Eastern District of New York
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Canadian Company That Sought to Purchase Protective Surgical Masks at Outset of Covid-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Julie Dotton pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud a company seeking to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Gary R. Brown. When sentenced, Dotton faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment as well as restitution of at least $8.2 million in addition to $8.2 million in criminal forfeiture.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the guilty plea.
“The defendant took advantage of a provider’s need for life-saving personal protective equipment to line her own pockets,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office will continue to vigorously prosecute defendants who shamefully seek to profit from global health emergencies and crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“Julie Dotton deprived a personal protective equipment provider of critical supplies during a global pandemic, stealing more than $8 million for her own benefit. The FBI continues to track down those who exploited the COVID-19 crisis and ensure they face the consequences for their selfish greed,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
According to court filings, between March 2020 and October 2020, Dotton misrepresented her ability to obtain PPE to a Canadian company that was an official provider of PPE to two Canadian provinces during the earliest stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a nominal entity she controlled, Dotton entered into a contract with the company to provide approximately 12 million face masks for $8.2 million. Dotton then caused the company to wire the $8.2 million payment to a purported third-party escrow agent’s bank account. After a superficial attempt to purchase PPE, and rather than use the funds to procure the PPE as promised, Dotton directed others to disburse the funds to various third parties for her benefit. After Dotton failed to procure the agreed upon PPE for the company, and the company demanded delivery of the PPE or a refund, Dotton strung them along with excuses for several months, all the while continuing to have the money disbursed for her benefit.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Adam R. Toporovsky and Joshua Dugan are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Timothy Migliaro.
The Defendant:
JULIE DOTTON
Age: 53
Orchard Park, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-394 (GRB)
Queens Man Convicted of Extortion ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Brooklyn this afternoon convicted Shlomo Patchiav, also known as “Slava Fatkhiev,” of participating in an extortion conspiracy in which he repeatedly threatened a victim to force the victim to pay him. The verdict was returned after a three-week trial before United States District Judge Dora L. Irizarry. When sentenced, Patchiav faces up to 20 years in prison.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the verdict.
“Today’s verdict holds the defendant accountable for extorting a victim for money and threatening to hold him ‘hostage,’ and then covering up his connection to the victim after the victim’s murder by concealing his body,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.
“Shlomo Patchiav agreed to extort a victim for money before trying to hide his connection to this conspiracy once the victim was found murdered. May today’s verdict emphasize the FBI’s commitment to ensuring violent intimidation tactics and attempts to cover up crimes do not go unpunished,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
As proven at trial, Patchiav and a co-conspirator (the Co-Conspirator) engaged in an extortion conspiracy in which they used threats and violence against the victim, Shehroz Tokhirov, after the three men failed to reach an agreement in a luxury watch deal. Patchiav owned a wholesale jewelry and diamond business. In June 2022, Patchiav and the Co-Conspirator engaged in discussions with Tokhirov about the potential sale of several luxury watches for approximately $500,000. Thereafter, Patchiav and the Co-Conspirator began demanding money from Tokhirov and threatening him.
On the morning of June 25, 2022, Tokhirov left his apartment in the Kensington section of Brooklyn carrying a plastic bag full of cash. Video surveillance footage showed Tokhirov and the Co-Conspirator at a TD Bank in Brooklyn, where Tokhirov withdrew approximately $10,000 in cash and obtained a cashier’s check for $20,000 that was made out to the Co-Conspirator. The two men then went to a tax services store where Tokhirov signed a document turning over his Mercedes Benz SUV to the Co-Conspirator. Tokhirov was not seen or heard from after that meeting, and, eight months later, his body was recovered from a residence in Ellenville, New York. Evidence admitted at trial, including cell phone location data, placed Patchiav and the Co-Conspirator in Ellenville, New York on June 26, 2022, the day after Tokhirov’s disappearance.
On June 27, 2022, the Co-Conspirator purchased a ticket for a Turkish Airlines flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport to the Republic of Georgia, departing on June 28, 2022. On the date of his departure, law enforcement officers seized from the Co-Conspirator approximately $26,500 in cash and a receipt for the $20,000 check that Tokhirov had obtained at TD Bank on the day of his disappearance.
The Co-Conspirator remains at large.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Megan Larkin and Benjamin Weintraub are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Dana Rehnquist and Paralegal Specialist John Schneider.
The Defendant:
SHLOMO PATCHIAV (also known as “Slava Fatkhiev”)
Age: 45
Kew Gardens, QueensE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-99 (DLI)
Convicted Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Justin Poon pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography. The proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge James R. Cho. Poon was a registered sex offender in New York State when he committed the crimes. When sentenced, Poon faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years’ imprisonment and up to 70 years’ imprisonment, as well as restitution to victims of his crimes.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the guilty plea.
“The defendant is a depraved sextortionist and danger to the community who produced, collected, and distributed child pornography, and terrorized dozens of victims, including minors,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “His conduct reflects a total disregard for the trauma he inflicted on his victims and their families. Although today’s guilty plea cannot undo the harm that Poon has caused to his victims, it does ensure that he will be incarcerated for decades.”
“Already a convicted child predator, the defendant continued to exploit minors through extortion and production of sexually explicit videos,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. “The FBI/NYPD Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Task Force will continue to pursue those who seek to harm our children and ensure they face justice.
According to court proceedings and filings, from at least December 2018 through his arrest in December 2023, Poon engaged in a pattern of exploiting minor girls for the purpose of creating child pornography. Poon targeted his victims and solicited their production of sexually explicit materials for his gratification and financial gain. For example, Poon induced a 16 year-old victim to create sexually explicit images of herself according to his specifications and then sold those images on the internet. Poon also traveled across state lines to engage in sexual activity with another 16 year-old victim and created sexually explicit videos of that victim.
Poon engaged in an extortion scheme during the same period. Poon obtained sexually explicit images and videos of minors and young women using deceptive means, including by pretending to be Snapchat customer support to trick them into sharing their passwords so that he could access private materials in their accounts. Once the defendant had the images and videos, he then threatened to share them directly with his victims’ friends and family if they did not comply with his demands for payment or additional sexually explicit materials. When one of his 16-year-old victims pleaded with him not to “ruin [her] life,” because she “need[ed] to go to university,” the defendant responded: “I don’t care.”
As part of the government’s investigation, search warrants were obtained to search Poon’s electronic devices and DropBox accounts. He was found to be in possession of child pornography for at least 50 different victims. Poon was previously convicted in 2021 of sexual misconduct with a 15 year-old victim.
If you believe you may have been a victim of the defendant, please contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at https://forms.fbi.gov/victims/seeking-victim-information-in-justin-poon-investigation/view. This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices, 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.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorney Kamil R. Ammari is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
JUSTIN POON
Age: 27
West Hempstead, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-533 (BMC)
Two Individuals Arrested for Publishing AI Deepfake Pornography in Violation of TAKE IT DOWN ActRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, two criminal complaints were unsealed charging Cornelius Shannon and Arturo Hernandez with violations of the TAKE IT DOWN Act, which was enacted one year ago and prohibits the nonconsensual publication of AI-generated digital forgeries (deepfake) pornography. Shannon and Hernandez allegedly posted thousands of images and videos that appeared to depict real people nude and/or engaging in sexual acts. The victims included actresses, singers and political figures. Hernandez also posted hundreds of depictions of non-public figures appearing to engage in sexual acts. Hernandez was arrested today in Bedias, Texas, and will be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at a later date. Shannon was arrested today in New Jersey and will appear this afternoon in Brooklyn before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Cross-Goldenberg.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrests.
“As alleged, the defendants used cutting-edge digital technology to create images that degraded and violated victims across the United States,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “This case makes clear that posting deepfake pornography is not a victimless crime, and our Office will pursue the criminals who engage in this reprehensible conduct with all the legal resources that the federal government can bring to bear, including new authorities granted by Congress to address these emerging forms of psychological, reputational, and financial abuse.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the FBI field offices in Houston, Texas, and Newark, New Jersey, for their assistance with the case.
“The individuals arrested today are being charged for their alleged roles in a scheme to create and distribute vile deepfake pornography using artificial intelligence,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. “This predatory conduct represents a disturbing abuse of technology that inflicts emotional harm on victims, violating their privacy, dignity, and security. The use of this emerging technology to victimize individuals is not innovative – it is criminal and will be pursued with the full force of the law.”
On April 28, 2025, Congress passed the TAKE IT DOWN Act, a bill that criminalizes the nonconsensual publication of intimate images, including deepfakes. The TAKE IT DOWN Act is an acronym that stands for “Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks Act.” The TAKE IT DOWN Act was intended to combat so-called revenge porn, or pornography posted of an intimate partner without their consent, and non-consensual deepfake material created to simulate a real person.
United States v. Cornelius Shannon
As detailed in court filings, Shannon has published deepfake pornographic material depicting female victims to an image- and video-sharing internet platform designed for creators to share adult and explicit content. Since May 19, 2025, Shannon has published at least 360 albums containing AI deepfake pornography depicting approximately 90 different female victims. The content published by Shannon has been viewed millions of times.United States v. Arturo Hernandez
Hernandez is similarly alleged to have published deepfake pornographic material depicting female victims to a website. Since approximately May 19, 2025, Hernandez has published approximately 113 albums on the website which contained deepfake content depicting approximately 50 different identifiable female victims, including individuals who are not public figures. The albums contain non-explicit images of identifiable individuals which morph into deepfake depictions of the individuals in various stages of undress or engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The content published by Hernandez has been viewed nearly a million times.
The charges in the complaints are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the charge, the defendants each face up to two years’ imprisonment.
If you are aware of non-consensually published intimate visual depictions posted on the internet, you can advise the authorities through the Internet Crime Complaint Center, https://www.ic3.gov/, or through the FBI tip line: 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
As part of its enforcement role, the Federal Trade Commission has launched TakeItDown.ftc.gov, a website allowing victims and survivors to submit complaints about platforms that have failed to act on valid requests for the removal of nonconsensual intimate images. The website also accepts complaints about platforms that have failed to create a process for people to request removal of these images.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security & Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas J. Moscow and Molly N. Delaney are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Eastern District of New York Investigator Jeffrey Tarkin and Paralegal Specialist Emily Woodruff. Assistant United States Attorney Madeline O’Connor of the Office’s Asset Forfeiture Section is handling forfeiture matters.
The Defendants:
CORNELIUS SHANNON
Age: 51
Hasbrouck Heights, New JerseyARTURO HERNANDEZ
Age: 20
Bedias, TexasE.D.N.Y. Docket Nos. 26-MJ-96 and 26-MJ-97
hernandez_complaint_redacted.pdf shannon_complaint_redacted.pdfLeader of Gorilla Stone Mafia Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Two Gang-Related Murders on Staten IslandRead the Press Release
Today, John Pena, also known as “Tragedy,” “Don Tragg,” “Last Don” and “Money Baggz,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly to life imprisonment for murdering Mark Bajandas on March 10, 2021, and Francisco Gonzalez on June 22, 2021. Pena committed the murders in connection with his position as the leader of the Gorilla Stone Mafia (GSM), a subgroup of the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation (UGSN), which is a faction of the nationwide Bloods street gang. Pena was convicted at trial in September 2024 of all six counts of a second superseding indictment charging him with racketeering; murder in-aid-of racketeering; causing death through use of a firearm; unlawful possession, brandishing and discharge of a firearm; being a felon in possession of ammunition; and conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and crack cocaine.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James Barnacle, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentence.
“Pena sought revenge against rivals and maintained his leadership position in the Gorilla Stone Mafia gang by any means necessary,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Killing a man as he slept in bed and gunning down another victim in a hail of bullets are shocking examples of Pena’s ruthlessness and disregard for human life. Today’s sentence ensures he will spend the rest of his life in prison for his gruesome murders and for his role in the violence and drug trafficking unleashed on the citizens of a Staten Island community.”
“Today, justice was delivered in full. The leader of Gorilla Stone Mafia, a violent gang, has been sentenced to life in prison. This violent organization has terrorized our streets long enough. This should serve as a warning to every gangster who believes they are above the law: we will find you, we will prosecute you, and we will put you away for the rest of your life. Our communities deserve to live without fear, and today, because of the FBI’s Metropolitan Safe Streets Task Force, they are one step closer,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
Pena committed the crimes of conviction in connection with his leadership of GSM, which operated out of the Stapleton Houses, a public housing development on Staten Island. Members of GSM used intimidation, threats of violence, and acts of violence to preserve and protect GSM’s power, territory, and criminal activities. They also used drug trafficking as a means of obtaining money.
In the early morning hours of March 10, 2021, Pena fired multiple gunshots from close range killing Mark Bajandas, a former GSM member who had defected to the rival Bugatti set of UGSN. The murder occurred after Pena and Bajandas had attended a memorial earlier in the evening to commemorate the death of Avanti Brock, a former GSM member who was allegedly murdered by Bugatti approximately a year earlier. A witness testified that the defendant admitted killing Bajandas, boasting “I spliffed him and walked off like I was John Gotti.”
On June 22, 2021, Pena murdered Francisco Gonzalez, a former GSM member, by shooting him three times in the head while Gonzalez was asleep in bed next to Pena’s ex-girlfriend.
Law enforcement recovered writings from Pena’s jail cell at the Metropolitan Detention Center. These included statements in which he took responsibility for the murders of Bajandas and Gonzalez, lyrics in which he wrote that “I feel like the reaper,” and descriptions of turning his “opps,” i.e., “opposition,” into “ghost[s].” Pena also wrote about killing Gonzalez, including that Pena “left his brains on them sheets,” referring to his firing shots into Gonzalez’s head while Gonzalez was asleep in bed.
Witness testimony and evidence obtained from cell phones proved that GSM members enriched themselves by selling controlled substances in and around the Stapleton Houses and also in Vermont, and that Pena was involved in the sale and distribution of marijuana, crack cocaine and heroin.
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.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Dana Rehnquist, Andrew M. Roddin and Elias Laris are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of former Paralegal Specialist Elizabeth Reed.
The Defendant:
JOHN PENA (also known as “Tragedy,” “Don Tragg,” “Last Don” and Money Baggz”)
Age: 34
Staten Island, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-176 (S-2) (AMD)
Three Members of International Criminal Organization Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Sentences in $2 Billion Telemedicine Healthcare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Anthony Santamaria was sentenced by United States District Judge William F. Kuntz II to 120 months’ imprisonment for his participation in an approximately $2 billion international health care fraud conspiracy. Santamaria is the third member of a Moscow-based criminal organization sentenced this month in connection with the scheme. Co-defendants Hershel Tsikman and Hafizullah Ebady were sentenced earlier this month to 120 months’ and 97 months’ imprisonment, respectively. In addition to the terms of imprisonment, Judge Kuntz ordered Santamaria to forfeit $3.2 million and Ebady to forfeit more than $1.8 million. Additionally, all three defendants were ordered to pay restitution to their victims in an amount to be determined at a later date. A fourth defendant, Dela Saidazim, was sentenced to time served in December 2022. Three additional co-defendants, David Bishoff, Brycen Millett and Joshua Alegria, are awaiting sentencing. An eighth co-defendant and the leader of the criminal organization, Brian Sutton, a U.S. citizen who is believed to be residing abroad, remains at large.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Colin M. McDonald, Assistant Attorney General for the National Fraud Enforcement Division, and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentences.
“For over five years, the defendants built a sophisticated, international criminal organization that employed scores of call center employees and remote-billers to steal hundreds of millions of dollars from American businesses and launder the stolen monies overseas,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Despite the defendants’ aliases, encrypted messaging platforms, shell companies and straw owners, even operating from overseas, they are now being held accountable. Our Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to dismantle complex health care fraud networks and hold every responsible actor accountable.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Office of Inspector General, for its work on the case.
“This Moscow-based criminal organization provided anything but health care,” stated Assistant Attorney General McDonald. “Through aliases, encrypted communications, shell companies, and straw owners, these defendants siphoned nearly $2 billion from private insurers that provide services to American patients. They executed a brazen international fraud scheme involving sham call centers, ghost telemedicine visits, and remotely controlled pharmacies—with many patients never receiving the medication. The Justice Department will continue to aggressively identify, target, and prosecute those who defraud America’s health care system.”
“The takedown of this international criminal organization sends a clear message that those who exploit our American healthcare system for profit – no matter where they operate – will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
According to court filings and proceedings, between 2017 and 2022, the defendants engaged in an international scheme to fraudulently bill private health care benefit programs (the “Private Insurers”). They executed their scheme by having call centers they controlled, initially in Utah and later in Russia, contact beneficiaries enrolled with the Private Insurers and offer medications at no cost to the beneficiaries and without any medical exams to determine if the medications were necessary. Regardless of whether the beneficiaries agreed to receive these medications, the defendants generated fraudulent prescriptions for the medications for these beneficiaries. The defendants also recruited doctors purportedly to review prescriptions by nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants after telemedicine visits. Contrary to what the recruited doctors were told, in most cases there were no telemedicine visits between the beneficiaries and any medical professionals. The defendants generated fraudulent prescriptions under the physicians’ names and National Provider Identifier numbers. Despite the prescriptions, many beneficiaries never received the medications.
The defendants also acquired pharmacies across the United States with pre-existing relationships with the Private Insurers and trained and managed teams of Moscow-based “billers” to input data and remotely submit electronic reimbursement requests for the fraudulent prescriptions through those pharmacies. The defendants submitted over $1.97 billion in fraudulent prescriptions according to third-party billing records. Private Insurers paid over $758 million as a result of those fraudulent submissions.
To conceal their involvement in the scheme, the defendants operated under multiple aliases, funneled hundreds of millions of dollars through pass-through shell companies and straw owners, used end-to-end encrypted communications and moved operations overseas. Specifically, the defendants purchased and operated dozens of existing brick-and-mortar pharmacies through straw owners, including in Brooklyn, Staten Island, Manhattan, Long Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Michigan and Alabama. The defendants also laundered millions of dollars in fraudulent proceeds from overseas through pass-through shell companies that they used to purchase the scheme pharmacies and conceal the defendants’ involvement.
Under Sutton’s direction, the defendants played various roles in the scheme, including as follows:
• Alegria oversaw development of custom software and forwarded fraudulent prescriptions to licensed physicians for approval;
• Bishoff coordinated logistics for the operations of multiple scheme pharmacies;
• Ebady coordinated the purchase of and was the “boots-on-the-ground manager” for at least 30 scheme pharmacies;
• Millett oversaw call centers in Utah, Russia and elsewhere overseas;
• Saidazim recruited licensed physicians and acted as Sutton’s personal assistant;
• Santamaria trained and managed teams of billers to input data and remotely submit fraudulent requests for reimbursement to insurers; and
• Tsikman coordinated the laundering of fraud proceeds through straw owners and shell entities for at least 30 scheme pharmacies, and personally wired millions of dollars internationally.
The charges pending against Sutton in the superseding indictment are merely allegations and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys John Vagelatos, Jessica K. Weigel, Jonathan P. Lax and Tara B. McGrath are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Melina Piatti-Chayan. Assistant United States Attorney Claire S. Kedeshian of the Office’s Asset Forfeiture Section is handling forfeiture matters.
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.
The Defendants:
HAFIZULLAH EBADY
Age: 48
Parsippany, New Jersey
(Sentenced to 97 months’ imprisonment on 5/6/26)ANTHONY SANTAMARIA
Age: 33
North Hollywood, California
(Sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment on 5/19/26)HERSHEL TSIKMAN
Age: 33
Studio City, California
(Sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment on 5/4/26)Co-Defendant Previously Sentenced:
DELA SAIDAZIM
Age: 36
Moscow, Russia
(Sentenced to time served in December 2022)Co-Defendants Who Previously Pleaded Guilty (Awaiting Sentencing):
JOSHUA MANUEL ALEGRIA
Age: 35
Woodland Hills, CaliforniaDAVID GARY BISHOFF
Age: 41
Saint George, UtahBRYCEN KAY MILLETT
Age: 35
Saint George, UtahCo-Defendant Who Remains at Large:
BRIAN MICHAEL SUTTON
Age: 32
Moscow, RussiaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-564 (S-3) (WFK)
Queens Home Care Agency and Home Health Aide Training Center to Pay $2.3 Million to Settle Claims That They Defrauded Paycheck Protection ProgramRead the Press Release
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced today a settlement agreement with Queens-based home care agency Kris Agency & Home Care, Inc. (Kris Agency), and training center Career Development Center of Queens, Inc. (Career Development Center). The settlement agreement addressed allegations that Kris Agency and Career Development Center violated the federal False Claims Act (FCA) when they applied for two pandemic-era second-draw paycheck protection program (PPP) loans and obtained forgiveness of those loans.
“The Paycheck Protection Program was meant to help struggling small businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic by offering loans that could be forgiven if program rules were followed,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “As alleged, Kris Agency and Career Development Center took government money to which they were not entitled. Our Office will continue to hold accountable those who misused pandemic aid programs.”
United States Attorney Nocella thanked the Small Business Administration (SBA) for its partnership in the investigation.
“SBA is committed to identifying and pursuing those alleged to have perpetrated fraud on COVID Relief Programs to the detriment of small businesses. By working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of New York and our other law enforcement partners, SBA continues its enhanced efforts to uncover fraud and pursue recoveries on behalf of taxpayers,” stated SBA General Counsel Wendell Davis.
On March 27, 2020, the President signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) to provide emergency assistance for individuals, families, and businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The CARES Act authorized the Paycheck Protection Program, administered by the SBA, to provide forgivable loans to eligible small businesses during the national emergency. The PPP provided loans in two draws. For second-draw PPP loans, among other requirements, an applicant could not employ more than 300 employees, including all employees of its affiliates.
The United States Attorney’s Office commenced an investigation after whistleblowers alleged that Kris Agency had knowingly defrauded the federal government by obtaining a PPP loan and loan forgiveness when it was not eligible. The government’s investigation determined that Kris Agency and Career Development Center falsely certified that they, including affiliates, had fewer than 300 employees, and failed to disclose each other as affiliates.
Under the terms of the agreements with the United States, Kris Agency and Career Development Center have agreed to pay $2,347,133.10 to the United States. The claims asserted against Kris Agency and Career Development Center are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
The civil settlement resolves a case brought under the qui tam provisions of the FCA. The FCA authorizes private parties to sue on behalf of the United States and receive a share of any recovery. It also permits the United States to intervene and take over such lawsuits, as it did here.
The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Logan J. Gowdicott and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Franka Cepele of the Office’s Civil Division, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Loan Nguyen and Jude Glashow.
kris_agency_career_development_center_-_so_ordered_settlement.pdfCandidate for New York City Public Advocate Charged with Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn, a criminal complaint was unsealed charging Angela Aquino, a 2025 candidate for New York City Public Advocate, with wire fraud in connection with her scheme to defraud New York City’s campaign finance system to obtain public matching funds. Aquino was arrested today and is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon by United States Magistrate Judge Clay H. Kaminsky.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Nadia I. Shihata, Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation, and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrest and charge.
“The defendant, a former candidate for citywide office, allegedly engaged in a months’ long brazen scheme to obtain fraudulently $1 million in public funds, exploiting a matching funds program designed to reduce corruption in the city’s campaign finance system,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office will aggressively hold accountable would-be public officials out to steal taxpayer dollars.”
“New Yorkers deserve political candidates who uphold the highest standards of public service, demonstrating their integrity and commitment to the City and its people. Instead, as charged, this defendant allegedly orchestrated a bold scheme to manipulate the public matching funds system in an illegal attempt to unlawfully secure $1 million for her campaign, none of which she was entitled to receive,” stated DOI Commissioner Shihata. “I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the New York Office of the FBI for their partnership in rooting out corruption and protecting public funds.”
“Angela Aquino allegedly attempted to steal one million dollars from New York taxpayers by fraudulently inflating her campaign’s bank account to receive matching public funds. The FBI continues to hold accountable corrupt political candidates who try to buy the public’s support,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
New York City’s Matching Funds Program
The New York City Campaign Finance Board (“CFB”) offers a voluntary public financing program matching small-dollar contributions from New York City residents to candidates for city office. The program is available to any candidate running for city office, including Public Advocate. To be eligible for matching funds, candidates must meet a two-part fundraising threshold: first, they must collect a minimum number of contributions of $10 or more; and second, they must raise a minimum number of qualifying contributions from residents of New York City. To be eligible for the matching funds program, a candidate for Public Advocate must have raised at least $125,000 from at least 500 qualifying contributors. In addition, cash contributions are capped at $100 per contributor for purposes of qualifying for matching funds.
For a candidate to apply cash contributions toward the threshold necessary to become eligible for public matching funds, a candidate’s authorized committee was required to submit contribution cards to the CFB that listed, among other information, each contributor’s name, residential address, employer, occupation, and date and amount of contribution. The contribution cards also had to be signed by the contributors.
Candidates were prohibited from giving false information to the CFB. Candidates were also prohibited from using public matching funds for purposes that were illegal, improper, or not in furtherance of the candidate’s nomination or election. Violation of these prohibitions would render the candidate ineligible to receive public matching funds.
Once a candidate met the eligibility requirements to join the program, the CFB would provide the campaign with public funds at a matching rate of $8 to $1. Therefore, if a candidate raised $125,000 toward the fundraising threshold, the CFB would provide that candidate with $1 million in public matching funds.
The Fraudulent Scheme
As alleged in the complaint, the defendant engaged in a scheme to obtain $1 million in public matching funds, knowing that her campaign committee was not entitled to such funds. In particular, the defendant took numerous steps to artificially inflate the deposits into her campaign committee’s bank account to make it appear that the committee had met the $125,000 threshold for public funds. In fact, very little of the deposits were eligible contributions from New Yorkers.
In the first months of 2025, the defendant’s personal bank account received more than $130,000 that originated from the Philippines. Of this amount, at least $34,000 was a loan to the defendant from a contact there. The defendant, with others, repeatedly withdrew funds from her personal bank account in cash and deposited cash into her campaign committee’s bank account. These contributions were then identified to the CFB as contributions from residents of New York City that were eligible for public matching funds. Contribution cards submitted in support of these supposed contributions, which purported to identify the contributors and included their personal identifying information and their signatures, were falsified.
Aquino also cycled funds out of, and back into, the campaign committee’s bank account, sometimes using bank accounts of friends and associates as intermediary accounts to obscure the true source of the funds. The purpose of cycling the funds in this way was to make the total amount of deposits into the campaign committee’s account appear higher, such that the total contributions would appear to meet the CFB’s threshold.
Aquino also used funds from the campaign committee account to pay for her personal expenses, including the rent for her apartment, falsely reporting to the CFB that the payments were for legitimate campaign expenses. Aquino also lied to federal agents as to her relationship with the recipients of some of these expenditures. For example, Aquino told federal agents that her landlords helped with petitions and with campaigning, justifying the campaign’s payments to them. In fact, Aquino’s landlords had nothing to do with her campaign.
The charge in the complaint is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the charge, the defendant faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Zuckerwise and Sean Sherman are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Melissa Bennett.
The Defendant:
ANGELA AQUINO
Age: 47
New York, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-MJ- 93
sealed_complaint_signed.pdfGeorgian National Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Soliciting Hate Crimes and Planning Mass Casualty Attack in New York CityRead the Press Release
BROOKLYN, NY – Earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn, Michail Chkhikvishvili, a Georgian national also known as “Commander Butcher,” was sentenced to 15 years in prison by United States District Judge Carol Bagley Amon for soliciting hate crimes and distributing instructions to make bombs and ricin. Chkhikvishvili is a leader of Maniac Murder Cult, an international racially motivated violent extremist group that is also known as “Maniacs Murder Cult,” “Maniacs: Cult of Killing,” “MKY,” “MMC,” and “MKU.” Chkhikvishvili recruited others to commit violent acts in furtherance of MKY’s ideologies, including planning and soliciting a mass casualty attack in New York City. He was extradited from Moldova to the Eastern District of New York in May 2025 and pleaded guilty in November.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; James C. Barnacle, Jr, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentence.
“The defendant is a hate-mongering menace who intended to hurt and kill children in the Jewish community and in other minority communities in New York City,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Thanks to our incredible law enforcement partners, he did not succeed and will now face justice for his cowardly acts. Today’s sentence sends a strong message to hateful extremists, wherever you are, who seek to spread fear through unspeakable violence: we will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
Mr. Nocella praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the New York City Police Department, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the Department of State, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, and the government of Moldova for their crucial assistance in securing Chkhikvishvili’s arrest and extradition.
“Chkhikvishvili, a leader of the ‘Maniacs Murder Cult,’ repeatedly called for the murder of innocent civilians, including children, and schemed to attack and terrorize Jewish communities and racial minorities in the United States,” stated Assistant Attorney General Eisenberg. “Chkhikvishvili, for example, tried to recruit a supposed associate to dress up as Santa Claus and pass out poisoned candy to minority children. Today’s sentence takes a monster off our streets and protects our communities at least for a time.”
“The defendant plotted abhorrent acts of antisemitic and racially motivated violence,” stated Assistant Attorney General Dhillon. “Individuals who plan and encourage this violence will not find refuge in the dark corners of the Internet. Together, with our law enforcement partners, we will relentlessly pursue these criminals, and hold them accountable.”
This defendant’s repeated and consistent efforts to solicit violence resulted in irreparable damage to numerous families in the United States and around the world,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. “His ideologically driven, racially-motivated, and anti-Semitic actions inspired followers, admirers and members of the Maniac Murder Cult and similar hate groups to commit heinous acts. This arrest and subsequent sentencing send a strong message to those who wish to engage in hate-filled violence; you will face the consequences regardless of your location. Being overseas will not shield anyone from the relentless pursuit of the FBI New York’s Joint Terrorism Task Force to deliver justice.”
“As a leader of the white supremacist group ‘Maniac Murder Cult,’ this defendant concocted hate-fueled, mass-casualty plans and inspired others to commit attacks based on his vile rhetoric,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “This violent extremist’s intentions were clear: harm and kill as many Jews and racial groups as possible. But thanks to the work of our NYPD investigators, along with the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, he is now off our streets and being held accountable for his hateful crimes.”
Maniac Murder Cult adheres to Neo-Nazi ideology and promotes violence against racial minorities, the Jewish community and other groups it deems “undesirables.” Since approximately September 2021, Chkhikvishvili has distributed a manifesto titled the “Hater’s Handbook” to MKY members and others. The Hater’s Handbook encourages people to commit acts of mass violence, including school shootings, and includes Chkhikvishvili’s assertion that he has “murdered for the white race.”
In June 2022, Chkhikvishvili traveled to Brooklyn, New York. Beginning as early as July 2022, Chkhikvishvili repeatedly encouraged others, primarily via Telegram, to commit violent hate crimes and other acts of violence on behalf of MKY. This included soliciting acts of mass violence in New York from an individual who, unbeknownst to Chkhikvishvili, was an undercover FBI employee (the UC).
Beginning in approximately November 2023, Chkhikvishvili solicited the UC to commit violent crimes, such as bombings and arsons, for the purpose of harming racial minorities, Jewish individuals and others. In November 2023, Chkhikvishvili began planning a mass casualty attack in New York City to take place on New Year’s Eve. The scheme involved having an individual dress up as Santa Claus and hand out candy laced with poison to racial minorities. In January 2024, the scheme evolved and Chkhikvishvili specifically directed the UC to target the Jewish community, Jewish schools, and Jewish children in Brooklyn with poison. Chkhikvishvili sent detailed manuals about creating and mixing lethal poisons and gases, including ricin.
Chkhikvishvili has incited multiple attacks and killings around the world:- In January 2025, a 17-year-old student killed one individual and injured another before dying by suicide inside Antioch High School in Nashville, Tennessee. The attacker livestreamed part of the attack. Prior to the attack, in an audio recording posted online and attributed to him, the attacker claimed he was taking action on behalf of Maniac Murder Cult. The attacker’s manifesto explicitly mentioned Chkhikvishvili.
- In August 2024, an individual livestreamed himself stabbing five people outside a mosque in Eskisehir, Turkey, while wearing a tactical vest bearing Nazi symbols. A manifesto attributed to the attacker included explicit references to Chkhikvishvili and his violent statements. Before the attack, the attacker also distributed a link to the Hater’s Handbook and other violent propaganda.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew D. Reich and Ellen H. Sise are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney Justin Sher of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, Special Agent Kristoffer Borch from the Eastern District of New York’s Criminal Investigations Unit, and Paralegal Specialists Rebecca Roth and Wayne Colon. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division also provided assistance.
The Defendant:
MICHAIL CHKHIKVISHVILI (also known as “Mishka,” “Michael,” “Commander Butcher” and “Butcher”)
Age: 22
Tbilisi, GeorgiaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-286 (CBA)
Georgian National Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Soliciting Hate Crimes and Planning Mass Casualty Attack in New York CityRead the Press Release
Earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn, Michail Chkhikvishvili, a Georgian national also known as “Commander Butcher,” was sentenced to 15 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Carol Bagley Amon for soliciting hate crimes and distributing instructions to make bombs and ricin.
Chkhikvishvili is a leader of Maniac Murder Cult, an international racially motivated violent extremist group that is also known as “Maniacs Murder Cult,” “Maniacs: Cult of Killing,” “MKY,” “MMC,” and “MKU.” Chkhikvishvili recruited others to commit violent acts in furtherance of MKY’s ideologies, including planning and soliciting a mass casualty attack in New York City. He was extradited from Moldova to the Eastern District of New York in May 2025 and pleaded guilty in November.
“Chkhikvishvili, a leader of the ‘Maniacs Murder Cult,’ repeatedly called for the murder of innocent civilians, including children, and schemed to attack and terrorize Jewish communities and racial minorities in the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Chkhikvishvili, for example, tried to recruit a supposed associate to dress up as Santa Claus and pass out poisoned candy to minority children. Today’s sentence takes a monster off our streets and protects our communities at least for a time.”
“The defendant plotted abhorrent acts of antisemitic and racially motivated violence,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Individuals who plan and encourage this violence will not find refuge in the dark corners of the Internet. Together, with our law enforcement partners, we will relentlessly pursue these criminals, and hold them accountable.”
“The defendant is a hate-mongering menace who intended to hurt and kill children in the Jewish community and in other minority communities in New York City,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York. “Thanks to our incredible law enforcement partners, he did not succeed and will now face justice for his cowardly acts. Today’s sentence sends a strong message to hateful extremists, wherever you are, who seek to spread fear through unspeakable violence: we will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
“The defendant recruited others to commit violent attacks against the Jewish community and racial minorities, and he will now pay a steep price for his crimes,” said Assistant Director Donald Holstead of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “His twisted plans included poisoning children with candy around the holidays, but that plot was stopped thanks to the good work of the FBI and our law enforcement partners. The defendant was extradited from Moldova, showing once again that those who try to harm our citizens will not be able to hide overseas from the FBI and Justice Department prosecutors. We will spare no effort to make sure these criminals face justice.”
“As a leader of the white supremacist group ‘Maniac Murder Cult,’ this defendant concocted hate-fueled, mass-casualty plans and inspired others to commit attacks based on his vile rhetoric,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. “This violent extremist’s intentions were clear: harm and kill as many Jews and racial groups as possible. But thanks to the work of our NYPD investigators, along with the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, he is now off our streets and being held accountable for his hateful crimes.”
Mr. Nocella praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the New York City Police Department, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the Department of State, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, and the government of Moldova for their crucial assistance in securing Chkhikvishvili’s arrest and extradition.
Maniac Murder Cult adheres to Neo-Nazi ideology and promotes violence against racial minorities, the Jewish community and other groups it deems “undesirables.” Since approximately September 2021, Chkhikvishvili has distributed a manifesto titled the “Hater’s Handbook” to MKY members and others. The Hater’s Handbook encourages people to commit acts of mass violence, including school shootings, and includes Chkhikvishvili’s assertion that he has “murdered for the white race.”
In June 2022, Chkhikvishvili traveled to Brooklyn, New York. Beginning as early as July 2022, Chkhikvishvili repeatedly encouraged others, primarily via Telegram, to commit violent hate crimes and other acts of violence on behalf of MKY. This included soliciting acts of mass violence in New York from an individual who, unbeknownst to Chkhikvishvili, was an undercover FBI employee (the UC).
Beginning in approximately November 2023, Chkhikvishvili solicited the UC to commit violent crimes, such as bombings and arsons, for the purpose of harming racial minorities, Jewish individuals and others. In November 2023, Chkhikvishvili began planning a mass casualty attack in New York City to take place on New Year’s Eve. The scheme involved having an individual dress up as Santa Claus and hand out candy laced with poison to racial minorities. In January 2024, the scheme evolved and Chkhikvishvili specifically directed the UC to target the Jewish community, Jewish schools, and Jewish children in Brooklyn with poison. Chkhikvishvili sent detailed manuals about creating and mixing lethal poisons and gases, including ricin.
Chkhikvishvili has incited multiple attacks and killings around the world:
- In January 2025, a 17-year-old student killed one individual and injured another before dying by suicide inside Antioch High School in Nashville, Tennessee. The attacker livestreamed part of the attack. Prior to the attack, in an audio recording posted online and attributed to him, the attacker claimed he was taking action on behalf of Maniac Murder Cult. The attacker’s manifesto explicitly mentioned Chkhikvishvili.
- In August 2024, an individual livestreamed himself stabbing five people outside a mosque in Eskisehir, Turkey, while wearing a tactical vest bearing Nazi symbols. A manifesto attributed to the attacker included explicit references to Chkhikvishvili and his violent statements. Before the attack, the attacker also distributed a link to the Hater’s Handbook and other violent propaganda.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew D. Reich and Ellen H. Sise for the Eastern District of New York are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney Justin Sher of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, Special Agent Kristoffer Borch from the Eastern District of New York’s Criminal Investigations Unit, and Paralegal Specialists Rebecca Roth and Wayne Colon. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division also provided assistance.
Former New York State Judge and Brooklyn Real Estate Investor Charged with Wire Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, a complaint was unsealed charging Sam Sprei, also known as “Yechiel Sprei,” “Shimon Sprei,” and “Eli Shapiro,” and Edward Harold King, a former Kings County Supreme Court Justice, with wire fraud conspiracy. Both defendants were arrested this morning and are scheduled to make their initial appearance this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Clay H. Kaminsky.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI New York), announced the arrests and charges.
“As alleged, the defendants stole millions of dollars from investors by cynically leveraging King’s position as a sitting judge to lend false legitimacy to supposed investment opportunities,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Today’s arrests demonstrate that this Office will hold accountable those who exploit victims for their own financial gain. Holding corrupt individuals accountable for the abuse of public trust will always be a priority of our Office.”
“Fraud that hides behind a veneer of legitimacy—especially the authority of a judge—strikes at the heart of public trust,” stated IRS-CI New York Special Agent in Charge Chavis. “IRS‑CI will relentlessly follow the money, expose deception, and ensure that those who manipulate and mislead investors are brought to justice. Today’s arrests send a clear message: schemes dressed up as opportunity will not shield wrongdoers from accountability.”
As set forth in court filings, Sprei and King perpetrated numerous schemes to defraud, including multiple schemes to defraud real estate investors in which they solicited the victims’ funds in fictitious investment opportunities, represented to the victims that their invested funds would be returnable on demand if the victims decided to end their involvement in the investments, and then later refused to return the money based on false excuses and converted a significant portion of the victims’ funds for their own use.
For example, in November 2024, Spreipresented two investors (the Investors) with an opportunity to purchase commercial real estate located in Freehold, New Jersey (the Property). Sprei told the Investors that to take advantage of this opportunity, they would first have to show “proof of liquidity” by depositing funds in escrow. In addition, Sprei told the Investors that King was an independent escrow agent and a New York judge. Sprei also made numerous misrepresentations designed to deceive the Investors, including that if the Investors decided not to pursue the investment, they could so advise the escrow agent and would receive the full amount deposited within two business days. Based on these representations from Sprei, the Investors wired a total of $6.5 million to a bank account in King’s name pursuant to written escrow agreements signed by the Investors and King. In the days immediately following the wire transfers from the Investors to the bank account in King’s name, millions of dollars of the Investors’ funds were withdrawn or transferred to a bank account in Sprei’s name. When the Investors subsequently wrote to King to request the return of their deposited funds, King provided false excuses as to why he could not return the $6.5 million. Months later, King and Sprei returned to the Investors $1.5 million, representing only a portion of the Investors’ investment. To date, Sprei and King have not returned any further funds to the Investors.
The charge in the complaint is an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of wire fraud conspiracy, the defendants face up to 20 years’ imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca Schuman and Andrew Wang are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Special Agent Anthony J. Cunder and Paralegal Specialist Melissa Bennett.
The Defendants:
SAM SPREI (also known as “Yechiel Sprei,” “Shimon Sprei,” and “Eli Shapiro”)
Age: 37
Brooklyn, New YorkEDWARD HAROLD KING
Age: 72
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-MJ-91
26mj0091_complaint.pdfFormer Multinational Consulting Company Finance Director Convicted in Decade-Long Multi-Million Dollar Fraud and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal court in Brooklyn, the defendant Jordan Khammar pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering for his role in a decade-long scheme to defraud a multinational media, brand management, and consulting company and steal over $7.9 million. When sentenced, Khammar faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment as well as restitution of at least $7.9 million in addition to $7.9 million in criminal forfeiture.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI), announced the guilty plea.
“For over a decade, the defendant betrayed his employer’s trust and abused his access to its financial systems for side projects and personal gain,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office will relentlessly pursue justice for victims of economic crime and seek to hold accountable those who commit such offenses.”
"Khammar didn’t just steal—he engineered a years‑long deception to bankroll his own ventures and bury the truth under doctored records. IRS‑CI followed the money, exposed the scheme, and brought it down. When someone turns a company’s financial systems into their personal slush fund, we will unwind every transaction and make sure they answer for it," stated IRS-CI New York Special Agent in Charge Chavis.
As set forth in court filings, Khammar was hired as a financial consultant in 2006 by a multinational media, brand management, and consulting company (Company-1). He eventually became Company-1’s Finance Director with certain access to and control over a wide range of its financial accounts and systems including those tied to banking, accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll functions. Between January 2015 and May 2025, Khammar abused that access and control to engage in a scheme to defraud Company-1 out of millions of dollars. Specifically, during the ten-year period, Khammar initiated over 300 wire transactions sending himself more than $7.9 million that he was not entitled to from Company-1’s bank account.
Khammar took multiple steps to conceal his scheme from Company-1 including by manipulating its books and records, circumventing internal controls, and limiting other employees’ and consultants’ access to the company financial systems and accounts. For example, Khammar created over 100 false entries in Company-1’s general ledger to disguise his fraudulent wire transfers as purportedly legitimate payments for Company 1’s expenses including corporate credit card bills, taxes, and costs associated with renovating its Brooklyn office.
Khammar wired most of the stolen money to an account held in the name of Olive Tree Ventures, Inc. (Olive Tree), a company that he founded, owned, and controlled. From the Olive Tree account, he dispersed a large portion of the funds to finance his independent business ventures including his media production company, Sideswipe Media, Inc., to purchase hundreds of thousands of dollars-worth of real estate in Florida and Ohio, and to further pay himself and a variety of personal expenses.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan P. Lax and Dana Rehnquist are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Liam McNett. Assistant United States Attorney Claire S. Kedeshian of the Office’s Asset Forfeiture Section is handling forfeiture matters.
The Defendant:
JORDAN KHAMMAR
Age: 47
Columbus, OhioE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-283 (AMD)
Defendant Pleads Guilty to Damaging the Brooklyn Headquarters of the Chabad-Lubavitch MovementRead the Press Release
BROOKLYN, NY – Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Dan Sohail pleaded guilty to damaging religious property. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Eric N. Vitaliano. When sentenced, Sohail faces imprisonment and restitution.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General of Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced the guilty plea.
“By pleading guilty today, the defendant admitted that he intentionally damaged the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters, a globally significant Jewish religious institution, by repeatedly crashing his vehicle into the building’s entrance,” said United States Attorney Nocella. “At a time when acts of violence directed at Jewish institutions have dramatically increased, this prosecution underscores our Office’s commitment to ensuring that worshippers can gather safely and those who threaten religious institutions will be held accountable.”
“The defendant’s dangerous conduct was a targeted attack on the religious liberty and peace of worship to which every American is entitled,” stated Assistant Attorney General Dhillon. “Today’s conviction sends a clear message: the Department of Justice will not tolerate acts of hatred and violence against religious institutions.”
“The defendant's actions caused panic within the community. The guilty plea holds him accountable for using a vehicle as a dangerous weapon and demonstrates the FBI's continued commitment to partner with our local law enforcement agencies to protect the public and pursue justice for those impacted,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
“By repeatedly ramming his vehicle into the entrance of the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters, the defendant targeted a sacred institution at the heart of the Jewish community,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “At a time of rising threats against Jewish New Yorkers, attacks on places of worship carry deep fear far beyond the immediate damage they cause. Today’s guilty plea holds this defendant accountable for his actions, and the NYPD will continue working with our federal partners to protect every New Yorker’s right to practice their faith safely and freely.”
According to court filings and statements made during the plea hearing, on the evening of January 28, 2026, Sohail drove to the Chabad Headquarters located on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, New York. The Chabad Headquarters was hosting an event marking the anniversary of the death of the movement’s leader. After arriving at the side entrance of the building, Sohail exited his vehicle and moved barriers that had been set up to protect the building, which includes a synagogue and religious gathering spaces. After gesturing for congregants to move away, Sohail returned to his vehicle and drove his car into the building’s side entrance. He then reversed his vehicle and accelerated into the entrance four additional times, knocking the entrance door off its hinges.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Human Trafficking and Civil Rights and General Crimes Sections. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Silverberg and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brachah Goykadosh are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Marlane Bosler.
The Defendant:
DAN SOHAIL
Age: 36
Carteret, New JerseyE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-127 (ENV)
Defendant Pleads Guilty to Damaging the Brooklyn Headquarters of the Chabad-Lubavitch MovementRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Dan Sohail pleaded guilty to damaging religious property. The proceeding was held before U.S. District Judge Eric N. Vitaliano. When sentenced, Sohail faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison and mandatory restitution.
“The defendant’s dangerous conduct was a targeted attack on the religious liberty and peace of worship to which every American is entitled,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Today’s conviction sends a clear message: the Department of Justice will not tolerate acts of hatred and violence against religious institutions.”
“By pleading guilty today, the defendant admitted that he intentionally damaged the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters, a globally significant Jewish religious institution, by repeatedly crashing his vehicle into the building’s entrance,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York. “At a time when acts of violence directed at Jewish institutions have dramatically increased, this prosecution underscores our Office’s commitment to ensuring that worshippers can gather safely and those who threaten religious institutions will be held accountable.”
According to court filings and statements made during the plea hearing, on the evening of Jan. 28, Sohail drove to the Chabad Headquarters located on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, New York. The Chabad Headquarters was hosting an event marking the anniversary of the death of the movement’s leader. After arriving at the side entrance of the building, Sohail exited his vehicle and moved barriers that had been set up to protect the building, which includes a synagogue and religious gathering spaces. After gesturing for congregants to move away, Sohail returned to his vehicle and drove his car into the building’s side entrance. He then reversed his vehicle and accelerated into the entrance four additional times, knocking the entrance door off its hinges.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Human Trafficking and Civil Rights and General Crimes Sections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Silverberg for the Eastern District of New York and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brachah Goykadosh are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Marlane Bosler.
Bronx Man Convicted of Operating Police Station for the Chinese Government in New York City and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
Today in federal court in Brooklyn, Bronx resident Lu Jianwang, a U.S. citizen also known as “Harry Lu,” was convicted by a jury of two counts of a superseding indictment charging him with acting as an illegal agent of the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), in connection with opening and operating an overseas police station in lower Manhattan for the PRC’s Ministry of Public Security (MPS), and with obstruction of justice for destroying related evidence. The verdict was returned following a one-week trial before United States District Judge Nina R. Morrison. When sentenced, the defendant faces up to 30 years in prison. Lu’s co-defendant, Chen Jinping, pleaded guilty in December 2024 to conspiring to act as an agent of the PRC in connection with the overseas police station, and he is awaiting sentencing.
“We will not allow secret ‘police’ sent by a foreign country to harass people in the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “The jury rightly condemned this conduct, which took place right in the middle of New York City.”
“The Chinese government thought it could get away with operating a secret, illegal police station in the heart of New York City to export transnational repression and subvert our rule of law,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI's Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “However, today’s conviction of Lu Jianwang for illegally acting as an agent of a foreign power proves we won’t allow authoritarian regimes to violate U.S. sovereignty. The FBI and our partners are dedicated to protecting everyone within our borders from efforts to undermine our democratic freedoms, and we’ll hold any state actors -- and those who help them -- accountable for breaking our laws.”
“A police station operating in New York City at the direction of the Chinese government has been exposed, its sinister purpose disrupted, and its founder held accountable for blatantly disregarding the law and our country’s sovereignty,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York. “Our Office remains resolute in protecting the rights of people seeking freedom from repression and speaking out to bring democracy, reform, and human rights to China.”
As proved at trial, Lu and his co-defendant Chen Jinping acted as illegal agents of the PRC government. Beginning in January 2022, under orders from an MPS official, Lu, Chen and others worked together to establish the first known overseas police station in the United States on behalf of the MPS. The police station—which was searched by the FBI in October 2022—was located in an office building at 107 East Broadway in Manhattan’s Chinatown. A blue banner proclaiming “Fuzhou Police Overseas Service Station, New York, USA,” was recovered there.
The police station operated at the direction and control of the MPS. The MPS is the PRC’s primary domestic law enforcement and intelligence agency. The MPS routinely monitors Chinese political dissidents and others with views adverse to the Chinese government’s sovereignty who live outside the PRC, including in the United States. The MPS has used cooperative contacts both inside the PRC and around the world to influence, threaten, and coerce political dissidents abroad, including in the United States, in an effort to silence them. The New York police station was part of a global initiative by the MPS to establish overseas police service stations all over the world. None of the participants in the police station scheme in Chinatown informed the U.S. government that they were helping the PRC government open and operate an undeclared MPS police station on U.S. soil.
Lu was tasked by his MPS handler with collecting information on behalf of the Chinese government, such as locating a pro-democracy advocate who had fled from China and moved to the U.S.
In October 2022, the FBI conducted a judicially authorized search of the illegal police station. In connection with the search, FBI agents interviewed Lu and Chen and seized their phones. In reviewing the contents of these phones, FBI agents observed that WeChat messages between the defendants and their MPS handler had been deleted.
The FBI has created a website for victims to report efforts by foreign governments to stalk, intimidate, or assault people in the United States. If you believe that you are or have been a victim of transnational repression, please visit https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/counterintelligence/transnational-repression.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Antoinette N. Rangel and Lindsey R. Oken are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Magdalena St. Surin and Danielle Barber. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander A. Solomon played a critical role in the underlying investigation.
Bronx Man Convicted of Operating Police Station for the Chinese Government in New York City and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
BROOKLYN, NY – Today in federal court in Brooklyn, Bronx resident Lu Jianwang, a U.S. citizen also known as “Harry Lu,” was convicted by a jury of two counts of a superseding indictment charging him with acting as an illegal agent of the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), in connection with opening and operating an overseas police station in lower Manhattan for the PRC’s Ministry of Public Security (MPS), and with obstruction of justice for destroying related evidence. The verdict was returned following a one-week trial before United States District Judge Nina R. Morrison. When sentenced, the defendant faces up to 30 years in prison. Lu’s co-defendant, Chen Jinping, pleaded guilty in December 2024 to conspiring to act as an agent of the PRC in connection with the overseas police station, and he is awaiting sentencing.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the verdict.
“A police station operating in New York City at the direction of the Chinese government has been exposed, its sinister purpose disrupted, and its founder held accountable for blatantly disregarding the law and our country’s sovereignty,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office remains resolute in protecting the rights of people seeking freedom from repression and speaking out to bring democracy, reform, and human rights to China.”
“Lu Jianwang used a police station in New York City to target PRC dissidents in furtherance of the Chinese government’s political agenda. May today’s verdict send a message to other foreign agents – the FBI maintains its unwavering resolve to reveal and disrupt the clandestine operations of adversarial nations,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
As proved at trial, Lu and his co-defendant Chen Jinping acted as illegal agents of the PRC government. Beginning in January 2022, under orders from an MPS official, Lu, Chen and others worked together to establish the first known overseas police station in the United States on behalf of the MPS. The police station—which was searched by the FBI in October 2022—was located in an office building at 107 East Broadway in Manhattan’s Chinatown. A blue banner proclaiming “Fuzhou Police Overseas Service Station, New York, USA,” was recovered there.
The police station operated at the direction and control of the MPS. The MPS is the PRC’s primary domestic law enforcement and intelligence agency. The MPS routinely monitors Chinese political dissidents and others with views adverse to the Chinese government’s sovereignty who live outside the PRC, including in the United States. The MPS has used cooperative contacts both inside the PRC and around the world to influence, threaten, and coerce political dissidents abroad, including in the United States, in an effort to silence them. The New York police station was part of a global initiative by the MPS to establish overseas police service stations all over the world. None of the participants in the police station scheme in Chinatown informed the U.S. government that they were helping the PRC government open and operate an undeclared MPS police station on U.S. soil.
Lu was tasked by his MPS handler with collecting information on behalf of the Chinese government, such as locating a pro-democracy advocate who had fled from China and moved to the U.S.
In October 2022, the FBI conducted a judicially authorized search of the illegal police station. In connection with the search, FBI agents interviewed Lu and Chen and seized their phones. In reviewing the contents of these phones, FBI agents observed that WeChat messages between the defendants and their MPS handler had been deleted.
The FBI has created a website for victims to report efforts by foreign governments to stalk, intimidate, or assault people in the United States. If you believe that you are or have been a victim of transnational repression, please visit https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/counterintelligence/transnational-repression.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Antoinette N. Rangel and Lindsey R. Oken are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Magdalena St. Surin and Danielle Barber. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander A. Solomon played a critical role in the underlying investigation.
The Defendant:
LU JIANWANG
Age: 64
Bronx, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-316 (S-1) (NRM)
New York-Based Iranian National Pleads Guilty to Alien Smuggling and Receiving Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
BROOKLYN, NY – Earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn, Iranian national Sharon Gohari pleaded guilty to unlawfully smuggling aliens into the United States and intentionally receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM). For years, Gohari, who is a naturalized United States citizen and resided alternately in Iran and Nassau County, New York, solicited and received payments from Iranian nationals and others seeking to enter the United States unlawfully in exchange for arranging and facilitating their entry. At least one individual whom Gohari aided had associations with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which has been designated by the United States Department of State as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). During the investigation into Gohari’s illegal activities, law enforcement discovered that Gohari received and stored multiple videos on his phone depicting the rape of children, as well as hundreds of photos and videos reflecting the stalking and surreptitious recording of women throughout New York City. Today’s proceeding was held before United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; Donald Holstead, Assistant Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Counterterrorism Division (FBI); James C. Barnacle, Jr, Assistant Director in Charge, FBI, New York Field Office (FBI); Frank J. Russo, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP); and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the guilty plea.
“The defendant exploited and endangered vulnerable individuals for profit, over and over again,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “In doing so, he also put our national security at risk and circumvented the vital procedures that are in place to vet those entering our country. Our Office will continue to aggressively pursue transnational criminal schemes operating here in the United States, especially when they involve terrorist groups like the IRGC that seek to do us harm. And we will always prosecute the sexual exploitation of children to the fullest extent of the law.”
Mr. Nocella praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the New York City Police Department, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies, as well as U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, for their crucial assistance.
Mr. Nocella also thanked the Homeland Security Task Force, 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.
“As this case illustrates, we cannot protect our national security without a secure border,” said Assistant Attorney General Eisenberg. “Gohari made a business of smuggling aliens into the United States, at least one of whom had ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a designated foreign terrorist organization. I applaud the investigators and prosecutors who made possible today’s plea, taking this defendant off our streets.”
“The defendant admits to helping people illegally enter the United States -- including someone associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – which endangers our country’s national security,” said FBI Assistant Director Holstead. “It is essential to protect our borders, and the FBI works closely with our interagency partners to prevent anyone from being smuggled in, especially those connected to our adversaries. This individual will now face justice not just for that crime but also for sexually exploiting children, the most vulnerable members of our society.”
“Sharon Gohari threatened our national security by selling illegal entry into the United States – including a client with ties to a designated terrorist organization. With our federal and local law enforcement partners, the FBI is committed to holding accountable criminals seeking to exploit our country’s border and our citizens,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
“This case underscores the dedication and vigilance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Tactical Threat Response Team and Task Force Officers, whose actions were critical in identifying and stopping an individual who posed a significant threat to our national security and the safety of our communities," stated CBP Director of New York Field Operations Russo. “Thanks to our close partnership with the FBI and the U. S. Attorney’s Office, Gohari was brought to justice. CBP remains committed to securing our borders and working with our partners to pursue those who circumvent our immigration system and endanger the American public.”
“Anyone who seeks to profit through the abuse and exploitation of other people – especially children – will be held fully accountable,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “Today’s guilty plea is the result of the NYPD’s unwavering commitment to bring human traffickers to justice. I commend and thank our NYPD investigators, as well as our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, for their dedicated work in this case.”
Gohari is a naturalized United States citizen from Iran who resided in Roslyn, New York, and traveled frequently to Iran. From at least December 2020 up to his arrest in May 2025, Gohari solicited and received payments from Iranian nationals and others seeking to enter the United States unlawfully in exchange for arranging and facilitating their entry, primarily through Mexico. Among other things, Gohari helped these individuals obtain travel visas at the Mexican embassy in Iran and helped arrange their travel to and through Mexico and into the United States in large groups. Some passed through Central and South American countries with Gohari’s assistance. Gohari worked with a network of associates in Iran and elsewhere and charged thousands of dollars per client for these services.
At least one Iranian national Gohari aided had ties to the IRGC. Specifically, in early 2021, Gohari facilitated the travel of an individual from Iran to Turkey, from Turkey to Mexico, and from Mexico into the United States, where the individual was detained by border patrol officers. The individual ultimately confessed to law enforcement that he had previously carried out tasks in Iran and Malaysia for the IRGC.
During the investigation into Gohari’s alien smuggling activities, federal agents discovered that Gohari received and stored CSAM on his phone, including multiple videos depicting the rape of children apparently as young as five years old. In chat communications following his receipt of the videos, Gohari stated his intention to seek out sexual partners in a high school. Agents also found on Gohari’s devices hundreds of photos and videos of what appeared to be women in various public places throughout New York City, including on trains and at cafes, who did not seem to be aware that they were being photographed or recorded. Some of the photos and videos appeared to be taken at close range, including several photos that were angled in an apparent attempt to see under the women’s skirts or other garments. Other photos and videos depicted the same women in multiple locations, indicating that the women had been followed. Gohari sent some of these photos and videos to an Iranian-based account from which he received CSAM, among other Iranian-based accounts.
For the child sex abuse material charge, Gohari faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and up to 20 years in prison, and a mandatory minimum of three years in prison for alien smuggling and up to 10 years in prison.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Reich is in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Trial Attorney Kevin Nunnally of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Paralegal Specialist Wayne Colon.
The Defendant:
SHARON GOHARI
Age: 48
Roslyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-183 (S-1) (AMD)
New York-Based Iranian National Pleads Guilty to Alien Smuggling and Receiving Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn, Iranian national Sharon Gohari pleaded guilty to unlawfully smuggling aliens into the United States and intentionally receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
For years, Gohari, who is a naturalized U.S. citizen and resided alternately in Iran and Nassau County, New York, solicited and received payments from Iranian nationals and others seeking to enter the United States unlawfully in exchange for arranging and facilitating their entry. At least one individual whom Gohari aided had associations with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which has been designated by the United States Department of State as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). During the investigation into Gohari’s illegal activities, law enforcement discovered that Gohari received and stored multiple videos on his phone depicting the rape of children, as well as hundreds of photos and videos reflecting the stalking and surreptitious recording of women throughout New York City. Today’s proceeding was held before United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly.
“As this case illustrates, we cannot protect our national security without a secure border,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Gohari made a business of smuggling aliens into the United States, at least one of whom had ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a designated foreign terrorist organization. I applaud the investigators and prosecutors who made possible today’s plea, taking this defendant off our streets.”
“The defendant exploited and endangered vulnerable individuals for profit, over and over again,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York. “In doing so, he also put our national security at risk and circumvented the vital procedures that are in place to vet those entering our country. Our Office will continue to aggressively pursue transnational criminal schemes operating here in the United States, especially when they involve terrorist groups like the IRGC that seek to do us harm. And we will always prosecute the sexual exploitation of children to the fullest extent of the law.”
“The defendant admits to helping people illegally enter the United States -- including someone associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – which endangers our country’s national security,” said Assistant Director Donald Holstead of the FBI's Counterterrorism Division. “It is essential to protect our borders, and the FBI works closely with our interagency partners to prevent anyone from being smuggled in, especially those connected to our adversaries. This individual will now face justice not just for that crime but also for sexually exploiting children, the most vulnerable members of our society.”
“Sharon Gohari threatened our national security by selling illegal entry into the United States – including a client with ties to a designated terrorist organization. With our federal and local law enforcement partners, the FBI is committed to holding accountable criminals seeking to exploit our country’s border and our citizens,” said Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. of the FBI New York Field Office.
“Anyone who seeks to profit through the abuse and exploitation of other people – especially children – will be held fully accountable,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Today’s guilty plea is the result of the NYPD’s unwavering commitment to bring human traffickers to justice. I commend and thank our NYPD investigators, as well as our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, for their dedicated work in this case.”
Gohari is a naturalized United States citizen from Iran who resided in Roslyn, New York, and traveled frequently to Iran. From at least December 2020 up to his arrest in May 2025, Gohari solicited and received payments from Iranian nationals and others seeking to enter the United States unlawfully in exchange for arranging and facilitating their entry, primarily through Mexico. Among other things, Gohari helped these individuals obtain travel visas at the Mexican embassy in Iran and helped arrange their travel to and through Mexico and into the United States in large groups. Some passed through Central and South American countries with Gohari’s assistance. Gohari worked with a network of associates in Iran and elsewhere and charged thousands of dollars per client for these services.
At least one Iranian national Gohari aided had ties to the IRGC. Specifically, in early 2021, Gohari facilitated the travel of an individual from Iran to Turkey, from Turkey to Mexico, and from Mexico into the United States, where the individual was detained by border patrol officers. The individual ultimately confessed to law enforcement that he had previously carried out tasks in Iran and Malaysia for the IRGC.
During the investigation into Gohari’s alien smuggling activities, federal agents discovered that Gohari received and stored CSAM on his phone, including multiple videos depicting the rape of children apparently as young as five years old. In chat communications following his receipt of the videos, Gohari stated his intention to seek out sexual partners in a high school. Agents also found on Gohari’s devices hundreds of photos and videos of what appeared to be women in various public places throughout New York City, including on trains and at cafes, who did not seem to be aware that they were being photographed or recorded. Some of the photos and videos appeared to be taken at close range, including several photos that were angled in an apparent attempt to see under the women’s skirts or other garments. Other photos and videos depicted the same women in multiple locations, indicating that the women had been followed. Gohari sent some of these photos and videos to an Iranian-based account from which he received CSAM, among other Iranian-based accounts.
For the child sex abuse material charge, Gohari faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and up to 20 years in prison, and a mandatory minimum of three years in prison for alien smuggling and up to 10 years in prison.
Mr. Nocella praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the New York City Police Department, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies, as well as U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, for their crucial assistance.
Mr. Nocella also thanked the Homeland Security Task Force, 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.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew D. Reich is in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Trial Attorney Kevin Nunnally of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Paralegal Specialist Wayne Colon.
Former Navy Officer Pleads Guilty to Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Douglas Engstrom, a former officer in the United States Navy, pleaded guilty to attempted interstate coercion and enticement of a minor. Additionally, as part of his plea agreement, Engstrom stipulated and admitted that he possessed and received over 600 images and videos of child sexual abuse material. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Nusrat J. Choudhury. When sentenced, Engstrom faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment and up to life in prison.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the guilty plea.
“The defendant, who was a member of the Navy when he committed his crimes, was convicted of preying on someone he believed to be an innocent 13-year-old girl,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “This prosecution demonstrates that we will use every law enforcement tool available to prosecute and punish to the fullest extent of the law predators, like the defendant, who exploit the most vulnerable among us: children.”
“Instead of honoring his oath to protect this country, former U.S. Navy officer Douglas Engstrom exploited some of our most vulnerable citizens – children – to satisfy his perverted desires. The FBI maintains its commitment to hold accountable sexual predators that prey upon children. We will never stop in our pursuit of justice for victims,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
As set forth in court filings and during today’s plea proceeding, Engstrom communicated online with an individual he believed to be a 13-year-old girl and attempted to meet this individual to engage in sexual activity. In his communications, Engstrom admitted that he was a 36-year-old man in the Navy and said that he wanted to have oral, anal, and vaginal sex with the girl, including while she was unconscious. He then agreed to meet the girl in Valley Stream, New York to have sex with her. In reality, this purported 13-year-old girl was an undercover officer.
After booking a flight and hotel room, Engstrom traveled from Maryland to New York. On December 16, 2023, officers arrested him at the Valley Stream, New York Long Island Railroad train station. At the time of his arrest, Engstrom was holding a large teddy bear, which the undercover officer had requested that he bring to the 13-year-old girl. Members of law enforcement subsequently reviewed Engstrom’s electronic devices pursuant to a judicially-authorized warrant and discovered a significant volume of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices, 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.
Anyone with information about sexual exploitation by the defendant is asked to contact the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or 212-384-1000.
The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorney James R. Simmons is in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Adam Bernard and Legal Assistant Danielle Rompel.
The Defendant:
DOUGLAS ENGSTROM
Age: 38
Hanover, MarylandE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-12 (NJC)
Three Men Indicted for the Armed Hijacking of a Delivery Truck Loaded with Apple Products at the Americana Manhasset Mall on Long IslandRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, a three-count indictment was unsealed charging defendants Alan Christhofer Cedeno-Ferrer, Michael Mejia-Nunez and Ennait Alexis Sirett-Padilla with Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy and interstate transportation of stolen property. The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before the Honorable Anne Y. Shields, United States Magistrate Judge.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Patrick J. Ryder, Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) announced the charges.
“As alleged, these defendants committed a violent and brazen daytime robbery that terrorized the victims and endangered the public at one of the most popular shopping centers on Long Island,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office will continue its relentless pursuit of violent criminals who prey on innocent victims and put our communities in harms way for their own financial gain.”
“The defendants allegedly held two innocent employees at gunpoint before hijacking and robbing their delivery truck out of selfish greed. The FBI remains in lockstep with our local law enforcement partners to stop violent criminals from wreaking havoc on our communities,” announced FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
“These individuals came into Nassau County and committed a robbery with weapons that put people in fear. We didn’t stop pursuing them until they were brought to justice. County Executive Bruce Blakeman and I have zero tolerance for criminal activity here in Nassau County. Thanks to our great partners in the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, these defendants have been indicted and will now have to answer for their crimes.” stated NCPD Commissioner Ryder.
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, the Bergen County, New Jersey, Prosecutor’s Office, and the New York City Police Department for their assistance on the case.
As set forth in court filings, at approximately 8:00 a.m. on January 3, 2026, the defendants, working with others, hijacked a delivery truck that was parked outside of the Apple Store at the Americana Manhasset mall, as two workers were preparing to deliver Apple products to the store. The contents of the truck included more than $1.2 million worth of MacBook laptop computers, iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and various accessories. Three men approached the delivery workers armed with handguns, forced one of the workers into the back of the delivery truck and zip tied his hands. They ordered the other victim into the driver’s seat to drive the truck. The victim driver was directed to a secluded parking area behind an office building located on Northern Boulevard in Manhasset, New York, and was then ordered into the back of the truck with the first victim, where his hands were also zip tied. A Home Depot box truck, rented by Cedeno-Ferrer using a fake Pennsylvania driver’s license, pulled into the parking area and backed up to the rear of the delivery truck so the cargo sections were aligned. The men moved all of the Apple merchandise from the delivery truck to the Home Depot truck. Once finished, they closed the cargo door to the delivery truck with the victims inside and left the location. One of the victims was able to free himself and call 911.
The stolen merchandise was then taken to New Jersey and brought to a self-storage facility in Paterson, New Jersey. Upon arrival, as caught by surveillance cameras, Mejia-Nunez and Sirett-Padilla rented a storage unit that was used to facilitate transferring the stolen Apple goods from the Home Depot truck to a U-Haul truck and another vehicle being driven by a coconspirator. The Home Depot truck was abandoned in the Bronx and located by law enforcement on January 5, 2026. Cedeno-Ferrer’s fingerprints were found on a copy of the rental agreement that was recovered from inside the Home Depot truck.
The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the charges, the defendants face up to 30 years’ imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorney Paul G. Scotti is in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of paralegal specialist Janelle Robinson.
The Defendants:
ALAN CHRISTHOFER CEDENO-FERRER
Age: 27
Bronx, New YorkMICHAEL MEJIA-NUNEZ
Age: 29
New York, New YorkENNAIT ALEXIS SIRETT-PADILLA
Age: 24
New York, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-118 (SJB)
2026.05.07_cedeno-ferrer_et_al_detention_letter._final.pdf 26-cr-118_cedeno-ferrer_et_al.indictment_redacted.pdfBrooklyn Man Convicted of Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
Earlier today, a federal jury in Brooklyn convicted Dewitt John on both counts of a superseding indictment charging him with sexual exploitation of a child and accessing with intent to view child pornography. The verdict was returned after a three-day trial before United States Circuit Judge Denny Chin, sitting in the Eastern District of New York by designation. When sentenced, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and up to life imprisonment.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the verdict.“From behind his computer screen, Dewitt John preyed on vulnerable children online, exploiting their innocence for his own gratification and using cash payments to coerce minors as young as 13 into producing sexually explicit videos of themselves,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “This conviction demonstrates our Office’s unwavering commitment to protecting children from online predators. We will continue working tirelessly to identify and hold accountable those who exploit the most vulnerable members of our community.”
“Dewitt John preyed on these children’s fear and innocence to force them to comply with his depraved demands. These victims bravely faced their fears in court to testify against their abuser to ensure he can’t hurt anyone else. May today’s guilty verdict serve as a warning to other predators that the FBI is determined to hold accountable those who sexually exploit vulnerable children,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
As proved at trial, in or about March 2024, John identified a 13-year-old girl who had posted photographs of herself on a Reddit forum and whose posts disclosed her age. John offered to pay the girl for her for photographs and then initiated contact on Instagram. John proceeded to groom the victim by sending her money through Cash App in exchange for sexually explicit videos of herself. Despite the victim expressing discomfort and reluctance to comply, John continued to pressure and coerce her into producing the material. During the course of this conduct, John sent the victim explicit and graphic messages describing the sexual acts he wanted her to perform.
As further demonstrated at trial, John also targeted a second 13-year-old minor victim through similar online methods, grooming her and inducing her to send him naked images of herself for his gratification.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.* * * * *
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorney Brooke Theodora and Special Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Elardo are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Elizabeth Reed.
The Defendant:
DEWITT JOHN
Age: 31
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No.: 24-CR-492 (DC)
Brooklyn Clothing Company Pays $3 Million to Settle Claims That it Defrauded Federal Covid Loan ProgramRead the Press Release
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced today a settlement agreement with Brooklyn-based clothing company Lafayette 148, Inc. (Lafayette). The settlement addresses allegations that Lafayette violated the federal False Claims Act (FCA) by falsely certifying that it was eligible for a pandemic-era second-draw Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan and obtaining forgiveness of that loan.
“Congress created the Paycheck Protection Program to help eligible small businesses survive the severe disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic by offering loans that could be forgiven if program rules were followed,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Unfortunately, Lafayette applied for and took government money to which they were not entitled. Our Office will continue to investigate and hold companies accountable who took advantage of pandemic relief programs.”
Mr. Nocella thanked the Small Business Administration (SBA) for its partnership in the investigation.
“SBA is committed to identifying and pursuing those alleged to have perpetrated fraud on COVID Relief Programs to the detriment of small businesses. By working closely with the US Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of New York and our other law enforcement partners, SBA continues its enhanced efforts to uncover fraud and pursue recoveries on behalf of taxpayers,” stated SBA General Counsel Wendell Davis.
On March 27, 2020, the President signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) to provide emergency assistance for individuals, families, and businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The CARES Act authorized the Paycheck Protection Program, administered by the SBA, to provide forgivable loans to eligible small businesses during the national emergency. The PPP provided loans in two draws. For second-draw PPP loans, among other requirements, an applicant could not employ more than 300 employees.
The United States Attorney’s Office commenced an investigation after whistleblowers alleged that Lafayette had knowingly defrauded the federal government by obtaining a $2 million PPP loan and forgiveness of that loan when it was not eligible. Based in Brooklyn, Lafayette has a workshop and production facility in China. The government contended that Lafayette was ineligible for a second-draw PPP loan because its certifications about the number of its employees and its operations associated with China were false.
Under the terms of the agreement with the United States, Lafayette agreed to pay $3 million to the United States. The claims asserted against the defendant are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
The civil settlement resolves a case brought under the qui tam provisions of the FCA. The FCA authorizes private parties to sue on behalf of the United States and receive a share of any recovery. It also permits the United States to intervene and take over such lawsuits, as it did here. The relator will receive a 10% share of the government’s recovery in this matter.
The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Logan J. Gowdicott and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Franka Cepele of the Office’s Civil Division, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Loan Nguyen and Jude Glashow.
Three Staten Island Men Plead Guilty for Attempting to Bribe a Juror in a Criminal Trial in the Eastern District of New YorkRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Afrim Kupa pleaded guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo to obstruction of justice for attempting to bribe a juror (Juror-1) to vote not guilty in a criminal trial in the Eastern District of New York. Kupa is the last of three defendants to plead guilty to this crime, following the guilty pleas of Mustafa Fteja and Valmir Krasniqi on February 19, 2026 and March 4, 2026, respectively. In mid-November 2025, the defendants offered to pay a juror serving on the criminal trial of United States v. Goran Gogic (22-CR-493 JMA) up to $100,000 in exchange for the juror’s not guilty vote at the close of trial. When sentenced, Kupa, Krasniqi and Fteja each face up to 20 years’ imprisonment.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the guilty pleas.
“Any attempt to interfere with the integrity of our justice system will be met with swift and serious consequences,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “These defendants admitted they obstructed a federal criminal trial in Brooklyn by attempting to bribe a juror, which strikes at the very heart of the rule of law. Our Office is committed to protecting the judicial process and ensuring that those who try to corrupt it are held fully accountable.”
Mr. Nocella extended his appreciation to Homeland Security Investigations, New York, for their work on the Gogic case.
“The defendants’ attempt to influence the outcome of a criminal trial threatened the integrity of our country’s justice system. May today’s plea highlight the FBI’s commitment to holding accountable any individual who tries to interfere with our judicial proceedings,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
The Gogic Trial
As alleged in the indictment and set forth in other court documents, the trial of Goran Gogic was set to commence before the United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack on November 17, 2025.
Gogic is charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act and three counts of violating the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act. As alleged, between May 2018 and July 2019, Gogic conspired with others to distribute massive quantities of cocaine via commercial cargo ships. Gogic coordinated with the sources of the cocaine in Colombia, the crewmembers who transported tons of cocaine on commercial cargo ships on the high seas, and the network of port workers who transported and offloaded the cocaine in Europe via the United States. United States law enforcement seized three of these shipments, totaling nearly 20,000 kilograms of cocaine. If convicted, Gogic faces up to life in prison.The Juror Tampering Scheme
On November 3, 2025 and November 5, 2025, a jury was selected in Gogic’s criminal trial. Juror-1 was selected to serve as a juror at trial. Between November 13, 2025 and November 17, 2025, Kupa, Krasniqi, and Fteja attempted to bribe Juror-1 with a cash payment in exchange for Juror-1 agreeing to vote not guilty at Gogic’s trial.
On November 13, 2025, Krasniqi arranged a meeting between Kupa and Fteja in Staten Island, New York. At the meeting, Kupa explained to Fteja that he and other coconspirators wanted Fteja to offer Juror-1 money to vote not guilty at trial. In a meeting on November 15, 2025, Fteja informed Juror-1 that he/she would be paid up to $100,000 to vote not guilty at trial.
On November 16, 2025, Kupa, Krasniqi and Fteja met at Krasniqi’s home in Staten Island. There, the three discussed the plan to pay Juror-1 to vote not guilty at Gogic’s trial. During the meeting, Kupa indicated that Juror-1 would receive $100,000 in cash as payment.
On November 17, 2025, Kupa and Krasniqi were arrested at their homes in Staten Island. At that time, Kupa was in possession of a document containing Juror-1’s name, home address, and place of employment. Krasniqi was in possession of a digital photograph of Juror-1 that he had sent via text message to Fteja in furtherance of the criminal scheme.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily J. Dean, Tanya Hajjar, and Stephen Petraeus are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
VALMIR KRASNIQI
Age: 35
Staten Island, New YorkAFRIM KUPA
Age: 53
Staten Island, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-385 (JMA)
MUSTAFA FTEJA
Age: 54
Staten Island, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-23 (JMA)
Leader of Brooklyn-Based “Bully Gang” Sentenced to 60 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Moeleek Harrell, also known as “Moe Money,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Brian M. Cogan to 60 years in prison for his crimes as the leader of the Bully Gang, a violent street gang based in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. Harrell was one of 53 defendants charged and convicted in connection with the Eastern District of New York’s case against the Bully Gang. Harrell and three other high-ranking members of the gang were convicted by a jury in July 2024 following a 13-week trial. Harrell was convicted of racketeering, two murder conspiracies, two assaults, two instances of using a gun during a crime of violence, two drug trafficking conspiracies, and two money laundering conspiracies.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Field Division (ATF), Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), and Nadia I. Shihata, Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), announced the sentence.
“Moeleek Harrell learned today that there is a heavy price to pay for leading a gang responsible for extensive criminal conduct, and his sentence should serve as a warning to those underlings who foolishly obeyed the defendant’s orders. They too will learn that following Harrell’s footsteps will lead a path straight to federal prison for a very long time,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “His sentence ensures that our neighborhoods will remain protected from Harrell’s criminal conduct and demonstrates our Office’s commitment to prosecuting the leaders of violent criminal organizations.”
“This case exposed a ruthless criminal organization responsible for murder conspiracies, brazen violence in public, and large-scale drug and weapons trafficking that stretched from New York to Maine,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge DiGirolamo. “This 60 year sentence ensures that a dangerous individual who directed countless acts of violence will never again threaten our communities. The men & women of ATF/ NYPD Joint Firearms Task Force will continue working alongside our law enforcement partners to dismantle violent criminal organizations and protect the public.
“The Bully Gang carried out a series of brutal crimes that spread violence through Brooklyn and beyond, and today’s sentencing ensures that its leader, Moeleek Harrell, will never again threaten our communities,” said NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “This case reflects the NYPD’s focus on dismantling violent gangs and taking illegal guns off our streets. I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the ATF for their partnership in bringing Harrell to justice.”
“Moeleek Harrell and his gang sowed terror and fear through their violent crimes, and trafficked drugs into the City’s jails, undercutting the security and safety of these facilities,” stated DOI Commissioner Shihata. “There is no outcome that can repair the deep and destructive impact of this gang in New York City and Maine. But today’s decades-long sentence for the gang’s leader, and the dozens of convictions associated with this prosecution, demonstrate that New York City has zero tolerance for these crimes and will hold those who perpetrate them accountable. I thank the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, the ATF and the NYPD for their partnership on this significant investigation.”
Harrell, along with deceased gang member Charles Williams, was the founder and leader of the Bully Gang. Harrell directed and oversaw the gang’s many crimes, including the gang’s violent rivalries. In connection with these rivalries, Harrell was personally involved in two murder conspiracies, targeting Christopher King and members of a rival gang known as the Stukes Crew. Harrell and the Bully Gang targeted King because King had killed Williams. Over the course of several weeks, Harrell tracked dates on which King would be going to court (including for a case related to Williams’s killing) and confronted King at one of his court appearances. On one occasion, Harrell and his co-conspirators went to King’s house to try to find King. Harrell’s efforts to find King culminated in a shooting on October 1, 2017, in which King and an innocent bystander were both shot and wounded.
Harrell’s violent rivalry with the Stukes Crew lasted at least five years. During this time, Harrell and his co-conspirators made multiple attempts to murder members of the Stukes Crew. On October 1, 2017, the same day that Harrell committed the King shooting, Harrell also targeted members of the Stukes Crew in another shooting in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. No one was injured in this shooting. In March 2018, while at a gender reveal party for Harrell’s child, fellow Bully Gang member and co-defendant Derrick Ayers shot and killed Jonathan Jackson, an associate of the Stukes Crew. Harrell praised Ayers for committing this murder, and taunted his rivals for allowing their associate to be killed. Harrell then shot at members of the Stukes Crew on two consecutive days in June 2018. These shootings again took place in Crown Heights, and the second resulted in a car crash that injured multiple people. Throughout the time that Harrell was targeting members of the Stukes Crew, he took extraordinary steps to learn personal information about his targets, including their addresses, Social Security numbers, license plates, phone numbers, and family members. Harrell then used this information to locate and try to kill his targets.
Harrell was also deeply involved in the gang’s drug trafficking schemes. Harrell ran the day-to-day operations of the gang’s Rikers drug smuggling scheme. In connection with this scheme, from 2019 to 2021, Harrell and his co-conspirators arranged for papers and comic books soaked in synthetic cannabinoids, also known as “K2,” to be delivered to Rikers. Once inmates received the K2-soaked papers, they sold smaller quantities to other inmates at a substantial profit. Harrell made hundreds of thousands of dollars from this scheme. To get drugs into Rikers, Harrell and his co-conspirators sent drugs through the mail, had visitors to the jail bring in drugs, and bribed corrupt corrections officers to bring drugs in themselves.
Harrell also had a leadership role in the gang’s scheme to sell heroin and cocaine base in Maine. As part of this scheme, the Bully Gang and its associates transported large quantities of drugs, including cocaine base, heroin, and fentanyl, from New York and New Jersey to Maine, where they sold the drugs out of multiple stash houses spread throughout the state. The gang made millions of dollars from these drug sales. Harrell directed others who sold and transported drugs in connection with conspiracy and personally profited from the drug sales. He also ensured the discipline of the conspiracy, including by orchestrating the violent punishment of co-defendant Tyquan Lane when Lane violated the rules of the drug conspiracy.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas J. Moscow, Lindsey R. Oken, Joy Lurinsky, and Victor Zapana and former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Drew Rolle and Michael J. Castiglione are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Lead Legal Administrative Specialist Samantha Ward, and Paralegal Specialist Kavya Kannan.
The Defendant:
MOELEEK HARRELL (also known as “Moe Money”)
Age: 36
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-239 (S-8) (BMC)
Defendant Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Attempting to Obstruct a Federal Drug Trafficking InvestigationRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Julian Gonzalez was sentenced by United States District Judge William F. Kuntz II to 57 months’ imprisonment for attempted obstruction of justice. Gonzalez was convicted of this crime following a one-week jury trial in October 2024.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the sentence.
“Gonzalez was convicted at trial of intentionally trying to destroy evidence during an ongoing criminal investigation into his narcotics trafficking,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The jury’s verdict and today’s sentence make clear that those who think they are above the law, seek to undermine our judicial system, and obstruct law enforcement will be prosecuted and held accountable.”
“Julian Gonzalez attempted to interfere with a federal investigation and destroy evidence linking him to drug trafficking in New York City,” stated FBI Assistant in Charge Barnacle. “Today’s sentencing represents the FBI’s commitment to hold accountable individuals who try to conceal their crimes from law enforcement.”
During an investigation into Gonzalez’s drug trafficking and distribution of cocaine throughout New York City, the FBI obtained a judicially authorized warrant to seize and search his cell phone for evidence of criminal activity. On March 17, 2023, Gonzalez arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York, aboard an international flight. Shortly after he landed, FBI agents met Gonzalez, identified themselves, and provided Gonzalez with the search warrant for his phone. Initially, Gonzalez reluctantly unlocked his phone and gave it to the agents. The agents then began looking through the phone and photographing Gonzalez’s Signal messages that appeared to relate to drug trafficking, including the sale of one kilogram of cocaine for approximately $20,000.
Shortly after handing his phone to the FBI agents, and while the agents were conducting their preliminary search, Gonzalez asked to use his phone to call his wife. When the agents handed the phone back to Gonzalez, Gonzalez slammed the phone on the ground, causing significant damage.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Sara K. Winik and Rebecca M. Schuman are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of former Paralegal Specialist Nadya Osman.
The Defendant:
JULIAN GONZALEZ
Age: 51
Yonkers, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-179 (WFK)
Two Individuals Plead Guilty to Prolific Counterfeit Art SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Erwin Bankowski and Karolina Bankowska pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and misrepresentation of Native American produced goods and products. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis. When sentenced, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, as well as restitution of at least $1.9 million.
Joseph Nocella Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); Doug Ault, Assistant Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); and Meredith Stanton, Director, U.S. Department of Interior, Indian Arts and Crafts Board, announced the guilty pleas.
“For years, these defendants painted themselves as purveyors of fine art while selling lies on canvas to unsuspecting collectors,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Today’s convictions strip away the varnish and reveal the fraud underneath.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the, Office of Law Enforcement–Indian Arts and Crafts Investigations for their work on the case.
“These two individuals didn’t just sell counterfeit art – they undermined trust, exploited buyers, and attempted to profit from fraud. In this instance, the FBI with its partners has made it clear that those who manipulate the market for personal gain will be caught and held accountable,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
“This artwork scheme doesn't just cheat buyers. It steals from Native American artists and undermines the integrity of an entire cultural marketplace. These offenders also produced fake works attributed to well-known artists like Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Banksy, and Native American Luiseño artist Fritz Scholder,” stated USFWS Assistant Director Ault. “Selling fake native America art is a serious crime, and our Special Agents investigate these cases to hold offenders accountable and protect authentic Indian artists, their work, and their livelihoods.”
“Due to the outstanding work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of New York, FBI - New York Field Office, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Indian Arts and Crafts Act Investigative Unit, the defendants are being held accountable and the message is clear. For those selling counterfeit Indian art it is important to know that wherever you are we will diligently work to find you and hold you accountable,” stated Indian Arts and Crafts Board Director Stanton.
From 2020 through 2025, the defendants, who are father and daughter, conspired to consign for auction over 200 counterfeit artworks (the “Counterfeit Works”). The Counterfeit Works were allegedly painted by famed artists, including Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Banksy, Raimond Staprans, Richard Mayhew, and Native American artist Fritz Scholder. To make some of the Counterfeit Works appear to be legitimate, the defendants generated false histories of prior custody and ownership, also known as provenance. To do so, they conducted research to represent falsely that some of the Counterfeit Works had been in private collections of individuals associated with the artists, had been owned by since-closed art galleries, or had been in the private collections of corporations that were no longer in operation. The defendants chose galleries and corporations that were no longer operating to make it difficult for galleries and potential buyers to verify the purported provenance of the Counterfeit Works. In some instances, to further bolster the purported provenance of the Counterfeit Works, the defendants created and affixed forged stamps from art galleries to some of the Counterfeit Works, which they created by purchasing antique books to imprint custom-made stamps of forged certificates of authenticity onto aged paper, and then affixed to the Counterfeit Works.
The defendants consigned the Counterfeit Works to art galleries and auction houses throughout the United States, which then attempted to auction the Counterfeit Works for sale to buyers for prices of up to $160,000. Over the course of their scheme, the defendants defrauded victims at least $2 million, including through selling the following examples of Counterfeit Works:
Counterfeit Work Purportedly by Raimond Staprans Sold for $60,000 Counterfeit Work Purportedly by Banksy Sold for $2,000 Counterfeit Work Purportedly by Andy Warhol Sold for $5,500 Counterfeit Work Purportedly by Richard Mayhew Sold for $160,000The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity and General Crimes Sections. Assistant United States Attorney Sean M. Sherman is in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Johnson Peow.
The Defendants:
ERWIN BANKOWSKI
Age: 50
Lawrence, New JerseyKAROLINA BANKOWSKA
Age: 26
Lawrence, New JerseyE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-90 (NGG)
Former National Basketball Association Player and Coach Damon Jones Pleads Guilty for His Participation in Fraudulent Sports Betting and Rigged Poker ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Damon Jones pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud conspiracy in two separate cases: one count for his role in a scheme to use inside information derived from multiple National Basketball Association (NBA) teams, players and coaches, to profit from illegal betting activity; and one count for participating in a scheme to rig illegal poker games across the country. The loss amount for both cases totals more than $10 million. Jones was a professional basketball player with the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005 to 2008. After his playing career, Jones served on the coaching staffs of the Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers. The proceedings were held before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Marutollo.
Joseph Nocella Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI); Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD); and Phoebe S. Sorial, Executive Director, New York Waterfront Commission, announced the guilty pleas.
“As shown by his guilty pleas today, Damon Jones converted his fame and ties to professional basketball into a multi-faceted criminal betting operation. He used private locker room and medical information from multiple NBA teams to cheat legitimate sportsbooks. He also, separately, lured unsuspecting victims to high-stakes rigged poker games,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Jones will now face the consequences for his corrupt conduct. Insider betting and rigged poker schemes erode the integrity of American sports and fair contest. This Office will continue in its strong tradition of holding accountable anyone who seeks to profit through fraud and corruption.”
“Former NBA player Damon Jones admitted to exploiting his profession and fame to help others cheat in two separate rigged betting schemes. With our federal and local law enforcement partners, the FBI continues to hold accountable those who threaten the integrity of American sports,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
“As today's plea makes clear, Damon Jones used his presence at underground card tables to fuel fraudulent betting and fixed poker schemes that stole millions from victims. Status, access, and a high-profile career do not exempt any individual from answering for criminal conduct. This outcome is the product of a sustained, coordinated effort by HSI New York and our law enforcement partners, who together traced the money, unraveled the cheating technology, and exposed the full scope of these schemes,” stated HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Alfonso.
“The defendant in this case traded his reputation for greed and fraud,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “By exploiting his access to the NBA, and rigging illegal poker games across the country, Damon Jones attempted to orchestrate a scheme that defrauded victims of millions of dollars. Thanks to our investigators, law enforcement partners, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, we are upholding the integrity of the game and ensuring accountability for those who break the law and betray the public’s trust.”
“While his unsuspecting victims believed Damon Jones was playing by the rules, he was playing an entirely different game. He used his celebrity as the opening bet and when it was time to cash in, he enriched not only himself but also some of the most notorious La Cosa Nostra crime families. His guilty plea today sends a clear message: exploiting trust for personal gain is not a game you can win,” stated New York Waterfront Commission Executive Director Sorial. “The Waterfront Commission will continue to work side by side with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to combat organized crime and corruption, and to dismantle criminal enterprises in the New York metropolitan area by severing the illicit revenue streams that fuel them.
United States v. Earnest, et al.As detailed in court filings, transcripts of court proceedings and facts presented during the plea proceeding, between December 2022 and March 2024, Jones and his associates obtained and misused non-public information about upcoming NBA games to place fraudulent sports wagers for profit. Specifically, Jones used his NBA insider status to obtain confidential information from multiple NBA teams, players and coaches, and distributed that information through a network of bettors. These bettors placed wagers through online sportsbooks and retail betting outlets, falsely representing that their wagers complied with the betting companies’ rules—which included, as relevant here, not betting on non-public information or using straw bettors—while concealing that their wagers were based on confidential team information.
United States v. Aiello, et al.Beginning as early as 2019, the charged defendants engaged in a series of schemes to use wireless cheating technology to rig illegal poker games in the Eastern District of New York and across the United States. Co-conspirators in the scheme included game organizers, who arranged for unwitting victims to play in underground illegal poker games that were secretly rigged; suppliers of the rigged cheating technology; former professional athletes, who were enlisted as “Face Cards” in the scheme to entice the victims’ participation in the games; cheating teams who worked together using the cheating technology to defraud the victims; money launderers; and members and associates of the Bonanno, Gambino and Genovese organized crime families who backed games in the New York area and took a percentage of the crime proceeds from those games. Jones admitted at his guilty plea hearing that he acted as a “Face Card” to entice victims to play in high-stake rigged games and also was a member of cheating teams who defrauded victims at poker tables.
* * * * *
The government’s Earnest, et al. case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Kaitlin Farrell, Benjamin Weintraub and David Berman are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Liam McNett and Erika Ellis. The government’s Aiello, et al. case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael W. Gibaldi, Irisa Chen, Sean M. Sherman and Kamil R. Ammari are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist John Schneider. Assistant United States Attorney Claire Kedeshian of the Office’s Asset Forfeiture Section is handling forfeiture matters.
The Defendant:
DAMON JONES (also known as “Dee Jones”)
Age: 49
Houston, Texas
E.D.N.Y. Docket Nos. 25-CR-314 (RER) and 25-CR-323 (LDH)Jay Bryant Pleads Guilty as Accomplice to the Murder of Run-Dmc’s Jason Mizell, Also Known as “Jam Master Jay”Read the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Jay Bryant, also known as “Bradshaw Dewitt,” “Jason Robinson,” “Morgan Bryant,” “Deshawn Sadler,” “Jay Sadler” and “Big Jay” pleaded guilty to the October 30, 2002, firearm-related murder of Jason Mizell, also known as “Jam Master Jay,” a member of the famed hip hop group Run-DMC. The plea proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Cross-Goldenberg. When sentenced, Bryant faces a mandatory minimum term of 15 years in prison and up to 20 years in prison. This sentence also applies to separate narcotics trafficking and firearms charges to which Bryant already pleaded guilty and that were accepted by United States District Judge Brian M. Cogan on December 2, 2023.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Division (ATF New York), and Jessica S. Tish, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced the guilty plea.
“More than two decades after the cold-blooded, execution-style killing of Mr. Mizell, an exhaustive investigation revealed Bryant’s role and today he finally admitted his guilt,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The prosecutors in our Office and our law enforcement partners never give up, no matter how long it takes, in the pursuit of justice for the victim and the victim’s family.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the NYPD Intelligence Division, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Queens County District Attorney’s Office, Columbia Borough Police Department in Pennsylvania, and the Dominican Republic National Police for their work on the case.
“Justice in the murder of Jam Master Jay has been pursued with determination and resolve for more than two decades. The defendant’s role in facilitating access for the killers was integral to this crime,” stated ATF New York Special Agent in Charge DiGirolamo. “Today’s guilty plea reflects the dedication of law enforcement and prosecutors who never stopped working to bring accountability for the victim and his family. We are grateful for the partnership of ATF NY’s Joint Firearms Task Force–Long Island, ATF Philadelphia Allentown Office, NYPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.”
“The defendant’s guilty plea reflects the relentless work of NYPD detectives to hold criminals accountable, no matter how much time has passed,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “Jason Mizell was brutally murdered over 20 years ago, but thanks to our investigators, along with our partners at the ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, this case was never forgotten, and those who are responsible are now being held accountable.”
As alleged in court filings, between the 1990s and 2002, separate from his music career, Mizell was involved in arranging for the sale of kilogram-quantities of cocaine in the Eastern District of New York and elsewhere. In August 2002, Mizell acquired approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine on consignment from a supplier. The cocaine was intended to be distributed in Maryland by co-defendants Karl Jordan, Jr., Ronald Washington, and other co-conspirators. A dispute between Washington and one of the co-conspirators in Baltimore resulted in Mizell cutting Washington and Jordan out of the Maryland drug deal worth almost $200,000. Following this betrayal, Washington and Jordan continued in the larger narcotics conspiracy until they ultimately cut out Jason Mizell by murdering him on October 30, 2002.
On October 30, 2002, Mizell was present at his recording studio, “24/7,” located on Merrick Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens. At approximately 7:30 p.m., Bryant entered the building containing the recording studio and opened a locked fire escape exit door to allow Jordan and Washington to enter the building without being seen by Mizell. Jordan and Washington entered the recording studio, armed with firearms. Washington pointed his firearm at an individual and demanded she lay on the floor, and Jordan approached Mizell and fired two shots at close range, striking Mizell once in the head and killing him. The second shot struck another individual in the leg.
Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Misorek, Miranda Gonzalez, and Andrew D. Wang are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Samantha Schroder.
The Defendant:
JAY BRYANT (also known as “Bradshaw Dewitt,” “Jason Robinson,” “Morgan Bryant,” “Deshawn Sadler,” “Jay Sadler” and “Big Jay”)
Age: 52
Far Rockaway, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-305 (S-2) (LDH)
Queens Pharmacy Owner Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
BROOKLYN, NY – Today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Taesung Kim, also known as “Terry,” was sentenced today to 63 months in prison for conspiring to launder the proceeds of a $24.4 million pharmacy fraud scheme. In December 2024, Kim pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. As part of his sentence, the Court ordered Kim pay $24.4 million in restitution and to forfeit $6 million in fraud proceeds, including several bank accounts and real properties.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Colin M. McDonald, Assistant Attorney General, head of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division; James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Scott J. Lampert, Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) announced the sentence.
“Today, Taesung Kim was held accountable for the despicable crime of defrauding Medicare and Medicaid, vital federal health care programs that provide insurance coverage to the elderly and those who cannot afford health insurance,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Fraudsters who think the government is an ATM they can blatantly plunder should take notice of the price this defendant will now pay for his greed.”
“Mr. Kim’s scheme to pad his pockets with $24 million in taxpayer dollars by peddling unnecessary prescription drugs is despicable and dangerous,” said Assistant Attorney General McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “This administration is making clear: we will hold accountable anyone who jeopardizes the health of millions of American adults by stealing from Medicare.”
“Taesung (Terry) Kim attempted to hide years of health care fraud through illicit kickbacks and bribes. Through the hard work of the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Service - Office of the Inspector General, we were able to peel back the layers of deception to uncover this criminal scheme,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable individuals defrauding the American people."
“The defendant deliberately exploited patients and the Medicare program by orchestrating kickback schemes and laundering millions in fraudulent prescription proceeds to fuel his own greed,” stated HHS-OIG Acting Deputy Inspector General Lampert. “Today’s sentence reinforces HHS-OIG’s continued commitment, alongside our law enforcement partners, to dismantling schemes that abuse federal health care programs and ensuring those who perpetrate them are brought to justice.”
Kim co-owned several retail pharmacies in Brooklyn and Queens, New York. Between 2015 and 2022, Kim’s pharmacies submitted approximately $24.4 million in claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary prescription drugs. Kim, working with others, acquired prescriptions by paying bribes and cash kickbacks to medical providers and purported patients. He and his co-conspirators gave bribes to medical providers in the form of office rent and staff to induce them to direct prescriptions to the pharmacies, and he paid customers in the form of supermarket gift certificates and cash to induce them to fill prescriptions at their pharmacies. Kim laundered the proceeds of the scheme through various trading companies which gave the appearance that he was conducting legitimate business; facilitated the kickbacks and bribes; and distributed profits among the pharmacies’ owners. On October 16, 2025, Kim’s partner and co-conspirator, Feng “Jeff” Jiang, was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment for his role in the money laundering conspiracy.
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within federal benefit programs.
Trial Attorney Patrick J. Campbell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. Assistant United States Attorney Tanisha R. Payne of the Office’s Asset Forfeiture Section is handling forfeiture matters.
The Defendant Sentenced Today:
TAESUNG KIM (also known as “Terry”)
Age: 61
Harrison, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-191 (DG)
The Defendant Previously Sentenced:
FENG JIANG (also known as “Jeff”)
Age: 43
Flushing, QueensE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-264 (ARR)
Six Defendants Charged with Participating in Violent Spree of Carjackings and a Home Invasion Robbery in Queens, Brooklyn, and on Long IslandRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal court in Brooklyn, an 11-count indictment was unsealed charging Leny Cruz, Brandon Corona, Eddie Nunez, Jose Ramos, Savion Jones, and Justin Kenny with variously committing carjacking, attempted carjacking, Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy, being a felon in possession of ammunition, and interstate transportation of stolen property. Nunez was arrested yesterday in Mount Vernon, New York, arraigned this afternoon before United States Chief Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon, and ordered detained pending trial. The other defendants are in state custody in New York City and Suffolk County and will be arraigned at a later date.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Division (ATF), announced the charges.
“As alleged, these defendants used violence to threaten and intimidate, turning their victims’ everyday routines into terrifying ordeals,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Armed carjackings and robberies strike at the core of community safety, and our Office will continue to work tirelessly to protect our community from violent predators.”
“The pattern of violent carjackings and home invasion robberies alleged in this case is exactly the type of gun-related violence ATF and our partners are working to stop,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge DiGirolamo. “Through coordinated enforcement and timely intelligence sharing, we are disrupting those responsible and preventing further harm. This case reflects the impact of strong partnerships and a shared commitment to protecting our communities. Special thanks to the diligent efforts of ATF/NYPD’s Strategic Pattern Armed Robbery Technical Apprehension (SPARTA) Group, NYPD’s Queens Robbery Squad, USAO Eastern District NY, Suffolk County DA and Suffolk County Police.”
As set forth in court filings, between July 12, 2025, and August 2, 2025, the defendants engaged in a sprawling and violent carjacking and robbery scheme, among other crimes, which involved stealing numerous luxury vehicles, cash, and other possessions from several victims.
On July 12, 2025, Cruz and Ramos carried out a carjacking of a BMW M240i from the driveway of a home in Malba, Queens. Less than a week later, on the evening of July 17, 2025, Cruz and Corona carried out a carjacking of another victim’s BMW M3 in the parking lot of a smoke shop in Queens, New York. Several hours later on July 18, 2025, Corona and Nunez carried out an armed carjacking of a BMW 540 stopped at a red light on Prince Street in Flushing, Queens, pistol-whipping the victim. The following day, on July 19, 2025, Corona shot a victim twice in the leg on Blake Avenue in Brooklyn. Then, on July 24, 2025, Corona and Nunez carried out carjacking of a BMW X5 luxury SUV from another victim in Bayside, Queens.
On July 30, 2025, Cruz engaged in an attempted home invasion robbery of an individual in Orlando, Florida, who was involved in drug trafficking. Cruz then fled from Florida to Brooklyn in a stolen vehicle used during the robbery. On August 2, 2025, Cruz, Jones, and Kenny engaged in a home invasion robbery of a residence in North Amityville, Long Island, where they entered the residence with firearms and stole a large quantity of money.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of all charges, Cruz, Corona, and Nunez face up to life imprisonment; Ramos faces up to 30 years’ imprisonment; and Jones and Kenny face up to 20 years’ imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen H. Petraeus and Alessandra V. Rafalson are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Marlane Bosler.
The Defendants:
LENNY CRUZ
Age: 23
Brooklyn, NYBRANDON CORONA
Age: 23
Brooklyn, NYEDDIE NUNEZ
Age: 28
Brooklyn, NYJOSE RAMOS
Age: 21
Bay Shore, NYSAVION JONES
Age: 22
Huntington Station, NYJUSTIN KENNY
Age: 24
West Babylon, NYE.D.N.Y. Docket No 26-CR-103 (PKC)
26-cr-103_detention_letter_filed.pdfDiamond District Fence Sentenced to 46 Months in Connection with Large Scale Transnational Stolen Property OperationRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Dimitriy Nezhinskiy was sentenced by United States District Judge William F. Kuntz II to 46 months in prison for conspiring to receive stolen property that had been transported in interstate commerce. In addition to the terms of imprisonment, Judge Kuntz ordered the defendant forfeit $2,500,000 and restitution will be determined at a later date. The defendant and his co-defendant Juan Villar pled guilty in July 2025. Villar was sentenced in February 2026 to 46 months’ incarceration along with restitution and forfeiture.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James C. Barnacle, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD); and Patrick J. Ryder, Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) announced the sentence.
“Dimitriy Nezhinskiy and Juan Villar used the cover of their Diamond District store to encourage, coordinate, and profit from theft groups conducting burglaries nationwide,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The defendants tried to make a quick buck by buying stolen valuables from transnational criminals, and in doing so, bought themselves lengthy prison sentences.”
“Dimitriy Nezhinskiy and Juan Villar facilitated the sale of stolen goods obtained from criminals for profit. The goods stolen came from across the United States, impacting victims nationwide. The FBI and its partners have worked diligently to bring charges against these two individuals for their unlawful activity,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
“What started with criminals trying to commit burglaries in Nassau County, has now ended in multiple arrests and guilty pleas; including these defendants,” stated NCPD Commissioner Ryder. “When you try and buy stolen goods that were taken from hard working people, we will work with our great partners to find you, and hold you accountable. Today, that accountability came.”
“For years, the defendant participated in a large-scale transnational operation of brazen burglaries,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “This international pipeline targeted residential homes and commercial vendors to receive and purchase stolen property, contributing to dangerous criminal activities. Thanks to the work of our detectives, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, we have shut down this enterprise, and this sentencing ensures those responsible are being held accountable.”
Nezhinskiy and Villar regularly served as “fences” for burglary crews from South America, who traveled around the United States, including the Eastern District of New York, committing burglaries, typically targeting wealthier neighborhoods in Nassau County and elsewhere or jewelry vendors, and stealing luxury accessories. According to court filings and statements Nezhinskiy made at his earlier guilty plea, between approximately 2020 and 2025, he conspired with Villar and others to receive and purchase stolen property, including jewelry, watches, handbags, and assorted luxury items that had been stolen and transported into New York. Nezhinskiy and Villar’s operation, which consisted of purchasing stolen property from these crews for cash, provided an essential market for the stolen goods, perpetuating the dangerous criminal activities of the burglary and theft crews composed largely of foreign nationals. Evidence linked Nezhinskiy and Villar to residential and commercial burglaries around the country, including burglaries from at least one professional athlete.
The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division and the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael R. Maffei, Katherine P. Onyshko, and Sean M. Sherman are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Special Assistant United States Attorney Marsalla M. King with respect to forfeiture matters.
The Defendants:
DIMITRIY NEZHINSKIY
Age: 44
North Bergen, New JerseyJUAN VILLAR
Age: 48
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-40 (WFK)
Two Gang Members Sentenced to Prison for Armed Carjackings on Long Island and in QueensRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Jaquell Blackwell was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment for committing three armed carjackings. On December 18, 2025, another defendant, Abdoul Azika, was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment for his participation in a carjacking with Blackwell and two other armed carjackings. Both proceedings were held before United States District Judge Dora L. Irizarry.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentencings.
“For more than a year, the defendants and their co-conspirators engaged in a pattern of armed carjackings targeting hardworking New Yorkers,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Their sentencings demonstrate that our Office will not tolerate gang violence and will bring these criminals to justice.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the Nassau County Police Department and the Garden City Police Department for their work on the case.
“The defendants repeatedly terrorized and harmed unsuspecting New Yorkers during a series of armed carjackings. The FBI's Safe Streets Task Force continues to protect our communities from senseless gang violence,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
Azika and Blackwell were members of the violent “5zzly” crew of the Bronx-based Blood Hounds Brims gang that has engaged in a string of armed carjackings and robberies across New York City and on Long Island. Both gang members pleaded guilty to a carjacking in the early morning hours of March 19, 2023, during which they snuck up on a vehicle parked in a residential neighborhood in Garden City, opened the doors of a vehicle, pointed a knife and a gun at the driver’s face, and told him to “get the f--- out of the car.” The driver complied and the defendants stole the vehicle.
In connection with his guilty plea, Azika also admitted to committing two additional armed carjackings on June 5, 2022. During the first of those carjackings, which happened in South Farmingdale, Azika and his co-conspirators pulled the victim out of his vehicle at gunpoint, beat him, and stole his vehicle. During the second carjacking in Massapequa, Azika and his co-conspirators entered the victim’s vehicle, brandished a gun, assaulted the victim, pulled him out of his vehicle, and stole the vehicle.
In connection with his guilty plea, Blackwell also admitted to committing armed carjackings on June 26, 2022, and June 7, 2023. During the June 2022 carjacking, which happened in Garden City, Blackwell and his co-conspirators got into the victim’s vehicle at gunpoint, pulled him out of the vehicle and beat him, and then put him back in and drove him around to ATMs while forcing him to try to withdraw funds. At one point during the ride, one of the co-conspirators said they should “just shoot” the victim because they “don’t need him.” During the June 2023 carjacking, which happened in Elmont, Blackwell and his co-conspirators opened the victim’s door, grabbed the victim and threw him to the ground, punched and kicked the victim, and then stole his vehicle.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca M. Schuman and Kamil R. Ammari are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
ABDOUL AZIKA
Age: 21
Bronx, New YorkJAQUELL BLACKWELL
Age: 21
Bronx, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket Nos. 24-CR-483, 25-CR-194 (DLI)
United Kingdom Citizen Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for $97 Million Wine Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, James Wellesley, also known as “Andrew Fuller” and “Andrew Templar,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen to 10 years in prison for wire fraud conspiracy in connection with a scheme to defraud over 140 victims around the world of over $97 million. As part of the sentence, Judge Chen ordered Wellesley to pay $1 million in forfeiture and postponed the imposition of restitution until a later date.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence.
“Unlike a fine vintage that improves over time, the defendant will spend years in prison to reflect on his fraudulent wine scheme. James Wellesley preyed on investors around the globe to induce them to invest tens of millions of dollars on lies,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Today’s sentence sends a message to fraudsters that that our Office will prosecute you to the full extent of the law.”
“James Wellesley swindled nearly $100 million from investors by pretending to be an executive broker for fine wine collections. Wellesley spoiled the reputation of a prestigious industry as well as his clients’ trust. The FBI continues to stem fraudulent schemes that steal from the wallets of victims,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
From at least June 2017 and continuing through February of 2019, Wellesley posed as the Chief Financial Officer and Operations Manager of Bordeaux Cellars. Wellesley, along with his co-conspirator Stephen Burton, solicited investors at, among other places, investor conferences held in the United States and overseas. Wellesley and Burton claimed to investors that Bordeaux Cellars brokered loans between investors and high-net-worth wine collectors that would be fully collateralized by high-value collections of wine. They promised that investors would receive regular interest payments from the borrowers, and that Bordeaux Cellars would keep custody of the wine, securing the loans while the loans were outstanding. These representations were lies: the “high-net-worth wine collectors” did not actually exist, and Bordeaux Cellars did not maintain custody of the wine purportedly securing the loans. Instead, Wellesley and Burton used incoming loan proceeds to make fraudulent interest payments to investors and for their own personal expenses.
From June 2017 to December 2018, victims who had invested in Bordeaux Cellars received supposed interest payments and many victims rolled over their principal investments to new loans at the end of the loan terms. However, the supposed interest payments that victims received were not sourced from lenders paying interest on the loans, but rather were sourced from new investment funds fraudulently obtained by Bordeaux Cellars, in a classic Ponzi-like scheme. Of the over $97 million solicited from victims, Bordeaux Cellars paid back only approximately $14 million before their Ponzi scheme unraveled, leaving victims with losses of over $83 million.
Burton pleaded guilty in July 2025 to wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy and is currently awaiting sentencing.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Weintraub is in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Claire S. Kedeshian of the Office’s Asset Forfeiture Section, Paralegal Specialists Liam McNett and Erika Ellis, and Anne Pings and Amanda J. Chadwick of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
The Defendant:
JAMES WELLESLEY
Age: 59
London, United KingdomE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-79 (PKC)
Senior Executive Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Leading a Money Laundering Operation for Transnational Criminal OrganizationsRead the Press Release
Alain Bibliowicz Mitrani, a resident of Miami, Florida and a citizen of France and Colombia, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Carol Bagley Amon in federal court in Brooklyn to 12 years in prison for his role in a sprawling money laundering and fraud operation. The defendant was convicted by a federal jury in December 2025 of conspiracies to commit money laundering, bank fraud, and unlicensed money transmitting in connection with his scheme to launder more than $300 million, including for persons affiliated with cartels and other transnational criminal organizations engaged in drug trafficking, such as the Sinaloa Cartel. The Court also imposed a $330 million forfeiture money judgment against Bibliowicz.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI), announced the sentence.
“As punishment for laundering hundreds of millions of dollars for drug cartels and drug traffickers, a crime that shocks the conscience, the defendant will deservedly spend a significant portion of the rest of his life in prison,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “This prosecution is an example of how the Office is meeting the Administration’s goal of totally eliminating drug cartels and drug trafficking organizations by targeting and stopping their cash money lifeblood.”
Mr. Nocella thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, for their assistance.
“Today’s sentence strikes at the heart of a criminal enterprise that funneled hundreds of millions of illicit funds into the hands of drug cartels and traffickers,” stated HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Alfonso. “Money laundering operations, such as Bibliowicz's, are the lifeblood of transnational criminal organizations, enabling them to expand their reach and inflict harm across borders. This case underscores the effectiveness of our investigative efforts and the resolve of law enforcement to disrupt criminal networks at every level. Together with our partners, HSI New York is committed to tracking illicit financial flows, exposing those who profit from crime, and ensuring they face justice.”
“Individuals like Bibliowicz Mitrani, who willingly launder money, enable billion‑dollar criminal enterprises to operate in the shadows. He moved millions in illicit cash for criminal organizations and cartels, hiding his conduct behind a sham technology company. His laundering fees funded a lavish lifestyle of luxury travel, high‑end jewelry, and a multimillion‑dollar home. With today’s sentence, that life of luxury is over—and the only thing he’ll be laundering now are his clothes,” stated IRS-CI New York Special Agent in Charge ChavisAs proven at trial, from approximately 2020 to 2024, the defendant led a scheme to launder more than $300 million, much of which represented drug proceeds belonging to drug cartels such as the Sinaloa Cartel and other transnational criminal organizations. The defendant was a co-owner and chief executive of a company called Treebu, which purported to be a legitimate technology business. In reality, Treebu’s public-facing operations were a cover for an elaborate multi-million-dollar money laundering enterprise based in Florida and Colombia.
Cartels and other transnational criminal organizations that engage in drug trafficking operate vast criminal enterprises that generate significant revenue globally by trafficking illicit narcotics. Because these organizations generate billions of dollars in illicit revenue annually from trafficked narcotics, they must find ways to repatriate these proceeds back to their home countries to fund their ongoing enterprises. In many cases, drug trafficking organizations rely on separate money laundering operations, such as Treebu, to repatriate their funds. In exchange, money laundering organizations and their associates, like the defendant, earn a significant commission for taking on the risk of laundering illicit proceeds for these criminal organizations.
The defendant established shell companies that were used to open bank accounts used to transmit the illegal proceeds to obscure the source of the funds. To protect the scheme from detection, the defendant lied to U.S. financial institutions about the purpose and activities of these companies, and he failed to register as a money transmitting business as required under state and federal law. In total, financial records show that the defendant and his organization laundered more than $300 million.
The defendant used his profits from this scheme for personal expenses and to fund his lavish lifestyle, including to purchase expensive jewelry from Van Cleef & Arpels, make payments towards his approximately $4 million Miami mansion, and fund luxury travel, including more than $16,000 on luxury hotel stays abroad in April 2023.
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 and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Amir, Lorena Michelen, and David Berman are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Zoubida Bicane.
The Defendant:
ALAIN BIBLIOWICZ MITRANI
Age: 51
Miami, FloridaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-39 (CBA)
Nigerian National Pleads Guilty to Series of Multi-Million Dollar Business Email Compromise SchemesRead the Press Release
Earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn, Animashaun Adebo, also known as “Kazeem” and “Kazeem Animashaun,” pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy for his role in a series of fraudulent business email compromise (BEC) and related romance schemes that resulted in more than $50 million in losses by individuals and small businesses located within the Eastern District of New York and throughout the United States. The defendant and his co-conspirators misappropriated victim funds and laundered them through shell company accounts in the United States and abroad, sometimes using unsuspecting middlemen to further obscure the fraudulent source of the funds.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Matt McCool, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service, New York Field Office (USSS), announced the plea.
“The defendant and his network of criminal associates perpetrated sophisticated frauds targeting victims here in Brooklyn and throughout the country,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Schemes like these cause enormous hardship and financial losses to victims every year. Our Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to prioritize prosecuting these online criminal actors and getting victims their hard-earned money back.”
“The staggering number of monetary losses this defendant and his network of thieves inflicted on innocent, hardworking, and good people caused significant financial hardship and distress. Let this sentence send a message to other cyber-criminals out there: You won’t get away with your crimes forever. We will track you down. And there will be significant consequences for your criminal misdeeds,” stated USSS Special Agent in Charge Matt McCool. “I am proud of the work the U.S. Secret Service did in this case, and I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and our other law enforcement partners for their diligence in bringing justice to the innocent victims hurt by this criminal network.”
A BEC scheme is a form of cyber-enabled financial fraud. In a typical BEC scheme, a malicious actor compromises legitimate business email accounts through computer intrusion techniques or social engineering and uses those accounts to cause the unauthorized transfer of funds. Techniques for perpetrating these schemes include identity theft, spoofing of emails and websites and the use of malware. Confidence fraud is another form of cyber-enabled financial fraud. In a typical confidence fraud, a malicious actor befriends and gains the confidence of another individual through online communications and uses that confidence to cause the transfer of funds for unauthorized purposes. A romance scheme is a type of confidence fraud wherein the perpetrator adopts a fictitious online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust. The perpetrator then uses the illusion of a romantic relationship to cause the transfer of funds for unauthorized purposes.
Between April 2021 and March 2022, the defendant and his co-conspirators orchestrated a series of fraudulent BEC schemes and related romance schemes and laundered and received proceeds from the fraudulent schemes. As one part of the BEC schemes, victim-individuals involved in real estate transactions received fraudulent emails purporting to be from legitimate parties to those transactions. The emails instructed them to wire funds they believed to be related to the real estate transactions to specified bank accounts. The fraudulent email accounts that contacted the victims closely resembled, but were slightly different from, the email addresses of the legitimate parties to the transaction (a process known as “spoofing”).
As another part of the BEC schemes, employees of victim-companies received fraudulent emails purporting to be from legitimate vendors or other business partners of those companies directing them to transfer funds to specified bank accounts. The employees were also defrauded through email spoofing and received fraudulent emails from accounts that closely resembled, but were slightly different from, the email addresses of the legitimate vendors and business partners.
In each case, after the victims executed the wires in accordance with the fraudulent instructions, the transferred funds were misappropriated from the victims and sent to and through accounts controlled by the defendant and his co-conspirators. The defendant further laundered illicit proceeds through the purchase of luxury watches and through an illegal money exchange operation run by his co-defendant Idowu Ademoroti, who was previously convicted and sentenced to a term of incarceration for his role in the scheme. Adebo ultimately received fraudulent proceeds in corporate bank accounts located in Nigeria.
A third defendant, Nelson Ojeriakhi, also a Nigerian national, was arrested in Paris, France and extradited to the United States in July 2025. Ojeriakhi pleaded guilty in November 2025 and is pending sentencing. A fourth defendant, Noguan Marvellous Eboigbe, also a Nigerian national, remains at large.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew D. Reich and Daniel J. Marcus are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Liam McNett and Chelsea Guzman.
The Defendants:
ANIMASHAUN ADEBO (also known as “Kazeem” and “Kazeem Animashaun”)
Age: 40
Chicago, IllinoisIDOWU ADEMOROTI
Age: 33
Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Atlanta, GeorgiaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-239 (PKC)
NOGUAN MARVELLOUS EBOIGBE (also known as “Randall Olson,” “Martin Roberto” and “Carlos Eduardo”)
Age: 45
Lagos, NigeriaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-240 (PKC)
NELSON OJERIAKHI (also known as “Ojeey Mami” and “Oba Millie”)
Age: 32
Lagos, NigeriaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-188 (PKC)
Long Island Man Sentenced to Prison for $1 Million Covid-19 FraudRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Carmine G. Agnello was sentenced by United States District Judge Nusrat J. Choudhury to 15 months in prison for defrauding the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) of approximately $1.1 million in loans awarded under the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Agnello was also ordered to pay restitution to the SBA in the amount of $1,268,302, serve two years of supervised release, and perform 100 hours of community service. Agnello pleaded guilty in September 2024 to wire fraud in connection with the scheme.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, New York Division (USPIS) announced the sentence.
“During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the defendant shamefully lined his own pockets with government and taxpayers’ dollars which he must repay as part of today’s sentence,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office will continue to investigate and bring to justice those criminals who stole funds that were intended to assist legitimate businesses and their employees during a time of crisis.”
“Mr. Agnello defrauded a program designed to assist businesses and employees during the pandemic,” stated USPIS Inspector in Charge Larco-Ward. “This investigation showcases the results that postal inspectors strive to achieve in collaboration with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of New York.”
Congress created the EIDL as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Enacted on March 29, 2020, the CARES Act provided emergency financial assistance in connection with economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the EIDLP, which provided low-interest financing to small businesses, renters and homeowners in regions affected by declared disasters.
As set forth in court filings and on the record during the defendant’s plea and sentencing hearings, between April 2020 and November 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Agnello fraudulently applied for, and received, at least three EIDLP loans totaling approximately $1.1 million, which he submitted on behalf of Crown Auto Parts & Recycling, LLC (Crown), a Jamaica, Queens-based business that he operated. In an effort to receive loans to which he was not entitled, Agnello submitted false information to the SBA about the number of employees who worked for Crown, as well as about the intended use of the loan proceeds. Instead of using the funds for Crown, Agnello diverted them for his personal use, including by investing approximately $420,000 in a cryptocurrency business.
The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorney Charles P. Kelly is in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Samantha Schroder.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The Defendant:
CARMINE G. AGNELLO
Age: 39
Smithtown, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-366 (NJC)
Leader of Clan Del Golfo, the Colombian Drug Cartel and Terrorist Organization, Charged in Superseding Indictment with Expanded Criminal Conduct and Terrorism OffensesRead the Press Release
A fifth superseding indictment was filed yesterday in federal court in Brooklyn against Jobanis de Jesus Avila Villadiego, also known as “Chiquito” and “Chiquito Malo,” which added new charges of narcoterrorism conspiracy, conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and providing or attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Avila Villadiego was previously charged in multiple superseding indictments with operating a continuing criminal enterprise, international cocaine trafficking, and using firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, as well as other drug-related crimes, through his continuing leadership of the Clan del Golfo (CDG), one of the most violent and powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world. The fifth superseding indictment extends the end-dates of the continuing criminal enterprise and multiple conspiracies from October 2021 to April 2026. Avila Villadiego remains at large.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); Frank A. Tarentino, III, Associate Chief of Operations, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Northeast Region (DEA); and Michael Alfonso, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), announced the charges.
“As alleged, Avila Villadiego presides over a vast narcotics empire that floods the United States with cocaine and serves as a financial lifeline for a designated foreign terrorist organization. This prosecution is about more than just seizing drugs; it is about destroying terrorist organizations while simultaneously stopping the flow of deadly drugs and associated violence into the United States,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “For the Clan del Golfo, narcotics trafficking and terrorism are two sides of the same coin of instability. This fifth superseding indictment demonstrates that we will continue to pursue Avila Villadiego until he is brought to justice before the American legal system.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the New York offices of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He also acknowledged the significant assistance provided by the Bogota offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, as well as the Justice Department’s National Security Division, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and Judicial Attaché Office in Bogotá, the Colombian Attorney General’s Office, and Colombian law enforcement authorities.
“Avila Villadiego allegedly runs a designated foreign terrorist organization responsible for trafficking thousands of kilograms of illicit narcotics into the United States. The FBI and our law enforcement partners on the NY Homeland Security Task Force are determined to defend the nation by stomping out these terrorist groups and holding accountable their leaders, regardless of where they’re hiding,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
“Today’s superseding indictment against “Chiquito Malo”, the leader of the Clan Del Golfo, a Colombian drug cartel and terrorist organization, further exposes the ruthless violence, terror, and destruction these criminal networks inflict on our communities,” stated DEA Northeast Regional Associate Chief of Operations Tarentino. “Chiquito Malo” led one of the largest cocaine distribution networks in the world, leaving a trail of terror is his path. This is not just drug trafficking, this is narcoterrorism driven by greed, power, and complete disregard for human life. Let there be no mistake: those who lead these organizations are responsible for the poison flooding our streets, the violence in our neighborhoods, and the lives lost to addiction and overdose. The DEA, alongside our federal, state, and international partners, will continue to target, dismantle, and hold these individuals and organizations accountable, no matter where they operate in the world. The DEA will not stop, nor will we slow down. This is our global pursuit mindset; Protecting our communities and saving lives.”
“These new charges against Jobanis de Jesus Avila Villadiego, the leader of Colombia’s largest transnational criminal organization and a designated foreign terrorist organization, underscore the scale and brutality of a group that fields thousands of armed members, exerts military control over Colombian territory, and, as alleged in court filings, moves multi-ton cocaine shipments ultimately destined for the United States. Under Avila Villadiego’s command, Clan del Golfo uses murders, kidnappings, and other violence to protect its profits and attack law enforcement, posing a grave drug trafficking and national security threat to our country and our global counterparts. HSI New York and our Homeland Security Task Force partners will relentlessly pursue Avila Villadiego and his criminal network, wherever they operate and wherever the evidence leads,” stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Alfonso.
According to court filings, Avila Villadiego is the principal leader of the CDG, Colombia’s largest and most influential cartel. The CDG is one of the most violent and powerful criminal organizations in Colombia, and it is one of the largest distributors of cocaine in the world. With as many as 6,000 members at its peak, the CDG exercises military control over a vast territory in the Urabá region of Antioquia, Colombia, one of the most lucrative drug trafficking areas within Colombia due to its proximity to the Colombia-Panama border and the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Clad in military uniforms, CDG members employ military tactics and weapons to reinforce their power and incite wars and violence against rival drug traffickers, paramilitary organizations, and Colombian law enforcement authorities who threaten the CDG’s control.
The prior principal leader of the CDG, Dairo Antonio Úsuga David, also known as “Otoniel,” was arrested in October 2021 and extradited to the Eastern District of New York in May 2022. In January 2023, Úsuga David pleaded guilty to operating a continuing criminal enterprise; in August 2023, he was sentenced to 45 years’ imprisonment. Avila Villadiego, who previously served as a senior commander of the CDG under Úsuga David, rose to power as the principal leader of the CDG following Úsuga David’s arrest.
The CDG, with Avila Villadiego as its principal leader, has continued to be involved in multi-ton shipments of cocaine from Colombia to Mexico and Central America for ultimate importation into the United States. Throughout CDG controlled territory in Colombia, the cartel coordinates production, purchase, and transfer of shipments of cocaine and imposes a “tax” on any drug traffickers operating in these regions. Specifically, the CDG charges a set fee for every kilogram of cocaine that is manufactured, stored, or transported through areas controlled by the CDG. Profits from narcotics trafficking are reinvested into the cartel to support its activities.
The CDG also engages in acts of violence and terrorism, including murders, assaults, kidnappings of law enforcement officers, and assassinations. On December 17, 2025, the United States Secretary of State designated CDG as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The Secretary of State also designated CDG as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Executive Order 13224 on December 17, 2025. The CDG remains a designated FTO to date.
Undeterred by the designation, Avila Villadiego has continued to lead the CDG post-designation, and to carry out criminal acts including the provision of material support to the CDG.
The charges in the superseding indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force 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 U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes these organizations commit, 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 New York comprises agents and officers from HSI; the DEA; FBI; the New York City Police Department; IRS Criminal Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and U.S. Secret Service, with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York leading this prosecution.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Lorena Michelen, Katherine Onyshko, and Rebecca Urquiola are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
JOBANIS DE JESUS AVILA VILLADIEGO (also known as “Chiquito” and “Chiquito Malo”)
Age: 49
Uraba, ColombiaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 14-CR-625 (S-5) (DLI)
Former Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Nasdaq-Listed Company Charged with Operating a Continuing Financial Crimes Enterprise in Multi-Year Scheme to Defraud Investors and LendersRead the Press Release
Earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn, a ten-count indictment was unsealed charging Puthugramam “Harish” Chidambaran, the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of iLearningEngines, Inc. (iLearning), and Sayyed Farhan Ali “Farhan” Naqvi, iLearning’s former Chief Financial Officer, with running a continuing financial crimes enterprise, conspiracy to commit securities fraud, securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and wire fraud. The charges arise from the defendants’ years-long scheme to defraud retail and institutional investors in iLearning, a technology company that claimed to provide artificial intelligence (AI)-driven business automation solutions, and to obtain financing for iLearning through materially false and misleading statements about the company’s financial performance. Chidambaran was arrested this morning in Potomac, Maryland, and will appear this afternoon in federal court in the District of Maryland. Naqvi was arrested this morning in San Jose, California, and will appear this afternoon in federal court in the Northern District of California. Both defendants will appear in federal court in the Eastern District of New York at a later date.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James Barnacle, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the charges.
“As alleged, the defendants exploited investor excitement over the AI boom and presented a rosy financial outlook to investors and lenders that was built on lies. While the defendants pitched iLearning as a way to revolutionize training and education through AI, the truly artificial part of the defendants’ story was iLearning’s customers and revenues,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office is committed to protecting investors and holding accountable corporate executives who undermine the integrity of our financial markets for personal gain.”
As alleged in the indictment, iLearning was a Bethesda, Maryland-based technology company founded in 2010 by Chidambaran. iLearning marketed itself as “an out-of-the-box AI platform that empowers customers to ‘productize’ their institutional knowledge and generate and infuse insights in the flow-of-work to drive mission critical business outcomes.” iLearning claimed to earn revenue primarily by selling licenses for its platforms to customers, and the company reported rapidly growing revenues that reached $421 million in 2023.
In April 2024, iLearning became a publicly traded company. In connection with its going-public transaction, iLearning also obtained $40 million in loan proceeds from the New York City branch of a financial institution. Shortly thereafter, iLearning obtained an additional $20 million in loan proceeds from another New York City branch of a financial institution. Following its going-public transaction, iLearning’s shares began trading on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “AILE,” and the company quickly achieved a market capitalization of approximately $1.5 billion.
Unbeknownst to investors and lenders, however, iLearning fabricated virtually all its customer relationships and revenues. As alleged in the indictment, the defendants inflated iLearning’s revenues through an intricate web of sham contracts with purported customers—often purportedly worth tens of millions of dollars per year. The agreements were often signed by iLearning employees or family members of iLearning employees posing as senior executives of the purported customers. The defendants and others at iLearning then created fake information about those purported customers, including, for example, creating a website for a shell entity, to deceive investors and lenders into believing that iLearning’s customers were real. In other cases, the defendants convinced friends and associates of iLearning executives to enter into sham contracts with iLearning and to lie to iLearning’s auditor, potential investors, and lenders on iLearning’s behalf.
To make it appear as though iLearning was generating revenues from its sham contracts, the defendants “round tripped” money that iLearning received from lenders and investors—sending those funds to purported customers, who, in turn, would send that money back to iLearning. For example, at Chidambaran’s direction, an associate of Chidambaran, who previously worked as an iLearning vice president, incorporated and opened bank accounts in the names of several purported iLearning customers. Over the course of several years, the defendants transmitted millions of dollars from iLearning to an account controlled by this individual. This individual then sent those funds to other accounts he controlled in the names of other entities, before ultimately sending the money back to iLearning. The aggregate value of these round-trip transactions exceeded $144 million.
In August 2024, an investment research firm issued a report alleging that iLearning had materially misrepresented its revenue, including by attributing a significant portion of its reported income to undisclosed related-party transactions. Following the publication of that report, iLearning’s stock price declined precipitously, erasing a substantial portion of its market value. When questioned about the contents of the short-seller report, the defendants repeatedly lied to their investors and lenders about the nature of iLearning’s relationship with its largest customers—including by repeatedly denying that its largest purported customer was actually an entity controlled by the defendants and others at iLearning—and directed representatives of their purported customers to lie on their behalf. iLearning ultimately filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the District of Delaware in December 2024, and the proceedings were later converted to a Chapter 7 liquidation in 2025, marking the collapse of the company.
Prior to iLearning’s collapse, both Chidambaran and Naqvi profited handsomely from their scheme. In connection with iLearning’s going-public transaction, Chidambaran received more than $500 million worth of iLearning common stock and subsequently received approximately $12.5 million in iLearning restricted stock units. Likewise, Naqvi was awarded iLearning common stock worth approximately $11.2 million, and iLearning paid out nearly $4.5 million in cash to cover his tax liabilities.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the continuing financial crimes enterprise charge, the defendants each face a mandatory minimum term of 10 years’ imprisonment and a maximum term of life.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua Dugan and Kamil R. Ammari, along with Paralegal Specialist Timothy Migliaro.
The Defendants:
PUTHUGRAMAM CHIDAMBARAN
Age: 57
Potomac, MarylandSAYYED FARHAN ALI NAQVI
Age: 44
Houston, TexasE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-97 (LDH)
ilearningengines_indictment.pdfThree Defendants Sentenced for Killing a Security Guard and Wounding Three Others During an Armed Robbery of a Gambling Location in BrooklynRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Charles Powell, also known as “Payback,” and Musah Coward, also known as “General Mecka,” “Red” and “General Red,” were sentenced by United States District Judge Eric Komitee for the firearm-related murder of Rodney Maxwell, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy and Hobbs Act robbery. Powell and Coward were sentenced to 42 years’ imprisonment and 45 years’ imprisonment respectively. Co-defendant Brian Castro, also known as “Morenaje,” was previously sentenced to 45 years’ imprisonment by Judge Komitee in December 2025. The defendants were convicted in January 2025 following a three-week trial. As part of their sentences, the defendants were also ordered to pay restitution, including in the amount of $26,730 to Maxwell’s daughter.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentences.
“This was a senseless, premediated, and brutal act of gun violence that took the life of a security guard who was simply doing his job,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Today’s sentencings severely punish the defendants for this cold-blooded killing, and will protect the community from them for many years. It is my sincere hope these sentencings will bring some relief to the family of the victim.”
"These defendants brutally murdered a security guard, a father of three children, during an armed robbery. May today’s significant sentences reflect the FBI Safe Streets Task Force’s commitment to working with our local law enforcement partners to crush violent crime and protect New Yorkers from senseless violence," stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
“The defendants in this case orchestrated an armed robbery that resulted in one man’s death and three other victims being shot,” stated NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “They showed a complete disregard for human life, and these sentencings reflect the severity and shocking brutality of their crimes. I thank the NYPD detectives, our partners at the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York for their hard work to deliver justice in this case.”
As proven at trial, Powell, Castro and Coward planned and carried out an armed robbery of an illegal gambling location in Brownsville on October 7, 2020. Coward drove the co-defendants from New Jersey, and Powell and Castro entered the location while Coward waited outside in the car. During the robbery, Powell and Castro each shot Rodney Maxwell, the father of three children, who had been providing security for the location and was also a longtime employee at Bellevue Hospital. Castro shot Maxwell once at close range in the back with a 9-millimeter pistol and Powell also shot him once at close range in the chest with a .380 caliber pistol. Maxwell later died from his gunshot wounds. Powell also fired into a crowd of individuals at the location as they desperately attempted to escape the violence. Three additional victims were shot that evening, all of whom survived their wounds.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Andy Palacio, Megan Larkin and Raffaela Belizaire are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Intelligence Research Specialist Ashley Hinkson and former Paralegal Specialist Teddy Rader.
The Defendants:
CHARLES POWELL (also known as “Payback”)
Age: 28
Newark, New JerseyBRIAN CASTRO (also known as “Morenaje”)
Age: 25
Paterson, New Jersey
MUSAH COWARD (also known as “General Mecka,” “Red” and “General Red”)
Age: 34
Paterson, New JerseyE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-572 (EK)
Defendant Sentenced to 22 Years’ Imprisonment for Sex Trafficking Women at the Sayville Motor Lodge on Long IslandRead the Press Release
Today, Michael Johnson, also known as “Wise,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Joanna Seybert in federal court in Central Islip to 22 years’ imprisonment for sex trafficking conspiracy, sex trafficking, and interstate prostitution. Johnson and his co-conspirators operated a sex trafficking business out of the Sayville Motor Lodge, a motel located near Sunrise Highway on Long Island. Johnson was convicted of these crimes following a two-week jury trial in October 2025. Restitution for the victim will be determined at a later date.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Kevin Catalina, Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), announced the sentence.
“Today’s sentence reflects the profound harm caused by sex trafficking—a crime that strips victims of their autonomy, dignity, and safety,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Michael Johnson and his co-conspirators preyed on vulnerable women and treated them as commodities for profit. This outcome sends a clear message that such exploitation will be met with serious consequences, and it is my hope that it brings a measure of justice to the victims who endured these abuses.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance with the case.
“Michael Johnson trafficked multiple women into sexual slavery to profit off their bodies, while maintaining their subservience through social isolation, physical abuse and threats of death, and addictive drugs. For years, Johnson demonstrated extreme depravity as he physically and emotionally traumatized numerous women to satisfy his own greedy desires. May today’s conviction not only provide his victims a glimmer of comfort but also reflect the FBI’s commitment to protecting all vulnerable victims from sexual predators seeking to exploit them for financial gain,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
"Johnson took advantage of vulnerable women, using violence and drugs to control and exploit his victims, forcing them into sex trafficking for his own financial gain," stated Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina. "This case serves as a warning to anyone who seeks to manipulate or abuse others — justice will find you. This sentence represents not only accountability, but also a recognition of the courage and strength of the victims who came forward. I commend the dedicated efforts of our detectives and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York."
The Sayville Motor Lodge was a property at the center of a sex trafficking conspiracy based on Long Island. In November 2022, an indictment was unsealed in the Eastern District of New York charging Johnson, Timothy Bullen, motel owners Narendarakuma Dadarwala and his wife Shardaben Dadarwala, their son Jigar Dadarwala, Ashokbhai Patel, and Himanshu, Inc. d/b/a Sayville Motor Lodge with sex trafficking conspiracy. The Dadarwalas, Patel and Himanshu were also charged with managing a drug premises, and Narendarakuma Dadarwala was charged with distribution of proceeds of prostitution and narcotics businesses. In September 2025, a superseding indictment charged Johnson with three additional counts of sex trafficking.
As proven at trial, from approximately 2014 to 2022, Johnson, a pimp, conspired with others to further his sex trafficking business out of the Sayville Motor Lodge. Johnson forcibly sex trafficked multiple women, some of whom were addicted to drugs, and compelled them to commit commercial sex acts through a combination of force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion. Johnson controlled the victims by confiscating all the proceeds they earned from commercial sex acts; posting advertisements for them on various websites and setting the rates they would charge; using drugs — by both giving and withholding drugs — to induce them to stay and continue performing sex acts; isolating them from others; and physically, mentally, and emotionally abusing them. The women Johnson trafficked observed his close relationship with the Dadarwalas, and how the Dadarwalas facilitated and protected Johnson’s illegal activities.
Johnson instilled fear in the women he trafficked through physical violence and rape. Several victims testified that Johnson anally raped them and carried a gun at all times.
Co-defendants Narendarakuma Dadarwala and Shardaben Dadarwala pleaded guilty to sex trafficking conspiracy in April 2025, and co-defendant Patel pleaded guilty to sex trafficking conspiracy in September 2025. All three defendants are awaiting sentencing. The case remains pending against co-defendants Timothy Bullen and Jigar Dadarwala.
In connection with the November 2022 indictment and the arrests of Johnson and his co-conspirators, the United States seized the Sayville Motor Lodge. In October 2023, the United States facilitated the sale of the Sayville Motor Lodge to a company that was partially owned by a principal of a neighboring business with longstanding ties to the community. A portion of the proceeds of the sale were earmarked for forfeiture to the United States government, which enabled the Office to seek compensation for the victims of the charged conduct through the Department of Justice’s remission procedures.
The government’s case is being handled by the Long Island Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Catherine M. Mirabile and Samantha S. Alessi are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Adam Bernard, Lead Legal Administrative Specialist Kerry Ucci, Legal Assistant Katherine Szewczyk, and Victim Witness Specialist Stephanie Marroquin.The Defendant:
MICHAEL JOHNSON (also known as “Wise”)
Age: 37
Selbyville, DelawareDefendants Previously Convicted:
NARENDARAKUMA DADARWALA (also known as “Naren,” “Pa” and “Dad”)
Age: 79
Sayville, Long IslandSHARDABEN DADARWALA (also known as “Sharda,” “Ma” and “Mom”)
Age: 72
Sayville, Long IslandASHOKBHAI PATEL (also known as “BG”)
Age: 61
Omaha, NebraskaDefendants Pending Trial:
TIMOTHY BULLEN (also known as “Trouble,” “T” and “Tiervoni”)
Age: 38
Bay Shore, Long IslandJIGAR DADARWALA (also known as “Cobra”)
Age: 47
Sayville, Long IslandE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-494 (S-1) (JS)
Two Former Postal Workers Sentenced for Theft of U.S. Treasury Checks Valued at More Than $4 Million from Kennedy Airport Mail FacilityRead the Press Release
Earlier today, Kevaughn Wellington and Ky-Mani Straker, each former United States Postal Service (USPS) employees, were sentenced by United States District Judge Diane Gujarati to prison for their participation in a fraudulent scheme through which they sold, for their own financial gain, United States Treasury checks issued by the United States Department of the Treasury. Wellington and others stole the Treasury checks from the USPS mail facility located at John F. Kennedy International Airport (the JFK Mail Facility), where the defendants were previously employed.
Wellington was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment and was ordered to forfeit $100,000, and Straker was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment and was ordered to forfeit $57,945.56. The defendants were further ordered to pay $405,696.98 in restitution. The defendants each previously pleaded guilty to stealing government funds and conspiring to steal government funds.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, New York (USPIS); Matthew M. Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge, United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office (USPS-OIG); Michael L.J. Carpenter, Special Agent in Charge, United States Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA); Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD); and Matt McCool, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service, New York Field Office (USSS), announced the sentences.
“The former postal workers abused their positions of trust at the JFK Mail Facility to fraudulently obtain Treasury checks intended for the well-being of hard-working individuals to whom the funds were owed, and kept the proceeds for themselves,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office is committed to holding accountable individuals who use taxpayer funds to line their own pockets, and today they paid the price for their greed and disregard of the law.”
“The defendants abused their position as USPS employees and turned their employment into a multimillion-dollar criminal enterprise to steal from innocent American taxpayers. Today’s sentence makes it very clear that postal inspectors will investigate and bring to justice anyone who takes advantage of the U.S. Mail,” stated USPIS Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward.
“The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity throughout the Postal Service and its workforce. The special agents of the USPS OIG will vigorously investigate those who choose to steal U.S Mail and defraud the American public. The sentence imposed on the defendants will serve as a reminder that there are severe consequences when individuals commit crimes targeting the U.S Mail. The USPS OIG is thankful for the great longstanding relationships we have developed with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to combat mail theft,” stated USPS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Modafferi.
“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) aggressively investigates individuals who attempt to exploit U.S Treasury refund checks meant for hard working taxpayers for their own private gain,” stated TIGTA Special Agent in Charge Carpenter. “TIGTA's mission is to protect the integrity of our nation's tax administration system. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who violate federal laws are prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.”
“These defendants undermined the public’s trust in our mail system by stealing more than $4 million in Treasury checks meant for people who were expecting those funds,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “We rely on the integrity of the postal network, and today’s sentencing holds these fraudsters accountable for their illegal and selfish acts. Because of the work of our investigators, law enforcement partners, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, we have dismantled this fraudulent operation.”
“The defendants' brazen selfishness not only violated the public trust, but directly harmed the citizens they were supposed to serve by illegally siphoning funds -- resources those people were relying on -- for their own personal gain,” stated USSS Special Agent in Charge McCool. “The U.S. Secret Service is committed to preserving this nation’s financial integrity and was proud to have had a role in holding these defendants accountable. I commend the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the New York Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and our many other law enforcement partners for bringing justice in this case.”
From approximately June 2021 through August 2023, the defendants engaged in a scheme to steal and sell Treasury checks mailed for distribution through the JFK Mail Facility. Wellington, who was employed at the facility as a mail clerk, worked with others to steal parcels containing Treasury checks. Then, together with Straker and others, Wellington sold the stolen Treasury checks for a portion of the face value of each check. As part of the scheme, Wellington stole—and conspired with Straker to sell—over 125 Treasury checks valued at more than $4 million, including checks intended to be individuals’ Social Security benefits, COVID relief and tax refunds. In addition to selling stolen Treasury checks, Straker falsely endorsed and deposited stolen Treasury checks into a bank account and withdrew the proceeds for his own financial gain. Law enforcement uncovered over 350 videos and images from Wellington’s phone depicting Treasury checks that were not addressed to him or Straker.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs and General Crimes Sections. Assistant United States Attorney Elias Laris in in charge of the prosecution.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The Defendants:
KEVAUGHN WELLINGTON
Age: 33
Jamaica, New YorkKY-MANI STRAKER
Age: 26
Orange, New JerseyE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-275 (DG)
Long Island College Professor Charged with Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
Philip Schuler was arraigned in federal court in Central Islip this morning on a seven-count indictment charging him with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and child pornography charges. Schuler, who was an adjunct professor at Suffolk County Community College at the time of the charged conduct, was arrested on a complaint in January 2026. Today’s proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge James M. Wicks who ordered the defendant detained pending trial.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the charges.
“As alleged, the defendant spent months communicating with an FBI undercover agent who purported to be a 13-year-old female child, during which the defendant repeatedly expressed his interest and willingness to have a sexual relationship with her,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office will vigorously prosecute sexual predators who target children to ensure they are held accountable and protect vulnerable members of the community from these depraved individuals.”
“Philip Schuler allegedly sent explicit photos and messages to a supposed teenage girl before planning to sexually abuse her in person. This alleged attempt revealed the defendant’s disturbing desire to repeatedly groom and exploit a vulnerable child. The FBI continues to protect minors from online sexual predators looking to fulfill their twisted wants,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
As set forth in court filings, beginning in October 2025, acting on a tip from the Decoy Project, lnc., a non-profit organization dedicated to identifying and reporting online predators, a member of the FBI acting in an undercover capacity (the FBI UA) and posing as a 13-year-old girl named “Chloe,” began communicating with Schuler on the social media platform Discord. During these almost daily communications, Schuler engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the FBI UA, including those in which the defendant talked about taking her virginity; masturbated during a video call; and sent her a photograph of his penis. On January 7, 2026, Schuler arranged to meet the FBI UA at Edward W. Cahill Memorial Park in Valley Stream, where upon his arrival, he was arrested by FBI agents. Schuler possessed a key to a motel room that he had rented earlier in the day so that he and the FBI UA could be alone. Law enforcement recovered spermicide, gifts for the FBI UA, and a laptop computer, among other items, from inside the motel room. A subsequent Court-authorized search of Schuler’s electronics uncovered approximately 400 images and videos of child sexual abuse material.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices, 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.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the charges, Schuler faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and up to life in prison.
The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Special Assistant United States Attorney James P. Scahill is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
PHILIP SCHULER
Age: 53
Port Jefferson, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-77 (SJB)
Three Crips Members Convicted of Racketeering, Murder, and Other Gang-Related CrimesRead the Press Release
Earlier today, a federal jury in Central Islip convicted Akeem Chambers, also known as “Luca,” Jonathan Vazquez, also known as “Chulo” and “Clutch,” and Jerell Shaw, also known as “Rells” and “Rells Fargo,” on 52 counts of a third superseding indictment charging them variously with racketeering, racketeering conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, assault, murder conspiracy, kidnapping, robbery, robbery conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, mortgage fraud conspiracy, and money laundering. The defendants are members of Crips sets known as the “Insane Crip Gang,” or “ICG,” based on Long Island, and the “Rollin 60s,” based in Brooklyn. The verdicts followed an 11-week trial before United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack. When sentenced, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), Patrick Ryder, Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department (NCPD), Anne Donnelly, District Attorney, Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the verdict.
“With today’s convictions, a clear message has been sent to those who perpetuate the cycle of gang violence on Long Island, in Brooklyn, and throughout our district: you will be prosecuted, and you will be held accountable. Our Office, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to work tirelessly to eradicate the gang violence that terrorizes our communities,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The defendants and their co-conspirators used force and violence against rivals, terrorized surrounding neighborhoods, stole from government programs intended to provide services to the public, and enriched themselves through the illicit proceeds of their criminal activity. Today’s verdict ensures that these individuals have been held responsible for their crimes. This outcome is the result of the outstanding work of law enforcement agents and detectives who, alongside our prosecutors, brought this comprehensive investigation to a successful conclusion. Our Office will continue working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to advance the Administration’s mandate to Take Back America by dismantling and eradicating lawless, violent gangs like the Insane Crips and make our communities safer.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the FBI’s Long Island Safe Streets Gang Task Force and the Nassau County Police Department’s Homicide Squad and Gang Investigation Squad for their tireless efforts to bring these defendants to justice. Mr. Nocella also thanked the Hempstead Village Police Department for its efforts in the widespread investigation.
“These three Crips gang members are responsible for a litany of crimes across Long Island. Their collective tyranny ranged from public gunfights and multiple murders to exploiting government relief programs – all to protect the gang’s reputation and increase its illicit revenue stream. Today’s guilty verdict marks a significant milestone in the FBI Long Island Safe Streets Task Force’s unwavering fight against criminal enterprises flooding our streets with violence,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
“These gang members committed heinous acts of violence, including the attempted murder of two Nassau County Police Officers. This case highlights the risks that our officers face every single day, when they put on the uniform to protect the residents of Nassau County. These individuals committed dangerous crimes including robbery and murder, that they are finally being held accountable for. Working with our law enforcement partners, we will stop at nothing to pursue individuals who harm our communities. I commend our investigators and our partners for their dedication and efforts on this case,” stated NCPD Commissioner Ryder.
“These convictions end a reign of terror across Nassau County,” stated Nassau County District Attorney Donnelly. “From targeted robberies and the senseless killings of innocent lives to the brazen attempted murder of two Nassau County police officers, these defendants showed a chilling disregard for human life. This verdict is a powerful message to the gangs that think they can operate with impunity across Long Island. We remain committed to working with our federal and local law enforcement partners to dismantle these violent enterprises and seek justice for the victims and their families.”“These Crips members committed a series of violent crimes – from murder and kidnapping to stealing federal relief meant for vulnerable people during the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “The NYPD is intensely focused on taking down gangs, removing guns from our streets, and keeping communities safe. Thanks to the work of our NYPD investigators, alongside our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, these violent criminals have been convicted and will be held accountable.”
Racketeering and Violent CrimesChambers, Vazquez, and Shaw were each convicted of racketeering and racketeering conspiracy for their participation in the Crips criminal enterprise. In connection with the racketeering charges, they were also found guilty of participating in multiple acts of violence committed on behalf of the Crips, including murder, attempted murder, robbery, and kidnapping.
Chambers, who dubbed himself “Luca Da Shoota,” was convicted for his role in eleven shootings and three homicides between 2020 and 2022, including the August 2020 murder of Thiasia Williams in Hempstead, New York, the September 2021 murder of James Diamond in Freeport, New York, and the March 2022 murder of Malik Delima in Brooklyn, New York. In August 2020, Chambers, along with fellow Crips members and associates, carried out a drive-by shooting targeting a party on Martin Luther King Drive in Hempstead that was attended by members of a rival gang. Chambers and an associate each opened fire with 9mm handguns, discharging at least eight rounds into a crowd of partygoers. Their gunfire struck and killed Thiasia Williams, an innocent bystander who was seated in her car outside the party waiting to pick up a friend. Chambers was also convicted of assaulting another innocent female bystander, who sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to her leg.
Chambers also was convicted of the January 3, 2021 attempted murder and assault of a victim in Rockville Centre, New York. Acting on a mistaken belief that he was a rival gang member, Chambers opened fire on the victim and his brother as they were driving home on Peninsula Boulevard. The victim was struck by gunfire and, as a result of the shooting, was left paralyzed.
Chambers was also convicted for his role in the 2021 robbery and murder of James Diamond in Freeport, New York. On September 10, 2021, Chambers and his co-conspirators planned to rob Diamond and another individual of a large sum of cash. During the attempted robbery, Chambers and another individual, both armed with firearms, confronted Diamond at gunpoint. In the course of the robbery, Chambers’ co-conspirator shot and killed Diamond.
Chambers and Shaw were convicted of murder and conspiracy to commit murder for their roles in the March 2022 killing of Malik Delima, a Rollin’ 60s gang member and rival of Shaw from Brooklyn. Shaw, who was involved in an internal gang power struggle with Delima, enlisted Chambers to shoot and kill Delima. On March 10, 2022, Chambers, using a car provided by Shaw, drove from Shaw’s residence and tracked Delima to his apartment in Brooklyn. When Delima exited his residence, Chambers shot Delima 11 times, killing him.
Vazquez was convicted of murder for his role in the November 19, 2016 shooting death of 19 year-old Joecephus Vanable in Hempstead, New York. Vanable, a rival of ICG in Hempstead, was shot and killed outside his girlfriend’s residence while speaking with his girlfriend and sister. Vazquez provided the firearm used in the murder and accompanied the shooter to carry out the killing. In the wake of Vanable’s murder, members of ICG repeatedly glorified the killing, including by posting numerous videos depicting Vazquez, Chambers, and others desecrating Vanable’s grave and by posting rap songs that referenced Vanable’s death to taunt rivals.
Vazquez was convicted of the attempted murder of two Nassau County police officers on March 1, 2022. When the officers attempted to stop a vehicle matching the description of one used in a robbery two weeks earlier, Vazquez opened fire at the officers’ vehicle, striking its hood. Vazquez then fled on foot and again attempted to fire at the officers. In addition, Vazquez was convicted of the February 16, 2022 gunpoint robbery of a woman in Levittown, New York, the same robbery that led officers to attempt the vehicle stop on March 1.
Chambers was convicted of committing seven shootings, involving the attempted murder or assault of rival gang members in 2020 and 2022, as well as several counts of illegal possession, brandishing and discharge of firearms.
Vazquez and Chambers were convicted of committing four shootings together, involving the attempted murder or assault of rival gang members in 2021 and 2022, as well as several counts of illegal possession, brandishing and discharge of firearms.
Shaw was convicted for his role in orchestrating the December 1, 2021 kidnapping and robbery of a woman in Bloomfield, New Jersey. Shaw recruited fellow Rollin’ 60s member Delima, as well as two additional Crips members, to kidnap the victim in order to gain access to her apartment and steal luxury items, including Birkin handbags, watches, and jewelry. Shaw enlisted ICG Crips gang members to assist in re-selling the stolen goods. After Shaw failed to pay Delima and his associates their share of the proceeds, an internal power struggle developed between Shaw and Delima. As a result of that conflict, Shaw enlisted Chambers to murder Delima several weeks later, for which Shaw was also convicted.
Government Program Fraud and Related Financial Crimes
Chambers, Vazquez and Shaw were each convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud for their participation in a wide array of fraud schemes carried out by the Crips, targeting state and federal relief programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The defendants and their fellow Crips used stolen identities to file fraudulent unemployment insurance claims in multiple states, including California and Arizona. They then used the proceeds to purchase high-value assets, including expensive jewelry and luxury goods. The evidence at trial established that Shaw, who referred to himself as “Rells Fargo,” alone defrauded the California Employment Development Department for over $2 million from 2020 to 2021.
Shaw was convicted of laundering the proceeds of the fraud schemes by transferring thousands of dollars per day between various bank accounts and by wiring funds to his business account under the guise of legitimate business transactions. Shaw used these illicit proceeds to obtain a mortgage and purchase a $1.2 million home in New Jersey.* * * * *
These convictions are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative. The HSTF is a United States government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, transnational gangs, and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) worldwide. This initiative identifies TCOs engaged in a wide range of criminal schemes that violate federal law, while dismantling cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks that fuel violence and instability that threatens the safety and security of the United States and its global partners. It also places a particular emphasis on criminal offenses involving children and ensures the use of all available law enforcement tools to prosecute offenders and/or facilitate the removal of criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Central Operations and Regional Enforcement (CORE) Region 28, located in New York, is comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEAJ, US Customs and Boarder Protection (CBP), the US Marshals Service SDNY, the US Marshals Service EDNY, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), US Postal Inspection Service, US Coast Guard, US Federal Probation SDNY, US Federal Probation EDNY, Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), the United States Secret Service, the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York.
The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael R. Maffei, Andrew P. Wenzel, Kaitlin C. McTague and Samantha S. Alessi prosecuted the case with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Michael Compitello and Lead Legal Administrative Specialist Kerry Ucci, as well as investigators and special agents from EDNY’s Criminal Investigations Unit.
The Defendants:
AKEEM CHAMBERS (also known as “Luca” and “Luca da Shoota”)
Age: 24
Uniondale, New YorkJONATHAN VAZQUEZ (also known as “Clutch” and “Chulo”)
Age: 24
Hempstead, New YorkJERELL SHAW (also known as “Rells” and “Rells Fargo”)
Age: 34
Millstone Township, New JerseyE.D.N.Y. Docket No.: 23-CR-157 (S-3) (JMA)
Personal Assistant Pleads Guilty to Defrauding her Elderly EmployersRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Catalina Corona pleaded guilty to wire fraud after stealing nearly $10 million from her employers, an elderly married couple from Long Island, New York. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis. When sentenced, Corona faces a maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, as well as restitution and fines.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the guilty plea.
“Today’s guilty plea means the defendant has been held accountable for a calculated scheme that siphoned nearly $10 million from the very employers who trusted her,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office will continue to pursue those who exploit positions of trust for personal gain and ensure they face the consequences for their deception and fraud.”
“Catalina Corona stole nearly $10 million from an elderly couple who entrusted her with their care to fund her lavish shopping habits. The FBI is committed to holding accountable individuals who abuse positions of trust out of selfish greed,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
As set forth in court filings, between approximately 2017 and 2024, while working as a personal assistant to an elderly married couple (the Victims), Corona repeatedly deposited hundreds of checks written out to cash—made payable to herself—from the Victims’ bank accounts without their knowledge or consent. In total, Corona stole nearly $10 million, which she used to pay her credit card bills and to purchase luxury items from Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Gucci and other high-end brands. Many of these transactions took place in Queens and on Long Island.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca M. Urquiola is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
CATALINA CORONA
Age: 62
Corona, QueensE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-78 (NGG)
Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty to Setting NYPD Vehicles AblazeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Jakhi McCray pleaded guilty to committing arson of 10 New York City Police Department (NYPD) vehicles and one trailer in Brooklyn, New York. The proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Seth D. Eichenholtz. When sentenced, McCray faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment, as well as a fine and restitution in an amount to be determined by the Court.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Division (ATF), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, NYPD, announced the guilty plea.
“The defendant’s actions were not only dangerous, but they were also a direct attack on public safety and the rule of law,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “By deliberately setting fire to multiple police vehicles in the pre-dawn hours, the defendant put at risk the lives of first responders and residents asleep in their beds nearby, and ultimately, strained resources meant to protect the community. Today’s guilty plea ensures accountability and sends a clear message that acts of violence and destruction against law enforcement will be met with serious consequences.”
“This defendant’s actions—setting fire to multiple NYPD vehicles and causing significant damage—demonstrates a blatant disregard for public safety and the rule of law. Arson is not a form of protest—it is a dangerous crime that puts lives at risk,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge DiGirolamo. “The swift work of the ATF New York Arson and Explosives Task Force, comprised of ATF, NYPD, and FDNY personnel, underscores the strength of our coordinated response to violent crime. We remain committed to working alongside our partners to protect our communities and ensure those who commit violent acts are brought to justice.”
As detailed in court filings and facts presented during the plea proceeding, on June 12, 2025, McCray scaled a fence into a secure, private lot on DeKalb Avenue between Wilson Avenue and Central Avenue in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn that housed NYPD vehicles, and intentionally set on fire 10 NYPD vehicles and one trailer. Shortly thereafter, an NYPD officer assigned to inspect the lot saw the fire and observed McCray escaping through a hole in the fence. McCray ultimately self-surrendered on July 21, 2025. NYPD estimates the arson caused over $800,000 in damages. The arson was committed two days before protests were scheduled to be conducted over the June 14-15, 2025 weekend, compromising NYPD resources to protect and secure the public.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca M. Urquiola is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
JAKHI MCCRAY
Age: 22
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-68 (ENV)
Three 18th Street Gang Leaders Sentenced to over 115 Years in Prison for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Jose Douglass Castellano, also known as “Chino,” a high-ranking member of the 18th Street gang, was sentenced by United States District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall to more than 35 years’ imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy in connection with his participation in the October 25, 2017 murder of 20-year-old Jonathan Figueroa in Saugerties, New York. Castellano is the third and final gang leader to be sentenced under a seventh superseding indictment in connection with a sprawling racketeering conspiracy that also involved the September 12, 2016 murder of 15-year-old Joshua Guzman in Hempstead, New York; the February 2, 2018 murder of 20-year-old Oscar Antonio Blanco Hernandez in Queens; and multiple shootings and other gang activity. Junior Zelaya Canales, also known as “Terco,” a Queens-based regional gang leader, and Walter Fernando Alfaro Pineda, also known as “Clever,” a Texas-based national gang leader, were each sentenced to 40 years’ imprisonment in February and March 2026, respectively. Co-defendants Yanki Misael Cruz Mateo, also known as “Doggy” and “Wino,” Israel Mendiola Flores, also known as “Chapito,” Yoni Alexander Sierra, also known as “Arc Angel” and “Wasson,” Jose Jimenez Chacon, also known as “Little One,” Carolina Cruz, also known as “La Fiera,” and Eric Chavez, also known as “Lunatico,” were also previously sentenced.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James Barnacle, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the sentences.
“The defendants were high-ranking members of an international criminal organization fueled by violence and fear that left a wake of sorrow and destruction in its path,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “These significant sentences send the message that our Office will never waiver in its efforts to eradicate the scourge of gang violence. It is my sincere hope that the justice meted out provides a measure of comfort and closure for the victims of these senseless crimes. The arrest, prosecution, and incarceration for decades of violent gang members achieves the goal of the Administration’s Operation Take Back America: protecting our communities from those individuals like these defendants who cause the greatest harm.”
Mr. Nocella also expressed his appreciation to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office, the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations Dallas, the New York State Police, the Kingston Police Department, the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the Nassau County Police Department, the Hempstead Police Department, and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs for their assistance during the investigation.
“For years, these three high-ranking 18th Street gang members plagued our community with senseless violence, death, and tragedy without any consideration for public safety. May today’s significant sentences highlight the shared determination of the FBI and our law enforcement partners to dismantle a notorious international gang’s hierarchy, and offer a small sense of closure to the victims of their unthinkable actions,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
According to court filings and proceedings, 18th Street is a well-known and well-established international criminal organization and violent street gang with members and associates residing throughout New York State including Queens and Long Island, and elsewhere throughout the United States including Houston, Texas. 18th Street members regularly engage in murder, attempted murder, assault, extortion, illegal drug and firearms trafficking, false identification document production, witness tampering, and money laundering.
The defendants and their co-conspirators committed multiple acts of violence to promote and enhance the prestige and reputation of the gang, and to maintain and increase their own membership and status in the gang, including the following:
September 12, 2016 Murder of Joshua Guzman
In September 2016, Zelaya Canales, then the regional leader of the Shatto Park Locos Sureños (“SPLS”) sect of 18th Street, ordered that Guzman be killed, in part, because the gang perceived Guzman to have been disrespectful towards 18th Street gang members. In the evening of September 11, 2016, Zelaya Canales dispatched two lower-level gang members to Long Island to lure Guzman out and murder him as part of a demonstration of their allegiance to 18th Street. On September 12, 2016 at approximately 1:03 a.m., the Hempstead Police Department received a ShotSpotter notification of gunshots fired near the intersection of Linden Avenue and Laurel Avenue in Hempstead, New York. A Hempstead Police Department officer and members of Nassau Police Department responded to the location and discovered the body of 15-year-old Guzman near the curb. Guzman was shot once in the back of the head and pronounced dead at the crime scene. Following the murder, Zelaya Canales arranged and agreed with Alfaro Pineda to send one of the perpetrators to Texas to thwart his apprehension.
July 9, 2017 Attempted Murder of Rival Gang Members
On July 9, 2017, at approximately 10:35 p.m., NYPD officers responded to the Woodside section of Queens, New York, after numerous calls were made to 9-1-1 concerning multiple gunshots. Multiple witnesses reported hearing gunshots and seeing approximately three to four men run towards Woodhaven Boulevard. After a canvas of the area, police officers recovered nine 9-millimeter shell casings among other evidence. Zelaya Canales led the shootout with assistance from at least two additional 18th Street gang members over a territorial dispute with a rival gang.
NYPD subsequently went to Zelaya Canales’s apartment in Queens to execute two arrest warrants unrelated to the shooting. During the execution of the warrants, NYPD ultimately recovered a 9-millimeter Ruger with a defaced serial number, 4 rounds of 9-millimeter ammunition, 56 rounds of .357 magnum ammunition, 34 rounds of .380 caliber ammunition and 23 rounds of .38 ammunition. Subsequent forensic ballistics examination revealed that the Zelaya Canales’s 9-mm Ruger was the same weapon that fired the 9-millimeter shell casings found at the crime scene of the July 9, 2017 shootout in Woodhaven.
September 20, 2017 Assault of John Doe
On September 20, 2017, Chavez, together with another 18th Street gang member, approached John Doe on the street and shot him because they believed he was a member of the rival gang Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). John Doe survived and was treated for a gunshot wound at a local hospital.
October 25, 2017 Murder of Jonathan Figueroa
By October 2017, gang members in New York suspected Jonathan Figueroa, a fellow 18th Street gang member, of cooperating with law enforcement in connection with the investigation of the murder of Joshua Guzman. Senior gang members, including Castellano, sought Alfaro Pineda’s authorization to murder Figueroa. Alfaro Pineda’s authorization was sought because Alfaro Pineda had initiated Figueroa into 18th Street in Houston, Texas, and because murdering a fellow gang member required approval from a senior member of the gang, such as Alfaro Pineda. With Alfaro Pineda’s authorization, Castellano activated gang members based in Kingston, New York, and directed them to coordinate with Queens-based gang members to see to Figueroa’s execution. Gang members in Kingston then began digging a grave in Turkey Point State Forest in anticipation of Figueroa’s arrival.
In the late-night hours of October 24, 2017, Cruz Mateo lured and travelled with Figueroa from Queens to Kingston, New York. Upon their arrival in Kingston, they were met by Flores and other 18th Street members and associates who, into the early morning hours of October 25, 2017, brought Figueroa to Turkey Point State Forest, brutally stabbed him to death and buried him in the makeshift grave. Cruz Mateo ordered the murder to be video-recorded—capturing multiple 18th Street members and associates repeatedly stabbing Figueroa, slashing his throat, amputating his ear, and dragging his body. In the video, Cruz Mateo stated that Figueroa was being murdered for “being a rat.” Cruz-Mateo then sent the video to other 18th Street members as a warning to other gang members who disrespected the gang or may cooperate with law enforcement. Figueroa, whose body was discovered in February 2018 by the FBI, along with state and local law enforcement authorities, in a five-foot deep grave in Turkey Point, sustained more than 100 stab wounds including at least one stab wound to the head that appears to have fractured his skull, and a slash to his throat that ruptured his trachea.
February 2, 2018 Murder of Oscar Antonio Blanco Hernandez
On February 2, 2018, several gang members killed Blanco Hernandez because they believed he was a member of the rival MS-13 gang. Chacon had met Blanco Hernandez weeks earlier through their mutual employer, a New Jersey-based house painting company. On the morning of the murder, Cruz and Chacon picked up Blanco Hernandez at his home in New Jersey under the guise of going to smoke marijuana as friends. Cruz and Chacon drove Blanco Hernandez to Queens where they met 18th Street gang members including Cruz Mateo and Sierra who entered the rear passenger seat of Cruz’s car on opposite sides, sandwiching Blanco Hernandez between them. Cruz drove Chacon, Cruz-Mateo, Sierra and the victim about 1.6 miles away to a quiet residential neighborhood. Cruz-Mateo, Sierra and Blanco-Hernandez got out of the car and started walking eastbound, while Cruz and Chacon stayed behind with the car. After walking for a few minutes, Cruz-Mateo drew a .380 caliber semiautomatic handgun and shot Blanco-Hernandez in the back of the head, killing him instantly. Blanco Hernandez’s body was discovered on a residential street in the Jamaica Hills section of Queens. He sustained three gunshot wounds: two gunshots to the torso and one to the head.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan P. Lax, Erin Reid, Adam Amir and Rebecca Urquiola are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Tareva Torres.
These convictions are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative. The HSTF is a United States government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, transnational gangs, and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) worldwide. This initiative identifies TCOs engaged in a wide range of criminal schemes that violate federal law, while dismantling cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks that fuel violence and instability that threatens the safety and security of the United States and its global partners. It also places a particular emphasis on criminal offenses involving children and ensures the use of all available law enforcement tools to prosecute offenders and/or facilitate the removal of criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Central Operations and Regional Enforcement (CORE) Region 28, located in New York, is comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEAJ, US Customs and Boarder Protection (CBP), the US Marshals Service SDNY, the US Marshals Service EDNY, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), US Postal Inspection Service, US Coast Guard, US Federal Probation SDNY, US Federal Probation EDNY, Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), the United States Secret Service, the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York.
The Defendants:
WALTER FERNANDO ALFARO PINEDA, also known as “Clever”
Age: 46
Houston, Texas
(Sentenced to 480 months’ imprisonment on 3/16/26)JUNIOR ZELAYA-CANALES, also known as “Terco”
Age: 29
Jamaica, New York
(Sentenced to 480 months’ imprisonment on 2/20/26)JOSE DOUGLAS CASTELLANO, also known as “Chino”
Age: 27
Brooklyn, New York
(Sentenced to 425 months’ imprisonment on 4/7/26)Co-Defendants Previously Sentenced:
YANKI MISAEL CRUZ MATEO, also known as “Yenki Misael Cruz Mateo,” “Yankee Mateo,” “Doggy,” and “Wino”
Age: 26
Jamaica, New York
(Sentenced to 540 months’ imprisonment on 1/14/25)ISRAEL MEDIOLA FLORES, also known as “Chapito” and “Sinaloa”
Age: 31
Kingston, New York
(Sentenced to 425 months’ imprisonment on 5/16/23)YONI ALEXANDER SIERRA, also known as “Arca,” “Arc Angel,” and “Wasson”
Age: 27
Jamaica, New York
(Sentenced to 204 months’ imprisonment on 1/10/25)JOSE JIMENEZ CHACON, also known as “Little One”
Age: 27
New Brunswick, New Jersey
(Sentenced to 269 months’ imprisonment on 11/12/24)CAROLINA CRUZ, also known as “La Fiera”
Age: 32
Elizabeth, New Jersey
(Sentenced to 150 months’ imprisonment on 2/11/25)ERIC CHAVEZ, also known as “Lunatico”
Age: 27
Jamaica, New York
(Sentenced to 135 months’ imprisonment on 5/13/25)E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-139 (S-7) (LDH)
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr., Announces New Leadership for the Office’s Long Island Division and Criminal SectionRead the Press Release
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced today the appointment of Catherine Mirabile as Chief of the Long Island Division and Chief of the Criminal Section of the Long Island Division. Additionally, Megan Farrell has been appointed as a Deputy Chief of the Long Island Criminal Section, joining current Deputy Chiefs Justina Geraci and Michael Maffei.
Catherine Mirabile
Ms. Mirabile joined the Office in 2002 and originally served in the Civil Division, including as Chief of the Employment Practice and as an Acting Deputy Chief of the Civil Division. Since 2012, she has served in the Criminal Division’s General Crimes (GC), Public Integrity, and Long Island Criminal Sections (LI). Among other supervisory roles, she was Deputy Chief of LI and Senior Litigation Counsel in the Criminal Division. Ms. Mirabile is a graduate of Suffolk University Law School and received her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania. After law school, she served as an Assistant Corporation Counsel in the New York City Law Department.
During her time in the Office, Ms. Mirabile has led the investigation and prosecution of several significant public corruption cases, including: a Nassau County Executive; a leader of the Suffolk County Conservative Party who was also a Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Correction Officer; a former New York City Police Department officer charged with plotting the murder for hire of her estranged husband and her boyfriend’s daughter; and a criminal defense attorney who defrauded a minor estate beneficiary of an inheritance.
Ms. Mirabile has also prosecuted several significant fraud cases, including: a case involving a defendant who was convicted at trial of healthcare fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in a scheme that defrauded insurance companies of more than $700 million and resulted in one of the largest restitution and forfeiture orders in a healthcare fraud case nationwide; and a prosecution in which the defendants engaged in a scheme to induce victims to invest in a series of web-based companies that purportedly traded in Bitcoin.
Ms. Mirabile is also a member of the team that has prosecuted several other significant cases on Long Island, including: a case involving violent sex trafficking out of the Sayville Motor Lodge; and a case against a drug dealer who distributed heroin laced with fentanyl that caused the death of a young Long Island man.Megan Farrell
Ms. Farrell joined the Office in February 2018 and has served in GC, LI, and the Human Trafficking and Civil Rights (HTCR) Section. Ms. Farrell most recently served as Deputy Chief of HTCR and previously served as an Acting Deputy Chief in GC and the Organized Crimes and Gangs Section. From 2021 to 2025, she was a Project Safe Child Coordinator and developed outreach programs for middle-school students, speaking to thousands of children and parents about internet safety. Ms. Farrell graduated from Boston College and received her J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law. Following law school, Ms. Farrell was a Public Fellow, serving as a misdemeanor Assistant District Attorney at the King’s County District Attorney’s Office for one year. From 2010 until 2018, Ms. Farrell was an associate at Clifford Chance US LLP.
During her time in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ms. Farrell has prosecuted significant organized crime, gang, sex trafficking, and child exploitation cases. Ms. Farrell was part of a team that secured the convictions of two MS-13 defendants to racketeering and other charges in connection with eight murders. Ms. Farrell was also a member of the team that secured the convictions of three high-ranking MS-13 gang members on racketeering charges in connection with nine murders. In another case, Ms. Farrell was part of the team that secured a sentence of 50 years after the defendant, an MS-13 gang associate, was convicted in April 2022, following a four-week trial, of racketeering, including predicate acts of murder, conspiracy to murder rival gang members, and obstruction of justice and murder in aid-of racketeering, in connection with luring four young men to their violent deaths by more than a dozen gang members and associates in a park in 2017. Additionally, Ms. Farrell is leading the team currently prosecuting seven MS-13 members, including two national leaders, charged with two murders committed on Long Island. Ms. Farrell secured the conviction of a Bloods gang member who was sentenced to 23 years in prison for sex trafficking of minors, and she led the trial team that secured a defendant’s conviction for sex trafficking of two victims. Ms. Farrell is a member of the team currently prosecuting the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch and two other individuals charged with sex trafficking and interstate prostitution.
Long Island Investment Advisor Pleads Guilty to $160 Million Investment FraudRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Vincent Camarda, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of A.G. Morgan Financial Advisors, LLC (AGM), pleaded guilty to securities fraud and investment advisor fraud. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Nusrat J. Choudhury. When sentenced, Camarda faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, as well as restitution of at least $160,022,836.81 and forfeiture of $6,639,498.17.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the guilty plea.
“We will aggressively prosecute investment advisors who betray their clients’ trust and commit crimes for their own financial gain,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “This defendant used a series of lies to lure clients, including elderly and other vulnerable individuals, into investing with him, all while enriching himself. Today’s guilty plea is an important step toward holding the defendant accountable for the substantial harm he has caused.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), New York Regional Office, for their work on the case.
“CEO Vincent Camarda repeatedly deceived trusting clients to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars to finance extravagant purchases. The FBI is committed to protecting investors from executives who abuse their authority to line their own pockets,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
According to court filings and facts presented during the plea proceeding, the defendant Vincent Camarda was the Chairman and CEO of AGM. At the time of his fraud, Camarda had worked in the securities industry for approximately 30 years. He was a registered investment adviser with the SEC and also held licenses as a registered representative with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). In or about and between January 2017 and December 2024, Camarda, together with others, established several investment funds under AGM (the “Camarda Funds”). He then engaged in a scheme to defraud his victims – clients that he owed a fiduciary duty to – in several ways.
First, Camarda solicited funds from the victims by making material misrepresentations, both in private placement memorandums and orally, regarding the investment of their funds. For example, he made materially false representations regarding the risk profile of the investments. Camarda falsely represented, in sum and substance, that investments in the Camarda Funds were “safe” or “low-risk,” when, in fact, they were not. Camarda also misrepresented the diversification of the investments to induce the victims to invest. These misrepresentations were designed to mislead investors into believing that their investments were safer than they actually were. In addition, Camarda failed to disclose material conflicts of interest in connection with the investments made through the Camarda Funds. For example, although Camarda invested the victims’ funds in a single mining business, Camarda never disclosed to the victims that he received compensation from that business. Likewise, although Camarda invested the victims’ funds in a single food service business, Camarda did not disclose to the victims that he had a familial relationship with an individual involved in the business’s operation or that he served as the President of that business.
Separately, Camarda also misappropriated hundreds of thousands of dollars of the victims’ investments in the Camarda Funds and for his personal benefit. Rather than investing those funds as promised, Camarda diverted them to himself through wire transfers. Among other things, Camarda used these stolen funds to pay for personal expenses and luxury items, including plastic surgery, travel, jewelry and luxury goods. For example, one victim wired over $700,000 to Camarda, who then, after investing approximately $370,000 in the high-risk mining operation, misappropriated the other approximately $400,000 for himself, using the money to, among other things, pay off personal credit card bills.
The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorney Adam R. Toporovsky is in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Janelle Robinson.
The Defendant:
VINCENT CAMARDA
Age: 62
Amityville, NYE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-51
2026.03.09_information-_filed.pdfExecutive of Indian Chemical Company Pleads Guilty to Distributing and Smuggling Fentanyl Precursor ChemicalsRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Bhavesh Lathiya pleaded guilty today to distributing and smuggling fentanyl precursor chemicals to the United States. Lathiya was the leader and founder of Raxuter Chemicals, a company based in Surat, India, that illegally sold and smuggled more than 50 pounds of chemicals commonly used to manufacture fentanyl. This guilty plea marks the first felony conviction of an India-based supplier of fentanyl precursor chemicals. Today’s proceeding was held before United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen. When sentenced, Lathiya faces up to 40 years’ imprisonment.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI New York), announced the guilty plea.
“The defendant admitted supplying the essential ingredients to make fentanyl, knowing just what they would be used for,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office is committed to targeting every link in the fentanyl supply chain. We will continue to vigorously prosecute these purveyors of poison, both here and abroad, who are responsible for fueling our nation’s opioid epidemic without any regard for the extreme harm they are causing. The Administration, mindful that fentanyl is the leading cause of death for American ages 18 to 45, has prioritized protecting our communities from this lethal scourge.”
Mr. Nocella thanked the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs for its assistance.
“Fentanyl has devastated countless families and communities across our country. Homeland Security Investigations is using every available resource to dismantle the drug trafficking networks that smuggle this poison into our country. Today’s landmark plea demonstrates HSI’s unwavering commitment to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling the fentanyl supply chain at every level, both at home and abroad. HSI and its partners will continue to pursue those responsible and will hold the individuals and organizations driving this crisis accountable,” stated HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Alfonso.
Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat currently facing the United States. It is a highly addictive synthetic opioid that is approximately 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Fentanyl is designated as a Schedule II controlled substance and various precursor chemicals that are used to produce fentanyl are included on the schedule’s List I and List II.
As set forth in court filings, Lathiya supplied precursor chemicals to the United States and Mexico, among other places, despite knowing they would be used to manufacture fentanyl. Lathiya and his company also sent their chemical products to the United States and Mexico using international mail and package carriers. The chemicals distributed by the defendant included all the materials necessary to manufacture fentanyl via the most common pathways. To prevent detection and interception of chemical products at the borders, the defendant employed deceptive and fraudulent practices, such as mislabeling packages and falsifying customs forms.
For example, on or about June 29, 2024, a package shipped by Raxuter Chemicals was delivered to an address in the Eastern District of New York. The package had a false manifest that listed its contents as Vitamin C. In truth, the contents were a List I chemical, 1-boc-4-piperidone, an unlawfully imported fentanyl precursor.
On October 2, 2024 and October 15, 2024, Lathiya appeared on a video call to discuss sale of fentanyl precursor chemicals with an HSI undercover officer. After being told by the undercover officer that his “clients in Mexico were very happy with the quality of what you sent me” and with “the yield they got of the final product,” Lathiya agreed to sell 20 kilograms of 1-boc-4-piperidone, which is a List I chemical used in fentanyl synthesis. Lathiya also proposed mislabeling the chemical as an antacid. The undercover officer replied and asked if it would be easier to ship the product to Mexico, stating “This is a very controversial product … Because like you said it’s banned and in Mexico I think it could be easier but there’s so much pressure on them because of fentanyl.” On or about November 23, 2024, Raxuter Chemicals and Lathiya shipped approximately 20 kilograms of 1-boc-4-piperidone to the Eastern District of New York. The package was mislabeled as an antacid.
Mexican drug trafficking organizations, including but not limited to the Sinaloa Cartel, have increasingly availed themselves of the fentanyl precursors developed and distributed by companies like the one owned by the defendant, including in India and China. This guilty plea follows the Office’s pathbreaking indictments of three Chinese chemical companies and three employees in United States v. Anhui Rencheng Technology Co. (Rencheng) Ltd et al and United States v. Hefei GSK Trade Co. Ltd, et al, charging them with similar offenses, including conspiracy to manufacture and distribute fentanyl, conspiracy to distribute a List I chemical, distribution of a List I chemical, and customs fraud conspiracy.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force 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 U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes these organizations commit, 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 New York comprises agents and officers from HSI; the FBI; DEA; the New York City Police Department; IRS Criminal Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Secret Service; with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York leading this prosecution.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Amir, William P. Campos, Chand Edwards-Balfour, and Katherine P. Onyshko are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Cleon Thomas and Zoubida Bicane.
The Defendant:
BHAVESH ranCHHODBHAI LATHIYA (also known as “Bhavesh Patel,” “Bhavesh Bhai” and “Bhavesh Lathia”)
Age: 37
Surat, Gujarat, IndiaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-525 (S-2) (PKC)
Trinitarios Gang Members Plead Guilty to Murder and Violent CarjackingsRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Amaury Guzmán, a member of the Trinitarios street gang, pleaded guilty to multiple carjacking and firearm offenses, including the murder of the victim of an attempted carjacking committed in Queens, New York. The proceeding was held before United States Chief District Judge Margo K. Brodie. Trinitarios gang member and co-defendant Jonathan Guzman previously pleaded guilty to some of the charges, including the murder, in July 2025. When sentenced, Guzmán faces a sentencing range of 35 to 40 years’ imprisonment. Rodríguez faces a sentencing range of 32 to 40 years’ imprisonment.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the guilty pleas.
“Guzmán and Rodríguez caused fear and chaos through armed carjackings, robberies, and ruthless shootings. Today’s outcome is the result of relentless work by our Office and law enforcement partners and further demonstrates the goals of the Administration’s Operation Take Back America to protect our communities from violent criminals,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.
Mr. Nocella also expressed his appreciation to the Queens County District Attorney’s Office for their work on the case.
“Over the span of four months, these two gang members subjected our community to a series of carjackings, senseless shootings, and cold-blooded murder. Alongside our law enforcement partners, the FBI’s Metro Safe Streets Task Force has prioritized crushing violent crime by targeting gangs and their violence,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
According to court filings and the guilty plea proceeding, between November 2022 and February 2023, Guzmán and Rodríguez variously participated in a string of violent crimes.
November 2022 Attempted Robbery and Shooting
On November 19, 2022, Guzmán and others conspired to rob a marijuana dealer in Queens. Guzmán set up a fake marijuana deal and approached the dealer’s car after he arrived at an agreed-upon location. Guzmán approached the dealer’s car and as the dealer and his passenger tried to flee, Guzmán fired into the car, shooting the passenger in the shoulder. The passenger survived but underwent extensive surgery to remove a bullet from his neck.
November 2022 Attempted Carjacking and Murder
The next day, on November 20, 2022, Guzmán, Rodríguez, and a co-conspirator used a stolen Mercedes Benz to approach an individual’s BMW sports coupe parked on a sidewalk in Queens. Rodríguez approached the victim at gunpoint and fired in his direction as he attempted to flee. The victim was shot once in the back, quickly lost control of his car, which then flipped over onto a sidewalk. He died from the gunshot wound shortly thereafter.
November 2022 Armed Carjacking
Two days later, on November 22, 2022, Guzmán, Rodríguez, and others once again used the stolen Mercedes Benz to approach a victim who had recently parked his BMW X5 on a residential block in Queens. The crew attacked the victim at gunpoint and stole the keys to his BMW X5. They then fled in the stolen Mercedes Benz and in the victim’s BMW X5, only to crash into each other minutes later after speeding away from the carjacking. A ghost gun was recovered from the wrecked Mercedes Benz, which ballistically matched the earlier two shootings.
December 2022 Attempted Carjacking and Shooting
Several weeks later, on December 12, 2022, Guzmán and others approached the driver of a Range Rover who was parked on a residential block in Queens, intending to carjack him. As the victim attempted to flee the carjacking, a member of Guzmán’s crew fired a shot into the Range Rover, which lodged in the center console after narrowly missing the victim.
February 2023 Armed Carjacking
Less than two months later, on February 1, 2023, Guzmán and others used a stolen Dodge Charger to carjack the owner of a Ford Mustang who was parked on a residential block in Queens. Guzmán and a co-conspirator tackled the victim to the ground as he tried to run from them, stole his keys, and bashed the victim in the head with their guns. Lacerations to the victim’s head required hospitalization.
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.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorney Andy Palacio is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
AMAURY GUZMÁN
Age: 26
Brooklyn, New YorkJONATHAN RODRIGUEZ
Age: 24
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-107 (S-3) (MKB)