Middle District of North Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Nigerian Man Extradited to U.S. in Connection with the Financially Motivated Sextortion of Two Victims and Death of a North Carolina TeenagerRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, NC – United States Attorney Dan Bishop and FBI Charlotte SAC Reid Davis announced the extradition of Mudasiru Afeez Olawale, age 24, from Nigeria to the United States to face federal charges related to the financially motivated sextortion of two victims and death of a teenager in the Middle District of North Carolina.
Olawale was charged by indictment in August 2023, with offenses relating to sexual exploitation of minors, coercion and enticement of minors, distribution of child pornography, and interstate threatening communications. He appeared in federal court in Greensboro before U.S. Magistrate Judge L. Patrick Auld today.
Olawale was arrested in Nigeria on August 9, 2023, as part of a wider operation with the FBI to apprehend sexual extortionists targeting minors in the United States. He was extradited to the United States on Thursday, August 27, 2026, with the assistance of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the FBI Legal Attaché in Abuja, and FBI Charlotte agents from the Greensboro Resident Agency, who traveled to Nigeria and took him into U.S. custody. The support and assistance of Nigerian security authorities was essential to this effort, notably that of Nigeria’s Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Federal Ministry of Justice’s International Criminal Justice Cooperation Department, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
“Today’s announcement makes clear that we will not rest in our pursuit of justice for victims of sextortion: Three years after indictment, and almost five years since the offense conduct occurred, the defendant will finally appear in a U.S. court to face the charges against him,” said United States Attorney Bishop. “We are grateful to all the agents, attorneys, and others whose tenacity and steadfast pursuit of justice contributed to the defendant’s extradition.”
“Financially motivated sextortion inflicts lasting harm on victims and their families. These schemes often begin with threats and manipulation, but their impact extends far deeper—causing emotional and psychological devastation. The extradition of this suspect proves the FBI’s commitment to pursue those who exploit vulnerable individuals, wherever they may be, and ensures they are held accountable for the profound and lasting damage they cause,” said Reid Davis, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.
This case is being investigated by FBI Charlotte’s Greensboro Resident Agency and the Surry County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ann Nee.
This case is a result of Operation Artemis, the FBI’s surge against financially motivated sextortion rings operating from Nigeria. In coordination with domestic and international law enforcement partners, the FBI deployed agents, analysts, and forensic experts to Nigeria to confront perpetrators of these deadly schemes—which have been directly linked to dozens of American teen deaths by suicide.
This same focused, multi-agency approach now drives a broader national effort to dismantle the foreign criminal networks behind sextortion and other predatory schemes. The US Government’s Financially Motivated Sextortion Campaign Team coordinates across agencies, prioritizes victims, and brings every available tool to bear in its fight to bring to justice those who prey on American families.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Burlington Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Dealing in Firearms Without a LicenseRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – On August 28, 2026, Akeem Alphonso Maynard was sentenced to 30 months in prison for dealing in firearms without a license, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(1)(A), 923(a) and 924(a)(1)(D). Maynard, age 33, of Burlington, North Carolina, appeared before Judge William L. Osteen, Jr., and was also sentenced to 3 years of supervised release following his prison term. Maynard was charged by federal indictment in February 2026 and pled guilty in June 2026.
Dan Bishop, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, made the announcement and thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE), and Alamance County Sheriff’s Office for their work investigating the case. “Today we shut down one conduit of illegal firearms sales in this District, thanks to our law enforcement partners’ investigation,” said Bishop. “This should serve as a message to anyone who seeks to put guns in the wrong hands.”
On March 11, 2025, the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office found a handgun during the search of a fentanyl dealer’s Burlington apartment, and the BATFE then found that Maynard was the original purchaser of that firearm. Further investigation showed that Maynard had purchased 16 firearms between June 16, 2023, and February 26, 2026. Seven of those firearms were later recovered by law enforcement, including the one on March 11, 2025. The other firearms recovered were:
- A Glock 27 pistol seized on May 4, 2025, by the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office from a juvenile who used it to threaten another juvenile.
- A Glock 27 pistol seized by Burlington, N.C., police on March 15, 2025, from a person who was arrested while intoxicated at a Burlington restaurant.
- A Glock pistol seized by the Burlington Police Department on January 25, 2025, in the possession of a convicted felon during a DWI stop.
- A Glock 22 pistol seized by Gaston County law enforcement on December 12, 2024.
- A Glock 20 pistol, seized by the Burlington Police Department from a convicted felon during a traffic stop.
- A Taurus pistol seized on May 3, 2023, by the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office from a convicted felon.
The standard ATF Form 4473 Maynard completed during the purchase of each firearm states that the buyer understands, “that the repetitive purchase of firearms for the purpose of resale to predominantly earn a profit without a Federal firearms license is a violation of Federal law.” Recovered text messages showed Maynard offered to purchase firearms for others for a $120 to $150 fee. Maynard also failed to state his correct address on those forms.
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Nigerian Citizen and Three Other Individuals Sentenced in Connection with a $1.7 Million Money Laundering OperationRead the Press Release
Greensboro, N.C. – Four individuals have been sentenced to imprisonment in connection with a money laundering operation in which the individuals attempted to launder the proceeds of approximately $1.7 million in fraud proceeds, announced United States Attorney Dan Bishop of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
According to court documents, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Services (“USPIS”) investigated Adedayo Fateru, a Nigerian citizen and U.S. Permanent Resident, Lisa Farrow, William Atwater, and Victoria Stone for a money laundering ring involving the proceeds of various wire fraud schemes including business email compromises (“BEC”), modified check schemes, false ACH schemes, false applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”) provided during the COVID-19 pandemic, and false applications for unemployment benefits. Farrow recruited Stone and Atwater into the conspiracy to work along with Fateru. Farrow and Fateru provided Stone and Atwater directions on opening bank accounts and how to move the fraud proceeds. Farrow and Fateru would also collect portions of the money that Stone or Atwater withdrew from their bank accounts.
Stone opened ten bank accounts and received, across those accounts, approximately $1,036,679 in proceeds from various wire fraud scams, including BECs. Stone was able to withdraw approximately $187,375 by conducting hundreds of smaller transactions, including automated teller machine withdrawals and debit card cash advances designed to move and conceal the fraud proceeds. William Atwater opened numerous bank accounts in his name to receive the proceeds of various wire fraud schemes including, among others, false applications for EIDLs and a BEC scam. In total, Atwater received fraud proceeds of approximately $704,320 into his bank accounts. Atwater was able to withdraw or remove approximately $390,352 by conducting over 150 different transactions designed to move and conceal the fraud proceeds.
Fateru was sentenced to 87 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. Upon completion of his sentence, Fateru will be transferred to ICE custody for removal proceedings in accordance with U.S. immigration law. Farrow was sentenced to 45 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, Atwater was sentenced to 33 months of imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release, and Stone was sentenced to 25 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release.
IRS Criminal Investigation and the USPIS are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Waid of the Middle District of North Carolina is prosecuting the case.
Forsyth County Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Illegally Possessing a Firearm that was Used During a Highway Shooting SpreeRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO – A Winston-Salem, North Carolina man was sentenced today in Greensboro to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to a possession of a firearm as a previously convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Dan Bishop of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
JOHN FRANKLIN BARROW, JR., aged 43, was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment plus 3 years post release supervision by the Honorable Catherine C. Eagles, Chief United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the MDNC.
According to court records, on August 1, 2024, at approximately 2:42 p.m., an eyewitness called 911 to report that he had just witnessed a driver, later identified as BARROW, shoot into a semi-truck as it was traveling on 1-40, causing the truck to go off the road and crash into the tree line. The driver of the semi-truck, who suffered a gunshot wound to the head and shoulder, was treated for life-threatening injuries. He ultimately survived. When later interviewed by law enforcement, the driver stated he did not know BARROW. BARROW is also linked to another shooting that occurred on I-40 shortly afterwards in which he shot towards a truck. The driver was not shot but his vehicle sustained damage as a result of the shooting. That driver also informed law enforcement that he did not know BARROW.
Based on eyewitness information, officers responded to a motel in Winston-Salem where they encountered BARROW, armed with a loaded firearm in his pants pocket. BARROW was placed under arrest. During a search of his vehicle, officers recovered approximately 9 cartridge casings and approximately 26 additional live rounds.
BARROW’s criminal record dates back to 2002. Prior to his arrest in this case, BARROW received several felony convictions, including Felony Larceny of a Firearm, Felony Conspiracy to Sell Fentanyl, Felony Attempted Breaking and Entering a Building, Felony Manufacturing Marijuana, Felony Obtaining Property by False Pretense, Felony Larceny from the Person, and Felony Attempted Possession of a Firearm by Felon.
BARROW pleaded guilty on April 16, 2026, to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
On May 15, 2026, BARROW was sentenced in Davie County to two consecutive 144-to-185-month sentences for Felony Discharging a Weapon into Occupied Property Causing Serious Bodily Injury and Felony Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury, stemming from the shooting of the semi-truck driver.
The case was investigated by the Winston-Salem Police Department, Davie County Sherriff’s Office, Forsyth County Sherriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tracy M. Williams-Durham and Randall S. Galyon.
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North Carolina Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Shymetrus Datre Steele, age 27, of Mount Gilead, North Carolina, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He pleaded guilty to the charges on April 7, 2026.
According to court records, Steele was on probation for attempted trafficking cocaine and possession with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance. During a probation visit, Steele ran from North Carolina Probation and Parole Officers while holding narcotics and a handgun.
Dan Bishop, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, made the announcement.
The case was investigated by Probation and Parole with the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, the Troy Police Department, the Mount Gilead Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Mary Ann Courtney for the Middle District of North Carolina prosecuted the case.
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 make 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.
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North Carolina Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Materials and Producing Animal Crush VideoRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Andrew Eric Childs, age 41, of Apex, North Carolina, was sentenced today to 216 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for distribution of child sexual abuse material (one count) and production of an “animal crush” video (one count). Childs was also ordered to pay $24,800 in restitution to the victims. He pleaded guilty to the charges on April 7, 2026.
According to court records, the defendant possessed and distributed child sexual abuse material and produced a video depicting his sexual abuse of a dog. Childs worked for Durham Emergency Medical Services at the time of his arrest, though the crimes were not connected to his employment.
Dan Bishop, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the FBI Charlotte Field Office, Raleigh Resident Agency and the Durham Police Department with assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Assistant United States Attorney Karla Painter for the Middle 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 Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.
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Mexican National Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – On July 10, 2026, Jonathan Mastache Juarez was sentenced to 156 months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute 1.7 kilograms of 98% pure methamphetamine in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). Mastache Juarez, age 39, of Sanford, North Carolina, appeared before Chief Judge William L. Osteen and was also sentenced to 4 years of supervised release following his prison term. Mastache Juarez was charged by federal indictment in August 2025 and pled guilty in February 2026.
Dan Bishop, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, made the announcement and thanked Homeland Security Investigations, the State Bureau of Investigation, Sanford Police Department, and Lee County Sheriff’s Office for their work investigating the case. “Today’s sentencing concludes a successful collaboration with our state and local partners that makes Sanford and Lee County safer and stronger communities,” said U.S. Attorney Bishop. “Stopping the flow of dangerous drugs trafficked by Mexican organizations is a top priority for federal prosecutors.”
“This operation highlights the power of our federal and state partnerships to dismantle trafficking networks flooding North Carolina with high-purity methamphetamine,” said Mark M. Zito, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Carolinas. “Working alongside the North Carolina SBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, HSI remains relentless in targeting those who endanger our neighborhoods with narcotics and firearms.”
In December 2024, law enforcement intercepted a package containing 1.7 kilograms of methamphetamine mailed from California to Mastache Juarez’s residence in Sanford. Homeland Security Investigations conducted a controlled delivery followed by the execution of a search warrant. Agents found Mastache Juarez in possession of the package which he had partially opened. In Mastache Juarez’s bedroom, agents recovered 200 grams of cocaine, three rifles, and a handgun. Mastache Juarez’s cousin arranged the shipment of methamphetamine from Mexico. Mastache Juarez was initially arrested on state charges.
Mastache Juarez is a Mexican national who had lawful permanent status in the United States at the time of his arrest and conviction. Following conviction, his legal status was revoked and his application for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was denied. Upon completion of his sentence, he will be removed from the United States and returned to Mexico.
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Guilford County Woman Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud in Connection with Million Dollar Urine Drug Testing SchemeRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Gwendolyn Singleton pled guilty today to health care fraud in connection with a scheme to fraudulently bill the North Carolina Medicaid program for over $1.7 million of urine drug tests that were not performed, announced Dan Bishop, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina and North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson.
According to court documents, Singleton, age 55, owned and operated a business called Joelle’s Center of Hope located in Greensboro, North Carolina. Joelle’s Center of Hope purported to provide substance abuse treatment, including urine drug tests. Between June 2021 and March of 2023, Joelle’s submitted approximately $1,735,865 worth of fraudulent urine drug testing claims directly to Medicaid. A nurse practitioner and a doctor were listed as the ordering providers on the claims. Both providers reported that they never ordered any urine drug tests for Joelle’s Center of Hope.
Over the course of the scheme, Medicaid reimbursed Joelle’s Center of Hope over $1.7 million.
Sentencing is scheduled to take place on October 22, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, before United States District Judge Thomas D. Schroeder. At sentencing, Singleton faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, a period of supervised release of up to three years, and monetary penalties.
The Department of Health and Human Services–Office of Inspector General, North Carolina Attorney General’s Office-Medicaid Investigations Division, and the United States Postal Inspection Service are investigating. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley Waid and Eric Iverson and Special Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Spillman.
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Winston-Salem Gang Member Sentenced to 38 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute NarcoticsRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. –Chrisshawn Lamont Mobley, age 32, of Winston-Salem, appeared yesterday before the Honorable William L. Osteen, Jr., United States District Court Judge, and was sentenced to 456 months of imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute narcotics. The sentence will be followed by 4 years of supervised release.
Mobley, a high-ranking G-Shine Bloods gang member, was charged along with ten other individuals for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine hydrochloride. According to evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, Mobley conspired to distribute over two kilograms of fentanyl and over thirty kilograms of methamphetamine, in addition to smaller amounts of other narcotics. Mobley and other coconspirators were responsible for shipping illegal narcotics into the Middle District of North Carolina and distributing them around Winston-Salem and the surrounding areas.
All but one of Mobley’s codefendants have been found guilty and sentenced and are currently serving terms of imprisonment in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The codefendants and their sentences are as follows:
Daquan Deonte Moses, age 29, of Winston-Salem– 126 months
Malik Patience Smith, age 25, of Winston-Salem – 228 months
Michael Jerel Hayes, age 38, of Winston-Salem – 180 months
Kenan Orlando Balderas, age 28, of Winston-Salem – 120 months
Christian Gregory Horn, age 26, of Walkertown - 96 months
Kedrick Tyrone Burns, age 33, of Winston-Salem – 227 months
Rashad Hubert Blue, age 30, of Winston-Salem – 168 months
Robert Levon Jones, age 35, of Winston-Salem – 204 months
Marlow Edward Rousseau, Jr., age 32, of Winston-Salem – 210 months
The case against the remaining defendant, Eli Oliver Phelps, Jr., is ongoing.
Dan Bishop, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, made the announcement and thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Winston Salem Police Department, and partner agencies including the Drug Enforcement Agency, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, and Stokes County Sheriff’s Office.
This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Martin, and Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle Pousson and Terry Meinecke.
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McLeansville Woman Charged with Health Care Fraud, Part of National Health Care Fraud TakedownRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, NC – United States Attorney Dan Bishop announced criminal charges against Deborah Lanell White, age 54, in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud Medicaid. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. The charges stem from a multi-year scheme to defraud Medicaid. As alleged in the criminal complaint, White, the owner of Reginald Center of Turn Around, billed North Carolina Medicaid for thousands of fictitious drug tests resulting in a loss of $2.8 million dollars.
The charges announced yesterday by U.S. Attorney Bishop are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. The Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a previously-charged $1.2 billion telemedicine fraud scheme. The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; the seizure of over $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and full-spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.
The coordinated enforcement action involves a whole-of-government approach, including:
- Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
- 48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”) under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers.
- Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
- 928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since October 1, 2025.
The cases are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Hawaii, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Iowa, Southern District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nebraska, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin; and State Attorneys General’s Offices, through their MFCUs, in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. In addition, the MFCUs for Alabama, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virigina participated in the investigation of federal cases announced as part of the enforcement initiative.
Descriptions of each case involved in the 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown are available on the Department’s website here.
The Middle District of North Carolina, in particular, worked with the Department’s Health Care Fraud Unit of the Fraud Division and the following law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the case filed during the Takedown: the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Investigations Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Iverson, Special Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Spillman, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Waid.
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.
An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Davie County Teen Sentenced to 10 Months in Prison for Threatening Mass Shootings at UniversitiesRead the Press Release
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – On June 9, 2026, Michael Zechariah Tedder, age 19, of Advance, was sentenced to 10 months in prison for calling universities and threatening to commit mass shootings. Tedder appeared before Judge David A. Bragdon and was also sentenced to 3 years of supervised release following his prison term.
According to court documents, on September 12, 2025, Tedder called the Georgia Institute of Technology, University of North Texas, and University of Louisville and made specific threats of violence. Tedder threatened to “slaughter” and “massacre” victims with a firearm and referenced “watch[ing] them choke on their [own] blood.” Comments by counsel at Tedder’s sentencing hearing referenced Tedder’s significant history of mental health issues. Tedder made the threatening calls after seeing media and online reporting about individuals disparaging Charlie Kirk following Kirk’s assassination.
In March 2026, Tedder pled guilty to communicating a threat in interstate commerce in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 875(c).
Dan Bishop, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, made the announcement and thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Davie County Sheriff’s Office their response and investigation.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Charlotte Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), Greensboro Resident Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Eric L. Iverson prosecuted the case.
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High-Ranking Sinaloa Cartel Member Sentenced for Drug Distribution and Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – A Mexican national and high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel was sentenced last week by the Honorable Catherine C. Eagles, Chief/Senior United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC) to 336 months of imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine hydrochloride and a concurrent 240 months of imprisonment for conspiracy to commit money laundering. The sentence will be followed by a total of five years of supervised release.
Emmanuel Martimiano Leon-Soto, age 42, of Naco, Mexico, was charged along with 37 other individuals in November 2024 by a federal grand jury seated in the Middle District of North Carolina with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine hydrochloride. Leon-Soto is also known as Manny, Jose Manuel Lopez-Castro, Jesus Lopez Castro, Pedro Beltran Zazueta, Pedro Zazueta Beltran, Emmanuel Gomez, Emanuel Leon, Emanuel Leon-Soto, Manuel Leon Soto, Jose Manuel Lopez Castro, and Emanuel Pena Gomez. He was one of 10 defendants in the case also charged with conspiracy to launder the proceeds of the drug trafficking scheme.
Prior to his indictment, Leon-Soto was designated as a Regional Priority Target (RPOT) by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. He is a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel (also known as Cartel de Sinaloa, Mexican Federation, and Guadalajara Cartel), which has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist. Cártel de Sinaloa is one of the world’s most powerful drug cartels and one of the largest producers involved in the smuggling, importation, and distribution of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the United States.
“Mexican Cartel kingpins poisoning America will face justice in every judicial district in our country. Leon-Soto and his co-conspirators distributed staggering amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine in our district and beyond,” said Dan Bishop, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina. “The sentencing represents the culmination of a broad collaboration of law enforcement partners determined to disrupt and dismantle Sinaloa Cartel operations in our homeland. Be assured we will continue to use all available resources to attack the criminal organizations that flood our streets with dangerous drugs.”
“Today marks a significant victory for the many law enforcement agencies that worked together to dismantle this organization,” said Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “The Postal Inspection Service remains committed to protecting the integrity of the mail, disrupting illicit drug trafficking, and safeguarding the American public. This success is a direct result of the strong collaboration among our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.”
“This arrest strikes at the heart of a cartel network responsible for flooding our communities with deadly drugs,” said Mark M. Zito, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in North and South Carolina. “HSI and our partners are relentless in pursuing those who profit from addiction and violence. We will continue to dismantle criminal organizations and protect the public from the devastation caused by fentanyl and other narcotics.”
“Today’s sentence underscores our unwavering commitment to bringing drug traffickers to justice,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Working alongside our law enforcement partners, we will continue to target those who threaten the safety and well-being of our communities.”
“This sentencing sends a strong message to those criminals trafficking drugs. We are committed to identifying and dismantling drug trafficking and money laundering networks by targeting the individuals who facilitate or profit from these operations,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, Charlotte Field Office, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. “Our special agents utilize their financial expertise and legal authority to collaborate with partner agencies, tracing illicit financial activity to disrupt the distribution of fentanyl and other drugs within the United States.”
“The Marshals are committed to reducing violent crime by taking criminals off the streets,” said Catrina A. Thompson, U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of North Carolina. “We are proud to play our part in disrupting these networks and helping to reduce the availability of dangerous drugs and make all of our communities safer.”
Investigating agencies include the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS Criminal Investigation, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, Fayetteville Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office, Candor Police Department, Mesa (Arizona) Police Department, Davie County Sheriff’s Office, Forsyth County Drug Task Force, Mooresville Police Department, Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, and Surry County Sheriff’s Office.
This prosecution 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 utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyle Pousson, Randall Galyon, and Nicole DuPré.
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North Carolina U.S. Attorneys Attend Ceremony to Observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 19 to 25, 2026Read the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – In April, the Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime leads communities all across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW). This year’s observance takes place April 19 to 25, 2026.
NCVRW began in 1981 to acknowledge, honor, and remember crime victims, promote victims’ rights, and recognize those who work with and advocate on behalf of victims of crime. It also serves to promote policies and programs that help victims of crime. This year’s NCVRW theme, “Listen. Act. Advocate.” reminds us to listen carefully to victims’ stories, provide them with meaningful support, and advocate for justice on their behalf.
To commemorate NCVRW, the North Carolina Victim Assistance Network and the Interagency Council of North Carolina sponsored a ceremony in Raleigh remembering crime victims and recognizing outstanding individuals who have provided superior service to victims and survivors. U.S. Attorneys for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina attended the ceremony to reinforce the United States Justice Department’s commitment to securing justice for crime victims.
“As we hold criminals accountable in our job to do justice, we remain acutely aware of the victims left in the wake of this violence. We recognize and support victims, and hope our actions give them some measure of peace.” said Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
“Our victims and their families are at the center of everything we do,” said Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. “A lot of our work is not what you see in the headlines, but behind-the-scenes work to support our victims. After all, no one plans to be the victim of a crime; no one is prepared for it. Connecting victims to vital services is key, and this year, I am proud to formally thank our service provider partners who help us in that effort.”
“Each year we observe NCVRW to honor the resilience of survivors and raise awareness of victims’ rights and the importance of community support in the healing process,” said Dan Bishop, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina. “The criminal justice system plays an important role in supporting victims and removing barriers to justice. We are privileged to participate in today’s event and humbly reminded of our responsibility to fulfill the theme of this year’s NCVRW to ‘Listen. Act. Advocate.’”
Elizabeth Watson, Executive Director of the North Carolina Victim Assistance Network, commented, “During Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we stand with people whose lives have been harmed by violence. Listening to their voices, believing their experiences, and collaborating with community partners who are vital to supporting victims and strengthening our communities. Together, we uphold victims’ rights and make sure their voices are heard. We are grateful to collaborate with our partners on this event.”
Rockingham Man Sentenced for Possession of Ammunition after Discharging Gun Multiple Times near Residential BuildingRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – A Reidsville, North Carolina man was sentenced today in Greensboro to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to a possession of ammunition as a previously convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Dan Bishop of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
LINDSEY L. HAYES, age 41, was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment plus 3 years post release supervision by the Honorable Catherine C. Eagles, Chief/Senior United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the MDNC.
According to court records, on January 7, 2025, at approximately 8:22 p.m., officers with the Reidsville Police Department responded to an apartment complex located on Marcellus Street in Reidsville after receiving a 911 call regarding a shooting. When officers arrived, they spoke with various tenants who stated they heard arguing followed by gunshots. One tenant said prior to the shooting he/she heard a man banging on the door of a neighboring apartment and heard a man say something to the effect of “watch this.” Another said he/she heard a man say, “Open this door before I shoot this shit up.”
Officers obtained video surveillance which showed HAYES getting out of a white SUV and walking up the steps to the front door of the apartment where the mother of his child resided and knocking on the door multiple times. In the video, HAYES appeared to be yelling through the door. When no one answers, HAYES walks back down the stairs and returns to the white SUV before heading back to the same apartment, this time while carrying a handgun. HAYES uses the handle of the gun to knock on the door again. After standing at the door for a short time, he walks back down the stairs and gets into the driver seat of the white SUV. Before he exits the parking lot of the apartment complex, HAYES slows down while driving past the apartment. His left arm extends out of the front driver side window and muzzle flash and smoke are seen as multiple shots were fired.
While canvasing the area, officers observed two bullet holes in the siding of the apartment building and two spent shell casings in the parking lot near where his vehicle was at the time of the shooting. No firearm was recovered.
During the sentencing hearing, evidence was presented that at the time of the shooting the apartment was occupied by at least two people.
Prior to his arrest, HAYES was convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on four separate occasions. Additionally, HAYES was on post release supervision for convictions for Felony Discharge of a Weapon into Occupied Property and Felony Assault with Physical Injury of a Detention Employee. HAYES had been released to supervision about two months before committing the shooting.
HAYES pleaded guilty on December 4, 2025, to being a felon in possession of ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
The case was investigated by the Reidsville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by MDNC Assistant United States Attorney Tracy M. Williams-Durham.
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Burlington Tax Return Preparer Sentenced in Connection with Million Dollar Tax Refund SchemeRead the Press Release
Greensboro, N.C. – A Burlington woman was sentenced to 25 months of imprisonment, and one year of supervised release in connection with her preparation of false tax returns, announced United States Attorney Dan Bishop of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
Tracey Hernandez, 39, pled guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the filing of a false tax return on September 5, 2025. The court also ordered Hernandez to pay restitution totaling $2,106,281.
According to court documents, agents with the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division (“IRS-CI”) began investigating Hernandez for preparing and filing IRS false income tax returns for her clients. Hernandez acted as a “ghost preparer,” meaning she did not sign her name on the returns she prepared for clients. IRS data shows that Hernandez prepared and filed over 200 false Forms 1040, United States Individual Income Tax Returns for calendar years 2021 and 2022. The false returns reported, among other things, fraudulent education expenses and refundable education credits, as well as fraudulent Schedule Cs (Profit or Loss from Business) and credits for sick and family leave for certain self-employed individuals.
IRS-CI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Waid of the Middle District of North Carolina is prosecuting the case.
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Durham Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Kilograms of FentanylRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – On February 23, 2026, Kevin Johnson, age 43 of Durham, was sentenced to 204 months in prison for multiple felony drug offenses.
In October 2025, Johnson pled guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, one count of distributing cocaine, and two counts of distributing fentanyl. Johnson appeared before Judge William L. Osteen, Jr. and was also sentenced to 5 years of supervised release following his prison term.
According to evidence presented at yesterday’s sentencing hearing, Johnson sold cocaine and fentanyl in Durham. He received a kilogram of fentanyl for distribution in early 2025 and purchased two additional kilograms of fentanyl that were intercepted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in May 2025 during the search of a tractor-trailer truck. Agents also recovered twenty kilograms of cocaine destined for another member of the conspiracy. Johnson was employed by Bull City United from June 2023 to January 2024.
Dan Bishop, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, made the announcement and thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation and partner agencies for their work that led to the seizure and prosecution. Bishop said, “Kevin Johnson held himself out as someone who cared about his community but then sold poison in that same community. We will continue to address the scourge of fentanyl through federal prosecution.”
This prosecution 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. The HSTF agencies involved in this case include agents and officers from FBI Raleigh Durham Safe Streets Task Force, Durham County Sheriff’s Office, Chapel Hill Police Department, Durham Police Department, NC DAC Special Operations and Intelligence Unit, NC State Bureau of Investigation, Wake County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole R. DuPré and Eric L. Iverson.
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Man Sentenced After Shooting into High Point Housing Authority BuildingRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – On February 11, 2026, Rodney Jamine Moore, Jr. was sentenced to 46 months in prison for possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony.
Moore, age 60 of High Point, North Carolina, appeared before Chief Judge Catherine C. Eagles and was also sentenced to 3 years of supervised release following his prison term.
Dan Bishop, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, made the announcement and thanked the High Point Police Department for their response and investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their work supporting the federal prosecution.
According to court documents, on April 29, 2024, just before noon, a man, later identified as Moore, was reported to be randomly firing a gun outside of High Point Housing Authority’s Astor Dowdy Tower. High Point Police Department officers responded and detained Moore who was found holding a loaded Ruger 9mm handgun. Officers noted that Moore smelled of alcohol.
A review of the scene and video surveillance footage revealed that Moore fired at least two rounds through the glass vestibule of Astor Dowdy Tower into the lobby.
Officers also located a bullet hole in the exterior sidewalk overhang and recovered six 9mm casings outside of the building.
A resident reported that she encountered Moore in front of the building waving a firearm and acting erratically. After Moore fired a shot into the door, the resident fled. She explained that she had seen Moore drinking liquor earlier in the day.
Moore told officers that he started shooting because someone was trying to kill him. At Moore’s sentencing hearing, his attorney referenced Moore’s history of mental health issues.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric L. Iverson.
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Insect Shield LLC and Co-Founder’s Estate Agree to Pay $1.4M to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — Insect Shield LLC, located in North Carolina, and the Estate of Richard Lane, a co-founder and co-owner of Insect Shield, have agreed to pay a combined $1.4 million to resolve allegations that Insect Shield and Lane caused the submission of false claims to the Department of Defense (DoD) under contracts to provide Army Combat Uniforms. Lane served as the president and chief operating officer of Insect Shield until his death in December 2022.
The United States filed its complaint-in-intervention in December 2023 alleging that Insect Shield, a subcontractor to multiple defense contractors who manufacture Army uniforms, violated the False Claims Act by falsifying test results regarding the application of permethrin, an insect repellant, to Army uniforms. The United States alleged that between 2015 and 2021 Insect Shield and Lane failed to follow the permethrin testing requirements by inappropriately combining results from different rounds of testing, re-labeling test samples to hide the true origin of the samples, performing re-tests of uniforms in excess of what the contract permitted, and concealing failing test results.
“Government contractors and subcontractors must comply with contractual commitments and share truthful information with the government,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will aggressively pursue those who defraud the American taxpayers by failing to properly perform required testing on goods supplied to our soldiers.”
“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), is fully committed to safeguarding the integrity of the DoD procurement process,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard of DCIS Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “Manipulating and failing to perform contractually required testing is not only fraudulent, but compromises military readiness. DCIS will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to investigate and hold accountable those who submit false claims.”
“Our Soldiers rely on government contractors to provide equipment that they can depend on while serving their country,” said Special Agent in Charge Keith Kelly, Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Fraud Field Office. “The result of this investigation shows that our Army CID and our partner law enforcement agencies are relentless in their pursuit of anyone who may attempt to defraud the U.S. Government by falsely reporting compliance with contractually obligated requirements for equipment used by our Soldiers
The civil settlement resolves a lawsuit brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the United States when a defendant has submitted or caused to be submitted false claims for government funds and receive a portion of any recovery. Ms. Downs will receive $315,000 as her share of the settlement. The qui tam case, which was filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, is captioned U.S. ex rel. Downs v. Insect Shield LLC et al., No. 1:19-cv-1026 (M.D.N.C.).
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina with assistance from the DoD Office of Inspector General, Army Criminal Investigation Division, Defense Contract Management Agency, and Defense Contract Audit Agency.
The matter was handled by Fraud Section Attorneys Jonathan Hoerner, Jikky Thankachan, and Jeffrey McSorley and Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the Middle District of North Carolina.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Note: Read the Insect Shield Agreement here; and the Estate of Richard Lane Agreement here.
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Yadkinville Woman Sentenced in Connection with Multi-Million Dollar Medicaid Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Greensboro, N.C. – A Yadkinville woman was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment, 13 months of home detention, and two years of supervised release in connection with a scheme to submit fraudulent claims for incontinence products to Medicaid, announced United States Attorney Dan Bishop of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
Kathy Briggs, 65, pled guilty to one count of health care fraud on October 8, 2025. The court also ordered Briggs to pay restitution totaling $2,483,855.72.
According to court documents, Briggs co-owned Neveah & Company d/b/a Restorative Medical located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Restorative Medical had contracts with approximately 50 assisted living facilities across the state to supply incontinence supplies, such as adult diapers, and other products for the residents in those facilities. Between around 2018 and January 2024, Restorative Medical, at Briggs’s direction, consistently and fraudulently submitted claims to Medicaid for the maximum number of incontinence products per patient that Medicaid would reimburse.
When employees of Restorative Medical went to assisted living facilities to deliver products, they would count supplies and restock inventory. For example, if there were already 100 diapers on the shelf, Restorative Medical would deliver 100 more diapers to reach 200 -- the maximum quantity Medicaid would reimburse per beneficiary each month. However, at Briggs’s direction, Restorative Medical would consistently submit claims to Medicaid for 200 diapers (or the maximum allowable amount), without regard to how many diapers Restorative Medical actually delivered to the facility. Over the course of the scheme, Medicaid reimbursed Restorative Medical approximately $2.4 million to which it was not entitled.
The Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, Medicaid Investigations Division, the United States Department of Defense – Office of Inspector General, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, are investigating the case, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Waid and Special Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Spillman.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $9,093,573.60 in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2025Read the Press Release
GREENSBORO, NC – United States Attorney Dan Bishop announced today that the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC) collected $9,093,573.60 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2025. Of this amount, $5,692,558.56 was collected in criminal actions and $3,401,015.04 was collected in civil actions.
The MDNC also worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $1,846,408.74 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, $3,107.92 was collected in criminal actions and $1,843,300.82 was collected in civil actions.
In a noteworthy case, the MDNC recovered a total of $1,023,234.24 from Indra Lee Johnson in FY 2025. On April 23, 2025, Johnson was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of Willful Failure to Collect or Pay over Tax in the case of USA v. Johnson, 1:25CR25-1. Johnson was ordered to pay a special assessment of $100.00, restitution of $1,344,925.41, and a fine of $45,000.00. To date, a total of $1,354,876.00 has been collected in the case.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in the MDNC, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $3,258,817 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2025. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund and Department of Treasury Seized Assets Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
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Former Durham Police Department Officer Sentenced for Sexual AssaultRead the Press Release
Rayshawn Deon Taylor, 36, a former Durham Police Department officer, was sentenced to 37 months in prison and two years of supervised release for sexually assaulting a man during a welfare check on Aug. 21, 2024. Taylor previously pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law involving sexual misconduct.
According to filed plea documents, on Aug. 21, 2024, Taylor was on duty as a corporal with the Durham Police Department (DPD) when he conducted a welfare check on the victim at the victim’s residence. During the welfare check, Taylor sexually assaulted the victim. Taylor communicated with the victim using a translation application on his personal cell phone and threatened to arrest the victim if he said anything about the assault. Investigators later determined that Taylor deleted the translation application from his cell phone and the cache information associated with the application. Taylor did not activate his body-worn camera during this encounter with the victim, in violation of DPD policy, but portions of the encounter were captured by the dashboard camera on Taylor’s patrol vehicle.
Assistant Attorney General K. Harmeet Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Dan Bishop for the Middle District of North Carolina, and Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. of the FBI Charlotte Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Charlotte Field Office and the Durham Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Waid for the Middle District of North Carolina and Trial Attorney Chloe Neely of the Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.
Pilot Mountain Woman Sentenced for Bank EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – A Pilot Mountain woman was sentenced today to 21 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for bank embezzlement, announced Dan Bishop, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
Sarah Wilson, aka Sarah Cannoy, age 28, pleaded guilty on August 4, 2025, to three counts of embezzlement by a bank employee. In addition to prison time and supervised release, Judge William L. Osteen, Jr. also ordered Wilson to pay restitution totaling $150,450.
According to court documents, Wilson was a teller at the Pilot Mountain branch of First Citizens Bank when, from December 2023 through May 2024, she stole $150,450 in cash from her teller drawer. To hide her theft, she entered numerous fraudulent transactions into the Bank’s computer system – fraudulent buy/sell transactions associated with the bank’s vault and fraudulent withdrawal transactions from the accounts of two elderly customers, then 89-years old and 90-years old, with whom Wilson was familiar. When the 89-year-old customer asked Wilson about the suspicious account activity, she told him the account looked fine. By then, Wilson’s fraudulent entries had effectively depleted his savings and certificate of deposit accounts by $59,700. She moved on to the 90-year-old customer’s certificate of deposit account, effectively depleting it by $42,650. An audit in late May 2024 revealed an imbalance with Wilson’s teller drawer. The bank launched an investigation and discovered the extent of Wilson’s criminal conduct. The bank terminated Wilson and made the customers whole.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General investigated the case, and it was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Jeanne Dildine.
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Two Men Sentenced after Shooting Near the Eagle Food Mart in DurhamRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – In April 2025, JAVONNTE LAMHN PATTERSON, of Burlington, North Carolina, and JERMAL ZAMONT MOYE, of Durham, North Carolina, pleaded guilty to being felons in possession of ammunition in relation to a shooting incident that occurred in broad daylight outside the Eagle Food Mart on the corner of Fayetteville Street and Linwood Avenue in Durham, North Carolina in April 2024. Sources say the store has since closed due to gun violence.
PATTERSON, age 32, was sentenced on November 10, 2025, to 180 months’ imprisonment, plus 3 years of supervised release.
MOYE, age 22, was sentenced today to 78 months’ imprisonment to run consecutive to a 25-42 month state probation revocation sentence he is currently serving, plus 3 years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Dan Bishop of the Middle District of North Carolina made the announcement.
Both sentencing hearings were held in Greensboro, North Carolina, before United States District Judge William L. Osteen, Jr.
According to court documents, on April 11, 2024, at approximately 5:15 p.m., officers responded to a report of someone suffering from a gunshot wound in the vicinity of Fayetteville Street and Linwood Avenue. When officers arrived, they did not see anyone suffering from a gunshot wound; however, they observed blood splatter on the ground and parking lot of the Eagle Food Mart and recovered approximately 38 cartridges and several projectile fragments. During the investigation, officers spoke with someone who lives across the street from the Eagle Food Mart whose home was shot into by a stray bullet. Officers also spoke with a witness whose car was shot into by a stray bullet. No guns were located on scene.
Video surveillance from the time of the incident showed PATTERSON and an unidentified male walking down the sidewalk on Fayetteville Street before PATTERSON turned and opened fire into a crowded parking lot on the side of the building, which led to a shootout between PATTERSON, MOYE, and several unidentified males. PATTERSON, MOYE, and another male were locally treated for gunshot wounds related to the incident. Review of video and ballistics evidence determined that eleven of the casings were ejected from the firearm used by PATTERSON and five of the casings were ejected from the firearm used by MOYE.
PATTERSON was previously convicted of at least two crimes of violence or controlled substance offenses and MOYE was previously convicted of one crime of violence or controlled substance offense.
The Durham County Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Tracy M. Williams-Durham.
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Salisbury Man Charged with Communicating Threats Against President Trump and OthersRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, NC –United States Attorney Dan Bishop announced that the FBI today arrested Christian Wolfe DANIELS, of Salisbury, on charges of threatening the President and communicating threats using a means of interstate communication.
The criminal complaint against DANIELS alleges two counts of making threats against the President on November 13 and 14, 2025, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 871(a), and one count of transmitting threats in interstate commerce on November 17, 2025, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(c). If convicted of all counts, DANIELS faces a maximum term of 15 years of imprisonment and a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years.
“We’re not going to abide threats against President Trump in the Middle District of North Carolina,” said Bishop. “As soon as I received the details, I insisted we act immediately. I’m grateful to the FBI and AUSA Iverson and for their quick response.”
“It has become far too common for people to make violent threats on social media. Listen closely, you cannot hide behind a keyboard and threaten people’s lives. The FBI will find you. Threats to public officials, their loved ones, a grieving widow, or the President of the United States, are illegal. Political violence in all forms must stop,” said James C. Barnacle Jr, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.
DANIELS had an initial appearance today in Winston-Salem. He was detained and will have a detention hearing in Greensboro on December 18, 2025.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Secret Service, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric L. Iverson.
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Third Individual Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Steal Funds from COVID-19 Support ProgramRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO – WILLIE LEE MOORE, a Montgomery County man, pleaded guilty today to theft of government property in connection with a scheme to steal money from a COVID-19 support program, announced Dan Bishop, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act established the Coronavirus Relief Fund which provided payments to states and eligible units of local government to be used on certain expenses in response to the COVID-19 emergency. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (“NC DHHS”), using the federal CARES Act funding provided to North Carolina, established the COVID-19 Support Services Program to support individuals in targeted counties who needed care and resources in order to successfully quarantine and isolate. NC DHHS contracted with regional partners to provide and deliver support on the ground in designated counties. Available support services included nutrition services such as home-delivered meals and groceries to individuals in isolation and quarantine, as well as provision of COVID-related over-the-counter supplies, such as face masks, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies.
According to court documents, MOORE, Jamie Ewings, and Navonne Moore were associated with a not-for-profit community organization called Brutonville Concerned Citizens (“BCC”). BCC was subcontracted to provide support services, including the delivery of healthy food boxes and COVID-related supplies to qualifying individuals. Although BCC provided some food boxes to the community, the three individuals submitted inflated and fraudulent invoices and receipts so that BCC would be reimbursed more money than it was entitled to receive. MOORE, Ewings, and Navonne Moore agreed to divide the reimbursement money among themselves. In total, BCC received about $1,144,649 over five payments between November 2020 and February 2021. Of that money, MOORE received about $369,000, Ewings received about $384,000, and Navonne Moore received about $180,000. The rest of the money was left in BCC’s bank account.
Sentencing is scheduled to take place on February 24, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in Greensboro, North Carolina, before Chief/Senior United States District Judge Catherine C. Eagles. At sentencing, MOORE faces a maximum sentence of up to ten years in prison, a period of supervised release of up to three years, restitution, and other monetary penalties.
Jamie Ewings previously pleaded guilty to theft of government property and was sentenced to 13 months of imprisonment. Navonne Moore pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor theft of government property and was sentencing to four years of probation.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Waid.
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Man Sentenced to 180 Months for Hanes Mall ShootingRead the Press Release
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – A Forsyth County, North Carolina, man was sentenced today in Greensboro to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Dan Bishop of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
Angelo Addie Reid, VI, age 23, was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment plus three years of post-release supervision by the Honorable Catherine C. Eagles, Chief/Senior United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the MDNC.
According to court records and evidence, on the afternoon of August 14, 2024, REID and his girlfriend were at the Hanes Mall Shopping Center located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Following a confrontation with another mallgoer, REID pulled out a gun and shot at the other man. The shot missed and went into a nearby store that was occupied by both employees and customers. The other man fled towards the mall exit while REID chased him. Once outside the mall doors, REID shot the man in the back, hitting him in the spine. As the man lay injured on the ground, REID approached him and used the firearm to pistol-whip him multiple times. REID and his girlfriend then fled the mall and were found shortly afterward a nearby hotel. At the time of the shooting, REID was on post-release supervision for another offense.
REID pleaded guilty on July 8, 2025, to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
The case was investigated by the Winston-Salem Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Martin.
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Man Sentenced to 189 Months after Firing on Law Enforcement in Winston-SalemRead the Press Release
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – A Forsyth County, North Carolina, man was sentenced in Winston-Salem to a total of more than 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to felon in possession of a firearm, announced Dan Bishop, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
Cortez Desean IRELAND, age 24, pleaded guilty on May 6, 2025, to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). He was sentenced today to 165 months’ imprisonment plus 3 years of post-release supervision by the Honorable Thomas D. Schroeder, United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the MDNC.
At the time of the incident that led to this charge, IRELAND was on federal post-release supervision for a prior felon in possession of a firearm conviction. For violating the terms of that supervised release, IRELAND was additionally sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment to run consecutive to the other sentence.
According to court records, in the early hours of June 25, 2024, officers with the Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD) were called to a domestic disturbance with a report of shots fired. A woman reported that her ex-boyfriend IRELAND had pointed a gun at her and her cousin, demanded their cellphones, and then discharged a single shot into the wall over the women’s heads. IRELAND left the apartment shortly after and the women called police. WSPD officers responded and began searching the area. As Officer-1 approached the apartment complex, she observed IRELAND and another man walking down the street and observed that IRELAND had a gun in his right hand. As Officer-2 began to slow down and put his patrol car in park, IRELAND fired at him, shattering the back driver’s side window. Officer-2 exited his vehicle and returned fire. IRELAND and the other man fled, but IRELAND was found a few minutes later, less than half a mile away. When officers frisked IRELAND for weapons, they found a Taurus 9mm in his front pants pocket loaded with 10 live rounds. Following his arrest, IRELAND told Officer-2, “I’m going to kill you next time.”
The case was investigated by the Winston-Salem Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Martin.
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Dan Bishop Becomes United States Attorney for the Middle District of North CarolinaRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – James Daniel “Dan” Bishop has assumed office as United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina on interim appointment by Attorney General Pam Bondi, effective today.
“I’m eager to lead the Middle District prosecutors and staff and to forge an unprecedentedly collaborative relationship with the men and women of federal, state and local law enforcement in all its counties in order to make and keep North Carolinians safe,” Bishop said. “I’m most grateful to President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for this additional opportunity to serve, and I’m thrilled to be home. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina is going to break new ground in effective service to the law, the Department of Justice, and the President of the United States.”
As U.S. Attorney, Bishop is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Middle District of North Carolina, encompassing 24 central counties spanning Durham to Yadkin and the borders of Virginia to South Carolina, comprising approximately 3 million North Carolinians. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including immigration violations, gang violence, and National Security, drug trafficking, and violent crimes. The office also represents the United States in civil actions and debt collections.
Before becoming U.S. Attorney, Bishop served as the Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget. He served in Congress from 2019 to 2025 for districts that included portions of the Middle District and as a member of the North Carolina House and Senate for a Mecklenburg district from 2015 until his first election to Congress. Bishop served as a Mecklenburg County Commissioner from 2004 to 2008. For 29 years until entering Congress, Mr. Bishop was a litigator handling complex commercial cases.
Bishop received his bachelor’s degree in business administration with highest distinction from the University of North Carolina in 1986 and his Juris Doctor with high honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1990.
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Greensboro Man Sentenced for Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO – A Greensboro, North Carolina man was sentenced today in Greensboro to over 8 years in prison after pleading guilty to a firearm charge, announced United States Attorney Clifton T. Barrett of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
TRISTAN DYLAN GRAY, age 38, was sentenced to 100 months imprisonment plus 3 years of supervised release by the Honorable Catherine C. Eagles, Chief United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the MDNC.
According to court records, on January 1, 2024, officers with the Greensboro Police Department (GPD) responded to a shooting into an occupied apartment on Merritt Drive. On January 4, 2024, officers with GPD conducted a traffic stop on GRAY during which he was found in possession of Taurus handgun. GPD officers arrested GRAY as a felon in possession. Subsequently, a Firearms and Toolmark Examiner with GPD determined that the cartridge cases collected from the shooting at the apartment on January 1, 2024 were fired by the same Taurus handgun that GRAY possessed on January 4, 2024. After an evidentiary hearing today, the Court found that GRAY shot multiple rounds into the occupied apartment.
At the time of his arrest, GRAY had been previously convicted of felony hit and run inflicting serious injury (Rockingham County, 2022) and sentenced to an active term of imprisonment exceeding one year. Thus, at the time of the instant offense, GRAY was legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
GRAY pleaded guilty on June 10, 2025, to one count of felon in possession of ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
The case was investigated by the Greensboro Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by MDNC Special Assistant United States Attorney Mary Ann Courtney.
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Summerfield Man Sentenced to 19 Years for Ponzi Scheme and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Winston-Salem, NC – A Summerfield man was sentenced today, August 22, 2025, to more than 19 years in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud, money laundering, securities fraud, tax evasion, and failure to file tax returns in connection with a $20 million Ponzi scheme, announced United States Attorney Clifton T. Barrett of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
William Lamar Rhew, III, age 39, was sentenced to 235 months’ imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release by the Honorable Thomas D. Schroeder, United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the MDNC.
According to court records, from November 2017 to December 2023, Rhew defrauded at least 117 investors of at least $24 million. He induced victims to invest with his company Chadley Capital, LLC which would allegedly buy accounts receivable at a discount, sell them for a profit, and provide consistently high rates of return on investment. Rhew touted the company’s increasing deal flow and underwriting standards and, in offering materials, claimed $300 million in transactions in 2023, consistent returns in excess of 20% per year, and nearly 74% total growth over 24 months. All of Rhew’s representations were false. Instead of investing victims’ funds as promised, Rhew used their money to pay his personal expenses including the purchases of a boat, a beach house, and luxury cars, payments on his personal credit cards, and to make “interest” and “withdrawal” payments to other victim-investors as part of the Ponzi scheme.
In addition, for Tax Years 2018 through 2022, Rhew willfully failed to report nearly $9 million in income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and evaded over $3 million in taxes. According to court records, Rhew maintained a shell business entity, funded in part by Chadley Capital, LLC victim funds, to support his personal lifestyle. Rhew claimed payments into this shell business entity as business expenses but lied to his accountant about the existence of any corresponding reportable income. Rhew also falsely reported his personal spending from Chadley Capital, LLC as business expenses. Finally, Rhew willfully failed to file Forms 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, for the tax years 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022.
“This defendant devastated the personal finances of individual victims and defrauded the public at large by failing to file and pay taxes to the IRS,” said United States Attorney Barrett. “We will prosecute such schemes to the full extent of the law. We appreciate the robust investigation conducted by our law enforcement partners in this matter.”
“The defendant victimized his investors and defrauded American taxpayers by concealing his income from the IRS and evading his tax liability,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, Charlotte Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. “IRS-CI’s collaborative investigative efforts alongside our law enforcement partners led to justice for the victims in this case.”
“The time Rhew will spend behind bars will never make up for the millions of dollars he stole from more than a hundred people. He promised to make them rich, instead Rhew is the one who profited. He bought fancy cars, a beach house, and even a boat. Fraud of this magnitude can have a lasting impact not only financially, but emotionally for victims. The FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to hold fraudsters who rip off hard working Americans accountable,” said James C. Barnacle Jr., the FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge.
“Through the combined efforts of the SBI and our partner agencies, this individual was held accountable for exploiting his investors’ trust,” said NCSBI Special Agent in Charge Chris Cardwell. “Together, we will continue to pursue those who commit fraud and help protect our citizens.”
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI). This case was prosecuted by MDNC Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Jeanne Dildine.
Florida Man Sentenced to over Six Years for Witness Retaliation AssaultRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — A Florida man was sentenced today to six years and 10 months in prison for assaulting an individual in retaliation for testimony that the victim provided during the assailant’s trial for his involvement in a home invasion robbery scheme.
“Instead of accepting responsibility for his criminal conduct that resulted in a 47-year sentence, St Felix physically attacked and berated a trial witness,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Witness retaliation threatens the very foundation of our justice system, which relies on truthful witness testimony. We will aggressively prosecute any attempt to retaliate against federal witnesses.”
“Retaliation against witnesses, no matter when or where it occurs, will not be tolerated. And individuals who assault government witnesses should expect prosecution and punishment,” said U.S. Attorney Clifton T. Barrett for the Middle District of North Carolina. “I commend the agents, attorneys, and USAO staff for their commitment and excellent work on cases stemming from this series of internationally organized home invasions.”
“St Felix tried to silence the very process that held him accountable,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “Retaliating against a witness strikes at the heart of the justice system. Those who think they can silence or intimidate witnesses will quickly learn the FBI will come after them.”
“St Felix led a ring of violent cryptocurrency thieves and when he was sentenced to 47 years, he physically attacked a trial witness, cowardly choosing to blame someone else for his crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. of the FBI Charlotte Field Office. “This additional prison time means he will likely be in his 70s before possibly walking free again. While we know his victims will never fully recover, we hope this sentence provides them some sense of justice.”
Remy Ra St Felix, 25, of West Palm Beach, pleaded guilty in the Middle District of North Carolina on May 6 to one count of retaliation against a witness for testimony in a criminal trial.
St Felix was charged in a nine-count superseding indictment for crimes stemming from a scheme to steal cryptocurrency during home invasion robberies. St Felix elected to go to trial and was found guilty on all counts. St Felix was subsequently sentenced to 47 years in prison. For this additional sentence, 36 months are to run concurrent to the current sentence and 46 months are to run consecutive to it. In addition to his sentence of incarceration, St Felix was sentenced to five years of supervised release.
According to court documents, the United States called a witness (“Witness-1”) at St Felix’s trial who testified about St Felix’s involvement in the home invasion robbery scheme.
On Oct. 8, 2024, after St Felix had been sentenced, Witness-1 was seated, restrained with leg shackles, a belly chain, and handcuffs, in the “booking area” of a Detention Center in Greensboro, North Carolina. St Felix was allowed out of a holding cell in the same area and assaulted Witness-1 with a series of punches, striking Witness-1 in the face, head, and body. While assaulting Witness-1, St Felix called Witness-1 a “rat” and told Witness-1 that he was responsible for St Felix’s 47-year sentence. That evening, St Felix called his mother and his girlfriend and gloated about assaulting Witness-1.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Brian Mund of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Iverson for the Middle District of North Carolina prosecuted the case.
CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cybercriminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.
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Florida Man Sentenced to over Six Years for Witness Retaliation AssaultRead the Press Release
A Florida man was sentenced today to six years and 10 months in prison for assaulting an individual in retaliation for testimony that the victim provided during the assailant’s trial for his involvement in a home invasion robbery scheme.
“Instead of accepting responsibility for his criminal conduct that resulted in a 47-year sentence, St Felix physically attacked and berated a trial witness,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Witness retaliation threatens the very foundation of our justice system, which relies on truthful witness testimony. We will aggressively prosecute any attempt to retaliate against federal witnesses.”
“Retaliation against witnesses, no matter when or where it occurs, will not be tolerated. And individuals who assault government witnesses should expect prosecution and punishment,” said U.S. Attorney Clifton T. Barrett for the Middle District of North Carolina. “I commend the agents, attorneys, and USAO staff for their commitment and excellent work on cases stemming from this series of internationally organized home invasions.”
“St Felix tried to silence the very process that held him accountable,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “Retaliating against a witness strikes at the heart of the justice system. Those who think they can silence or intimidate witnesses will quickly learn the FBI will come after them.”
“St Felix led a ring of violent cryptocurrency thieves and when he was sentenced to 47 years, he physically attacked a trial witness, cowardly choosing to blame someone else for his crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. of the FBI Charlotte Field Office. “This additional prison time means he will likely be in his 70s before possibly walking free again. While we know his victims will never fully recover, we hope this sentence provides them some sense of justice.”
Remy Ra St Felix, 25, of West Palm Beach, pleaded guilty in the Middle District of North Carolina on May 6 to one count of retaliation against a witness for testimony in a criminal trial.
St Felix was charged in a nine-count superseding indictment for crimes stemming from a scheme to steal cryptocurrency during home invasion robberies. St Felix elected to go to trial and was found guilty on all counts. St Felix was subsequently sentenced to 47 years in prison. For this additional sentence, 36 months are to run concurrent to the current sentence and 46 months are to run consecutive to it. In addition to his sentence of incarceration, St Felix was sentenced to five years of supervised release.
According to court documents, the United States called a witness (“Witness-1”) at St Felix’s trial who testified about St Felix’s involvement in the home invasion robbery scheme.
On Oct. 8, 2024, after St Felix had been sentenced, Witness-1 was seated, restrained with leg shackles, a belly chain, and handcuffs, in the “booking area” of a Detention Center in Greensboro, North Carolina. St Felix was allowed out of a holding cell in the same area and assaulted Witness-1 with a series of punches, striking Witness-1 in the face, head, and body. While assaulting Witness-1, St Felix called Witness-1 a “rat” and told Witness-1 that he was responsible for St Felix’s 47-year sentence. That evening, St Felix called his mother and his girlfriend and gloated about assaulting Witness-1.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Brian Mund of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Iverson for the Middle District of North Carolina prosecuted the case.
CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cybercriminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.
Forsyth County Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud in Connection with COVID-19 Rental Assistance FundsRead the Press Release
Greensboro, NC – Shakerra Aarka Jones of Forsyth County pled guilty Tuesday, August 6, to one count of wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Treasury and Forsyth County’s Department of Social Services of funds allocated for emergency rental assistance, announced Clifton T. Barrett, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina.
According to court documents, Jones, age 48, submitted fraudulent applications to the City of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance (“ERA”) Program in 2021 and 2022 to obtain money to personally enrich herself. ERA funds were designated to assist low-income residents who were behind on their rent and/or utilities because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A tenant had to meet eligibility requirements, and the tenant and property owner were required to submit supporting documentation. Jones submitted applications for ERA funds as though her business, BAS Tax Service, were the property owner to whom past-due rent was due, but neither Jones nor BAS Tax Service owned any property. In the applications, Jones made false and fraudulent representations, including the submission of fake rental agreements, fake arrears letters, and fake property management agreements with false information and forged signatures. When the applications were approved, the checks were issued to BAS Tax Service as the property owner, and, with one exception, Jones deposited them into the bank account in the name of Shakerra Jones d/b/a BAS Tax Service. In total, Jones fraudulently obtained $135,501 in ERA funds.
Sentencing is scheduled to take place on November 24, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. in Greensboro, North Carolina, before United States District Judge William L. Osteen, Jr. At sentencing, Jones faces a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison, a period of supervised release of up to three years, and monetary penalties.
The United States Secret Service, Winston-Salem Police Department, and Forsyth County Department of Social Services Program Integrity Unit are investigating. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Jeanne Dildine.
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United States Attorney’s Office to Participate in Community Events During National Night OutRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina will join their law enforcement partners, neighbors, and communities in National Night Out events in select cities and towns across the district.
“The Middle District of North Carolina has a long and proud history of working with local people -- law enforcement and members of the public alike – to improve neighborhood safety and the quality of life in our communities,” said Clifton T. “Cliff” Barrett, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina. “National Night Out is a touchstone of those efforts, building mutual understanding and respect by bringing law enforcement and residents together on equal terms.”
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country.
National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization.
Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe.
For more information, visit https://natw.org/.
National Night Out events are scheduled throughout the district. Check local law enforcement and event websites for details of events near you. Scheduled events to be attended by representatives of the United States Attorney’s Office include the following:
Winston-Salem Police Department NNO Event
Tuesday, August 5th, 6 pm – 8 pm
Calvary Baptist Church, 134 S. Peace Haven Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27104
Greensboro Police Department NNO Event
Tuesday, August 5th, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
100 Police Plaza, Greensboro, NC 27401
High Point Police Department NNO Event
Tuesday, August 5th, 6 pm – 8 pm
Oakview Citizens Council, 503 James Road (Oakview Rec Center), High Point, NC 27265
Alamance County Sheriff’s Office NNO Event
Tuesday, August 5th, 6 pm – 8 pm
Village of Alamance, Lamb’s Chapel Airport Campus, 3539 Alamance Road, Burlington, NC 27215
Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office / Reidsville Police Department NNO Event
Tuesday, August 5th, 6 pm – 8 pm
Woodland Park, 2212 Woodland Drive, Reidsville, NC 27320
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Greensboro Woman Sentenced in Conviction with Multi-Million Dollar Urine Drug Testing SchemeRead the Press Release
Greensboro, NC – A Greensboro woman was sentenced to 44 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release in connection with a scheme to submit claims for fraudulent urine drug testing screens to Medicaid, announced Clifton T. Barrett, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
Jasmine Hoyle, 35, pled guilty to one count of health care fraud and one count of money laundering on April 9, 2025. In addition to prison time and supervised release, the court also ordered Hoyle to pay restitution totaling $6,299,738.89.
According to court documents, Hoyle owned and operated two businesses located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina: Harvest Focused & Consulting Services, LLC and The Ultimate Sacrifice. Both of these businesses billed Medicaid for services that were not performed, including significant quantities of urine drug tests. For example, on 97 occasions between August 2020 and July 2022, Harvest Focused submitted claims to Medicaid for urine drug tests for a Medicaid beneficiary who had never heard of Harvest Focused or The Ultimate Sacrifice, never received services from those companies, and did not provide any urine for urine drug testing.
Over the course of the scheme, Medicaid reimbursed Harvest Focused and The Ultimate Sacrifice over $6 million. Hoyle used the fraudulently proceeds on personal expenses, including the purchase a Dodge Challenger.
“Stealing taxpayer dollars from a program that enables our most vulnerable citizens to access health care is reprehensible,” said U.S. Attorney Barrett. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to supporting investigation and prosecution of Medicaid fraud. We thank the federal and state agencies that partner in this effort.”
“Health care providers that fraudulently bill Medicaid for services not provided divert valuable taxpayer funds intended for some of the most vulnerable populations,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly J. Blackmon with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of Medicaid and other federally funded health care programs.”
“Taxpayer’s money allocated to the Medicaid budget is used to provide healthcare services to our vulnerable populations,” said Special Agent-In-Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, IRS-CI Charlotte Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents, together with our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office will identify, investigate, and prosecute those who enrich themselves by stealing from the federal government and subsequently the taxpayers.”
“This case is a great example of a successful joint investigation, where we followed the financial footprint of the defendant to uncover evidence and bring them to justice. The resulting prison sentence sends a strong message that we will continue to aggressively purse and investigate those who engage in fraudulent schemes,” said Acting U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge J. “Buck” Buckley, of the Atlanta Division.
Hoyle’s former business partner, LaTameria Davis, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States on July 8, 2025. Davis’s sentencing is scheduled to take place on September 26, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Greensboro, North Carolina. Davis faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a period of supervised release of up to three years, and monetary penalties.
The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, Medicaid Investigations Division, Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service are investigating the case, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Waid and Special Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Spillman.
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Bloods Gang Member Apprehended in Durham in Possession of a Firearm while on Post-Release Supervision SentencedRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO – A Durham, North Carolina man was sentenced today in Greensboro to 8 years in prison after pleading guilty to a firearm charge, announced United States Attorney Clifton T. Barrett of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
WILLIAM LOVELL HARPER, age 26, was sentenced to a total of 96 months imprisonment plus 3 years of post-release supervision by the Honorable William L. Osteen, Jr., United States District Judge for the MDNC.
According to court records, on September 4, 2024, officers apprehended HARPER on Hillsborough Road in Durham and recovered a loaded handgun from his person. At the time of his apprehension, HARPER had three active warrants for his arrest, including one stemming from a robbery in Durham on March 2024 and another for violating his post-release supervision. HARPER had been previously convicted of Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury and Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon in Beaufort County in 2017, as well as Conspiracy to Commit Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill in Craven County in 2018. Thus, at the time of the instant offense, HARPER was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
In 2023, HARPER admitted that he was a member of the Bloods criminal street gang.
In April of this year, HARPER was convicted of Robbery of a Dangerous Weapon and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon in Durham County for conduct occurring on March 28, 2024. He received a sentence of 11 to 146 months. 60 months of today’s federal sentence will run consecutively to HARPER’s state sentence.
HARPER pleaded guilty on April 10, 2025, to one count of felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
The case was investigated by the Durham Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Durham County District Attorney’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric Iverson.
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High Point Woman Sentenced for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO – A High Point, North Carolina woman was sentenced on July 22, 2025, in Winston-Salem to 7 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple counts of wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Clifton T. Barrett of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
Wendy Gibson-Fitzgerald, age 53, was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment plus 3 years supervised release by the Honorable Thomas D. Schroeder, United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the MDNC.
According to court records, from 2017 through May of 2020, Gibson-Fitzgerald defrauded the victim company and lenders of $466,776.79. Gibson-Fitzgerald fraudulently utilized the victim’s personal identifying information to take out loans in the victim’s name. Some of the loans required daily payments. Additionally, Gibson-Fitzgerald secured high-interest loans with victim company equipment and accounts receivable. Gibson-Fitzgerald fraudulently obtained credit cards in the victim’s name as well as fraudulently made hundreds of money transfers from the victim’s personal and business accounts into Gibson-Fitzgerald’s personal accounts. Gibson-Fitzgerald used the money to pay for personal expenses including trips and retail shopping.
Gibson-Fitzgerald had previously been convicted of Felony Conspiracy to Defraud the United States – Illegal Kickback Scheme, Felony Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule II and II Controlled Substances and Felony Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud in 2012 in the Western District of North Carolina.
Gibson-Fitzgerald pleaded guilty on February 6, 2025, to eight counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the High Point Police Department. The case was prosecuted by MDNC Special Assistant United States Attorney Mary Ann Courtney and Assistant United States Attorney Frank Chut.
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Clifton T. Barrett Takes Oath as U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North CarolinaRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Clifton T. “Cliff” Barrett took the oath of office yesterday to become the United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina. The oath was administered by U.S. District Judge William L. Osteen, Jr. at the L. Richardson Preyer Federal Building in Greensboro. Attorney General Pamela Bondi appointed Mr. Barrett as the interim U.S. Attorney on July 21, 2025.
“I am honored to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina and thank President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for placing their trust in me,” said U.S. Attorney Barrett. “I look forward, along with other prosecutors in the office, to making the Middle District a safer place to live by holding offenders accountable for their actions. We will work closely with state, local, and federal law enforcement in addressing President Trump’s law enforcement priorities.”
As the U.S. Attorney, Mr. Barrett is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Middle District of North Carolina, which covers 24 counties in the central part of the state from Durham County on the east to Yadkin County on the west, stretching up to Virginia on the north side and down to South Carolina on the south. Approximately 3 million people live in the Middle District of North Carolina. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to immigration, gang violence, National Security, drug trafficking, and violent crime. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.
U.S. Attorney Barrett joined the Department of Justice as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Middle District of North Carolina in September 1994. He has prosecuted a broad range of federal criminal cases, including drug trafficking organizations, violent crime, child exploitation, public corruption, tax fraud, and offenses related to terrorism. He has held numerous leadership roles in the office, including 25 years as Chief of the Criminal Division. He has also served in leadership at the Department of Justice as an evaluator of other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and as a member of the Criminal Chiefs Working Group, an appointed committee that works in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney General’s Advisory Commission in providing advice to the U.S. Attorney General.
Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Barrett was an Assistant District Attorney for nine years in Forsyth County, North Carolina where he primarily prosecuted violent crime cases.
Barrett received his bachelor’s degree in history cum laude from Wake Forest University in 1982, and his Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1985. He has been an Adjunct Professor at Wake Forest University School of Law teaching Criminal Trial Advocacy since 1996.
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Summerfield Man Pleads Guilty to Ponzi Scheme and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Winston-Salem, NC – William Lamar Rhew, III of Summerfield pled guilty today, May 6, 2025, to wire fraud, money laundering, securities fraud, tax evasion, and failure to file tax return in connection with a $20 million Ponzi scheme, announced Acting United States Attorney Randall S. Galyon.
According to court documents, from November 2017 to December 2023, Rhew defrauded at least 117 investors of at least $24 million. He induced victims to invest with his company Chadley Capital, LLC which would allegedly buy accounts receivable at a discount, sell them for a profit, and provide consistently high rates of return on investment. Rhew touted the company’s increasing deal flow and underwriting standards and, in offering materials, claimed $300 million in transactions in 2023, consistent returns in excess of 20% per year, and nearly 74% total growth over 24 months. All of Rhew’s representations were false. Instead of investing victims’ funds as promised, Rhew used their money to pay his personal expenses including the purchases of a boat, a beach house, and luxury cars, and to make “interest” and “withdrawal” payments to other victim-investors as part of the Ponzi scheme. In addition, for Tax Years 2018 through 2022, Rhew willfully failed to report nearly $9 million in income to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). As part of the plea agreement, Rhew has agreed to pay restitution to the victims in the amount of $14,868,815.67 and to the IRS in the amount of $3,056,936.
Sentencing is scheduled to take place on August 22, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, before United States District Judge Thomas D. Schroeder. At sentencing, Rhew faces a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison, a period of supervised release of up to three years, and monetary penalties.
“Sadly, we see an abundance of investment fraud schemes in which perpetrators exploit people who know and trust them,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Galyon. “We are committed to pursuing justice for victims in these cases but encourage the public to beware of any investment opportunity that sounds too good to be true, no matter who is promoting it.”
“Today’s guilty plea represents the dedication of our agency in ensuring the actions of one individual are not at the expense of others,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, Charlotte Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. “In this case, the defendant not only victimized his investors, but he also defrauded American taxpayers by concealing his income from the IRS and evading his tax liability. IRS Criminal Investigation’s special agents will continue to use their financial expertise to find and investigate these types of investor fraud schemes alongside our law enforcement partners.”
“It’s unlikely fraudsters will be up front and admit they’re taking your money and pumping it into a Ponzi scheme. But there are warning signs: investors should be wary anytime you’re guaranteed high returns with little or no risk,” said FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge Robert M. DeWitt. “Hopefully, the defendant’s acceptance of responsibility will offer some comfort and closure to the victims.”
“This guilty plea marks another significant victory in the pursuit of justice for the citizens of North Carolina,” said the Director of the NC SBI. “The victims in this case are hardworking men and women, many of whom are small business owners. The Financial Crimes Investigations Unit of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation will continue to work diligently to combat fraud against the citizens of our great state. The SBI would like to thank the IRS and FBI for their efforts in ensuring justice for the victims involved in this case.”
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Jeanne Dildine.###
Man Sentenced to 444 Months for Firing on Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – A Forsyth County, North Carolina, man was sentenced yesterday in Greensboro to a total of 37 years in prison after pleading guilty to felon in possession of a firearm, assault on a federal officer by use of a deadly and dangerous weapon, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, announced Acting United States Attorney Randall S. Galyon of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
TYREE RAY LONG, age 28, was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment for the felon in possession of a firearm plus 3 years of post-release supervision by the Honorable William L. Osteen, Jr., United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the MDNC. LONG was sentenced to 204 months to run consecutive to that sentence for the assault on a federal officer plus 3 years of post-release supervision. LONG was also sentenced to 120 months to run consecutive to the other two sentences for discharging a firearm during and in relation to the assault on law enforcement plus 5 years of post-release supervision to run concurrent to the other post-release supervision.
According to court records, on the evening of April 21, 2022, officers with the Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD) were called to a domestic disturbance with a report of shots fired. A woman reported that her boyfriend, TYREE RAY LONG, shot at her and her daughter as they tried to drive away from their residence after an argument. LONG hit the car four times, but no one was injured.
Officers investigated the shooting and obtained arrest warrants for LONG. On April 26, 2022, members of the US Marshal’s Service (USMS) Fugitive Task Force (FTF) received information that LONG was at a hotel on Northpoint Boulevard in Winston-Salem. Members of the USMS FTF and local law enforcement officers from WSPD and the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office responded to the parking lot of the hotel. LONG was identified in the driver’s seat of a Ford Fusion which was backed into a parking space. At least seven law enforcement vehicles entered the parking lot and were positioned to block LONG’s exit. Agents and officers then exited their vehicles and began giving commands to LONG to show his hands. Instead, LONG dropped his hands to the gear shifter.
LONG began to drive forward and wedged the Fusion between two law enforcement vehicles that had been blocking him in. He hit at least two cars, one of which was occupied by a United States Marshal. LONG then sped out of the parking lot and was pursued by officers. LONG entered University Parkway Southbound and led agents and officers on a three-mile car chase through both business and residential areas, including off-campus student housing for Wake Forest University. At times during the chase, Long was driving in the opposing lane of travel. A USMS Agent was operating the lead car in pursuit when LONG began shooting at officers out the window of his car while in the 2800 block of University Parkway. LONG fired at officers approximately ten times.
Shortly thereafter, LONG crashed his car into a line of traffic waiting at the stoplight at University Parkway and 25th Street, which caused a chain reaction of collisions. LONG abandoned the vehicle and ran on foot toward the CVS at that intersection. When LONG exited his car, an agent observed a handgun in LONG’s hand.
LONG hopped the fence behind the CVS and then leveled the gun and fired one round at a pursuing WSPD officer before fleeing toward a detached garage behind a house. He was detained shortly afterwards by pursuing officers.
LONG pleaded guilty on August 5, 2025, to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2); to one count of Assault on a Federal Officer by Use of a Deadly and Dangerous Weapon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 111(a)(1), 18 U.S.C. § 111(b); and to one count of Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(iii).
The case was investigated by the Winston-Salem Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the United States Marshal Service Fugitive Task Force, with assistance from the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Martin and Assistant United States Attorney Nicole R. DuPré.
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High-Ranking Sinaloa Cartel Member Arrested After Being Charged in Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Greensboro, NC – A Mexican national and high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel was arrested today in Nogales, Arizona after being indicted for allegedly helping lead a large drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy.
Emmanuel Martimiano Leon-Soto, age 42, of Naco, Mexico, is the last person arrested of 38 total individuals charged in November 2024 by a federal grand jury seated in the Middle District of North Carolina with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine hydrochloride. Leon-Soto is also known as Manny, Jose Manuel Lopez-Castro, Jesus Lopez Castro, Pedro Beltran Zazueta, Pedro Zazueta Beltran, Emmanuel Gomez, Emanuel Leon, Emanuel Leon-Soto, Manuel Leon Soto, Jose Manuel Lopez Castro, and Emanuel Pena Gomez. He is one of 10 of the defendants also charged with conspiracy to launder the proceeds of the drug trafficking scheme.
Prior to his indictment, Leon-Soto was designated as a Regional Priority Target (RPOT) by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. He is a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel (also known as Cartel de Sinaloa, Mexican Federation, and Guadalajara Cartel), which has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist. Cártel de Sinaloa is one of the world’s most powerful drug cartels and one of the largest producers involved in the smuggling, importation, and distribution of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the United States.
“The arrest of Leon-Soto is a significant development in our case against this organization, which is responsible for trafficking large quantities of narcotics to our district and throughout the United States,” said Randall S. Galyon, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina. “This prosecution is a testament to the power of collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement through the OCDETF program, and we thank all the investigating agencies for their tireless commitment to dismantling criminal organizations that threaten the safety and security of our community.”
“Today’s arrest should send a strong message to anyone who thinks they can further their criminal drug enterprise through the U.S. Mail and remain anonymous—that will never happen,” said Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “Postal inspectors will vigorously pursue you and bring you to justice, keeping the communities we serve and the mailstream safe for USPS employees and customers.”
“Today’s arrest is the direct result of the hard work and collaboration between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and our law enforcement partners,” said Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Charlotte, which oversees North and South Carolina. “Leon-Sotos’ criminal activity, combined with his leadership role in the Sinaloa Cartel makes him a significant threat to the safety of the American people. This extensive investigation highlights HSI’s unwavering commitment to protect our country and communities from the dangers of illegal narcotics. HSI will continue to work tirelessly to ensure dangerous drug trafficking organizations are disrupted and held accountable for their crimes.”
“These drug traffickers endangered countless lives by distributing large quantities of deadly fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine,” Jae W. Chung, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division commented on the case. “Driven by greed, these defendants had total disregard for their actions that far too often have tragic consequences.”
“IRS Criminal Investigation continues to aggressively pursue complicit operators and facilitators to break up fentanyl networks,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, Charlotte Field Office, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. “Our special agents will use their authorities and financial expertise to work alongside our partner agencies while following the money to stop those who profit from deadly fentanyl sales in the United States.”
If convicted, Leon-Soto faces a maximum penalty of life in prison for the drug conspiracy, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the money laundering conspiracy. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
As of today, 32 of the 38 defendants charged in this case have pled guilty to each of the counts against them and are awaiting sentencing.
This prosecution is part of an OCDETF investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Investigating agencies include the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS Criminal Investigation, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, Fayetteville Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office, Candor Police Department, Mesa (Arizona) Police Department, Davie County Sheriff’s Office, Forsyth County Drug Task Force, Mooresville Police Department, Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, and Surry County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake Pryor is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Serial Dollar Store Robber SentencedRead the Press Release
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – A Forsyth County, North Carolina, man was sentenced today in Greensboro to a total of 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to a string of armed robberies in Forsyth, Guilford, Alamance, and Rockingham Counties, announced Acting United States Attorney Randall S. Galyon of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
BYRON CLAY SCOTT, age 33, was sentenced to 240 months imprisonment for the robberies plus 3 years of post-release supervision by the Honorable Thomas D. Schroeder, United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the MDNC. SCOTT was also sentenced to 24 months to run consecutive to that sentence for committing the robberies while he was on post-release supervision for another armed robbery out of Forsyth County from 2013. In addition to prison and supervision, SCOTT was ordered to pay $21,005.38 in restitution and to forfeit a 9mm handgun.
According to court records, between November 2023 and January 2024, SCOTT and one or more unknown individuals committed at least 10 armed robberies of Dollar General and Family Dollar Stores in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Burlington, and Reidsville. Video surveillance obtained from each of the stores showed the robbers wearing Halloween style face masks, gloves, and dark clothing. All but one of the robberies occurred at night, near closing time. SCOTT was arrested on January 15, 2024, by the Winston-Salem Police Department after they responded to a call for a robbery in progress. When they searched the vehicle SCOTT was driving, they found copies of his birth certificate and Social Security card, along with gloves and masks in the back seat, which were consistent with the gloves and masks worn during each of the robberies. Data obtained from electronic tracking on the vehicle SCOTT was driving and review of SCOTT’s search history on his phone tied him to each of the robberies.
SCOTT pleaded guilty on January 6, 2025, to five counts of interference with commerce by robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951(a).
The case was investigated by the Winston-Salem Police Department, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, the Greensboro Police Department, the Burlington Police Department, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Piedmont Safe Streets Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tracy M. Williams-Durham.
Since 1992, the FBI's Safe Streets Violent Crime Initiative has successfully aligned FBI Agents, state and local law enforcement investigators, and federal and state prosecutors onto SSTFs to reduce violent crime. This nationwide initiative brings resources together in a “force multiplier concept” and utilizes the expertise of each agency. SSTFs focus primarily upon street gang and drug-related violence through sustained, proactive, coordinated investigations to obtain prosecutions on violations such as racketeering, drug conspiracy, and firearms violations.
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Man Sentenced to 135 Months for Trafficking Fentanyl and Methamphetamine in Lee and Harnett CountiesRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – A Sanford, North Carolina man was sentenced yesterday in Winston-Salem to more than 11 years in prison after pleading guilty to distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Randall S. Galyon of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
ANTWAN LOPEZ CLEMONS, age 45, was sentenced to 135 months of imprisonment plus 5 years of supervised release by the Honorable Loretta C. Biggs, Senior United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the MDNC. In addition to prison and supervision, CLEMONS was ordered to forfeit a Winchester Double Star 5.56 rifle and a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun.
According to court records, on seven occasions between February 16, 2024, and April 2, 2024, CLEMONS sold fentanyl to a confidential informant (CI) in Lee County, totaling 712.85 grams of fentanyl. On two occasions in March 2024, CLEMONS also sold a total of over 200 grams of methamphetamine to a CI in Harnett County. A search of the two properties associated with CLEMONS yielded another 1,638 grams of methamphetamine, 4 grams of fentanyl, 7 grams of cocaine, 73 dosage units of Suboxone, 125.7 grams of M522 pills, and 2,073 grams of marihuana, as well as a 5.56 rifle and a 9mm handgun.
CLEMONS pleaded guilty on October 9, 2024, to distribution of fentanyl in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B), conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in violation of 21U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A), and 846, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A).
“We are committed to protecting communities in the Middle District of North Carolina from the devastating impacts of fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution,” said Acting United States Attorney Randall S. Galyon. “We will continue working closely with the dedicated law enforcement professionals in this district to hold those responsible for this scourge accountable before the law.”
“This sentencing sends a clear message: those who traffic fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into our communities will be held accountable. HSI remains unwavering in our commitment to work alongside our federal, state, and local partners to disrupt the networks that drive this deadly trade,” said Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte, which oversees North and South Carolina. “We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to bring justice to those who profit from addiction and endanger lives.”
The case was investigated by the Sanford Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by MDNC Assistant United States Attorney Laura Jeanne Dildine.
North Carolina U.S. Attorneys Host Ceremony in Observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 6-12, 2025Read the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – In April, the Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW). This year’s observance takes place April 6-12, 2025.
NCVRW began in 1981 to honor crime victims, promote victims’ rights, and recognize those who work with and advocate on behalf of victims of crime. It also serves to promote policies and programs that help victims of crime. This year’s NCVRW theme, “Connecting < KINSHIP > Healing,” recognizes that shared humanity should be at the center of supporting all survivors and victims of crime.
To commemorate NCVRW, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Western, Middle, and Eastern Districts of North Carolina hosted a ceremony in Raleigh, to promote community engagement, raise awareness, and support and honor crime victims. The ceremony featured music by “The 100 Men in Black Ensemble” and remarks by victim advocates and survivors. The program also included a remembrance ceremony for crime victims and an award ceremony to recognize individuals for their superior service and work with victims and survivors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Randall Galyon (MDNC), U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson (WDNC), and Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar (EDNC) attended today’s NCVRW Ceremony in Raleigh
“Each year during National Crime Victims’ Week, we recognize people whose physical, financial, and emotional well-being has been shattered by crime, and those who work to support them. By reflecting upon and honoring victims, victim advocates, and law enforcement professionals, we renew our commitment to seeking justice and giving hope to victims and their families,” said Randall Galyon, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina. “Throughout the coming year, we will continue to bring our very best efforts to this work, protecting the fundamental human rights to ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.’”
“We wish there were no victims of crime, and eliminating crime is our goal and motivation. During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we reaffirm our commitment to that goal, and to crime victims, survivors, and their families,” said Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. “My Office will continue to work closely with our community partners, advocates, and law enforcement to uphold victims’ rights, and to ensure that victims’ voices are heard not just this week, but every day of the year.”
“Today we honor the victims of crimes and celebrate those who work to restore hope in the face of loss and tragedy,” said Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “We greatly appreciate the sacrifices that our law enforcement partners and victim advocates make to serve, creating the community necessary to build the healing victims deserve.”
For additional information about this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and how to assist crime victims in your community, please visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.gov.
Additional information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Assistance Program can be found here.
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Greensboro Woman Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud and Money Laundering in Connection with Multi-Million Dollar Urine Drug Testing SchemeRead the Press Release
Greensboro, NC – Jasmine Hoyle pled guilty today to one count of health care fraud and one count of money laundering in connection with a scheme to fraudulently bill the North Carolina Medicaid program for millions of dollars of urine drug tests and office visits that were not performed, announced Randall S. Galyon, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina.
According to court documents, Hoyle, age 35, owned and operated two businesses located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina: Harvest Focused & Consulting Services, LLC and The Ultimate Sacrifice. Both of these businesses billed Medicaid for services that were not performed, including significant quantities of urine drug tests. For example, on 97 occasions between August 2020 and July 2022, Harvest Focused submitted claims to Medicaid for urine drug tests for a Medicaid beneficiary who had never heard of Harvest Focused or The Ultimate Sacrifice, never received services from those companies, and did not provide any urine for urine drug testing.
Over the course of the scheme, Medicaid reimbursed Harvest Focused and The Ultimate Sacrifice over $6 million. Hoyle used the fraudulently obtained proceeds on personal expenses, including the purchase of a Dodge Challenger.
Sentencing is scheduled to take place on July 31, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Greensboro, North Carolina, before United States District Judge William L. Osteen, Jr. At sentencing, Hoyle faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, a period of supervised release of up to three years, and monetary penalties.
The Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation Division, North Carolina Attorney General’s Office-Medicaid Investigations Division, Department of Health and Human Services–Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service are investigating. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Waid and Special Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Spillman.
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Cumberland County Man Who Fired at Lee County Deputies Sentenced for Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO – A Hope Mills, North Carolina man was sentenced today in Greensboro to the statutory maximum of 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to a firearm charge, announced Acting United States Attorney Randall S. Galyon of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
JEREMY SHANE GENTRY, JR., age 30, was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment plus 3 years of post-release supervision by the Honorable Catherine C. Eagles, Chief United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the MDNC.
According to court records, on January 14, 2022, Deputies Thomas, Amezquita, and Holmes, with the Lee County Sherriff’s Office, were dispatched to the area of 1026 Post Office Road in Sanford, North Carolina following a call. The caller reported that a white male, wearing a hoodie and jeans, was walking down the street with a gun. When the deputies got there, they saw GENTRY, who matched the description provided. Deputy Amezquita asked GENTRY if he would allow him to pat him down for weapons. GENTRY did not consent. Deputy Amezquita asked GENTRY if he had any drugs or weapons on his person, and GENTRY said he did not. Deputy Amezquita then told GENTRY that given the call received, he was going to pat GENTRY down for officer safety. GENTRY began to move away from the deputies, dropped his bookbag, and reached toward his right hip. Deputies Amezquita and Thomas grabbed GENTRY by the arms to try to restrain him, while Deputy Holmes grabbed GENTRY from behind the shoulder in an attempt to take him to the ground, but GENTRY produced a black pistol, later determined to be a Sig Sauer .45 caliber handgun. GENTRY fired one round in the direction of Deputies Amezquita and Holmes, striking Deputy Holmes. The bullet hit Deputy Holmes’s underneath the body-worn camera and lodged in his bullet proof vest. Deputy Holmes was fortunately not seriously injured. GENTRY then placed his gun to his head and pulled the trigger, but the gun malfunctioned, and no bullet was discharged. Ultimately, GENTRY was detained.
The Court found, after an evidentiary hearing, that GENTRY intended to kill one or more of the deputies involved. Charges against GENTRY in Lee County relating to that incident are still pending.
At the time of his arrest, GENTRY had been previously convicted of felony human trafficking of an adult victim and felony promoting prostitution (Cumberland County, 2018) and was sentenced to 13-25 months imprisonment. Thus, at the time of the instant offense, GENTRY was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
GENTRY pleaded guilty on December 6, 2024, to one count of felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
The case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by former MDNC Assistant United States Attorney Tanner L. Kroeger and current MDNC Assistant United States Attorney Tracy M. Williams-Durham.
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Greensboro Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO – A Greensboro, North Carolina man was sentenced yesterday in Winston-Salem to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Randall S. Galyon of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
MICHAELL HUMBERTO GUTIERREZ, age 31, was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment plus 5 years of supervised release by the Honorable Loretta C. Biggs, Senior United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the MDNC. In addition to prison and supervision, GUTIERREZ was ordered to forfeit a Glock 9mm handgun, a Romarm Micro Draco 7.62x39mm handgun, a Romarm 5.45x39mm AK-style rifle, and a Hi-Point .380 handgun.
According to court records, GUTIERREZ was a member of a California-based drug trafficking organization and distributed methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine in North Carolina. From December 2023 through February 2024, he and his co-defendant coordinated the shipment of large amounts of narcotics from California to Greensboro for GUTIERREZ to sell. Unbeknownst to GUTIERREZ, he was regularly communicating with an undercover agent about the sale of these drugs, as well as firearms. On January 24, 2024, GUTIERREZ was involved in a single-car accident after which law enforcement found a bag containing 980 grams of methamphetamine GUTIERREZ had hidden as he ran from the scene. On February 23, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant on GUTIERREZ’s residence and found methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, as well as a loaded assault-style pistol, a loaded semi-automatic handgun, and a loaded semi-automatic rifle, among other contraband.
GUTIERREZ pleaded guilty on October 8, 2024, to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B).
“Fentanyl and methamphetamine continue to devastate communities in the Middle District of North Carolina,” said Acting United States Attorney Randall S. Galyon. “We are dedicated to holding those responsible for distributing these drugs accountable in the court of law.”
“This sentencing is another step forward in our ongoing mission to protect our communities from the devastating impact of drug trafficking,” said Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte, which oversees North and South Carolina. “By dismantling this criminal network and seizing dangerous drugs like methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, along with numerous firearms, HSI and its partners are making our neighborhoods safer and sending a clear message that these illegal activities will not be allowed to thrive.”
The case was investigated by Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, Greensboro Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by MDNC Assistant United States Attorney Laura Jeanne Dildine.
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Davidson and Davie County Men Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, NC – Two North Carolina man have recently been sentenced to more than ten years in prison each for possession of child pornography by the Honorable Catherine C. Eagles, Senior United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC) in unrelated cases, announced Randall S. Galyon, Acting United States Attorney for the MDNC.
DAVID ARNOLD SHARPE, 41, of Davidson County, was sentenced today to 228 months in prison plus 20 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography. The sentence will run consecutive to a 24-month sentence for the revocation of supervised release in a prior case.
According to court documents, SHARPE, a registered sex offender, was on federal supervised release when he admitted to his probation officer that he possessed an unauthorized device and child pornography. United States Probation Officers searched SHARPE’s residence where they located a cell phone that contained child pornography. Less than three weeks later, SHARPE was identified by investigators from the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) after a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) tip revealed that a Facebook user in Davidson County was suspected of uploading images of suspected child pornography to the platform. After going to Sharpe’s residence, investigators discovered SHARPE’s unauthorized phone had already been seized and they contacted the United States Probation Office and took over the investigation. Further investigation revealed SHARPE had been trading child pornography in groups online.
On March 14, 2025, LUIGI CARCIATI, age 49, of Davie County, was sentenced to 168 months imprisonment followed by 15 years of supervised release for possessing child pornography in October 2023. He was also ordered to pay $74,000 in restitution. According to court documents, multiple tips from NCMEC led to the execution of a search warrant at CARCIATI’s Mocksville residence where investigators located a tablet and cell phone containing child pornography. A review of the devices also revealed CARCIATI had secretly recorded minors in the bathroom at La Vita e Bella, a Mocksville restaurant CARCIATI owned and operated. During execution of a search warrant at the restaurant, investigators located two hidden cameras in the women’s restroom, and a third one in a drawer under the cash register.
The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI), the United States Probation Office, and Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) assisted with the SHARPE investigation. The Davie County Sheriff’s Office, NCSBI, and HSI assisted in the CARCIATI investigation. Both cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kennedy Gates and Karla Painter.
The cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative is led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and focuses on coordinating federal, state, and local resources to better identify and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Doctor Sentenced for Health Care Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO – A doctor from Mt. Airy, North Carolina was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution totaling $2,049,747.47 after pleading guilty to one count of health care fraud and one count of money laundering, announced Acting United States Attorney Randall S. Galyon of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
WENDELL LEWIS RANDALL, age 72, was sentenced to a 30-month term of imprisonment plus 2 years supervised release by the Honorable Catherine C. Eagles, Senior United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the MDNC. This sentence is ordered to run consecutively to the 18-month sentence RANDALL is currently serving for a conviction in the Western District of Virginia.
According to court records, RANDALL was the sole physician and owner of the National Institute of Toxicology, PLLC (NIT), located in Mt. Airy, NC. At NIT, RANDALL typically prescribed opioids or other controlled substances to his patients without regard to whether such prescriptions were medically indicated. RANDALL then required his patients to submit to definitive urine drug tests (UDT) on every office visit without regard to the medical necessity of such tests. NIT had an in-house laboratory to run the UDT. From August 2018 through December 2021, RANDALL, through NIT, billed Medicare and North Carolina Medicaid for the UDT that reimbursed at the highest pay for nearly all of his patients on Medicare and Medicaid. RANDALL obtained $753,446.70 from Medicare and $1,296,300.77 from Medicaid for these fraudulently billed UDT.
RANDALL used the fraudulently obtained proceeds to make several large purchases, including a building on property near his home in 2019 for a total of $97,000.
“RANDALL abused his position as a medical provider to gain excessive profit from government-funded insurance programs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Galyon. “This Office will continue to seek out fraud and abuse perpetrated on our health insurance system and hold those responsible accountable.”
“Physicians and other providers who authorize medically unnecessary drugs and services undermine the integrity of our health care system, waste taxpayer dollars, and endanger patients,” said Kelly Blackmon, Special Agent in Charge at the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Today’s sentencing is a clear reminder that those who exploit our nation’s health care system at the expense of patients and taxpayers will be held accountable.”
“This case represents the continued commitment of the DEA to identify and hold accountable those who engaged in fraud and money laundering,” said Jae W. Chung, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division.
“Fraud schemes harm everyone, especially those which defraud the healthcare system, the American taxpayer, and members of our community,” Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, Charlotte Field Office, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. “IRS-CI special agents’ forensic accounting skills helped unravel this complex fraud and money laundering scheme while working alongside other federal, state, and local law enforcement officers.”
“This health care provider stole taxpayer dollars for his own profit while he worsened our state’s opioid crisis,” said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. “Doctors have a legal and ethical responsibility to provide the quality health care that patients need. When they don’t, our office and our federal and state partners will hold them accountable.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Charlotte Tactical Diversion Squad and the Greensboro Diversion Group; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General; the Internal Revenue Service; the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, Medicaid Investigations Division; and the North Carolina Department of Insurance. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca Mayer and Special Assistant United States Attorney Dan Spillman.
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Asheboro Man Sentenced for Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO – An Asheboro, North Carolina man was sentenced today in Winston-Salem to 9 years in prison after pleading guilty to a firearm charge, announced Acting United States Attorney Randall S. Galyon of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
MUSIN SHABORR ROBERTS, age 22, was sentenced to 108 months imprisonment plus 3 years supervised release by the Honorable Loretta C. Biggs, Senior United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the MDNC.
According to court records, on June 30, 2023, an officer with the Greensboro Police Department (GPD) saw people standing around a car in the parking lot of a Greensboro Housing Authority property. Aware of recent violent crime in the area as well as issues with trespassing on that property, the officer asked the parties to provide identifications to ensure no one was banned from the property. ROBERTS identified himself as “Justin Jones.” The officer was eventually able to identify ROBERTS and learned that ROBERTS had active warrants for arrest. ROBERTS was arrested and the GPD officer found a round of 9mm ammunition in ROBERTS’ left front pants pocket.
The outstanding arrest warrant related to an incident which was the basis for a sentencing enhancement today. The Court found, after an evidentiary hearing, that ROBERTS and four to six other individuals went to a party in Asheboro on June 24, 2023, wearing ski masks and long-sleeved jackets and opened fire on the partygoers, striking four men, one in the back of the head. The Court characterized it as “a planned, coordinated, cold-blooded attack.” Charges against ROBERTS in Randolph County relating to that incident are still pending.
At the time of his arrest in Greensboro, ROBERTS had been previously convicted of felony possession of a stolen firearm (Randolph County, 2022) and was sentenced to a suspended term of imprisonment exceeding one year. Thus, at the time of the instant offense, ROBERTS was legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
ROBERTS pleaded guilty on June 5, 2024, to one count of felon in possession of ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
The case was investigated by the Asheboro Police Department, the Greensboro Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by MDNC Special Assistant United States Attorney Mary Ann Courtney.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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