Western District of Michigan
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Offender Who Repeatedly Exploited Minors Sentenced to Decades in PrisonRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Jason Daniel Freiberg, 47, of Defiance, Ohio, was sentenced to 37 years in prison for the sexual exploitation of a minor.
In 2023, Freiberg met an 11-year-old from western Michigan online. The minor victim repeatedly told Freiberg that she was 11, but nevertheless he engaged in sexually explicit conversations with her, talked about meeting up with her for sex, and solicited and received sexually explicit images and videos of her. Freiberg pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting the minor victim and was sentenced to 324 months for that offense.
Freiberg had a previous conviction for enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity; he pleaded guilty to that offense in 2000 and was required to register as a sex offender. Consequently, Freiberg will also serve a ten-year consecutive sentence for committing this offense while a registered sex offender.
“Despite his previous conviction, Freiberg once again set out to sexually exploit a little girl,” said U.S. Attorney VerHey. “Today’s significant sentence of 37 years in prison sends a clear message that my office will vigorously prosecute those that seek to sexually exploit children, especially those who have previously been convicted of sexual exploitation and remain undeterred. Freiberg’s actions, like those of any sexual offender that fails to learn his or her lesson, have earned him a lengthy but justified prison sentence.”
“This conviction closes out a two-year investigation and reflects the strong partnership between local and federal agencies to protect children and hold predators accountable,” said Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Chief David Boysen. “This is also a reminder for parents and guardians to stay alert to their kids’ online activities; predators can often hide behind screens and vigilance is the first line of defense.”
“The 37 year long sentencing of Jason Freiberg is a crucial success toward protecting the children of Michigan from the heinous acts of those who target and exploit them,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “I commend the tireless work of the FBI Kalamazoo Resident Agency, along with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, in bringing this offender to justice. FBI Detroit will always safeguard our Michigan communities from predators through our strong and ongoing law enforcement partnerships, relentless investigative rigor, and outstanding support from U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety investigated this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, including resources for parents and children about staying safe online, please visit justice.gov/PSC.
Grand Rapids Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Threatening to Kill the President, Vice President, and Two OthersRead the Press Release
James Donald Vance, Jr. Posted Threats to Kill on Bluesky
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Grand Rapids resident James Donald Vance, Jr., age 67, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for posting threatening communications online, including threats to kill the President and Vice President of the United States, and one of the President’s children. Vance was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney in Kalamazoo, Michigan, who described the crime as “grievous conduct” that required a prison sentence to deter others from making similar threats.
In March and April 2025, Defendant James Vance, using the alias “Diaperjdv,” posted several threatening posts on the social media service Bluesky in which he made specific threats to kill four people, including President Donald J. Trump and Vice President JD Vance. In one message, he proclaimed that he did not care whether he was shot by Secret Service or would spend the rest of his life in prison for his actions. He pled guilty to two felony offenses: threatening to kill or injure the President and Vice President and interstate threatening communications. Each violation carries a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
This is the second time in one month that a defendant has been sentenced in the Western District of Michigan for threatening to kill the President. On October 20, 2025, Richard James Spring of Comstock Park was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison and fined $2,000 by U.S. District Judge Jane M. Beckering in Grand Rapids. Spring pled guilty to threatening to kill President Trump after committing rape
United States Attorney Timothy VerHey stated, “The advent of the internet gives us all an opportunity to engage in the healthy exchange of ideas that are so important to a democracy. But some would rather use this tool to threaten and intimidate, conduct that causes fear and damages our democratic ideals. When Vance said he planned to kill our President and the Vice President simply because he disagreed with them, he crossed a line we all understand and so had to be punished.”
“Threats against our nation’s leaders and their families will not be tolerated,” said William Shink, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service’s Detroit Field Office. “Individuals who threaten the President, Vice President or any U.S. Secret Service protectee will be investigated and held accountable for their actions.”
Both matters were investigated by the Grand Rapids office of the United States Secret Service.
Federal Jury Convicts Muskegon Man Involved in Shooting of Being Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Timothy VerHey, today announced that a federal jury convicted Malik Jones-Smith (30, Muskegon, Michigan) of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
In the early morning of December 28, 2024, following a shooting in Muskegon Heights, Jones-Smith and another individual drove away from a Muskegon police officer in a van and then fled on foot. Near the van, police found a stolen pistol loaded with a round partially fed in the chamber and one additional round in the magazine. A search of Jones-Smith’s cell phone showed that he uploaded a video on Snapchat less than 10 hours before with the same firearm:
The search of his phone also showed that Jones-Smith and his passenger in the van were involved in the Muskegon Heights shooting. At the time of the offense, Jones-Smith was on federal supervised release for a prior conviction of distributing fentanyl. Jones-Smith was released from federal custody only 16 days before he possessed the firearm.
“Gun violence destroys communities,” stated United States Attorney Timothy VerHey. “My office remains committed to prosecuting individuals who illegally possess firearms and threaten public safety.”
“The Muskegon Police Department is committed to ensuring that everyone can live without the threat of gun violence. This conviction through the collaboration with the United States Attorney’s office in conjunction with the FBI and ATF strengthens that commitment,” said Muskegon Police Chief Tim Kozal.
"This conviction reinforces FBI Detroit’s commitment to stopping habitual violent offenders, such as Malik Jones-Smith, from inflicting further harm on our Michigan communities,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “I want to thank the FBI Grand Rapids Resident Agency, Muskegon Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Muskegon Major Case Initiative (MMCI), which includes the Michigan State Police and the Muskegon Heights Police Department. These agencies played a critical role in removing this dangerous, convicted felon from our streets. I am also grateful for the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan in securing this successful prosecution.”
Jones-Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on March 10, 2026, and faces up to 18 years in federal prison for the new conviction and for his supervised release violations.
The Muskegon Police Department - Muskegon Major Crimes Initiative Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vito S. Solitro and Clay Stiffler prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Three Guatemalan Citizens Charged with Conspiracy to Sell Phony United States Identification CardsRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Norma Yanari Ayala (34), Rigoberto Vasquez-Vasquez (42), and Edgidio Vasquez-Mencho (41) were arrested in Grand Rapids on September 30, 2025. All three were indicted by a grand jury with charges alleging that they conspired to transfer false identification documents and actually transferred false documents. Ayala and Vasquez-Mencho are also charged with illegal reentry into the U.S. after having been removed from the country previously.
Defendants:ChargesNorma Yanari Ayala- Conspiracy to Transfer False Identification Documents
- Transfer False Identification Documents
- Alien Reentry
- Conspiracy to Transfer False Identification Documents
- Transfer False Identification Documents
- Conspiracy to Transfer False Identification Documents
- Transfer False Identification Documents
- Alien Reentry
The indictment alleges that from on or before June 2024 through June 2025, the defendants conspired to transfer and sell false permanent resident cards and social security account number cards that appeared to have been issued by or under the authority of the United States knowing that they were unlawfully produced. The cards were sold to persons believed to be present in the United States illegally. The indictment also charges 7 instances of such sales to confidential sources which were observed by HSI agents.
U.S. Attorney VerHey said, “These cases are a priority. Illegal immigrants come to the United States because they know they can get phony work documents allowing them to take U.S. jobs. We know whatever we can do to disrupt the fraudulent document business will help us get control of illegal immigration.”
In addition, the indictment charges Norma Yanari Ayala, who has been removed on 4 occasions, and Edgidio Vasquez-Mencho, who has been removed once, with reentering the United States without authorization.
If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
Homeland Security Investigations is investigating this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Don Daniels is prosecuting it.
The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Kalamazoo Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Keith Smith, 46, from Kalamazoo, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
VerHey said, “A thirty-year sentence is a long time, but Keith Smith worked hard to earn it. He got federal attention because his drug trafficking was killing people in Kalamazoo. Nothing short of a long prison term will stop Smith from dealing drugs: When we charged him, Smith already had many drug convictions in state court, and he went right back to moving large amounts of methamphetamine, while illegally armed with guns, while under federal court supervision. The community is safer without Smith in it.”
In 2022, investigators used a confidential informant to buy a pound of methamphetamine from Keith Smith. They subsequently searched Smith’s home, where a woman was found dead from drug poisoning, and seized more than two kilograms of methamphetamine from inside the residence. They also searched Smith’s car and found fentanyl, cocaine, and a stolen pistol. A federal grand jury indicted Smith for that conduct and he was released on bond. While free, investigators found that Smith was still dealing drugs. On January 13, 2025, police caught Smith with a package containing more than 13 pounds of methamphetamine. Smith was a career offender under the federal sentencing guidelines based on his offense conduct in this case and his criminal history, which included more than ten prior felony convictions, including six for dealing drugs.
“Mr. Smith is a career criminal. We hope this sentence sends a message to those who continue to commit criminal activity in and around Kalamazoo,” said Captain Michael Ferguson of the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET).
“Through DEA’s combined efforts with KVET and the U.S. Postal Inspectors Service, we are able to take another violent criminal off the streets and prevent the poisoning and potential overdoses of many American citizens,” said Special Agent in Charge Andrew Lawton. “This was an individual who showed no remorse in his criminal actions by continuing to bring lethal amounts of narcotics into the communities while awaiting adjudication for other extremely serious and harmful crimes. Yesterday’s sentencing will reflect the seriousness of Mr. Smith’s crimes and bring a small measure of relief in western Michigan.”
This case was investigated by KVET, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Austin Hakes, Dan McGraw, Jonathan Roth, Olivia Ghiselli, and Alex Jansen.
Machinegun Trafficker Sentenced to over 6 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Wolf Harper, 37, from Lansing, was sentenced to 83 months in prison for possession and transfer of machineguns and possession of a short-barreled rifle.
Harper sold a short-barreled rifle with a silencer (shown below) and 74 machinegun conversion devices, or auto sears, to an undercover agent. A conversion device enables semiautomatic firearms to fire as fully automatic weapons, shooting up to 1000 rounds of ammunition a minute and allowing a magazine to be emptied with a single pull of the trigger. A conversion device is a machinegun under federal law. When investigators arrested Harper, he had 30 more conversion devices in his possession and approximately 20 more at home.
Also in Harper’s home were nine silencers, numerous weapons, and tactical gear:
Law enforcement found a sophisticated firearms manufacturing workshop in one bedroom:
U.S. Attorney VerHey stated that he was pleased with the results of the case. “Street gangs and drug traffickers have recently escalated the danger they pose to our communities by choosing to carry machineguns rather than ordinary firearms when they can. This leads to tragic and predictable results: not only do the criminals harm and kill one another, innocent bystanders often get caught in the crossfire. Harper was willing to sell his deadly products to all buyers, no questions asked. My office will always put people like him at the top of the list of offenders we will investigate and bring to justice.”
“Wolf Harper was motivated by money and his actions demonstrated a complete disregard for the safety of others,” said James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Detroit Field Division. “Machinegun conversion devices are inherently dangerous and represent a clear danger to public safety. In the hands of prolific shooters who terrorize our neighborhoods with gun violence, these devices represent tools of urban warfare. In this case, Harper selfishly put profit ahead of logic. He will have plenty of time to reflect on that while he sits in federal prison. ATF will identify and prosecute anyone who traffics in these illegal devices and work with our partners to hold them accountable.”
This case was investigated by ATF. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. For more information, visit www.justice.gov/psn.
Former Executive Director of Nonprofit Shelter Indicted for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey announced that Teri Lyn Looney, age 53, of Dimondale, Michigan was indicted by a grand jury on a criminal charge alleging that she embezzled approximately $95,000 from SIREN Eaton Shelter, a program receiving federal funds.
SIREN Eaton Shelter is a Michigan nonprofit dedicated to helping survivors of domestic abuse, their children, and homeless families in Eaton County and surrounding areas. It receives funding from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Victims of Crimes Act program, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and other sources. The indictment alleges that Looney embezzled approximately $95,000 while serving as SIREN’s Executive Director between June 2021 and May 2023. As Executive Director, Looney was responsible for all organizational programming, supervision of agency staff, the implementation of policies developed in conjunction with the Board, and the oversight of SIREN’s fiscal operations, including its budget and cash reserves.
If convicted, Looney faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and will owe restitution to the victim.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, and the Michigan Department of Attorney General Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Stiffler is the prosecutor.
The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Former Battle Creek Doctor to Pay over $700,000 to Resolve Federal Lawsuit for Issuing Improper Drug PrescriptionsRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – Former Battle Creek doctor Shekhar Thakur has agreed to pay $705,075 to resolve a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office alleging that he violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Thakur previously owned and practiced at Parkside Medical in Battle Creek, Michigan.
On July 9, 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office sued Thakur for, among other things, regularly prescribing opioids and other controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice. For example, the federal lawsuit alleged that Thakur routinely prescribed highly addictive and dangerous controlled substances, often Schedule II opioids, without objectively verifying the patient’s reported ailment through physical examination, medical records, and/or testing. The United States also alleged that Thakur issued prescriptions despite numerous indications that the patients were abusing or diverting substances, including failed urine drug screens showing that patients were taking illicit drugs, or not taking the medications he prescribed. In addition, the United States alleged that Thakur prescribed dangerous combinations of controlled substances, including opioids and benzodiazepines.
The complaint alleged that this illegitimate prescribing had consequences. It stated, “many patients sought out Thakur to feed their addictions to opioids or benzodiazepines. Some of Thakur’s patients shared their drugs with others or sold them on the street.”
Thakur agreed to pay the over $700,000 settlement in exchange for the government’s agreement to dismiss the case and not prove his conduct in a trial. He did not admit responsibility for the conduct alleged, however, during 2022 and 2023 he was stripped of his licenses to practice medicine. In 2020, Thakur voluntarily surrendered his DEA registration, thereby losing his ability to prescribe controlled substances. As part of his settlement with the government, Thakur agreed never to apply for reinstatement of his DEA registration.
U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey said, “When doctors prescribe drugs without a proper medical purpose, they are drug dealers. This settlement highlights my office’s commitment to hold medical professionals responsible when they cross that line.”
Andrew Lawton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s Detroit Field Division stated, “Physicians who recklessly prescribe controlled substances endanger patients’ lives and erode communities. We will tirelessly investigate and hold accountable the people responsible for flooding Michigan with illegitimate drugs, to include doctors and healthcare professionals.”
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Assistant United States Attorneys Whitney M. Schnurr and Ryan D. Cobb investigated and litigated this case alongside Stacy Race from DEA’s Office of Chief Counsel. The complaint and other filings can be found on the Court’s online docket under United States v. Thakur, 1-24-cv-00707 (W.D. Mich.).
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Holland Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey announced that Darian Howard, 25, of Holland, was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a child.
“My office takes very seriously its obligation to protect vulnerable victims, and children this young are among the most vulnerable,” said U.S. Attorney VerHey. “Child exploitation is one of the most troubling crimes we prosecute and we work diligently to secure justice and appropriate sentences for predators.”
In November 2024, a woman called 911 after learning that Howard had taken sexually explicit photographs of her three-year-old daughter. A police investigation revealed that Howard had taken sexually explicit images of two three-year-old girls, including a video that depicted him sexually assaulting one of the minor girls. Howard was charged with three counts of sexual exploitation of a child and pleaded guilty to one of the counts in May 2025.
“One of the Holland Department of Public Safety’s primary goals is to make the Holland Community safe from criminal activity,” said Kris Haglund, Captain of Criminal Investigations for Holland Department of Public Safety. “By partnering with the FBI and Children’s Advocacy Center we are pleased with the conclusion of this case. Without these partnerships, this case would not have had the result it did. We hope that the families who were impacted by this incident can have a sense of closure because of this prosecution.”
“The indictment of Darian Howard reaffirms the FBI’s commitment to pursuing justice against those alleged to exploit the most vulnerable members in our community,” said Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The alleged actions are disturbing and will not be tolerated. I want to thank the dedicated members of our FBI Grand Rapids Resident Agency, including the West Michigan-based Child Exploitation Task Force (WEBCHEX), Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and the Holland Police Department for their diligent work. The FBI will remain steadfast in pursuing those who target our children and work to hold alleged predators accountable under federal law.”
The Holland Department of Public Safety, Ottawa County Sherriff’s Office, and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Doaa Al-Howaishy prosecuted it.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor’s offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials.
Florida Resident Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering Charge in Nationwide Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey announced that Florida resident Danielle Diarbakerly, age 38, pled guilty in federal court to money laundering conspiracy for her role in a multi-state fraud scheme that caused more than $3 million in losses to victims. Diarbakerly faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine, and will owe restitution to the victims.
Diarbakerly was indicted by a grand jury in January 2025 and accused of participating in a conspiracy to launder the proceeds of a fraud scheme that ran from at least January 2020 to September 2024. Court records reflect that Diarbakerly admitted that she and others were members of a conspiracy that was designed to defraud people living throughout the United States, including in West Michigan, and conduct financial transactions using that money to conceal the source, control, or location of the fraudulent proceeds. Some members of the conspiracy contacted victims and persuaded them that they had won large prizes in a multistate lottery. To claim these prizes, the victims were told that they would have to pay taxes and fees associated with their winnings. The victims were instructed to send their money, by wire transfer or mail, to shell companies created by Diarbakerly for that purpose. Once the money arrived, she quickly moved the funds into other shell companies that she controlled or sent it to other conspirators. Diarbakerly knew the funds were fraudulent proceeds.
“Every day, fraudsters attempt to steal money earned by hardworking Americans and from vulnerable retirees living on fixed incomes. Federal law enforcement is relentlessly pursuing everyone responsible for committing those frauds, including those who facilitate these reprehensible financial crimes. We all must remain vigilant when receiving unsolicited communications to avoid falling victim to these schemes,” said U.S. Attorney Tim VerHey.
“These schemes have sadly become increasingly widespread across our state and across the country,” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “Thankfully, our agents, law enforcement partners and prosecutors will do everything they can to track down these culprits and hold them accountable under the law. This case is a good reminder for the community to check in on their loved ones, discuss these schemes and how families can protect themselves.”
“Schemes that drain the bank accounts of everyday people are terrible and steal the safety and security of victims across the county,” said Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. “IRS Criminal Investigation is dedicated to flushing out fraudsters and protecting tax-paying Americans from crimes like these that jeopardize their way of life.”
Homeland Security Investigations and IRS Criminal Investigation continue to investigate this matter.
U.P. Man Sentenced to Life in PrisonRead the Press Release
Eugene Rantanen was convicted of killing his 19-month-old son, Carter
MARQUETTE – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Eugene Walter-George Rantanen, 37, of L’Anse was sentenced to life in prison for murder and first-degree child abuse. During sentencing, U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney commented that the sentence imposed “will do justice” given the defendant’s “horrendous treatment” of his 19-month-old son.
The evidence at trial showed that Rantanen had care and custody of his minor son, Carter, on the night of February 19, 2024. The two were alone at their home on the L’Anse Reservation of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community when Rantanen called 911 to report that the nineteen-month-old boy was not breathing. Despite rapid and extensive medical intervention involving three different hospitals, the toddler succumbed to his head injuries on February 24. Numerous treating providers testified that Carter had suffered from abusive assault and inflicted trauma, and the medical examiner found that Carter’s cause of death was blunt-force trauma and the manner of death was homicide. Based on the nature of Carter’s injuries, the government argued that Rantanen was the only person with means and opportunity to commit the murder. The jury agreed, convicting Rantanen of both counts.
“This toddler’s life was tragic. His birth mother had arranged for him to be adopted by a loving family, but Rantanen insisted on having custody of Carter and all evidence suggests that, instead of loving and doting on and caring for Carter, Rantanen subjected him to months of abuse and neglect,” said U.S. Attorney VerHey. “Although this sentence will not bring this little boy back, we hope it provides some measure of justice and comfort to those who loved Carter, including his birth mother, adoptive parents, and family. My office will work tirelessly, even in difficult cases, to see that offenders are held accountable and justice is done.”
“The conviction of Eugene Rantanen further ensures the public that this child predator and murderer will never again have the opportunity to harm another innocent young soul,” said Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “I would like to first thank our dedicated team out of the FBI Marquette Resident Agency, whose tireless efforts made this outcome possible. This success was the result of our close partnership with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Police, Village L’Anse Police, Baraga County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan. To the family and loved ones of the innocent child, I extend my deepest condolences. The FBI in Michigan remains unwavering in protecting our children and reassuring our communities that justice will be served.”
The FBI, the Michigan State Police, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Police, the Baraga County Sheriff’s Office, and the Village of L’Anse Police Department investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexis M. Sanford, Jeanne F. Long, and Theodore J. Greeley prosecuted it.
This case was part of the Department of Justice’s work to combat the missing and murdered indigenous person’s (MMIP) crisis. Per the Bureau of Indian Affairs, “For decades, Native American and Alaska Native communities have struggled with high rates of assault, abduction, and murder of tribal members. Community advocates describe the crisis as a legacy of generations of government policies of forced removal, land seizures and violence inflicted on Native peoples.” The BIA website has more information about the MMIP crisis at https://www.bia.gov/service/mmu/missing-and-murdered-indigenous-people-crisis
Battle Creek Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
Guilty Plea Entered on National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey announced that Nazzarie Carmouche-Heath, 29, of Battle Creek, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Carmouche-Heath is scheduled to be sentenced on December 4, 2025, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison.
“I hope everyone knows by now how deadly fentanyl is. Our office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute the drug dealers who sell it. We especially look for cases like this, where the fentanyl was disguised as legitimate medication, a situation that can lead to accidental overdoses by the unsuspecting.” said U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey.
In pleading guilty, Carmouche-Heath admitted that in March 2025, at his residence in Battle Creek, he possessed and intended to sell 4,714 blue pills, which were designed to look like the opioid analgesic Oxycodone (M/30), but in fact contained fentanyl, weighing over 470 grams. Carmouche-Heathe also possessed and intended to sell over 600 grams of fentanyl in powder form. He also possessed two firearms found near the fentanyl stash. According to court documents, Carmouche-Heath pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
“Our country continues to be plagued by fentanyl poisonings caused by these counterfeit pills. This defendant entered his guilty plea on August 21, which is National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. Our communities can rejoice in taking another piece of this deadly drug trade off the streets, which will prevent future potential overdoses and tragedy. DEA’s strategic partnerships with the Battle Creek Police Department (BCPD) and other law enforcement agencies are instrumental in stopping this nationwide threat,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derek Ress.
DEA and BCPD are investigating this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan McGraw is prosecuting it.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiate 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) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Former Grandville Orthodontist Charged with Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey today announced that Thomas Shannon, 43, was arrested in Frankfort, Michigan on charges related to child exploitation. Shannon is an orthodontist and previously had a practice in Grandville.
The criminal complaint charging Shannon alleges that a therapist reported that a 16-year-old minor had been sexually exploited on Snapchat. Investigators identified the victim’s perpetrator as Thomas Shannon using SnapChat and CashApp records. Shannon hired a private forensic examiner to review his phone to prove that he did not have child pornography. The examiner, however, found child pornography and turned it over to police. Investigators reviewed the phone and Snapchat records, which revealed additional minor victims, one whom was only twelve years old. One additional minor victim came forward. She met Shannon online and he directed her to video chat with him while engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Shannon is charged with the following crimes, which carry the following penalties:
Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography: mandatory minimum of 5 years and up to 20 years in prison
Receipt of Child Pornography: mandatory minimum of 5 years and up to 20 years in prison
Possession of Child Pornography: up to 20 years in prison
Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor: mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison
Sexual Exploitation of a Minor: mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, the Fuquay Varina Police Department in North Carolina, and the Prince George’s County Police Department in Maryland.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor’s offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials.
The charges in a complaint are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Wyoming Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Ramico Jovon Earvin, a/k/a “Pooh,” 43, of Wyoming, Michigan was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of carfentanil and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“Fentanyl and firearms are a deadly and dangerous combination,” stated United States Attorney Timothy VerHey. “My office remains committed to the fight to remove illegal drugs and weapons from our communities to vigorously prosecute the purveyors of this poison.”
The indictment, unsealed late last week, alleges that on March 4, 2025, Earvin possessed a significant amount of fentanyl and carfentanil, a synthetic opioid that is 100 times more potent than fentanyl itself. The indictment also alleges on the same date, Earvin, a convicted felon, possessed a loaded .45 caliber revolver.
If convicted, Earvin faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and up to life in prison for the drug trafficking charge. The firearm offense carries a statutory maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
In response to the news, the Wyoming Police Department released the following statement: “This seizure of dangerous narcotics exemplifies the Wyoming Police Department’s commitment to ensuring the City of Wyoming remains a safe place to live, work, and visit. Holding those responsible for the distribution of these narcotics accountable remains one of our highest priorities. We are proud to work alongside our local, state, and federal partner law enforcement agencies as we continue our dedication to preserving and strengthening safety for the City of Wyoming.”
The Wyoming Police Department, Kent County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Carowan is prosecuting it on behalf of the United States.
The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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Earvin - IndictmentUnited States Attorney's Office to Participate in Community Event During National Night OutRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Michigan
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan will join their law enforcement partners, neighbors, and communities in National Night Out events in cities and towns across the Western District of Michigan.
“I am honored to represent the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan during tonight’s National Night Out events in Kalamazoo. I will be present with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety to greet the community and assure Kalamazoo residents that my office remains committed to working with local police to protect their community and the safety of its residents. This event is an important reminder that our communities are at their best when residents work in tandem with law enforcement for the benefit and good of everyone. I greatly appreciate the efforts of Kalamazoo residents and community leaders in working with Chief Boysen and local law enforcement to make our neighborhoods better and safer.”
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country.
National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization.
Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe.
For more information, visit https://natw.org/.
Scheduled Event:
Kalamazoo
Date: August 5, 2025
Time: starts at 5:00p
Address: 612 N Park St, Kalamazoo, MI, United States, Michigan 49007
Grant Man Sentenced to 36 Months for Transporting Explosives and Possessing a Destructive DeviceRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that United States District Judge Robert J. Jonker sentenced Luke Isaac Terpstra, 31, of Grant, Michigan to three years in prison for possession of an unregistered destructive device. Terpstra also has to pay a fine of $750 and a special assessment of $100.
“The sentence in this case is significant and it reinforces that individuals who build bombs with the intent to injure innocent civilians and destroy property will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey. “This conduct puts us all at risk, and my office will hold those who commit such crimes accountable.”
Terpstra’s sentencing follows his guilty plea in April of this year. As part of the plea, Terpstra admitted that, in September 2023, he traveled from his home in Grant, Michigan to Salem, Massachusetts carrying with him several improvised explosive devices (IED), multiple firearms (including a shotgun and an AR-15 rifle), and ammunition. Terpstra built the IEDs sometime in late summer or early fall 2023. Two of the IEDs were comprised of a container with either coins or rifle ammunition secured to the sides of it and a piece of cannon fuse coming out of the lids of the containers. Terpstra admitted building the IEDs because he wanted to destroy the Satanic Temple by setting it on fire.
“The sentencing of Luke Terpstra sends a clear and powerful message: those who threaten the safety of our nation will be held fully accountable under the law,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “This outcome reflects our steadfast commitment to protecting the American people from bad actors and violence in all its forms. I am proud of the dedicated and diligent investigative work of the members from our FBI Grand Rapids Resident Agency, alongside our law enforcement partners at the Grant Police Department, Kent County Sheriff’s Office, and Michigan State Police. I also want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, whose contributions were vital in concluding this case. We remain fully committed to collaborating with our law enforcement allies to identify, investigate, and bring to justice those who pose a threat to our country.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Grant Police Department and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Carowan prosecuted it on behalf of the United States.
Caledonia Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting High School GirlsRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey announced that Scott Michael Elam, 43, of Caledonia, was sentenced to 30 years in prison. He had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and admitted to exploiting eleven girls.
“Mr. Elam is a sexual predator who took terrible advantage of numerous girls,” said U.S. Attorney VerHey. “This lengthy sentence sends a message about the seriousness of the conduct and the need to protect society from Elam and those like him. My office will continue to prosecute these offenders with all the resources we have.”
Elam admitted to selling alcohol, marijuana, and vape to numerous minors throughout the Western District of Michigan. He offered discounts to girls who made sexually explicit pictures and videos of themselves and sent them to him, or had sex with him.
“The sentencing of Scott Elam, a convicted predator, delivers the full weight of justice for the horrific crimes he committed against children,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “Mr. Elam's predatory actions are reprehensible and should never be tolerated. The FBI in Michigan will remain relentless in pursuing bad actors who exploit the most vulnerable among us. I want to thank the dedicated men and women of our FBI Grand Rapids Resident Agency, the West Michigan-based Child Exploitation Task Force (WEBCHEX), the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, for their outstanding work and successful prosecution. Our community in Michigan, along with the American public should know the FBI will never waver in our mission to protect children and hold predators fully accountable for their actions.”
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Robert Jonker ordered Elam to forfeit the Caledonia home where he had sex with one of the minors and that he used to provide contraband to others.
This case was investigated by the Kent County Sheriff’s Office and FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Olivia Ghiselli and Jonathan Roth.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor's offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials.
Other DOJ programs and initiatives for guidance https://www.justice.gov/our-work.
Man Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Assault of a Postal EmployeeRead the Press Release
Benjamin Gregory Shirley Assaulted Postal Employee Attempting to Obtain Fentanyl
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey announced that Benjamin Gregory Shirley, age 41, of East Lansing, Michigan, was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for assaulting a postal employee.
According to court records, Shirley arranged for fentanyl to be shipped from Tennessee to East Lansing in a U.S. Mail parcel to a P.O. Box that he recently opened. When it arrived at the Post Office in East Lansing, Michigan, Shirley attempted to obtain the parcel, but the parcel was mistakenly addressed to a P.O. Box different than the one Shirley opened. When the United States Postal Service clerk told Shirley she could not give him the parcel, he became agitated and eventually climbed over the counter and attempted to wrestle the parcel from the clerk’s hands. After the altercation, inspectors executed a warrant to search the parcel and found a quantity of fentanyl concealed inside a teddy bear.
“My office stands ready to investigate and prosecute those who assault federal workers; no one should be subject to attack simply for doing their job,” said U.S. Attorney VerHey. “Further, my office is dedicated to combatting fentanyl trafficking, particularly through the U.S. Mail. Postal workers should be able to come to work and do their jobs without the fear of violence or drugs.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is firmly committed to protecting our postal employees and ensuring the safety of every Post Office across the country” said Sean F. McStravick, Acting Inspector in Charge, of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Detroit Division. “This individual, who has a lengthy criminal history, brazenly jumped the counter of a Post Office to retrieve a package later found to contain fentanyl, a reckless act that put postal employees and the public at serious risk. Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of those actions. We will continue to hold offenders accountable and remain focused on our mission to safeguard the mail and the employees who serve the American public every day.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vito S. Solitro prosecuted the case.
Timothy VerHey Appointed United States Attorney for the Western District of MichiganRead the Press Release
He was appointed by Attorney General Pam Bondi and sworn in on July 21, 2025
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN − The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan announced today that Timothy VerHey has been appointed to serve as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan. On July 21, 2025, United States Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed VerHey to serve as Interim United States Attorney. He was formally sworn in by Chief United States District Court Judge Hala Y. Jarbou.
As U.S. Attorney, VerHey will serve as the chief federal law enforcement officer representing the United States in all federal criminal and civil litigation in the Western District of Michigan. The district encompasses 1.6 million people and covers the western half of the lower peninsula and all the upper peninsula of the State. He leads a staff of approximately 70 prosecutors, civil litigators and support staff.
VerHey has been a federal prosecutor in Grand Rapids for nearly 35 years, where he has prosecuted all manner of crimes ranging from international fraud, domestic terrorism, capital murder, drug offenses, child sex offenses and violent crime. After graduating with honors from the University of Notre Dame Law School, he clerked for the Honorable Harry W. Wellford, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. After two years as an attorney at the Grand Rapids law firm Warner, Norcross & Judd, VerHey joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 1990. The Justice Department has recognized him more than once for superior performance as a prosecutor, and he is frequently asked to train the nation’s federal prosecutors in trial skills.
VerHey said, “I am honored that Attorney General Bondi has asked me to serve as the U.S. Attorney for this district. The people of West Michigan expect that I and the members of this office will apply federal law in a fair and effective manner, and that is exactly what we will do.”
Final Defendant Sentenced in National Methamphetamine & Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Alexis M. Sanford today announced that United States District Judge Jane M. Beckering sentenced Merria Wallace, 42, a resident of West Park, Florida with significant ties to Lansing, Michigan, to serve 120 months in prison for her role in a multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy. During sentencing, Judge Beckering characterized Wallace as a facilitator for a major drug trafficking organization, finding that she “was a really important part of this operation” – an operation responsible for distributing significant quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine throughout Michigan. Wallace is the final defendant to be sentenced in the case.
Wallace was the logistics manager for a conspiracy designed to import methamphetamine and cocaine to Michigan for sale. In her role, Wallace tracked packages containing approximately ten kilograms of methamphetamine sent to Michigan from California. She also booked flights for co-conspirators to fly thousands of dollars in drug proceeds to California and then return to Michigan with drugs, including cocaine. On multiple occasions, Wallace even traveled herself, transporting drug money on behalf of one of the conspiracy’s leaders, Jason Demyers. Overall, the organization distributed kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine in and around Detroit, Lansing, and Kalamazoo between August 2022 and July 2024.
“The sentences in this case are significant and effectively hampered this transnational drug trafficking organization, which spanned multiple states, including Michigan, Florida, Arizona and California,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Alexis Sanford. “Our office is committed to combatting these organizations, including sources of supply from other states or countries who are responsible for distributing significant quantities of drugs into our West Michigan communities. We will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to make our communities safer for everyone.”
During the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately ten kilograms of methamphetamine, eight kilograms of cocaine, multiple pieces of real property used to facilitate the drug trafficking conspiracy, and jewelry valued at approximately $325,000 that constituted proceeds of the drug trafficking conspiracy.
In total, the United States charged fourteen defendants as part of the organization. Twelve of the defendants have pleaded guilty, while two have entered a pretrial diversion program. The Court has imposed the following prison sentences on the convicted defendants:
Name
Residence
Age
Sentence
Jason DemyersLansing, Michigan
Phoenix, Arizona
44324 monthsFranchot BarnesSouthern California47324 monthsJomo GradyKalamazoo, Michigan51210 monthsEvette WallaceKalamazoo, Michigan36110 monthsMark WilliamsSouthfield, Michigan54105 monthsJamar GoinsLansing, Michigan4578 monthsFranchot MeadowsBloomfield, Michigan2275 monthsIvan WilliamsSouthfield, Michigan3563 monthsLanise MoodyLansing, Michigan4240 monthsJonathan ConnerLansing, Michigan4337 monthsShirley StarksLansing, Michigan412 years of probationThe Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Lansing Police Department (LPD) began the investigation into Demyers’ drug trafficking organization in October 2022, in partnership with Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office.
“The results of this investigation highlight the relentless work the Drug Enforcement Administration and our state and local partners do daily to keep our communities safe, said DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew P. Lawton. “With the assistance of the Lansing Police Department and the Michigan State Police, we have succeeded in holding those accountable for flooding our backyards with drugs and weapons. We will continue to prioritize the Mission of the Drug Enforcement Administration and bring those responsible for these crimes to justice. These severe sentences show that narcotics trafficking has grave consequences and should serve as a warning to the cartels and drug gangs alike.”
This prosecution, dubbed Operation Cold as Ice, was 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. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie M. Carowan and Austin J. Hakes prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Justice Department Secures Agreement Reforming Michigan School District’s Seclusion and Restraint PracticesRead the Press Release
Today, the Justice Department announced that it reached an agreement with a Michigan school district to address the discriminatory use of seclusion and restraint against students with disabilities, in violation of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Under the settlement agreement, the Montcalm Area Intermediate School District will end the use of seclusion, reform its restraint practices, and improve special education services for students with disabilities.
During the period covered by the investigation, with which the school district fully cooperated, students with disabilities were secluded and/or restrained on more than 2,400 occasions. The Department’s investigation also revealed that the district used seclusion and restraint improperly, including using emergency crisis responses as punishment for normal classroom discipline issues.
“Students with disabilities should never be discriminated against by experiencing the trauma of seclusion or improper restraint,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Parents have the right to expect that the school systems they entrust with educating their children do not instead punish their children for having a disability.”
“This school district serves the most vulnerable Michigan students, young children with disabilities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Alexis M. Sanford for the Western District of Michigan. “I commend them for entering into this settlement agreement to provide their students with the care and services they need to get the education they deserve.”
Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt, and additional information about the Civil Rights Division’s Educational Opportunities Section’s work to combat disability discrimination including by improper seclusion and restraint is available at www.justice.gov/crt/educational-opportunities-section.
Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at www.civilrights.justice.gov/.
Bleistahl North America LP to Pay over $2.3 Million to Resolve Allegations It Received Paycheck Protection Program Loan in Violation of Employee Size RulesRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – Battle Creek manufacturer, Bleistahl North America LP (Bleistahl), has agreed to pay a principal amount of $2,355,832.05 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by falsely obtaining a second-draw Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan for which it was ineligible. The settlement amount and payment structure were negotiated based on Bleistahl’s ability to pay.
The PPP was an emergency loan program established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act in March of 2020 and expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in 2021. Under the PPP, eligible businesses could obtain loans to cover payroll costs or other specified business expenses. PPP loans were guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and subject to forgiveness if spent on eligible expenses. However, PPP loans were only available to a subset of businesses that met the eligibility criteria. As one condition to second-draw loan eligibility, the applicant company and its affiliates must have had no more than 300 employees collectively. When applying for PPP loans, borrowers were required to certify the truthfulness and accuracy of all information provided in their loan applications, including regarding their size, number of employees, and affiliate entities.
In March of 2021, Bleistahl applied for and received a second-draw PPP loan of $1,300,305, which SBA subsequently forgave. The United States alleges that Bleistahl was ineligible for this loan because the company and its affiliates had over 300 employees. The United States also alleges that Bleistahl falsely certified in its PPP loan application that it had fewer than 300 employees, including affiliates.
“Businesses who did not meet the size standard were not entitled to Paycheck Protection Program funding,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Alexis Sanford. “My office will continue to pursue those who falsely obtained PPP loans, fight fraud, and recover funds.”
“The favorable settlement in this case is the product of enhanced efforts by federal agencies such as the Small Business Administration working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, other federal law enforcement agencies, as well as financial institutions or private individuals who uncover misconduct to recover the lending program’s damages,” said SBA General Counsel Wendell Davis.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act against Bleistahl. Under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the settlement or judgment. Here, the United States elected to take over the case, investigated it, and negotiated the settlement. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. GNGH2 Inc. v. Bleistahl North America LP, No. 1:24-cv-476 (W.D. Mich.).
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan and the SBA. Assistant United States Attorney Whitney M. Schnurr investigated this case alongside Attorney Advisor David Derrico from the SBA.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
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Participant in Fraud Conspiracy Sentenced to 63 MonthsRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Alexis M. Sanford announced that Kaushalkumar Chaudhary, age 30, of India, was sentenced yesterday to 63 months in prison for conspiring to commit wire fraud.
Chaudhary was a courier or “money mule” for a conspiracy that targeted elderly and vulnerable victims. Individuals in India and the United States used the internet and cell phones to contact victims and make false claims using a variety of schemes. These schemes included that the victims’ social security account numbers had been compromised, that they were under federal investigation, or some other false reason why they should convert their financial holdings into cash, gold, and/or silver. Conspirators often claimed to be members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Trade Commission, Federal Communications Commission, or some other government or law enforcement agency and falsely asserted that they could assist the victims in protecting their money.
Chaudhary, acting at the direction of his coconspirators, would travel to the victims’ homes or other pre-arranged meeting locations and retrieve the cash, gold, or silver from the victims. He would then drive to meet coconspirators at designated locations and receive a share of the proceeds as his payment. The balance of the stolen money would be transmitted to other coconspirators both inside and outside of the United States. Chaudhary picked up $70,000 in gold bars from one victim and retrieved money and valuables from thirteen other victims in various states in 2023 and 2024. He was responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars in loss and was ordered to pay restitution to his victims in the amount of $524,947.
“My office stands ready to investigate and prosecute elder financial abuse in all its forms and will continue to hold perpetrators accountable and seek full restitution,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Sanford. “Potential victims should stay vigilant—resist the pressure to act quickly, be cautious of unsolicited calls and emails, and remember that law enforcement and federal officials will never retrieve valuable items from you for protection.”
“No American deserves to be the victim of financial crime, but it is especially abhorrent when the perpetrator wasn’t in the country legally in the first place,” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “Chaudhary’s actions defrauded 14 victims of over $500,000. Once he has served his sentence, he will rightfully be deported to his home country. I’m proud of our agents and their work with the Battle Creek Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan to see justice served in this case.”
Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case and received valuable assistance from the Battle Creek Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Stella prosecuted the case.
Federal law enforcement provides a number of tips on how to protect yourself from similar internet or email scams, including:
- Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, e-mails, and mailings.
- Never give or send any sensitive information (including your date of birth, account numbers, or passwords), credit or debit card numbers, or money or other valuables to unverified people or businesses.
- Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers create a false sense of urgency to lure people to immediate action.
- If you recognize a scam attempt, immediately end all communication with the perpetrator.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses.
More information about the Department’s efforts to help older Americans is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage, which can be found at elderjustice.gov. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, at www.ovc.gov.
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National Health Care Fraud Takedown Results in 324 Defendants Charged in Connection with over $14.6 Billion in Alleged FraudRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — The Justice Department today announced the results of its 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, which resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants, including 96 doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and other licensed medical professionals, in 50 federal districts and 12 State Attorneys General’s Offices across the United States, for their alleged participation in various health care fraud schemes involving over $14.6 billion in intended loss. The Takedown involved federal and state law enforcement agencies across the country and represents an unprecedented effort to combat health care fraud schemes that exploit patients and taxpayers.
Demonstrating the significant return on investment that results from health care fraud enforcement efforts, the government seized over $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, cryptocurrency, and other assets as part of the coordinated enforcement efforts. As part of the whole-of-government approach to combating health care fraud announced today, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) also announced that it successfully prevented over $4 billion from being paid in response to false and fraudulent claims and that it suspended or revoked the billing privileges of 205 providers in the months leading up to the Takedown. Civil charges against 20 defendants for $14.2 million in alleged fraud, as well as civil settlements with 106 defendants totaling $34.3 million, were also announced as part of the Takedown.
Today’s Takedown was led and coordinated by the Health Care Fraud Unit of the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and its core partners from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The cases were investigated by agents from HHS-OIG, FBI, DEA, and other federal and state law enforcement agencies. The cases are being prosecuted by Health Care Fraud Strike Force teams from the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, 50 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide, and 12 State Attorneys General Offices.
“This record-setting Health Care Fraud Takedown delivers justice to criminal actors who prey upon our most vulnerable citizens and steal from hardworking American taxpayers,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Make no mistake – this administration will not tolerate criminals who line their pockets with taxpayer dollars while endangering the health and safety of our communities.”
"As part of making healthcare accessible and affordable to all Americans, HHS will aggressively work with our law enforcement partners to eliminate the pervasive health care fraud that bedeviled this agency under the former administration and drove up costs,” said Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of the Department of Health and Human Services.
“The Criminal Division is intensely committed to rooting out health care fraud schemes and prosecuting the criminals who perpetrate them because these schemes: (1) often result in physical patient harm through medically unnecessary treatments or failure to provide the correct treatments; (2) contribute to our nationwide opioid epidemic and exacerbate controlled substance addiction; and (3) do all of that while stealing money hardworking Americans contribute to pay for the care of their elders and other vulnerable citizens,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Division’s Health Care Fraud Unit and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices stand united with our law enforcement partners in this fight, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to protect the integrity of our health care programs for the American people.”
“Health care fraud drains critical resources from programs intended to help people who truly need medical care,” said Director Kash Patel of the FBI. “Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to pursuing those who exploit the system for personal gain. With more than $13 billion in fraud uncovered, this is the largest takedown for this initiative to date. Together, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to hold those accountable who steal from the American people and undermine our health care systems.”
Transnational Criminal Organizations
29 defendants were charged for their roles in transnational criminal organizations alleged to have submitted over $12 billion in fraudulent claims to America’s health insurance programs.
For instance, a nationwide investigation known as Operation Gold Rush resulted in the largest loss amount ever charged in a health care fraud case brought by the Department. These charges were announced in the Eastern District of New York, the Northern District of Illinois, the Central District of California, the Middle District of Florida, and the District of New Jersey against 19 defendants. Twelve of these defendants have been arrested, including four defendants who were apprehended in Estonia as a result of international cooperation with Estonian law enforcement and seven defendants who were arrested at U.S. airports and the U.S. border with Mexico, cutting off their intended escape routes as they attempted to avoid capture.
The organization allegedly used a network of foreign straw owners, including individuals sent into the United States from abroad, who, acting at the direction of others using encrypted messaging and assumed identities from overseas, strategically bought dozens of medical supply companies located across the United States. They then rapidly submitted $10.6 billion in fraudulent health care claims to Medicare for urinary catheters and other durable medical equipment by exploiting the stolen identities of over one million Americans spanning all 50 states and using their confidential medical information to submit the fraudulent claims. As alleged, the organization exploited the U.S. financial system by laundering the fraudulent proceeds and deploying a range of tactics to circumvent anti-money laundering controls to transfer funds into cryptocurrency and shell companies located abroad. The arrests announced today also include a banker who facilitated the money laundering of fraud proceeds on behalf of the organization through a U.S.-based bank.
The Health Care Fraud Unit’s Data Analytics Team and its partners detected the anomalous billing through proactive data analytics, and HHS-OIG and CMS successfully prevented the organization from receiving all but approximately $41 million of the approximately $4.45 billion that was scheduled to be paid by Medicare. HHS and CMS intend to seek to return the $4.41 billion in escrow to the Medicare trust fund for needed medical care. The scheme nonetheless resulted in payments of approximately $900 million from Medicare supplemental insurers. To date, law enforcement has seized approximately $27.7 million in fraud proceeds as part of Operation Gold Rush.
In another action involving foreign influence, charges were filed in the Northern District of Illinois against five defendants, including two owners and executives of Pakistani marketing organizations, in connection with a $703 million scheme in which Medicare beneficiaries’ identification numbers and other confidential health information were allegedly obtained through theft and deceptive marketing. The defendants allegedly used artificial intelligence to create fake recordings of Medicare beneficiaries purportedly consenting to receive certain products. According to court documents, the beneficiaries’ confidential information was then illegally sold to laboratories and durable medical equipment companies, which used this unlawfully obtained and fraudulently generated data to submit false claims to Medicare. Certain defendants controlled dozens of nominee-owned durable medical equipment companies and laboratories that allegedly submitted fraudulent claims for products and services the beneficiaries did not request, need, or receive. Certain defendants also allegedly conspired to conceal and launder the fraud proceeds from bank accounts they controlled in the United States to bank accounts overseas. In total, the defendants caused approximately $703 million in alleged fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, which paid approximately $418 million on those claims. The government seized approximately $44.7 million from various bank accounts related to this case.
Finally, a defendant based in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates who owned a billing company allegedly orchestrated a scheme to prey upon vulnerable individuals in need of addiction treatment by conspiring with treatment center owners to fraudulently bill Arizona Medicaid approximately $650 million for substance abuse treatment services. According to court documents, some of the services billed were never provided, while other services were provided at a level that was so substandard that it failed to serve any treatment purpose. As part of the conspiracy, treatment center owners allegedly paid illegal kickbacks in exchange for the referral of patients recruited from the homeless population and Native American reservations. The defendant received at least $25 million of ill-gotten Arizona Medicaid funds as a result of the conspiracy and is charged with a money laundering offense for his alleged use of those funds to purchase a $2.9 million home located on a golf estate in Dubai.
Fraudulent Wound Care
Charges were filed in the District of Arizona and the District of Nevada against seven defendants, including five medical professionals, in connection with approximately $1.1 billion in fraudulent claims to Medicare and other health care benefit programs for amniotic wound allografts. As alleged, certain defendants targeted vulnerable elderly patients, many of whom were receiving hospice care, and applied medically unnecessary amniotic allografts to these patients’ wounds. Many of the allografts allegedly were applied without coordination with the patients’ treating physicians, without proper treatment for infection, to superficial wounds that did not need this treatment, and to areas that far exceeded the size of the wound. Certain defendants allegedly received millions in illegal kickbacks from the fraudulent billing scheme.
“Today's unprecedented enforcement action demonstrates that CMS and our federal partners are united in our mission to protect the integrity of Medicare and Medicaid by crushing waste, fraud, and abuse," said Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz of CMS. "Every dollar we prevent from going to fraudsters is a dollar that stays in the system to serve legitimate beneficiaries. Through advanced data analytics, real-time monitoring, and swift administrative action, CMS is leading the fight to protect Medicare, Medicaid, and the trust Americans place in these vital programs. We're not waiting for fraud to happen—we're stopping it before it starts."
Prescription Opioid Trafficking
74 defendants, including 44 licensed medical professionals, were charged across 58 cases in connection with the alleged illegal diversion of over 15 million pills of prescription opioids and other controlled substances. For example, five defendants associated with one Texas pharmacy were charged with the unlawful distribution of over 3 million opioid pills. As alleged, the defendants conspired to distribute massive quantities of oxycodone, hydrocodone, and carisoprodol, which were subsequently trafficked by street-level drug dealers, generating large profits for the defendants. This coordinated action is a continuation of the Health Care Fraud Unit’s systematic approach to stopping drug trafficking organizations and their pharmaceutical wholesale suppliers, which together have fueled an epidemic of prescription opioid abuse for nearly a decade.
DEA also announced today that in the last six months, DEA charged 93 administrative cases seeking the revocation of pharmacies, medical practitioners, and companies authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances.
“Health care fraud isn’t just theft — it’s trafficking in trust. Today’s announcement shows that when doctors become drug dealers and treatment centers become profit-driven fraud rings, DEA will act,” said Acting Administrator Robert Murphy of the DEA. “We’re targeting the entire ecosystem of fraud — from pill mills in Texas to kickback clinics exploiting Native communities. If you abuse your medical license to push poison or pad your pockets, we will hold you accountable.”
Telemedicine and Genetic Testing Fraud
In today’s Takedown, 49 defendants were charged in connection with the submission of over $1.17 billion in allegedly fraudulent claims to Medicare resulting from telemedicine and genetic testing fraud schemes. For example, in the Southern District of Florida, prosecutors charged an owner of telemedicine and durable medical equipment companies with a $46 million scheme in which Medicare beneficiaries were allegedly targeted through deceptive telemarketing campaigns and then fraudulent claims were submitted to Medicare for durable medical equipment and genetic tests for these beneficiaries. The Department continues to focus on eliminating health care fraud schemes that depend on telemedicine, including schemes involving fraudulent claims for genetic testing, durable medical equipment, and COVID-19 tests.
Other Health Care Fraud Schemes
The other cases announced today charge an additional 170 defendants with various other health care fraud schemes involving over $1.84 billion in allegedly false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies for diagnostic testing, medical visits, and treatments that were medically unnecessary, provided in connection with kickbacks and bribes, or never provided at all. For example, in the Western District of Tennessee, prosecutors charged three defendants, including business owners and a pharmacist, with a $28.7 million scheme to defraud the Federal Employees’ Compensation Fund by allegedly billing for medications for injured United States Postal Service employees that were never prescribed by a licensed practitioner and largely were not dispensed as claimed. And in the Western District of Washington and the Northern District of California, prosecutors charged medical providers with allegedly stealing fentanyl and hydrocodone, respectively, that was meant for the providers’ patients, including child patients in need of anesthesia.
“VA’s Integrated Veteran Care Programs provide critical community-based health care to our nation’s disabled veterans and their dependents,” said Acting Inspector General David Case of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG). “Robust oversight of VA’s health care system is one of VA-OIG’s highest priorities. VA-OIG is committed to holding accountable those who defraud government benefits programs intended to care for our nation’s heroes.”
Breaking Down Silos in the Fight Against Health Care Fraud
In connection with the coordinated nationwide law enforcement operation, the Department is announcing that it is working closely with HHS-OIG, FBI, and other agencies to create a Health Care Fraud Data Fusion Center to bring together experts from the Department’s Criminal Division, Fraud Section, Health Care Fraud Unit Data Analytics Team; HHS-OIG; FBI; and other agencies to leverage cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics to identify emerging health care fraud schemes. The Health Care Fraud Unit’s Data Analytics Team was established in 2018 to enhance the Unit’s ability to detect, investigate, and prosecute complex health care fraud schemes. Joining forces with data analysts from HHS-OIG, FBI, and other partners will increase efficiency, detection, and rapid prosecution of emerging health care fraud schemes. It will also implement the President’s Executive Order Stopping Waste, Fraud, and Abuse by Eliminating Information Silos (Exec. Order No. 14243, 3 C.F.R. 294 (2025)) by reducing duplicative data teams, increasing operational efficiency through a whole-of-government approach, and leveraging cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other agency resources.
Principal Assistant Deputy Chief Jacob Foster, Assistant Deputy Chief Rebecca Yuan, Trial Attorney Miriam L. Glaser Dauermann, and Data Analyst Elizabeth Nolte, all of the Health Care Fraud Unit of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, led and coordinated this year’s Takedown. The cases are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, and Texas Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Arizona, Central District of California, Northern District of California, Southern District of California, District of Columbia, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Middle District of Georgia, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern District of Kentucky, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Maine, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Michigan, Northern District of Mississippi, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nevada, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Western District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, District of North Dakota, Northern District of Ohio, Southern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, District of South Carolina, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Washington, and Northern District of West Virginia; and State Attorneys General’s Offices for California, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. The Health Care Fraud Unit’s Data Analytics Team used cutting-edge data analytics to identify and support the investigations that led to these charges.
In addition to FBI, HHS-OIG, DEA, and CMS, HSI, VA-OIG, IRS Criminal Investigation, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Department of Labor, United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Office of Personnel Management Office of Inspector General, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies participated in the operation. The Medicaid Fraud Control Units of California, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin also participated in the investigation of many of the federal and state cases announced today.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Forces. Prior to the charges announced as part of today’s nationwide Takedown and since its inception in March 2007, the Health Care Fraud Strike Force, which operates in 27 districts, charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively billed Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurers more than $27 billion.
An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
*****
The following materials related to today’s announcement are available on the Health Care Fraud Unit’s website through these links:
• Graphics and Resources
• Case Descriptions
• Court Documents
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South Carolina Man Sentenced to More Than 20 Years in Prison for Attempted ExtortionRead the Press Release
Glenn Boyd was in prison at the time he committed this offense.
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Alexis Sanford today announced that Glenn Daeward Boyd, 36, of Kershaw, South Carolina, was sentenced to a total of 272 months in the Bureau of Prisons. A jury convicted him in February of attempted extortion, stalking, and five counts of wire fraud.
Boyd was serving a sentence at a prison in South Carolina for voluntary manslaughter, assault with intent to kill, assaulting a correctional employee, and inciting a riot. According to the evidence at trial, Boyd used a contraband cell phone to pretend to be “Jad,” an 18-year-old girl from Grand Rapids, Michigan on the dating application “Plenty of Fish.” As “Jad,” he communicated with B.G. beginning in August 2023. Two days after their first communication, Boyd, continuing to pose as “Jad,” told B.G. he was a 15-year-old girl. Boyd then assumed the identity of “Jad’s grandparents,” threatening B.G. that “they” would contact police and B.G.’s family to report B.G. as a pedophile if B.G. did not send money. Boyd also used a Facebook profile to post on an account related to B.G.: “He is a pedophile I have all the evidence if anyone wants to see it.” In response, and on the same day of the threats, B.G. reported Boyd’s extortion scheme to the police and died by suicide. B.G. was 22 years old.
“Yesterday’s sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the grave nature of Mr. Boyd’s predatory actions specifically, his heinous crimes of sexual exploitation and extortion that have tragically resulted in a profound loss of life,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “As we stand in solidarity with the victim’s loved ones, the FBI is unwavering in its commitment to deliver justice. We will collaborate with our law enforcement partners throughout the state to identify and hold accountable those who perpetrate acts of online exploitation.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wyoming Police Department, South Carolina Department of Corrections, South Carolina Department of Corrections - Office of Inspector General, Newaygo County Sheriff’s Department, and Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Constance R. Turnbull and Jonathan Roth prosecuted it.
The FBI provides the following six tips on how people can protect themselves from sextortion schemes:
- Be selective about what you share online. If your social media accounts are open to everyone, a predator may be able to figure out a lot of information about you.
- Be wary of anyone you encounter for the first time online. Block or ignore messages from strangers.
- Be aware that people can pretend to be anything or anyone online. Videos and photos are not proof that people are who they claim to be. Images can be altered or stolen. In some cases, predators have even taken over the social media accounts of their victims.
- Be suspicious if you meet someone on one game or app and this person asks you to start talking on a different platform.
- Be in the know. Any content you create online—whether it is a text message, photo, or video—can be made public. And nothing actually “disappears” online. Once you send something, you don’t have any control over where it goes next.
- Be willing to ask for help. If you are getting messages or requests online that don’t seem right, block the sender, report the behavior to the site administrator, or go to an adult. If you have been victimized online, tell someone.
If you have information about or believe you are a victim of sextortion, contact your local FBI field office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or report it online at http://tips.fbi.gov. More information is available at https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/safety-resources/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/sextortion.
Michigan Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material on a Military BaseRead the Press Release
A Michigan man was sentenced today to five years in prison for possessing over 41,026 images and videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). He was also ordered to pay $63,000 in restitution.
According to court documents, David Mark Bartels, 38, of White Cloud, admitted to purchasing collections of CSAM while he was employed at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. Forensic review of a five-terabyte hard drive seized from Bartels revealed tens of thousands of CSAM files within the folder “\NSFW\Nope\Dont open\You were Warned\Deeper\.” These files included 1,500 images and videos of 285 known victims. Bartels used the Tor browser, which allows users to surf the dark web, to access images and videos of CSAM, including content depicting bondage, domination, and sadomasochism.
Bartels pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of possession of child pornography by a person employed by the armed forces outside of the United States.
Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Birge for the Western District of Michigan, and Special Agent in Charge Norm Dominesey of the NCIS Southeast Field Office made the announcement.
NCIS Resident Agency Guantanamo Bay investigated the case.
Trial Attorney McKenzie Hightower of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Doaa K. Al-Howaishy for the Western District of Michigan prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material on a Military BaseRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS — A Michigan man was sentenced today to 5 years in prison for possessing over 41,026 images and videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). He was also ordered to pay $63,000 in restitution.
According to court documents, David Mark Bartels, 38, of White Cloud, admitted to purchasing collections of CSAM while he was employed at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. Forensic review of a five-terabyte hard drive seized from Bartels revealed tens of thousands of CSAM files within the folder “\NSFW\Nope\Dont open\You were Warned\Deeper\.” These files included 1,500 images and videos of 285 known victims. Bartels used the Tor browser, which allows users to surf the dark web, to access images and videos of CSAM, including content depicting bondage, domination, and sadomasochism.
Bartels pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of possession of child pornography by a person employed by the armed forces outside of the United States.
Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Birge for the Western District of Michigan, and Special Agent in Charge Norm Dominesey of the NCIS Southeast Field Office made the announcement.
NCIS Resident Agency Guantanamo Bay investigated the case.
Trial Attorney McKenzie Hightower of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Doaa K. Al-Howaishy for the Western District of Michigan prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Two Men Sentenced for their Involvement in the April 2023 Fentanyl Mass Poisoning in KalamazooRead the Press Release
LANSING – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Byerly Birge today announced that James Smith, 42, and Patrick Donald Martin, 27, both of Kalamazoo County, were sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in the distribution of controlled substances in April 2023 that resulted in numerous fentanyl poisonings in Kalamazoo County, at least seven fatal, and numerous others non-fatal. Smith was sentenced to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances resulting in death, and Martin was sentenced to 4 years in prison for use of a communication facility to commit conspiracy to distribute controlled substances resulting in death.
“The distribution of fentanyl continues to take lives and destroy our communities and families,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Birge. “The sentences imposed on the defendants in this case reflect the seriousness of their crimes. Our office will continue to support these investigations and prosecute these cases to seek accountability and justice for the victims.”
According to court records, on April 12 and continuing into April 13, 2023, law enforcement responded to numerous drug poisonings in the Kalamazoo area, which resulted in multiple hospital admissions and fatalities. Investigators traced the deadly substance back to Martin, and ultimately, to Smith, both of whom thought they were selling cocaine, when they were in fact selling a substance that contained fentanyl.
During sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou remarked that drug dealing is inherently dangerous regardless of what the dealer thinks he is selling, especially today, when most drugs “have fentanyl in it—it’s just that prevalent.” In sentencing Smith, Judge Jarbou found it “inexplicable” that Smith continued to sell drugs months after he became aware of the mass poisoning in April 2023 that was caused, at least in part, by his drug dealing. “That tells me the consequences of your actions did not deter you,” said Judge Jarbou before imposing the 20-year sentence on Smith.
“April 13, 2023, was a sad day in Kalamazoo County,” said Captain Mike Ferguson, Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team/Crime Reduction Team. “We extend our condolences to the families who were deeply affected by this tragedy. Hopefully, these sentences will allow some closure to those involved. Additionally, this should send a message to drug dealers who continue to peddle deadly drugs in our community.”
“While these sentences cannot undo the tragic loss of life we witnessed in Kalamazoo in 2023, it sends a message that we will employ every resource to make sure those responsible for drug-related deaths face the consequences for their actions,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Detroit Field Division Andrew Lawton.
The following services are available for people experiencing substance use disorder, or for their friends or loved ones:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline, 1-800-662-4357, www.samhsa.gov/find-support/in-crisis
Cope Network (providing free Naloxone and other harm reduction services in Barry, Berrien, Branch, Cass, Calhoun, St. Joseph, and Van Buren Counties), 269-580-8290, www.copenetwork.org
The Grand Rapid Red Project (providing free Naloxone and other harm reduction services in Kent and Muskegon Counties), 616-456-9063 (Kent County), 231-563-6865 (Muskegon County), www.redproject.org
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has a webpage that identifies county-by-county services.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, the Portage Department of Public Safety, and the Michigan State Police.
Federal Jury Convicts Man of Murder and First-Degree Child Abuse of a ToddlerRead the Press Release
MARQUETTE – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Byerly Birge announced that a federal jury convicted Eugene Walter-George Rantanen, (37, L’Anse, Michigan) of murder and first-degree child abuse. Rantanen is scheduled to be sentenced this fall.
On February 19, 2024, a nineteen-month-old toddler became unresponsive while in the sole custody of Rantanen, while the two were inside the L’Anse Reservation of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. After extensive medical intervention, the child succumbed to the injuries and died on February 24, 2024. Based on the medical examiner’s testimony at trial, the toddler had suffered blunt force trauma to the head, which caused significant injuries to the brain. Based on government-witness testimony at trial, the only plausible explanation for the toddler’s injuries was that Rantanen caused the severe brain injuries.
“Any time a child dies, it is a tragedy. But it is particularly tragic when a caretaker causes the death,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Birge. “My office will hold individuals like Rantanen accountable for their violent crimes whenever it can.”
“This conviction confirms that Eugene Rantanen will no longer pose a threat to anyone, especially our children,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “This outcome results from a thorough and cooperative investigation with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Police, the Village of L'Anse Police, the Baraga County Sheriff's Office, the Michigan State Police, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Michigan. I extend my deepest condolences to those who truly loved the young victim—no one should ever have to endure such a heartbreaking loss.”
The FBI, Michigan State Police, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Police, Baraga County Sheriff’s Office, and Village of L’Anse Police investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexis Sanford and Jeanne Long are prosecuting it.
This case was part of the Department of Justice’s work to combat the missing and murder indigenous person’s (MMIP) crisis. Per the Bureau of Indian Affairs, “For decades, Native American and Alaska Native communities have struggled with high rates of assault, abduction, and murder of tribal members. Community advocates describe the crisis as a legacy of generations of government policies of forced removal, land seizures and violence inflicted on Native peoples.” The BIA website has more information about the MMIP crisis at https://www.bia.gov/service/mmu/missing-and-murdered-indigenous-people-crisis.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Seven in the Western District of MichiganRead the Press Release
May 7, 2025 – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”
“Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge advised that “With this operation, we are amplifying the message that the Department is fully committed to securing justice for the most innocent of victims: children in our communities.”
“Operation Restore Justice highlights the importance of collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The members of the FBI Grand Rapids WEBCHEX Task Force and the Lansing Resident Agency appreciate the vital support from our partners, including the Michigan State Police, Kent County Sheriff's Office, Ottawa County Sheriff's Office, Newaygo County Sheriff's Office, Norton Shores Police Department, Grand Rapids Police Department, Lansing Police Department, and the Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office. This coordinated effort led to numerous arrests across western Michigan and in Arkansas and Tennessee, with crucial assistance from the FBI Little Rock (Texarkana Resident Agency) and Nashville (Knoxville Resident Agency) Field Offices. Operation Restore Justice demonstrates our shared commitment to public safety in Michigan and throughout the United States.”
In the Western District of Michigan, seven individuals were arrested and charged with federal crimes: Christian Vanderveen, of Comstock Park; Paul Masko, of Grand Haven; Terry Hopkins, of Muskegon Heights; Martell Scott-Ware, of Grand Rapids; Shauntelle Blackmon, of Arkadelphia, Arkansas; Joesph Brandon, of Knoxville, Tennessee; and George Edward Lebaron, of Egelston Township.
* Christian Vanderveen, 24, of Comstock Park, was charged by Complaint with Sexual Exploitation of a Child. According to court documents, Vanderveen repeatedly requested sexually explicit images from a minor who was under the age of thirteen. Evidence obtained from his cell phone revealed the sexually explicit media, as well as Vanderveen’s requests. In an interview with law enforcement, Vanderveen admitted to this conduct.
If convicted, Vanderveen faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, and a maximum penalty of 30 years.
This case was investigated by the Michigan State Police and FBI.
# # #
* Paul Masko, of Grand Haven, was indicted for three counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child. Each charge is punishable by a minimum of 15 years, and a maximum of 30 years, in prison.
Masko was a teacher at a public school in Muskegon County. The indictment alleges that Masko gave his phone to a minor victim and directed the minor to take pictures of explicit images of the minor on the minor’s cell phone.
This case was investigated by the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Department, the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety, and the FBI.
# # #
* Terry Hopkins, of Muskegon Heights, was indicted for possession of child pornography.
Hopkins was previously convicted of possession of child sexually abusive material on two occasions and criminal sexual conduct with a minor. As a result, he is subject to an enhanced sentence if convicted – a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 20 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the Michigan State Police, Michigan Department of Corrections, and the FBI.
# # #
* Martell Scott-Ware, 29, of Grand Rapids and Shauntelle Blackmon, 23, of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, were indicted on criminal charges related to alleged sexual exploitation of a child. The grand jury also returned a separate charge accusing Blackmon alone of sex trafficking of a child.
According to court documents, Scott-Ware and Blackmon are charged with persuading a minor female under the age of 16 to engage in sexual activity, which Scott-Ware and Blackmon then recorded. Blackmon also allegedly recruited and offered the same minor for commercial sexual activity, both in the Western District of Michigan and in Arkansas.
If convicted, Scott-Ware and Blackmon each face a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison on their charge of sexual exploitation of a child. Blackmon faces a separate mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison on the sex trafficking charge.
The Michigan State Police and FBI investigated this case.
# # #
* Joseph Brandon, of Knoxville, Tennessee, was arrested by criminal complaint on charges related to the sexual exploitation of a child. According to court documents, Brandon formed an agreement with a man in Michigan to use social media accounts to produce and trade child pornography.
If convicted, Brandon faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, and a maximum penalty of 30 years.
This FBI investigated this case
# # #
* George Edward Lebaron, of Egelston Township, was arrested by criminal complaint on charges related to alleged coercion and enticement of a minor, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, Lebaron is charged with establishing an online relationship with a 14-year-old girl and coercing and inducing her to send him naked pictures of herself. Lebaron asked another minor girl to also send him naked pictures. Lebaron was previously convicted in 2003 of criminal sexual conduct in the second degree for a victim under 13 years old.
If convicted, Lebaron faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison if convicted of coercion and enticement. If convicted of receipt of child pornography, he faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 40 years in prison. If convicted of possession of child pornography, Lebaron faces a mandatory minimum of 10 year and a maximum of 20 years in prison.
The FBI is investigating this case.
# # #
Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.
In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Electronic Press Kit
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
A complaint and an indictment are merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Jury Convicts Mexican Felon of Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge today announced that a federal jury convicted Eduardo Lopez-Escarrega of Aggravated Felon Reentry. Lopez-Escarrega is a citizen of Mexico without authorization to be in the United States. He has prior convictions for dealing cocaine in Indiana and for previously re-entering the country without authorization after having been convicted of an aggravated felony. He took this latest case to trial to no avail. Lopez-Escarrega now faces another term in prison, after which he will again be removed from this country. Sentencing is scheduled for July 29 in Lansing.
“Lopez-Escarrega is a clear threat to the safety of our communities, not only through his repeated violation of our immigration laws but also his felony drug conviction for dealing cocaine,” said ICE ERO Detroit Field Office Director Robert Lynch. “I’d like to commend the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, the ICE Grand Rapids and ICE Chicago officers as well as the prosecutors who all worked tirelessly to secure justice in this case.”
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Donald Daniels and Timothy VerHey.
Drug Traffickers from Kalamazoo County and Kent County Sentenced to Decades in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Four defendants were sentenced this week in different cases for trafficking significant quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine, including counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills
GRAND RAPIDS – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew B. Birge today announced that the following defendants were sentenced to federal prison, each in their own individual case, for possessing and intending to distribute large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and/or other controlled substances. Specifically:
- Rene Arnold Ruiz, 52, of Kent County, was sentenced on Monday to 192 months, or 16 years, in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. Ruiz previously pleaded guilty on January 13, 2025. (Case No. 1:24-cr-122-PLM)
- Thomas Charles Davis, 50, of Kalamazoo County, was sentenced on Tuesday to 210 months, or 17 ½ years, in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. Davis previously pleaded guilty on December 18, 2025. (Case No. 1:24-cr-119-RJJ)
- Lonnie Laronn Morrow, 33, of Kalamazoo County, was sentenced on Tuesday to 188 months, or 15 years and 8 months, in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. Morrow previously pleaded guilty on December 2, 2024. (Case No. 1:24-cr-98-HYJ)
- Dyland Edward Hughes, 32, of Kalamazoo County, was sentenced today to 70 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. Hughes previously pleaded guilty on December 19, 2024. (Case No. 1:24-cr-127-HYJ)
“These cases -- all resolved this week -- individually and collectively demonstrate the serious, on-going threat posed by the trafficking of illegal drugs, especially fentanyl and methamphetamine, here in west Michigan and across the United States,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Birge. “Thanks to the strong partnership with our federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, our office will continue to prosecute these cases, and commit resources to disrupting the flow of these dangerous drugs into our communities.”
According to plea agreements and other information available on the public dockets, each defendant possessed large quantities of drugs—primarily fentanyl and methamphetamine—that they intended to sell.
Specifically:
In March 2024, during a traffic stop in Kalamazoo County, Morrow possessed 10,863 counterfeit pills designed to look like Oxycodone 30mg pills (“M30s”), but in fact cumulatively contained over 1 kilogram of fentanyl, shown in the picture below. During a search of Morrow’s apartment the same day, officers located over 170 grams of cocaine, over $12,000 in U.S. currency, amphetamine and morphine pills, and three firearms. During Morrow’s sentencing, Chief. U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou noted that “fentanyl in and of itself is dangerous,” but when found in pill form, the fentanyl is “disguised,” which creates an additional danger in the community.
10,863 counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills seized from Lonnie Laronn Marrow in Kalamazoo
In May 2024, in a storage unit in Kent County, Ruiz possessed and intended to distribute 8,558 counterfeit pills, which were also designed to look like M30s, but in fact cumulatively contained over 900 grams of fentanyl, along with over 400 grams of heroin. During sentencing, U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney described Ruiz’s offense as “grave,” and that “the amount of fentanyl attendant to this case is staggering and presents a significant threat to the public.”
In July 2024, after previously selling pounds of methamphetamine to an informant, Davis possessed approximately 18 pounds of methamphetamine and 70 grams of cocaine in his Kalamazoo County apartment. At the time Davis possessed those drugs and intended to sell it, he was serving a term of federal supervised release for a 2008 federal conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base. (Case No. 1:08-cr-165-RJJ) The Court imposed a consecutive 30-month prison sentence on Davis for violating the terms of supervised release by continuing to traffic drugs.
Also in July 2024, Hughes possessed over 500 grams of fentanyl and over 100 grams of cocaine in a bedroom in his mother’s house in Kalamazoo County. During sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou found Hughes’ offense to be “quite serious in terms of the amounts being brought into the community,” in addition to the threat posed by fentanyl.
“Taking criminals off the streets who are providing deadly amounts of fentanyl is a priority of our office,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Detroit Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Lawton. “These cases show that DEA and its law enforcement partners will ensure that criminals who deal deadly substances are held responsible for the harm they cause.”
“These cases highlight the fine work being done every day by the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET) in conjunction with our federal partners,” said Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Captain Michael Ferguson. “Our message is clear: if you deal drugs, carry guns illegally, or commit violent crime in our community, we will come after you at the date and time of our choosing.”
“Fentanyl is driving overdose deaths in our community, and we are committed to stopping it at the source,” said Kent County Sheriff Michelle Lajoye-Young. “The Kent Area Narcotics Enforcement Team’s (KANET) work continues to uncover dangerous drug operations and stop fentanyl from reaching our neighborhoods. We value our strong partnership with the DEA and other federal agencies, which allows us to take meaningful action to protect lives and keep these poisons off our streets.”
“In Southwest Michigan, we lose nearly twice as many lives to drug overdoses than we do to fatal car crashes,” said Michigan State Police Detective First Lieutenant Rick Pazder. “The Southwest Enforcement Team (SWET) is committed to saving lives and bringing accountability to the drug trafficking organizations that sell lethal narcotics in our communities, robbing us of the lives of our sons and daughters. The lengthy sentences given in these cases are just, and we applaud the United States Attorney’s Office for their diligent efforts and strong commitment to justice.”
According to the DEA, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid typically used to treat patients with chronic severe pain or severe pain following surgery. Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance that is like morphine, but about 100 times more potent. As little as 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past drug usage. Cumulatively, Morrow, Ruiz, and Hughes possessed over 2 ½ kilograms of fentanyl, which is enough to kill over a million people who are “opioid naïve,” or have little to no tolerance for fentanyl. For more information about fentanyl, please visit: http://dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl
“Everyone in the community needs to be aware: one pill can kill,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Birge. “We know that criminal drug networks are mass-producing fake pills and falsely marketing them as legitimate prescription pills to deceive the American public, much like the almost-20,000 counterfeit pills that Mr. Morrow and Mr. Ruiz possessed and intended to sell.”
In 2024 alone, the DEA seized more than 60 million fentanyl-laced fake pills, and nearly 8,000 pounds of fentanyl powder, which is the equivalent of more than 377 million lethal doses. To learn more about DEA’s “One Pill Can Kill” community outreach campaign, and to find more resources you can share with your loved ones, please visit: http://dea.gov/onepill.
According to the DEA, methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that can come in pill, powder, or crystalized form. High doses of methamphetamine may result in death from stroke, heart attack, or organ failure. For more information on the dangers of methamphetamine, please visit: http://dea.gov/factsheets/methamphetamine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, Kent Area Narcotics Enforcement Team, and Southwest Enforcement Team investigated these cases, and Assistant United States Attorneys Alexia A. Jansen and Daniel T. McGraw prosecuted them.
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Muskegon Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to 32 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Conspirators used the U.S. Postal Service to Mail Kilograms of Cocaine from Texas to Michigan
LANSING – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge today announced that Srecko Darnell Walker, 35, of Muskegon, has been sentenced to a total of 32 years in federal prison. At sentencing, Chief United States District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou remarked on Walker’s extensive criminal history, which now includes a total of seven drug-related convictions, and instances of criminal dishonesty. Before pronouncing its sentence, the Court told Walker, “You’ve spent most of your life lying. You’ve spent most of your life committing crimes . . . You have earned the sentence that you’re going to get.”
The Court imposed concurrent terms of 30 years for each of the three crimes a federal jury found Walker guilty of in November 2024: (1) conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine; (2) distribution of cocaine; and (3) possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The Court also imposed a consecutive 2-year sentence for violations Walker committed while on supervised release following a previous federal cocaine trafficking conviction.
Evidence admitted at trial showed that in 2021 and 2022, Walker worked with Steven Rasic, a Muskegon-based U.S. Postal Service mail carrier, to import kilograms of cocaine into West Michigan from Hugo Benavides, a Texas-based cocaine supplier. Walker coordinated the cocaine shipments, which were sent to vacant addresses on Rasic’s mail route. Both Rasic and Benavides pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge prior to trial and have been sentenced separately.
During trial, the jury heard that over the course of the investigation, law enforcement agents seized five kilograms of cocaine from the mail that Walker and his co-conspirators intended to distribute in West Michigan. In March 2022, investigators seized two kilograms of cocaine. After the seizure, Rasic tried to recover the parcel containing cocaine, falsely stating that he was acting on behalf of the U.S. Postal Service. In fact, Rasic was trying to recover the cocaine on Walker’s behalf, and text messages from Rasic’s phone showed that Rasic had alerted Walker to the cocaine seizure. Months later, in October 2022, investigators saw Walker distribute cocaine to a woman in Muskegon, and later, inside Walker’s residence, investigators found more cocaine, a cutting agent, and digital scale used to weigh cocaine.
The jury also learned that after the search of his residence, Walker admitted to importing cocaine through the mail, and told investigators that he sold his first kilogram of cocaine sometime in 2021. Walker also admitted to tracking some of the mail parcels that contained cocaine, including one parcel with over one kilogram of cocaine inside.
“This sentence reflects the hard work and dedication of USPS OIG Special Agents, U.S. Postal Inspectors and DEA Special Agents working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring charges on this significant narcotics investigation,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennus Bishop, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Central Area Field Office. “The USPS OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, remain committed to safeguarding the U.S. Mail and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees.”
“As the law enforcement arm of the U.S. Postal Service, the Postal Inspection Service prioritizes the safety and security of postal employees and customers above all else,” said Detroit Division Acting Inspector in Charge Sean McStravick. “Let the severity of this sentence be a warning to those who abuse the nation’s mail system to transport narcotics and other dangerous or illegal substances: We will find you, we will arrest you, and we will seek to prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
“The DEA remains committed to continue to dismantle criminal organizations—domestic and foreign,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Lawton, DEA Detroit Field Division. “This operation is a testament to the power of collaboration between agencies to ensure justice is served and our communities are protected.”
The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), The United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General (USPS OIG), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Michigan State Police (MSP) West Michigan Enforcement Team (WEMET) investigated this case, and it was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Austin J. Hakes and Stephanie M. Carowan.
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Illegal Alien Sentenced to 292 Months for Sexually Exploiting ChildrenRead the Press Release
The defendant will be deported after serving his sentence.
GRAND RAPIDS – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge today announced that Jose Montoya, 62, was sentenced to 292 months in prison for creating videos of child pornography and collecting videos of child pornography that depicted acts of preschool-aged children being raped. Montoya, who is an illegal alien, will be deported to Mexico after he is released from prison. Birge was joined in the announcement by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Detroit field office acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey.
“We will continue to investigate any allegations of child exploitation that endanger our communities,” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “We will not tolerate illegal aliens who not only violate our immigration laws, but even more egregiously, also target children for exploitation. We will hold them fully accountable for all their crimes.”
Montoya’s online collection of child pornography was discovered by Google and reported to authorities. Investigators from the Michigan State Police and ICE Homeland Security Investigations searched his home and his devices and discovered that he also produced child pornography videos of pre-school aged children who were under the care of his wife’s in-home daycare. At sentencing, the mother of a three-year-old child victimized by Montoya expressed disgust at his conduct and anger at the betrayal of trust.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor's offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit the following web site: www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Mekaru and investigated by Michigan State Police ICAC taskforce and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Dealing Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Other DrugsRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew B. Birge today announced that Willie David Lark, 53, of Benton Harbor, Michigan, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and quantities of cocaine and cocaine base. During sentencing, U.S. District Judge Robert J. Jonker observed that Lark had been engaged in “crimes of escalating seriousness” ever since his first drug-related conviction in the 1990s.
Lark was previously convicted of drug trafficking and served more than twenty years in state prison for assault with intent to murder. Following a release from custody, Lark returned to drug dealing. An investigative task force executed a search warrant on Lark’s home and found a safe containing over 188 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” over 100 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl and xylazine, over 70 grams of cocaine, and over 31 grams of cocaine base. Investigators found additional evidence inside the house that proved Lark intended to sell these drugs. Weeks later, when police approached Lark to arrest him, they found him in possession of more fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine.
A federal grand jury charged Lark with two counts of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. Following a trial in December of 2024, a separate jury convicted Lark of both offenses.
“Multiple offenders, such as Willie Lark, willingly put lives at risk throughout Michigan and, more specifically, Berrien County,” remarked Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Lawton of the Drug Enforcement Administration. He added, “The men and women of the DEA will continue to bring drug traffickers like him to justice to keep our communities safe.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control (see here), in 2023 at least 107,543 people died from drug poisoning across the United States, which is near the all-time high of 111,029 deaths in 2022. In Michigan, at least 2,931 people died from drug poisoning in 2023. Approximately 75% of the 2023 drug poisoning deaths across the United States were due to fentanyl. While 2024 data shows the number of deaths has started to decline, the number remains high. Learn more about the dangers of xylazine, a non-opioid sedative or tranquilizer, here.
The following services are available for people experiencing addiction, or their friends and loved ones:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline, 1-800-662-4357, www.samhsa.gov/find-support/in-crisis.
- Cope Network (providing free Naloxone and other harm reduction services in Barry, Berrien, Branch, Cass, Calhoun, St. Joseph, and Van Buren Counties), 269-580-8290, www.copenetwork.org.
- The Grand Rapids Red Project (providing free Naloxone and other harm reduction services in Kent and Muskegon Counties), 616-456-9063 (Kent County), 231-563-6865 (Muskegon County), www.redproject.org.
- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has a webpage that identifies county-by-county services.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Michigan State Police, and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Austin J. Hakes prosecuted it.
The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
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All Charged Money Launderers Tied to Nigerian Sextortion Scheme Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge today announced that all five defendants charged with conspiring to launder proceeds for Nigerian sex extortionists have pleaded guilty.
- Dinsimore Guyton Robinson, 29, of Huntsville, Alabama, pleaded guilty on January 22, 2025.
- Kendall Ormond London, 32, of Lithonia, Georgia, pleaded guilty on March 26, 2025.
- Brian Keith Coldmon, Jr., 30, of Peachtree Corners, Georgia, pleaded guilty on March 28, 2025.
- Jarell Daivon Williams, 31, of McDonough, Georgia pleaded guilty on April 2, 2025.
- Johnathan Demetrius Green, 32, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, pleaded guilty on April 2, 2025.
According to the Indictment, the conspirators used online payment systems to collect sextortion proceeds and send them to a Nigerian individual they referred to as “The Plug.” According to the Indictment, the sextortionists had boys and young men create nude images. After the sextortionists received those images, they allegedly had the victims send funds to the U.S.-based money launderers through online payment systems like Apple Pay, Cash App, and Zelle. The money launderers would keep about 20 percent of the money, convert the rest to bitcoin, and send the bitcoin to The Plug in Nigeria, who kept a portion and then sent the remainder to the sextortionists.
The indictment alleges that conspirators laundered the funds of sextortion victims, including Jordan DeMay. In November 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan charged three Nigerian nationals in a sextortion scheme that resulted in the death of Jordan DeMay, a 17-year-old high school student from Marquette, Michigan, and targeted more than 100 other victims. Two of the three defendants in that case were extradited to the United States in August 2023 and pled guilty in April 2024 and were later sentenced.
“These individuals helped and profited from this awful, heartbreaking scheme and so they now will face the consequences,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Birge. The conspiracy offense is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The court will decide the sentences upon consultation with federal sentencing guidelines and the individual circumstances.
“Today's guilty plea by the defendants serves as a strong reminder to anyone involved in sextortion or money laundering schemes," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Michigan Division. "I want to express my sincere gratitude to the dedicated members of our FBI Detroit Cyber Task Force, as well as teams from the Grand Rapids Resident Agency, Lansing Resident Agency, Marquette Resident Agency, FBI Birmingham (Huntsville Resident Agency), and FBI Atlanta for their tireless efforts. We also deeply appreciate our partners at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of Nigeria and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Michigan. The FBI remains committed to protecting the American public and will continue to prioritize dismantling criminal networks that exploit our most vulnerable citizens.”
Safety Tips and Resources for Victims, Teens, and Parents
The FBI provides the following tips on how people can protect themselves from sextortion schemes:
- Be selective about what you share online. If your social media accounts are open to everyone, a predator may be able to figure out a lot of information about you.
- Be wary of anyone you encounter for the first time online. Block or ignore messages from strangers.
- Be aware that people can pretend to be anything or anyone online. Videos and photos are not proof that people are who they claim to be. Images can be altered or stolen. In some cases, predators have even taken over the social media accounts of their victims.
- Be suspicious if you meet someone on one game or app and that person asks you to start talking on a different platform.
- Be in the know. Any content you create online—whether it is a text message, photo, or video—can be made public. And nothing actually “disappears” online. Once you send something, you don’t have any control over where it goes next.
- Be willing to ask for help. If you are getting messages or requests online that don’t seem right, block the sender, report the behavior to the site administrator, or go to an adult. If you have been victimized online, tell someone. Being a victim of sextortion is not your fault. You can get through this challenge, even if it seems scary and overwhelming. There are people who want to help.
If you have information about or believe you are a victim of sextortion, contact your local FBI field office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or report it online at http://tips.fbi.gov. This FBI PSA and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children PSA share survivor stories and resources for individuals to get help. More FBI sextortion resources are available here.
This case has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of Nigeria. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Mekaru.
The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and the remaining defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Medical Device Manufacturer and Its Owner Agree to Pay $550,000 to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – The United States has reached a settlement agreement with The Prometheus Group (Prometheus), a New Hampshire manufacturer of rectal therapeutic systems and probes, and Richard Poore, its president and sole owner, to resolve a civil lawsuit filed against them. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants violated the False Claims Act by causing health care providers to bill Medicare for services in which the providers improperly re-used single-user rectal sensors and single-use catheters on multiple patients. As part of the settlement, Prometheus and Poore will pay $550,000 to resolve the claims against them.
“Medicare beneficiaries deserve treatment that is reasonable and safe,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew B. Birge. “Device manufacturers and medical practitioners cannot flaunt the rules and jeopardize the wellbeing of patients in our community.”
“Manufacturers and providers must ensure that medical devices are utilized in a manner that ensures the safety of patients and complies with Federal laws and regulations,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General – Chicago Region. “Our agency, working in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, will always work to hold those accountable who jeopardize patient safety or submit false claims to Federal health care programs.”
“The FBI is committed to investigating bad actors and protecting the public from healthcare professionals and top executives who exploit the trust of patients by prioritizing greed and convenience over safe health practices,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The FBI remains dedicated to safeguarding public health and maintaining the integrity of the medical system.”
Prometheus manufactures and sells device systems for use in pelvic muscle rehabilitation (PMR), a non-surgical therapy to eliminate or reduce symptoms of pelvic floor disorders, including urinary and fecal incontinence. Specifically, Prometheus has manufactured and marketed the Pathway CTS 2000 Pelvic Floor Training System and the Morpheus System. Both systems required the use of a rectal pressure probe that is inserted into a patient’s rectum during therapy. Prometheus manufactured its own sensor for use with the Pathway System and encouraged its customers to use a competitor’s anorectal manometry catheter with the Morpheus System.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the Prometheus rectal pressure sensor to be used as a single-user device and the anorectal manometry catheter to be used as a single-use device. For example, the instructions for use identify the rectal pressure sensor as “a potential bio-hazard” and state: “This sensor is restricted for single person use only. Use by another person is strictly prohibited by Federal Regulations.” Similarly, the anorectal manometry catheter was cleared by the FDA as a disposable single-use device, with packaging that states: “Do not re-use.”
According to the United States’ complaint, the defendants knew of these restrictions, but for years encouraged and instructed health care providers to reuse the rectal pressure sensors and anorectal manometry catheters on multiple patients, using a glove or condom to cover the probes, as a way to reduce the overhead costs associated with Prometheus’s systems. The government alleged that using the devices in this manner, which exposed patients to unnecessary risk of infections, was not reasonable or necessary, and thus was ineligible for Medicare coverage.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, is captioned United States v. The Prometheus Group., et al., No. 22-cv-446 (W.D. Mich.). The lawsuit was handled by Senior Trial Counsel Jay D. Majors and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew J. Hull.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
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Ionia County Man Sentenced to 210 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge today announced that Ethan Eversman, 25, of Ionia, was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison for the distribution of child pornography.
In May 2024, at Eversman’s request, a 15-year-old child in New York created several sexually explicit videos and sent them to Eversman. A month later, Eversman sent two of those videos to another person online. Eversman was a corrections officer for the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office at the time.
“Today’s sentencing of Ethan Eversman, a former Corrections Deputy, reinforces the FBI’s unwavering commitment to enforcing the highest standards of integrity in law enforcement,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. Members from the FBI’s Lansing Resident Agency, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners at the Michigan State Police, worked tirelessly throughout this investigation, in an effort to halt Mr. Eversman’s predatory actions. I also want to express my gratitude to the U.S. Attorney's Office of the Western District of Michigan for their vital role in ensuring this child predator faces justice.”
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor's offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials.
The FBI and Michigan State Police investigated this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Roth.
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Kalamazoo Career Offender Sentenced to 324 Months for Distribution of Fentanyl Causing DeathRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge today announced that United States District Judge Jane M. Beckering sentenced Antjuan Pierre Jackson, 39, of Kalamazoo, to serve 324 months in prison for distribution of fentanyl causing death and possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute it. Following his release, Jackson will be on supervised release for four years and will be required to pay a $2,000 fine.
“Fentanyl continues to claim lives across Michigan and the United States,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge. “Defendants who sell this poison and kill people in the process must be brought to justice. My office is committed to disrupting the pipelines that distribute these deadly drugs in our communities.”
At sentencing, Jackson was deemed a career offender based on his two prior convictions for unarmed robbery. In imposing sentence, Judge Beckering lamented the deep loss suffered by the victim’s family. She went on to characterize opioids generally as the number one cause of overdose deaths, remarking that fentanyl distribution is “a business that must be snuffed out.”
“Every opioid overdose, especially overdose deaths, are tragic, and it is a shame that Antjuan Jackson chose to be a part of dealing these types of lethal drugs, said Sergeant Brian Cake of the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, a unit of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. “The Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team hopes that this sentence serves as a deterrent for others continuing this criminal activity.”
The evidence at trial and at sentencing demonstrated that, on November 23, 2022, Jackson sold fentanyl to the victim. Within hours, the victim died of a fentanyl overdose. Still, Jackson kept dealing. Less than three weeks later, in December 2022, investigators found Jackson with more than 80 grams of fentanyl in his home, as well as all the hallmarks of drug trafficking, including cash, a digital scale, a cell phone, and packaging materials. When confronted by the police about his dealing, Jackson attempted to flee. As Judge Beckering noted in sentencing Jackson, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be deadly, and the amount of fentanyl Jackson had in his home included 43,420 potentially lethal doses of the drug
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated the case with additional assistance provided by the Michigan State Police (MSP). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Carowan and Timothy Verhey prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Rosler Metal Finishing USA LLC to Pay over $2.2 Million to Resolve Allegations It Received Paycheck Protection Program Loan in Violation of Employee Size RulesRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge today announced that Battle Creek manufacturer Rosler Metal Finishing USA LLC, also known as Roesler Metal Finishing USA LLC (Rosler USA), has agreed to pay $2,289,505.40 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by falsely obtaining a second-draw Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan for which it was ineligible.
“The Paycheck Protection Program was intended only for those who met the eligibility criteria,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge. “My office will continue to pursue recipients who falsely obtained PPP loans.”
In January of 2021, Rosler USA applied for and received a second-draw PPP loan of $1,265,035, which SBA subsequently forgave. The United States alleges that Rosler USA was ineligible for this loan because the company and its affiliates had over 300 employees. The United States also alleges that Rosler USA falsely certified in its PPP loan application that it had fewer than 300 employees (including affiliates) and omitted that it had shared ownership with other businesses.
The PPP was an emergency loan program established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act in March of 2020 and expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in 2021. Under the PPP, eligible businesses could obtain loans to cover payroll costs or other specified business expenses. PPP loans were guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and subject to forgiveness if spent on eligible expenses. However, PPP loans were only available to a subset of businesses that met the eligibility criteria. As one condition to second-draw loan eligibility, the applicant company and its affiliates must have had no more than 300 employees collectively. When applying for PPP loans, borrowers were required to certify the truthfulness and accuracy of all information provided in their loan applications, including regarding their size, number of employees, and affiliate entities.
Wendell Davis, General Counsel at the U.S. Small Business Administration said, “The settlement in this matter reflects SBA’s commitment to identifying and pursuing those who perpetrated fraud on the Paycheck Protection Program. Such fraud unconscionably undermines critical pandemic relief, and SBA continues its enhanced efforts to uncover such misconduct and recover those damages.”
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act against Rosler USA. Under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the settlement or judgment. Here, the United States elected to take over the case, investigated it, and negotiated the settlement. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. GNGH2 Inc. v. Rosler Metal Finishing USA LLC a/k/a Roesler Metal Finishing USA LLC, No. 1:24-cv-373 (W.D. Mich.).
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan and the SBA. Assistant United States Attorney Whitney M. Schnurr investigated this case.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.# # #
Jury Convicts South Carolina Man of Attempted Extortion, Stalking, and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
KALAMAZOO – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge today announced that a federal jury convicted Glenn Daeward Boyd, 36, of Kershaw, South Carolina, of attempted extortion, stalking, and five counts of wire fraud. Boyd is scheduled to be sentenced on a date determined by the court. At sentencing, Boyd faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for attempted extortion, 5 years in prison for stalking, and 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud.
“Perpetrators like Mr. Boyd who attempt to extort people online using sexual exploitation will be held accountable, and cannot hide behind their cell phones and computers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Birge. “We will continue to investigate and prosecute these crimes that often result in tragedy.”
According to the evidence from a two-day jury trial in Kalamazoo, while in prison in South Carolina for unrelated criminal convictions, Boyd purported to be “Jad,” an 18-year-old girl from Grand Rapids, Michigan on the “Plenty of Fish” dating application, and communicated with B.G. beginning on August 2, 2023. Two days later, Boyd, continuing to pose as “Jad,” told B.G. he was a 15-year-old girl. Boyd then assumed the identity of “Jad’s grandparents,” threatening B.G. that “they” would contact police and B.G.’s family to report B.G. as a pedophile if B.G. did not send Boyd money. Boyd also used a Facebook profile to post on an account related to B.G.: “He is a pedophile I have all the evidence if anyone wants to see it.” In response, and on the same day of the threats, B.G. reported Boyd’s extortion and scheme to police, and then committed suicide. B.G. was 22 years old.
“Glenn Boyd's conviction sends a clear and powerful message: individuals who engage in online exploitation and financial crimes will be held fully accountable under the law,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “This case involved a financially driven sextortionist who specifically targeted and manipulated the victim for personal gain. The investigation was a collaborative effort, involving the Wyoming (Michigan) Police Department, South Carolina Department of Corrections-Office of Inspector General, South Carolina Department of Corrections, Newaygo County Sheriff's Office, Van Buren County Sheriff's Office, FBI Charlotte, FBI Columbia, and FBI Omaha. If you or someone you know is a victim of sextortion, we strongly urge you to contact local law enforcement or reach out to the FBI directly at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wyoming Police Department, South Carolina Department of Corrections, Newaygo County Sheriff’s Department, and Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Constance R. Turnbull and Jonathan Roth are prosecuting it.
The FBI provides the following tips on how people can protect themselves from online sextortion schemes:
- Be selective about what you share online. If your social media accounts are open to everyone, a predator may be able to figure out a lot of information about you.
- Be wary of anyone you encounter for the first time online. Block or ignore messages from strangers.
- Be aware that people can pretend to be anything or anyone online. Videos and photos are not proof that people are who they claim to be. Images can be altered or stolen. In some cases, predators have even taken over the social media accounts of their victims.
- Be suspicious if you meet someone on one game or app and that person asks you to start talking on a different platform.
- Be in the know. Any content you create online—whether it is a text message, photo, or video—can be made public. And nothing actually “disappears” online. Once you send something, you don’t have any control over where it goes next.
- Be willing to ask for help. If you are getting messages or requests online that don’t seem right, block the sender, report the behavior to the site administrator, or go to an adult. If you have been victimized online, tell someone. Being a victim of sextortion is not your fault. You can get through this challenge, even if it seems scary and overwhelming. There are people who want to help.
If you have information about or believe you are a victim of sextortion, contact your local FBI field office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or report it online at http://tips.fbi.gov. More FBI sextortion resources are available here.
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- Be selective about what you share online. If your social media accounts are open to everyone, a predator may be able to figure out a lot of information about you.
Drug Kingpin Sentenced to 27 Years as Part of Ongoing Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge today announced that United States District Judge Jane M. Beckering sentenced Jason Demyers, 44, a current resident of Arizona with significant ties to Lansing, Michigan, to serve 324 months in prison for his leadership of a multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy. During sentencing, Judge Beckering described Demyers as a “kingpin” in what she described as a “nationally orchestrated drug trafficking organization” that dealt massive amounts of both cocaine and methamphetamine. Demyers is the seventh defendant to be sentenced in the case.
Demyers was one of the leaders of the drug trafficking conspiracy. His organization distributed kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine in and around Detroit, Lansing, and Kalamazoo between August 2022 and July 2024. Demyers personally coordinated the shipment to Michigan of packages containing approximately ten kilograms of methamphetamine. He also worked with couriers who flew from Michigan to California carrying thousands of dollars earned from drug sales and then flew back to Michigan carrying kilograms of illegal drugs.
During the pendency of the case, investigators seized approximately ten kilograms of methamphetamine, eight kilograms of cocaine, multiple pieces of real property used to facilitate the drug trafficking conspiracy, and jewelry valued at approximately $325,000.
In total, the United States charged fourteen defendants as part of the organization. Twelve of the defendants have pled guilty, while two have entered into a pretrial diversion program. Of the defendants sentenced to date, the Court has imposed the following prison sentences:
- Franchot Barnes – 324 months
- Jomo Grady – 210 months
- Evette Wallace – 110 months
- Jamar Goins – 78 months
- Lanise Moody – 40 months
- Jonathan Conner – 37 months
The remaining defendants are scheduled to be sentenced in May and June 2025.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Lansing Police Department (LPD) began the investigation into Demyers’ drug trafficking organization in October 2022, in partnership with Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office.
“Today’s sentencing of Jason Demyers for his lead role in a national drug trafficking organization is a victory for the American public and a defeat to drug traffickers everywhere. The special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation continue in their mission to disrupt the flow of ill-gotten gains that is the life-blood for these criminals,” said Special Agent in Charge Charles Miller, Detroit Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. “We will continue to be relentless in our mission to dismantle these drug trafficking organizations and bring the criminals who run them to justice.”
“This case is a prime example of how a seemingly small investigation can evolve into a large-scale operation, thanks to the dedicated collaboration between our local, state, and federal partners,” said Lansing Police Chief Rob Backus. “By working together, we’re able to target and dismantle operations led by some of the most prolific offenders.”
“DEA is committed to protecting communities throughout Michigan from drug traffickers who prey on the vulnerable,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Detroit Field Division Andrew Lawton. “Mr. Demyers ran a drug trafficking organization that funneled kilogram-quantities of drugs into Michigan along with an untold amount of misery and destruction. Together with our law enforcement partners, DEA will continue to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal organizations that threaten safety and disrupt communities.”
This prosecution, dubbed Operation Cold as Ice, was 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. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie M. Carowan and Austin J. Hakes prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Rockford-Area Contractor Sent to Prison for Investment ScamRead the Press Release
LANSING – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge announced today that Matthew Mencarelli, 39, of Belmont, Michigan was sentenced to 97 months in prison for a wire fraud scheme in which he offered phony investments in nonexistent “fiber optic cable” and other infrastructure projects. He used the money to finance his lifestyle and make Ponzi-type payments to earlier investors. U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou, who imposed the sentence, found Mencarelli responsible for causing $1,615,180 in loss to 15 victims of the scheme.
“Those who steal from others to line their own pockets will be held accountable,” Birge said. “We are committed to combatting financial fraud and white-collar crime and would like to thank the victims who came forward to report it.”
“Today’s sentencing of Matthew Mencarelli sends a stern message that fraudulent investment schemes will not be tolerated in Michigan,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The FBI remains committed to investigating and deterring financial fraud that harms our community. We appreciate the Grand Rapids Police Department for their invaluable partnership and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Michigan in bringing Mr. Mencarelli to justice.”
Court records indicate that Mencarelli, who owned a contracting business called Matthew’s Woodworking LLC, began soliciting fictitious investments in 2018 when his business was suffering from financial difficulties and unsatisfied customers. He approached friends and acquaintances from his family’s yacht club and county club and told them he had lucrative contracts with local governments in Traverse City to install fiber optic cable or other infrastructure projects. He told them he needed money to maintain a “surety bond” in connection with the contracts and guaranteed high rates of return if the investors loaned him money. In truth, there were no such contracts and Mencarelli used the money instead to finance his lifestyle, pouring at least $400,000 into a custom-built home. He also used payments from newer investors to pay off older investors. When it came time to pay investors back, he lied, bullied, and threatened them and manufactured false documents to maintain the charade.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Stiffler.
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Iron River Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Federal Prison for Drug Possession and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge today announced that Matthew Joseph Sheehan, 45, of Iron River, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
According to court records, investigators received information that Sheehan was traveling out of state to obtain illicit drugs for distribution in the Upper Peninsula, including methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine. In June 2023, Sheehan was pulled over in Iron County for a traffic infraction. During the traffic stop, officers found nearly a pound of methamphetamine, a smaller quantity of cocaine, and more than $6,000 in cash. A subsequent search of Sheehan’s residence recovered additional drugs and over $37,000.
The Michigan State Police, Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET), Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Iron River Police Department, and Iron County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
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Oceana County Man Sentenced to 90 Years for Sexually Exploiting A ChildRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge announced that Brandon Lee Chase, 45, of Walkerville, previously pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and was sentenced yesterday to 90 years in federal prison.
According to court documents, Chase sexually abused the child of a woman he was dating. The sexual abuse happened repeatedly and continued for years. Chase also recorded explicit videos of the abuse. Chase is a repeat sex offender and has also pleaded no contest to criminal sexual conduct in a separate case that is pending sentencing in Shelby Village.
“Today’s sentencing of Brandon Chase is a decisive victory in the FBI’s unyielding battle against sexual predators who prey on our most vulnerable population,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “I am grateful of the tireless investigative efforts of the FBI’s WEBCHEX Task Force, alongside our law enforcement partners at the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and the Muskegon Justice for Women Task Force. The priority of the FBI in Michigan is to protect our communities and disrupt criminal acts that could harm the residents and visitors of Michigan. Lastly, I would like to thank the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Michigan for their essential partnership in ensuring Mr. Chase is held accountable for his criminal acts and that those who were victimized are a step closer to healing.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, Muskegon Township Police Department, and Muskegon Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Doaa Al-Howaishy prosecuted it.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor's offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials.
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Caledonia Man Pleads Guilty to Three Counts of Sexually Exploiting A MinorRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge today announced that Scott Michael Elam, 41, of Caledonia, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. Elam faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 90 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 29.
Elam was arrested and indicted in November 2024 on seven counts of sexually exploiting four different minors. According to court documents, Elam recorded himself having sex with one of the minors on two different occasions and directed the other victims to take explicit photos and videos of themselves and then send them to him. He supplied alcohol, marijuana, vapes, and other contraband to the minors. Elam charged money for each and offered to reduce the price for minors who created and provided sexually explicit videos of themselves or had sex with him.
“Today’s plea by Scott Elam highlights the FBI’s unwavering commitment to holding sexual predators accountable and safeguarding our most vulnerable citizens,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Mr. Elam's abhorrent criminal acts against minors are utterly indefensible, and such behavior is not acceptable. I am deeply grateful for the relentless dedication and tireless efforts of the men and women of the FBI in Michigan, including the West Michigan-based Child Exploitation Task Force (WEBCHEX), our partners at the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the successful prosecution in the Western District of Michigan. The FBI in Michigan remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to investigate, disrupt, and bring to justice any individuals who prey on our children.”
“The Kent County Sheriff’s Office is committed to pursuing justice for victims of child exploitation and ensuring that offenders are held accountable. This case highlights the critical importance of parents and guardians having open conversations with their children about the dangers of social media. Our dedicated staff and partnerships with federal agencies allow us to continue protecting our community from those who seek to harm children,” the department said in a statement.
The Kent County Sheriff’s Office and FBI are investigating this case, and Assistant United States Attorney Olivia Ghiselli is prosecuting it.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor's offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials.
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Kalamazoo Man Sentenced to over 27 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine and FentanylRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge announced that Michael Warren Smith, Jr., 38, of Kalamazoo, was sentenced to 327 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and cocaine. Smith previously pleaded guilty in October 2024.
According to the plea agreement, on October 11, 2023, investigators searched Smith’s house on Elmwood Street and his apartment on West Main Street, both in Kalamazoo. When investigators searched the house on Elmwood Street, Smith was present and had over 185 grams of fentanyl in his pants. Inside Smith’s bedroom, investigators found 388.5 grams of 99 percent pure methamphetamine, and other evidence of drug trafficking. In Smith’s apartment on West Main Street, investigators found approximately five pounds of 99 percent pure methamphetamine, over 500 grams of fentanyl, over 470 grams of cocaine, and five loaded firearms. Smith admitted that he possessed these drugs and intended to sell them.
“We are pleased with this sentence,” said Mike Ferguson, Captain of the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team. “Mr. Smith possessed a large amount of drugs and guns. Drugs and guns that would’ve hit the streets of Kalamazoo if not for the hard work of KVET and our federal partners.”
“Mr. Smith’s sentencing should serve as a reminder that the DEA will relentlessly pursue those responsible for the distribution of illicit drugs accountable,” said Andrew Lawton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Detroit Field Division. “Methamphetamine has devastating effects on communities, and fentanyl is responsible for the loss of tens of thousands of lives. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice those who profit from this illegal and dangerous trade.”
“Michael Smith, Jr. sold poison in our community while armed with five illegal firearms. This sentence should serve as a clear warning to every illegally armed drug dealer operating in our community: If you pack an illegal firearm in furtherance of peddling your poison, you need to pack your bags for prison,” said James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Detroit Division.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET), and Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) investigated this case.
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Money Launderer Tied to Nigerian Sextortion Scheme Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge today announced that Dinsimore Guyton Robinson, 29, of Huntsville, AL, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering, after he laundered money for Nigerian sex extortionists. Sentencing before U.S. District Judge Robert J. Jonker, is scheduled for April 24, 2025.
The indictment alleges this group used online payment systems to collect sextortion proceeds and send them to Nigerian sextortionists. According to the indictment, the sextortionists had boys and young men create nude images. After the sextortionists received those images, they allegedly had the victims send funds to the U.S.-based money launderers through online payment systems like Apple Pay, Cash App, and Zelle. The money launderers would keep about 20 percent of the money, convert the rest to bitcoin, and send the bitcoin back to Nigeria.
The indictment alleges that Robinson laundered the funds of Jordan DeMay. In November 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan charged three Nigerian nationals in a sextortion scheme that resulted in the death of Jordan DeMay, a 17-year-old high school student from Marquette, Michigan, and targeted more than 100 other victims. Two of the three defendants in that case were extradited to the United States in August 2023 and pled guilty in April 2024 and were later sentenced.
"Dinsimore Robinson's guilty plea to conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with a sextortion scheme underscores the alarming lengths to which criminals will go, preying on the most vulnerable members of our society," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. "Robinson's criminal activities were thwarted through the tireless investigative efforts of the FBI in Michigan, Atlanta, and Birmingham, in partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of Nigeria and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Michigan. This case serves as a powerful reminder that no matter where criminals are located, the FBI is relentless in its pursuit of justice."
Safety Tips and Resources for Victims, Teens, and Parents
The FBI provides the following tips on how people can protect themselves from sextortion schemes:
- Be selective about what you share online. If your social media accounts are open to everyone, a predator may be able to figure out a lot of information about you.
- Be wary of anyone you encounter for the first time online. Block or ignore messages from strangers.
- Be aware that people can pretend to be anything or anyone online. Videos and photos are not proof that people are who they claim to be. Images can be altered or stolen. In some cases, predators have even taken over the social media accounts of their victims.
- Be suspicious if you meet someone on one game or app and that person asks you to start talking on a different platform.
- Be in the know. Any content you create online—whether it is a text message, photo, or video—can be made public. And nothing actually “disappears” online. Once you send something, you don’t have any control over where it goes next.
- Be willing to ask for help. If you are getting messages or requests online that don’t seem right, block the sender, report the behavior to the site administrator, or go to an adult. If you have been victimized online, tell someone. Being a victim of sextortion is not your fault. You can get through this challenge, even if it seems scary and overwhelming. There are people who want to help.
If you have information about or believe you are a victim of sextortion, contact your local FBI field office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or report it online at http://tips.fbi.gov. This FBI PSA and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children PSA share survivor stories and resources for individuals to get help. More FBI sextortion resources are available here.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of Nigeria. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Mekaru represented the government at the hearing.
The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and the remaining defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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- Be selective about what you share online. If your social media accounts are open to everyone, a predator may be able to figure out a lot of information about you.
U.S. Attorney Mark Totten Warns of Jury Service ScamsRead the Press Release
Law enforcement will not demand money over the phone
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Mark Totten today warned citizens in the Western District of Michigan of a prevalent scam. Citizens are being called and told they have warrants for failure to appear and contempt of court relating to failing to appear for jury service. Legitimate law enforcement will never ask for payment over the telephone to “post a bond” or “bond out” or for any other reason.
“Scammers will do anything to rip off their victims — even impersonating law enforcement and court officials,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Be aware. Protect yourself. And don’t be afraid to end the call and contact the law enforcement agency directly to verify.”
The callers will claim to be law enforcement officers or court staff and may provide names of real people or badge numbers. This is often information they have found on the internet. They may demand you pay them, often with gift cards or using a QR code. If you think you are being targeted by a scammer:
- Document as much as possible about the call (the caller’s name, telephone number, and information they provide, such as badge number, court or agency with which they claim to be affiliated, and so forth). These details will help you confirm the legitimacy of the claim and help with reporting scams to law enforcement.
- Ask questions. Scammers subjected to ongoing interrogation may hang up and move on to an easier target. Do not worry if they hang up—it is a sign this was a scam.
- Remain calm. Call the court or law enforcement agency directly and see if you missed a summons or court date. Independently locate numbers for courts and law enforcement—do not call numbers the caller provides to you.
- Never give out sensitive information over the phone.
Attempted jury scams can be reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Federal Trade Commission. For more information about these scams, please see: https://www.miwd.uscourts.gov/jury-scams.
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Manufacturing Company to Pay over $4.1 Million to Resolve Allegations It Received Paycheck Protection Program Loan in Violation of Employee Size RulesRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten announced today that Horn USA, Inc., a precision tool manufacturing company, has agreed to pay $4,153,111.12 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by falsely obtaining a second-draw Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan for which it was ineligible.
“The Paycheck Protection Program provided important relief that was limited to entities that met the eligibility criteria,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “My office remains committed to working with the Small Business Administration to investigate fraud on its programs and protect taxpayer dollars.”
When Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in 2020 it enacted a program to provide emergency financial assistance to individuals and businesses suffering economic and public health effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) continued the CARES Act’s loan program administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and created a second-draw PPP loan that allowed eligible businesses that had previously received a PPP loan to apply for a second loan. As one condition to second-draw loan eligibility, the applicant company and its affiliates must have had no more than 300 employees collectively.
In January of 2021, Horn USA, Inc. applied for and received a $2,000,000 second-draw PPP loan, which SBA subsequently forgave. The United States alleges that Horn USA, Inc. was ineligible for this loan because the company and its affiliates had over 300 employees and thus exceeded the size standard.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act against Horn USA, Inc. Under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the settlement or judgment. Here, the United States elected to take over the case, investigated it, and negotiated the settlement. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. GNGH2 Inc. v. Horn USA, Inc., No. 1:24-cv-196 (W.D. Mich.).
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan and the SBA. Assistant United States Attorney Whitney M. Schnurr investigated this case.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
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