Western District of North Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Fentanyl Distributor Caught with Nearly 600 Counterfeit Pills Containing Fentanyl Sentenced to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Ricketta Ann Twitty, 35, of Bostic, N.C. was sentenced to 10 years in prison yesterday for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl after she was caught with nearly 600 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Twitty was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after completing her prison sentence.
“I have spent the last week going around the district educating people that a single counterfeit pill can contain a lethal dose of fentanyl. Such education is important, but we also are aggressively prosecuting people like Ms. Twitty who peddle such pills in the community,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “Ms. Twitty unnecessarily put a lot of lives at risk, at times distributing 2,000 pills per day.”
According to court documents and the sentencing hearing, officers with the Forest City Police Department responded to a call for service at a Walmart involving Twitty. Officers located Twitty, near a vehicle where she was arrested. The officers then searched Twitty’s vehicle and seized $7,297 in cash and more than 590 counterfeit pills in a prescription bottle. The counterfeit pills were imprinted with “T/189,” a marker for the prescription drug Oxycodone Hydrochloride. The seized counterfeit pills were determined to contain fentanyl. During the investigation, Twitty told the investigators that she received the counterfeit pills from suppliers based in Charlotte, and that she distributed approximately 2,000 fentanyl pills a day during a two to three-week period.
Twitty is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, and the Forest City Police Department for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Federal Jury Finds Convicted Felon with Two Firearms Guilty of Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal jury in Charlotte returned a guilty verdict yesterday against Marcus Jamal Shankle, 36, of Charlotte, for illegally possessing a firearm, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. U.S. District Judge Matthew E. Orso presided over the two-day trial.
According to trial evidence, in October 2024, officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) were investigating Shankle for illegal firearm possession. Shankle had prior federal convictions for distribution of cocaine base and for violating the terms of his supervised release. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms. On October 3, 2024, CMPD officers approached Shankle as he was exiting a restaurant in Charlotte. Shankle was walking to his vehicle when he saw the officers approaching. He walked toward his front passenger side door, then attempted to draw a handgun from his waistband. The officers were able to disarm Shankle, but then Shankle grabbed a second firearm hidden in his waistband. The officers attempted to remove this second firearm from Shankle’s grip. Shankle was shot in the course of Shankle’s armed struggle with the officers. Shankle had been in possession of a Ruger, Model P94, 40 caliber semiautomatic pistol and a stolen Keltec, Model P3AT, .380 caliber semiautomatic pistol.
The jury found Shankle guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He faces a statutory sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for their investigation of the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Charlotte Woman Sentenced for Defrauding the North Carolina Medicaid ProgramRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Crystal Sherrell Jackson, 40, of Charlotte, was sentenced today to 48 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for submitting fraudulent bills to the North Carolina Medicaid Program (NC Medicaid) for psychotherapy services and urine drug testing that were never provided, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Jackson was also ordered to pay $1,623,983.08 in restitution.
“Medicaid fraud is a crime on all of us – it steals taxpayer money, makes healthcare more expensive, and compromises the integrity of our entire healthcare system,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “In addition, it is a nightmare for those whose identities are stolen. We are grateful for the teamwork essential to combatting this widespread fraud.”
“The only acceptable level of Medicaid fraud is zero, and we’re going to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute fraud at every instance,” said North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson. “I’m grateful to U.S. Attorney Freguson and his team for their partnership in prosecuting this fraudster and winning back Medicaid dollars for taxpayers.”
According to court documents and court proceedings, Jackson was a North Carolina-licensed clinical addiction specialist-associate and NC Medicaid enrolled provider who owned and operated a company called Jackson Consulting and Services, LLC (JCS). JCS held itself out as a mental health agency, clinical laboratory, and consulting business. Jackson also enrolled JCS with NC Medicaid so that both she and the company could bill NC Medicaid for those services they purportedly provided to eligible NC Medicaid recipients. However, between 2020 and 2024, Jackson and JCS submitted over $1.9 million in sham claims for payment to NC Medicaid for drug testing and psychotherapy services that were either never performed at all or for which they were already paid.
To carry out the scheme, Jackson obtained licensure under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), which enabled Jackson to bill NC Medicaid for the highest allowable reimbursement rates for drug testing, by submitting false documents. Jackson then
filed fraudulent claims for expensive urine drug testing, and psychotherapy services, using the personal information of NC Medicaid recipients, including their names, addresses, dates of birth, and unique NC Medicaid recipient numbers. Jackson obtained the personally identifiable information of these Medicaid recipients in a variety of ways, including from having a prior or unrelated treatment relationship, and from associates. In most cases, the NC Medicaid recipients did not know their information was used by Jackson and JCS to submit fraudulent claims for reimbursement, did not authorize the filing of fraudulent claims on their behalf, and never received the services for which Jackson and JCS billed the NC Medicaid Program. Jackson targeted a vulnerable Medicaid population, and her victims included more than a dozen children, incarcerated individuals, and even submitted bogus bills for services she claimed she performed for Medicaid recipients who were deceased at the time the services were purportedly rendered.
As Jackson previously admitted in court, she also engaged in transactional money laundering by spending the proceeds of her unlawful scheme.
In announcing Jackson’s sentence, U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell said, it is “an assault on society for benefits programs to be defrauded,” and stressed the importance of general deterrence.
Jackson pleaded guilty in March 2026 to healthcare fraud and transactional money laundering. She is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the FBI in Charlotte, the North Carolina Attorney General’s Medicaid Investigations Division, and IRS-Criminal Investigation for their investigative work in this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Armstrong, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina Fleisch, with the North Carolina Medicaid Division, prosecuted the case.
If you suspect Medicare or Medicaid fraud, please report it by phone at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477), or via email at [email protected].
To report Medicaid fraud in North Carolina, call the North Carolina Medicaid Investigations Division at 919-881-2320 or fill out an online complaint form.
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.
Prolific Chinese Money Launderer Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Laundering Drug Trafficking Proceeds Following Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
ARLOTTE, N.C. — A Chinese national was sentenced today in the Western District of North Carolina by U.S. District Judge Susan C. Rodriguez to 15 years in prison and ordered to forfeit $25 million for his role in a Chinese money laundering organization (CMLO) that laundered over $92 million in illicit funds, including proceeds from the importation and distribution of illegal drugs into the United States, primarily through Mexico.
“Chinese money laundering networks have become a key enabler to the Mexican cartels,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The organization eliminated by this prosecution alone laundered more than $90 million in less than two years. This emerging and enormous threat to the United States has only become more complex. As part of our mission to totally eliminate cartels, the Criminal Division and our law enforcement partners will investigate and prosecute all facets of cartel activity, including those groups that launder and return the money to them so that they can traffic more poison in our country and throughout the world.”
“We are working hard to attack cartels on all fronts,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson for the Western District of North Carolina. “That means attacking the money laundering networks that fuel the cartels and hide their money, making it harder to prosecute them. This is an important step in eliminating cartels — a key priority in my office.”
“Today’s sentence reinforces an important principle, criminal organizations cannot operate without access to their profits,” said Special Agent in Charge Jae W. Chung of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Field Division. “Those who knowingly assist in concealing and legitimizing drug trafficking proceeds become an integral part of the criminal enterprise. This case demonstrates the continued commitment of the Homeland Security Task Force and our law enforcement partners to attacking these organizations at every level and holding accountable those who facilitate their operations.”
According to court documents, Jianfei Lu, 31, of China, was a prolific courier of the CMLO. He collected drug trafficking proceeds from U.S.-based drug traffickers and deposited the money, using both real and fake identities, into shell company bank accounts registered by other members of the CMLO. As a courier, Lu personally picked up and deposited more than $20 million of illicit bulk cash. Lu also served as a manager for the CMLO: he coordinated directly with U.S.-based drug traffickers and dispatched other couriers to conduct bulk cash pickups and deposits. In addition, Lu procured fake driver’s licenses for the couriers, which were used to deposit illicit funds at major U.S. banks.
Approximately $670,000 of U.S. currency and 12 firearms seized from a Designated Terrorist Organization that used the CMLO for money laundering services.
In July 2025, Lu pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy, two counts of money laundering to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the illicit proceeds, and two counts of monetary transaction involving criminally derived property greater than $10,000. In connection to his guilty plea, Lu admitted that he had actual knowledge and involvement in laundering between $25 million and $65 million in illicit funds, and that he knew the laundered funds included drug trafficking proceeds.
The DEA Charlotte District Office and the IRS-CI Charlotte Field Office are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Mingda Hang, Jayce Born, and Kenneth Kaplan of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nick Miller and Seth Johnson for the Western District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case.
MNF’s mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.
MNF’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Unit investigates and prosecutes the top command and control elements of international drug cartels, drug trafficking organizations and related transnational criminal organizations.
This case 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.
Prolific Chinese Money Launderer Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Laundering Drug Trafficking Proceeds Following Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
A Chinese national was sentenced today in the Western District of North Carolina by U.S. District Judge Susan C. Rodriguez to 15 years in prison and ordered to forfeit $25 million for his role in a Chinese money laundering organization (CMLO) that laundered over $92 million in illicit funds, including proceeds from the importation and distribution of illegal drugs into the United States, primarily through Mexico.
“Chinese money laundering networks have become a key enabler to the Mexican cartels,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The organization eliminated by this prosecution alone laundered more than $90 million in less than two years. This emerging and enormous threat to the United States has only become more complex. As part of our mission to totally eliminate cartels, the Criminal Division and our law enforcement partners will investigate and prosecute all facets of cartel activity, including those groups that launder and return the money to them so that they can traffic more poison in our country and throughout the world.”
“We are working hard to attack cartels on all fronts,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson for the Western District of North Carolina. “That means attacking the money laundering networks that fuel the cartels and hide their money, making it harder to prosecute them. This is an important step in eliminating cartels — a key priority in my office.”
“Today’s sentence reinforces an important principle, criminal organizations cannot operate without access to their profits,” said Special Agent in Charge Jae W. Chung of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Field Division. “Those who knowingly assist in concealing and legitimizing drug trafficking proceeds become an integral part of the criminal enterprise. This case demonstrates the continued commitment of the Homeland Security Task Force and our law enforcement partners to attacking these organizations at every level and holding accountable those who facilitate their operations.”According to court documents, Jianfei Lu, 31, of China, was a prolific courier of the CMLO. He collected drug trafficking proceeds from U.S.-based drug traffickers and deposited the money, using both real and fake identities, into shell company bank accounts registered by other members of the CMLO. As a courier, Lu personally picked up and deposited more than $20 million of illicit bulk cash. Lu also served as a manager for the CMLO: he coordinated directly with U.S.-based drug traffickers and dispatched other couriers to conduct bulk cash pickups and deposits. In addition, Lu procured fake driver’s licenses for the couriers, which were used to deposit illicit funds at major U.S. banks.
Approximately $670,000 of U.S. currency and 12 firearms seized from a drug trafficking organization that used the CMLO for money laundering services.In July 2025, Lu pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy, two counts of money laundering to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the illicit proceeds, and two counts of monetary transaction involving criminally derived property greater than $10,000. In connection to his guilty plea, Lu admitted that he had actual knowledge and involvement in laundering between $25 million and $65 million in illicit funds, and that he knew the laundered funds included drug trafficking proceeds.
The DEA Charlotte District Office and the IRS-CI Charlotte Field Office are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Mingda Hang, Jayce Born, and Kenneth Kaplan of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nick Miller and Seth Johnson for the Western District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case.
MNF’s mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.
MNF’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Unit investigates and prosecutes the top command and control elements of international drug cartels, drug trafficking organizations and related transnational criminal organizations.
This case 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.
Gaston County “Fence” Sentenced for Interstate Transportation of Stolen PropertyRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Ronald Dale Lynn, 58, formerly of Gaston County, was sentenced to 30 months in prison today for interstate transportation of stolen property, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Lynn was also ordered to serve two years of supervised release.
According to filed documents, from 2019 to 2025, Lynn operated a fencing scheme in which he purchased stolen and fraudulently obtained retail merchandise and resold it for a profit through online marketplaces, including eBay, Amazon, and Walmart Marketplace, to customers in the United States and abroad.
In the retail theft scheme, Lynn operated as a “fence,” a person who knowingly receives stolen or fraudulently obtained goods from “boosters” for resale at a profit. Boosters are individuals who steal or fraudulently obtain retail merchandise and sell it to a fence.
Lynn operated his fencing scheme, in part, from a physical storefront in a commercial strip mall on Wilkinson Boulevard in Charlotte. The storefront had no signage and was not open to the public. Instead, it served primarily as a drop-off and processing location for stolen merchandise. Court records show that much of the merchandise Lynn sold online consisted of new or near-new health and beauty products, including proprietary beauty products sold exclusively by national retail brands. The products were sold at prices significantly below those charged by legitimate retailers.
In January 2025, the U.S. Secret Service executed a search warrant on Lynn’s storefront and other locations, seizing stolen or fraudulently obtained merchandise with an estimated value of approximately $414,056. The total losses attributable to Lynn as part of the fencing scheme are between $1.5 and $3.5 million.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the U.S. Secret Service for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Costa Rican National Sentenced to 20 Years for Leading a Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl following Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Costa Rican national was sentenced to 20 years in prison today for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl following a Homeland Security Task Force investigation, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison terms imposed, Ronald Corrales-Arrieta, 48, was also sentenced to five years of supervised release after he is released from prison.
According to court documents and proceedings, Corrales-Arrieta operated a car repair business in Hickory, North Carolina. Corrales-Arrieta used his business to traffic methamphetamine and fentanyl. Law enforcement became aware of the defendant’s drug distribution organization on April 15, 2023, after Hickory Police Department officers found a missing man deceased inside Corrales-Arrieta’s business surrounded by hundreds of grams of fentanyl.
After finding the decedent in Corrales-Arrieta’s business, investigators used a confidential informant (CI) to purchase drugs from Corrales-Arrieta’s drug trafficking organization on several occasions. Corrales-Arrieta made many of the drug sales himself and used Mexican nationals illegally present in the United States to facilitate other sales. Corrales-Arrieta even coordinated some drug sales from Costa Rica.
Investigators arrested Corrales-Arrieta on October 18, 2024. Following his arrest, agents searched Corrales-Arrieta’s business, finding two firearms: a Bushmaster AR-15 rifle and a Taurus 9mm Handgun.
Corrales-Arrieta is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Department of Homeland Security and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) is an 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. HSTF CORE 23 (Charlotte) is comprised of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), United States Marshal Service (USMS), United States Customers and Border Protection (CBP), United States ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), the Naval Criminal investigative Service (NCIS), the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FIDC) Office of Inspector General (OIG), the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG), the North Carolina Insurance Bureau, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the Raleigh Police Department, the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, the Cary Police Department, the Nash Count Sheriff’s Office, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, the Halifax County Sheriff’s office, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office, the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, the Brunswick Count Sheriff’s Office, the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office, the Wilmington Police Department, the Nags Head Police Department, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS), the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), the Kannapolis Police Department, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, the Waxhaw Police Department, the Gaston County Police Department, the Gastonia Police Department, the Huntersville Police Department, the Cornelius Police Department, the Matthews Police Department, the Pineville Police Department, the Stallings Police Department, the Kings Mountain Police Department, the Greensville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), the Cherokee County Sheriff’s office, the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) International Airport Police Department, the South Carolina Department of Corrections, the Anderson City Police Department, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston County Airport Police Department, the Charleston Police Department, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Summerville Police Department, the Greensboro Police Department, the Winston-Salem Police Department, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, the Alamance County Sheriff’s office, the Davie County Sheriff’s Office, the Eden Police Department, the Piedmont Triad Internal Airport Police Department, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Districts of North and South Carolina.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Marks National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day with Facebook Live DiscussionRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Ahead of National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day on Friday, August 21, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is raising awareness about the dangers of illicit fentanyl and inviting the public to join “A Conversation on Fentanyl: Awareness, Prevention, and Public Health.” U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson will host the Facebook Live discussion on Tuesday, August 18, at 10 a.m. ET, focusing on prevention, enforcement, treatment, and recovery.
U.S. Attorney Ferguson will be joined by Eric Conaway, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Charlotte Division, Atrium Health emergency room physician Dr. Cory Hines, and treatment and recovery expert Mackie Johnson, Executive Director of MCJ Counseling Services.
National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day is observed annually on August 21 and brings together families, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, educators, community organizations, and others to increase education about the dangers of illicit fentanyl.
Illicit fentanyl remains one of the most dangerous drug threats facing our communities. Fentanyl is extremely potent, and even a small amount can be potentially lethal. Fentanyl is often mixed into other illicit drugs and pressed into counterfeit pills made to resemble legitimate prescription medicines.
“Some of the heaviest days I have as U.S. Attorney are meeting families who have lost a loved one to a fentanyl overdose,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “This drug has devastated families across Western North Carolina. National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day is a time to remember those we have lost to an overdose, educate people about the dangers of counterfeit pills and other illicit drugs, and support those seeking treatment and recovery. The fentanyl crisis cannot be solved by any one agency or organization. We all have a role to play, from law enforcement and healthcare professionals, to parents, educators, and families. My office will continue pursuing cartels, drug trafficking organizations, and distributors who bring this poison into our communities, while working with our partners to promote prevention, education, treatment, and recovery. Awareness and support can save lives.”
“National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day reminds us that protecting our communities starts with prevention,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “We must protect lives by raising awareness of the dangers of fentanyl, prevent tragedy through education and informed decision-making, and support families with the resources they need to have these important conversations. Together, we can save lives and work toward a Fentanyl Free America.”
Identifying and dismantling drug trafficking networks remains a top enforcement priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners. Federal prosecutors regularly handle cases involving traffickers responsible for distributing fentanyl and other illicit drugs.
- On August 13, 2026, a repeat federal drug trafficker and his girlfriend were sentenced for distributing fentanyl.
- On August 13, 2026, a North Carolina physician was sentenced for conspiring to allow his DEA registration number to be used for thousands of unlawful buprenorphine prescriptions.
- On August 12, 2026, an illegal alien and affiliate of the Sinaloa Cartel was sentenced for trafficking more than 133,000 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.
- On August 5, 2026, two illegal aliens from Honduras were sentenced for fentanyl trafficking.
- On July 21, 2026, a convicted felon on probation was sentenced for distributing guns and drugs, including fentanyl.
- On June 4, 2026, a Mexican national with ties to the CJNG Cartel was sentenced for distributing fentanyl and other illicit drugs.
For more information about the dangers of illicit fentanyl and resources available to families and communities, visit the DEA’s fentanyl awareness webpage.
Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for help with treatment referral and information for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit the online treatment locator.
North Carolina Physician Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A North Carolina physician has been sentenced to prison for conspiring to allow his Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration number to be used for thousands of unlawful buprenorphine prescriptions, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell ordered Henry Ronald Emery, Jr., 54, of Waxhaw, N.C., to serve six months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release. The sentencing hearing was held on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
“To end the opioid epidemic, we have to address the problem on all fronts, and that includes physicians who abuse their responsibility prescribing controlled substances,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “Physicians play a significant role in treating patients struggling with substance use disorder and the vast majority take that responsibility very seriously. However, those who abandon that responsibility, compromise patient care, and fuel the unlawful distribution of addictive drugs will be held accountable.”
According to filed documents, from September 2018 through 2022, Emery was a licensed physician in North Carolina with a family medicine practice in Weddington, N.C. He was also employed by Church Ekklasia Sozo (CES), a non-profit corporation operating as an online medical provider. CES purported to offer a legitimate opioid addiction treatment program that provided care through telemedicine. In order to obtain a prescription through CES, patients were required to fill out a short questionnaire on the organization’s website. Generally, a member of the CES administrative staff then reached out to the patient, obtained payment for the prescription, and used a medical prescriber’s DEA registration number to issue the prescription. Emery allowed administrative personnel at CES to use his DEA registration number to issue over 25,000 prescriptions of buprenorphine to patients in multiple states. Generally, Emery did not have any personal interaction with a CES patient before a buprenorphine prescription was issued in his name by CES administrative personnel.
Emery received payments totaling $452,830 from CES during the conspiracy. A forfeiture money judgment was ordered in this amount by Judge Bell at sentencing.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the DEA for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nick J. Miller and William Bozin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Repeat Federal Drug Trafficker and Girlfriend Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Two fentanyl and methamphetamine traffickers were sentenced to prison yesterday, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Jason Mills, 47, of Hendersonville, N.C., was sentenced to 135 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Mills pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Mills was on federal probation for a federal cocaine trafficking conviction in Florida when he reoffended. His 10-year sentence will run at the expiration of his federal probation sentence for violating his probation.
Stephanie Hope Lindsey, 40, of East Flat Rock, N.C., was ordered to serve 46 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Lindsey pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl.
“Fentanyl is a highly addictive and deadly drug, and today’s sentences reflect our commitment to protecting lives and combating this scourge across communities in the western district,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson.
According to court documents and the sentencing hearing, law enforcement initiated an investigation into Mills for supplying fentanyl and methamphetamine in Henderson and Buncombe Counties. His girlfriend, Lindsey, was also involved in Mills’s drug trafficking activities. Between January and February 2024, Mills and Lindsey were involved in multiple drug transactions, selling fentanyl and methamphetamine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. At times, Lindsey executed the drug transactions coordinated by Mills. Other times, Mills sold the drugs while Lindsey drove him to the agreed locations. Mills also handled some of the drug transactions on his own.
On February 12, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at Mills’s residence in Asheville, seizing 86.38 grams of fentanyl, 87 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and $2,000 in U.S. currency. On the same day, law enforcement also searched Mills’s vehicle, where they found two magnetic boxes in the engine compartment containing 69 multi-colored pills containing methamphetamine, and two baggies that contained fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Both defendants are in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Asheville Police Department for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Prior Felon on Federal Probation Sentenced to Prison for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A previously convicted felon was sentenced to prison yesterday for distributing fentanyl, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Sadiq Mafia Devoe Jones, 24, of Asheville, was sentenced to 135 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Jones’s 10-year sentence will run at the expiration of his federal probation sentence for violating his probation.
“Shortly after Jones was released from federal prison he returned to a life of crime and drug dealing,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “Fentanyl kills, and we are committed to eliminating this deadly drug that ravages communities and destroys families.”
According to court documents and proceedings, in August 2025, law enforcement learned that Jones was part of a drug ring that distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine, and firearms in Buncombe County. Law enforcement also learned that Jones was on federal supervised release for a prior conviction for illegally possessing a firearm. On multiple occasions during the investigation, an undercover agent purchased over 139 grams of fentanyl and over 26 grams of methamphetamine from Jones or other individuals working for Jones. During at least one drug transaction, Jones used a juvenile to sell fentanyl to the undercover agent.
Jones is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Asheville Police Department, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Youth Coach Sentenced to Prison for Receiving Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Nathaniel Willard Byrd, 38, a youth coach from Hudson, N.C., was sentenced to 121 months in prison today for receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison term imposed, Byrd will serve 30 years of supervised release.
“Of all people who should not be fueling the trade of videos depicting the torture of children, a youth coach should be at the top of the list,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “We will be vigilant to prosecute those that harm our children, particularly those we entrust with their care.”
According to court documents and the sentencing hearing, law enforcement determined that an internet user, later identified as Byrd, was storing CSAM to a cloud-based account. Some of the CSAM included videos depicting children between two and 12 years old engaged in sex acts, including the torture of an 18-month-old child. On October 30, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Byrd’s residence and seized his cellphone. During an interview with investigators, Byrd admitted that he downloaded CSAM. A forensic review of the cellphone revealed that the phone contained the BitTorrent app, a peer-to-peer file-sharing application, and that Byrd possessed more than 1,300 files depicting the sexual abuse of children, 278 of which were videos. Some of the CSAM had been downloaded using the BitTorrent app.
In December 2025, Byrd pleaded guilty to receiving CSAM. He is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked Homeland Security Investigations, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Boone Police Department, and the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office for their work on this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Spaugh of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte 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 the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Convicted Felon Involved in Shootout that Struck School Bus Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Paris Alonzo Lewis-Bynum, 21, a previously convicted felon from Charlotte, was sentenced to nine years in prison today for illegally possessing a firearm and using a firearm to further drug trafficking activities, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
According to court records, Lewis-Bynum was convicted in 2023 for speeding to elude arrest. As a result of that conviction, he is not permitted to possess a firearm. Court records show that on December 2024, at approximately 3:50 p.m., a shootout occurred near the intersection of W.T. Harris Blvd. and Albemarle Rd. in Charlotte. A school bus full of students was struck multiple times by projectiles from the shooting. Investigators determined that Lewis-Bynum was involved in the shootout, and he was arrested on December 16, 2024. In addition to illegally possessing the firearm, law enforcement determined that Lewis-Bynum was involved in drug trafficking activities in the area.
“Lewis-Bynum is the type of repeat offender that my office prioritizes for federal prosecution,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “It is a miracle that none of the children on the school bus were seriously hurt or killed during the shooting. We will not stand idly by when people put our children in danger.”
Lewis-Bynum is currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for their work on this case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Charlotte Man Sentenced for Cyber Extortion Scheme that Targeted International Technology CompanyRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Charlotte man was sentenced to prison today for carrying out an extensive cyber extortion scheme against a D.C.-based international technology company, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Cameron Curry, 27, was ordered to serve 24 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release. In March 2026, a federal jury convicted Curry of six counts of transmitting or willfully causing interstate communications with the intent to extort a victim company.
According to filed documents, trial evidence, and witness testimony, Curry was contracted to work as a data analyst for approximately six months with the victim company. In that capacity, Curry had access to the victim company’s data files and other personnel and corporate information. Trial evidence established that Curry misused his position to access the victim company’s personnel and other sensitive corporate records, which he then used to carry out the cyber extortion scheme. Curry hatched his extortion scheme after he learned that his contract was not going to be renewed and that he would no longer be employed by the company.
According to evidence presented at trial, from December 11, 2023, to January 24, 2024, Curry, identifying himself online as “Loot,” sent over 60 email messages to company employees and executives, threatening to disclose sensitive information unless he was paid $2.5 million dollars in cryptocurrency. Trial evidence further established that the email messages contained threats to disclose sensitive corporate information and employee data, including employees’ personally identifiable information (PII), as well as threats to harm the reputation of the victim company by reporting a breach of its information and publishing the information publicly if the victim company failed to pay him via cryptocurrency.
On January 24, 2024, the FBI executed a search warrant at Curry’s residence, seizing various electronic devices. A forensic analysis of the evidence revealed that Curry was committing the extortion scheme under the “Loot” alias.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney Ferguson commended the FBI’s Washington Field Office, which conducted the investigation, and the FBI Charlotte Field Office, which provided significant assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Warren of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Lucas of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Columbia prosecuted the case.
Snapchat User Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Distributing and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Charlotte man was sentenced to serve 15 years in prison today for distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including material depicting prepubescent children under 12 years of age, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
U.S. District Judge Susan C. Rodriguez sentenced Terrell Shawn Anderson, 31, of Charlotte, to 15 years in prison followed by 30 years of supervised release. Judge Rodriguez also ordered Anderson to pay $3,000 in restitution, $5,000 in special assessments pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015, and $15,000 in special assessments pursuant to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018.
“Social media helps people stay connected, but it can also become a place where children are victimized,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “We will remain vigilant in prosecuting these cases, but we also hope this case serves as a cautionary tale for parents to monitor their children’s social media use.”
According to court documents and the sentencing hearing, law enforcement received multiple cybertips that an individual, later identified as Anderson, was using at least 13 Snapchat accounts and other social media platforms to distribute videos and images depicting the sexual abuse of minors, including children under 12 years old. In October 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Anderson’s residence, seizing two cellphones and other evidence. During an interview with law enforcement, Anderson admitted that he possessed CSAM. He further admitted that the multiple Snapchat accounts belonged to him and that he was using them to obtain and distribute CSAM with others, including individuals he believed to be minors and adults. According to Anderson, he estimated talking with 45 minor females and getting some of them to create nude images of themselves. A forensic review of the seized cellphones revealed that Anderson had at least 697 videos and 2,183 images of CSAM, including 29 videos and 7 images depicting sadistic or masochistic conduct depicting children.
In sentencing Anderson, Judge Rodriguez said, this is a “very serious crime,” it is “not a victimless crime,” and deterrence of others is an important factor in issuing this sentence.
Anderson pleaded guilty to distribution of CSAM and possession and access with intent to view CSAM that involved a prepubescent minor and a minor who had not yet attained 12 years of age. He is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the FBI, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for their work on this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Cervantes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte 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 the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Illegal Alien from Mexico with Ties to the Sinaloa Cartel Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking more than 133,000 Counterfeit Pills Containing FentanylRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Omar Antonio Jaramillo-Meza, 24, an illegal alien from Mexico with ties to the Sinaloa Cartel, was sentenced today to 12 years in prison for trafficking more than 133,000 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Following his prison sentence, Jaramillo-Meza will be deported.
“As an affiliate of the Sinaloa Cartel, Jaramillo-Meza coordinated the trafficking of thousands of fentanyl pills and other deadly drugs across the border and into western North Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “Transnational criminal organizations that fuel the devastation caused by fentanyl may operate beyond our borders, but their deadly consequences are felt in our communities. That is why we will not stop at the border to put an end to the fentanyl epidemic.”
“This seizure of more than 100,000 fentanyl pills demonstrates what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together with a shared mission,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “We are disrupting the supply of illicit fentanyl and holding those responsible accountable. We will continue working tirelessly toward a Fentanyl Free America.”
According to court documents and court proceedings, a DEA confidential source (CS) was introduced to “El Moro,” who was affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel and later identified as Jaramillo-Meza, and had access to large quantities of narcotics, including fentanyl. During the investigation, the CS used a messaging app to arrange multiple drug buys with Jaramillo-Meza. In April 2022, law enforcement seized 3,000 pills that Jaramillo-Meza had sent to the CS. The pills were marked with “M-30,” a marking used on prescription oxycodone pills. An analysis by the DEA laboratory confirmed the seized pills contained fentanyl.
During a subsequent meeting between the CS and Jaramillo-Meza, the defendant discussed future fentanyl shipments to the CS and explained that he had drugs sent by plane from Colombia to Mexico. In February 2023, Jaramillo-Meza sent a message to the CS, letting him know that fentanyl pills were in a package on the way to Charlotte and provided a tracking number. Investigators intercepted the package and seized 80,000 blue “M-30” pills that contained fentanyl. In June 2023, law enforcement also intercepted another drug delivery arranged by Jaramillo-Meza, seizing approximately 20,000 fentanyl pills in Cleveland County. In addition, investigators determined that Jaramillo-Meza supervised a network of couriers that arranged drug deliveries throughout the United States, including a delivery of 30,000 fentanyl seized by law enforcement in New York City. Court documents show that Jaramillo-Meza was responsible for trafficking more than 15 kilograms of fentanyl pills during the investigation.
In September 2024, Jaramillo-Meza pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly and intentionally distributing fentanyl and one count of knowingly and intentionally distributing fentanyl and cocaine. He is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the DEA for its work investigating the case.
Erik Lindahl with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearms, Including a MachinegunRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A previously convicted felon was sentenced to prison today for illegally possessing multiple firearms, including a machinegun, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Justin Lloyd Coleman, 44, of Huntersville, N.C., was ordered to serve 80 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
“Coleman knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms, yet he armed himself with multiple guns, including a machinegun,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “Keeping firearms out of the hands of those who should not have them in the first place is important for the safety of our communities, and we will prosecute them at the federal level.”
According to court records, in December 2024, law enforcement learned that Coleman illegally possessed various firearms and suspected destructive devices. Court records show that Coleman had previously served time in prison for a state firearm conviction and was prohibited from possessing firearms. Law enforcement searched a residence associated with Coleman where they located four AR-style rifles that Coleman had hidden in the attic. Law enforcement arrested Coleman and searched his apartment, where they found multiple firearms, including a short-barreled rifle with a high-capacity magazine, machineguns, firearm components, ammunition, five destructive devices (improvised grenades), and components to build destructive devices.
Coleman pleaded guilty to possession of a machinegun in November 2025. He is currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Huntersville Police Department and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for their work on this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimlani Ford of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Charlotte Man Sentenced to Prison for Using U.S. Postal Service Arrow Keys to Steal $963,000Read the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Tidarian Williams, 32, of Charlotte, was sentenced today to 42 months in prison and two years of supervised release for unlawful possession of a USPS arrow key and theft of mail matter, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Williams pleaded guilty to these offenses on October 24, 2025.
“Stealing mail causes financial strain and stress on a large number of victims and my office is committed to aggressively prosecuting it,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “Williams not only stole mail from all over the city, he fled, hit a federal officer, and nearly struck an innocent pedestrian. His brazen conduct and disregard for the law put lives at risk just so he could enrich himself by stealing mail.”
“This sentencing holds Williams accountable for his actions and sends a clear message that mail theft and the unlawful use of USPS arrow keys will not be tolerated,” said Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division for the Postal Inspection Service. “The Postal Inspection Service remains committed to protecting the safety and security of our personnel and the mail, and we will continue working alongside our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who victimize postal customers. “
According to court documents, between October 2024 and May 2025, Williams used arrow keys, which are master keys used by the U.S. Postal Service, to unlawfully access cluster mailboxes and steal mail in and around Charlotte. Williams specifically sought after pieces of mail that contained checks, credit cards, or other financial instruments, which he then used to enrich himself or sell to others. During his crime spree, Williams became increasingly brazen, as he transitioned from breaking into outdoor mailboxes at night to walking into businesses and residential buildings in the middle of the day and breaking into cluster mailboxes located in the lobbies.
U.S. v. Williams – Video Stills Capturing the Defendant Stealing Mail
Court documents show that Williams’ thefts victimized businesses and residents across the Charlotte area, and at least one property targeted by Williams hired a guard to physically monitor its mailroom. The total loss associated with Williams’s scheme is approximately $963,000 and involved at least 10 victims.
Court documents show that Williams used stolen credit cards and other financial instruments to purchase luxury goods, jewelry, and other items. In addition, Williams sold or offered to sell to other individuals the “keys to the city,” meaning arrow keys, as well as stolen checks.
U.S. v. Williams – Williams’s Custom Diamond Necklace in the Shape of a U.S. Postal Service Arrow Key (Top); Williams Posing with Custom Arrow Key Necklace (Middle) and Outside a Post Office (Bottom)
According to court records, in April 2025, law enforcement responded to a mail theft in progress. When postal inspectors arrived on the scene, they observed Williams driving away in his vehicle. The postal inspectors blocked Williams’s vehicle and attempted to stop him, but when a postal inspector exited his car to approach the defendant, Williams fled by driving on the sidewalk, striking the postal inspector with his vehicle and causing him to sustain minor injuries. Williams then drove recklessly at high rate of speed and nearly struck a pedestrian.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Office of the Inspector General, and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Kinlaw and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Frick with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte handled the prosecution.
To report suspected mail theft, tips, or other mail-related crimes, go to https://mailtheft.uspis.gov/ or call USPIS at 1-877-876-2455. Call 911 to report an active crime in progress.
Recidivist Sex Offender Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Richard Sevear Greene, 58, of Franklin, N.C., was sentenced to 20 years in prison yesterday for distributing and attempting to distribute child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Greene was also ordered to register as a sex offender and serve a lifetime term of supervised release after his release from prison.
According to court documents and the court proceedings, Greene was previously convicted in North Carolina state court of Third Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and was required to register as a sex offender. In February 2025, while Greene was a registered sex offender, he used a messaging application to communicate with individuals in a public group on the application whose members were known to be interested in the sexual exploitation of minors.
An investigator working with the FBI in an undercover capacity began communicating with Greene. Over the course of their communications, Greene sent the undercover investigator videos depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. On March 27, 2025, the FBI arrested Greene. During an interview, Greene admitted to possessing CSAM and to sending CSAM through the messaging application to others. He also admitted to being the administrator or owner of several chat groups on the messaging application that were dedicated to the sexual exploitation of minors.
In imposing Greene’s sentence, Judge Reidinger noted that in reoffending, Greene had “doubled down” and not only returned to the same criminal conduct that he had previously been convicted of, but had engaged in even more serious and harmful behaviors, and that Greene’s conduct clearly shows that he is a danger to the community and has not been deterred by prior convictions and sentences.
Greene is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
The investigation was led by the FBI with assistance from the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, United States Forest Service, and the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction - Division of Community Supervision.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexis Benjamin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville 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 the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Prior Federal Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 14 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A prior federal drug trafficker was sentenced to prison yesterday for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl throughout Burke and Catawba Counties, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Rodney Justin Crisp, 38, of Morganton, N.C., was sentenced to 14 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. On January 5, 2026, Crisp pleaded guilty to distributing methamphetamine.
According to filed court documents and the sentencing hearing, in June 2024, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation into Crisp for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl in Burke and Catawba Counties. Investigators developed a confidential source who began purchasing methamphetamine and fentanyl from Crisp. Prior to each controlled purchase, the confidential source communicated with Crisp to arrange the transaction, then travelled to various locations in Burke and Catawba Counties to purchase the drugs. During the investigation, the confidential source engaged in multiple controlled drug transactions with Crisp.
On October 13, 2025, deputies with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office encountered Crisp and two passengers in a vehicle. Deputies executed a federal arrest warrant. A search of the vehicle uncovered numerous small, empty clear plastic baggies in and around the driver’s seat and center console, as well as a leather bag on the rear center floorboard. Inside the bag, deputies located drug paraphernalia and a smaller purple bag containing methamphetamine.
Crisp is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Burke County Sheriff’s Office and the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Two Illegal Aliens from Honduras Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking Following Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Olver Anacleto Amador-Calderon, 24, and Alexander Josue Viatoro-Arita, 22, both illegal aliens from Honduras, were sentenced to prison yesterday for trafficking fentanyl, following an investigation by the Homeland Security Task Force, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Amador-Calderon was ordered to serve 14 years in prison, and Viatoro-Arita was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Following the completion of their prison sentences, both defendants will be deported. The defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
“These defendants entered our country illegally and fueled the distribution of deadly fentanyl while armed with stolen firearms. They will serve time in an American prison before they are deported, and we will continue our fight to completely eliminate fentanyl from our community,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson.
According to filed court documents and court proceedings, in January 2025, Viatoro-Arita sold 24.99 grams of fentanyl to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. Later the same day, investigators arrived at the hotel where the defendants were staying. Investigators searched the hotel room, where they recovered more than 330 grams of fentanyl, approximately $33,000 in cash, and two ledgers documenting drug sales. The ledgers documented approximately $159,400 in drug transactions between December 2024 and January 2025, totaling 11.665 kilograms of fentanyl and just under 3.3 kilograms of methamphetamine. In addition, investigators recovered firearms concealed in the defendants’ waistbands. Amador-Calderon possessed a .380 caliber Titan pistol, and Viatoro-Arita possessed a stolen 9mm Taurus pistol with a partially obliterated serial number.
The defendants are currently in federal custody. They will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
The investigation was handled by the FBI, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, and the Gastonia Police Department.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) is an 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. HSTF CORE 23 (Charlotte) is comprised of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), United States Marshal Service (USMS), United States Customers and Border Protection (CBP), United States ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), the Naval Criminal investigative Service (NCIS), the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FIDC) Office of Inspector General (OIG), the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG), the North Carolina Insurance Bureau, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the Raleigh Police Department, the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, the Cary Police Department, the Nash Count Sheriff’s Office, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, the Halifax County Sheriff’s office, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office, the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, the Brunswick Count Sheriff’s Office, the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office, the Wilmington Police Department, the Nags Head Police Department, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS), the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), the Kannapolis Police Department, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, the Waxhaw Police Department, the Gaston County Police Department, the Gastonia Police Department, the Huntersville Police Department, the Cornelius Police Department, the Matthews Police Department, the Pineville Police Department, the Stallings Police Department, the Kings Mountain Police Department, the Greensville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), the Cherokee County Sheriff’s office, the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) International Airport Police Department, the South Carolina Department of Corrections, the Anderson City Police Department, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston County Airport Police Department, the Charleston Police Department, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Summerville Police Department, the Greensboro Police Department, the Winston-Salem Police Department, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, the Alamance County Sheriff’s office, the Davie County Sheriff’s Office, the Eden Police Department, the Piedmont Triad Internal Airport Police Department, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Districts of North and South Carolina.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 10 Years for Highway Shooting that Injured Two PeopleRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Anil Dabydeen, 41, of Charlotte, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegally possessing the stolen firearm he used to shoot at vehicles on I-485, injuring two people, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
“We will use federal statutes to charge federal crimes when individuals act recklessly with firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “No one driving on the highway should be in fear they are going to be shot by a passerby. My office is diligently working to remove felons illegally possessing handguns from our streets and send them to prison where they cannot harm innocent people.”
“Taking violent and dangerous individuals off our streets is a critical effort that ATF is proud to be a part of,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “We continue to work with our law enforcement partners to apprehend those that pose the biggest threat to our public safety.”
“Violent acts like this have no place in our city, and this case shows what can be accomplished when strong partnerships work together to protect the community. Our officers, federal partners, and prosecutors moved quickly and decisively to hold this offender accountable,” said Chief of Police Estella D. Patterson. “CMPD remains firmly committed to working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, ATF and all of our public safety partners to address violent crime, remove dangerous individuals from our streets and ensure the safety of everyone who lives, works, and travels in Charlotte.”
According to court documents and the court hearing, on January 8, 2025, at 3:49 p.m., officers with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) were dispatched to I-485 at the South Tryon Street exit after receiving several 911 calls reporting a male operating a white Honda sedan on the highway shooting at passing vehicles. CMPD officers arrived on the scene and located two victims who had been shot. The victims told the officers that they were traveling south on I-485 when their vehicle was struck by gunfire. Both victims were transported to the hospital, and one required surgery because of the injuries sustained. While on the scene, the officers reviewed a video recorded by a witness. The video showed a white sedan stopped on the side of the highway, and an individual, later identified as Dabydeen, walking around the vehicle, brandishing a firearm and pointing it at passing vehicles. Dabydeen had shot the victims’ car three times.
While the officers were investigating the incident, they observed a white Honda sedan driving in their direction at a high rate of speed. The vehicle swerved onto the grassy area on the right shoulder of the highway, passing close by the officers. The officers recognized the vehicle as the one observed during the shooting and began to pursue it while the driver fled. Eventually, Dabydeen stopped the vehicle, and he was taken into custody. Officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded Taurus Model G3c, 9mm pistol affixed with a loaded extended magazine. The firearm had been reported stolen. During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Dabydeen has a prior felony conviction for Attempted Murder in New York, and he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Dabydeen remains in federal custody. He will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
The ATF and CMPD led the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Spaugh of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte handled the prosecution.
North Carolina Woman Charged for Allegedly Orchestrating Fraud Scheme Involving $9 Million in USDA Discrimination Financial AssistanceRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A North Carolina woman is facing federal charges for allegedly orchestrating a scheme that defrauded the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP) of millions of dollars, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
A federal grand jury in Charlotte returned an indictment charging Linda Faye Hough, 64, of Rockingham, N.C., with one count of mail fraud and six counts of making false, fictitious, or fraudulent claims to a federal program in connection with more than $9 million in DFAP applications.
“Regardless of the program, hard-earned taxpayer dollars should be spent where Congress intended, not to personally benefit those who exploit the system,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “My office is committed to rooting out fraud, safeguarding taxpayer dollars, and preserving the integrity of federal assistance programs.”
“A program designed to remedy wrongdoing instead turned into another vector for criminals to defraud the taxpayer. The USDA Office of Inspector General is committed to ensuring taxpayer money is wisely spent. Those who steal from the public can expect to be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk.
“When a federal program is defrauded, every taxpayer becomes a victim and those deserving of assistance are essentially robbed of much needed financial help. Fighting fraud is one of the highest priorities in the FBI. We will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to take down anyone who unlawfully obtains federal assistance to use in their personal piggy banks," said Reid Davis, the FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge.
The DFAP (or Program) was established by the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, which appropriated $2.2 billion in federal funding, to compensate farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021. To be eligible to receive funding, applicants were required to submit documentation to prove eligibility, including that they owned or leased farmland; that they participated in or attempted to participate in a USDA farm loan program; that they experienced discrimination by USDA employees; and that they suffered financial losses. Individual DFAP awards were capped at $500,000 per applicant.
According to allegations in the indictment, from January 2024 to August 2024, Hough allegedly orchestrated a scheme to fraudulently obtain funds from the DFAP, both for herself and for others. As a promoter of the scheme, the indictment alleges that Hough submitted fraudulent DFAP applications for herself and others that contained false information that falsely made the applicants appear eligible for a DFAP award. In some instances, Hough solicited and received kickback payments from applicants, after they received DFAP awards.
As are result of the fraudulent applications, it is alleged that Hough caused approximately $9 million in fraudulently obtained DFAP funds to be disbursed to her and other applicants.
Hough had her initial appearance in federal court today. If convicted, Hough faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison for the mail fraud offense, and five years in prison for each count of filing false, fictitious, or fraudulent claims. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The USDA Office of Inspector General and the FBI handled the investigation with the assistance of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Financial Crimes.
Special Assistant U.S. Eric Frick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.
The charges against the defendant are allegations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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.
Asheville Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Prison for Log Cabin Kit SchemeRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Jason Nathaniel Speier, 43, of Arden, N.C., was sentenced today to 135 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for a scheme to defraud customers who purchased log cabin kits, announced U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison term imposed, Speier was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,426,072.25.
Speier pleaded guilty to wire fraud on October 25, 2025. During the scheme Speier defrauded at least 24 customers and received more than $2.5 million in customer payments.
According to court documents, from 2022 through 2023, Speier was the owner and president of K.I. Enterprises, Inc., doing business as “Kabens,” an unlicensed company that claimed to build log cabin homes in Western North Carolina. Court filings show that Speier executed a scheme to defraud customers by falsely representing that his business was capable of building European-sourced log cabin kits into turnkey residences. Contrary to those claims, Speier did not have a legitimate source of supply for the purported log cabin kits.
Court records show that Speier falsely assured customers that he had built many cabins for satisfied customers and that he could provide references and favorable reviews. To solicit new clients, Speier developed an extensive online marketing and social media presence, advertising “complete log cabin home packages” at “affordable prices.” His advertisements also falsely promised “fast construction” and “unlimited customization.” To boost sales, Speier built a sales team and directed them to make numerous sales to customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. He also falsely claimed that customers’ down payments would be used to purchase log cabin kits and complete construction in a timely manner.
According to court filings, Speier continued his fraudulent conduct even after the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors launched an investigation following multiple customer complaints. Despite the investigation, Speier incorporated a new business called “Big Timber Log Homes” and continued soliciting new customers to build turnkey cabins, even though Speier had not successfully completed a single project.
At today’s sentencing hearing, one of Speier’s victims stated in court that their loss was just “a drop in the chum bucket of Jason Speier’s endless exploitation of others.”
Speier is in federal custody. He will be ordered to report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the FBI, the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office and the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office for their work on this case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville was in charge of the prosecution.
Illegal Alien from Mexico Charged with Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Carlos Alonso Hernandez Urbina, 38, a Mexican national residing illegally in the United States, is facing multiple charges for distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and for possessing CSAM involving prepubescent minors, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
“Child sexual abuse material involving prepubescent minors is disgusting,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “Those that come to this country illegally to engage in such conduct will serve time in federal prison before being deported.”
According to allegations in the indictment, from May to June 2026, in Mecklenburg County, Urbina knowingly distributed CSAM on multiple occasions to five individuals. It is further alleged that from 2024 to 2026, Urbina did knowingly possess and accessed with intent to view CSAM that involved a prepubescent minor and a minor that had not yet attained 12 years of age.
If Urbina is convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years prison for each of the five counts of distribution of CSAM in the indictment, and up to 20 years in prison for the charge of possession and access with intent to view CSAM involving a prepubescent minor. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI in Charlotte investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Cervantes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.
The charges against the defendant are allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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 the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Armed Illegal Alien from Mexico Faces Multiple Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – An illegal alien from Mexico is facing multiple child sexual exploitation charges and a firearms offense, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
A federal grand jury returned a criminal indictment, charging Francisco Rosales Ortiz, 41, with 10 counts of production of CSAM, possession and access with intent to view CSAM, and unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien.
According to allegations in the indictment, between June 2025 and March 2026, in Gaston County, Ortiz attempted to, and did, use a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct multiple times for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the sexual abuse. It is further alleged that during that time, Ortiz also knowingly possessed and accessed with intent to view child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The indictment also alleges that Ortiz illegally possessed three firearms, two pistols and a rifle, while being an alien unlawfully and illegally in the United States.
“We are not going to stand by while illegal aliens come to our country and exploit our children,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “There are plenty of people in line to legally come to the United States. They should not be forced to the back of the line for someone like Ortiz, who is charged with sexually abusing a child and illegally possessing firearms.”
“Homeland Security Investigations is committed to protecting our communities from those who seek to exploit the most vulnerable among us—our children. HSI will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate and bring to justice individuals who commit these heinous crimes,” said Mark M. Zito, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Carolinas. “We will use every tool at our disposal to ensure that offenders are held accountable and that our neighborhoods remain safe places for children to grow and thrive.”
If convicted, Ortiz faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 325 years in prison, which includes 30 years in prison for each count of production of CSAM; up to 10 years in prison for possession and access with intent to view CSAM; and a maximum of 15 years in prison for the firearms offense. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Homeland Security Investigations handled the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Cervantes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.
The charges against the defendant are allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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 the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to 12 ½ Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Terry Detroit Page, 54, of Pineville, N.C., was sentenced today to 151 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for distributing methamphetamine, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
According to filed court documents and the sentencing hearing, law enforcement initiated an investigation into Page for drug trafficking in and around Charlotte. Using a confidential informant, law enforcement conducted multiple drug buys with Page of methamphetamine and fentanyl. In January 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Page’s residence. During search of the residence, law enforcement seized narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and two firearms, including a rifle. Page has a prior criminal conviction, and he is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Page is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Convicted Felon on State Probation Sentenced to 10 Years on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Kuron Christopher Grant, 23, of Asheville, was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for distributing methamphetamine and illegally possessing a firearm in Asheville, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Grant’s 10-year sentence will run at the expiration of his North Carolina sentence for violating his state probation.
“I have no patience for those that are given a second chance and return to a life of crime,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “We cannot give people unlimited chances when it comes to selling drugs and guns—a dangerous combination. Mr. Grant will have another decade in federal prison to think about that.”
According to filed documents and court proceedings, while Grant was on probation for 2024 state convictions of carrying a concealed gun, common law robbery, and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, law enforcement initiated an investigation into Grant for suspected drug trafficking in Buncombe County. Court records show that, between August and September 2025, on six occasions, Grant sold fentanyl and methamphetamine to law enforcement, as well as firearms, including a stolen AR rifle. On November 4, 2025, law enforcement arrested Grant and found in his backpack a short, barreled rifle fitted with an extended magazine. In total, according to court records, Grant was responsible for distributing more than 119 grams of pure methamphetamine and more than 181 grams of fentanyl and had illegally possessed three firearms.
Grant is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Asheville Police Department, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Convicted Drug Trafficker on Probation Sentenced to 15 Years for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A convicted drug trafficker on probation was sentenced today to 180 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Robert James Salyards, 52, of Claremont, N.C., was ordered to serve five years of supervised release after he completes the prison term.
“Career criminals like Salyards are fueling addiction and ruining communities,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “By removing him from the streets, we have, as he admitted, put an end to at least 50 drugs sales every week.”
According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, Salyards was on state parole for a drug conviction. On February 25, 2025, officers with the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office stopped Salyards’ vehicle for driving at excessive speed. During the stop, the officers observed a glass meth pipe at the front console. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, the officers found in the center console a clear plastic bag containing 111 grams of methamphetamine. They also located an eye glass case containing a plastic bag with 3.7 grams of methamphetamine. On the driver’s seat of the vehicle there was a bag containing another clear plastic bag with 26 grams of methamphetamine. During the investigation, Salyards admitted to selling methamphetamine, and that he made approximately 50 drug sales per week.
Due to Salyards’ multiple prior convictions, including Possession With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Distribute Methamphetamine, he was sentenced as a career criminal.
Salyards is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Hickory Police Department for their investigation of the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
North Carolina Business Owner Sentenced to Prison for Employment Tax CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A North Carolina woman was ordered to serve a year and a day in prison followed by two years of supervised release for her willful failure to account for and pay over almost $1 million in employment taxes on behalf of her business, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Brenda Wymer owned and operated Haven Home Care, Inc. (HHC), a North Wilkesboro, North Carolina company that provided home healthcare services. Wymer exercised control over HHC’s business and financial affairs and was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from HHC’s employees and paying over those funds to the IRS. The timely payment of these taxes is critical to the functioning of the U.S. government because, among other things, they are the primary source of funding for Social Security and Medicare. The federal income taxes that are withheld from employees’ wages also account for a significant portion of all federal income taxes collected each year.
Between 2015 and 2024, Wymer caused HHC to withhold taxes from her employees’ paychecks but did not file tax returns accounting for these withholdings and did not pay this money to the IRS. Instead, she kept those tax funds for herself and her business.
Wymer pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to account for and pay over trust fund taxes. In total, Wymer caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $973,000.
In addition to her prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Matthew E. Orso for the Western District of North Carolina ordered Wymer to pay $973,727.04 in restitution to the United States.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Daniel Lipkowitz of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley of the Western District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case.
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.
Tennessee Woman Sentenced to Prison for Fraud Scheme Involving $1.4 Million of Fake Property DeedsRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Tennessee woman was sentenced to prison today for filing bogus deeds for residential real estate in North Carolina and other states and misusing the owners’ personal identifying information (PII), announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Alicia, England, 33, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was ordered to serve 75 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay more than $300,000 as restitution.
“Filing fake deeds and stealing identities can wreak havoc on a victim’s life,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “England left a trail of victims forced to deal with the aftermath of her crimes—for that, she will pay the price.”
According to court documents and court proceedings, from October 2022 to August 2024, England engaged in a wire fraud scheme by filing fake deeds for residential real estate located in North Carolina and elsewhere. To carry out the scheme, England stole the identity of several victims, alive and deceased, and used their PII to open bank accounts, file fraudulent deeds, and enter into real estate sales for properties she did not actually own. In some cases, she also forged the signatures of notaries, while in others she used fake identifications. She then sold or attempted to sell the properties to third parties through various platforms, including Facebook Marketplace.
In total, the scheme involved at least 19 properties, including four properties in the Charlotte area, worth more than $1.4 million. Court documents show that England’s fraudulent scheme caused victims significant emotional distress and financial hardship.
England pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. She is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked United States Secret Service for the investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Ryan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Leader of Multi-State Auto Theft Ring Sentenced More Than Eight Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The fifth member and leader of an organized auto theft ring that stole more than 100 high-end vehicles worth millions of dollars from dealerships located across the United States was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison yesterday, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Hosea Fernandez Hampton, 27, of Charlotte, was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after completing his prison term.
Hampton previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport, possess, and sell stolen vehicles in interstate commerce and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
“This was a sophisticated car-stealing operation by professional criminals across multiple states,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “Hampton now has years behind bars to contemplate whether a life of crime is worth the loss of his freedom.”
Hampton’s four co-defendants also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport, possess, and sell stolen vehicles in interstate commerce and were previously sentenced as follows:
- Dewanne Lamar White was sentenced to 108 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. White also pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
- Kevin Ja’Coryen James Fields was sentenced to 96 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Fields also pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle.
- Reginald Eugene Hill was sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release.
- Garyka Vaughn Bost was sentenced to 12 months and a day in prison followed by two years of supervised release.
According to court documents and court proceedings, from 2021 to 2023, Hampton and his co-defendants engaged in a conspiracy to steal luxury vehicles worth millions of dollars from dealerships in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Arizona. To maximize profits from the thefts, Hampton and his co-defendants targeted luxury vehicles made by Bentley, BMW, Cadillac, Land Rover, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz, as well as other expensive models from Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, and other manufacturers.
Court documents show that Hampton was one of the leaders of the auto theft scheme, frequently organizing the thefts, identifying target dealerships, recruiting drivers to transport the stolen vehicles and later paying the drivers for their services. According to court records, during Hampton’s time in the conspiracy, conspirators stole at least 82 vehicles worth nearly $5.9 million.
Generally, Hampton and the co-defendants visited dealerships posing as customers interested in purchasing vehicles. After pretending to test drive or inspect the vehicles, the defendants would swap the vehicles’ key fobs with similar ones and later use the stolen key fobs to steal the vehicles. Other times, they employed methods like “smash-and-grab” thefts, where they would break into dealerships and locate keys to the high-end models, or break open lockboxes containing keys to luxury vehicles and then drive the vehicles off the lot. On several occasions, the defendants and other co-conspirators stole multiple vehicles simultaneously, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses.
U.S. v. White et al.: Hampton (right) with co-defendants Reginald Hill (left) and DeWanne White (bottom) at a car dealership in Panama City, Florida, where multiple thefts occurred as part of the auto theft scheme.
According to court documents and the sentencing hearings, once the stolen vehicles were taken off the dealership lots, the defendants avoided law enforcement detection by removing the GPS navigation and tracking systems from the stolen vehicles, attaching fictitious dealer tags or stolen license plates on the vehicles, and replacing the vehicles’ authentic Vehicle Identification Numbers, among other things. The stolen vehicles were then transported back to Charlotte where they were sold locally at prices well below market value.
Hampton also frequently possessed and later sold many of the vehicles stolen in the scheme. Adding to the seriousness of the offense, Hampton and his coconspirators drove vehicles recklessly, including by fleeing from law enforcement at high speeds, and possessed firearms. During the scheme, Hampton was stopped in Flagler, Florida, driving a blue 2018 BMW M5 that was stolen from a car dealership in Wilmington, North Carolina. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement located various key fobs and a Glock 19X firearm under the driver’s seat.
U.S. v. White et al. – Picture of the Glock firearm and various vehicle key fobs located in the stolen BMW that Hampton was driving in Florida.
Hampton is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prison upon designation to a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department for their investigation of the case and recognized the contributions of the York County in South Carolina Sheriff’s Office and many other state and local law enforcement partners that assisted with the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Bozin and Daniel Ryan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the case.
Honduran National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Nearly $500,000 Home Depot Refund SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Darwin Alberto Corea Calderon, 34, a Honduran national, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for his role in carrying out a refund scheme and conspiracy that defrauded The Home Depot stores in North and South Carolina of nearly half a million dollars, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
“Those who defraud retailers make prices higher for all of us,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “Corea’s crimes were born out of greed, not necessity. This was a calculated scheme that he repeated over and over, and would continue to repeat, until federal law enforcement brought it to an end.”
According to court records, from 2022 to 2025, Corea conspired to conduct an extensive refund scheme against The Home Depot that caused the retailer to issue hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent refunds. Corea targeted more than a dozen Home Depot stores in the region, including stores in Charlotte, Cornelius, Gastonia, Kannapolis, Matthews, and Statesville, as well as stores in Rock Hill and Spartanburg, South Carolina. In total, the scheme defrauded Home Depot of more than $464,000. In addition to the refund scheme, Corea also committed theft by engaging in a skip-scanning scheme, in which he purposely failed to scan products at Home Depot’s self-checkout registers and walked out with them.
U.S. v. Corea - Corea at the Home Depot in Cornelius, North Carolina on June 14, 2023.
At today’s sentencing hearing, the government also presented evidence of Corea’s 2024 state felony larceny conviction in Cabarrus County for stealing power tools, a vacuum, and a microwave from Lowe’s Home Improvement.
Corea previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals until he is transferred to a federal facility upon placement by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. After serving his prison sentence, Corea will be turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson commended Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation of the case and thanked The Home Depot for its invaluable assistance throughout the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William Bozin with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Federal Jury Finds Charlotte Man Guilty of Sex Trafficking a MinorRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal jury in Charlotte returned a guilty verdict today against Marvin Qualls, 42, of Spencer, N.C., for sex trafficking a 16-year-old female victim, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Qualls was convicted of conspiracy to sex traffic a minor and sex trafficking of a minor. Qualls’s co-defendant, Out Ekong, 22, previously pleaded guilty to sex trafficking a minor.
“Those who prey on vulnerable teenagers deserve to be in prison,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “I am proud of the prosecutors in my office who worked night-and-day to make sure Qualls and Ekong’s days of preying on children are over.”
“This guilty verdict reflects the strength of the FBI’s partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office who together worked tirelessly on this case. Combating the trafficking of children requires a unified response, and we will continue to identify victims, pursue offenders, and ensure that those who exploit the most vulnerable are brought to justice,” said Reid Davis, the FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge.
According to filed documents, evidence presented at trial, and witness testimony, between December 2023 and January 2024, Qualls and Ekong engaged in a conspiracy to sex traffic a 16-year-old victim, who had run away from home. Trial evidence established that Qualls met the minor at work, and soon after began to sex traffic the victim with Ekong, knowing she was underage. In trafficking the victim, the two men posted advertisements of the minor on commercial sex websites, set prices and arranged the minor victim’s sexual encounters with customers, booked hotels rooms where the encounters took place, and acted as security while the victim engaged in commercial sex transactions. Qualls and Ekong traveled with the victim across North and South Carolina for her to engage in commercial sex transactions, and the two men kept the money the victim earned from these commercial sexual encounters.
Both Qualls and Ekong will both remain in federal custody until they are sentenced at a later date. The conspiracy to conspiracy to sex traffic a minor carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. The charge of sex trafficking of a minor carries a minimum term of 10 years and a maximum term of life in prison.
In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the FBI’s Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the FBI, the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Spaugh and Timothy Sielaff are prosecuting the case.
If you are the victim of human trafficking or may have information about a potential trafficking situation, please call the FBI, local law enforcement, or the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888. NHTRC is a national, toll-free hotline, with specialists available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year related to potential trafficking victims, suspicious behaviors, and/or locations where trafficking is suspected to occur. To submit a tip to the NHTRC online please visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/report-trafficking.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison for Possessing Sawed-Off ShotgunRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Daquan Devonte Jeter, 34, of Charlotte, and a previously convicted felon, was sentenced yesterday to 78 months in prison for possessing a sawed-off shotgun, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
“This defendant’s violent conduct endangered multiple victims, including a young child,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “Those who illegally possess firearms and use them to terrorize others should expect to face significant federal prison time.”
According to court records, on March 23, 2025, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) received a 911 call for service at approximately 1 a.m. about a potential assault involving Jeter and a firearm. Officers responding to the scene met a woman who had visible injuries to her mouth. The victim told officers that Jeter had fired a shotgun. Jeter was not on scene, but officers recovered several live shotgun shells from the ground. The victim also told law enforcement that Jeter had struck her in the mouth with the firearm.
Court documents show that approximately an hour and a half after the Charlotte 911 call, the Mint Hill Police Department received a call reporting that an SUV was stopped in the middle of the road. Responding officers found Jeter behind the wheel of the SUV, with the vehicle still running and in drive. Jeter was unconscious in the driver’s seat holding the firearm in his hands. A toddler was also in the back seat of the SUV. Jeter was arrested and taken to a nearby hospital. While at the hospital, Jeter was combative and threatened to sexually assault family members of the arresting officers upon his release from custody.
In September 2025, Jeter pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon. He is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, CMPD, and the Mint Hill Police Department investigated the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Armed Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Jacquese Dominique Warren, 36, of Charlotte, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for trafficking methamphetamine and illegally possessing firearms, including rifles with high-capacity magazines, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
“Law enforcement in Charlotte has been clear: we are not going to let hotels be turned into havens of crime,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “If you use a hotel room to traffic drugs or guns, your next room will be a federal prison cell.”
According to filed documents and court proceedings, in October 2024, law enforcement began an investigation into Warren after learning he was selling narcotics from his hotel room. During the investigation, law enforcement conducted multiple controlled drug buys from Warren. On at least two occasions, an individual cooperating with law enforcement purchased methamphetamine and firearms from Warren, including two rifles fitted with 30-round high-capacity magazines, as well as boxes of ammunition.
Court records show that, on February 8, 2025, Warren was involved in a shootout outside of the hotel where he was staying. Law enforcement responding to the scene obtained and executed a search warrant for Warren’s room. During the search, law enforcement seized an AR pistol and a revolver reported stolen, quantities of cocaine base, MDMA, and several boxes of ammunition.
In September 2025, Warren pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon and distribution of methamphetamine. He is currently in federal custody pending placement with the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The ATF and CMPD investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William Wiseman was in charge of the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
HSTF Investigation Leads to Lengthy Prison Sentence for Illegal Alien from Mexico Who Trafficked Methamphetamine Supplied by the Sinaloa CartelRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – An investigation by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) has resulted in the conviction and sentencing of an illegal alien from Mexico who distributed hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine for a drug trafficking organization supplied by the Sinaloa Cartel, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Anselmo Nava-Sanchez, 32, was sentenced to 188 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. After serving his prison sentence, Nava-Sanchez will be removed from the United States.
“The Sinaloa Cartel depends on drug trafficking organizations operating inside our country to distribute deadly drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “This one illegal alien defendant trafficked almost 800 pounds of drugs for the organization. For that, he will serve almost 16 years in an American prison before being deported.”
According to filed documents and court proceedings, law enforcement identified Nava-Sanchez as a drug distributor for a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) supplied by the Sinaloa Cartel. Over the course of the investigation, Nava-Sanchez was involved in the importation, manufacture, and distribution of hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine. In August 2023, law enforcement intercepted Nava-Sanchez’s vehicle on his way from Georgia to North Carolina to make an arranged drug delivery. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement seized two large trash bags containing plastic bins with nearly 10 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Law enforcement also searched Nava-Sanchez’s residence where they found multiple coolers filled with more than 85 kilograms of liquid methamphetamine, plastic tubs containing nearly 90 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, drug ledgers, digital scales, and items indicating that Nava-Sanchez was using his residence as a meth lab to convert liquid meth into crystal meth. Law enforcement also located a Buick SUV at the residence that had built-in trap compartments commonly used to avoid detection by law enforcement when transporting large quantities of drugs.
In total, during the investigation, Nava-Sanchez was responsible for trafficking more than 360 kilograms of methamphetamine for the DTO.
Nava-Sanchez will remain in federal custody until he is transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
This was an investigation led by the HSTF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick J. Miller of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
HSTF is an 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. HSTF CORE 23 (Charlotte) is comprised of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), United States Marshal Service (USMS), United States Customers and Border Protection (CBP), United States ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), the Naval Criminal investigative Service (NCIS), the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FIDC) Office of Inspector General (OIG), the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG), the North Carolina Insurance Bureau, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the Raleigh Police Department, the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, the Cary Police Department, the Nash Count Sheriff’s Office, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, the Halifax County Sheriff’s office, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office, the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, the Brunswick Count Sheriff’s Office, the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office, the Wilmington Police Department, the Nags Head Police Department, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS), the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), the Kannapolis Police Department, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, the Waxhaw Police Department, the Gaston County Police Department, the Gastonia Police Department, the Huntersville Police Department, the Cornelius Police Department, the Matthews Police Department, the Pineville Police Department, the Stallings Police Department, the Kings Mountain Police Department, the Greensville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), the Cherokee County Sheriff’s office, the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) International Airport Police Department, the South Carolina Department of Corrections, the Anderson City Police Department, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston County Airport Police Department, the Charleston Police Department, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Summerville Police Department, the Greensboro Police Department, the Winston-Salem Police Department, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, the Alamance County Sheriff’s office, the Davie County Sheriff’s Office, the Eden Police Department, the Piedmont Triad Internal Airport Police Department, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Districts of North and South Carolina.
Popular Wedding Venue Owner in North Carolina Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Jason Lottman, 43, of Charlotte, and former owner of Champagne Manor, a popular wedding venue in Monroe, North Carolina, appeared in federal court today and pleaded guilty to wire fraud for defrauding customers and investors out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
“In North Carolina, we don’t mess with brides,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “Weddings are once-in-a-lifetime events where individuals spend significant savings, and we will be vigilant to ensure they are not defrauded while they plan their special day.”
According to court documents and today’s plea hearing, from October 2023 through January 2025, Lottman orchestrated a scheme to fraudulently obtain more than $1 million from customers and investors connected to Champaign Manor. As part of the scheme, Lottman solicited investments in Champagne Manor by promising ownership interests, guaranteed returns, or other financial incentives while making false statements to secure the investment money. In addition, Lottman marketed all-inclusive wedding packages to customers interested in using his venue, that required customers to pay upfront for vendors such as caterers, photographers, florists, DJs, and hair and makeup artists, representing that Lottman would pay those vendors directly or reimburse customers who chose to use their own vendors. Then, Lottman failed to pay those vendors, leaving customers to pay out-of-pocket for services they had already paid for through Lottman.
In mid-2024, Champagne Manor defaulted on its mortgage and foreclosure proceedings began. Even though Lottman knew the venue was in severe financial distress and would ultimately cease operations, he continued to solicit payments from customers and investors, while concealing the venue’s dire financial condition.
To induce victims to part with their money, Lottman made numerous false representations, including claiming that Champagne Manor was acquiring a glass ballroom that would serve as collateral for certain investment programs. In reality, the ballroom was never purchased. Lottman also offered customers investment-style programs and promotional discounts that promised future repayments or refunds that he knew he could not fulfil. In furtherance of the scheme, Lottman falsely represented to victims that they would receive payments by certain dates. When he missed making the payments, Lottman repeatedly misrepresented the reasons for the delayed payments.
The statutory maximum penalty for the wire fraud charge is 20 years in prison. Lottman’s sentence will be determined by the court based on the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing date has not been set.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson credited the FBI for the investigation of the case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Frick with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is in charge of the prosecution.
Illegal Alien Romanian Brothers Plead Guilty to Multistate SNAP Benefit Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Two Romanian brothers illegally in the United States appeared in federal court today and pleaded guilty to orchestrating a fraud scheme involving Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP) benefits affecting victims across multiple states, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. The case is part of the Department of Justice’s effort to combat fraud through the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
Marian Ovidiu Dumitru, 37, and Catalin Dumitru, 39, both Romanian citizens residing unlawfully in various places throughout the United States, each pleaded guilty to wire fraud.
“These individuals came to the United States illegally and preyed on some of our most vulnerable citizens—those receiving SNAP benefits,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “They stole benefits from those who actually need them and then resold products bought with those benefits for their own profit. We will use the full force of the federal government to hold accountable those who exploit taxpayer funded programs and victimize citizens on government assistance.”
According to court records, between July 2024 and August 2025, the defendants were members of an identity theft ring that defrauded the SNAP programs in New Jersey, Massachusetts, and other states of more than $760,000. The defendants and their co-conspirators used skimming devices at ATMs, fuel pumps, and other locations, to steal the data from electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards used to distribute SNAP benefits. The stolen information was then loaded onto counterfeit bank cards, gift cards, and other access devices which the defendants then used at large membership warehouse clubs to buy thousands of dollars’ worth of bulk items including coffee, candy, energy drinks, and baby formula. For example, the defendants used counterfeit cards loaded with stolen information from SNAP EBT cards issued in Massachusetts and New Jersey to purchase over $15,600 in coffee, candy and other items from a warehouse club in Gastonia, North Carolina, and over $19,000 from another warehouse club in Pineville, North Carolina. The defendants then transported, resold, or intended to resell the items purchased with counterfeit cards. According to court records, the defendants’ scheme victimized more than 10 individuals, causing some substantial hardship.
Court documents show that Catalin Dumitru and Marian Ovidiu Dumitru were also found to be in possession of 15 or more counterfeit and unauthorized bank cards with magnetic strips cloned with stolen SNAP EBT account information, as well as blank cards with magnetic strips.
The defendants pleaded guilty to wire fraud. They each face a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing date has not been set.
In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of the Inspector General, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and their state and local partners for their work on the investigation.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Frick and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Kinlaw of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the case.
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.
Illegal Alien Romanian Brothers Plead Guilty to Multistate SNAP Benefit Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Two Romanian brothers illegally in the United States appeared in federal court today and pleaded guilty to orchestrating a fraud scheme involving Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP) benefits affecting victims across multiple states, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. The case is part of the Department of Justice’s effort to combat fraud through the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
Marian Ovidiu Dumitru, 37, and Catalin Dumitru, 39, both Romanian citizens residing unlawfully in various places throughout the United States, each pleaded guilty to wire fraud.
“The Fraud Division will not tolerate anyone who steals from public benefits programs designed to support Americans in need,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “If you attempt to defraud these programs, we will come after you with the full force of federal law. We are committed to safeguarding America’s tax dollars and the programs they are meant to support.”
“These individuals came to the United States illegally and preyed on some of our most vulnerable citizens—those receiving SNAP benefits,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “They stole benefits from those who actually need them and then resold products bought with those benefits for their own profit. We will use the full force of the federal government to hold accountable those who exploit taxpayer funded programs and victimize citizens on government assistance.”
According to court records, between July 2024 and August 2025, the defendants were members of an identity theft ring that defrauded the SNAP programs in New Jersey, Massachusetts, and other states of more than $760,000. The defendants and their co-conspirators used skimming devices at ATMs, fuel pumps, and other locations, to steal the data from electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards used to distribute SNAP benefits. The stolen information was then loaded onto counterfeit bank cards, gift cards, and other access devices which the defendants then used at large membership warehouse clubs to buy thousands of dollars’ worth of bulk items including coffee, candy, energy drinks, and baby formula. For example, the defendants used counterfeit cards loaded with stolen information from SNAP EBT cards issued in Massachusetts and New Jersey to purchase over $15,600 in coffee, candy and other items from a warehouse club in Gastonia, North Carolina, and over $19,000 from another warehouse club in Pineville, North Carolina. The defendants then transported, resold, or intended to resell the items purchased with counterfeit cards. According to court records, the defendants’ scheme victimized more than 10 individuals, causing some substantial hardship.
Court documents show that Catalin Dumitru and Marian Ovidiu Dumitru were also found to be in possession of 15 or more counterfeit and unauthorized bank cards with magnetic strips cloned with stolen SNAP EBT account information, as well as blank cards with magnetic strips.
The defendants pleaded guilty to wire fraud. They each face a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing date has not been set.
In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of the Inspector General, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and their state and local partners for their work on the investigation.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Frick and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Kinlaw of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the case.
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.
Two Statesville Men Face Federal Charges for Breeding Pit Bulls for Dog Fighting; 25 Dogs Rescued, Including PuppiesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Two Statesville men are facing federal charges for allegedly running a multi-state commercial dog breeding operation that bred pit bulls that were advertised and sold for illegal dog fighting, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
The federal indictment was unsealed yesterday, charging Juelz Christopher Daniels, 19, and Reginald Lionel Goodson, Jr., 55, with one count of conspiracy to violate the Animal Welfare Act. Daniels is also charged with three counts charging the possession, training, and sale of fighting dogs, and eight counts of violating the Animal Welfare Act, related primarily to his possession, training, and sale of fighting dogs, and advertising fighting dogs for sale on Facebook. Daniels and Goodson were arrested last Thursday. Law enforcement also executed search warrants at three residences, where they rescued and seized 25 pit bull-type dogs, including puppies, as well as other items, tools, and paraphernalia associated with breeding and training animals for dog fighting.
“It’s unbelievable people still engage in dog fighting activities,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “We are here to protect innocent animals from the abuse and suffering that comes with dog fighting.”
“When the FBI investigates illegal dog‑fighting operations, we’re not just stopping cruelty, we are disrupting violent criminal networks that harm both people and animals,” said Reid Davis, the FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge.
According to allegations in the indictment, from January 2021 to May 2026, Daniels and Goodson maintained properties where they bred, housed, and trained pit bull-type dogs intended for dog fights. They also used fighting training equipment and paraphernalia in their operations, including treadmills, bite sticks, heavy metal chains, animal hides, and “spring poles” or “flirt poles”—all to increase the animals’ strength and stamina. The defendants also allegedly trained and conditioned the pit bull-type dogs to fight in dog fights, and evaluated their dogs’ strengths, capabilities, aptitudes and willingness or inclination to fight.
According to allegations in the indictment, Daniels and Goodson operated one or more dog kennels, including “Hoodwoods Kennels,” for the purpose of raising pit bull-type dogs for dog fighting. It is further alleged that the defendants selectively bred pit bull-type dogs to display particular traits desirable for dog fighting, including aggressiveness and propensity to fight other dogs, often referred to as “gameness,” or a willingness to continue fighting another dog despite traumatic or mortal injury, among others.
The indictment further alleges that Daniels routinely posted advertisements for various pit bull-type dogs that he and Goodson bred and sold on multiple Facebook Groups dedicated to illegal dog fighting and to various individuals via Facebook Messenger. In the advertisements, Daniels allegedly touted the fighting bloodlines of the dogs, at times posting or providing links to the dogs’ pedigrees and bloodlines claiming the dogs were the offspring of dog fighting champions, a “champion” being a dog that has won three or more dog fights. Daniels and Goodson also frequently posted and shared pictures of pit bull-type dogs consistent with various methods of training dogs for dog fighting.
The defendants allegedly marketed and advertised on Facebook the dogs they bred and trained for dog fighting and communicated with others about the dogs’ victories, bloodlines, and training, as well as discussed details about the price, purchase, transfer, and delivery of the dogs to interested buyers. For example, in November 2025, Daniels allegedly posted a link in a Facebook Group to a pedigree alongside a picture of a black-colored young pit bull-type dog tethered in a chain spot captioned “[y]ou will hear about him soon.” The pedigree listed the dog’s breeder and owner as “Hoodwoods.” The pedigree included notations identifying some members of the advertised dog’s bloodline as “2XW,” “POR” and “ROM.” The notation of “XW” on a pedigree indicated the dog was a winner (in this instance, a two-time winner). A dog that produced multiple offspring that went on to be champions was bestowed the prestigious “Register of Merit” (ROM) or “Producer of Record” (POR) title and drove the sales and pricing of fighting dogs.
Both defendants are in federal custody. If convicted, Daniels and Goodson each face a sentence of up to five years in prison for the charge of conspiracy to violate the Animal Welfare Act, and Daniels faces a sentence of up to five years in prison for each count of possession and commerce of fighting dogs and for each count of advertising fighting animals through interstate commerce. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The charges against the defendants are allegations, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson credited the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hickory Police Department for their investigation and assistance in this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Armstrong of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.
To report animal fighting crimes, please contact your local law enforcement or the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General complaint hotline at 1-800-424-9121 or online at https://usdaoig.oversight.gov/hotline.
Gold Store Owner Charged with Selling Stolen Property Appears in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The owner of a gold store in Hickory, N.C., appeared in federal court today to face charges for allegedly selling stolen property, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. A grand jury in Charlotte returned a criminal indictment last week, charging Marty Christopher McDaniel, 65, of Hickory, and Kenny Price, 44, of Conover, N.C., with conspiracy to transport stolen property.
According to allegations in the indictment, from 2020 to 2024, McDaniel and Price conspired with each other and others to sell and transport stolen retail products through The Gold King, a business owned by McDaniel. The indictment alleges that the defendants purchased retail products from boosters, knowing that the products were stolen. A “booster” is a person who steals goods and merchandise from retail stores and sells them to a “fence.” McDaniel and Price operated as fences, paying the boosters a fraction of the retail value for the stolen goods.
The indictment further alleges that the defendants resold the stolen items through McDaniel’s various e-commerce stores on eBay, Mercari, and Whatnot. Many of the retail products sold on the e-commerce storefronts included products stolen by the boosters from national retail stores, such as The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target, Best Buy, and others. The defendants sold the stolen items at a discounted price to customers throughout the United States and several foreign countries, earning more than $580,000 from the sales.
McDaniel’s had his initial appearance today in federal court. McDaniel and Price are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property which, if convicted, carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The charges against the defendants are allegations, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson credited the FBI and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office for the investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.
Charlotte Man Charged with Defrauding the North Carolina Medicaid Program Out of Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars; Announcement Made as Part of Justice Department’s National Health Care Fraud TakedownRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, United States Attorney Russ Ferguson announced that Ronnie Lorenzo Robinson, Jr., 56, of Charlotte, is charged with health care fraud, making false statements relating to health care matters, and aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to defraud Medicaid by submitting claims for psychotherapy services that were never provided to Medicaid recipients. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown announced today.
As alleged in the indictment, Robinson, the beneficial owner of a company called The Fisher of Men Project, LLC, obtained the personal identifying information of medical professionals and Medicaid recipients, then used that information to submit to Medicaid approximately $735,000 in false reimbursement claims for psychotherapy services, without the knowledge, authorization, or approval of those medical professionals or the Medicaid recipients. Robinson’s company received approximately $440,000 as payment from Medicaid as a result of the fraudulent reimbursement claims. As further alleged, Robinson concealed his ownership of the company because he had previously been excluded from Medicaid and instead held out another individual as the owner of the company.
“Part of the reason healthcare costs are out of control is because of fraud like this,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “Every dollar spent on healthcare should go toward healthcare—not lining the pockets of criminals. We will work night and day to uncover fraud like this and recover the money that is needlessly being paid in both taxes and healthcare costs.”
“Healthcare fraud schemes drain taxpayer-funded government programs designed to help those in need and raise healthcare costs for all Americans. The FBI and our partners work diligently to hold criminals accountable who defraud the government and to protect the integrity of the programs for those who truly need them,” said FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis.
“I’m grateful for the state and federal partnerships that help us find fraud and prosecute criminals,” said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. “Our Medicaid Investigations Division is one of the best in the country, and we’re going to protect taxpayer dollars so they can go where they’re intended – to taxpayers’ health care.”
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The charges announced today by U.S. Attorney Ferguson 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. Today’s 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.
Today’s 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 Virginia participated in the investigation of federal cases announced today.
Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of North Carolina worked with the FBI, and the North Carolina Medicaid Investigations Division to investigate and prosecute the case filed during the Takedown. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Armstrong and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina Fleisch of the Western District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case.
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.
Four-Time Deported Illegal Alien Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Franklin Flores-Penas, 48, of Honduras, was sentenced yesterday to 21 months in prison after pleading guilty to illegal reentry by an alien, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Flores-Penas will be removed from the United States after he completes his prison sentence.
According to court records and the sentencing hearing on October 26, 2025, Flores-Penas was arrested in Buncombe County. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement determined that the defendant had illegally reentered into the United Sates four times after he had been deported. Court records show that on January 16, 2004, Flores-Penas was convicted of a felony drug offense in Los Angeles, California, and on February 25, 2004, he was ordered to be deported back to Honduras. Subsequently, Flores-Penas was removed from the United States three more times, in 2008, 2015 and 2018. Each time the defendant was removed, he illegally reentered the United States voluntarily without gaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reenter.
In announcing the sentence, Chief U.S. District Judge Martin Reidinger noted Flores-Penas’s disregard for the law and his many previous reentries after deportation.
Flores-Penas remains in federal custody and will be ordered to report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Buncombe County Sherrif’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher S. Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Huntersville Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Transporting Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Huntersville man was sentenced seven years in prison yesterday for transporting child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Jonathan Robert Davlin, 49, was also ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release and to register as a sex offender after he is released from prison.
According to court records, in 2022, law enforcement received information that an individual later identified as Davlin was uploading CSAM on a cloud-based server. During the investigation, law enforcement seized cell phones and other electronics that belonged to Davlin. A forensic analysis of those items revealed that Davlin possessed 797 videos and 861 images depicting the sexual abuse of children, including significant quantities of videos depicting bestiality involving minors and infant/toddlers.
Davlin pleaded guilty to transportation of child pornography on January 6, 2026. He is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson credited the FBI and the Huntersville Police Department for the investigation of the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Cervantes with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte 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 the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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South Carolina Man Charged with Hate Crime for Allegedly Defacing Multiple Buildings at Charlotte Jewish ComplexRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A South Carolina man is facing a hate crime charge for allegedly intentionally defacing multiple buildings within a Charlotte complex used by the Jewish community for religious worship, education, and community activities, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Dalton Ray Mullis, 24, of Indian Land, was arrested on Thursday on a criminal complaint and appeared in court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge David C. Keesler.
“Posting nazi and lynching symbols on the Jewish Community Center is pure hate and it’s disgusting,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “This is America, which was founded on the free exercise of religion and people ought to be free to worship without being threatened.”
“The individual arrested yesterday is alleged to have distributed threatening materials at community institutions in an attempt to create fear or intimidate individuals based on their religious beliefs. These acts undermine public safety and violate federal law. The right to gather, learn, and worship are fundamental in our country and the FBI will continue to work resolutely with our partners to ensure that all members of the public are free to do so without fear.” said FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis.
“This arrest reflects the strong partnership between the Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our shared commitment that those who commit hate crimes in our jurisdiction are held accountable,” said CMPD Chief of Police Estella D. Patterson. “CMPD works tirelessly to keep our community safe, and that includes protecting every person’s right to worship without fear. Acts that target or threaten our houses of worship and cultural institutions have no place in Charlotte. We will not tolerate intimidation of any kind, and we will continue to stand with law enforcement partners to ensure the safety and security of our community.”
According to allegations contained in the affidavit filed with criminal complaint, in the evening of January 19, 2026, an individual later identified as Mullis traveled to the Jewish Community Center (JCC) located within the Foundation of Shalom Park (Shalom Park) complex in Charlotte. Shalom Park also includes the Charlotte Jewish Day School (CJDS), the Holocaust Memorial, and other facilities occupied by multiple organizations that operate Jewish religious, cultural, and educational programs. It is alleged that Mullis defaced multiple buildings on the property including CJDS, the Holocaust Memorial, and an employee building, by affixing threatening, antisemitic flyers. The flyers depicted a noose, a swastika, and a Totenkopf or “death’s head,” which is historically associated with the German Nazi party and SS. It is further alleged that surveillance cameras on the property captured Mullis spraying one of the entrances to the CJDS with what appears to be an adhesive spray and placing the antisemitic flyer onto the door.
Charging documents also allege that between January and April 2026, Mullis posted antisemitic messages and imagery on multiple social media sites through accounts he owned and operated, including the following post:
Antisemitic Social Media Message Allegedly Posted by Mullis
Mullis remains in federal custody. If convicted, he faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The ultimate sentence will be determined by the court based on the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson commended the FBI Charlotte’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for their investigation of the case and thanked the FBI in Columbia, the Lancaster County, South Carolina, Sheriff’s Office, the Waxhaw Police Department, and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, for their invaluable assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dallas Kaplan with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte and Trial Attorneys Taylor Payne and Thomas Cilla with the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
The charges against Mullis are allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is part of the nationwide National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 initiative, which is a White House directed, interagency effort to integrate federal, state, and local partners in protecting First Amendment rights while targeting individuals and organizations engaged in political violence and is led by the investigative and prosecutorial Joint Task Force Vanguard.
Methamphetamine Supplier Sentenced to 17.5 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Today, Jordan Marquis Cantrell, 32, of Sherrills Ford, N.C., was sentenced to 17.5 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for trafficking kilogram quantities of methamphetamine, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
According to information in filed court documents and the sentencing hearing, from 2023 to 2025, Cantrell was distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in Burke and McDowell Counties. During the investigation, investigators determined that Cantrell supplied kilogram quantities of methamphetamine to a network of local drug distributors for further distribution into the community. Law enforcement utilized an individual cooperating with law enforcement to conduct multiple drug buys with Cantrell. Court records show that, in total, Cantrell was accountable for distributing over 71 kilograms of methamphetamine, and that he used his residence to store and sell drugs.
Cantrell previously pleaded guilty to the charges, conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, on June 23, 2025. He is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, the Hickory Police Department, and the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher S. Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Armed Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 20 Years for Distributing Methamphetamine, Possessing a Machinegun, and Other ChargesRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – An armed drug trafficker was sentenced to 20 years in prison today for distributing methamphetamine, possessing a machegun, and other offenses, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. William Chase Pate, 39, of Morganton, N.C., was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release after he completes his 20-year prison term.
“This case is a classic example of how drug dealing and firearm violence go hand-in-hand,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson, “and we will use federal charges to take violent drug dealers off the street.”
According to filed court documents, from 2023 to 2024, Pate was involved in a conspiracy involving the distribution of methamphetamine in Burke and Catawba Counties. During the investigation, Pate sold methamphetamine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement at least 12 times. On December 12, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Pate’s residence, seizing over 472 grams of methamphetamine, a rifle, a handgun loaded with 16 rounds of ammunition, two digital scales, clear plastic baggies with residue, and firearm accessories. Law enforcement interviewed Pate who said he would frequently travel to Georgia to purchase methamphetamine from his supplier, and that he would pick up between two and five kilograms of methamphetamine a time. Investigators also found two videos on Patel’s seized phone, depicting the defendant firing a firearm that had been converted to a machinegun with a conversion device commonly known as a “Glock switch.” Pate has a prior felony conviction for manslaughter, and he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On December 17, 2025, Pate pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a machinegun, and possession of a firearm by a felon. He is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, the Morganton Department of Public Safety, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Hickory Police Department, and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher S. Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Asheville Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Assault with Intent to Commit Murder and Firearms Offenses on the Blue Ridge ParkwayRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – James Tyler Lynch, 23, of Asheville, was sentenced to 20 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release last Thursday, for assault with intent to commit murder and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence stemming from a shooting incident that occurred on the Blue Ridge Parkway, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
“The Blue Ridge Parkway is a treasured place where families should feel safe,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “The federal government has a special interest in the safety of our national lands, and this 20-year sentence makes clear that violence will not be tolerated. I very much appreciate the National Park Service for all they do, but particularly for keeping our national lands as the peaceful sanctuary they should be.”
“The National Park Service’s Investigative Services Branch has a dedicated team of special agents who partner closely with the Department of Justice, working tirelessly to protect victims and ensure justice is served. America’s National Parks are some of the most extraordinary and pristine places in the country, but crimes can still occur. This sentencing reflects our agents’ unwavering commitment to pursuing justice when they do,” said Neil Gardner, Chief of Law Enforcement and Emergency Services, National Park Service.
According to court documents and court proceedings, on May 29, 2024, Lynch met the victim at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park in Asheville. Lynch brought with him a loaded Kahr Arms, Model P380, .380 caliber pistol which he had concealed from the victim. After a brief conversation, Lynch told the victim they would give the victim a ride. Lynch instructed the driver of the vehicle to drive to Blue Ridge Parkway, while Lynch and the victim rode as passengers. Near milepost 399 along the Parkway, Lynch told the driver to pull off the roadway onto a dirt pullout, where Lynch told the victim to get out of the car. As the victim was walking away Lynch fired at least six shots seriously injuring the victim. After shooting the victim, Lynch and the driver fled the scene.
Court documents show that rangers responded to reports of a gunshot victim lying in the roadway. When they arrived, rangers found the victim who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his torso, hand, and pelvis. The victim was taken to the hospital and treated for permanent and life-threatening bodily injuries he sustained as a result of the shooting. Special Agents with the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch investigated the case that ultimately led to Lynch’s arrest.
Lynch will remain in federal custody until he is transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex M. Scott of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
Homeland Security Task Force Investigation Leads to the Sentencing of Illegal Alien from Mexico Operating as Local Leader of Drug Trafficking Organization with Ties to CJNG CartelRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Elian Rene Fabian Valladolid, 26, an illegal alien from Mexico and leader of the local cell of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) with ties to the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), was sentenced to 262 months in prison yesterday for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Valladolid will be removed from the United States after he completes his prison sentence.
“This case is one example of many that our emphasis on the cartels and their related drug-trafficking organizations is working,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “We are infiltrating these organizations and toppling them from the top.”
“Drug trafficking organizations exploit vulnerabilities in our communities, placing dangerous narcotics on our streets and fueling crime that threatens the safety of families and neighborhoods,” said Mark M. Zito, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in North and South Carolina. “This investigation demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the Homeland Security Task Force and our law enforcement partners to identifying and dismantling criminal networks that unlawfully operate within our communities.”
At the sentencing hearing, the government argued for and received a sentencing enhancement for Valladolid’s leadership role within the drug trafficking organization (DTO).
According to filed documents and court proceedings, federal, state, and local law enforcement began an investigation into the drug smuggling and trafficking operations of a poly-drug DTO based in Mexico with ties to the CJNG cartel. The DTO was organized into local cells that coordinated the sale and distribution of illicit drugs, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin. Between 2022 and 2023, Valladolid was the leader of the DTO’s local cell, in charge of overseeing drug distribution activities and was involved in recruiting other members to work for the DTO.
During the investigation, law enforcement identified local stash houses used by members of the DTO to store drugs, including a storage unit. Law enforcement obtained and executed a search warrant at one storage unit seizing several bags, luggage, and boxes that contained drugs and a variety of contraband. Investigators also recovered packaging materials consistent with drug distribution, four digital scales, a drug press, and a cutting agent used to “cut” drugs to increase the quantity of the drug product for resale. They also found kilogram quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl.
In total, the drug conspiracy involved 9.6 kilograms of “actual” methamphetamine; 5.9 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine; 2.7 kilograms of fentanyl; 1.9 kilograms of heroin; and 648.11 grams of cocaine.
Valladolid will remain in federal custody until he is transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick J. Miller of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) is an 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. HSTF CORE 23 (Charlotte) is comprised of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), United States Marshal Service (USMS), United States Customers and Border Protection (CBP), United States ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), the Naval Criminal investigative Service (NCIS), the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FIDC) Office of Inspector General (OIG), the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG), the North Carolina Insurance Bureau, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the Raleigh Police Department, the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, the Cary Police Department, the Nash Count Sheriff’s Office, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, the Halifax County Sheriff’s office, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office, the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, the Brunswick Count Sheriff’s Office, the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office, the Wilmington Police Department, the Nags Head Police Department, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS), the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), the Kannapolis Police Department, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, the Waxhaw Police Department, the Gaston County Police Department, the Gastonia Police Department, the Huntersville Police Department, the Cornelius Police Department, the Matthews Police Department, the Pineville Police Department, the Stallings Police Department, the Kings Mountain Police Department, the Greensville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), the Cherokee County Sheriff’s office, the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) International Airport Police Department, the South Carolina Department of Corrections, the Anderson City Police Department, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston County Airport Police Department, the Charleston Police Department, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Summerville Police Department, the Greensboro Police Department, the Winston-Salem Police Department, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, the Alamance County Sheriff’s office, the Davie County Sheriff’s Office, the Eden Police Department, the Piedmont Triad Internal Airport Police Department, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Districts of North and South Carolina.