Eastern District of North Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
California Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Flooding North Carolina with Deadly PoisonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Raul Ramirez, 44, to 15 years in federal prison for supplying hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to Raleigh drug dealers. On September 15, 2025, Ramirez, also known as “Ralph,” pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
“Cartels and out‑of‑state criminals have remorselessly flooded Eastern North Carolina with poison for far too long. They piped hundreds of thousands of deadly fentanyl pills directly into our backyards and schools, destroying families and ruining lives. For what? A few measly bucks. Not under my watch. Law and order wins every time. We caught this high‑level bad hombre, exposed his network, and secured a 15‑year federal prison sentence. If you bring death and destruction to Eastern North Carolina, we will track you down, lock you up, and ensure you pay a very heavy price,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
A multi‑agency investigation that began in January 2022 revealed that Ramirez supplied hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to a Raleigh‑based drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing 77 pounds of pressed fentanyl pills. DTO members routinely flew to California to buy fentanyl pills from Ramirez, and then shipped them back to North Carolina. Investigators used controlled purchases, search warrants, interstate package seizures, electronic surveillance, and cooperator interviews to unravel the operation. Even though authorities arrested several dealers possessing thousands of fentanyl pills repeatedly during the investigation, Ramirez kept shamelessly selling pills right up until his arrest.
“Thanks to a collaborative effort, a cross-country network bringing deadly drugs into our communities has been wiped out,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “We greatly improve the safety of our communities when careless and dangerous drug traffickers are caught and put out of business for good.”
Ellis Boyle U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced the sentence after the Honorable U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III issued it. ATF, the Raleigh Police Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Service collaborated on the multi‑year investigation.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-200-D.
U.S. Attorney's Office Welcomes Three Newly Sworn Assistant United States AttorneysRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ellis Boyle administered the oath of office to three Assistant United States Attorneys who will serve in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Covering 44 counties from the Triangle to the coast, the Eastern District handles a broad range of federal criminal and civil matters, partnering closely with local communities and law enforcement agencies. The newly appointed prosecutors will help uphold the rule of law, protect constitutional rights, and strengthen public trust across this diverse and expansive district.
Fort Bragg Killer Receives Three Life Sentences in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, NC – A federal judge sentenced Kenneth Maurice Quick, Jr., age 26, of Laurinburg, to three life sentences and then to an additional 83 years in federal prison for murdering two service members in December 2020. In May 2026, a federal jury convicted Quick on eight charges after a full trial, including first‑degree murder, drug conspiracy, and obstruction of justice.
“This cold‑blooded murderer will never see the light of day again,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Understand this, if you commit depraved violence on federal property: we will hunt you down, we will prosecute you, and we will lock you away for a very long time. No excuses. No escape. When you take lives, we will come for you without hesitation. You get life for taking a life.”
Evidence presented at trial established a series of brutal actions. Quick murdered WL, an active‑duty soldier stationed at Fort Bragg, and TD, a former soldier. Leading up to these killings, he agreed to buy cocaine from WL, but he never intended to pay. TD supplied the cocaine to WL and joined him on the trip to deliver the drugs to Quick. The defendant met WL at a trap house in Laurinburg and remorselessly shot him in the back five times. Quick then forced TD to drive to a remote wooded area on Fort Bragg to help dispose of WL’s body. When the truck became stuck in the sand, Quick shot TD in the head and in the back, killing him at the scene. The next day, Quick and his co‑conspirators recovered the truck from woods, drove it to a country road in another county, ransacked, moved, and burned TD’s truck. About two months later, he arranged another drug deal and murdered another unsuspecting victim in cold blood. While cooling in jail awaiting trial, Quick also provided a fellow gang member with the name of a potential witness. That gang member took that informant and murdered the witness.
"Quick likely believed he evaded authorities in killing two men and discarding their bodies on Fort Bragg property. He clearly didn't consider the dedication and expertise of FBI Special Agents and the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division, who followed the evidence and put together a meticulous timeline of Quick's crimes. Three life sentences for eight federal crimes say very loudly and clearly, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will make certain violent criminals are always held accountable," said Reid Davis, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The FBI and U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division led the investigations in the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-CR-FL, Case No. 4:24-CR-46-M, and Case No. 4:24-CR-56-BO.
Two Lenoir County Women Guilty in $180K COVID Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Two Lenoir County women, Kendra Edmondson, 39, and Britteny Dryer, 35, each pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud after they and others defrauded the federal government of more than $187,000 by submitting fraudulent North Carolina Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (NC HOPE) loan applications for emergency rental assistance. As part of the scheme, the defendants and their associates submitted fictitious tenant lease agreements for multiple Lenoir County properties to support those applications. Each faces up to thirty years in federal prison and a $1,000,000 fine when the court sentences them later this year.
“These two lowdown fraudsters chose to milk the system by lining their pockets while hardworking taxpayers rolled up their sleeves during the pandemic. Do what your parents taught you, don’t steal. Cheaters. Never. Win,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
Between November 2020 and December 2021, Edmondson, Dryer, and others submitted 23 fraudulent applications and collected more than $187,000 in federal government housing funds for their personal benefit.
On March 27, 2020, Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans suffering economically from the Covid-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized $5 billion in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs, giving states and localities flexible federal funding to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the pandemic. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers the CDBG program, which supports economic and community development and provides long‑term recovery funding to states and localities during disasters and emergencies.
The State of North Carolina’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR), a division of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, used CARES Act federal funds to help North Carolina renters remain in their homes during COVID‑19 by preventing evictions and loss of utility services. The NC HOPE program used an initial $51.5 million allocation of CDBG funds from the CARES Act to provide housing and utility assistance. North Carolina also received CRF funds from the CARES Act, including $66 million allocated for administrative costs associated with the NC HOPE program.
"This case reflects the strength of our partnerships with the USAO-EDNC and HUD-OIG in fighting fraud, waste and abuse that hurts our most vulnerable citizens,” said NCSBI Director, Chip Hawley. “Thanks also to USMS and the Kinston Police Department for their help. We will continue to aggressively target those who steal from hardworking taxpayers."
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II accepted the plea. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development – OIG (USHUD-OIG), and NCSBI are investigating the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:26-CR-14-M.
Henderson Drug Kingpin Sentenced to Almost 27 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Alexander Trowbridge, also known as “Snow,” 41, of Henderson, NC, to almost 27 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl and more than 2.2 pounds of heroin; possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and possession of a firearm by a felon.
“Drug trafficking organizations can no longer hide in Eastern North Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “We shut down this network, and we are coming for the rest to clean these predators off our streets and protect the citizens. If you sell drugs, we will find you, prosecute you, and put you in prison for a long time. Simple lesson: Drugs kill; prison awaits—do right.”
In August 2019, the DEA, ATF, and other state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Henderson Police Department, initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization (DTO) in Henderson, North Carolina.
The DTO obtained kilogram-level quantities of heroin and fentanyl from New Jersey and sold the drugs throughout Vance, Durham, Warren, Wake, Wilson, Franklin, and Granville counties. They regularly distributed fentanyl in baggies marked with a “Toy Story” stamp; a trademark they used to identify their product.
Law enforcement identified Trowbridge as the leader of the organization and, through controlled purchases along with physical and electronic surveillance, pinpointed several locations in Henderson used by the group, including 56 Kelly Road, 100 Kelly Road, and 66 Pinecone Lane.
The group would hide heroin and fentanyl in various places inside residences, as well as in buckets, stacks of tires, or in the woods out around the property. Drone footage showed that members of the DTO regularly drove back and forth between 66 Pinecone Lane to 56 Kelly Road, from the stash house to the trap house. They conducted hand-to-hand transactions selling drugs to customers at the trap house. Trowbridge often used numerous drug mules to transport and sell his drugs. In one instance, authorities stopped one of his mules in Maryland and found more than 2 pounds of fentanyl in the mule’s car.
The investigative findings set the stage for the next phase of the operation, culminating on November 17, 2022, when law enforcement simultaneously executed search warrants at 66 Pinecone Lane, 56 Kelly Road, and 100 Kelly Road. During those searches, authorities seized the following:
• 66 Pinecone Lane:
38 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture stamped with a “Toy Story” emblem (found in a bucket in the wood line)
Four shotguns
Four rifles
A loaded 9mm handgun
A 31‑round magazine
A .45‑caliber handgun
Multiple firearm magazines, including a drum magazine
More than 2,000 rounds of assorted ammunition
• 56 Kelly Road:
A .40‑caliber firearm
A large‑capacity magazine
25 rounds of .40‑caliber ammunition
Four rounds of .38‑caliber ammunition
$10,304 in U.S. currency
A stolen firearm
• 100 Kelly Road:
A loaded rifle
$88,931 in U.S. currency
A loaded 9mm handgun with an extended magazine
80 grams of heroin and fentanyl stamped with a “Toy Story” emblem (found in a bucket in the woods between 56 Kelly Road and 100 Kelly Road)
Several DTO members have already been convicted and sentenced in federal court for their roles in the drug trafficking organization. Bridgett Burrows; seven and a half years in federal prison; Marques D. Gray eight years; Daquan Lovely; eight years and one month; Joseph Trowbridge; seven years; and Dwayne Trowbridge eight years. To view press conference go to: https://youtu.be/F0447PvHZ3Q?si=7maFYBu9KpHnyEa3
“This sentence reflects the commitment of law enforcement agencies working together to hold those who traffic fentanyl accountable,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Through strong partnerships and coordinated enforcement, we will continue disrupting the flow of this deadly drug and doing everything we can to keep our communities safe. Together, we are working toward a Fentanyl Free America.”
“This investigation is another example of what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies work together toward a common mission. Partnerships make our communities safer and send a clear message to drug traffickers: there is no jurisdictional boundary that will protect you from our unified law enforcement efforts,” said Marcus Barrow, Henderson Police Chief.
This prosecution is part of Operation TYM 2 Block the Bridge of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. This case was investigated by the ATF, DEA, NCSBI, Henderson Police Department, and Vance County Sheriff’s Office.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-CR-332-M-1.
Media Advisory – Press ConferenceRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. –United States Attorney Ellis Boyle, along with several federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, will hold a press conference to announce the sentencing of Alexander Trowbridge, 41, of Henderson, NC who was sentenced on August 20, 2026, for fentanyl and heroin trafficking. USA Boyle will also discuss the EDNC and our federal partners’ efforts to combat drugs and guns in Eastern North Carolina.
WHERE: U.S. Attorney’s Office, 150 Fayetteville Street, Suite 2100, Raleigh, NC 27601
WHEN: Monday, August 24, 2026, at 10:30 AM
Media, please arrive at the U.S. Attorney’s Office by 10:00 AM for set up.
For logistical information in advance of the media availability, please contact Jeff Gordon at [email protected] or 919-856-4172. No case specific information is available until the press conference.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Welcomes Three Newly Sworn Assistant United States AttorneysRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ellis Boyle administered the oath of office to three Assistant United States Attorneys who will serve in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Covering 44 counties from the Triangle to the coast, the Eastern District handles a broad range of federal criminal and civil matters, partnering closely with local communities and law enforcement agencies. The newly appointed prosecutors will help uphold the rule of law, protect constitutional rights, and strengthen public trust across this diverse and expansive district.
Nash County Career Offender Draws 15‑Year Federal Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Trimaine Rshad Williams, age 35, to 15 and half years in federal prison for Interference with Commerce by Robbery. On February 20, 2026, Williams pleaded guilty in federal court. Williams’s five prior robbery convictions resulted in his sentencing as a Career Offender.
“Williams is exactly the kind of repeat offender who keeps terrorizing hard-working honest people of Eastern North Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Even after five prior convictions, he spent an entire day hitting one store after another, scaring employees and terrifying customers who were just trying to work and live their lives the honest way. Thanks to great work of law enforcement, the people of Nash County won’t have to deal with Williams’s chaos any longer. Steal, gets steel.”
On March 20, 2024, Williams carried out a crime spree that targeted at least five convenience stores and gas stations in Rocky Mount. At one location, he pressed a hard object against a clerk’s back and threatened to shoot him. Although the clerk discovered Williams was not armed and escorted him out, Williams lingered nearby and accepted food the clerk offered after he claimed he was down on his luck. Despite this act of compassion, Williams continued his crime spree throughout the day and night.
At 6:30 a.m., Williams entered the Speedway store in Rocky Mount, ordered everyone to the ground, and stole about $200 while clutching his waistband as if he had a gun. Five hours later, he entered a gas station on Wesleyan Boulevard, told the clerks he was armed, stole roughly $300, and fled. His crime spree escalated that evening when he entered a nearby Dollar General, climbed over the counter, demanded cash, and threatened to kill the clerk. Shortly thereafter, Willaims entered his final store, the Bi‑Rite Market in Sharpsburg, demanded money, and once again grabbed his jacket as if he had a weapon before fleeing with the cash. The Nash County Sheriff’s Office apprehended Williams later that day, ending his community-wide crime spree.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. This case was investigated by Sharpsburg Police Department, Rocky Mount Police Department, and Nash County Sheriff’s Office.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-330.
Federal Judge Sends Meth Dealer to Federal Prison for 14 YearsRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Sharon Lynn Jones, 46, to 14 years in federal prison for selling meth throughout the Eastern District of North Carolina. Jones pleaded guilty on May 5, 2026, to one count of distributing 50 grams or more of meth.
“Jones repeatedly chose to flood this community with meth, and her history shows she had every opportunity to stop,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Our office moved decisively with our law enforcement partners to shut down her operation and protect Duplin County from poison she pushed into Eastern North Carolina.”
In May 20125, the DEA and Duplin County Sheriff’s Office identified Jones as a major meth distributor. Investigators conducted four controlled purchases from her during May and June 2025. Later, they stopped her for a traffic violation and found a substantial quantity of crystal meth. Jones agreed to cooperate with law enforcement and was not charged. Over the next two and a half months, Jones continued to sell and possess meth with the intent to distribute. Before these latest convictions, she had two state court convictions in 2024 and 2025 for possessing with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver drugs and eventually received only probation. As a result of those convictions, the federal court system classified her as a career offender.
“The Duplin County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA to better serve the citizens of Duplin County, remove drug dealers that are selling large quantities of illegal narcotics, and help stop these deadly drugs from making it to our streets and communities,” said Duplin County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Chuck Weaver. “I am grateful for the cooperation and working relationships we have with local, state, and federal agencies.”
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers, II. DEA and the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office partnered in the investigation.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:25-CR-00103-M-KS.
Drug-Dealing Marine Sentenced to 7-Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Raleigh, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Alexander Jules Pawluk, 29, to seven years in federal prison for trafficking large quantities of meth and firearms throughout the Eastern District of North Carolina. On May 10, 2026, Pawluk pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 or more grams of meth, distribution of 50 grams or more of meth, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
“While it is tragic to see a Marine betraying his oath to protect and serve his country, nobody gets away with crime in Eastern North Carolina. Drugs kill families and communities,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Marines should not dishonor themselves by hurting Americans. Simple Lesson; drugs kill, prison awaits, do better.”
In 2024, investigators identified Pawluk—then an active-duty Marine—as a drug dealer operating in the greater Jacksonville area. That December, federal and local law enforcement conducted three controlled meth purchases from him. During two of those transactions, he also sold firearms. After completing the controlled buys, law enforcement arrested Pawluk and placed him in state custody.
Following his arrest and subsequent discharge from the Marine Corps, a state judge released Pawluk from custody. Unfortunately, he returned to his drug dealing ways. In June 2025, investigators conducted another controlled meth purchase from him. After that transaction, they searched Pawluk’s home and found more meth and firearms.
“Mr. Pawluk’s relentless distribution of lethal drugs and firearms despite devastating outcomes demonstrates his complete and callous disregard for human life and the safety of our community,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly Parrish of the NCIS Carolinas Field Office. “NCIS and our law enforcement partners remain unwavering in our mission to protect our Navy and Marine Corps communities. We will continue to conduct thorough investigations to ensure individuals complicit in crimes are held accountable for the grave consequences of their actions.”
This prosecution is part of Operation Moral Turpitude, a component of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) established under Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole‑of‑government initiative committed to dismantling criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in the United States and abroad. Through unprecedented interagency coordination, HSTF directs federal law enforcement resources to investigate and prosecute the broad spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations. The HSTF places a particular emphasis on targeting offenders involved in crimes against children and uses all available legal authorities to identify, prosecute, and remove violent criminal aliens from the United States.
W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement following sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. NCIS, ATF, and the Jacksonville Police Department, and the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:25-CR-63-D-BM-1.
Delaware Drug Dealer Receives 12-Year Federal Prison Sentence for Trafficking MethRead the Press Release
Raleigh, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced James Nadel Taylor, 31, to 12 and half years in federal prison for trafficking large quantities of meth along the east coast. On May 5, 2026, Taylor pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of meth and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of meth.
“Here is another fine example of law enforcement protecting and serving the citizens of Eastern North Carolina. Through one officer’s keen eye for discerning criminal activity, law enforcement sniffed out the drug mule and his Big Shark Bad Boy co-conspirator.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “To those who think they can bring their venomous drugs into Eastern North Carolina: you are dead wrong! Will we find you; we will prosecute you; and we will throw you under the jail.”
On January 14, 2025, a Selma Police Department detective stopped a Kia Optima for following a tractor trailer too closely. The detective questioned the driver, Erminio Ferri, about his travel plans and noticed a nervous Ferri gave an implausible story. Taylor, the owner of the car, sat next to him as a passenger. Detectives searched the car and found over four pounds of meth. They later learned that Ferri and Taylor had driven from Delaware to South Carolina the previous day to pick this meth and were returning to Delaware when police stopped the car.
"This sentence reflects the outstanding work and dedication of our detectives, whose attention to detail during a routine traffic stop led to the seizure of a significant quantity of methamphetamine and ultimately the dismantling of a drug trafficking operation,” said Justin R. Vause, Selma Police Chief. “Cases like this demonstrate that proactive policing and strong partnerships with our federal law enforcement partners continue to play a critical role in keeping dangerous narcotics out of our communities. Having firsthand knowledge of this investigation from its inception, I can say this outcome sends a clear message to those who seek to traffic illegal drugs through our town and across North Carolina: law enforcement agencies are committed to identifying, investigating, and holding offenders accountable. Protecting our residents and preventing dangerous substances from reaching our neighborhoods, families, and especially our children remain a top priority for the Selma Police Department. I am proud of the work conducted by our detectives and grateful for the collaborative efforts of the ATF and the United States Attorney's Office in bringing this case to a successful conclusion."
W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement following sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The ATF and the Selma Police Department investigated the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-CR-202-D-BM-2.
Cocaine and Fentanyl Ringleader Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Donnie Dontez Jeffreys, 35, to 22 years in federal prison for leading a large-scale cocaine and fentanyl distribution operation throughout the Eastern District of North Carolina. On May 12, 2026, Jeffreys pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 11 pounds or more of cocaine, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine.
“Donnie Jeffreys traded human lives for drug money, poisoning our streets with fentanyl and cocaine. This sentence sends a stark message: we will hunt down every Big Shark Bad Boy pushing deadly poison, tear up the roots of their kudzu crew, and put them where they belong - behind bars. Don’t mess around with these dedicated sheriffs and cops, you will find out. Simple Lesson: Drugs Kill, Prison Awaits – Do Right,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.”
In February 2024, investigators identified Jeffreys as the leader of a drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of cocaine, powder fentanyl, and pressed fentanyl pills. Federal and local law enforcement employed a range of methods, including traffic stops, freight interdictions, interviews, federal wiretaps, and controlled drug purchases to investigate his crimes and built the case against him.
As a result, investigators executed search warrants at multiple stash houses tied to Jeffreys’ organization and seized significant amounts of narcotics and firearms. Their searches uncovered a freight shipment containing 52 pounds of cocaine concealed in desk chair boxes, more than 33 pounds of fentanyl pills and over 35 pounds of cocaine stored in a duffle bag inside a stash house, along with $400,000 in cash from a car outside. A subsequent search warrant recovered even more cocaine, marijuana, and 32 weapons.
“Today’s 22-year federal prison sentence is the result of the unwavering collaboration between DEA and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Together, we dismantled a significant drug trafficking operation responsible for distributing cocaine and fentanyl in our communities. This sentence sends a clear message, those who choose to profit from poisoning our neighborhoods will be identified, investigated, and brought to justice.”
"The Wake County Sheriff's Office makes it clear that illegal drugs and drug trafficking have no place in our communities. I thank the men and women who worked diligently to hold Donnie Jeffreys accountable. This investigation and sentencing highlight the value of our strong partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies," Sheriff Willie Rowe said.
W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. DEA, SBI, Wake County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Raleigh Police Department, and Wake Forest Police Department investigated the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-CR-147-FL-1.
Rocky Mount Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty in $3.9M Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Rocky Mount woman, Angela Dickens, 54, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns resulting a tax loss of approximately $3,900,000. Dickens faces a maximum penalty of 36 months in prison when sentenced in November 2026. She has agreed to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
“What a shocking abuse of trust for a tax return preparer to file hundreds of fraudulent federal income tax returns. No longer will we tolerate the petty misery of the destruction of society by vicious selfishness. Let this sentence serve as a warning to others considering the same dirty deeds: We will find you and prosecute you. Cheaters. Never. Win,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
Dickens operated Empire Tax Service, later renamed K&J Tax Service, in North Carolina. From 2017 to 2023, Dickens and at least one co‑conspirator fraudulently filed hundreds of tax returns by inflating “Other 1099 Withholding” amounts. Their scheme inflated taxpayer refunds and allowed them to take excessive fees from those refunds. A tax return preparation business gathers clients’ financial information, organizes it, and files their federal and state tax returns accurately. It aims to guide clients through the tax process efficiently, lawfully, and with as little stress as possible.
“Tax return preparers who try to defraud the tax system should be aware that IRS Criminal Investigation will expose these schemes and work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold those responsible accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Charlotte Field Office. “Today's plea is a reminder to those who might consider preparing false tax returns that IRS-CI will continue their aggressive pursuit of those who attempt to defraud the United States tax system.”
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II accepted the plea. The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations is investigating the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:26-CR-126-M-1.
EDNC US Attorney’s Office Joins New Southeast Fraud Enforcement PartnershipRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. - Ellis Boyle, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, joined the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division in announcing sweeping fraud enforcement actions alongside a new, dedicated, federal and state anti-fraud task force in North Carolina and across the Southeast. Following a major strategic roundtable emphasizing the partnerships forged amongst federal and state prosecutors, regulators, and law enforcement agencies, DAG Colin McDonald, the National Fraud Czar heading the DOJ efforts in this battle, led a press conference in Columbia, S.C. In support, 18 U.S. Attorneys' Offices, including the EDNC, seven State Attorneys General, five federal law enforcement agencies, and over 50 state officials announced their ironclad efforts in exposing and prosecuting systemic fraud. Press Conference Link: https://youtu.be/RaJJlIlaIWU
The DOJ’s National Fraud Enforcement Division established this joint taskforce to aggressively track, investigate, and prosecute regional financial fraud stealing federal taxpayer dollars. The sweeping southeast regional initiative targets 17 distinct cases currently prosecuted across seven Southeastern states, highlighting more than $350 million in attempted theft perpetrated against American taxpayers. Prosecutors prioritize systemic public program abuse involving SNAP benefits, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, federal housing assistance, and tax fraud. Showing immediate results, federal prosecutors surged enforcement actions, charging crimes in cases that account for over $90 million in losses and indicting 12 named defendants since July 4 alone.
"This office is fully COMMITTED to protecting federal funds intended for the communities, families, and small businesses of Eastern North Carolina," said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. "By combining forces with our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners and launching this new anti-fraud task force, we will ensure that those who attempt to line their pockets through deception face swift federal justice. If you steal from the American people: we are looking for you; we will find you; we will convict you; and you will hibernate behind cold steel bars. Cheaters. Never. Win."
To illustrate recent crackdown efforts in the EDNC, Mr. Boyle described a June conviction where a Robeson County woman, who owned a North Carolina tax filing franchise, pleaded guilty to a massive Covid tax fraud scheme in federal court. Nejlai Mitchell, 48, admitted to preparing false returns claiming fraudulent refunds based on COVID-19 tax credits and submitting false tax returns. The conspiracy resulted in the IRS paying out almost $14 MILLION in fraudulent tax refund claims. Mitchell faces a maximum term of eight years in prison and a $500,000 fine when a federal judge sentences her later this year. Seven other tax return preparers who worked for her have already pleaded guilty for their roles in the same multi-million-dollar fraud scheme$25M Pandemic-Relief Fraud Scheme.
Raleigh Business Owner Sentenced to Prison for Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Tracey Dixon Perry, 51, to 16 months in federal prison, 12 months of home confinement, two years of supervised release, and to repay $425,146 in restitution for concealing bankruptcy assets.
“This individual meticulously and purposefully hid her greedy milking from the U.S. government. She pocketed hundreds of thousands of ill-gotten dollars, exploiting a system that exists to help relieve companies in times of economic need,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Play games, get the prize you deserve, and in this case, a one-way ticket straight to federal prison. Cheaters. Never. Win”
Perry owned and operated Dixon Paving, Inc., an asphalt milling and paving business based in Raleigh. On February 14, 2020, Perry signed and filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition on behalf of Dixon Paving in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
While the bankruptcy court permitted Dixon Paving to maintain business operations as a debtor in possession (DIP), the court required that the company establish new DIP bank accounts to deposit all business receivables. Investigators discovered that Perry circumvented these requirements through multiple fraudulent actions. Four days prior to the bankruptcy filing, Perry directed the opening of a secret bank account for an affiliated entity, Dixon Contracting, LLC, and later established a second concealed bank account for Dixon Paving on February 28, 2020.
Perry deposited a substantial corporate check into one of the secret accounts on the day of the bankruptcy filing and continued to divert checks payable to Dixon Paving into unmonitored accounts throughout the proceedings. On February 28, 2020, Perry executed the corporation's schedule of assets and liabilities under penalties of perjury but intentionally omitted the secret accounts. In subsequent monthly operating reports, she falsely declared that Dixon Paving had deposited all income into the designated DIP accounts.
On May 6, 2020, while the bankruptcy case was pending, Perry secured a $183,500 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan by checking "no" on the application question asking if the company was involved in an active bankruptcy. She later submitted false monthly bankruptcy reports denying the receipt of third-party financing. Perry bypassed statutory requirements for court approval by entirely hiding the PPP loan from the bankruptcy court, and she used the same deceptive methods to conceal an additional loan from the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The U.S. Department of Transportation and Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Office of the U.S. Bankruptcy Administrator for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
A copy of this press release is located on our website.
Fayetteville Resident Charged in Nearly $1 Million Pandemic Relief ScamRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – United States Attorney Ellis Boyle announced criminal charges against Ronald Ray Brock II, 50, of Fayetteville, North Carolina. A federal grand jury indicted him for defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of almost $1 million.
Brock allegedly carried out a scheme in which he obtained $996,668.50 in PPP loans using the names of three businesses: MedCom Medical Messaging, Inc., Physicians Answering Group Exchange, Inc., and Answer Pronto, Inc. He secured the loans by falsely claiming these companies employed between 14 and 57 people and paid them between $32,000 and $121,000 per month, even though the companies had no real operations, no employees, and no payroll. The indictment alleges that Brock supported these false claims with fabricated tax returns and other falsified documents, and that he obtained duplicate loans for one company by applying through two different participating lenders. It also alleges that Brock made additional false statements to obtain forgiveness for one of the loans with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Brock is charged with six counts of wire fraud involving disaster-related benefits. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in prison on each count.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:26-CR-141-D-RN.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Raleigh Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Kobe Alexander Scott, 26, to over 9 years in federal prison. Scott pleaded guilty on April 28, 2026, to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
“We appreciate the hard work of our federal and local partners for stopping armed, drug dealing felons who threaten the safety of our communities. This Big Shark Bad Boy will not threaten his community with illegal firearms for the better part of a decade,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
In October 2023, the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) began investigating Scott after receiving information he was selling illegal narcotics and had access to firearms. Scott and several other known drug dealers were using a Raleigh-area recording studio for illegal activity and that he was the primary supplier of a high-end marijuana brand known as “Dessertz,”. For years, Scott used social media to advertise and sell marijuana, often posting numerous photos and videos of himself displaying firearms and large quantities of marijuana.
On December 13, 2023, RPD officers conducted a search at the recording studio where they found two 9‑millimeter firearms inside his office desk drawer. Scott is a convicted felon and a member of the Bloods street gang. His most recent convictions include possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana in 2022 and felony breaking and entering and larceny in 2015.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to making our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Raleigh Police Department and the ATF investigated the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:25-CR-44-D.
Fentanyl Trafficker Gets 15‑Year Federal SentenceRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Keavin Jawahn Thompson, 42, to 15 and a half years in federal prison for selling large quantities of fentanyl throughout the Eastern District of North Carolina. On January 29, 2026, Thompson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of para‑fluorofentanyl. Para-fluorofentanyl is similar to fentanyl but is highly potent and is a significant contributor to overdose deaths in the United States.
“This Big Shark Bad Boy drug pusher will no longer sling poison that ruins so many lives of Eastern North Carolinians,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Here is a stark warning, we will put you in prison for decades. Simple Lesson: Drugs Kill, Prison Awaits – Do Right.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.”
Thompson was identified in early 2020 as a large‑scale fentanyl trafficker operating across eastern North Carolina. In 2022, federal and local law enforcement conducted five purchases of fentanyl from Thompson. After these purchases, investigators executed search warrants at two Fayetteville homes used as drug stash houses. Inside, they recovered 840 grams of fentanyl, 642 grams of para‑fluorofentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, and meth, along with packaging materials, a digital scale, and a cutting agent used to prepare narcotics for distribution. Through the investigation, law enforcement determined Thompson had trafficked over 48 pounds of fentanyl between 2019 and his arrest on August 22, 2022.
“This sentence stresses the strength of our federal and state partnerships in dismantling trafficking networks that are flooding North Carolina with fentanyl,” said Mark M. Zito, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Carolinas. “Through close collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, the Fayetteville Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, HSI is unwavering in its commitment to pursue those who threaten the safety of our communities with illicit narcotics.”
“Drug trafficking poses a double threat to our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “Illegal narcotics destroy lives and the violence associated with drug trafficking wreaks communities. ATF is proud of the work the Homeland Security Task Force is accomplishing, and we remain committed to the goal of keeping our neighborhoods safe.”
This prosecution is part of Operation Eight Ball, a component of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) established under Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole‑of‑government initiative committed to dismantling criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in the United States and abroad. Through unprecedented interagency coordination, the HSTF directs federal law enforcement resources to investigate and prosecute the broad spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations. The HSTF places a particular emphasis on targeting offenders involved in crimes against children and uses all available legal authorities to identify, prosecute, and remove violent criminal aliens from the United States.
W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement following sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, and Fayetteville Police Department investigated the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-125-D-KS-1.
Two New Assistant United States Attorneys Formally Sworn into OfficeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ellis Boyle administered the oath of office to two Assistant United States Attorneys appointed to serve in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Their work supports the safety and well‑being of their communities, safeguards constitutional rights, and reinforces trust in the justice system.
New SAUSA Takes Oath to Serve the Eastern DistrictRead the Press Release
First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the EDNC administers the oath of office to the newest member of the district. The appointment of the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney advances the office's mission of upholding the rule of law and serving the people of our district. We are pleased to welcome him aboard and look forward to his contribution to the office and community in which he serves
Thrice Deported Mexican Illegal Alien Charged with Illegally Reentering the U.S.A. after Allegedly Killing a 6-Year-Old GirlRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – On July 22, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging an illegal alien born in Mexico, Jaime Santiago-Corona, also known as “Jaime Guzman Corona,” 33, with illegal reentry of a previously removed alien. The indictment alleges that Santiago illegally reentered the United States without permission from immigration authorities after he had previously been deported multiple times.
On July 3, 2026, authorities arrested Santiago after he allegedly ran a stop sign at County Home Road and Warren Jones Road in Pitt County and crashed into a car driven by a mother with her two children, ages 4 and 6. The mother and her 4‑year‑old daughter suffered serious injuries. In an unspeakably tragedy, 6‑year‑old Calli died at the scene. The State Highway Patrol charged Santiago with several crimes, including misdemeanor death by motor vehicle. ICE issued a detainer asking North Carolina officials to keep Santiago in custody.
Santiago has a long history of violating immigration laws; deported three separate times: October 9, 2019, June 12, 2023, and again on June 17, 2024. The federal grand jury charged him with violating 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a). If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 2 years in federal prison and deportation.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ICE-ERO”) is investigating the case. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) is the federal division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) responsible for identifying, arresting, detaining, and removing individuals who are subject to removal or unlawfully present in the United States.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:26-CR-00031-FL-KS-1.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Ex-Marine Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison for Child PornRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Alexander Douglas Kuhn, age 35, to 40 years in federal prison for Production and Possession of Child Pornography. On November 21, 2025, Kuhn pleaded guilty.
“This disgusting pervert will no longer target the young and vulnerable. There is a special place for him in this world, it’s called prison,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “We will continue to hunt down and stomp out all these spiders.”
In June 2023, Department of Homeland Security Investigators identified Kuhn on the social media apps of Gridr and Discord. Through online conversations with undercover agents, Kuhn claimed to abuse a 3-year-old child and offered the child up for future abuse. In addition, he asked to sexually abuse a fictional 12-year-old child that an undercover agent pretended to offer.
On July 13, 2023, law enforcement officials obtained a federal search warrant for Kuhn’s residence and electronic devices. Six days later, HSI agents and Craven Couty Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Kuhn at his home in New Bern. Kuhn admitted to sexually abusing a 3-year-old child for over a year, taking photos and videos of the child, and sending those to others online. Investigators corroborated Kuhn’s admission, when they located numerous photos and videos of Kuhn sexually abusing the child, and criminal images of other children, on his electronic devices.
“This case represents the dedication and resolve of Homeland Security Investigations and our partners to protect children and hold offenders fully accountable,” said Mark M. Zito, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Carolinas. “The actions uncovered were deeply disturbing, and our agents worked tirelessly to ensure the victims received justice and support. We thank NCIS, SBI, and the Craven County Sheriff’s Office for their collaboration throughout this investigation. HSI remains committed to pursuing those who exploit children and bringing them before the law.”
This prosecution is a part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), 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, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Department of Homeland Security Investigations and Craven County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-CR-00023-D.
Wilmington Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child PornRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. - A federal judge sentenced Tony Michael Crisco, 35, to 50 years in federal prison for Production and Distribution of Child Pornography. On January 29, 2026, Crisco pleaded guilty to the charges.
“This sick individual will no longer be able to harm those who cannot protect themselves. He preyed on vulnerable children by abusing and manipulating them to produce explicit content for his own gratification,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyles. “This spider will now spin his web stuck behind cold steel bars.”
On May 23, 2023, Crisco’s mother contacted law enforcement in Citrus County, Florida after an individual alerted her of an online video showing him raping a 2-year-old child. After his mother alerted law enforcement, they quickly contacted authorities in Wilmington where Crisco lived.
“This lengthy federal prison sentence makes one thing clear: anyone who exploits children will be found, prosecuted, and removed from society for a very long time. The FBI will relentlessly pursue predators and ensure they face the maximum consequences for harming a child,” said Reid Davis, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.
Law enforcement officials from the FBI, Wilmington Police Department, and New Hanover County Sheriff’s Department immediately jumped into the investigation, executing a warrant on Crisco’s residence and digital devices. The search revealed numerous images and videos of him sexually abusing a toddler. He also communicated with a 14-year-old female teenager online after meeting her through friends. Crisco began grooming the teenager to send him sexually explicit photos and videos, eventually meeting and engaging in sexual intercourse. Crisco then distributed the images and videos she produced of this crime to others online. During the investigation, over 1,000 images and 348 videos of child pornography and sexual abuse material, investigators discovered.
"Today's guilty plea is the result of a thorough investigation and the unwavering commitment of the men and women dedicated to protecting children in our community. Cases involving the production and possession of child sexual abuse material are among the most disturbing crimes we investigate, and we remain steadfast in our mission to identify offenders, hold them accountable, and seek justice for every victim. This case is a testament to the strength of our partnerships. The New Hanover County Sheriff's Office is grateful for the collaborative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Attorney's Office, the New Hanover County District Attorney's Office, the Wilmington Police Department, New Hanover County Child Protective Services, the Carousel Center, and Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Each of these agencies plays a vital role in ensuring child victims receive the protection, care, advocacy, and resources they deserve while helping bring offenders to justice. The New Hanover County Sheriff's Office remains unwavering in its commitment to aggressively investigating crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. We will continue working alongside our local, state, and federal partners to pursue those who prey on the most vulnerable members of our community and ensure they are held fully accountable for their actions. Protecting children will continue to be one of our highest priorities."
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The FBI, Wilmington Police Department, and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:24-CR-00097-D.
Charlotte Man Sentenced for Selling Guns and Fentanyl Connected to the Death of a Cary ManRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Kenneth Mark Rosado, age 40, to 15 years in federal prison for selling guns and fentanyl that led to the fentanyl overdose death of a 21-year-old Cary man. On October 21, 2025, Rosado pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Between 2023 and 2024, he sold 57 guns, knowing those weapons would end up in the hands of criminals on the streets. On November 20, 2024, he was federally charged in Charlotte with trafficking guns. A judge released him and placed him into a drug treatment center while that case was pending. On April 7, 2026, Rosado pleaded guilty to dealing in firearms without a license after his firearms case was transferred from the WDNC to the EDNC.
“The arrest and prosecution of this drug and gun dealing thug should give people of Eastern North Carolina a sense of relief,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “We will not tolerate despicable bottom-feeders who push poison and guns into our communities. Simple Lesson: Drugs Kill, Prison Awaits – Do Right.”
In January 2025, while in the treatment center awaiting trial, Rosado met and befriended a 21-year-old Cary man. Through their relationship, he indicated to the Cary man that he provides drugs. Rosado then absconded, fleeing to Charlotte where he met the 21-year-old victim in a hotel room. He sold fentanyl to the victim, who returned to Cary, used the fentanyl, and died. The victim’s parents discovered his dead body in his bedroom in the family room the following day.
Despite the fatal episode, Rosado continued selling drugs without remorse. Undercover officers subsequently carried out a controlled purchase of fentanyl from him, during which he admitted to routinely acquiring dealer‑level quantities of the drug.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Cary Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department investigated this case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-CR-63-M and 5:26-CR-1-M.
Texas Drug Dealer Gets 18 Years in Prison for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Mark Anthony Cavello, 52, of Dallas, Texas, to 18 years in federal prison. He had previously pleaded guilty on May 30, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of meth, distribution of more than 50 grams of meth, and money laundering.
“This is another example of federal, state, and local law enforcement working together to rid the poison that Cavello pushed into Eastern North Carolina.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “The residents of Eastern North Carolina will be safer while he’s locked up. Simple Lesson: Drugs Kill; Prison Awaits – Do Right.”
The investigation began in March 2021 after federal law enforcement identified Cavello as a key supplier, who led a drug trafficking organization (DTO) based in Dallas, TX. Cavello’s drug trafficking spanned at least a decade. Cavello regularly handled large quantities of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and meth. His DTO ran its drug business through mailing packages, wire transfers, and phone communication, with occasional in‑person meetings. To evade detection, Cavello used multiple homes to conceal his locations, used a post office box to handle money, changed phone numbers often, and worked a regular construction job during the day. He used his lawful business, and even a bank account under a relative’s name, to hide and launder his drug money. Cavello relied heavily on family members within his DTO and sometimes using drug runners to deliver drugs and collect cash. From 2017 to 2022, Cavello was a major supplier of meth traveling from Texas to Eastern North Carolina.
Between September 2021 and March 2022, ATF made three controlled drug purchases from Cavello, totaling about 11 pounds of highly potent meth. He mailed the drugs from Texas to Eastern North Carolina in the mail and received money payments back in the mail to various locations in Texas.
“Drug dealing and violent gun crimes are always closely connected,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “When we take down a drug trafficking network, we’re cutting off the flow of dangerous drugs and reducing the level of violence and gun crimes that threaten our communities.”
“This investigation highlights the reach and impact of interagency cooperation. This is a testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of our local, state and federal partners to keeping our communities safe,” said Chief Ashley L. Weaver, Jacksonville Police Department.
This prosecution is part of Operation Polar Bear which is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after the sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. ATF, DEA, Jacksonville Police Department, and Goldsboro Police Department investigated the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for 5:24-CR-121-M
Raleigh Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Escape from Residential Reentry CenterRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Carlos Todd, 31, of Raleigh to one year and three months in federal prison for escaping from the South Raleigh Residential Reentry Center (RCC).
Todd began serving the last part of his previous prison sentence at the reentry center on July 8, 2025. The facility is a contracted halfway house operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The reentry program helps by gradually transitioning inmates from prison at the end of their term back into the community by supporting work, treatment, and personal responsibility. However, less than two weeks after arriving, Todd tested positive for marijuana, and the BOP recommended removing him and returning him to prison.
“At the end of their time in BOP, Federal inmates have an excellent opportunity to adjust to their return to society by successfully completing a stay in a RCC. These RCCs provide an opportunity for them to reintegrate and land on their feet,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Inmates who abuse this process and escape by leaving without permission will be pursued and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Take your time and learn from it, or we will add years onto your federal prison stay.”
On July 30, 2025, officials from the Riverside Regional Prison in North Prince George, Virginia arrived at the halfway house to transfer several inmates including, Todd, to prison because of his noncompliance, but Todd refused to leave and board the bus. After the officials departed, Todd absconded from the center without permission. He remained at large until U.S. Marshals apprehended him on February 27, 2026.
“Our deputies responded quickly, worked collaboratively, and safely apprehended the fugitive without incident. This successful outcome reflects the professionalism, preparedness, and unwavering commitment of the men and women of the United States Marshals Service and our law enforcement partners,” said Glenn M. McNeill, Jr., United States Marshal. “Every successful apprehension strengthens public safety and reinforces our commitment to protecting the communities we serve. I am proud of the outstanding work performed by our team and grateful for their dedication to the mission every day.”
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after the sentencing before U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. This investigation resulted from collaboration between the United States Marshals Service, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the South Raleigh Residential Reentry Center.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:26-CR-00028-FL
LS Cable and System USA Inc. Agrees to Pay $4 Million to Resolve Allegedly False PPP Loan and Forgiveness ClaimsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – LS Cable & System USA, Inc., agreed to pay $4 million to the United States to resolve allegedly false claims for payments under Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and PPP loan forgiveness.
“This civil fraud settlement demonstrates our commitment to protect taxpayer money and to guard the integrity of our federal programs,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Our office will zealously pursue those who wrongfully take funds in violation of program requirements.”
The settlement arises from allegations that LS Cable knowingly misrepresented the number of its employees and affiliated personnel and unlawfully sought and obtained Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan funds and loan forgiveness totaling
over $2,004,414 for which it was not legally eligible.
The False Claims Act allows the Government to seek recovery of three times the amount of falsely obtained money, plus substantial penalties for each false claim submitted, and attorneys’ fees to the whistleblower who initiated this action. It should be noted that the civil claims resolved by settlement here are allegations only, and that there has been no judicial determination or admission of liability. LS Cable denies the fraud allegations.
This matter was addressed through close partnership and coordinated efforts between the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
A copy of this press release can be located on our website. Related court documents and information can be located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or PACER by searching for Case No. 4:25-CV-130-BO.
Cartel Partner Gets 30 Year Federal Sentence for Guns and MethRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced, Fernando Chaidez, 46, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison. On April 1, 2026, a federal jury convicted Chaidez of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of meth, possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of meth, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a firearm used to help selling drugs.
On November 8, 2023, Customs and Border Enforcement intercepted a package coming from Guerrero, Mexico to Duplin County, North Carolina. The package contained flip‑flops with approximately 2.2 pounds of meth hidden inside the lining. A week later, the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, HSI, and NCSBI carried out a controlled delivery of the package at the home of Stephen Darden in Duplin County. Darden accepted the package and they arrested him. Shortly after that, Chaidez arrived at Darden’s home, picked up the package, and they arrested him too. When they searched Chaidez’s car, they found meth and a garage door opener for his home in Wayne County. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, along with HSI, executed a search warrant where they found several cut open flip-flops that appeared to have previously contained drugs. They also found several firearms, including an AR‑15, a 5.7 semi‑automatic handgun, and a large 5.7‑caliber drum magazine.
“Cartels spread evil from south of the border and destroy our communities in Eastern North Carolina. Drug thugs like this Big Shark Bad Boy pose a serious threat to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “We will continue partnering with our local, state, and federal teams to shut down these operations, clean these villains off our streets, and protect our citizens. If you sell drugs, we will find you, prosecute you, and throw you in prison for a long time.”
Chaidez had a page full of prior convictions for manufacturing and selling meth dating as far back as 2010. Chaidez spent time in prison until his release in 2022, but he went right back to selling drugs by distributing more than 154 pounds of meth from 2022 until the time of his federal arrest in 2023. Darden eventually received a sentence of three years and four months for his involvement.
"The successful prosecution of Fernando Chaidez removes a significant quantity of methamphetamine and multiple firearms from our streets," said Mark M. Zito, special agent in charge of HSI Carolinas. "This investigation highlights the grave dangers posed by the illicit drug trade and the tenacity of our agents to hold offenders accountable. This sentence sends a clear message that Homeland Security Investigations will continue to relentlessly pursue those who attempt to profit from the distribution of poison in our neighborhoods."
"This is the result of hard work and strong partnerships between every agency involved in this investigation. When we work together, we send a clear message that crime won't be tolerated in our communities. I'm grateful to everyone who worked on this case, and we'll continue working every day to keep Wayne County safe,” said Wayne County Sheriff Larry Pierce
"This case is a great example of why strategic partnerships are so effective. HSI Wilmington brought federal resources, our SBI Coastal District agents brought the local knowledge, and the Duplin and Wayne County Sheriff's Offices were partners from day one. Four agencies, one case, one Cartel trafficker who was moving meth through eastern North Carolina and is now going to prison for 30 years. This is what great partnerships and outstanding teamwork does,” said SBI Director Chip Hawley.
This prosecution is part of Operation Tsunami Rising which is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. HSI, Custom and Border Patrol Enforcement, FBI, Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, and NCSBI investigated the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:24-CR-102-FL
U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle Visits TSA Officials at RDURead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle and his team recently visited the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials at Raleigh–Durham International Airport for an inside look at the vital work TSA performs to keep travel safe and moving efficiently. TSA plays a crucial role in protecting the nation’s transportation systems—not only for millions of daily air travelers, but across rail, maritime, pipelines, highways, and the broader supply chain. During the visit, both agencies reaffirmed their strong partnership, working side‑by‑side by maintaining a coordinated, united approach to keeping the transportation system secure.North Carolina Man Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse ImagesRead the Press Release
A North Carolina man was sentenced today to 42 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for the possession of child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, Blace Arthur Nalavany, 59, of Winterville, North Carolina, possessed images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Nalavany pleaded guilty to the charge on March 11.
According to evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, Nalavany was an associate professor of social work at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC, and a licensed clinical social worker, at the time of his arrest. His research publications include research into children who had experienced child sexual abuse. According to evidence in the case, the crime Nalavany was convicted of was committed at his home and was not connected to his employment or to any work as a licensed clinical social worker.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney W. Ellis Boyle for the Eastern District of North Carolina, and Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis of the FBI's Charlotte Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Charlotte Field Office, Greenville Resident Agency and the FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit investigated the case in collaboration with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen K. Haughton for the Eastern District of North Carolina prosecuted the 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, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Dunn Housing Authority Director Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing Taxpayer FundsRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Debbie Norris Woodell, 64, to two years in Federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to commit federal program theft. Woodell was also ordered to repay $238,448 to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
“In limited circumstances, HUD pays for citizen’s housing with taxpayers’ dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Woodell stole those dollars robbing both taxpayers and indigent recipients of America’s generosity. We will continue to hold greedy fraudsters accountable and ensure that criminals who exploit public programs face serious consequences. Cheaters. Never. Win.”
Woodell became the Executive Director of the Dunn Housing Authority (DHA) in 2014. DHA is a federally funded agency that provides affordable housing to qualifying low‑income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities in Dunn, North Carolina. Between 2016 and 2021, Woodell exploited her position, working with others to steal more than $200,000 from DHA. As part of the scheme, she issued checks from DHA accounts to co‑conspirators for unapproved landscaping and maintenance work that they never ever started. She funneled most of the money back to her personal use. To carry out the fraud, she fabricated bid documents, created fake invoices, forged signatures, and provided false information to DHA’s board of commissioners. Woodell also misused DHA credit cards to make thousands of dollars in unauthorized personal purchases, including ATV gear and home renovations for her house. She concealed the theft by creating false receipts and altering DHA’s accounting records.
“Debbie Woodell violated the trust placed in her, orchestrating multiple fraud schemes and compromising the federal procurement process by stealing more than $200,000 intended to support vulnerable members of the community,” said Special Agent in Charge Jerome Winkle of HUD’s Office of Inspector General. “Her actions were especially damaging given the limited resources available. HUD OIG will continue working with law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate and hold accountable those who misuse public funds for personal gain.”
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. HUD’s Office of Inspector General investigated the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or PACER by searching case for Case No. 5:25-CR-103-FL-RN-1.
Gun-Toting Drug Dealer Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Kevin Tyrone Eure, 37, to 14 years in federal prison for conspiracy to sell and selling cocaine and crack and possessing guns as a convicted felon and while selling crack.
Kevin Tyrone Eure, AKA “Boo Dro,” dealt drugs in the Craven County area. Law enforcement confirmed this by covertly purchasing cocaine and crack from him. They followed up by executing a search warrant at his home in Grifton. Investigators found crack packaging materials, digital scales, and vacuum sealed bags, that he used to package his drugs for sale. Investigators also located a bullet proof vest, over 37 pounds of ammunition, and 12 guns of various sizes throughout his home. He hid the guns in random spots around his home, including in the slot of a toaster and a Draco inside a dryer. When interviewed, Eure admitted to selling cocaine and crack for the past eight years throughout eastern North Carolina.
“Selling crack and cocaine is illegal. Stashing a bunch of guns in your house while slinging drugs makes the crime that much worse.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “It’s really easy to avoid this type of trouble: don’t sell drugs; don’t have guns if you are a felon. I hope he learns his lesson and doesn’t commit any more crimes when he eventually gets out of prison. He will have a long time to reconsider these bad choices. Drugs kill. Prison awaits. Do right.”
W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. ATF, the North Carolina SBI, the Craven County Sherrif’s Office, and the New Bern Police Department investigated the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-CR-00007-FL.
Florida Man Sentenced to over 12 Years for Multi-State Drug OperationRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Kerby Pata, 40, of Miramar Florida, to over 12 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 11 pounds of cocaine and conspiracy to possess with the intent to sell more than 50 grams of meth.
In August 2022, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and DEA, along with multiple state law enforcement agencies including the Nash County Sheriff’s Office and the Nashville Police Department, learned Pata had sold pounds and pounds of cocaine throughout multiple states, including Florida, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Pata shipped drugs from the west coast to the east coast and then up and down the eastern seaboard. As part of his scheme, Pata utilized numerous drug couriers, often referred to as “drug mules”, to transport and sell his product.
“Drug thugs like Pata can’t hide in Eastern North Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “We will continue to leverage law enforcement partnerships and federal resources through the Homeland Security Task Force to clear the streets of deadly illegal drugs and the greedy criminals who profit from destroying our homes, families, and communities.”
In April 2022, the Virginia State Police caught Pata, with more than six pounds of cocaine in his car. The Virginia court released Pata pending trial. Six months later, Pata and Stacey Phillipe flew to California where they purchased more than 13 pounds of cocaine. Phillipe then drove a rental car with Pata’s cocaine from California towards North Carolina. Fortunately, the Arkansas State Police stopped Phillipe on the way.
Pata continued using his drug mules unabated. Simoneka Neal drove eight pounds of Pata’s cocaine in February 2023. Officers attempted to stop Neal, but she recklessly sped off, eventually crashing. Officers searched her car and found the cocaine.
In February 2023, Pata was arrested in Florida on federal charges, but the Florida court released him pending trial. He immediately returned to his criminal ways, selling drugs again.
In September 2025, Pata mailed more than ¾ of a pound of methamphetamine to Aaron Barner in Virginia from Florida. Pata told Barner to deliver the meth to an individual in Nash County, North Carolina. Law enforcement conducted surveillance, observed Barner’s drug transaction, and arrested him.
Pata had previously served time in a federal prison for Aggravated Identity Theft in 2012. Neal received 60 months and Barnes received 24 months in federal prison for their roles in Pata’s drug distribution organization.
“This investigation is another example of what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies work together toward a common mission. Partnerships make our communities safer and send a clear message to drug traffickers: there is no jurisdictional boundary that will protect you from our unified law enforcement efforts.” said Nashville Police Department Chief, Caleb Shockley.
“This case is a testament to what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies work together toward a common goal, said Nash County Sheriff, Keith Stone. “Let this serve as a clear message to those who choose to traffic dangerous narcotics: there is nowhere to hide. We will continue working together across jurisdictions and agencies to relentlessly disrupt the flow of dangerous narcotics into our communities because the safety of our citizens remains our highest priority. I am grateful for the dedication, professionalism, and tireless efforts of every investigator, agent, prosecutor, and officer involved in this investigation. Together, we are making our communities safer and sending a strong message that criminal activity will not be tolerated in Nash County."
“This sentence sends a strong message that individuals who traffic kilogram quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine into our communities will be held accountable,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Working alongside our local law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate, prosecute, and dismantle those who threaten the safety and well-being of our communities.”
This prosecution is part of Operation Bandit of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after the sentencing before U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. This investigation came from partnerships between DEA, HSI, Nash County Sherriff’s Office and Nashville Police Department.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-CR-00278-FL.
Northampton Felon Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Gas Station Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Timarcus Lavonnte Britt, 29, to 35 years in federal prison for robbing four gas stations while brandishing a gun.
“Britt and his crew of thugs terrorized hard-working citizens as they prowled around Eastern NC one late night in July 2023. These men traded decades of their lives to steal a few bucks and cheap cigars. For the next 35 years, he can sit behind federal bars, living with the weight of his crimes and reflecting on the consequences of his actions: steal, gets steel.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
Three individuals including Britt, Jaliek Grant, and a juvenile, engaged in a spree of four armed robberies on July 11, 2023, between 1:00 and 4:00 a.m. in Greenville, Williamston, and Robersonville. Britt’s crew started by driving over 50 miles from their homes in Northampton County to Greenville and robbed a woman at gunpoint in the parking lot outside of a Speedway on Highway 264. The victim described how two masked men ran up on each side of her car, pointed guns at her, and took her cell phone.
Next, they drove to another Speedway in Greenville. Two masked men burst into the store waving guns with extended magazines. They pushed behind the counter, shoved the guns into the cashier’s face, and demanded money. After emptying the register and stealing the cashier’s phone, they ran out of the store.
Then the crew drove to a Speedway on NC 33 in Greenville, wearing the same outfits and armed with guns. Again, they pointed their guns at the cashier’s head, emptied the register, and stole cigarettes and Backwoods cigarillos. They repeated the same pattern at Speedway stores in Williamston and Robersonville—two suspects, same outfits, same guns, shoved in the cashiers’ faces, and stole money, cigarettes, and Backwoods cigarillos.
Britt’s gang ended their spree at a Speedway in Oak City. After the spate of other robberies, Martin County Sheriff’s Deputies thankfully called ahead to employees at the Oak City store with a timely warning: lock the doors. When the criminals arrived at the Oak City store at 4:15 a.m., they could not figure how to open the glass doors, so they just tucked their tails and ran away.
W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. The FBI, ATF, Greenville Police Department, Pitt County Sheriff’s Office, Williamston Police Department, Martin County Sheriff’s Office, and Robersonville Police Department investigated the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-CR-00068-C-2.
Illegal Alien Child Rapist Sentenced for Immigration FraudRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Juarez Sanchez-Montiel, 41, an illegal alien born in Mexico, to 7 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release. On March 16, 2026, Sanchez pleaded guilty to immigration fraud.
“This despicable rapist will no longer prey on our vulnerable and innocent young children.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “The taxpayers of Eastern North Carolina should have comfort knowing that we will stomp out spiders like this who cheat and manipulate the system. He better stay out.”
On December 11, 2023, in Montgomery County, North Carolina Superior Court, a grand jury returned two indictments against Sanchez, charging him with first-degree statutory rape, statutory rape of a child 15 years of age or younger, and sex by a substitute parent or custodian. He committed those crimes against the first victim on May 1, 2016, and the second victim on September 11, 2023. On August 19, 2024, a jury convicted Sanchez of statutory rape of a child 15 years of age or younger, statutory sex offense with child 15 years of age or younger, and two counts of sex act by substitute parent or custodian. He was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of between 18 and 26 years and ordered to register as a sex offender. Both victims were children under the age of 13, and his sexual abuse crimes resulted in the birth of two children.
Sanchez confessed to knowingly making materially false statements under penalty of perjury on his application to obtain a U-Visa when he submitted it to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) in November of 2021. In response to the questions “Have you EVER committed a crime or offense for which you have not been arrested?” and “Have you EVER ordered, incited, called for, committed, assisted, helped with, or otherwise participated in any of the following:…[e]ngaging in any kind of sexual conduct or relations with any person who was being forced or threatened?” he answered “No.”
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced the defendant. ICE ERO investigated the case as part of Operation False Haven - an ongoing initiative designed to aggressively target child molesters and other egregious felons who fraudulently obtain immigration benefits. Upon completion of his prison sentence, Sanchez will be transferred to ICE custody for removal from the US.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:25-CR-114-FL.
Duplin County Career Meth Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced David Kyle Rivenbark, 42, to 10 years in federal prison for selling methamphetamine. On March 16, 2026, Rivenbark pleaded guilty to conspiring to selling meth.
“Instead of seeking lawful, productive ways to earn a living, this criminal chose what he thought was easy money,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “But peddling poison into our communities is an easy way to spend a decade behind bars. If you choose to deal drugs in the Eastern District of North Carolina, rest assured a prison cell awaits with your name on it. Drugs kill. Prison awaits. Do right.”
Duplin County Sheriff’s Deputies began investigating Rivenbark in April 2025 following information a tip that he was selling meth in Wallace. The Sheriff’s Office, partnering with the DEA and ATF, used surveillance and multiple controlled purchases of meth in April and May 2025. Law enforcement determined that Rivenbark sold over 2 pounds of methamphetamine over the course of a year.
Rivenbark had a checkered history of criminal conduct with State criminal convictions for Possession with Intent to Sell drugs in 2018 and selling Meth in 2019. Rivenbark’s prior criminal history made him a career offender in federal court, which led to a mandatory minimum of 10 years imprisonment.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. ATF, DEA, and the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:25-CR-00109-FL-KS.
DACA Illegal Alien Who Previously Molested a Toddler Sentenced for Immigration FraudRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Jeffry Jose De Pena, 39, an illegal alien born in the Dominican Republic, to 7 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. On March 11, 2026, De Pena pleaded guilty to immigration fraud.
“We will not let child molester spiders take advantage of our society’s most precious treasures, our children.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “This DACA illegal alien will no longer cheat to prey on the citizens of Eastern North Carolina. He better stay out.”
On February 20, 2023, in Wake County, North Carolina Superior Court, a grand jury returned three indictments against De Pena which collectively charged him with having committed five counts of indecent liberties with a child and seven counts of first-degree sex offense with a child by an adult from January 1, 2007, through January 1, 2012. On March 21, 2024, a jury convicted De Pena for the crimes of indecent liberty with a child and first-degree sex offense with a child by an adult. The victim was a 3-year-old toddler. He was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of between 25 and 35 years and ordered to register as a sex offender.
De Pena confessed to knowingly making a materially false statement under penalty of perjury when he submitted his Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) in December of 2021. He responded “NO” to the question: “Have you EVER engaged in, ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in any of the following:…[a]ny kind of sexual contact or relations with any person who was being forced or threatened? CIS approved the application on January 5, 2022. Immigration officials did not know about his crimes prior to approving his application.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced the defendant. ICE ERO investigated the case as part of Operation False Haven - an ongoing initiative purpose-built to target child molesters and other egregious felons who fraudulently obtain immigration benefits. Upon completion of his prison sentence De Pena will be transferred to ICE custody for removal from the U.S.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-CR-00288-FL.
Georgia Thief Sentenced to over 4 Years in Federal Prison for Sampson County Identity Theft and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Roderick Michael Bates, 56, to over 4 years in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to identity theft and wire fraud for stealing from a local farm machinery and equipment business in Salemburg.
“This Georgia criminal chose poorly coming up here to steal from a local business in Sampson County,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Let this be a message to out-of-state criminals who think they can swindle the good people of the Eastern District of NC. We will find you, no matter where you are, and put you behind bars. Cheaters.Never.Win.”
Bates used stolen identities with fake driver’s licenses to secure financing for farm machinery and equipment from a local Sampson County business. Using these identities, he fraudulently purchased high-value items totaling more than $65,000, including a zero-turn mower, an Evolution D5 Ranger golf cart, and 12-foot and 16-foot dump trailers. He then had the business ship the items to him hundreds of miles away, outside the state of North Carolina. The law enforcement officers arrested him during the delivery and recovered the stolen equipment.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Sampson County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI collaborated on this investigation.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:25-CR-00117-D.
Rocky Mount Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison and Ordered to pay $3,097,568 in RestitutionRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Jessica Latoya Staten, 41, to 2 years in federal prison and one year of supervised release for aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. The Court also ordered Staten to pay $3,097,568 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
“What a shocking abuse of trust for a tax return preparer to file hundreds of fraudulent federal income tax returns. No longer will we tolerate the petty misery of the destruction of society by vicious selfishness. Let this sentence serve as a warning to others considering the same dirty deeds: We will find you and prosecute you. Cheaters. Never. Win.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
“Dishonest tax return preparers use various schemes to defraud the government,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins of the IRS Criminal Investigation's Charlotte Field Office. “Today’s sentencing serves as a warning to anyone considering filing false tax returns. Both IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office remain committed to actively pursuing individuals who try to defraud the U.S. tax system.”
Staten engaged in a scheme to prepare and file hundreds of false and fraudulent federal income tax returns (Forms 1040) for others between approximately 2018 and 2025, resulting in more than $3 million in tax losses. Staten owned and operated “Luckie Ones Tax Professionals,” a tax return preparation based in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. During the offense period, Staten prepared false tax returns for clients in eastern North Carolina that artificially increased certain credits to which her clients were not entitled to inflate the tax refund amounts, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, the American Opportunity Tax Credit, and the Lifetime Learning Credit. As part of the scheme, Staten also reported false self-employment income and expenses for non-existent businesses that she attributed to her clients.
W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after the Honorable James C. Dever III pronounced the sentence. IRS-CI investigated the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:26-CR-00008-D.
Robeson County Man Who Stole over $170,000 in Fraudulent Covid Loans Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A Robeson County man Phillip Collins, 47, stole from the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) by submitting false loan applications which resulted in the disbursement of $170,833 in loan proceeds. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and faces a maximum term of 30 years in prison, and a $1,000,000 fine when sentenced later this year. He will also be ordered to pay a Forfeiture Money Judgment of $170,833.
“Although the government may have stopped doling out Covid money, our government continues to hand out billions in other loans, subsidies, and programs. This office will continue to hold accountable anyone who defrauds any of our taxpayer funded programs. Crime Doesn’t Pay! Cheaters. Never. Win.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Collins submitted fraudulent EIDL and PPP loan applications for a business located in Robeson County. Collins made false representations of the number of employees and gross revenues. He also submitted false and fraudulent tax forms and bank statements. Following approval of each of the loan applications, funds were disbursed into a personal account controlled by Collins.
W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Jones accepted the guilty plea from the defendant. The FBI and IRS-CI investigated the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:26-CR-24-FL.
A Lenoir County Social Services Employee Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing over $100k from SNAP BenefitsRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. –A federal judge sentenced Deshaune White, a Wayne County man, to 6 months in federal prison and 6 months home confinement, followed by 3 years of supervised release for his role in a scheme to defraud more than $100k in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and managed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and county Division of Social Services (DSS). He also must pay a Forfeiture Money Judgment of $102,733.80.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
“We are proud to prosecute this case as a part of the President’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. This office will continue to hold accountable anyone who defrauds any of our taxpayer funded programs. This SNAP benefits fraudster is now a felon and will have to pay back his ill-gotten gains. Hopefully, he has learned the lesson – Cheaters. Never. Win.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
“It is an unconscionable betrayal of the public trust for a county employee responsible for administering federal food assistance to needy North Carolinian families to exploit his privileged access to recipient information to steal from those in need for his personal gain. USDA OIG is committed to working with the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud under VP Vance’s leadership to hold everyone who defrauds American taxpayers and exploits the vulnerable to account. OIG will relentlessly pursue insider threats who try to abuse their position for profit.” – Inspector General John Walk.
White, using his position and privileges as a Lenoir County Social Services case worker, unlawfully accessed the SNAP accounts of qualified individuals and converted $102,733.80 in government funds for his own personal benefit and use.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II sentenced the defendant. The USDA-OIG and the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:25-CR-48-M.
Raleigh Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving More than $60 Million in Fraudulent Claims from Paying Kickbacks for Patient ReferralsRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Raleigh man, James Shuford Price, III, 59, pleaded guilty in federal court to the crime of paying illegal kickbacks for referrals to his California-based lab and filing a false federal tax return. At sentencing, Price faces a statutory maximum of 13 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Price will also be required to pay restitution to the California Medical Assistance Program (Medi-Cal), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and others.
“Stealing taxpayer dollars that should be used to help legitimate beneficiaries is lowdown, dirty pool. We have a message to fraudsters who steal federal dollars: we will catch, prosecute, and imprison you. Cheaters. Never. Win.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
“This guilty plea demonstrates the FBI’s unwavering commitment to protecting federal healthcare programs and the taxpayers who fund them. Orchestrating a $60 million Medicare fraud scheme is a profound violation of public trust. This guilty plea is the direct result of meticulous investigative work conducted alongside our law enforcement and government partners," said Reid Davis, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.
“Today’s plea reflects our commitment to protecting patients, clinicians, and taxpayer funded programs from those who try to profit through deception,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, Charlotte Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. “The defendant orchestrated an extensive fraud scheme generating thousands of illegitimate laboratory test claims to Medi Cal and Medicare resulting in multimillion-dollar reimbursements. This scheme not only violated federal healthcare programs but undermined trust in critical medical services.”
“Effectively investigating complex fraud schemes like this one requires close coordination among federal and state agencies from coast to coast. This favorable outcome shows that HHS-OIG and its partners will aggressively pursue fraudsters who try to illegally boost profits using kickbacks, which compromise impartial medical decision-making and drive up health care costs for everyone,” said Special Agent in Charge Robb R. Breeden of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS‑OIG) Pacific Region. “This case shows how teams of dedicated investigators and prosecutors working together across jurisdictions can make a powerful impact in protecting Medicare and Medicaid and the millions of Americans served by these programs. HHS‑OIG will continue to collaborate closely with our partners to safeguard patients and defend federal health care programs from fraud.”
“California is committed to protecting the integrity of our health care programs and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used appropriately,” said Department of Health Care Services Director Michelle Baass. "We appreciate our partnership with our colleagues at the U.S. Department of Justice in pursuing this case. Together, we are strengthening oversight, holding bad actors accountable, and safeguarding the Medi-Cal program so it can continue delivering vital services to the Californians who rely on it every day.”
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Price owned and operated Golden Star Labs (GSL), a laboratory facility in Los Angeles, California. Between August 2023 and June 2025, GSL submitted more than $85 million in false claims to Medi-Cal and more than $11 million in false claims to Medicare for multi-panel testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), Influenza A and B (the flu), and Respiratory Synctial Virus (RSV). The fake claims came from fraudulent test samples and resulted in Medi-Cal and Medicare’s disbursing of more than $60 million to GSL.
As part of the scheme, GSL engaged so-called “collectors” in California and elsewhere to source test specimens from Medi-Cal/Medicare beneficiaries. Under Price’s direction and control, GSL unlawfully induced the collectors to supply samples by compensating them, in whole or in part, based on the volume of samples provided to the lab. Between August 2023 and January 2025, GSL paid over $17 million to these collectors. In exchange, the collectors supplied GSL with bulk quantities of bogus test samples obtained under fraudulent circumstances, including widespread identity theft. GSL then systematically billed Medi-Cal and Medicare for testing the sham samples.
For example, in the first six months, approximately 96% of GSL’s Medi-Cal claims were fraudulent test authorizations from a single out-of-state physician whose personal identifiers were stolen and misapplied. In February 2024, Price purported to pause GSL’s testing operations for a month to “clean up” the billing issues. However, GSL went right back to it, basing its claims on fraudulent specimens provided by collectors after the lab resumed operations and billing in March 2024. From late March 2024 until January 2025, approximately 92% of GSL’s Medi-Cal claims were premised on phony test authorizations generated from the stolen personal information of five different clinicians.
During this same period, Price directed GSL to enter written contracts with collectors specifying a fixed fee for services and prohibiting payments based on the volume or value of referrals. These fake contracts were meant to give the false appearance that GSL was complying with the law. However, the same kickback scheme with GSL paying collectors on a per-specimen basis to induce referrals continued without regard to these phony contracts, resulting in millions of dollars in Medi-Cal/Medicare payouts to GSL.
During the investigation, the FBI worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to seize more than six million dollars in assets attributable to the fraud.
Price also pleaded guilty to filing a false federal income tax return for the 2022 calendar year. According to the investigation, Price failed to report income from multiple sources, including money received from victims in connection with a prior investment scam.
Medi-Cal is a state-administered Medicaid program funded jointly by California and the U.S. government. The law only provides for Medi-Cal and Medicare to pay private clinical labs like GSL for diagnostic testing services when an authorized treatment provider ordered such medically necessary services.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. The FBI (Charlotte Field Office, Raleigh Resident Agency) investigated this case in partnership with IRS-CI (Charlotte Field Office), the U.S. HHS-OIG (Pacific Regional Office), and the California Department of Health Care Services, Investigations Division.
More information about the Healthcare Fraud Takedown can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:26-CR-00087-M-1.
Felon Indicted in Multimillion Dollar Healthcare Kickback and False Documents ConspiracyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Today, United States Attorney Ellis Boyle announced criminal charges against Murad “Mike” Ayyad, 45, of Roswell, Georgia, in connection with a health care fraud conspiracy that involved the payment of millions of dollars in kickbacks and the creation and use of dozens of fraudulent contracts and invoices. Ayyad is alleged to have caused the submission of fraudulent claims for laboratory testing to Medicare, the Health Resources Services Administration (“HRSA”), TRICARE, and other payers through several labs and other entities that he owned and controlled. The federal charges are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.
“Our office is committed to rooting out fraud perpetrated on federal health care benefit programs, particularly when the fraud involves payment of illegal kickbacks, which corrupt medical judgment and require taxpayers to pay for medically unnecessary services,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
The indictment alleges Ayyad solicited and received kickback payments from clinical laboratories, including two laboratories in which he had a de facto ownership interest, in exchange for generating referrals. To conceal the kickback payments, Ayyad caused the creation of dozens of sham invoices and contracts, at least one of which was provided to federal law enforcement officials as part of a kickback investigation into one of the laboratories Ayyad controlled. Ayyad also offered and paid kickbacks to independent contractor sales reps for generating referrals to the laboratories. Ayyad and the independent contractor sales rep targeted providers and their employees with marketing and solicitation efforts that included in-person meetings, meals, cash payments, and in-kind payments.
“Safeguarding the integrity of federal health care programs is central to our mission, and the results of this year’s National Health Care Fraud Takedown reflect the strength of our collective commitment. The cases announced today demonstrate not only the scale, but the seriousness of the misconduct uncovered, ranging from patient harming schemes to multibillion dollar fraud operations,” said Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General T. March Bell. “HHS-OIG will continue to pursue those who engage in such conduct and hold them accountable. I am grateful for the tireless work of our special agents and for the partnership we share with our federal, state, and local law enforcement colleagues as we work together to protect patients and preserve public funds.”
“This indictment underscores the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s (DCIS) ongoing commitment to safeguarding TRICARE, the Department of War’s primary health care program, and ensuring that medical providers and related businesses adhere to federal law,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Allison Russo of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General’s DCIS Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “Fraudulent arrangements that compromise medical judgment or misuse federally funded healthcare programs undermine trust and accountability. DCIS will continue to pursue individuals and entities that engage in such conduct.”
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. Department Health & Human Services Office of the Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, investigated the case with assistance from the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
More information about the Healthcare Fraud Takedown can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:26-cr-00102-M-KS.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Eight North Carolina Tax Return Preparers Plead Guilty in Almost $25M Pandemic-Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Robeson County woman who was the owner of a North Carolina tax return preparation business pleaded guilty to conspiring to prepare false returns claiming fraudulent refunds based on COVID-19 tax credits, and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. Mitchell, 48, faces a maximum term of eight years in prison, and a $500,000 fine when sentenced later this year. She will also be ordered to pay a Forfeiture Money Judgment of $13,890,697.00. Seven other tax return preparers have already pleaded guilty for their roles in the same fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Nejlai Mitchell owned and operated a tax return preparation business out of Lumberton, North Carolina, and Hope Mills, North Carolina. From approximately April 2022 through May 2023, Mitchell and seven employees filed false tax returns seeking fraudulent refunds based on COVID-19 tax credits. As a result of the conspiracy, the IRS paid out approximately $13,890,697 in fraudulent tax refund claims.
Seven other co-conspirators previously pleaded guilty to preparing federal tax returns for clients that included materially false items. Tiffany Moody and Shaneen Ray pleaded guilty in December 2025; Eyoubo McBurney and Katrena Stanback pleaded guilty in September 2025; Jeannie Negron and Sylvia Swindell pleaded guilty in August 2025, and Whitnee Leach pleaded guilty in May 2026.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II accepted the plea. IRS-CI is investigating the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:26-CR-38-M.
Gang Member Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Maurice McKeithan (street name “Puff”), 25, to 15 years in federal prison. On December 16, 2025, McKeithan pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of fentanyl.
The Wilmington Police Department and ATF made several controlled purchases of fentanyl and carfentanyl at various locations from McKeithan in Wilmington, North Carolina. A video from one of the controlled purchases shows that McKeithan had a firearm in his pocket.
“Let this prosecution serve as a clear warning: if you choose to traffic drugs, fuel violence, or profit from poisoning our communities, law enforcement and prosecutors will pursue you relentlessly. We will use every lawful tool available to identify, arrest, and hold accountable those who believe they can operate above the law. Drugs Kill: Prison Awaits, Do Right.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
McKeithan repeatedly broke society’s laws and trust with prior convictions for selling heroin (2012), conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon (2015) and assault with a deadly weapon with the intent to kill as a habitual felon (2019). At the time he committed these most recent federal offenses, McKeithan was on probation for felony fleeing to elude law enforcement.
Per law enforcement McKeithan was a validated member of the United Blood Nation street gang.
“The outcome of this case demonstrates that those who threaten the safety of our communities with drugs and violence will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “The collaborative efforts among law enforcement partners, and the focus and objective of the Homeland Security Task Force, have been invaluable in helping to identify, apprehend and prosecute the violent groups and individuals that jeopardize our public safety.”
“This offender’s involvement in violent crime and drug trafficking posed a serious threat to our community. Thanks to the outstanding work of Wilmington Police Department officers, ATF agents, and federal prosecutors, he will now serve a significant prison sentence. This case highlights the strength of our local and federal partnerships and our shared commitment to holding violent offenders accountable. We will continue working aggressively with our law enforcement partners to protect our residents, enhance public safety, and ensure those who endanger our community are brought to justice,” said Chief Ryan Zuidema.
This prosecution is part of Operation Counterpunch which is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after the sentencing before U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Wilmington Police Department and ATF investigated the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:25-cr-00070.
Foreign National Indicted in Multimillion Dollar Healthcare Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Today, United States Attorney Ellis Boyle announced criminal charges against James Thomas Foley, 45, an Irish citizen residing in Youngsville, North Carolina, in connection with a multimillion-dollar health care fraud conspiracy on Medicare and other health insurance programs involving unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME). The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.
“We will focus on exposing and stopping any scheme to bill Medicare for fake services or products that beneficiaries don’t actually need especially when provided in exchange for illegal kickbacks,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “When fraudsters treat Medicare like a personal ATM, the American taxpayers foot the bill. Our partners will not tolerate this criminal activity. Cheaters. Never. Win.”
The charges against Foley emanate from a scheme to bill Medicare, the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), TRICARE, and other insurance programs for medically unnecessary DME. As alleged in the indictment, Foley and others partnered with purported marketing entities which solicited Medicare beneficiaries to accept DME, such as braces and pneumatic compression devices, by illegally waiving copays and deductibles, and pressuring beneficiaries to accept the equipment without verifying that the equipment was medically necessary. The marketing entities sold the beneficiary information and the prefilled orders to Foley and other DME supply companies, who developed and implemented a “doctor chase” model to pressure physicians into signing or altering orders so that they could be billed in full. The DME supply companies owned by or affiliated with Foley allegedly received over $14 million in reimbursements from Medicare alone. Another defendant, Randal Fenton Wood, pleaded guilty in connection with the same conspiracy last year in EDNC. Court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on Pacer by searching for Case No. 5:25-CR-128-FL.
“Safeguarding the integrity of federal health care programs is central to our mission, and the results of this year’s National Health Care Fraud Takedown reflect the strength of our collective commitment. The cases announced today demonstrate not only the scale, but the seriousness of the misconduct uncovered, ranging from patient harming schemes to multibillion dollar fraud operations,” said Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General T. March Bell. “HHS-OIG will continue to pursue those who engage in such conduct and hold them accountable. I am grateful for the tireless work of our special agents and for the partnership we share with our federal, state, and local law enforcement colleagues as we work together to protect patients and preserve public funds.”
“Safeguarding TRICARE is essential to ensuring that resources remain available for our service members, retirees, and their families,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Allison Russo of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “This indictment demonstrates DCIS’s commitment, together with our law‑enforcement partners, to identifying and addressing conduct that threatens the integrity of the Department of War’s health care programs.”
“Healthcare schemes steal taxpayer dollars and divert critical resources away from the veterans who depend on them,” said Inspector General Cheryl L. Mason, Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA OIG). “The VA OIG will vigorously investigate anyone who seeks to defraud VA programs. We thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their efforts in this investigation.”
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. Department Health & Human Services Office of the Inspector General investigated the case with assistance from Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General and Defense Criminal Investigative Services.
More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:26-CR-104-UA.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Man Sentenced to More Than 30 Years for Sexually Abusing a Special Needs ChildRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced David Leonard Mayes, 41, to over 30 years in prison for sexually abusing a special needs child. A federal jury found Mayes guilty in March 2026 of the aggravated sexual abuse of a minor while on a military base.
Mayes raped a nine-year-old disabled, nonverbal child while visiting her family on Camp Lejeune. The victim’s mother arrived home early to find her daughter’s door closed. Alarmed, she burst in and caught Mayes in flagrante, sexually assaulting her daughter. DNA testing confirmed Mayes abhorrent crimes.
“This monster preyed on the most vulnerable nine-year-old imaginable. He exploited his relationship with her mother to violate her in disgustingly inhuman ways. Rather than man-up and admit his heinous crime, he brought further trauma to the family by forcing them to recount what he did in public at trial. We will always fight to protect the heroes aboard Camp Lejeune and their mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives by stomping out spiders like this. The Court’s sentence ensures this spider cannot hurt anyone else for 30 years,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
“The overwhelming forensic evidence secured by NCIS Special Agents left this predator with absolutely no place to hide, guaranteeing a swift conviction and a 30-year sentence, that removes a dangerous threat from the community," said Special Agent in Charge Kelly Parrish of the NCIS Carolinas Field Office. "We have zero tolerance for those who prey upon children within our Navy and Marine Corps communities. This case demonstrates the relentless dedication of NCIS to uncover the truth, protect the vulnerable, and partner with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure predators face the full weight of the law.”
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. NCIS investigated the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:22-CR-74.
Durham Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Provide Support to ISIS TerroristsRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Alexander Justin White, 30, to 8 years in federal prison for conspiring to provide and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). The Court sentenced White after law enforcement officers arrested him as he attempted to fly to North Africa to join ISIS as terrorist and fight in an ISIS-controlled territory.
“The United States does not tolerate terrorism in any form,” U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle said. “Whether keyboard warriors or wannabe fighters, the Department of Justice and FBI will relentlessly bring them to justice. This sentence shows our unwavering commitment to eradicating such evil from our country and the globe.”
White made numerous posts supporting ISIS and jihad between May and October of 2024 including videos used to recruit new members and gin up passion for fighting. He also engaged in fundraising efforts while making several posts and reposts referencing well-known ISIS supporters and enablers. White made, or attempted to make, several financial transactions to support terrorist camps and other similar terrorist campaigns to funnel money to ISIS members and their supporters.
White openly discussed his desire and intention to travel overseas to join ISIS on Facebook and over other encrypted messaging applications. He indicated that he wanted to be a “Mujahid,” which means someone who commits jihad. White expressed a willingness to kill U.S. military members and citizens.
White proactively tried to join ISIS, purchasing a flight to North Africa. In preparation for his new life as a would-be terrorist, White purchased equipment to use overseas. Law enforcement arrested White as he attempted to board his flight with that equipment.
"White planned to abandon his family, betray his country, and fly to Morocco to actively fight with the terrorist group ISIS. Thankfully, the FBI Raleigh-Durham Joint Terrorism Task Force intervened and arrested him at the airport before he could board his flight. It cannot be overstated that ISIS continues to pose a threat to U.S. interests, both domestically and abroad. We must continue to be vigilant to prevent ISIS inspired terrorism" said Reid Davis, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.
The investigation into White is a result of the work of the FBI’s Raleigh-based Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). The JTTF is a group of highly trained, locally based investigators, analysts, linguists, and other specialists from dozens of U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies that gather evidence, make arrests, provide security for special events, collect and share intelligence, and respond to threats and incidents at a moment’s notice. There are about 200 JTTFs across the country, including one in each field office, with hundreds of participating state, local and federal agencies.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The FBI’s JTTF investigated the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-CR-9.
Running and Gunning Felon Sentenced to over 7 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Montrel Devon Ingram, 36, to over 7 years in federal prison for felon in possession of a firearm in the Eastern North Carolina.
“Felons can’t have guns, and this proves why. To recklessly blast away without regard to the lives of our dedicated brave law enforcement officers is abhorrent, antisocial behavior. Thank God he didn’t hurt or kill any innocent citizens.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
Ingram could not legally possess a firearm because in July 2017, he was convicted of a felony for selling Marijuana in Edgecombe County, North Carolina Superior Court. On June 29, 2025, Ingram sat as a passenger in a car when the Nash County Sheriff’s Office stopped it in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Ingram ran from the car, and Officers chased him. As he ran away, Ingram fired the gun wildly at the deputies until it jammed. Ingram then tossed the gun into a random stranger’s yard before deputies caught him.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Nash County Sheriff’s Office, and ATF collaborated on this investigation.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-CR-00166-FL-BM.
Raleigh Man Arrested for Threatening the Life of the PresidentRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A U.S. Magistrate Judge signed a Federal criminal complaint yesterday which accuses Christopher Carnes, 33, of knowingly and willfully making a threat to take the life, to kidnap, or to inflict bodily harm upon the President of the United States. Carnes is charged with violating 18 U.S.C. § 871(a) and faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison if convicted.
During May of 2026, Carnes posted several videos on Facebook where he made statements to include “Donald J. Trump, I’m going to kill you” and advised viewers to alert the “Secret Service in Washington, DC.” Investigators established that Carnes was located in Raleigh when he posted the threatening Facebook videos. On June 6, 2026, Carnes posted an additional Facebook video where he referenced his prior threatening videos while talking about having pipe bombs. After displaying a self-described “PVC blaster” in the trunk of his car, Carnes stated “This here…I’ve told you Donald Trump, I’m not a person for bluff calling…now that the Government knows I have a live bomb in my car…Well you f*** around and you come find out.”
On June 10, 2026, investigators met with Carnes at the Raleigh Police Department (RPD). Carnes arrived in the same car from his Facebook videos. After a canine alerted to the potential presence of explosive materials in the car, RPD officers searched his car and found PVC pipe and a metal pin.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. The USSS and RPD are investigating the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:26-MJ-1912-BM.