a bankruptcy petition in July 2020 in which it claimed its assets included 11 churches, a parsonage, and Powell’s official residence. The petition stated that WED, Inc.’s real property was worth $26,338,031 and had debts totaling $12,475,453.
Quintana is next scheduled to appear in court on July 15, 2025, for a status hearing. She faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371. Any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan U. Lee is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kathy Tat and Helen Yee. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
Felon Who Hid Loaded, Fully Automatic Handgun in 6-Year-Old Nephew’s Pants Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Darneko Yates, 30, of Richmond, Calif., was sentenced today to 46 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a felony. U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín handed down the sentence.
Yates was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), following a one-day bench trial on Jan. 17, 2025. The evidence at trial established that on Aug. 27, 2023, police officers stopped Yates for a vehicle infraction. Yates’s young nephew and niece were in the backseat of his car. Police officers discovered that Yates possessed a loaded automatic handgun, which was concealed in the front of his six-year-old nephew’s pants. At the time, Yates was on parole following three felony convictions for carjacking, solicitation to commit murder, and possessing a loaded firearm.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Martinez-Olguín ordered Yates to serve three years of supervised release.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leif Dautch and Richard Ewenstein are prosecuting this case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, and the San Pablo Police Department.
East Bay Property Developers Charged in Scheme to Bribe Antioch City CouncilmemberRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – A two-count indictment was unsealed today charging property developers David Sanson and Trent Sanson with conspiracy and bribery in connection with offering to pay an Antioch City Councilmember $10,000, and later giving the Councilmember a company travel mug with $5,000 in cash, in exchange for favorable treatment for one of their development projects. The Councilmember reported the alleged bribe to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Both defendants made their initial appearances in federal court this morning.
According to the indictment filed April 3, 2025, David Sanson, 60, of Philipsburg, Mont., is the owner and Chief Executive Officer of a home building and development company based in Concord, Calif., and his son, Trent Sanson, 33, of Walnut Creek, Calif., is the Vice President. The development company has a number of projects in Antioch and neighboring areas, including the Aviano project, a multi-phase 533-unit residential development project.
As alleged, the Antioch Engineering and Development Services Division indicated that the development company had not completed all of its required public infrastructure improvements and that Phase 3 of the Aviano project should not be deemed complete or approved by the City Council until those improvements were completed. As a result, the City of Antioch had not approved the release of bonds secured for the project. To get the Antioch Engineering and Development Services Division to affirm completion and release the bonds associated with the project, Trent Sanson allegedly contacted an Antioch City Councilmember via iMessage on May 29, 2024, stating that he wanted to discuss with the Councilmember issues that the development company was facing with the Antioch “Engineering department” on a number of projects, including Phase 3 of the Aviano project.
The indictment describes a video-recorded meeting between the Councilmember and Trent Sanson on June 12, 2024, during which Trent Sanson allegedly stated that he wanted the Councilmember to place on the City Council agenda, and vote in favor of, “acceptance for Phase 3 at Aviano to release the completion and guarantee bonds . . . .” Trent Sanson allegedly stated that David Sanson was willing to pay the Councilmember $10,000 in exchange for the requested actions. A second video-recorded meeting took place on June 20, 2024, at which David Sanson allegedly paid the Councilmember $5,000 in cash concealed in a travel coffee mug branded with the logo of the Sansons’ development company.
“This indictment alleges that the defendants tried to bribe an Antioch City Councilmember to take favorable action on their real estate project and to evade having to make the public infrastructure improvements that the City required,” said Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins. “This case is another example of my Office’s commitment to working closely with our partners at the FBI to root out bribery and attempts to corrupt public office.”
“Attempting to bribe a public official is a blatant attack on the integrity of our government and the trust of the communities we serve,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani. “The allegations in this case reflect a clear attempt to manipulate the system for personal gain. The FBI will continue to aggressively investigate and hold accountable anyone who seeks to corrupt public institutions through bribery or abuse of power.”
The defendants are next scheduled to appear in district court on June 12, 2025, for a status conference before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers.
The indictment charges each defendant with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371 and one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(2). The bribery count also includes an allegation that defendants aided and abetted one another in bribing the Antioch City Councilmember.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, defendants each face a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the count under 18 U.S.C. § 371 and 10 years in prison for the count under 18 U.S.C. §§ 666(a)(2). Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas R. Green and Benjamin K. Kleinman are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Amala James and Laurie Worthen. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
Sanson, David and Trent Indictment
Owner of San Jose-Based Technology Staffing Firm Sentenced to 14 Months for Visa Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – Kishore Dattapuram was sentenced today to 14 months in federal prison for visa fraud and conspiracy to commit visa fraud. U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila handed down the sentence.
Dattapuram, 55, of Santa Clara, was indicted in February 2019 along with two co-defendants on one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud and 10 counts of substantive visa fraud. Dattapuram pleaded guilty to all counts in November 2024.
Dattapuram co-owned and operated Nanosemantics, Inc., a staffing firm in San Jose that provided skilled employees to technology companies in the Bay Area. Nanosemantics received a commission for workers placed at client companies. Nanosemantics regularly submitted H-1B petitions for foreign workers so that foreign workers could obtain temporary authorization to live and work for employers in the United States. In order to secure an H-1B visa, an employer or other sponsor must submit an “I-129” petition to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A petition and associated documentation must confirm the existence and duration of the job waiting for the worker, and describe key details including the wages associated with the position.
Dattapuram worked with his co-defendants to submit fraudulent H-1B applications that falsely represented that foreign workers had specific jobs waiting for them at designated end-client companies when in fact the jobs did not exist. On multiple occasions, Dattapuram paid companies to be listed as end-clients for the foreign workers, even though he knew the workers would never work for those employers. As defendants admitted, the goal of the scheme was to allow Nanosemantics to obtain visas for job candidates before securing jobs for them, thereby allowing Nanosemantics to place those workers with employers as soon as those jobs were available, rather than waiting for the visa application process to conclude, and giving Nanosemantics an unfair advantage over its competitors.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King made the announcement.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Davila also ordered Dattapuram to serve three years of supervised release, forfeit $125,456.48, and pay a fine of $7,500 and a $1,100 special assessment fee.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Griswold and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnny James are prosecuting this case with the assistance of Lynette Dixon and Nina Burney. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI, with assistance from USCIS.
Oakland Woman Who Managed On-Demand Drug Delivery Service That Catered to Students and Young Professionals Sentenced to over Four Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Natalie Marie Gonzalez, the leader of a drug trafficking service that supplied controlled substances throughout the Bay Area to students and young professionals, was sentenced today to 50 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Trina L. Thompson handed down the sentence.
Gonzalez, 31, of Oakland, was indicted along with three co-defendants in October 2023. On Sept. 13, 2024, Gonzalez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C).
According to the plea agreement, from April 2023 through September 2023, Gonzalez managed an on-demand drug trafficking delivery service known as “The Shop” that supplied a broad range of controlled substances to customers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. The Shop had a menu of drugs available for sale and required “a $300 minimum for postal shipments and Bay Area delivery.” Gonzalez paid delivery drivers, including her co-defendants, to deliver controlled substances to customers who placed orders through the encrypted messaging app Signal. During the investigation, Gonzalez messaged an undercover agent that her customer base was “a lot of students and young professionals.”
Gonzalez made multiple sales to the undercover agent of methamphetamine pills that were delivered by The Shop’s drivers. In connection with a sale in July 2023, Gonzalez messaged the undercover agent on where to meet the delivery driver, “Please meet him at the car (white Subaru Forester) with exact change and either: – Hop in for a short ‘Uber’ ride around the block – Get your order through the window like Door Dash – Or play with the pup outside the car to cover up a casual swap :).”
In addition to accepting cash payments for methamphetamine pills, Gonzalez also advertised that The Shop accepted cryptocurrency on the group’s drug menu. Gonzalez gave the undercover agent multiple Bitcoin addresses that the agent could use to pay for drugs.
On Sept. 13, 2023, while executing a search warrant at the group’s stash house in Menlo Park, agents seized, among other illegal drugs, almost a kilogram of fentanyl, roughly seven kilograms of cocaine, orange fake Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, and ketamine.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Thompson ordered Gonzalez to serve three years of supervised release.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris made the announcement.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Pastor is prosecuting the case with assistance from Andy Ding. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the DEA and IRS Criminal Investigation.
Sixth Member of Salinas-Based “Murder Squad” Pleads Guilty to Role in 2017 Killing SpreeRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – Andrew Alvarado, a member of a Salinas-based Norteño criminal street gang, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of racketeering conspiracy and one count of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering.
Alvarado, 34, of Salinas, was indicted along with multiple co-defendants by a federal grand jury on Oct. 15, 2020. According to court documents, Alvarado was a member of the self-proclaimed “Murder Squad,” a crew of Salinas-based Norteño criminal street gang members falling under the Monterey County Regiment Enterprise affiliated with the Nuestra Familia prison gang. The squad would go on “hunts,” shooting and killing rival gang members or those perceived to be rivals. The squad would often use military-style tactics, traveling in a convoy of vehicles with a designated shooter vehicle and a designated security/spotter vehicle, all of which were in constant communication via conference call. The security/spotter vehicles would patrol the streets, find a target, and transmit their location to the shooter vehicle. The shooters in the shooter vehicle would drive up, exit, fire at the victims until their magazines were empty, and speed away. The security/spotter vehicles would follow behind, ready to distract or intercept law enforcement and allow the shooter vehicle to escape.
In pleading guilty, Alvarado admitted that he personally participated in six of these hunts between January 2017 and May 2017. He was the shooter in three of those hunts, resulting in the deaths of three victims and the wounding of a fourth. In one instance, the hunt began at a gathering to remember a co-conspirator’s family members who had been killed in a car accident, during which the gang members agreed to go hunting for rival gang members to kill. Alvarado also admitted that he was in the security/spotter vehicle in three other hunts, resulting in the deaths of three victims, the wounding of four victims, and the near-miss of one victim. Each additional “body” increased Alvarado’s status and prestige within the gang.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King made the announcement.
Five of Alvarado’s co-defendants pleaded guilty in May 2024 to racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering. The five co-defendants were sentenced in September 2024 to between 25 and 41 years in prison.
Alvarado, who remains in custody pending sentencing, is scheduled to be sentenced on July 15, 2025. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $250,000 fine for racketeering conspiracy in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d), and 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5). Any sentence will be imposed by the Court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
This prosecution was brought by the Violent Crime Strike Force and is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Hageman and Mari Overbeck are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Nina Burney and Lakisha Holliman. The prosecution is the result of a yearslong investigation by HSI and the Salinas Police Department.
Office Furniture Supplier Vari Agrees to Pay $1.1 Million to Resolve Allegations of False Claims for Overcharging Federal AgenciesRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Varidesk, LLC and Vari Sales Corporation, two Texas companies that do business under the name VARI, have agreed to pay $1,100,000 to resolve allegations that VARI violated the False Claims Act by failing to give the United States matching price discounts VARI provided to other customers as required by VARI’s contract with the General Services Administration (GSA), while falsely representing to the United States that VARI had complied with those contractual requirements.
“Companies must deal honestly with federal agencies and comply fully with the requirements of their federal contracts,” said Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins. “The False Claims Act is a critical tool to deter and hold accountable contractors who misuse public funds, and we will vigorously enforce it when taxpayers are overcharged.”
“GSA contractors should not overcharge federal agencies at the expense of the public fisc,” said GSA Deputy Inspector General Robert Erickson. “I appreciate the efforts of the special agents, auditors, and attorneys who worked on this case.”
In 2016, VARI entered into a Multiple Award Schedule contract with GSA, which provided a streamlined process for federal government purchasers to buy office furniture from VARI at discounted prices and required VARI to comply with specific conditions. VARI promised that GSA would receive discounts that were equivalent to those VARI provided to other customers in the “basis-of-award” category defined by the contract. Under the contract’s price reduction clause, whenever VARI provided discounts to basis-of-award customers that were greater than those given to GSA, VARI was required to disclose promptly those discounts to GSA and provide price-matching refunds.
The settlement announced today resolves the government’s allegations that, from Dec. 8, 2016, through June 30, 2019, VARI knowingly failed to provide GSA with price discounts that it provided to other customers in the basis-of-award category, in violation of its contract with the federal government, and thus knowingly caused false or fraudulent claims for payment to be made to GSA.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act by Elliot Balis (Relator), a former VARI sales executive. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. In this case, Relator will receive $187,000 as part of the settlement. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Balis v. Varidesk LLC, et al., 22-cv-09146-JCS (N.D. Cal.).
Assistant U.S. Attorney David DeVito handled this matter for the government. The investigation and settlement resulted from a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California and GSA-OIG.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
Vari Settlement Agreement
Oakland Resident Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Unlawful Possession of A Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Pedro Juarez was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person convicted of a felony, announced Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and ATF Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani. The sentence was handed down by the Hon. Charles R. Breyer, U.S. District Judge.
Juarez, 33, of Oakland, Calif., was found guilty of the charge by a jury on September 25, 2024. The evidence presented at trial demonstrated that, on August 16, 2023, Juarez forced a woman he knew to travel with him from San Jose to San Francisco. After Juarez let the woman go, she called 9-1-1 and police responded to a location in San Francisco at which Juarez was located. Juarez fled from police and, during his flight, pulled a handgun from his waistband and began to point it towards officers before his arm hit a railing and the firearm fell to the ground. The firearm was loaded with ammunition.
In addition to the 84-month prison term, Judge Breyer ordered Juarez serve a three-year term of supervised release, which will begin after he leaves prison. Judge Breyer also ordered Juarez to forfeit his interest in the recovered firearm and ammunition. Juarez is currently in custody and will begin to serve is prison term immediately.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ivana Djak and Noah Stern with the assistance of Tina Rosenbaum and Madeline Wachs. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the ATF.
San Francisco Resident Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Dale Jetton was sentenced today to serve 180 months (15 years) in federal prison for distribution of child pornography announced Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. Senior U.S. District Judge Edward M. Chen handed down the sentence.
Jetton pleaded guilty on August 22, 2024, to one count of distribution of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(2). Jetton was originally indicted by a federal grand jury on August 29, 2023. According to the plea agreement, beginning in March 2023, Jetton began exchanging email messages with an individual who, unbeknownst to him, was an undercover law enforcement officer. Jetton sent the undercover officer an invitation and link to a cloud service that Jetton boasted contained over 700+ megabytes of child exploitation materials. The link included thirty-eight videos containing visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Jetton, a registered sex offender, admitted he knew the visual depictions in these videos included prepubescent minors or minors under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including at least one video that depicted a minor being subjected to sexual bondage.
Jetton has been in custody since his arrest in 2023. He will begin serving his prison term immediately. In addition to the prison term, Judge Chen also ordered Jetton to serve 15 years of supervised release which will begin after his term of imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Roland Chang and Sophia Cooper. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the San Francisco Police Department.
Silicon Valley Start-Up Founder Sentenced to 2.5 Years in Prison for Securities FraudRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Shaukat Shamim was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison in connection with his scheme to defraud investors into investing in the technology start-up he founded and led, announced Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani. The sentence was handed down April 7 by the Hon. James Donato, U.S. District Judge.
Shamim, 53, of Santa Clara, Calif., pleaded guilty to the charges on September 16, 2024. According to agreed facts in the plea agreement, Shamim founded Silicon Valley-based YouPlus in 2013. By 2015, the focus of YouPlus was to develop artificial intelligence software tools to analyze online video content. From its inception until Shamim resigned from the company in November 2019, YouPlus raised approximately $17 million from investors, including angel investors and venture capital firms.
Shamim admitted that he made false representations to investors and potential investors about YouPlus’s product, sales, and customer adoption. For example, Shamim told investors that YouPlus had developed a search engine that used neural networks to analyze videos and predict marketing outcomes despite knowing that YouPlus had not, in fact, developed software with fully operational artificial intelligence functionalities. Instead, to perform pilot projects or marketing studies, YouPlus had employees in India manually review videos and then create PowerPoint presentations with marketing insights. Shamim also admitted to investors and prospective investors about YouPlus’s revenue and customers. Shamim admitted that, in August and September 2018 he prepared and provided to prospective investors documents that claimed that YouPlus had customers who had signed up for continuing services and paid recurring subscription fees. In fact, no customers had signed on to pay monthly fees for the service. Shamim provided some victims a spreadsheet that showed 90 customers were paying a total of $600,000 per month. Nevertheless, in reality, every one of the purported customers were paying for YouPlus subscriptions and YouPlus had only ever earned minimal revenue—less than $200,000 total—working on small and non-recurring projects.
In February 2019, Shamim told investors that Youplus had earned $4.6 million in revenue in the year 2018, when in fact its revenue was less than $100,000 that year. In May 2019, Shamim falsely claimed that YouPlus had earned $3.5 million in revenue in only the first four months of 2019 when, in reality, YouPlus ultimately earned less than $280,000 in revenue for all of 2019.
By September 2019, YouPlus was running short on cash and Shamim was seeking to raise money for YouPlus in a Series A financing from venture capital investors. During the same time period, Shamin, also sought bridge loans from existing investors to cover YouPlus’s costs. In connection with these efforts to raise funds, investors and potential investors requested that Shamim provide more detailed financial information about YouPlus and populate a data room with bank statements, customer contracts, and other materials that would back up the revenue Shamim claimed YouPlus was earning. Shamim admitted that, in response to these requests and to conceal the fact that he had previously provided false information about YouPlus revenue, Shamim altered bank statements for YouPlus’s bank accounts in India and the United States. The false documents reflected revenue Shamim knew did not exist. For example, Shamim altered a statement for an account YouPlus held at a U.S. bank so that it showed totaling over $600,000 from 35 different companies, including Coca-Cola, Kraft, and Netflix. The deposits did not actually exist. The true bank statement for that month reflected only one $65,000 customer deposit. Shamim also admitted to forging or altering contracts purporting to show subscription agreements between YouPlus and purported customers.
Shamim admitted that, from August 2018 through October 2019, he used these false statements about revenue and customers to obtain about $6.4 million from investors.
On June 14, 2022, a federal grand jury handed down an indictment that charged Shamim with three counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, and one count of securities fraud, in violation of 15 U.S.C. § 78j(b) and 78ff and 17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Shamim pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud and the court dismissed the remaining counts during the sentencing hearing.
In addition to the 30-month prison term, Judge Donato ordered Shamim to pay a $50,000 fine and to serve three years of supervised release, which will begin after he leaves prison. Shamim is currently released on bond, and Judge Donato ordered that Shamim report to begin serving his sentence on April 28, 2025. In addition, Judge Donato scheduled a hearing for June 23, 2025, to determine issues regarding restitution.
The case is being prosecuted by the Corporate and Securities Fraud Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lloyd Farnham and Noah Stern are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Madeline Wachs, Sara Slatterly, and Claudia Hyslop. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI thank the San Francisco Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). An SEC civil enforcement action is currently pending against Shamim in the Northern District of California.
San Francisco Resident Who Shot and Killed Victim in the Presidio Found Guilty of Voluntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – A federal jury today found Leion Butler, aka Leniyah Butler, 21, of San Francisco, guilty of voluntary manslaughter. The verdict followed a two-week jury trial before U.S. District Judge Susan Illston.
The jury found that Butler, a sex worker, killed a man in the Crissy Field East Beach area of the Presidio of San Francisco on Nov. 12, 2023, after performing a sex act on the victim. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Butler shot the victim once in the eye after he asked for a refund and asked Butler to get out of the car. After killing him, Butler stole the victim’s vehicle, drove it to Hunters Point, and tried to wipe away the fingerprints and DNA. Butler spent the rest of that morning scattering the physical evidence, including the murder weapon.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the victim’s family, whose son and brother was taken from them prematurely, and hope today’s verdict brings some measure of justice,” said Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins. “We commend the swift actions of the FBI agents, who promptly and thoroughly investigated this case from the moment the victim’s body was found in the Presidio.”
“This conviction demonstrates the FBI’s unwavering commitment to seeking justice for victims of violent crime,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani. “Through tireless investigative work and collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we ensured that the defendant was held accountable for this senseless act. The FBI will continue to pursue those who commit violent offenses and threaten the safety of our communities.”
The jury acquitted Butler of murder in the second degree.
Butler, who is currently being held in custody, is scheduled to be sentenced on June 27, 2025. The maximum statutory penalty for a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1112 is 15 years and a fine of $250,000, plus restitution if appropriate. Any sentence will be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelsey Davidson and George Hageman are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Helen Yee, Jessie Chelsea, Marina Ponomarchuk, and Janice Pagsanjan. The prosecution is the result of a monthslong investigation by the FBI.
Oakland Woman Who Made Multiple Fraudulent Unemployment Insurance Claims Using Stolen Identities Sentenced to 33 Months and One DayRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Kari Marie Russo was sentenced today to 33 months and one day in federal prison for submitting numerous fraudulent unemployment insurance claims using stolen identities. U.S. District Judge James Donato handed down the sentence.
Russo, 46, and her co-defendant Steven Dunsmore, 35, both of Oakland, were indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 3, 2023. A federal grand jury also indicted Russo on Sept. 17, 2024, on a single count of failure to appear. On Dec. 10, 2024, Russo pleaded guilty to two counts of fraudulent use of unauthorized access device, two counts of aggravated identity theft, and one count of failure to appear.
According to court documents, beginning in June 2020, Russo and Dunsmore engaged in an elaborate scheme to submit fraudulent unemployment insurance claims to California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) using other people’s personally identifying information, such as their names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers, without their authorization.
As a result of the fraudulent applications, Dunsmore and Russo received approximately $336,545 in EDD funds.
Additionally, while Russo was on pretrial release so that she could participate in a residential drug treatment program, Russo left the program without permission and failed to appear in court on Jan. 8, 2024, as ordered. She was captured by the U.S. Marshals Service on June 11, 2024.
Dunsmore previously pleaded guilty on Feb. 26, 2024, to two counts of fraudulent use of unauthorized access device and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Judge Donato sentenced Dunsmore on June 17, 2024, to 24 months and one day in federal prison and ordered him to pay $336,545 in restitution.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Donato also ordered Russo to pay $336,545 in restitution, jointly and severally with Dunsmore.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins, Quentin Heiden, Special Agent-in-Charge, Western Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani, and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, Ph.D., made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy Garbers is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Laurie Worthen. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by DOL-OIG, FBI, DHS-OIG, and California’s Employment Development Department.
San Francisco Man Charged with Production of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – A federal grand jury has indicted Ricci Lee Wynne on charges of producing child sexual abuse materials. Wynne made his initial appearance in federal court this morning.
According to the indictment filed March 18, 2025, Wynne, 39, of San Francisco, allegedly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced minor victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing videos and/or images of the conduct on or about April 9, 2022, and Oct. 29, 2022.
Wynne has been in federal custody since December 2024 following a report of a supervised release violation in another case. He is next scheduled to appear in district court on March 26, 2025, for a status conference before Senior U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.
Wynne is charged with two counts of production of child pornography under 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a). An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a). Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys E. Wistar Wilson and Eric Cheng are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Soana Katoa and Marina Ponomarchuk. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI appreciate the assistance of the San Francisco Police Department and HSI. Anyone with information relevant to this case can report it by contacting the FBI at (415) 553-7400 or tips.fbi.gov.
Ricci Lee Wynne Indictment
Tenderloin Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to over Four Years for Distribution of A Controlled Substance and International Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Elbin Salvador Archaga-Ayestas, aka “Cuco,” was sentenced today to 50 months in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl and international money laundering. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers handed down the sentence.
Archaga-Ayestas, 21, a Honduran national, was charged on Dec. 7, 2023, by a superseding indictment with one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and three counts of international money laundering in connection with sending the proceeds of his fentanyl sales to Honduras via a money services business in Oakland, Calif. On Nov. 7, 2024, he pleaded guilty to all four counts in the superseding indictment.
According to court documents, Archaga-Ayestas resided in Oakland and traveled to the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco to sell drugs. Archaga-Ayestas sold multiple ounces of fentanyl to an undercover officer on May 11, 2023. At the time of Archaga-Ayestas’s arrest on June 26, 2023, he was in possession of nearly 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl. In the months leading up to his arrest, Archaga-Ayestas sent proceeds from his fentanyl sales, wiring over $10,000 on several occasions, back to his family in Honduras through a money transmitting business, Envios Express. These transactions avoided Bank Secrecy Act reporting requirements by using multiple fake wire senders and multiple enlisted recipients in Honduras.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Gonzalez Rogers also ordered the defendant to serve four years of supervised release.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris, and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge of the Oakland Field Office Linda Nguyen made the announcement.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, which streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Kassabian is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Amanda Martinez and Andy Ding. The prosecution is the result of a year-long investigation by the DEA and IRS-CI.
Salinas Man Sentenced to over 22 Years for Conspiracy to Commit Child Sex Trafficking, Child Enticement, and Distribution and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – Daniel Philip Aguirre was sentenced yesterday to 270 months (22.5 years) in federal prison and ordered to pay $19,100 in restitution for child sex trafficking, child enticement, and child pornography offenses. U.S. District Judge Beth L. Freeman handed down the sentence.
Aguirre, 33, of Salinas, pleaded guilty on Oct. 30, 2024, to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1594(c), sex trafficking of a minor in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a)(1), (b)(2), and (c), coercion and enticement of a minor in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b), distribution of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(2), and possession of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(4)(B).
According to the plea agreement, between 2014 and 2017, Aguirre used Grindr, SnapChat, Craigslist, and other websites to recruit and entice multiple adolescent boys for sexual exploitation and abuse. In May 2014, he enticed a 14-year-old victim into illegal sexual acts with Aguirre and another man in San Jose, during which amyl nitrates, commonly known as “poppers,” were used to keep the child intoxicated. Between April and September 2017, Aguirre sex trafficked a second 14-year-old victim while also maintaining an illegal sexual relationship with the child. He also used the victim to create and distribute child sexual abuse materials. Aguirre also acknowledged allegations by two other boys that Aguirre subjected them to online and in-person sexual abuse at various times from 2013 to 2015, while they were minors. Numerous child sexual abuse materials were found on devices seized from Aguirre’s residence during a search in 2022.
“This defendant preyed on and exploited children, and subjected them to nightmare scenarios. We are grateful for the courage shown by these victims in coming forward. Thanks to the work of our federal and state law enforcement partners, Aguirre will spend over 20 years in federal prison for his heinous conduct,” said Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins.
“This individual is the absolute personification of a predator and has cruelly impacted the lives of countless innocent children,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. “This sentencing is the direct result of dedicated HSI agents, in partnership with state and local law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who prioritize a victim-based approach combined with aggressive investigative work and prosecution to remove threats to the children of our community.”
At the sentencing hearing, the government and the Court commended the bravery of the victim who first reported his abuse to the Carmel-by-the Sea Police Department in 2020. Three other victims came forward to report abuse by Aguirre after the initial criminal charges were reported.
In addition to the prison term and restitution, Judge Freeman also sentenced the defendant to a 15-year period of supervised release, ordered the forfeiture of devices containing child sexual abuse materials that were seized from Aguirre’s residence, and imposed a $500 special assessment fee. Aguirre was immediately remanded into custody to begin serving his sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marissa Harris prosecuted the case with the assistance of Sahib Kaur. The prosecution is the result of a three-year investigation by HSI and the Carmel-by-the-Sea Police Department.
Drug Dealer Sentenced to Four Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and HeroinRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Henry Jovany Sevilla, 26, a Honduran national, was sentenced yesterday to 48 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin. U.S. District Judge James Donato handed down the sentence.
Sevilla was initially charged by complaint on May 15, 2024, and by information on May 30, 2024. In December 2024, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. According to court documents, on May 14, 2024, officers observed Sevilla engaging in three hand-to-hand sales of drugs in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco. When he was arrested, he was found in possession of various amounts of heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.
Sevilla has remained in custody since his arrest and was remanded into custody following sentencing. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Donato ordered Sevilla to serve three years of supervised release to begin after his prison term is completed.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Yeh prosecuted the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the DEA.
Two Defendants Extradited from Honduras Sentenced to Multiple Years for Drug Trafficking in the Bay AreaRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Two drug dealers extradited from Honduras to San Francisco were sentenced to multiple years in federal prison for drug trafficking offenses in the Bay Area. Jorge Viera-Chirinos, 35, was sentenced to 40 months in prison on March 5, 2025. Elmer Matute, 32, was sentenced to 36 months in prison on March 12, 2025. Senior U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer handed down both sentences.
Jorge Viera-Chirinos was originally charged by criminal complaint on July 29, 2019, and arrested the same day. A federal grand jury indicted Viera-Chirinos and 13 co-defendants in August 2019 on charges of trafficking large quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine base, and cocaine in San Francisco. In September 2020, while released on bond, Viera-Chirinos fled to Honduras in violation of the terms of his bond. He was extradited to the United States in February 2024. On Oct. 16, 2024, Viera-Chirinos pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine base, and cocaine beginning around June 2018 to about Aug. 7, 2019. According to the plea agreement, Viera-Chirinos helped arrange housing for street-level drug dealers who purchased drugs from him and other co-conspirators and then resold those drugs in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco. Viera-Chirinos also coordinated sourcing drugs that other co-conspirators then provided to street-level dealers.
A federal grand jury indicted Elmer Bonilla Matute in December 2019 on charges of possession with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and cocaine base, and a warrant issued for his arrest. Matute was later arrested in and extradited from Honduras to the United States in February 2024. On Nov. 26, 2024, Matute pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. According to the plea agreement, pursuant to a search warrant executed at Matute’s residence in Richmond on June 5, 2018, law enforcement seized approximately 663 grams of heroin, 168 grams of methamphetamine, 386 grams of cocaine base, and 175 grams of cocaine. Matute admitted that he was in possession of the substances at the time of the search, knew that they contained heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine base, cocaine, or some other federally controlled substance, and intended to distribute them to other people.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris made the announcements.
These investigations are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Honduran authorities to secure the extraditions of Viera-Chirinos and Matute to the United States.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sailaja M. Paidipaty and Dan M. Karmel prosecuted the cases with the assistance of Madeline Wachs. The prosecutions are the result of investigations by DEA.
Former Antioch Police Officer Found Guilty of Deprivation of Civil Rights and Falsification of RecordsRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – A federal jury today convicted former Antioch police officer Morteza Amiri of one count of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of falsification of records. The jury’s verdict followed an eight-day trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White.
Amiri, 33, was previously employed as a police officer with the Antioch Police Department. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Amiri, a K-9 handler, deployed his K-9 to bite suspects even when it was not necessary. Amiri kept a running bite count that he celebrated with other officers. Amiri also took photographs of the dog bites and shared them with other officers, stating in one text message that “gory pics are for personal stuff” and “cleaned up pics for the case.”
“Morteza Amiri violated the oath he swore to protect the people of Antioch. He flouted his duty as a police officer, misused his police dog, and inflicted unnecessary and excessive force against the victim. This appalling conduct erodes public trust in law enforcement. And it weakens law enforcement’s ability to carry out its primary mission of public safety. As today’s jury verdict makes clear, officers who put themselves above the law will be held accountable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins.
“Today’s guilty verdict against Morteza Amiri sends a clear message: no one is above the law, especially those sworn to uphold it. Amiri’s actions betrayed the trust of the community and undermined the integrity of law enforcement,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani. “The FBI remains committed to holding accountable any officer who violates their oath and deprives citizens of their constitutional rights. The people of Antioch, and communities everywhere, deserve better.”
According to the evidence at trial, on July 24, 2019, Amiri pulled over and stopped a bicyclist identified as A.A., who, according to Amiri, did not have his bicycle light on. Amiri approached A.A., punched and took the victim to the ground, and then called for his K-9 to bite the victim. As a result, A.A. sustained injuries. At the time, Amiri was accompanied by a police officer with a neighboring agency as a ride-along, and that officer assisted with the deployment of the K-9. Afterwards, Amiri shared pictures of the victim’s wounds with other Antioch police officers. One officer responded, “Yeah buddy good boy,” referring to the K-9, and “Lol you bit [A.A.].” In response to a question from another officer about what cut the dog’s face, Amiri responded, “that’s a piece of the suspect’s flesh lol.”
Amiri later wrote to the officer who accompanied him on the ride-along, “you got to see [the K-9] in action lol,” and stated that detectives got the victim “a 45 day violation and we are gonna leave it at that so i don’t go to court for the bite. Easy,” referring to the victim going into custody for a parole/probation violation. Amiri then falsified a police report of the incident, stating that one of the reasons he deployed his K-9 was because he was alone, when instead the ride-along police officer was with him at the time and had helped Amiri deploy the K-9.
The jury convicted Amiri of one count of deprivation of rights under color of law in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242 and one count of falsification of records in a federal investigation in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1519. The jury acquitted Amiri of one count of conspiracy against rights in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 241 and two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242.
Amiri was previously convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud following a jury trial in August 2024.
Amiri is scheduled to appear on March 18, 2025, for a hearing on whether to remand him to custody pending sentencing, and on June 3, 2025, for sentencing. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison on the count of deprivation of rights under color of law and 20 years in prison on the count of falsification of records. Any sentence will be imposed by the Court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The case is being prosecuted by the National Security & Special Prosecutions Section and the Oakland Branch of the United States Attorney’s Office. This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.
These civil rights charges against Amiri were brought as part of an investigation into the Antioch and Pittsburgh police departments that resulted in multiple charges against 10 current and former officers and employees of these two police departments for various crimes ranging from the use of excessive force to fraud. The status of these cases, all of which are before Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White, is below:
Case Name and NumberStatute(s)Defendant
(Bold: multiple case numbers)
StatusFraud
23-cr-00264
18 U.S.C. §§ 1349 (Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud; 1343 (Wire Fraud)Patrick BerhanSentenced to 30 months custody, 2 years supervised release concurrent with 24-cr-157 on 9/5/24Morteza AmiriConvicted at trial 8/8/24, sentencing pendingAmanda Theodosy a/k/a NashSentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release 11/15/24Samantha PetersonSentenced to time served, 3 years supervised release 4/24/24Ernesto Mejia-OrozcoSentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release on 9/19/24Brauli Jalapa RodriguezSentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release on 10/25/24Obstruction
23-cr-00267
18 U.S.C. §§ 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations); 1512(c)(2) (Obstruction of Official Proceedings); 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law)Timothy Manly WilliamsPleaded guilty 11/28/23, status conference 4/15/25Steroid Distribution
23-cr-00268
21 U.S.C. §§ 846 (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids), 841(a)(1), and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Possession with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids)Daniel HarrisPleaded guilty 9/17/24, status conference 4/15/2521 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids);
18 U.S.C.§ 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations)
Devon WengerTrial set for 4/28/25Civil Rights
23-cr-00269
18 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law); § 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations)Morteza AmiriConvicted at trial 3/14/25 on counts 2 and 5, sentencing set for 6/3/2518 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law)Eric RomboughPleaded guilty 1/14/25, status conference 4/22/2518 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law)Devon WengerPendingSteroid Distribution
24-cr-00157
21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Possession with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids)Patrick BerhanSentenced to 30 months custody, 2 years supervised release concurrent with 23-cr-264 on 9/5/24Bank fraud
24-cr-00502
18 U.S.C. § 1344(1), (2) (Bank fraud)Daniel HarrisPleaded guilty 9/17/24, status conference 4/15/25
San Francisco Tow Company Operator Indicted in Scheme to Burn Competitors’ Tow Trucks Throughout the Bay AreaRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – A federal grand jury has indicted Jose Vicente Badillo on one count of conspiracy to commit arson in connection with an alleged scheme to burn tow trucks throughout the San Francisco Bay Area in 2023. Badillo made his initial appearance in federal district court this morning.
According to the indictment unsealed earlier today, Badillo, 29, of San Francisco, conspired with others to set fire to at least six tow trucks on four occasions between April 2023 and October 2023. Specifically, Badillo and his co-conspirators allegedly set fire to and damaged or destroyed (i) two tow trucks in San Francisco on April 4, 2023; (ii) one tow truck in San Francisco on April 29, 2023; (iii) one tow truck in East Palo Alto on July 25, 2023; and (iv) two tow trucks in San Francisco on Oct. 3, 2023.
The indictment describes that the purpose of the conspiracy was, among other things, to drive more business to two Bay Area-based towing companies with which Badillo was associated—Auto Towing and Specialty Towing—by impeding the business prospects of competitor towing companies, and to retaliate against those same competitors for perceived wrongs. Badillo allegedly orchestrated the conspiracy and then directed others to set fire to the targeted tow trucks.
Badillo is next scheduled to appear in district court on March 20, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sallie Kim for arraignment and identification of counsel. Badillo is facing unrelated federal charges of money laundering and insurance fraud in two other pending cases.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins, FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani, and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge of the Oakland Field Office Linda Nguyen made the announcement.
An indictment merely alleges that a crime has been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Badillo faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Parker is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Andy Ding and Laurie Worthen. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS-CI. This investigation is assigned to the FBI SF Transnational Organized Crime Task Force, an interagency task force targeting sophisticated organized crime syndicates that engage in, among other offenses, violent crimes, extortion, fraud, arson, and drug trafficking. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and IRS-CI thank the San Francisco Police Department for its substantial assistance and support in this investigation.
Jose Vicente Badillo Indictment
California man sentenced in cryptocurrency money laundering conspiracyRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A California man has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a cryptocurrency money laundering conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
John Khuu, 29, of San Francisco, California, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business, and was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on March 12, 2025.
According to information presented in court, Khuu conspired with others to launder the proceeds of his drug trafficking organization through cryptocurrency. Khuu illegally imported counterfeit pharmaceutical and MDMA (“ecstasy”) pills from Germany then distributed them to customers across the United States, primarily on dark web markets (DWMs). Customers paid for their purchases by transferring cryptocurrency, usually Bitcoin (BTC), from their DWM customer accounts to one of Khuu’s vendor accounts. Khuu and his co-conspirators traded the BTC for U.S. currency and laundered and transmitted the proceeds through hundreds of transactions and dozens of financial accounts.
Khuu was indicted on May 18, 2022, in the Eastern District of Texas and charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering. On August 17, 2022, Khuu was indicted in the Northern District of California and charged with unlawful importation of a Schedule I controlled substance. On August 19, 2022, agents arrested Khuu pursuant to both warrants at a residence in Garden Grove, California.
This effort is part of Operation Crypto Runner, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The cases were investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations, San Francisco, and were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys D. Ryan Locker and Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld for the Eastern District of Texas, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Bisesto for the Northern District of California.
###
San Francisco Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Cristian Eduardo Mattus Piccardo, 52, of San Francisco, was sentenced today to 108 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution for possession of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria handed down the sentence.
Mattus pleaded guilty on July 11, 2024, to one count of possession of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2). He was originally indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2023 and by a superseding indictment in December 2023. According to the plea agreement, Mattus knowingly possessed over 4,000 videos and over 2,000 images of child sexual abuse materials that he downloaded from the Internet using peer-to-peer file sharing software. Many of the videos and images depicted infants and toddlers as young as two, three, four, and five years old. Mattus admitted that he actively searched for and downloaded files depicting infants and toddlers. He also uploaded over 2,000 files of child sexual abuse materials to the Internet for other users to access and download. Mattus further admitted that the minor daughter of a family friend was among the victims to whom he owed restitution.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Chhabria sentenced the defendant to a 10-year period of supervised release. The defendant will be required to register as a sex offender. Mattus will begin serving his sentence on May 12, 2025.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney George Hageman prosecuted the case with the assistance of Helen Yee. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI.
Cryptocurrency Founder and CEO Convicted of Wire Fraud and Money Laundering in Connection with Marketing and Sale of AML BitcoinRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – A federal jury today convicted Rowland Marcus Andrade of wire fraud and money laundering in connection with the fraudulent marketing and sale of a cryptocurrency called AML Bitcoin, a scheme that raised millions of dollars through false and misleading statements to investors about the cryptocurrency and the purported technology behind it. The jury reached its verdict following a five-week trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Andrade, 47, of Texas, made false statements to the public and potential purchasers of AML Bitcoin misrepresenting the development of the technology, its viability, potential business deals, and release date. Andrade falsely claimed, among other misrepresentations, that the Panama Canal Authority was close to permitting AML Bitcoin to be used for ships passing through the Panama Canal when no such agreement existed.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Andrade diverted more than $2 million in proceeds from the sale of AML Bitcoin and spent it on personal expenses, including the purchase of two properties in Texas and two luxury automobiles. The jury also found that Andrade laundered investor funds through various bank accounts and then used the funds for his personal expenses and the purchase of the properties and automobiles.
“Fraudsters often tout new and innovative technology in order to raise money from investors. But raising money through lies and misrepresentations is neither new nor innovative. It’s unlawful, plain and simple,” said Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins. “If you deceive investors to enrich yourself and spend their money on personal expenses, homes, and property, you will be held to account.”
“Marcus Andrade misled investors, manipulated trust, and exploited the promise of innovation for personal gain,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani. “Today’s verdict reaffirms the FBI’s commitment to protecting the integrity of our financial markets and ensuring that those who engage in financial fraud are held accountable.”
“Mr. Andrade’s outrageous lies lured and scammed individuals into investing their hard-earned money into a new cryptocurrency with fabricated features,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Oakland Field Office Special Agent in Charge Linda Nguyen. “But there is nothing advanced about this scheme. Rowland Marcus Andrade stole money from innocent people and used it to further his personal wealth. His attempts to launder and layer ill-gotten gains is what experts at IRS-CI investigate to follow the money and build cases that lead to justice.”
Andrade is scheduled to appear on July 22, 2025, for sentencing. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the wire fraud count and 10 years in prison for the money laundering count, and forfeiture of all property that is traceable to his wire fraud and money laundering violations including property that Andrade bought in Texas.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christiaan Highsmith, David Ward, and Matthew Chou are prosecuting the case, with the assistance of Tina Rosenbaum. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS-CI.
Next Hearing
Sentencing
July 29, 2025 09:30 AM
Chief Judge Richard Seeborg
450 Golden Gate Ave., Courtroom 03, 17th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102FBI Loss Questionnaire | Due June 5th
https://www.fbi.gov/amlbitcoinvictims.govAndrade Indictment
Convicted Felon Who Attempted to Sell Assault Rifle Found Guilty of Unlawful Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – A federal jury today found Timothy Jeffrey, aka “Boo,” 44, of Antioch, Calif., guilty of two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, following a trial before Senior U.S. District Judge William Alsup.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on April 25, 2023, a Pittsburg Police Department officer attempted to stop the vehicle that Jeffrey was driving. Jeffrey drove into a shopping plaza parking lot, parked, exited the car, and fled on foot away from the officer. Jeffrey threw a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine and 19 rounds of ammunition over a fence behind the shopping plaza before he was arrested.
Jeffrey became a fugitive soon after his arrest, and his whereabouts were unknown until an investigation by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshals Service led law enforcement to suspect Jeffrey’s presence at a relative’s home in Antioch. On March 27, 2024, the United States Marshals Service surveilled the address and spotted Jeffrey entering the home. U.S. Marshals arrested Jeffrey, after which the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the residence.
Sheriff’s deputies located and seized an Aero Precision AR-style rifle with a magazine and 25 rounds of ammunition from under a couch in the living room. They also seized a cell phone that had been used by Jeffrey. The phone contained multiple text messages in which Jeffrey attempted to sell the AR rifle and sent a photo of it.
At the time of his April 2023 and March 2024 arrests, Jeffrey was on federal supervised release following past felony convictions for being a felon-in-possession of a firearm, escape from custody, and conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
“The defendant, a convicted felon, not only possessed a semi-automatic pistol and assault rifle, but also attempted to sell the rifle on the black market. His actions endangered the community, and law enforcement’s work on this case helped prevent this deadly weapon from falling into the wrong hands,” said Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins. “We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners to combat the presence of illegal firearms in our communities.”
“ATF works closely with our partners to track the illegal movement of firearms,” said Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “The defendant is a convicted felon who attempted to illegally sell firearms. ATF will continue to work side by side with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to ensure that our communities are safe. We will continue to focus on reducing gun violence by disrupting illegal firearms trafficking and ensuring that firearms stay out of the hands of prohibited persons.”
Jeffrey was convicted of two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). His sentencing is scheduled for May 28, 2025. Defendant faces a maximum statutory sentence of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. Any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aseem Padukone and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jillian Harvey are prosecuting this case, with the assistance of Claudia Hyslop, Nina Burney, and Yenni Weinberg. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the ATF, the United States Marshals Service, the Pittsburg Police Department, and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.
Brentwood Man Arrested on Charges of Possession of 3D-Printed Machine Gun Conversion DeviceRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – A Brentwood man has been charged with unlawful possession of a machine gun conversion device. Noah Kanaye Bauer, 21, was arrested yesterday and made his initial appearance in federal district court in Oakland this morning.
According to the criminal complaint and court documents unsealed today, on Sept. 6, 2024, officers with the Brentwood Police Department (BPD) responded to a call regarding an individual with a firearm at a grocery store in Brentwood and found Bauer with a 3D printed Glock style firearm. Officers allegedly removed the firearm from the front of Bauer’s waistband and saw that there was no serial number on it. In a search of Bauer’s home after his arrest for carrying a concealed weapon, BPD officers found a 3D printing machine, three 3D printed pistol frames, and a 3D printed machine gun conversion device in Bauer’s room.
The complaint describes that machine gun conversion devices, also known as “switches” or “auto sears,” are designed and created for the purpose of converting a semi-automatic Glock type pistol into a fully automatic machine gun. When BPD officers questioned Bauer on what the conversion devices were used for, Bauer allegedly stated, “to make it shoot faster.”
Bauer is next scheduled to appear in court on March 17, 2025, for a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kandis A. Westmore.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.
Bauer is charged with one count of 18 U.S.C. § 922(o). A complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The National Security and Special Prosecutions Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting this case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI with assistance from the BPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Noah Kanaye Bauer Complaint
San Jose Immigration Lawyer Extradited from the Kyrgyz Republic to Face Charges of Large-Scale Visa FraudRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – Danhong “Jean” Chen, also known as Maria Sofia Taylor, was extradited from the Kyrgyz Republic to the United States and will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen in federal district court in San Jose this afternoon. This is the first extradition from the Kyrgyz Republic to the United States on federal criminal charges.
Chen, 60, who previously resided in Atherton, Calif., and her business partner and ex-spouse, Jianyun “Tony” Ye, were indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2019. The 14-count indictment alleges the defendants committed visa fraud and related crimes to obtain immigration benefits for more than 100 foreign investors through the government’s employment-based immigration fifth preference, or “EB-5,” visa program. In 2021, Ye pleaded guilty to visa fraud and obstruction and was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison. He has since served that sentence and been released from custody.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a civil complaint in October 2018 against Chen and others alleging that Chen improperly solicited investments and committed other violations of law. According to court documents, immediately after the SEC filed its civil enforcement complaint, Chen left the United States and was at large until she was arrested in the Kyrgyz Republic at the request of the United States.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins, FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani, and SEC Office of the Inspector General (SEC OIG) Inspector General Deborah Jeffrey made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Chen was the sole partner at the Law Offices of Jean D. Chen in San Jose, which held itself out as specializing in immigration law. Chen prepared and submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) fraudulent documents that contained false signatures and falsely described how applicants would qualify for the EB-5 program.
Under the EB-5 program, foreign nationals could obtain permanent United States residency, commonly known as “green card” status, by investing in qualifying businesses in the United States. Alien investors who comply with program requirements initially receive a grant of conditional permanent residency status for a two-year period. After two years, the alien investor can petition for permanent residency. To obtain permanent residency status, the applicant’s investment must amount to $500,000 if made in certain geographical areas with low employment rates; if the investment is not in a designated low-employment area, the investment must amount to a minimum of $1,000,000. In addition, under the EB-5 program, individuals seeking investments for businesses may establish “regional centers” to promote investment opportunities to EB-5 applicants within designated geographic areas. The Law Offices of Jean D. Chen, operated by Chen, represented clients who invested a total of approximately $52,000,000 into projects under the EB-5 program.
The indictment alleges Chen fraudulently obtained immigration benefits through the EB-5 program on behalf of her clients by, among other actions, falsifying documents to hide the true ownership and nature of a regional center. Specifically, in 2014, Chen purchased the Golden State Regional Center and other entities and, almost immediately after the purchase, transferred ownership to a straw owner without that individual’s knowledge. Chen filed papers with USCIS requesting that the government continue to recognize Golden State Regional Center as a regional center qualified to promote EB-5 investment within the South Bay.
The indictment also charges Chen with obstruction of justice related to investigations being conducted by the SEC and the FBI, including by demanding that an individual provide false answers to SEC investigators and directing an individual to delete emails relevant to the SEC’s and FBI’s investigations into the visa fraud.
Chen is charged with 10 counts of visa fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1546(a), one count of obstruction of justice in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1505, one count of obstruction of justice in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(b)(3), and one count of aggravated identity theft in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028A. An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Chen faces a maximum sentence of 10 years and a fine of $250,000 on each count of visa fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1546(a); five years and a maximum fine of $250,000 on the count of obstruction of justice under 18 U.S.C. § 1505; 20 years and a maximum fine of $250,000 on the count of obstruction of justice under 18 U.S.C. § 1512(b)(3); and a minimum sentence of two years to run consecutively to other felony convictions and a maximum fine of $250,000 on the count of aggravated identity theft under 18 U.S.C. § 1028A. Any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by the Court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lloyd Farnham is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Susan Kreider. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the SEC OIG. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in the Kyrgyz Republic to secure the arrest and extradition of Chen to the United States, and the U.S. Department of Justice appreciates the cooperation and assistance provided by the Kyrgyz Republic’s General Prosecutor’s Office.
Former Executive Director of Non-Profit Serving Oakland Youth Charged with Embezzling Funds, Evading TaxesRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Howard Solomon, 38, of Oakland, has been charged with mail fraud and tax evasion in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud his former employer, the East Oakland Boxing Association, a non-profit organization that provides internship, mentoring, programming, and services, including boxing lessons and coaching, to children in East Oakland. Solomon made an initial appearance in federal district court in Oakland this morning.
According to the criminal information filed on Feb. 26, 2025, Solomon was employed as the executive director of the East Oakland Boxing Association from approximately 2017 until April 2021. As the Executive Director, Solomon’s responsibilities included managing daily operations, soliciting contributions and fundraising, managing program and staff, overseeing budget and finances, and community outreach. Solomon was a signatory to the non-profit’s bank accounts and had unfettered access to its bank accounts and debit cards directly linked to those accounts.
During his tenure as executive director, Solomon allegedly engaged in a scheme to embezzle money and property from the non-profit to pay for items for personal use, including Amazon purchases, a vacation rental property, and a Ford Explorer. The information also charges Solomon with embezzling and depositing into a personal account a $50,000 donation made to the East Oakland Boxing Association in connection with a December 2019 appearance by Stephen Curry and Ayesha Curry on the Ellen DeGeneres Show for a segment known as “Ellen’s Greatest Night of Giveaways,” during which the Currys delivered gifts and a $50,000 donation check to the non-profit.
The information also charges Solomon with owing more federal income tax than was declared due on his federal income tax returns and filing false and fraudulent income tax returns for tax years 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.
Solomon is charged with one count of mail fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1341 and four counts of tax evasion under 26 U.S.C. § 7201. At his initial appearance this morning, Solomon agreed to waive indictment by a grand jury. He is next scheduled to appear on April 9, 2025, for a status hearing before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers.
A criminal information merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transactions for the count of mail fraud and five years in prison and a fine of $100,000 for each count of tax evasion. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge of the Oakland Field Office Linda Nguyen made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Green is prosecuting this case with the assistance of Amala James. This prosecution is the result of an investigation by IRS-CI.
Howard Solomon Information
Oakland Man Who Worked as A Substitute Teacher Charged with Mailing Threatening Letters to East Bay Elementary SchoolRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – A criminal complaint was unsealed today charging Lester Dale Lee, 69, of Oakland, with mailing threatening communications to Dayton Elementary School in San Leandro. Lee made his initial appearance in federal district court this morning.
According to the criminal complaint and court documents, Lee allegedly mailed threatening letters to Dayton Elementary School on three occasions in May 2023. All three letters were sent in similar envelopes bearing the same typewritten address label. On May 3, 2023, the school received a letter addressed to one of its teachers. In the letter, Lee, posing as the parent of a student in the teacher’s classroom, allegedly used a racial slur to describe some students and threatened to shoot the students and teacher if the school did not remove the African American students from the class. On May 18, 2023, the school received a second mailing that was addressed to the principal and contained an unidentified white powder. On May 19, 2023, the school received a third letter that addressed to the same teacher as the May 3 mailing. Lee again allegedly posed as the parent of a student in the class, used a racial slur to refer to students in the class, and threatened to shoot the African American students and the teachers if they were not removed from the school because he wanted “them all dead.”
Lee had worked through a staffing agency as a substitute teacher at numerous school sites within the San Lorenzo Unified School District during the 2022 to 2023 school year, including at Dayton Elementary School. According to the complaint, Lee was terminated from his substitute teaching position in April 2023, following reports of conflicts between Lee and students at the elementary school.
Lee is next scheduled to appear in federal court on March 28, 2025 for a status hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kandis A. Westmore.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Dan Costin made the announcement.
A complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $100 fine for each violation of 18 U.S.C. § 876(c) and 18 U.S.C. § 1038(a)(1)(A). Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Mateer is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Amala James. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the San Leandro Police Department.
Lester Dale Lee Complaint
New York Man Who Ran Multi-Million-Dollar Cryptocurrency Investment Scheme Found Guilty of Wire Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – A federal jury convicted Douglas Jae Woo Kim, 32, of New York, New York, on 14 counts of wire fraud, international money laundering, and money laundering. The jury reached its verdict yesterday afternoon, following a three-week trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between October 2017 and June 2020, after moving to San Francisco, Kim engaged in a scheme to defraud investors, many of whom were friends and acquaintances, of over $7 million in money and cryptocurrency by holding himself out as a legitimate trader of cryptocurrency, a form of virtual currency. Kim falsely represented that he was seeking short-term liquidity in the form of loans or investments for cryptocurrency trading or other legitimate business purposes and promised to trade or invest the cryptocurrency provided by investors and lenders to make a profit. He also told victims that the loans carried no or very low risk, promised high rates of return on their loans, and claimed that he had sufficient funds to personally guarantee the loans.
“This case may involve the new world of virtual currency, but there’s nothing new about the defendant’s scheme to defraud,” said Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins. “Douglas Kim made bogus promise after promise to investors and lenders, only to cheat them and send their money to offshore gambling sites. Today’s verdict sends a clear message to anyone who engages in fraud in the Northern District of California: you will be prosecuted, and you will face serious consequences.”
“Mr. Kim deceived those who trusted him, exploiting their confidence to fund his personal gambling activities rather than the legitimate investments he offered his victims. The FBI remains committed to identifying and bringing to justice individuals who manipulate and defraud others for financial gain,” said FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Dan Costin.
In October 2017, Kim contacted a victim by text message and said he was looking for investors interested in making what he called a short-term loan for a “fairly modest operation.” Kim represented that he was investing in a cryptocurrency operation in which he would make a profit from fees charged to a peer-to-peer network and from exchange transactions, and informed the victim that the operation “isn’t very risky to me.” Within days of receiving cryptocurrency from the victim to finance the investment, Kim transferred almost all of it to bitcoin sports betting sites located outside the United States. Kim went on to obtain over a million dollars’ worth of funds from this victim over the course of the scheme, the majority of which went to offshore sports betting sites.
In November 2017, Kim contacted another victim by email and said he was looking for cryptocurrency for a trading strategy. Kim assured that the victim that “my activities are fairly low risk.” On Dec. 1, 2017, Kim obtained a cryptocurrency loan from this victim worth approximately $186,000 at the time. Once the cryptocurrency was obtained, Kim immediately sent all of it to offshore sports betting sites. In total, Kim obtained over $500,000 in funds from this victim.
In an agreement dated Jan. 1, 2018, Kim set out the terms of a similar investment with a third victim. The agreement called for the victim to provide cryptocurrency valued at approximately $200,000 at the time. The same day, Kim converted more than half of the funds to bitcoin and, in the following days, transferred substantially all the converted cryptocurrency to his account with an offshore casino. Kim went on to obtain over $4 million in funds from this victim.
Kim defrauded numerous other victims, including nine who testified at trial, until at least July 2020, when he was charged by federal complaint. In 2023, while he was out on pretrial release, Kim allegedly renewed his scheme to defraud. One count related to this renewed period of fraud remains pending.
The jury acquitted Kim of one count of international money laundering.
Kim is scheduled to appear on June 25, 2025, to set a date for sentencing. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud and international money laundering, and 10 years in prison for each count of money laundering. Any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Noah Stern and Maya Karwande are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Veronica Hernandez, Maryam Beros, Andy Ding, Lynette Dixon, and Christine Tian. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation.
North Bay Man Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Sexual Abuse of Victim in Marin HeadlandsRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Esbin Ramirez-Garcia, 28, of Rohnert Park, pleaded guilty today to aggravated sexual abuse of a victim while in the Marin Headlands.
Defendant was indicted by a federal grand jury on Aug. 22, 2024, on one count of aggravated sexual abuse in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2241(a). In pleading guilty, Ramirez-Garcia admitted that late in the evening on Aug. 2, 2024, while giving the victim, with whom he had a prior relationship, a ride from her workplace in his truck, he asked her to get back together with him. Ramirez-Garcia and the victim got into an argument and she refused to resume their relationship. Defendant deviated from the route to the victim’s home. The victim asked to be let out of the vehicle, but Ramirez-Garcia grabbed her with his hand and continued driving, forcing her to accompany him.
According to the plea agreement, Ramirez-Garcia then drove his truck to a parking lot in the Marin Headlands, which is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and parked just after midnight. Ramirez-Garcia admitted that he forcibly placed his body on top of the victim’s body while she sat in the passenger seat and sexually assaulted her.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Dan Costin, and National Park Service Investigative Services Branch Acting Special Agent in Charge Betsy Smith made the announcement.
Defendant has been in custody since August 2024. Ramirez-Garcia’s sentencing is scheduled for May 28, 2025, before Senior U.S. District Judge William Alsup. Defendant faces a statutory maximum of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Chen and Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Wistar Wilson are prosecuting this case with the assistance of Sara Slattery, Maureen French, and Fernanda Gonzalez. This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch.
Former Stanford Research Coordinator Convicted for Unlawfully Accessing and Altering Breast Cancer Study Database Hours After She Was FiredRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – A federal jury convicted Naheed Mangi, 66, a former employee of Stanford University, of accessing a clinical research database for a multisite breast cancer study after her authorization was revoked and altering patient records in the database. The jury reached its verdict late afternoon on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, following a two-week trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Mangi was employed as a clinical research coordinator in the Cancer Clinical Trials Office at Stanford’s National Cancer Institute from September 2012 until August 2013. Mangi worked with doctors and patients in the clinical research program, reporting significant patient events, monitoring research, assisting with scheduling patient appointments, and entering data into clinical dataset.
Mangi was assigned to a Genentech-sponsored study being conducted at Stanford for breast cancer patients that was referred to as the “Velvet Breast Cancer MO27782 Study.” The study sought to determine the safety and efficacy of a new, experimental pharmaceutical treatment for patients with metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer. Among other duties, Mangi was responsible for reporting any serious adverse events that a patient may experience during the course of the study and accurately entering patient medical data into the study database.
On Aug. 19, 2013, Mangi was terminated from her employment with Stanford and Mangi’s supervisor attempted to revoke her Stanford-related computer access and privileges. The supervisor emailed Genentech to terminate Mangi’s access to the clinical database, but Mangi’s credentials were not disabled until the following day.
The jury found that later in the evening on Aug. 19, after Stanford had revoked her access, Mangi logged into the clinical database and altered data in the Velvet Breast Cancer MO27782 Study, replacing patient medical data with erroneous information and insults about her former supervisor. As a result of Mangi’s unauthorized actions, Stanford undertook an internal investigation, reentered all of the data about its participants in the study from source documents into the study database, and reported the incident to local and federal regulatory authorities, including the FDA. In addition, Mangi’s criminal conduct caused thousands of dollars in financial loss to Stanford University and the Stanford School of Medicine.
“Naheed Mangi intentionally tampered with a breast cancer research database by entering false information and personal insults. Her senseless actions undermined a study into the safety and efficacy of a new treatment for breast cancer patients,” said Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins. “The jury’s verdict holds the defendant accountable for her crimes.”
“Naheed Mangi’s actions jeopardized important cancer research and caused thousands in financial loss to Stanford University. The U.S. Secret Service continues to work diligently to investigate these types of crimes to ensure those responsible are held accountable,” said U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Shawn Bradstreet.
Mangi, who was convicted of two counts of Intentional Damage to a Protected Computer in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1030(a)(5)(A) and one count of Accessing a Protected Computer Without Authorization in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1030(a)(2)(C), will be sentenced on July 21, 2025. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison as to each conviction for Intentional Damage to a Protected Computer and one year in prison as to the conviction for Accessing a Protected Computer Without Authorization. Any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nikhil Bhagat and Matthew Chang are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Nina Burney, Mimi Lam, Susan Kreider, Sahib Kaur, Fernanda Gonzalez, Maureen French, and Bella Schou. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Secret Service.
Oakland Resident Convicted of Dealing Firearms Without A License and Illegally Possessing Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Robert Davis was convicted of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license and firearms possession by a federal jury, announced Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Jennifer L. Cicolani.
The jury found Davis, 31 of Oakland, California, guilty of selling for profit firearms that he purchased illegally in Texas. The jury also found that on a separate occasion Davis illegally possessed a firearm and ammunition as a felon. The jury acquitted Davis of an additional charge that Davis had possessed and shipped firearms. The verdicts followed a week-long jury trial before the Honorable Araceli Martínez-Olguín, U.S. District Judge.
Evidence at trial showed that Davis travelled back and forth between California and Texas, where he illegally bought firearms at gun shows. After purchasing the firearms, the defendant shipped the firearms back to the Bay Area where he advertised and sold them for profit, principally using Instagram. The evidence further showed that on December 22, 2021, law enforcement searched the defendant’s residence and found a loaded 5.7mm firearm in his home. Law enforcement also found more than 100 rounds of ammunition throughout the apartment as well as in Davis’s vehicle. Because Davis previously had been convicted of a felony, he was ineligible to possess the firearm and the ammunition.
Davis is currently in custody pending sentencing which has not yet been scheduled.
The maximum statutory penalty for the violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(1)(A) is five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, and the maximum statutory penalty violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) is ten years in prison and a fine of $250,000. However, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evan Mateer and Jonah Ross are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kevin Costello, Mark DiCenzo, and Amala James. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the ATF, Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, and Fort Worth (TX) Police Department.
Two East Bay Residents, One of Whom Was A Bank Teller, Indicted on Charges of Cashing Stolen U.S. Treasury ChecksRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – A federal grand jury has indicted Franchesca Calagui, 25, and Dondre Gray, 27, with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud, and also charged Calagui with receipt of U.S. Treasury check with forged endorsement or signature.
According to the indictment unsealed yesterday, from around May 2022 through March 2023, Calagui and Gray, both of Emeryville, Calif., conspired to obtain stolen U.S. Treasury checks, recruit others to fraudulently endorse or sign the stolen U.S. Treasury checks, and give the checks to Calagui to cash for the defendants’ personal benefit. At the time, Calagui was a part-time associate banker at JP Morgan Chase Bank.
The indictment describes text messages between Gray and Calagui discussing the ongoing scheme in which Gray stated “I definitely don’t wanna scam with chase since you work there,” and Calagui responded “I do not care if u scam us lmao.” Gray allegedly explained how he operated the scheme using runners, individuals who gets paid to enter a bank with a fraudulent check, cash it, and return the proceeds to the person who employed the runner. In all, the defendants are charged with devising and executing a scheme to cash at least 339 stolen U.S. Treasury checks totaling more than $850,000.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Dan Costin, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Knarr, Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Los Angeles Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Ryan Korner from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), San Francisco Division Inspector in Charge Stephen M. Sherwood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Special Agent in Charge Dimitriana Nikolov with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s (VA OIG) Northwest Field Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Dean Lake of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA OIG) made the announcement.
Both defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1349 and five counts of bank fraud under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1344(1), (2). Calagui is also charged with five counts of receipt of U.S. Treasury check with forged endorsement or signature under 18 U.S.C. § 510(b). Calagui and Gray were arrested and made their initial appearances in federal district court yesterday. Defendants are next scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers on April 3, 2025, for a status conference.
An indictment merely alleges that a crime has been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000 on each charged count. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Cynthia Johnson is prosecuting this case with the assistance of Amala James. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, TIGTA, IRS-CI, FDIC-OIG, USPIS, VA OIG, and SSA OIG.
Franchesca Calagui Indictment
Humboldt County Woman Charged with Embezzling over $500,000 from Construction Company EmployerRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – A federal grand jury has indicted Christina Ann Mobley, also known as Kris Mobley, 58, on charges that she defrauded her former employer, a construction company located in Fortuna, Calif.
According to an indictment filed Feb. 5, 2025, Mobley was employed as the business manager for a Fortuna construction company. When the company’s bookkeeper retired, Mobley took on the accounting and bookkeeping duties, including inputting entries into the company’s accounting software and assisting with bill payments, payroll taxes, employee health benefits, government contracts, and other tasks.
The company maintained an account at a bank and had several business credit cards through the bank for its employees. It also held a business credit card at another bank, where Mobley maintained at least two personal credit card accounts. The indictment describes that Mobley’s scheme to defraud took on several forms. Mobley allegedly directed checks mailed from the company’s bank account to be applied to the accounts for her personal credit cards; issued electronic payments of company funds to her personal credit cards; misused the company’s credit card for personal expenses such as cash advances at casinos and personal travel; wrote checks from the company to herself; inflated her vacation time, work hours, and bonuses in the company’s payroll system; and issued duplicate payroll checks and unearned bonus payments to herself. Between January 2022 and November 2024, Mobley allegedly embezzled more than $500,000 from her employer.
The indictment charges Mobley with three counts of mail fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1341 and seven counts of wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343. Mobley made an initial appearance in federal district court in McKinleyville, Calif., this morning, and was released on bond with conditions set by the Court. Mobley is next scheduled to appear on Feb. 26, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., before Senior U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer.
United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Dan Costin made the announcement.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Mobley faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1341 and 1343, a fine of $250,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transactions, and forfeiture and restitution. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Barry is prosecuting this case with the assistance of Marina Ponomarchuk. This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
Christina Ann Mobley Indictment
Superseding Indictment Charges Chinese National in Relation to Alleged Plan to Steal Proprietary AI TechnologyRead the Press Release
Note: View the superseding indictment here.
A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment today charging Linwei Ding, also known as Leon Ding, 38, with seven counts of economic espionage and seven counts of theft of trade secrets in connection with an alleged plan to steal from Google LLC (Google) proprietary information related to AI technology.
Ding was initially indicted in March 2024 on four counts of theft of trade secrets. The superseding indictment returned today describes seven categories of trade secrets stolen by Ding and charges Ding with seven counts of economic espionage and seven counts of theft of trade secrets.
According to the superseding indictment, Google hired Ding as a software engineer in 2019. Between approximately May 2022 and May 2023, Ding uploaded more than 1,000 unique files containing Google confidential information from Google’s network to his personal Google Cloud account, including the trade secrets alleged in the superseding indictment.
While Ding was employed by Google, he secretly affiliated himself with two People’s Republic of China (PRC)-based technology companies. Around June 2022, Ding was in discussions to be the Chief Technology Officer for an early-stage technology company based in the PRC. By May 2023, Ding had founded his own technology company focused on AI and machine learning in the PRC and was acting as the company’s CEO.
The superseding indictment alleges that Ding intended to benefit the PRC government by stealing trade secrets from Google. Ding allegedly stole technology relating to the hardware infrastructure and software platform that allows Google’s supercomputing data center to train and serve large AI models. The trade secrets contain detailed information about the architecture and functionality of Google’s Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) chips and systems and Google’s Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) systems, the software that allows the chips to communicate and execute tasks, and the software that orchestrates thousands of chips into a supercomputer capable of training and executing cutting-edge AI workloads. The trade secrets also pertain to Google’s custom-designed SmartNIC, a type of network interface card used to enhance Google’s GPU, high performance, and cloud networking products.
As alleged, Ding circulated a PowerPoint presentation to employees of his technology company citing PRC national policies encouraging the development of the domestic AI industry. He also created a PowerPoint presentation containing an application to a PRC talent program based in Shanghai. The superseding indictment describes how PRC-sponsored talent programs incentivize individuals engaged in research and development outside the PRC to transmit that knowledge and research to the PRC in exchange for salaries, research funds, lab space, or other incentives. Ding’s application for the talent program stated that his company’s product “will help China to have computing power infrastructure capabilities that are on par with the international level.”
If convicted, Ding faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine for each trade-secret count and 15 years in prison and $5,000,000 fine for each economic-espionage count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey Boome and Molly K. Priedeman for the Northern District of California and Trial Attorneys Stephen Marzen and Yifei Zheng of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
Today’s action was coordinated through the Justice and Commerce Departments’ Disruptive Technology Strike Force. The Disruptive Technology Strike Force is an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains, and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation-states.
A superseding indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Superseding Indictment Charges Chinese National in Relation to Alleged Plan to Steal Proprietary AI TechnologyRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment today charging Linwei Ding, also known as Leon Ding, 38, with seven counts of economic espionage and seven counts of theft of trade secrets in connection with an alleged plan to steal from Google LLC (Google) proprietary information related to artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Ding was originally indicted in March 2024 on four counts of theft of trade secrets. The superseding indictment returned today describes seven categories of trade secrets stolen by Ding and charges Ding with seven counts of economic espionage and seven counts of theft of trade secrets.
According to the superseding indictment, Google hired Ding as a software engineer in 2019. Between approximately May 2022 and May 2023, Ding uploaded more than 1,000 unique files containing Google confidential information from Google’s network to his personal Google Cloud account, including the trade secrets alleged in the superseding indictment.
While Ding was employed by Google, he secretly affiliated himself with two People’s Republic of China (PRC)-based technology companies. Around June 2022, Ding was in discussions to be the Chief Technology Officer for an early-stage technology company based in the PRC. By May 2023, Ding had founded his own technology company focused on AI and machine learning in the PRC and was acting as the company’s CEO.
The superseding indictment alleges that Ding intended to benefit the PRC government by stealing trade secrets from Google. Ding allegedly stole technology relating to the hardware infrastructure and software platform that allows Google’s supercomputing data center to train and serve large AI models. The trade secrets contain detailed information about the architecture and functionality of Google’s Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) chips and systems and Google’s Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) systems, the software that allows the chips to communicate and execute tasks, and the software that orchestrates thousands of chips into a supercomputer capable of training and executing cutting-edge AI workloads. The trade secrets also pertain to Google’s custom-designed SmartNIC, a type of network interface card used to enhance Google’s GPU, high performance, and cloud networking products.
As alleged, Ding circulated a PowerPoint presentation to employees of his technology company citing PRC national policies encouraging the development of the domestic AI industry. He also created a PowerPoint presentation containing an application to a PRC talent program based in Shanghai. The superseding indictment describes how PRC-sponsored talent programs incentivize individuals engaged in research and development outside the PRC to transmit that knowledge and research to the PRC in exchange for salaries, research funds, lab space, or other incentives. Ding’s application for the talent program stated that his company’s product “will help China to have computing power infrastructure capabilities that are on par with the international level.”
United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Dan Costin made the announcement.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, defendant faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for each count under 18 U.S.C. § 1832 and a maximum of 15 years in prison for each count under 18 U.S.C § 1831. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey Boome and Molly K. Priedeman and Trial Attorneys Stephen Marzen and Yifei Zheng of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
Today’s action was coordinated through the Justice and Commerce Departments’ Disruptive Technology Strike Force. The Disruptive Technology Strike Force is an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains, and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation-states.
Ding Superseding Indictment
Former Employee Charged with Defrauding Mt. Diablo Unified School District in Fake Invoices SchemeRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – A federal grand jury has charged Eric Rego with three counts of mail fraud in connection with a multi-million-dollar scheme to defraud his former employer, the Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD), through fake invoices for electronic devices that Rego kept and resold.
According to an indictment unsealed today, Rego, 39, a resident of El Dorado Hills, Calif., committed fraud by using MDUSD funds earmarked for an after-school program to purchase tablet computers and other electronic devices that he then sold for his own profit. Rego was an employee of MDUSD, a public school district in Contra Costa County. The school district had an after-school program that offered to students in transitional kindergarten through twelfth grade academic, recreational, and environmental programming. The after-school program was free to students and funded primarily through state grants designed to benefit high-need population areas. Rego was MDUSD’s after-school program coordinator.
The school district had a contract with a nonprofit (referred to as Nonprofit 1) to run its after-school program. As the program coordinator, Rego worked closely with Nonprofit 1. Beginning around July 2020 and continuing through around May 2024, Rego purchased or caused to be purchased iPads, MacBooks, GoPro cameras, and other electronic devices through Nonprofit 1. Rego allegedly falsely claimed to a Nonprofit 1 employee that the iPads and other devices were needed for students in the after-school program, but instead kept the devices and resold them at a fraction of their cost.
To carry out his scheme, Rego directed a Nonprofit 1 employee to submit monthly invoices containing a line-item expense for subcontracts and supplies and to include the cost of the iPads and other devices in this line-item. Rego reviewed and approved these monthly invoices and caused their submission to MDUSD for processing and payment. In so doing, Rego falsely represented to MDUSD that the invoices were for Nonprofit 1’s expenses incurred from operating the after-school program. In all, the indictment alleges that Rego fraudulently obtained iPads, MacBooks, GoPro cameras, and other devices at a cost of not less than approximately $3.3 million.
The defendant was arrested today and will appear in federal district court in Sacramento on Feb. 5, 2025.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each count of mail fraud. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Dan Costin made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Rezaei is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Linda Love. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Concord Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI thank the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and Superintendent Adam Clark, Ed.D. for their cooperation with the investigation.
Rego Indictment
San Jose Man Charged with Robbery and Assault of U.S. Postal Service Letter CarrierRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – A federal grand jury has indicted Robert Cordova, also known as Robert Cordona, with one count of robbery of a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier and one count of assaulting a federal employee. Cordova was arrested and made his initial appearance in federal district court today.
Cordova, 49, of San Jose, was initially charged by complaint on Jan. 15, 2025, and subsequently indicted on Jan. 23, 2025. The complaint describes how, on Nov. 22, 2024, a USPS letter carrier was sorting parcels for delivery at the rear of his mail truck near the intersection of Taylor Street and 13th Street in San Jose when he felt the truck move. The letter carrier looked around the right rear corner of the truck and saw a man – later identified as Cordova – with his whole upper body in the truck. The letter carrier walked up to Cordova and asked what he was doing. Cordova allegedly got out of the truck, turned, and punched the letter carrier in the face. Cordova then allegedly took the letter carrier to the ground, punched the letter carrier in the face and head repeatedly, and attempted to gouge the letter carrier’s eyes. The letter carrier was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with a broken nose and a fractured left orbital socket.
San Jose Police Department (SJPD) officers found Cordova in the backyard of a house close to where the alleged robbery occurred. According to the complaint, after SJPD officers arrested Cordova, the letter carrier identified Cordova as the assailant.
Cordova is next scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 6, 2025, for a detention hearing.
United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and San Francisco Division Inspector in Charge Stephen M. Sherwood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) made the announcement.
A complaint or indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, defendant faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a five-year term of supervised release on the count of robbery of a United States mail carrier under 18 U.S.C. § 2114(a), and 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a three-year term of supervised release on the count of assaulting a federal employee under 18 U.S.C. §111(a) and (b).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Neal C. Hong is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Lynette Dixon. This prosecution is the result of an investigation by USPIS and the SJPD. Anyone with information about mail theft, mail robbery, or other crimes against USPS letter carriers can report it by contacting USPIS at www.uspis.gov or 877-876-2455.
Cordova Complaint
Cordova Indictment
Former Contractor Convicted of Sexual Assault of Co-Worker at Palo Alto VA HospitalRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – A federal jury convicted a Palo Alto man for aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse by fear, and making false statements to a federal agent during an investigation. The jury reached its verdict late in the evening on Jan. 31, 2025, following a three-week trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila.
Onofre Salas-Lozano, 42, worked as a night supervisor for the janitorial services contractor that cleaned the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Salas-Lozano isolated and trapped the victim in a patient exam room at the hospital late at night on July 2, 2021, and forced her to engage in sexual activity. The victim suffered traumatic tissue injury during the assault, and DNA analysis confirmed the presence of Salas-Lozano’s sperm in the victim’s underwear. At the time of the incident, Salas-Lozano was the victim’s direct supervisor.
The jury also found that Salas-Lozano lied to a VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) special agent during a subsequent investigative interview when he denied having sexual intercourse with the victim on July 2, 2021, or at any other time. At trial, the defendant testified and claimed to have had consensual sex with the victim at some other time and denied making a false statement.
“Salas-Lozano used his position as a supervisor to sexually assault a fellow employee. Federal law enforcement will do all it can to secure justice for any victim of sexual assault,” said United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey. “This jury verdict ensures that the Salas-Lozano will now face severe consequences for his despicable acts.”
“The verdict sends a clear message that the VA OIG remains dedicated to holding those who commit an act of violence at a VA facility accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Dimitriana Nikolov with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northwest Field Office. “The VA OIG is grateful for the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to seek justice for the victim.”
Salas-Lozano is scheduled to appear in court today to set a date for sentencing. He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison on each count of aggravated sexual abuse and sexual abuse by fear, and a maximum penalty of eight years in prison on the count of materially false statement in a federal investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marissa Harris and Christoffer Lee are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Sara Slattery, Susan Kreider, Sahib Kaur, Mimi Lam, and Fernanda Gonzalez. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by VA OIG, with significant assistance from the VA Police Service.
Florida Resident Charged in Scheme to Submit Fraudulent Asylum ApplicationsRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – A federal grand jury has indicted Carlos Adolfo Haeckermann Cardenas on charges of aiding and abetting false statements on asylum applications.
According to an indictment filed Nov. 13, 2024, and unsealed Jan. 23, 2025, Haeckermann, 62, of Doral, Florida, held himself out to provide individuals with assistance in applying for immigration documents and benefits, including asylum. Between 2019 and 2021, Haeckermann submitted or assisted in the submission of more than 100 asylum applications to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and charged his clients, including some who resided in the Northern District of California, thousands of dollars to help them apply for asylum.
The indictment further alleges that it was Haeckermann’s practice to draft his clients’ personal statements, which frequently included stories of political persecution that formed the basis for the asylum claims. In so doing, Haeckermann allegedly included false and embellished details that were intended to substantiate his clients’ asylum claims and increase the chances that his clients would be granted asylum.
It was Haeckermann’s practice to send completed applications back to his clients for them to sign and submit rather than to list himself as a third-party preparer and to submit the applications himself. At times, the indictment says, Haeckermann solicited his clients for additional payments in exchange for falsified documents that Haeckermann told his clients were necessary to support their asylum claims.
Haeckermann made his initial appearance in San Francisco on Jan. 22, 2025. He is next scheduled to appear in federal court on Mar. 26, 2025, before the Hon. Vince Chhabria, U.S. District Judge.
United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Criminal Fraud Investigations Branch Chief Jeff Rusinek made the announcement.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment on each count, as well as a maximum fine of $250,000 on each count. Any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by a court only upon consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Parker is prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by DSS and USCIS, with significant assistance from USCIS’s Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate.
Haeckermann Indictment
Founder and Former CEO of San Francisco Technology Company and Attorney Indicted for Years-Long Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – A 25-count indictment was unsealed today charging Alexander Charles Beckman, the founder and former CEO of GameOn, Inc., also known as GameOn Technology or ON Platform (“GameOn”), and Valerie Lau Beckman (“Lau”), an attorney who worked on GameOn matters and is married to Beckman, with conspiracy, wire fraud, securities fraud, identity theft, and other offenses. Lau was also charged with obstruction of justice.
According to the indictment filed on Jan. 21, 2025, Beckman, 41, and Lau, 38, both of San Francisco, allegedly conspired to defraud GameOn investors, GameOn, and a bank. GameOn is a San Francisco-based private business that offers a software program claiming artificial intelligence functionality that mimics human conversation and interaction, commonly known as a chatbot or “chat.” Its customers included prominent American professional sports leagues and teams and leading luxury fashion and retail brands. Over the course of the alleged scheme, from September 2018 to July 2024, Beckman raised over $60 million from GameOn investors. Lau was an attorney who worked on GameOn corporate and transactional matters from at least 2016 to 2024. The couple married in October 2023. Beckman and Lau allegedly used over $4 million of GameOn investor funds on personal expenses, including purchases of residences in San Francisco, payments to private schools, and payments to their wedding venue.
“The Bay Area is home to incredible innovation and hard-working entrepreneurs, but innovation cannot grow through fraud. Schemes like the ones that defendants are charged with threaten our financial markets and cheat investors,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins. “This indictment should serve as a reminder that we will investigate and hold fraudsters accountable.”
“Fraud undermines the integrity of our capital markets and erodes the trust that investors place in them,” said FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Dan Costin. “The FBI is committed to ensuring our financial markets remain fair and transparent by investigating and holding accountable those who engage in deceptive practices.”
As alleged in the indictment, Beckman’s statements to GameOn investors often described non-existent revenue, inflated cash balances, and fake and otherwise exaggerated customer relationships. To further the scheme, Beckman allegedly used the names of at least seven real people—including fake emails and signatures—without their permission to distribute false and fraudulent GameOn financial and business information and documents with the intent to defraud GameOn and its investors. Among the individuals whose names Beckman used to commit the fraud scheme was a GameOn CFO, two bank employees, and an employee of a major professional sports league. Beckman also fabricated two GameOn audit reports using the names, signatures, and trademarks of reputable accounting firms, including one of the Big Four accounting firms, to validate false financial statements, and distributed over a dozen fake bank statements for GameOn’s accounts as part of the scheme.
After changing law firms multiple times, Lau joined a venture capital firm in September 2021. Lau is alleged to have provided Beckman with genuine audit reports that she obtained from her own employer that Beckman then used to create fake audit reports for GameOn. The indictment alleges that Lau personally emailed one of these fake audit reports to a GameOn investor’s representative, knowing it to be fake, to induce further investment into the company.
In June 2024, Lau furthered the scheme to defraud by delivering a fake GameOn account statement—one that she knew falsely listed GameOn’s balance at a certain financial institution as over $13 million when the company’s true balance was just $25.93—to a bank branch in San Francisco and asking a bank employee to keep the fake statement in an envelope at the bank for Beckman to pick up later that day. Lau knew that Beckman planned to pick up the fake statement with a GameOn director who represented a major investor on GameOn’s board. Beckman picked up the fake statement with the GameOn director that day.
In August 2024, when Lau’s employer approached Lau regarding GameOn, Lau lied to her employer about her work for GameOn and then attempted to delete hundreds of files relating to that GameOn work from her employer’s records at a time when a grand jury investigation into GameOn was pending.
Beckman and Lau were arrested earlier today and made their initial appearances in federal court in San Francisco this morning.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, defendants face the following maximum sentences: 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343 and 1349 and securities fraud under 15 U.S.C. §§ 78j(b) and 78ff; five years in prison for the count of securities fraud conspiracy under 18 U.S.C. § 371; 30 years in prison for each count of bank fraud conspiracy and false statements to a bank under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1349 and 1014; 10 years in prison for the count of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity under 18 U.S.C. § 1957; and two years in prison for each count of aggravated identity theft under 18 U.S.C. § 1028A that must be consecutive to any other term of imprisonment imposed under any other provision of law. Lau also faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the count of obstruction of justice under 18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)(1). Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick O’Brien is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Lance Libatique and Maryam Beros. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
Anyone with information about allegations of corporate and securities fraud can report it by contacting the FBI at (415) 553-7400 or tips.fbi.gov, or by reporting the allegations to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California through its Whistleblower Pilot Program, using the instructions at link.
Beckman Indictment
Felon Who Hid Loaded, Fully Automatic Handgun in 6-Year-Old Nephew’s Pants Found Guilty of Unlawful Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Darneko Yates, 30, of Richmond, Calif., was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm, following a one-day bench trial on Jan. 17, 2025, before the Honorable Araceli Martínez-Olguín, U.S. District Judge.
The evidence at trial established that on Aug. 27, 2023, San Pablo Police Officers attempted to stop Yates for a vehicle infraction. Yates drove for several blocks before pulling up partially onto the sidewalk in front of a relative’s house. Yates had his young nephew and niece in the backseat of his car. At the time, Yates was on parole following three felony convictions for carjacking, solicitation to commit murder, and possessing a loaded firearm.
Upon learning that Yates was on parole with a search condition, officers searched his person but did not find anything. When Yates’s six-year-old nephew got out of the car, Yates urged the child to go inside the house. The child moved slowly and kept his back to the officers. When officers looked at the front of the child, they saw an object tucked into the front of his pants. Upon further inspection, officers located a Glock firearm loaded with 11 rounds of ammunition inside the six-year-old’s pants. The gun had a “Glock switch” or “machinegun conversion device,” which allows a shooter to fire an endless stream of bullets with one pull of the trigger. During the traffic stop, Yates sent text messages telling an individual to come get the child out of the car before the police searched the vehicle, and admitting that the child had Yates’s gun on him.
“Defendant’s actions inexcusably endangered a young child. Thanks to the careful work of the officers on the scene, this did not turn into a tragedy,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey. “My office will continue to use all resources available to reduce violent crime and gun violence in our communities.”
“Using a child to conceal a loaded, fully automatic firearm shows an alarming disregard for their safety and well-being,” said FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Dan Costin. “The FBI, alongside our law enforcement partners, remains steadfast in our commitment to holding dangerous offenders accountable and removing illegal firearms from our streets.”
Yates was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). He faces a maximum statutory sentence of 15 years in prison. Defendant’s sentencing is scheduled for April 28, 2025.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leif Dautch and Richard Ewenstein are prosecuting this case, with the assistance of Madeline Wachs. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, and the San Pablo Police Department.
Oakland Money Services Business Owner Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Jose Luis Garcia, the co-owner of Envios Express, a money transmitting business in Oakland, was sentenced this week to 12 months in federal prison. The Honorable Haywood S. Gilliam, Jr., United States District Judge, handed down the sentence on Jan. 15, 2025.
Garcia, 57, of Oakland, was indicted in July 2023 and pleaded guilty in September 2024 to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h).
According to court documents and Garcia’s plea agreement, Garcia and his wife, who was also charged in this case, owned a money transmitting business on International Boulevard in Oakland that operated under several names, including Envios Express. The business was a local agent of and contracted with national wire service companies to provide wire transfer services to the public. As a local agent, Garcia had access to wire services that facilitated the transfer of funds from Oakland to other parts of the United States, Mexico, Honduras, and other foreign countries.
Garcia completed annual Anti-Money Laundering training through these wire service companies. As the designated anti-money laundering compliance officer for Envios Express, he agreed to monitor the store’s outgoing wires for structuring activity intended to evade reporting requirements. Garcia admitted using fake sender names and IDs to process multiple structured wires to conceal the fact that a single sender was wiring amounts greater than $3,000, which he knew would have triggered mandatory federal reporting requirements. He accepted large amounts of cash, sometimes as much as $9,000 or more, from unidentified customers, who asked that the cash be wired to well-known drug trafficking areas of Mexico or to persons in Honduras, without recording the true identity of the sender. Garcia misused the names and IDs of legitimate customers to send large amounts of cash for unidentified customers in order to evade reporting requirements. He also kept roughly 15,000 digital images of California driver’s licenses and Honduran, Mexican, and other national identity cards on cell phones, which he used to meet the wire companies’ ID requirements.
In August 2022, Garcia agreed to a request by a confidential source to wire $9,200 in cash to recipients in Mexico without providing an ID or using the sender’s real name as federal law requires. Garcia structured the $9,200 in cash in four wires, using fake names for the sender on the receipts, and charged an under-the-table fee of $50 for each of the wires.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Gilliam ordered the defendant to serve three years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge of the Oakland Field Office Linda Nguyen, and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), San Francisco Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris made the announcement.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel Pastor and Nicholas Parker are prosecuting the case with assistance from Amanda Martinez and Andy Ding. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by IRS-CI and DEA.
Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, Thao’s Longtime Partner, and Two Local Businessmen Charged with Bribery OffensesRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – An eight-count indictment was unsealed today charging former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, her longtime romantic partner Andre Jones, and local businessmen David Trung Duong and Andy Hung Duong with bribery offenses, and charging Andy Duong with making false statements to government agents.
According to the indictment filed Jan. 9, 2025, in the weeks leading up to the City of Oakland mayoral election in November 2022 and following her election as mayor, Thao promised to take official actions as the mayor of Oakland to benefit David Duong and Andy Duong, in exchange for the Duongs providing various benefits to Thao and Jones. David Duong was the president and CEO of a recycling company that provided residential recycling collection services to Oakland households, and was also the chairman and co-owner of a housing company formed to develop and manufacture prefabricated modular homes. Andy Duong, David Duong’s son, was an employee of the recycling company and also a founder and co-owner of the housing company.
The indictment describes that Thao promised to commit the City of Oakland to purchase housing units from the Duongs’ housing company, extend the City’s contract with the Duongs’ recycling company, and appoint city officials selected by the Duongs. In exchange, David and Andy Duong promised to and did fund a $75,000 negative mailer campaign targeting Thao’s opponents in the mayoral election, and made $95,000 in payments to Jones for a no-show job with their housing company, with the promise of additional payments, all intended for the benefit of Thao and Jones.
Once Thao became Mayor of Oakland in January 2023, she allegedly took steps in furtherance of the corrupt relationship with the Duongs, including using her influence to help appoint a high-level City of Oakland official selected by David and Andy Duong, and requesting that members of her staff meet with and tour the Duongs’ housing company.
Thao allegedly benefitted from the payments that the Duongs made to Jones. Financial records indicate that before Jones began receiving payments as a result of the bribery scheme, Thao either paid the entirety of or split with Jones the rent for their shared residence. However, starting in January 2023, soon after Jones began receiving payments as part of the bribery scheme, Jones began paying the entirety of their rent. In addition, beginning in January 2023, Jones increased his contribution to, or paid the entirety of, shared bills with Thao, including household utility bills and mobile phone bills.
Defendants allegedly took steps to conceal their bribery scheme by, among other actions: at Thao’s direction, making the bribe payments to Jones to avoid a paper trial to Thao; misrepresenting that Jones had a legitimate job with the Duongs’ housing company to mask the bribery payments; creating false invoices for the bribe payments from the Duongs’ recycling company; and failing to disclose benefits received on California Form 700, Statement of Economic Interests.
“The public deserves honesty and transparency from City Hall. When elected officials agree to a pay-to-play system to benefit themselves rather than work for the best interests of their constituents, that breaches the public trust,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins. “This indictment reaffirms the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s commitment to root out, investigate, and prosecute corruption in our local governments.”
“Our communities are entitled to leaders who act in their best interest, free from the shadow of corruption,” said FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Dan Costin. “Today’s actions demonstrate our resolute determination to protect the integrity of our government and ensure accountability for those who betray the public’s trust.”
“To protect the public trust, Postal Inspectors worked closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners at the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) to investigate and prosecute those individuals responsible for fraud schemes committed against a government agency, businesses, and the public,” said San Francisco Division Inspector in Charge Stephen M. Sherwood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).
“The alleged crimes committed against the citizens of Oakland by former Mayor Thao and her co-conspirators are a clear breach of public trust and cannot be tolerated,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Oakland Field Office Special Agent in Charge Linda Nguyen. “Public corruption schemes are rooted in greed and typically leave a money trail behind. IRS-CI specializes in following that trail and building cases that lead to justice.”
The indictment charges each defendant with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371; one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(1)(B) or 18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(2); one count of conspiracy to commit honest services mail and wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349; one count of honest services mail fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1341, 1346; and two counts of honest services wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343, 1346. Andy Duong was also charged with one count of making false statements to government agents in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2).
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each count under 18 U.S.C. § 1349, 18 U.S.C. § 1341, and 18 U.S.C. § 1343, a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for each count under 18 U.S.C. §§ 666(a)(1)(B) and (a)(2), and a maximum of five years in prison for the count under 18 U.S.C. § 371. Andy Duong faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the count under 18 U.S.C. § 1001. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The defendants are scheduled to make their initial federal court appearance in Oakland at 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 17, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kandis A. Westmore.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly K. Priedeman, Abraham Fine, and Lloyd Farnham are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Amala James and Madeline Wachs. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, USPIS, and IRS-CI.
Sheng Thao Indictment
Dublin Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Damaging Former Employer’s ComputersRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Dublin resident Vamsikrishna Naganathanahalli was sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison for damaging computers belonging to his former employer. The Honorable Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, U.S. District Judge, handed down the sentence.
Naganathanahalli, 49, pleaded guilty on Aug. 15, 2024, to three counts of knowingly causing the transmission of a program, information, code, or command, and as a result of such conduct, intentionally causing damage without authorization, to a protected computer. According to his plea agreement, defendant worked for MedAmerica, Inc., part of the Vituity group of companies, from October 2018 to June 2022. Vituity, based in Emeryville, Calif., included physician partners and other healthcare professional employees who worked as contractors in hospital emergency rooms, outpatient clinics, telehealth providers, and other clinical settings. The company also employed non-clinical healthcare personnel who worked with healthcare providers in various facilities. Vituity used the Oracle Human Capital Management (“HCM”) platform to organize core human resources data for its approximately 7,000 employees. The HCM platform contained records for current and past Vituity employees, including their Social Security numbers, salaries, and addresses. Naganathanahalli worked for Vituity as a Senior HCM Architect.
Defendant admitted that, on May 28, 2022, the day after being told that his employment at Vituity was being terminated, he used his access to a privileged HCM service account to change the password for another employee’s privileged Vituity HCM account without authorization. On or about Sept. 6, 2022, after his employment had ended, he used that privileged HCM account to change the HCM password for a Vituity contractor. That same day, he used the contractor’s account to load files containing “dummy” or “masked” data, which replaced real data, to the Vituity HCM live production environment. As Naganathanahalli admitted, the generic masked data overwrote the real data for approximately 90 percent of Vituity employees, current and former. Defendant’s conduct caused a loss to Vituity of at least $400,930.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Gonzalez Rogers also ordered Naganathanahalli to pay $400,930 in restitution and a $300 special assessment and sentenced him to a three-year period of supervised release. The defendant will begin serving his sentence on July 20, 2025.
United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Dan Costin made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle J. Kane and Nikhil Bhagat are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kathy Tat. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
East Bay Arsonist Admits to Attempting to Firebomb Oakland Federal Building and Firebombing University Police CarRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Casey Robert Goonan, 34, of Oakland and Pleasant Hill, pleaded guilty today to federal arson charges in relation to a series of firebombings and arsons at the Oakland federal building and the University of California, Berkeley in June 2024.
According to a plea agreement filed in open court, in the early morning hours of June 11, 2024, Goonan arrived at the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Oakland carrying a bag containing three explosive devices commonly known as “Molotov cocktails.” Goonan threw rocks at the building, hoping to break a window in order to throw lit Molotov cocktails inside. That plan was disrupted by protective services officers; upon fleeing from the officers, Goonan placed the Molotov cocktails in a planter on the side of building and lit them on fire.
Goonan also admitted to placing a bag containing six Molotov cocktails underneath the fuel tank of a marked University of California Police Department (UCPD) patrol car at UC Berkeley in the early morning hours of June 1, 2024, lighting the bag on fire and fleeing, causing the patrol car to catch on fire, as depicted below:
In addition to these two attacks, Goonan admitted to setting other fires on the UC Berkeley campus on June 1, June 13, and June 16, 2024.
Goonan admitted that these crimes were designed to influence and affect the conduct of governments by intimidation and coercion and to retaliate against the governments of the United States and the State of California for their conduct. Goonan also agreed that the Court should apply Section 3A1.4 of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, the terrorism enhancement, in determining the appropriate sentence.
“In America, we are all free to express our political views and petition the government. But we are not free to do so using violence,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey. “Politically motivated violence undermines our democracy, and we will continue to investigate and prosecute those who engage in it.”
“Protecting the public from acts of violence and terrorism is the FBI’s top priority,” said Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Dan Costin. “Acts of arson and violence that seek to intimidate or coerce government institutions undermine democracy and the rule of law. We are grateful to our state and local law enforcement partners for their swift efforts in identifying and bringing Casey Goonan to justice before further harm could be done.”
Goonan pleaded guilty to one count of Maliciously Damaging or Destroying Property Used in or Affecting Interstate Commerce by Means of Fire or an Explosive in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 844(i), which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a minimum sentence of five years in prison. Any sentence will be imposed by the Court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Goonan, who has been in custody since being arrested, is scheduled to be sentenced on April 8, 2025, before the Honorable Jeffrey S. White, Senior United States District Judge.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nikhil Bhagat is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Tina Rosenbaum. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, ATF, the California Office of the State Fire Marshal, and UCPD.