Eastern District of New York
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Former Board Chairman and Executive Director of Healthcare Non-Profit Indicted for Embezzlement, Bribery, and Kickback SchemesRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging Jean Ronald Tirelus and Roberto Samedy for embezzling more than $1.3 million from a Brooklyn-based non-profit organization that provided home care services and operated homeless shelters in New York City. Tirelus was the former chairman of the organization’s board of directors, and Samedy was the executive director of the organization. In addition, the indictment charged Tirelus, Samedy, Edouardo St. Fort and Miguel Jorge for their roles in a related scheme in which Tirelus and Samedy steered business to companies controlled by St. Fort and Jorge in exchange for bribes and kickbacks. Tirelus and Samedy were each charged with wire fraud, embezzlement, and bribery-related offenses, and conspiracy to commit the same, as well as money laundering conspiracy. St. Fort and Jorge were charged with federal program bribery and related charges. Tirelus, Samedy and Jorge are being arraigned this afternoon before United States Chief Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon. St. Fort was arrested in Boston, Massachusetts and will be arraigned in Eastern District of New York at a later date.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Christopher Ryan, Acting Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation (DOI); and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the arrests and indictment.
“As alleged, the defendants used their leadership positions to loot public funds from an organization devoted to serving vulnerable New Yorkers,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Rooting out corruption is a priority for our Office, and we will hold accountable anyone who exploits charitable trust for private gain.”
“As charged, these defendants devised a scheme that siphoned more than $1.3 million from a publicly-funded nonprofit that provided home health care services and received City homeless shelter contracts. Two of the defendants were leaders at the nonprofit who capitalized on the City’s urgent need for homeless shelter providers by allegedly steering business to favored vendors in exchange for bribes and kickbacks, according to the indictment. Those who exploit the City’s need for homeless shelters endanger the very programs meant to help unhoused people. I thank the City Department of Social Services for originally referring issues related to this nonprofit to DOI; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Easten District of New York and the FBI for their partnership on this investigation and their commitment to protect precious tax dollars,” stated Acting DOI Commissioner Ryan.
"Jean Tirelus and Roberto Samedy allegedly stole more than $1.3 million from their nonprofit through fabricated investment opportunities, while separately steering contracts to other co-defendants. Tirelus and Samedy allegedly abused their executive positions to selfishly enrich themselves at the expense of vulnerable citizens and taxpayer dollars. The FBI is committed to protecting charitable organizations and public funds from illicit corruption and greed," stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
As set forth in court filings, the charges arise from an investigation of a Brooklyn-based nonprofit organization that provided home care services to elderly New Yorkers and individuals with acute medical needs and also operated homeless shelters (the Public Interest Organization, which operated two charitable entities known as Nonprofit #1 and Nonprofit #2). The Public Interest Organization received millions of dollars in Medicaid payments and has been awarded hundreds of millions of dollars in funding from New York City.
As a result of their leadership positions at the Public Interest Organization, Tirelus and Samedy exercised significant control over its operations and finances. Between August 2020 and January 2024, Tirelus and Samedy exploited their positions, stealing more than $1.3 million from the Public Interest Organization through several forms of embezzlement and fraud. For example, in May 2023, Tirelus and Samedy fraudulently induced the board of directors to authorize an $800,000 payment that went to a shell company controlled by Tirelus. Tirelus and Samedy falsely advised the board of directors that the Public Interest Organization had been approached by a bank regarding a joint venture to invest in affordable housing. After the board approved a proposal authorizing the Public Interest Organization to invest, Tirelus and Samedy caused Nonprofit #1 to wire $800,000 to a bank account controlled by Tirelus, who diverted the funds to the benefit of himself and Samedy.
Separately, St. Fort and Jorge controlled several vendor companies that provided private security services, facilities maintenance, and furniture to homeless shelters operated by the Public Interest Organization. Between February 2023 and January 2024, Tirelus and Samedy steered millions of dollars of the Public Interest Organization’s business towards the companies controlled by St. Fort and Jorge in return for bribes and kickbacks.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Tirelus and Samedy each face up to 20 years in prison, and St. Fort and Jorge face each face up to 10 years in prison.
The government’s case is being handled by the Public Integrity Section of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Zuckerwise and Andrew Wang are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Daniel Arakawa.
The Defendants:
RONALD JEAN TIRELUS
Age: 50
Brooklyn, New YorkROBERTO SAMEDY
Age: 50
Brooklyn, New YorkEDOUARDO ST. FORT
Age: 47
Taunton, MassachusettsMIGUEL JORGE
Age: 52
College Point, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-69 (RER)
Onetaste Founder Nicole Daedone Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Forced Labor ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Nicole Daedone, the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of OneTaste, Inc. (OneTaste), a sexual wellness education company founded in San Francisco, California, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Diane Gujarati in federal court in Brooklyn to nine years in prison for her role in a forced labor conspiracy. Also today, Rachel Cherwitz, OneTaste’s former Head of Sales, was sentenced by Judge Gujarati to 78 months in prison for her role in the scheme. Daedone and Cherwitz were convicted by a federal jury in June 2025 of forced labor conspiracy following a five-week trial. The Court also imposed a $12 million forfeiture money judgment against Daedone, and awarded $887,877.64 in restitution to seven victims of Daedone and Cherwitz.
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 sentences.
“This case exposed a decade-long scheme in which the defendants used psychological, emotional, and financial coercion to control their victims and extract labor and services for their own benefit,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The jury’s verdict and today’s sentences demonstrate that coercion can take many forms—and that those who exploit others through such means will face serious consequences. Coercion disguised as wellness or empowerment is still exploitation and it is a crime that causes harm to vulnerable victims. The defendants’ combination of forced labor with sexual exploitation caused trauma to the victims in ways that extend beyond lost wages or long hours.”
“For decades, Nicole Daedone and Rachel Cherwitz preyed on vulnerable women, coercing them into a calculated forced labor conspiracy. These defendants subjected their victims to repeated psychological manipulation and sexual abuse to obtain unpaid or underpaid labor and services for their personal and financial benefit. The FBI is committed to holding accountable those who traffic in human labor and exploit others for profit. We thank the victims for their courage in coming forward,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
OneTaste was a privately held company co-founded by Daedone in 2004. Its principal place of business was San Francisco, California, and it operated at various locations within New York, Los Angeles, Denver, Austin, and London. OneTaste promoted itself as a sexually focused wellness education company that offered hands-on classes on “orgasmic mediation” (OM), which involved stroking a woman’s genitals for 15 minutes. OneTaste generated revenue by providing courses, coaching, OM events, and less-publicized courses in other sexual practices in exchange for a fee.
From approximately 2006 through May 2018, Daedone and Cherwitz orchestrated a scheme to obtain the labor and services of multiple young women who had turned to OneTaste seeking healing and spiritual growth by coercing them to perform labor, including sexual labor, for the defendants’ benefit. OneTaste advertised that its courses and teachings could heal past sexual trauma and dysfunction. In reality, Daedone and Cherwitz used abusive and manipulative tactics designed to control OneTaste members by making them emotionally and psychologically dependent on OneTaste, including encouraging them to incur debt by opening lines of credit to finance the expensive courses, subjecting them to constant surveillance in communal homes, collecting sensitive information about their prior trauma and sexual histories, depriving them of sleep, and subjecting them to sexual abuse.
Once they had secured the loyalty and indebtedness of certain OneTaste members, Daedone and Cherwitz engaged in exploitative labor practices. They directed OneTaste members to work long hours—often seven days per week—with little or no compensation. This work included manual labor and the provision of sexual services. For example, Daedone and Cherwitz coerced their victims to engage in sexual acts with OneTaste’s then-current and prospective investors, clients, and employees for the company’s financial benefit. Three witnesses testified at trial about how they were coerced into becoming “handlers” for OneTaste’s initial investor, who was also Daedone’s boyfriend, which required them to live with him, perform sex acts at his direction, and provide domestic labor for him. Multiple other witnesses testified that they were coerced under threat of termination, demotion, ostracism, and financial and spiritual ruin by Daedone and Cherwitz into performing various sex acts with OneTaste’s potential clients and investors.
In 2017, Daedone sold OneTaste—a company built on the backs of coerced and unpaid or substantially underpaid labor—for $12 million.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Kayla Bensing, Kaitlin T. Farrell, Nina C. Gupta, and Sean Michael Fern are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Liam McNett and Marlane Bosler.
The Defendants:
NICOLE DAEDONE
Age: 58
New York, New YorkRACHEL CHERWITZ
Age: 45
New York, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-146 (DG)
Arms Dealer Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Export American-Made Ammunition Used in War Against UkraineRead the Press Release
Today, Italian national Manfred Gruber pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit export control violations. Gruber illegally exported ammunition worth over $540,000 from the United States to Kyrgyzstan, via companies that the defendant and his co-conspirator controlled in Italy. After reaching Kyrgyzstan, most of this ammunition was subsequently reexported to Russia. Today’s proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Taryn A. Merkl for the Eastern District of New York. In January 2026, Sergei Zharnovnikov, a Kyrgyzstan-based co-conspirator of the defendant, was sentenced to 39 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to violating the Export Control Reform Act.
“Gruber’s crimes helped sustain a bloody war that has claimed countless lives,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “NSD is committed to holding accountable those illegally funneling weapons and ammunition to Russia’s war machine.”
“Manfred Gruber put many lives at risk by illegally supplying Russia with hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of American-made, military-grade ammunition to advance its war in Ukraine,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates the serious consequences of violating U.S. export controls and the FBI’s commitment to holding accountable those who illegally fuel our foreign adversaries’ war efforts. We will continue working with our partners across law enforcement and the private sector to safeguard our national security by keeping American-made military supplies out of the hands of hostile nation-states.”
“The defendant used multiple companies to hide his scheme to send military‑grade ammunition to Kyrgyzstan, before it was reexported to Russia to support its war effort,” stated United States Attorney Joseph Nocella for the Eastern District of New York. “I commend our partners at the FBI and the Department of Commerce for uncovering this deadly scheme and swiftly bringing Gruber to justice.”
“Today’s guilty plea demonstrates our commitment, in concert with our partners, to aggressively enforce America’s export control laws," said Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement David Peters.
As set forth in court filings, Gruber is Director of Sales for Italian Company-1, a large wholesale distributor of firearms and ammunition. Gruber served as a key member of an international ammunition procurement network for Russia during its war against Ukraine, purchasing ammunition from the United States and reexporting it to Kyrgyzstan in violation of DOC licenses issued to Italian Company-1, which required that the ammunition stay in Italy. Gruber did not apply for, obtain, or possess a license to export or reexport ammunition to Kyrgyzstan.
For example, U.S. Company-1, headquartered in Nebraska, had a license to lawfully export ammunition to Italian Company-1, but the ammunition could not be reexported out of Italy. In violation of the license, Gruber, using a cutout company, Italian Company‑2, reexported U.S. Company-1 ammunition to Zharnovnikov, an arms dealer from Kyrgyzstan who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate export controls by sending U.S.-made firearms and ammunition to Russia. A contract found on Zharnovnikov’s phone indicated that he had contracted with a Russian company for ammunition manufactured by U.S. Company-1.
In addition, U.S. Company-2, headquartered in Tennessee, had a license to lawfully export ammunition to Italian Company‑1, but the ammunition could not be reexported out of Italy. Gruber exported the ammunition from U.S. Company-2 to Italy, and then reexported the U.S. Company-2 ammunition from Italy to Kyrgyzstan.
Gruber was aware that U.S. law prohibited the reexport of U.S. ammunition without further licenses, which he did not obtain. To help the unlawful export scheme succeed, the defendant took steps to disguise the true destination of the ammunition. In encrypted messages on or about September 23, 2023, Gruber exchanged the following messages with an unapprehended co-conspirator:
Co-Conspirator:
Approximately 100,000 [U.S. Company-1 bullets]
What delivery time do we have?
***
Gruber:
🤣🤣🤣they give me an answer in a few days... you have to give them everything at once? I ask because of the possible destination.... They caught the Slovenian [U.S. Company-1] distributor who had triangulated with Russia... FBI International
Co-Conspirator:
No, this request is from an Armenian customer.
We can even split up the shipment
Gruber:
I’d say that would be better, so it goes unnoticed. 😉
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Ellen H. Sise, Tara B. McGrath, and Adam Amir for the Eastern District of New York are in charge of the prosecution, along with Trial Attorney Leslie Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, with assistance from Litigation Analysts Rebecca Roth and Matthew Jennings.
Arms Dealer Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Export American Made Ammunition Used in War Against UkraineRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Italian national Manfred Gruber pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit export control violations. Gruber illegally exported ammunition worth over $540,000 from the United States to Kyrgyzstan, via companies that the defendant and his co-conspirator controlled in Italy. After reaching Kyrgyzstan, most of this ammunition was subsequently reexported to Russia. Today’s proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Taryn A. Merkl. In January 2026, Sergei Zharnovnikov, a Kyrgyzstan-based co-conspirator of the defendant, was sentenced to 39 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to violating the Export Control Reform Act.
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; James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and David Peters, Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement, U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), announced the charges.
“The defendant used multiple companies to hide his scheme to send military‑grade ammunition to Kyrgyzstan, before it was reexported to Russia to support its war effort,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “I commend our partners at the FBI and the Department of Commerce for uncovering this deadly scheme and swiftly bringing the defendant to justice.”
“Gruber’s crimes helped sustain a bloody war that has claimed countless lives,” stated Assistant Attorney General for National Security Eisenberg. “NSD is committed to holding accountable those illegally funneling weapons and ammunition to Russia’s war machine.”
“Manfred Gruber facilitated an international network to unlawfully supply American-made ammunition to Russia during its war against Ukraine. Gruber exploited licensing caveats and ignored export restrictions to support an adversarial nation’s military campaign. The FBI continues to hold accountable any individual who utilizes U.S. companies or armaments to further a foreign country’s wartime agenda,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
“Today’s guilty plea demonstrates our commitment, in concert with our partners, to aggressively enforce America’s export control laws," stated DOC Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Peters.
As set forth in court filings, Gruber is Director of Sales for Italian Company-1, a large wholesale distributor of firearms and ammunition. Gruber served as a key member of an international ammunition procurement network for Russia during its war against Ukraine, purchasing ammunition from the United States and reexporting it to Kyrgyzstan in violation of DOC licenses issued to Italian Company-1, which required that the ammunition stay in Italy. Gruber did not apply for, obtain, or possess a license to export or reexport ammunition to Kyrgyzstan.
For example, U.S. Company-1, headquartered in Nebraska, had a license to lawfully export ammunition to Italian Company-1, but the ammunition could not be reexported out of Italy. In violation of the license, Gruber, using a cutout company, Italian Company‑2, reexported U.S. Company-1 ammunition to Zharnovnikov, an arms dealer from Kyrgyzstan who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate export controls by sending U.S.-made firearms and ammunition to Russia. A contract found on Zharnovnikov’s phone indicated that he had contracted with a Russian company for ammunition manufactured by U.S. Company-1.
In addition, U.S. Company-2, headquartered in Tennessee, had a license to lawfully export ammunition to Italian Company‑1, but the ammunition could not be reexported out of Italy. Gruber exported the ammunition from U.S. Company-2 to Italy, and then reexported the U.S. Company-2 ammunition from Italy to Kyrgyzstan.
Gruber was aware that U.S. law prohibited the reexport of U.S. ammunition without further licenses, which he did not obtain. To help the unlawful export scheme succeed, the defendant took steps to disguise the true destination of the ammunition. In encrypted messages on or about September 23, 2023, Gruber exchanged the following messages with a co-conspirator:
Co-Conspirator: Approximately 100,000 [U.S. Company-1 bullets]
What delivery time do we have?
***
Gruber: 🤣🤣🤣they give me an answer in a few days... you have to give them everything at once? I ask because of the possible destination.... They caught the Slovenian [U.S. Company-1] distributor who had triangulated with Russia... FBI International
Co-Conspirator: No, this request is from an Armenian customer.
We can even split up the shipment
Gruber: I’d say that would be better, so it goes unnoticed. 😉
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Ellen H. Sise, Tara B. McGrath, and Adam Amir are in charge of the prosecution, along with Trial Attorney Leslie Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, with assistance from Litigation Analysts Rebecca Roth and Matthew Jennings.
The Defendant:
MANFRED GRUBER
Age: 61
Ora, ItalyE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-61 (HG)
Submariner Smugglers Extradited from Colombia to Face International Cocaine Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
This afternoon, in federal court in Brooklyn, Elkin Armando Alomia Quiñones, Luis Alberto Arboleda Escobar, Diego Luis Obregon Aguirre, Edwin Obregon Castro, Juan Matias Obregon Castro, Rodrigo Obregon Saavedra and Narjel Paredes, all citizens of Colombia, will be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge James R. Cho on an indictment charging them with violations of the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act and international cocaine distribution conspiracy. The seven defendants were extradited yesterday to the Eastern District of New York from Colombia where they were previously arrested in March 2025.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Frank A. Tarentino III, Associate Chief of Operations, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Northeast Region, and Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI New York) announced the extraditions.
“As alleged, the defendants are members of a Colombian transnational maritime drug trafficking organization who sought to clandestinely traffic tons of cocaine on semi-submersible vessels to Mexico, ultimately for distribution in the United States,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “With these arrests and extraditions, the defendants’ smuggling scheme has been sunk and holding them accountable in a U.S. courtroom demonstrates the Administration’s resolve through Operation Take Back America and the Homeland Security Task Force to eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from these evildoers.”
Mr. Nocella praised the outstanding investigative work of DEA New York’s Task Force, DEA Bogota and HSI New York’s Homeland Security Task Force Cartel Investigations Group. Mr. Nocella also expressed his appreciation to Colombia’s Cuerpo Técnico de Investigación, the Colombian Navy, DEA Puerto Rico, DEA Madrid, HSI Bogota and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico for their substantial assistance. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Office of the Judicial Attaché in Bogotá provided significant assistance in this matter.
“The extradition of these seven individuals underscores DEA’s global pursuit to identify and target those responsible for trafficking illicit narcotics destined for the United States,” stated DEA Northeast Regional Associate Chief of Operations Tarentino. “Using submersible vessels in a calculated attempt to evade law enforcement doesn’t make you invisible! Whether you attempt to hide beneath the surface or above, the DEA, alongside our domestic and international partners, will relentlessly pursue and defeat those drug trafficking organizations threatening our communities and killing Americans.”
“Today, seven alleged drug smugglers are facing charges in the United Stated after years of unchecked cocaine trafficking. Homeland Security Investigations’ international footprint gives us the ability to track bad actors back to the source and, through our partnerships, bring them to justice,” stated HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Alfonso. “These drugs have done untold damage to millions of families across the country. HSI works alongside our law enforcement partners every day to dismantle drug trafficking organizations and stop the flow of dangerous drugs into our communities.”
According to the indictment and court filings, the defendants were members of an international drug trafficking organization (DTO) which conspired to traffic more than five tons of cocaine in self-propelled semi-submersible vessels, like submarines, launched from the Pacific coast of Colombia towards areas controlled by the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico. The drug trafficking organization conducted a sophisticated maritime drug distribution operation, managing each step of the process. First, members of the conspiracy found investors to finance multi-ton cocaine loads and to finance the construction of semi-submersible vessels. Next, members of the conspiracy built semi-submersible vessels capable of carrying thousands of kilograms of cocaine. The trafficking organization also hired crew members to fill the semi-submersible vessels with cocaine and then transport the cocaine to Mexico. Members of the conspiracy also conducted countersurveillance on the high seas by strategically positioning fishing vessels on the same routes as the semi-submersible vessels. These countersurveillance ships attempted to spot military and law enforcement ships that might intercept the semi-submersible vessels.
On June 27 2023, the Colombian Navy seized approximately 2,312 kilograms of cocaine from a DTO semi-submersible vessel near the Colombian Pacific coast, which, based on a coordinate chart located aboard the vessel, was en route to Mexico (pictured below).
EDNYOn October 7, 2023, the Colombian Navy seized approximately 3,300 kilograms of cocaine from another DTO semi-submersible vessel near the Colombian Pacific coast, which was en route to Mexico (pictured below).
EDNYThe charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are 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 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 Lorena Michelen and Katherine P. Onyshko are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
ELKIN ARMANDO ALOMIA QUINONES
Age: 40
ColombiaLUIS ALBERTO ARBOLEDA ESCOBAR
Age: 53
ColombiaDIEGO LUIS OBREGON AGUIRRE
Age: 47
ColombiaEDWIN OBREGON CASTRO
Age: 41
ColombiaJUAN MATIAS OBREGON CASTRO
Age: 49
ColombiaRODRIGO OBREGON SAAVENDRA
Age: 69
ColombiaNARJEL PAREDES
Age: 56
ColombiaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-462 (EK)
detention_letter.pdfBrooklyn-Based Ninedee Gang Member Sentenced to 145 Months’ Imprisonment for Covid-19 Unemployment Benefits Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Darnell Jones, also known as “EJ,” was sentenced today by United States District Judge Dora L. Irizarry in federal court in Brooklyn to 145 months’ imprisonment for wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft. During the height of the COVID‑19 pandemic, from March 2020 through August 2021, Jones used stolen personal identifying information to fraudulently obtain more than $800,000 from federally funded unemployment insurance programs established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. As part of the sentence, Jones was ordered to pay $838,120 in restitution to the New York State Department of Labor. In addition, as part of his April 2025 guilty plea, Jones admitted to obtaining personal identifying information, including bank account information, between May 2021 and October 2024, to commit wire fraud with an intended loss of more than $2.7 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); and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentence.
“Today’s sentence demonstrates that those who defraud innocent victims and pilfer federal funds to support violent gangs will face severe punishment,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “To successfully dismantle violent gangs who terrorize our neighborhoods and communities, it is essential that we cut off their sources of income, including from fraud schemes like the one perpetrated by the defendant here.”
Mr. Nocella also thanked the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General and the New York State Department of Labor, Office of Special Investigations for their assistance on the case.
“Darnell Jones, a Ninedee gang member, stole more than $800,000 intended for unemployment benefit recipients to fund the enterprise’s illicit operations and firearms procurement. Jones manipulated financial programs designed to support vulnerable New Yorkers during a global pandemic just to unlawfully facilitate the gang’s criminal activity. Alongside our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to stem any source of revenue supporting the viability of gangs plaguing our communities,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
“Darnell Jones stole more than $800,000 in federal funds meant to help vulnerable New Yorkers during a global pandemic and used those funds to bankroll a violent gang,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: anyone who steals from the government will face real consequences, and the NYPD will aggressively pursue anyone who seeks to defraud and victimize others. I am grateful to the NYPD investigators, the FBI, and the prosecutors at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their pursuit of justice in this case.”
As set forth in court filings in connection with sentencing, Jones is a member of the Ninedee Gang, a violent criminal enterprise operating out of the Louis H. Pink Houses in East New York, Brooklyn. Ninedee Gang members were affiliated with the “5” and “6” Pink Houses apartment buildings and engaged in gang-related violence within and outside of the New York City Housing Authority complex. The Ninedee Gang protected its turf through violence, made money by selling drugs and committing fraud, and sought to silence those they perceived to be working with law enforcement.Jones led the Ninedee Gang’s fraud schemes, also known as “scamming,” and worked with other members to earn money for the gang through check fraud, postal money order fraud, and unemployment benefits fraud. For example, beginning in approximately November 2020, Jones sent a co-conspirator text messages containing the names of 10 New York residents in order to obtain personally identifiable information (PII) for those individuals without their knowledge. The co-conspirator sent Jones the requested individuals’ dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and driver’s license numbers. In exchange, Jones paid the co-conspirator with cryptocurrency. Subsequently, Jones submitted fraudulent claims for unemployment insurance benefits to the New York State Department of Labor using the stolen PII. As set forth in court filings and as established at the trial of Ninedee Gang leader Maliek Miller, text messages in 2020 showed that Jones coordinated with fellow Ninedee Gang member Kevin Wint about pooling their money to purchase “glicks” or “plates,” which are references to firearms. Notably, in August 2021, law enforcement agents recovered two firearms, which were outfitted with laser sights, in a residence shared by Jones and Wint.
Eight Ninedee Gang members have been prosecuted for their gang-affiliated crimes, which included the prosecution of seven Ninedee members for their roles in the July 2020 murder in-aid-of-racketeering of Shatavia Walls. Seven Ninedee defendants have pleaded guilty and an eighth, Maliek Miller, was convicted at trial in June 2024 and faces a mandatory life sentence.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gang Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily J. Dean and Irisa Chen are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Elizabeth Reed and Marlane Bosler.
The Defendant:
DARNELL JONES (also known as “EJ”)
Age: 31
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-369 (DLI)
Defendant Convicted at Trial:
MALIEK MILLER
Age: 32
Brooklyn, New YorkDefendants Who Previously Pleaded Guilty:
QUINTIN GREEN (also known as “Wild Child”)
Age: 25
Brooklyn, New YorkJOE SANTANA (also known as “Baby Joe”)
Age: 21
Brooklyn, New YorkChayanne fernandez (also known as “White Boy”)
Age: 25
Brooklyn, New YorkKEVIN WINT (also known as “Kev G”)
Age: 32
Brooklyn, New YorkSHAKUR BEY (also known as “Speedy”)
Age: 28
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-331 (LDH)
RAQUEL DUNTON (aka “Rah”)
Age: 39
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No 24-CR-344 (LDH)
Former Director of a Brooklyn Daycare Indicted for Stealing More Than $2.75 Million in Tuition PaymentsRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging Murielle Misczak with wire fraud and money laundering in connection with her employment at a Brooklyn daycare (the Daycare). Misczak was the director of the Daycare, which provided childcare and preschool to children. Over the course of approximately four years, Misczak embezzled more than $2.75 million by directing parents to send tuition payments to unapproved accounts she controlled and transferring the funds to her personal bank accounts. Misczak was arrested today and will be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo.
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 arrest and charges.
“As alleged, Misczak abused her position of authority and betrayed the trust of her employer and daycare families by stealing millions in tuition to fund her own extravagant personal lifestyle,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office will vigorously prosecute corrupt individuals like the defendant who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of services for children.”
“Murielle Misczak allegedly stole millions of dollars from parents whose tuition payments were unknowingly funding personal lavish purchases. As the daycare’s former director, Misczak’s alleged embezzlement violated the trust placed in her by her employer and clients. The FBI is dedicated to disrupting corrupt schemes that defraud our city’s families for selfish gain, especially those exploiting childcare services,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
As set forth in court filings, Misczak was hired by the Daycare in 2013 as Program Coordinator and was later promoted to Director in 2020. Starting in January 2022 and continuing through October 2025, Misczak stole more than $2.75 million in tuition payments by directing them to be paid into accounts she controlled and then transferring those payments into her own accounts. Misczak hid her theft from the Daycare by deleting and altering information in the Daycare’s accounting systems. Misczak spent over $600,000 in stolen funds on travel and entertainment, including over $350,000 on tickets to professional wrestling events, as well as hundreds of thousands of dollars on luxury goods and various personal expenses such as food delivery and ride sharing services.
The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the charges, Misczak faces up to 20 years in prison.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Shannon C. Jones and Sophia M. Suarez are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Melina Piatti-Chayan.
The Defendant:
MURIELLE MISCZAK
Age: 43
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-65 (NGG)
murielle_misczak_indictment.pdfTwo Members of 18th Street Gang Convicted of Murder in-Aid-Of Racketeering and Other Gang Related CrimesRead the Press Release
Today a federal jury in Brooklyn returned a guilty verdict against Herberth Rodríguez, also known as “Kepa,” and Elias Martínez Villanueva, also known as “Rebelde,” both members of the transnational street gang 18th Street, on all counts of a fourth superseding indictment charging them with murder in-aid-of racketeering and related firearms offenses for their participation in the November 1, 2020 murder of Diego Vanegas Vásquez. Rodriguez was additionally convicted of racketeering and the attempted murder of Juan Valdéz in-aid-of racketeering, as well as narcotics trafficking and unlawful possession of ammunition. Martinez Villanueva was additionally convicted of illegally re-entering the United States. The verdict followed a three-week trial before United States District Judge William F. Kuntz II. When sentenced, both defendants face a mandatory term of life 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, announced the verdict.
“In committing the murder of Diego Vanegas Vásquez and other acts of brazen gang violence, the defendants terrorized a community in and around Roosevelt Avenue in Queens that they claimed was their territory,” stated U.S. Attorney Nocella. “Today’s verdict proves how wrong and misguided they are. It is the rule of law that controls and protects our communities. Our Office, together with our law enforcement partners, remains focused on dismantling violent gangs like 18th Street. I can state with confidence that the neighborhoods of Jackson Heights and Corona are safer with these defendants effectively removed from society and no longer free to perpetrate crimes.”
Mr. Nocella also thanked United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General for their assistance.
“Herberth Rodriguez and Elias Villanueva – members of a notorious foreign terrorist organization (FTO), the 18th Street gang – committed a senseless murder out of retaliation and terrorized the community with brazen public gun fights,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. “Alongside our law enforcement partners, the FBI continues to eradicate the violence plaguing our streets and threatening the lives of innocent bystanders by attacking these FTOs head-on.”
“These convictions send a clear message: The NYPD will stop at nothing to identify, dismantle, and hold accountable street gangs that terrorize our communities with senseless gun violence,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “For too long, the 18th Street crew turned neighborhoods in Queens into their own deadly battleground against rivals, placing innocent New Yorkers at risk. But thanks to a thorough investigation led by NYPD detectives and a strong prosecution, our streets are now safer. I thank our partners at the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their support in taking down this ruthless organization and bringing its members to justice.”
As proved at trial, the defendants were members of 18th Street, a violent gang that engaged in murder, robbery, extortion, production of fraudulent identification documents, and narcotics trafficking. As a member of 18th Street, Rodriguez sold large quantities of cocaine, the proceeds of which the gang used to purchase firearms and support incarcerated gang members. The evidence also showed that 18th Street sold cocaine and marijuana, peddled fake IDs, such as fake Social Security cards and fake green cards, and extorted brothel owners by requiring them to pay money to the gang for the gang's permission to run their brothels.
Murder of Diego Vanegas Vásquez
In the early morning hours of November 1, 2020, the defendants shot and killed Vanegas Vásquez who they believed was a member of the rival MS-13 gang, in Jackson Heights, Queens. On the night of the murder, Vanegas Vásquez was a passenger in the back of a taxi. The defendants, riding on a motorbike, pulled alongside the taxi at a red light. Rodríguez fired approximately six shots at Vásquez, killing him. After the murder, Rodríguez bragged about killing Vásquez to other members of 18th Street in text messages.
Attempted Murder of Juan Valdéz
On October 10, 2020, Rodríguez set out to kill Juan Valdéz, who he believed had disrespected 18th Street. Earlier that day, Valdéz had a physical altercation with an 18th Street member in the vicinity of Roosevelt Avenue and 83rd Street. After the fight, Valdéz got into his car and attempted to leave the area. An 18th Street associate who saw the fight then signaled to members of the gang in the area to respond. After hearing the signal, Rodríguez grabbed a gun that the gang kept hidden beneath a flower stand outside of a bodega on 83rd Street and ran towards the vicinity of the fight. Rodríguez opened fire on Valdéz’s vehicle, but missed Valdéz as he drove away.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andy Palacio, Megan Larkin, Lauren Bowman, and Brachah Goykadosh are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Wesley Roberts.
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 Defendants:
HERBERTH RODRIGUEZ (also known as “Kepa”)
Age: 33
Queens, New YorkELIAS MARTINEZ VILLANEUVA (also known as “Rebelde”)
Age: 40
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-548 (WFK)
Federal Correctional Officer Indicted for Sexually Abusing Inmate at the Metropolitan Detention Center in BrooklynRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging James Johnson, a current employee of the United States Bureau of Prisons (BOP), with sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a ward, and making false statements to federal law enforcement officers, all arising from the defendant’s sexual abuse of an inmate he was responsible for guarding while working as a correctional officer at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York (MDC). Johnson was arrested earlier today and is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Chief Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon.
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 Office (FBI); and Ryan T. Geach, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) announced the arrest and charges.
“As alleged, Johnson leveraged his position as a correctional officer to take advantage of a man he was supposed to be protecting in his capacity as a prison guard and used his access to gratify his own sexual desires,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office is steadfast in its commitment to root out corruption and abuse within federal prisons, especially when that abuse is perpetrated at the hands of guards and jeopardizes the safety and security of the institution and the inmates.”
Mr. Nocella thanked the New York State Police for its assistance with the investigation.
“The alleged sexual abuse of an inmate by a federal correctional officer is a grave betrayal of public trust and will not be tolerated,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. “Federal correctional officers are sworn to protect, not prey upon, those in their care. No one is above the law and we will continue to work tirelessly to hold accountable those who violate the rights of federal inmates.”
“The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General will continue to aggressively investigate allegations of sexual abuse by federal Correctional Officers and, with our partners, bring these perpetrators to justice,” stated DOJ OIG Special Agent in Charge Geach.
As alleged in court documents, in May 2025, Johnson was employed by the BOP as a correctional officer and mentor coordinator at the MDC. On at least two occasions during that month, Johnson ordered an inmate at the MDC (John Doe) to accompany him from John Doe’s assigned unit to other locations at the MDC where the defendant sexually abused him. The evidence of this sexual abuse included DNA evidence secured through a court ordered search warrant.
Further, Johnson took steps to conceal his actions and lied to federal agents during an interview about his conduct. Specifically, when asked if he had ever engaged in any sexual acts with inmates, Johnson answered unequivocally that he had not.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the charges, Johnson faces up to life in prison.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Human Trafficking and Civil Rights and Public Integrity Sections. Assistant United States Attorneys Megan E. Farrell and Turner Buford are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Johnson Peow.
The Defendant:
JAMES JOHNSON
Age: 36
New York, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-060 (RER)
Lawyer Charged with Attempted Extortion of Former Client and Client’s Son over Alleged $500,000 DebtRead the Press Release
Yesterday, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, a complaint was unsealed charging Joshua Nass, an attorney licensed to practice in New York, with attempted Hobbs Act extortion for enlisting an individual to threaten and force a former client and his son into paying Nass $500,000. Nass was arrested yesterday and will make his initial appearance today before United States Magistrate Judge Clay H. Kaminsky.
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 arrest and charge.
“As alleged, Nass plotted the violent extortion of one of his own clients and hired an individual to ‘do anything and everything” to force the client’s son to pay for services,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “It will always be a priority of our Office to hold accountable those abusing a position of trust by violating the laws and oaths they have been sworn to support.”
“Rather than honestly representing his client, Joshua Nass allegedly chose to shake him down by hiring an enforcer to extort payment. The FBI prioritizes crushing violent crimes offenses and extortion schemes,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
As alleged in court filings, starting in early January 2026, Nass recruited an individual (Individual) to force a former client (John Doe 1) and his son (John Doe 2) to pay Nass $500,000 that Nass claimed he was owed for services he purportedly rendered on behalf of John Doe 1. Nass provided the Individual with a phone number and addresses associated with John Doe 2, and Nass instructed the Individual to visit John Doe 2 at his home in an effort to intimidate John Doe 2 into paying Nass. Nass paid the Individual $3,000 in cash in exchange for Individual’s efforts to force John Doe 2 to pay Nass. Additionally, Nass told the Individual to “do anything and everything” to force John Doe 2 to pay the defendant.
Between January 2026 and March 2026, Nass contacted the Individual several times to plan meetings and discuss methods by which the Individual could extort payment by John Does 1 and 2 of the debt purportedly owed to Nass. Nass and the Individual discussed the Individual physically assaulting John Doe 2, or forcing John Doe 2 into a car with masked men and threatening him to make someone in John Doe 2’s family pay Nass. On one occasion, Nass told the Individual that, if John Doe 2 rebuffed an attempt to pay, the Individual could not be a “human being” with John Doe 2. Nass agreed to pay the Individual at least $15,000 for his continued efforts at extorting John Does 1 and 2, with a $5,000 up-front payment and the remainder after John Doe 2 paid Nass.
The charge in the complaint is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Nass faces up to 20 years in prison.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Victor Zapana, Anna L. Karamigios and Kamil R. Ammari are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Danielle Barber.
The Defendant:
JOSHUA NASS
Age: 34
Charleston, South CarolinaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-MJ-54
Queens Man Indicted for Sex Trafficking Five Victims, Including Three Minors, at Hotels on Long Island and ElsewhereRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, a 12-count indictment was unsealed charging Tyrone Stylistic Crooks with multiple counts of sex trafficking, sexual exploitation of minors, and transportation for prostitution. The charges in the indictment stem from Crooks’s sex trafficking of five victims, including three minor girls who were between the ages of 14 and 17 years old at the time of the alleged crimes. In addition to producing sexually exploitative images and videos of the minors, Crooks allegedly manipulated his victims to engage in commercial sex acts for his financial benefit using fraud, physical violence, and sexual violence. Crooks was arrested yesterday and is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Lee G. Dunst.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Stefanie Roddy, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Newark Field Office (FBI), and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, FBI, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrest and charges.
“As alleged, the defendant preyed on vulnerable members of the community, subjecting his victims to threats, violence, and manipulation so that he could sell their bodies for his own profit,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Today’s arrest demonstrates our Office’s unwavering commitment to aggressively prosecute sex traffickers, especially when minors are involved.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey; the Boston Police Department; FBI Boston Field Office; the New Jersey State Police Human Trafficking Unit; the Suffolk County Police Department; and the New York City Police Department for their contributions to the case.
“Cases like this remind us that children in our communities are still being exploited by traffickers who see them as commodities rather than young people with futures,” stated FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge Roddy. “Our priority is identifying victims, protecting them, and holding those responsible fully accountable. If someone sees a young person who may be in danger or under someone else’s control, we urge them to report it to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. A single call could help protect a child from ongoing abuse.”
“Tyrone Crooks allegedly threatened, assaulted, and forced three minors to engage in sexual acts and produce sexually explicit content for his own personal gain. Through his alleged trafficking of these young girls, they were subjected to significant cruelty and unthinkable sexual abuse. “The FBI continues to coordinate with our federal and local law enforcement partners to apprehend sexual predators and traffickers targeting vulnerable victims, especially children,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
As set forth in court filings, since at least 2021 to the present, Crooks has operated as a “pimp” and trafficked victims across various locations in Brooklyn, Queens, and on Long Island, including in Westbury, Woodbury, Hicksville, Melville, Bethpage, and Huntington. Of the five victims that the defendant is presently charged with trafficking, three were minors who came from out of state to work for Crooks doing prostitution in New York.
Crooks enticed these victims using text and other online communications and paid for their travel. Crooks promoted and managed his prostitution business over the internet, including posting sexually exploitative photos that he produced of these minor victims to further his trafficking business. In addition to recruiting minors, the defendant used them to create sexually explicit images and videos, which he then posted on the internet in advertisements. In one message on January 27, 2025, the defendant said to a minor, “Do your make up for pics . . . And I got baby oil for the pics no diddy lol.” A search of the defendant’s iCloud account revealed multiple images of child pornography from that same date, including one video where a male believed to be the defendant is pouring baby oil on a naked child, who is dancing. Crooks set the prices for commercial sex acts, arranged prostitution “dates” for his victims and controlled the money made during those “dates,” and pursued his victims for money that he claimed they owed him for hotel rooms and other related expenses. Crooks also demanded that his victims engage in sex acts with him, and told at least one victim in text messages that she was not allowed to say “no” to him. Crooks physically assaulted multiple victims, including one who was pregnant at the time. After the victim texted the defendant that he “hurt [her] baby” and questioned “[yo]u thought punching in the stomach was a good idea[.] Could have been anywhere but [you] chose my stomach,” Crooks blamed the victim, texting, “You moved your arm not my fault.”
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of sex trafficking using force, fraud or coercion, Crooks faces a mandatory minimum term of 15 years’ imprisonment and a maximum of life. If convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor, he faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison. If convicted of trafficking a minor, Crooks faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Section and Long Island Criminal Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Megan E. Farrell and Molly N. Delaney are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
TYRONE STYLISTIC CROOKS
Age: 33
St. Albans, QueensE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-55 (GRB)
Two MS-13 Members Sentenced to 55 and 48 Years in Prison for Committing Two Murders in QueensRead the Press Release
Yesterday and today in federal court in Brooklyn, defendants Ramiro Gutierrez and Tito Martinez Alvarenga were sentenced to 55 years and 48 years in prison, respectively, for their participation in the murders of Abel Mosso in 2019 and Victor Alvarenga in 2018. Both Gutierrez and Tito Martinez Alvarenga pleaded guilty to these crimes in January 2025.
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 New York), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentences.
“In committing these terrible murders, these defendants and MS-13 put entire communities at risk, including innocent commuters,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “They will spend decades in prison for their crimes, and our Office and our law enforcement partners will keep working to ensure that any gang member who does not learn from their example is similarly held accountable.”
Mr. Nocella also thanked the Queens County District Attorney’s Office for their valuable coordination with the investigation.
"MS-13 members Ramiro Gutierrez and Tito Martinez Alvarenga, murdered two victims to satisfy a kill order by their leadership and retaliate against a perceived rival. These brazen displays of cold-blooded ruthlessness demonstrate the gang's propensity to repeatedly endanger the lives of our communities' residents. May today's sentencing highlight the FBI's sustained collaboration with our law enforcement partners to eradicate senseless gang violence plaguing our neighborhoods," stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
“The defendants’ ruthless actions as MS-13 members — including orchestrating the shooting of Victor Alvarenga, and the cold-blooded killing of Abel Mosso on a busy subway platform — have not only led to the loss of innocent lives but also spread fear, trauma, and devastation throughout our communities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Alfonso. “These horrific crimes underscore the urgent need for continued coordinated law enforcement action to confront gang violence. HSI New York, together with our partners, will leave no stone unturned in protecting New Yorkers and holding those responsible fully accountable.”
“As part of a vicious, ruthless international gang, these two defendants terrorized innocent people for years,” said NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “Now, they will pay for their crimes with lengthy prison sentences. The NYPD will continue to pursue justice against anyone who threatens our communities, and New York City is a safer place today with these two convicted murderers behind bars. I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their continued partnership, and all the NYPD investigators who worked to hold these violent criminals accountable.”
Murder of Victor Alvarenga
In the early morning hours of November 4, 2018, MS-13 members shot and killed Victor Alvarenga near his home in Flushing, Queens. As proven at the trial of four co-defendants, Edenilson Velasquez Larin, a national MS-13 leader, gave the order to kill Alvarenga, and the murder was overseen by Jose Espinoza Sanchez. On the night of the murder, Gutierrez, Tito Martinez Alvarenga, Espinoza Sanchez and two other MS-13 members waited for Alvarenga near his home. When Alvarenga arrived home, MS-13 members shot him multiple times. Tito Martinez Alvarenga had called Alvarenga multiple times prior to the murder, and to conceal his involvement, Tito Martinez Alvarenga took Alvarenga’s phone from Alvarenga as Alvarenga lay dying. Gutierrez served as the getaway driver and helped plan the murder.
Murder of Abel Mosso
As also proven at the trial of four co-defendants, in the early afternoon of February 3, 2019, Gutierrez, Tito Martinez Alvarenga and Victor Lopez followed Mosso, whom they believed to be a member of the rival 18th Street gang, onto the 7 train at the Main Street station in Flushing, Queens. Lopez and Tito Martinez Alvarenga assaulted Mosso inside a subway car and then dragged him out onto the platform at the 90th Street station in Jackson Heights, Queens. The defendants pulled out a gun, but Mosso wrestled it away. One of the defendants shouted in Spanish, “Nobody get involved, we’re MS-13, we’re going to kill him.” Gutierrez then grabbed the gun from Mosso and shot him multiple times in the head, killing him.
These sentencings are the latest in a series of federal prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York targeting members of the MS-13. MS-13’s leadership was based in El Salvador and Honduras, but the gang has thousands of members across the United States. Since 2003, hundreds of MS-13 members, including dozens of clique leaders, have been convicted on federal felony charges in the Eastern District of New York. A majority of those MS-13 members have been convicted on federal racketeering charges for participating in murders, attempted murders and assaults. Since 2010, this Office has obtained indictments charging MS-13 members with carrying out more than 75 murders in the district and has convicted dozens of MS-13 leaders and members in connection with those murders. These prosecutions are the product of investigations led by our law enforcement partners including HSI and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, comprising agents and officers of the FBI and NYPD.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan Siegel, Anna L. Karamigios and Kamil Ammari are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Timothy Migliaro and Danielle Barber.
The Defendants:
RAMIRO GUTIERREZ (also known as “Cara de Malo”)
Age: 31
Flushing, New YorkTITO MARTINEZ ALVARENGA (also known as “Imprudente”)
Age: 24
Flushing, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-228 (S-3) (LDH)
Guatemalan Illegal Alien with Prior Conviction for Attempted Rape Found Guilty of Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Yesterday, in federal court in Brooklyn, Maynor Perez Baten, a national of Guatemala, was convicted of illegal reentry into the United States having previously been deported after a conviction for an aggravated felony. In November 2022, Perez Baten was found in the Eastern District of New York without the consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to apply for readmission. The verdict was returned after a two-day trial before United States District Judge Ramon E. Reyes. When sentenced, Perez Baten faces up to 20 years in prison.
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 verdict.
“With today’s verdict, the defendant has been held accountable for brazenly re-entering the United States after he was deported for a serious felony conviction, the attempted rape of a child, and then endangering the community once again by driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The defendant clearly has no respect for the laws of our nation and will be returned to Guatemala after completing his sentence.”
“Maynor Perez Baten's attempted rape of a child and his subsequent decision to illegally re-enter the United States highlight his flagrant and repeated disregard for the criminal justice system,” stated HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Alfonso. “His choice to return after removal, without authorization and despite his depraved felony record, demonstrates a brazen contempt for community safety and the rule of law that protects it. I commend personnel from HSI New York and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York for their unyielding commitment to identifying, investigating, and arresting violent offenders who pose a threat to those we are sworn to serve."
According to court filings, Perez Baten illegally entered the United States in 2009. In May 2011, he was arrested on a felony charge of first-degree rape. The victim was 12 years old. In October 2011, Perez Baten was convicted of attempted rape in the first degree and sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment. The defendant was released from New York State custody in April 2014 and deported to Guatemala. Perez Baten later returned to the United States illegally a second time, after which he was arrested by members of the New York City Police Department for driving while intoxicated in Staten Island. In April 2024, he was indicted for illegal reentry by a grand jury in the Eastern District of New York.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorney Vincent Chiappini is in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Cleon Thomas.
The Defendant:
MAYNOR PEREZ BATEN
Age: 36
Staten Island, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-130 (RER)
Two Former NYPD Officers Charged with Federal Civil Rights ViolationsRead the Press Release
Earlier today, a three-count indictment was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn charging Justin McMillan and Justin Colon, two former New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers, with felony conspiracy against rights and willfully depriving an individual of her constitutional rights while acting under color of law, in connection with an incident that occurred while they were on duty in the 115th Precinct in Queens, New York in July 2024. The defendants were arrested today and are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Cross-Goldenberg. They resigned from the NYPD in March 2025.
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, announced the charges.
“As alleged, the defendants’ response to a 311 complaint about prostitution on their beat was to commit multiple criminal acts that shock the conscience and violated the civil rights of a vulnerable victim,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Upholding the integrity of law enforcement and holding accountable those who violate their sworn duty will always be a priority of our Office. These defendants will be vigorously prosecuted because the community and their former colleagues in the NYPD deserve nothing less.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the Queens District Attorney’s Office for its assistance in the matter.
“Former NYPD officers Justin McMillan and Justin Colon allegedly failed to appropriately respond to a non-emergency call and instead used their official authority to commit a series of criminal acts, violating the rights of a vulnerable individual,” stated FBI Assistant Director Barnacle. “In doing so, they allegedly betrayed their sworn commitment to serve and abused the power entrusted to them while on duty. While the overwhelming majority of NYPD officers uphold the highest standards of integrity and honor, the FBI will continue to hold accountable those who tarnish the badge.”
“We hold our police officers to the highest standards and have zero tolerance for misconduct of any kind," stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “The alleged actions taken by Justin McMillan and Justin Colon are despicable and a complete violation of the public's trust in the NYPD. Let me be perfectly clear: Any officer who violates their oath will be investigated, exposed, and held fully accountable. That standard will never change. I want to thank the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau and the U.S. Attorney's Office for their work on this investigation.”
As alleged in court documents, McMillan and Colon were police officers on duty in the 115th Precinct on July 19, 2024, when they responded to a 311-call related to prostitution inside a residential building on 89th Street near Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens. When the officers arrived at the location, they shut off their body-worn cameras and stole a key to the entrance door from a woman who had just exited the premises. Without reporting the contact, the officers then proceeded with their foot patrol duties.
Approximately eight hours later, at about 4:50 a.m. on July 20, 2024, the defendants returned to the location, unlocked the entrance door with the stolen key and found a woman engaged in sex with a customer. The customer fled, leaving the victim naked and alone in the dark with the defendants. While Colon kept watch, McMillan stole money from the woman’s purse and groped her bare breast and buttock. The victim fled, and the officers returned to their patrol and ultimately to their stationhouse.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the charges, McMillan and Colon face up to ten years in prison.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Section. Assistant United States Attorney Erin Reid is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
JUSTIN MCMILLAN
Age: 26
Atlantic Beach, Long IslandJUSTIN COLON
Age: 24
Long Island City, QueensE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-49 (FB)
Long Island Man Charged with Sex Trafficking, Enticing, and Exploiting a MinorRead the Press Release
Jimmy Francois, also known as “Bentley Bugz,” will be arraigned this afternoon, in federal court in Brooklyn, on a six-count indictment charging him with the sex trafficking of a minor using force, fraud, and coercion; coercing and enticing a minor; sexually exploiting a child; and interstate prostitution. The charges in the indictment arise from the defendant sex trafficking a 16-year-old minor victim (Jane Doe) using force, fraud, and coercion, including physically assaulting the victim and intimidating the victim using threats and by physically assaulting other women in her presence. Francois also created sexually explicit images of Jane Doe, some of which were posted online in prostitution advertisements. Francois was arrested on January 29 in Miami, Florida, and transported in custody to the Eastern District of New York earlier this week by the United States Marshals Service. Today’s proceeding will be held before United States Magistrate Judge Clay H. Kaminsky.
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 New York), and Frank Russo, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, New York (CBP), announced the arrest and charges.
“As alleged, the defendant preyed on a vulnerable child and sold her body for his own profit, while subjecting her to physical violence and threats,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “With today’s arrest, Francois is being held to account for his cruel and depraved crimes. Our Office will continue to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of sex trafficking that threatens the safety of our communities.”
“As alleged, the defendant’s exploitation and trafficking of an innocent teenager — across state lines and over the course of months — can only be described as depravity in its most vile form. He hid his dark life of threats and abuse behind a facade of power and luxury. Together with our law enforcement partners, HSI New York is wholeheartedly focused on protecting victims as we relentlessly pursue those who dehumanize and debase them for their own selfish gain and satisfaction,” stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Alfonso.
“This case began with the vigilance of our CBP officers, who recognized indicators of possible exploitation and took action,” stated CBP Director of Field Operations Russo. “From that first encounter, our Task Force Officers worked tirelessly with Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, and state and local law enforcement across multiple states to help identify, locate, and apprehend the defendant. Their determination and close collaboration with our partners were critical to bringing this alleged trafficker into custody and protecting a vulnerable child from further harm.”
As alleged in court filings, between June 2024 and August 2024, Francois sex trafficked Jane Doe throughout multiple states, including in Queens, New York, and forced her to engage in commercial sex with multiple clients per day. Francois took sexually explicit photographs of Jane Doe and posted commercial sex advertisements of the victim online during that time period. Law enforcement also recovered a video in which Francois assaulted Jane Doe and made demeaning, and threatening statements to her, including stating in sum and substance and in part, (i) “You learned and understand that me and you are not equal”; (ii) “You speak when you’re spoken to”; (iii) “I’mma violate you... you gonna have broken bones... in your hotel room. No hospital, no nothing”; (iv) “I will personally break your bones.”
The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Francois faces a minimum term of 15 years in prison, and up to life imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel A. Bennek and Molly Delaney are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
JIMMY FRANCOIS
Age: 37
Elmont, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-11 (DLI)
jimmy_francois_indictment.pdfIranian Intelligence Agent Convicted of Terrorism and Murder for Hire in Connection with Foiled Plot to Assassinate U.S. Politicians and Government OfficialsRead the Press Release
Today, a federal jury convicted Asif Merchant, also known as “Asif Raza Merchant,” of murder for hire and attempting to commit an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries. Merchant was a trained operative of the Iranian government’s global terrorist force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Merchant admitted at trial that the IRGC sent him to the United States to arrange for political assassinations and steal documents, but law enforcement foiled the plot before any attack could be carried out. Merchant arrived in the United States in April of 2024, met with purported hitmen in June—who were in fact undercover U.S. law enforcement officers in New York—and was placed under arrest before leaving the country in July of 2024. Merchant faces up to life in prison.
“This man landed on American soil hoping to kill President Trump — instead, he was met with the might of American law enforcement,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The Department of Justice will remain ever-vigilant to protect Americans, prosecute terrorists, and halt acts of terrorism before they happen.”
“Merchant tried to hire someone to kill a politician or a U.S. government official, but the FBI and our partners stopped that deadly plot,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This was not the first attempt by Iran to harm our citizens on U.S. soil; the other efforts also failed. Let this verdict serve as a reminder that the FBI is committed to detecting such threats and preventing acts of violence, and we will hold accountable anyone who tries to interfere with our democratic system.”
“Merchant, a trained Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps operative, entered the United States intending to commit acts of terror, and ultimately, to facilitate the assassination of U.S. government officials, including President Trump,” said Assistant Attorney General for National security John A. Eisenberg. “Merchant’s plot struck at the heart of our democracy and our commitment to the rule of law. NSD remains committed to defending our Nation from the pernicious threat of terrorism.”
“Iran’s terrorist regime sent Asif Merchant here to sow mayhem and murder,” stated United States Attorney Nocella for the Eastern District of New York. “Thanks to the vigilance of our law enforcement partners, his scheme ended in failure. Today, with Merchant’s conviction, that failure is complete. This Office will always remain vigilant in our mission to protect the United States from foreign terrorist adversaries. ”
As set forth in trial exhibits and testimony, including the defendant’s own testimony, Merchant began working for the IRGC in Pakistan in late 2022 or early 2023, when he received training in tradecraft, including countersurveillance. Later in 2023, he was sent to the United States to look for potential IRGC recruits who could stay behind in the United States. Merchant testified that he knew that the IRGC was a designated terrorist organization. Throughout this period, Merchant repeatedly traveled to Iran to meet with his IRGC handler.
Merchant testified that in 2024, he was sent back to the United States with a new mission: to recruit “Mafia” members to steal documents, stage a protest, and arrange the murder of one of three specific U.S. government officials and politicians. To that end, Merchant contacted an acquaintance in New York who he thought could help him with his scheme. That person, Nadeem Ali, instead reported Merchant’s conduct to law enforcement and became a confidential source.
In early June, Merchant met Ali in New York and explained his assassination plot. Merchant told Ali that he had an ongoing opportunity for him and then made a “finger gun” motion with his hand, indicating that the opportunity was related to a killing. Merchant further stated that the intended victims would be “targeted here,” in the United States. Merchant instructed Ali to arrange meetings with individuals whom Merchant could hire to carry out these actions. Merchant explained that his plot involved multiple criminal schemes: (1) stealing documents or USB drives from a target’s home; (2) planning a protest; and (3) killing a politician or government official.
At that meeting, Merchant began planning potential assassination scenarios and quizzed Ali on how he would kill a target in the various scenarios. Specifically, Merchant asked Ali to explain how the target would die in different scenarios. Merchant told Ali that there would be “security [] all around” the person.
Merchant stated that the assassination would occur after he left the United States and he would communicate with Ali from overseas using code words. Ali asked whether Merchant had spoken to the unidentified “party” back home with whom Merchant was working. Merchant responded that he had and that the party back home told him to “finalize” the plan and leave the United States. Merchant would later testify that the “party” was his IRGC handler.
In mid-June, Merchant met with the purported hitmen, who were in fact undercover U.S. law enforcement officers (the UCs) in New York. Merchant advised the UCs that he was looking for three services from them: theft of documents, arranging protests at political rallies and for them to kill a “political person.” Merchant stated that the hitmen would receive instructions on who to kill after Merchant had departed the United States.
Throughout this period, Merchant performed internet searches for the locations of political rallies and sent reports back to his IRGC handler regarding security protocols at rallies.
Merchant then began arranging means to obtain $5,000 in cash to pay the UCs as an advance payment for the assassination, which he eventually received with assistance from an individual overseas. On June 21, Merchant met with the UCs in New York and paid them the $5,000 advance. After Merchant paid the $5,000 to the UCs, one of the UCs stated, “now we’re bonded,” to which Merchant responded “yes.” The UC then stated “Now we know we’re going forward. We’re doing this,” to which Merchant responded “Yes, absolutely.”
Merchant subsequently made flight arrangements and planned to leave the United States on Friday, July 12, 2024. On that day, law enforcement agents placed Merchant under arrest before he could leave the country.
The FBI’s Field Offices in Dallas, Houston, Tampa, Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago and Albany for partnered in the investigation of this case. The New York City Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection assisted with the investigation.
The case is being handled by the Office’s National Security & Cybercrime Section for the Eastern District of New York. Assistant United States Attorneys Sara K. Winik, Nina Gupta and Gilbert Rein for the Eastern District of New York are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Deputy Chief Paul Casey and Trial Attorney Jessica Joyce of the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division.
Iranian Intelligence Agent Convicted of Terrorism and Murder for Hire in Connection with Foiled Plot to Assassinate U.S. Politicians and Government OfficialsRead the Press Release
BROOKLYN, NY – A federal jury today convicted Asif Merchant, also known as “Asif Raza Merchant,” of murder for hire and attempting to commit an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries. Merchant was a trained operative of the Iranian government’s global terrorist force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (“IRGC”). He admitted at trial that in 2024 the IRGC sent him to the United States to arrange for political assassinations, but law enforcement foiled the plot before any attack could be carried out. Merchant arrived in the United States in April of 2024, met with purported hitmen in June—who were in fact undercover U.S. law enforcement officers in New York—and was placed under arrest before leaving the country in July of 2024. Merchant faces up to life in prison.
Pamela Bondi, United States Attorney General; 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.
“This man landed on American soil hoping to kill President Trump — instead, he was met with the might of American law enforcement,” said Attorney General Bondi. “The Department of Justice will remain ever-vigilant to protect Americans, prosecute terrorists, and halt acts of terrorism before they happen.”
“Iran’s terrorist regime sent Asif Merchant here to sow mayhem and murder,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Thanks to the vigilance of our law enforcement partners, his scheme ended in failure. Today, with Merchant’s conviction, that failure is complete. Our Office will always remain vigilant in our mission to protect the United States from foreign terrorist adversaries.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the FBI’s Field Offices in Dallas, Houston, Tampa, Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago and Albany for their partnership on this case. Mr. Nocella also expressed his appreciation to the FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, the New York City Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their assistance.
“At the direction of the Iranian regime, Asif Merchant plotted to assassinate a United States politician or government official on American soil,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. “This foiled scheme motivated by vengeance for U.S. actions against the Iranian regime sought to strike at the heart of our democracy. May today's conviction illustrate the FBI's resolute commitment to protect the homeland from the Iranian regime's craven efforts to wage terror on the American people.”
As set forth in trial exhibits and testimony, including the defendant’s own testimony, Merchant began working for the IRGC in late 2022 or early 2023, when he received training in intelligence tradecraft, including countersurveillance. Later in 2023, he was sent to the United States to look for potential IRGC recruits in the United States. Merchant testified that he knew that the IRGC was a designated terrorist organization. Throughout this period, Merchant repeatedly traveled to Iran to meet with his IRGC handler.
Merchant testified that in 2024, he was sent back to the United States with a new mission: to recruit hitmen to arrange the murder of one of three specific U.S. government officials and politicians. Merchant admitted that he was tasked by the IRGC to kill a U.S. government official or politician to avenge the death of Qasem Soleimani. To that end, Merchant contacted an acquaintance in New York who he thought could help him with his scheme. That person instead reported Merchant’s conduct to law enforcement and became a confidential source (the CS).
In early June, Merchant met the CS in New York and explained his assassination plot. Merchant told the CS that he had an ongoing opportunity for him and then made a “finger gun” motion with his hand, indicating that the opportunity was related to a killing. Merchant further stated that the intended victims would be “targeted here,” in the United States. Merchant instructed the CS to arrange meetings with individuals whom Merchant could hire to carry out these actions.
At that meeting, Merchant began planning potential assassination scenarios and quizzed the CS on how he would kill a target in the various scenarios. Specifically, Merchant asked the CS to explain how the target would die in different scenarios. Merchant told the CS that there would be “security [] all around” the person.
Merchant stated that the assassination would occur after he left the United States and he would communicate with the CS from overseas using code words. The CS asked whether Merchant had spoken to the unidentified “party” back home with whom Merchant was working. Merchant responded that he had and that the party back home told him to “finalize” the plan and leave the United States. Merchant would later testify that the “party” was his IRGC handler.
In mid-June, Merchant met with the purported hitmen, who were in fact undercover U.S. law enforcement officers (the UCs) in New York. Merchant advised the UCs that he was looking for three services from them: theft of documents, arranging protests at political rallies and for them to kill a “political person” in the United States. Merchant stated that the hitmen would receive instructions on who to kill after Merchant had departed the United States. Targets could include President Donald J. Trump, President Joseph Biden, and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, and the defendant stated he understood the target would be Trump.
Throughout this period, Merchant performed internet searches for the locations of political rallies and sent a report back to his IRGC handler regarding security protocols at rallies.
Merchant then began arranging means to obtain $5,000 in cash to pay the UCs as an advance payment for the assassination, which he eventually received with assistance from an individual overseas. On June 21, Merchant met with the UCs in New York and paid them the $5,000 advance. After Merchant paid the $5,000 to the UCs, one of the UCs stated, “now we’re bonded,” to which Merchant responded “yes.” The UC then stated “Now we know we’re going forward. We’re doing this,” to which Merchant responded “Yes, absolutely.”
Merchant subsequently made flight arrangements and planned to leave the United States on Friday, July 12, 2024. On that day, law enforcement agents placed Merchant under arrest before he could leave the country.
The case is being handled by the Office’s National Security & Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Sara K. Winik, Nina C. Gupta and Gilbert Rein are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Deputy Chief Paul Casey and former Trial Attorney Jessica Joyce of the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division.
The Defendant:
ASIF MERCHANT (also known as “Asif Raza Merchant”)
Age: 48
Karachi, Pakistan; Tehran, IranE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-362 (EK)
Staten Island Man Convicted of Firearms Trafficking Conspiracy and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, a federal jury in Brooklyn convicted Brandon Nudelman on all three counts of a second superseding indictment charging him with firearms trafficking conspiracy, firearms trafficking, and conspiracy to obstruct justice. The charges relate to the defendant’s participation in a scheme to manufacture and sell untraceable ghost guns in Staten Island and Pennsylvania. The verdict followed a six-day trial before United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly. When sentenced, the defendant faces up to 30 years in prison.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Division (ATF), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced the verdict.
“Brandon Nudelman was the money man behind a ghost gun factory printing lethal weapons in Staten Island,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The defendant and his co-conspirators manufactured and sold guns and converted machineguns at marked up prices to people who should not have them. Law enforcement then thwarted the defendant’s effort to cover up his crimes. Today’s verdict is an important victory in our Office’s work to hold accountable those who seek to profit from the scourge of 3D-printed guns and underscores the Department of Justice’s commitment to reducing gun violence.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the United States Secret Service and the NYPD Intelligence Division’s Major Case Team and Intelligence Analytical Team for their work on the case.
“This conviction shows that individuals who finance and support illegal firearms trafficking will be held accountable. The defendant helped facilitate a dangerous scheme involving privately made firearms and machine gun conversion devices, distributing weapons outside lawful channels,” stated ATF New York Special Agent in Charge DiGirolamo. “ATF NY remains committed to disrupting illegal firearms trafficking and reducing violent gun crime. Thanks to the collaboration of ATF’s Crime Gun Enforcement Team (C-GET), NYPD Intelligence Division’s Major Case Intelligence Team, the United States Secret Service New York Field Division’s Digital Forensic Laboratory, ATF Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. Together, we will continue working to protect the public and keep our communities safe.”
“Today’s guilty verdict is yet another example of how the NYPD is working to remove dangerous weapons from the hands of criminals and keep communities across New York City safe,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “The defendant illegally manufactured and trafficked ghost guns – weapons that are just as dangerous as traditional firearms and only exist to evade law enforcement. NYPD detectives worked tirelessly to investigate and shut this dangerous operation down, and I am grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s office and our other partners for their work on this case.”
As proven at trial, between approximately January 2023 and September 2023, Brandon Nudelman conspired with others to illegally manufacture and traffic firearms. Co-conspirators Ronnie Mershon, Michael Daddea, and Justin Nudelman, who is the defendant’s brother, used so called “Polymer 80” kits and 3D printers and parts sourced from online retailers to assemble privately made and untraceable firearms, commonly called “ghost guns.” These 3D-printed firearms included at least nine devices called “auto sears” or “switches” which convert semi-automatic guns into fully automatic weapons and are considered machine guns under federal law. The defendants made the untraceable ghost guns that they assembled available for sale without obtaining a license or otherwise notifying government authorities. On September 7, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Justin Nudelman’s residence and recovered multiple homemade firearms, nine switches, 3D printers, and over 100 rounds of ammunition. The evidence at trial included videos showing the defendant and co-conspirators firing weapons equipped with these machinegun conversion devices.
On September 7, 2023, following the search at Justin Nudelman’s residence, law enforcement officers sought to seize Justin Nudelman’s phone pursuant to a judicially authorized search warrant. The defendant conspired with Justin Nudelman to conceal the phone and render its contents inaccessible to law enforcement by deleting messages and cracking the phone in multiple places.
All three of Brandon Nudelman’s co-defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Justin Nudelman pleaded guilty to gun trafficking conspiracy and conspiracy to obstruct justice in January 2026. Ronnie Mershon pleaded guilty to gun trafficking conspiracy and unlawfully possessing a machinegun in December 2025. In December 2025, Michael Daddea pleaded guilty to gun trafficking conspiracy.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. As part of the program, U.S. Attorney’s Offices work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and their local communities to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York is currently partnering with the SCPD, the NYPD, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, ATF, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration in its PSN mission.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Trial Attorney Arun Bodapati and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Rackear are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist David Harrison.
The Defendant:
BRANDON NUDELMAN
Age: 33
Staten Island, New YorkThe Defendants Previously Convicted:
JUSTIN NUDELMAN
Age: 31
Staten Island, New YorkRONNIE MERSHON
Age: 28
Staten Island, New YorkMICHAEL DADDEA
Age: 30
Tampa, FloridaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-437(S-2) (AMD)
United States Enters into a Settlement with New York City Housing Authority to Resolve Alleged Violations of the Americans with Disabilities ActRead the Press Release
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced today a Settlement Agreement with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to resolve allegations that NYCHA violates Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA) by discriminating against people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Title II of the ADA prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in the “services, programs, or activities of a public entity.” NYCHA — a public housing authority which provides affordable housing to low- and moderate-income New Yorkers throughout New York City — is a “public entity.” To comply with Title II, public entities such as NYCHA must ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to programs, services and activities, and that communications with individuals with disabilities is as effective as communications with individuals without disabilities, including through the provision of auxiliary aids and services and accessible features.
The United States investigated after receiving complaints from NYCHA tenants and housing applicants. The complainants alleged that NYCHA fails to provide Qualified Interpreters upon request and instead requires deaf or hard of hearing individuals to provide their own interpreters, who in some instances have been minors. The complaints also alleged that NYCHA does not provide deaf or hard of hearing individuals with appropriate auxiliary aids and services including accessible devices such as visual doorbells and fire alarms. The United States also investigated claims that NYCHA does not have consistent and reliable mechanisms for deaf or hard of hearing individuals to communicate with NYCHA employees to, among other things, request and receive auxiliary aids and services. The United States’ investigation included interviews with complainants and other NYCHA tenants, interviews and discussions with personnel and administrators at NYCHA, and review of NYCHA records.
Accessible Features:Accessible Features means devices and appliances that provide accessibility, including, but not limited to, visible alarm appliances for fire and smoke detection, visual alerting devices at the dwelling unit’s primary entrance, and deactivation controls.
Auxiliary Aids and Services:
Auxiliary aids and services includes qualified interpreters on-site or through video remote interpreting services; notetakers; real-time computer-aided transcription services; written materials; exchange of written notes; telephone handset amplifiers; assistive listening devices; telephones compatible with hearing aids; closed caption decoders; open and closed captioning, including real-time captioning; voice, text and video‑based telecommunications products and systems, including text telephones, videophones, and captioned telephones, or equally effective telecommunications devices; videotext displays; accessible electronic and information technology; or other effective methods of making aurally delivered information available to deaf or hard of hearing individuals.
Under the terms of the settlement, NYCHA has agreed to take appropriate steps to ensure effective communication with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, including by creating signs and videos in American Sign Language to make deaf and hard of hearing individuals aware that free auxiliary aids and services, including qualified sign language interpretation services and accessible devices such as visual doorbells, are available. Additionally, NYCHA will update its forms to allow deaf or hard of hearing individuals to request such services. Employees of NYCHA who interact regularly with tenants or applicants will also receive training in effective communication and ADA compliance.
“The ADA requires NYCHA to communicate effectively and provide auxiliary aids and services to people who are deaf or hard of hearing,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Today’s settlement ensures that individual with disabilities receive appropriate services. Our Office will continue to enforce the ADA and its protections against discrimination for people with disabilities.”
Mr. Nocella thanked the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division for its support.
This matter has been handled by Assistant United States Attorney Marika M. Lyons and the former Chief of the Office’s Civil Division Civil Rights Section Michael J. Goldberger.
Three Sales Executives Plead Guilty to $500 Million Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, the defendants Raymond John Pirrello, Jr. and Joseph Passalaqua pleaded guilty to all three counts of an indictment charging them with conspiracy to commit securities fraud, securities fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Co-defendant Robert Cassino pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy on February 18, 2026. The proceedings were held before United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto. When sentenced, Pirrello and Passalaqua face a maximum sentence of 45 years’ imprisonment and Cassino will face a maximum sentence of 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.
“For years, the defendants brazenly lied to investors all over the country about the fees associated with their investments,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The defendants diverted millions of dollars in undisclosed mark-up fees to pay themselves and their coconspirators. Our Office will vigorously prosecute those who lie to innocent investors and deprive them of their hard-earned money to benefit themselves.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), New York Regional Office for their work on the case.
As detailed in the superseding indictment and other court filings, Pirrello, Passalaqua, Cassino and their coconspirators engaged in a scheme to defraud investors and prospective investors in securities offered by the company Late Stage Management, LLC (Late Stage). Late Stage was a New Jersey-based manager of investment funds that offered investors “no fee” opportunities to invest in “Pre IPO” stocks, i.e., shares of stock in companies that anticipated an initial public offering (IPO) in the near term. Late Stage worked with several sales offices throughout New Jersey, New York and Florida to market the investments, including Prior2IPO and Pre IPO Marketing, Inc.
Pirello, also known as “Ray John,” held no official title at Late Stage or any of the sales offices, but worked as a partner to the leadership of Late Stage. Due to his long disciplinary history with multiple regulators, which included a permanent bar issued against him by the SEC, Pirrello intentionally kept his name out of Late Stage’s business, purposefully withholding his identity from relevant documents and representations made to investors regarding the firm’s leadership. Passalaqua worked alongside Pirrello at Prior2IPO as the Chief Executive Officer. Cassino led operations at Pre IPO Marketing, Inc. Pirrello and his co-conspirators directed the heads of the sales offices on how to market Late Stage to investors.
Pirrello, Passalaqua, Cassino and the other heads of the other sales offices then made material misrepresentations and omissions to investors and potential investors in Late Stage relating to, among other things, the existence and amount of fees paid by investors in stock offered by Late Stage and how the defendants would be compensated. For example, they claimed that the only time Late Stage profited was on exit, when the company made its IPO or sold to a larger company, in which case it would be entitled to a 20% share of the investor’s profits. In reality, however, Late Stage charged fees in the form of upfront markups ranging from 10-100% of each investment. The upfront revenue generated by the inclusion of these markups was then used to pay the principals of Late Stage, including Pirrello, Passalaqua, Cassino and the employees of the sales offices. In total, between approximately March 2019 and July 2022, sales offices working on behalf of Late Stage raised approximately $528 million from investors and diverted approximately $88 million in undisclosed upfront markups.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica K. Weigel and James R. Simmons are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Melina Piatti-Chayan and Liam McNett.
The Defendants:
RAYMOND JOHN PIRRELLO, Jr. (also known as “Ray John”)
Age: 49
Sparta, New JerseyJOSEPH PASSALAQUA
Age: 37
Sparta, New JerseyROBERT CASSINO
Age: 63
Long Beach, New YorkCo-Defendant Who Previously Pleaded Guilty:
JOSEPH RIVERA
Age: 45
Elmont, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-499 (KAM)
Long Island Medical Doctor Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Operating Oxycodone Pill Mill Out of her Great Neck OfficeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Dr. Roya Jafari-Hassad was sentenced by United States District Judge Gary R. Brown to 7 years’ imprisonment for prescribing oxycodone pills without a legitimate medical purpose and fraudulently billing insurance providers for procedures which were never performed. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Brown imposed a fine of $150,000, and ordered Jafari-Hassad to pay restitution in the amount of $152,765. The defendant was convicted at trial in December 2024 of eight counts of prescribing oxycodone pills without a legitimate medical purpose. The defendant subsequently pleaded guilty to health care fraud in April 2025.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Frank A. Tarentino III, Associate Chief of Operations, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Northeast Region, and Naomi Gruchacz, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General’s Office of Investigations, New York Region (HHS-OIG), announced the sentence.
“Dr. Jafari-Hassad used her medical practice to deal drugs, a disgraceful betrayal of her doctor’s oath to do no harm,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Today’s sentence holds her accountable for capitalizing on her patients’ dangerous opioid addictions to enrich herself. A jail term and serious financial penalties should serve as a warning to other healthcare professionals, that when they unlawfully prioritize profit over patient well-being, they will be brought to justice.”
United States Attorney Nocella also expressed his appreciation to the Suffolk County Police Department for their assistance in this case.
“Today’s sentencing is a significant step for the DEA and our law enforcement partners pursuit of those health care professionals who exacerbate the ongoing healthcare crisis by prescribing dangerous and addictive opioids just for profit” stated DEA Associate Chief of Operations Tarentino. “Dr Jafari-Hassad knew the harmful effects opioids could have on her patients and yet she chose to jeopardize their health by turning her medical office into a modern-day pill mill.”
“The illegal prescribing practices for which this doctor was convicted and sentenced, were especially egregious and contributed to fueling the opioid epidemic,” stated HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Gruchacz. “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure health care providers involved in schemes that threaten patient safety are held accountable.”
As proved at trial and set forth in court filings, the defendant was a licensed physician who provided medical services to patients from offices located in Great Neck, Forest Hills, Queens and Manhattan, New York. From approximately January 2019 through May 2022, the defendant charged her patients hundreds of dollars in cash in exchange for monthly prescriptions of oxycodone – a potent, highly addictive and frequently abused controlled substance – with no legitimate medical purpose. At times, the defendant provided these prescriptions to patients without even seeing them for an appointment; rather, their payment information would be obtained, and their prescription immediately refilled. The defendant made an estimated hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, solely from these payments. She also submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare and private benefit programs for medical services that were not rendered, and charged insurance companies – and was, in turn, paid for – services that she did not provide.
The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles P. Kelly and Katherine Onyshko are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Samantha Schroder and Victim-Witness Specialist Stephanie Marroquin.
The Defendant:
ROYA JAFARI-HASSAD
Age: 59
Bayside, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-545 (S-2) (GRB)
Defendant Charged with Damaging the Brooklyn Headquarters of the Chabad-Lubavitch MovementRead the Press Release
BROOKLYN, NY – Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, a complaint was unsealed charging Dan Sohail with intentionally damaging religious property, specifically the global headquarters for the Chabad-Lubavitch movement (Chabad Headquarters) in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Sohail was taken into federal custody earlier today and is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Clay H. Kaminsky.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for the 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 charge.
“As alleged, the defendant’s conduct—driving his vehicle back and forth into an entrance of the synagogue five times— caused damage to a sacred religious institution,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office will not tolerate conduct that endangers the safety of that community or any of our diverse communities. We will continue to protect religious gathering spaces to ensure worshippers are free to safely congregate.”
“Americans should be free to practice their faith without fearing defacement of their sacred places,” said Assistant Attorney General Dhillon. “The Department of Justice will not tolerate attacks on houses of worship, and will vigorously prosecute those who carry them out.”
“Dan Sohail allegedly rammed his vehicle five times into the Chabad Headquarters during a packed memorial service. Sohail allegedly jeopardized dozens of lives and damaged one of our city’s sacred synagogues. The FBI and the NYPD will continue to protect our community’s religious institutions to ensure a safe place for all worshippers,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.“Every New Yorker deserves to live in a safe city where they can practice their faith freely and without fear," stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “The Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn is a sacred place for many Jews in New York City and around the world, and the purposeful destruction of this property is unacceptable. We will always work to ensure that those who violate the law are held accountable, and I thank our NYPD investigators, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's office for working swiftly to pursue justice in this case.”
As alleged in the complaint, 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 that evening which was attended by dozens of people, marking the anniversary of the death of the movement’s leader. When Sohail arrived at the side entrance of the building, he exited his vehicle and moved barriers that were set up to protect the building, which includes a synagogue and religious gathering spaces. After gesturing for various 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. The impact knocked the entrance door off its hinges. No one was injured in the incident.
The charge in the complaint is an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the charge, Sohail faces up to three years in prison.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Human Trafficking and Civil Rights and General Crimes Sections. Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Silverberg and 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-MJ-41
sohail_complaint.pdfDefendant Charged with Damaging the Brooklyn Headquarters of the Chabad-Lubavitch MovementRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, a complaint was unsealed charging Dan Sohail with intentionally damaging religious property, specifically the global headquarters for the Chabad-Lubavitch movement (Chabad Headquarters) in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Sohail was taken into federal custody earlier today and is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Clay H. Kaminsky.
“Americans should be free to practice their faith without fearing defacement of their sacred places,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. “The Department of Justice will not tolerate attacks on houses of worship, and will vigorously prosecute those who carry them out.”
“As alleged, the defendant’s conduct — driving his vehicle back and forth into an entrance of the synagogue five times — caused damage to a sacred religious institution,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph R. Nocella for the Eastern District of New York. “Our Office will not tolerate conduct that endangers the safety of that community or any of our diverse communities. We will continue to protect religious gathering spaces to ensure worshippers are free to safely congregate.”
“Dan Sohail allegedly rammed his vehicle five times into the Chabad Headquarters during a packed memorial service,” said Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle of the FBI New York Field Office. “Sohail allegedly jeopardized dozens of lives and damaged one of our city’s sacred synagogues. The FBI and the NYPD will continue to protect our community’s religious institutions to ensure a safe place for all worshippers.”
“Every New Yorker deserves to live in a safe city where they can practice their faith freely and without fear,” said Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch of the New York Police Department. “The Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn is a sacred place for many Jews in New York City and around the world, and the purposeful destruction of this property is unacceptable. We will always work to ensure that those who violate the law are held accountable, and I thank our NYPD investigators, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's office for working swiftly to pursue justice in this case.”
As alleged in the complaint, 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 that evening which was attended by dozens of people, marking the anniversary of the death of the movement’s leader. When Sohail arrived at the side entrance of the building, he exited his vehicle and moved barriers that were set up to protect the building, which includes a synagogue and religious gathering spaces. After gesturing for various 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. The impact knocked the entrance door off its hinges. No one was injured in the incident.
The charge in the complaint is an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the charge, Sohail faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Human Trafficking and Civil Rights and General Crimes Sections. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Silverberg and Brachah Goykadosh are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Marlane Bosler.
Oyster Bay Resident Sentenced to 108 Months in Prison for $30 Million Investment Fraud Scheme and Selling Foreign Nationals Access to Prominent U.S. PoliticiansRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal court in Central Islip, Sherry Xue Li was sentenced by United States District Judge Gary R. Brown to 108 months in prison for money laundering conspiracy and conspiracy to defraud the United States by obstructing the Federal Election Commission’s (FEC) administration of campaign finance laws. Li orchestrated a nearly decade-long scheme to defraud investors out of more than $30 million through a fictitious development project. As part of the scheme, Li and her co-defendant Lianbo Wang falsely promised those investors that their investments would guarantee them lawful permanent resident status in the United States. Li and Wang also sold foreign investors access to U.S. politicians at fundraisers by collecting foreign-sourced funds from them and unlawfully contributing those funds to U.S. political campaigns and committees. As part of the sentence, Li was ordered to forfeit $31.5 million, as well as property at three locations, and to make restitution to her victims in the same amount. In 2024, Wang pleaded guilty to engaging in unlawful monetary transactions and conspiracy to defraud the United States, and was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment. Li pleaded guilty in July 2025.
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 New York); and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI New York) announced the sentence.
“Li orchestrated an elaborate fraud to steal tens of millions of dollars from more than 150 victims around the world,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “She peddled false promises and outright lies to her many investors and stuffed her pockets while they suffered devastating losses. Meanwhile, she sought to obstruct the operation of free and fair elections in our country and sold access to the democratic process to the highest bidder. Today she faces justice for her cynical schemes. Our Office will stop at nothing to hold fraudsters to account and to keep America’s elections free from unlawful foreign influence.”
“By defrauding over 150 victims out of $30 million and facilitating illegal contributions to U.S. political campaigns, Sherry Li put personal profit above the law and public trust. Li’s sentencing today underscores HSI New York’s and federal law enforcement’s shared commitment to hold accountable those who orchestrate international schemes designed to undermine our immigration and financial systems. No matter how elaborate or deceptive the tactics used by fraudsters, we remain steadfast in protecting individuals and organizations from those who seek to abuse the safeguards established by our laws,” stated HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Alfonso.
“Li turned the American dream into a fraud driven nightmare—stripping investors of their savings while spending their money on luxury trips. Not one EB 5 or stock investor saw the promised return. With today’s sentencing and more than $30 million forfeiture order, Li will now answer for the damage she caused,” stated IRS-CI New York Special Agent in Charge Chavis.
The Scheme to Defraud Investors
Li and Wang defrauded investors in a fictitious development project in Sullivan County, New York called the Thompson Education Center (the TEC Project) out of more than $30 million. Many of the victims were foreign nationals located in the People’s Republic of China who were persuaded to invest in the project by the defendants’ false assurances that their $500,000 investments would guarantee them lawful permanent residence in the United States through the EB-5 investment visa program administered by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The defendants falsely represented the progress they were making on the project and its support from government officials. The defendants distributed promotional materials that contained photographs of Li with prominent U.S. politicians to falsely convey government support for the project.
Li and Wang siphoned off the money they fraudulently obtained from investors by transferring the funds through bank accounts held in the names of various companies that Li had created. Once the funds were in those accounts, Li and Wang used the funds to pay for personal expenses including clothing, jewelry, housing, vacation travel, upscale dining, and political contributions to prominent politicians. The portion of the invested capital Li and Wang actually spent on the TEC Project was used merely to create and perpetuate the fiction that the TEC Project was a viable development project that was actually under construction. For example, Li and Wang hired contractors, engineers, and other professionals to create architectural drawings and plans and perform minor work on or around the development site, which Li and Wang showed to potential investors to mislead them into believing the TEC Project had a realistic probability of completion and of delivering the returns on investment that the co-conspirators promised their investors.
Ultimately, more than 150 investors invested at least $31.5 million in the TEC Project, including approximately $16.5 million from EB-5 investors who were promised green cards in return for their investments, and approximately $15 million from stock investors who were promised that an initial public offering (IPO) would take place. No EB-5 investor in the TEC Project ever received a temporary or permanent green card and the TEC Project did not have an IPO or list on any stock exchange.
Selling Access to U.S. Politicians
In furtherance of their scheme, Li and Wang also acted as “straw donors” for foreign nationals to unlawfully contribute to campaigns supporting U.S. politicians and political committees. Li and Wang promised foreign nationals access to U.S. political events and politicians in exchange for a fee. Li and Wang used the money they received from foreign nationals to fund political contributions and falsely identified themselves and other U.S. citizens as the contributors of the funds, in violation of the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) and FEC regulations. In some cases, Li and Wang used TEC Project investors’ investment funds to make the political contributions which they used to gain access to the political events, where Li and Wang took photographs with elected officials. Li and Wang would then use the photographs as a marketing tool in soliciting investments from foreign nationals in the TEC Project.
For example, Li and Wang charged 12 foreign nationals $93,000 per person for admission to a June 28, 2017 fundraising event with the then-President of the United States. Li and Wang used the funds that they collected from the foreign nationals to unlawfully make $600,000 in political contributions in their own names—$270,500 from Li and $329,500 from Wang—to the joint fundraising committee hosting the fundraiser. At the time they made these contributions, they were the largest contributors to the joint fundraising committee, which was unaware of their fraudulent conduct. Li, Wang, and their foreign national guests attended the fundraiser and took photographs with the then-President of the United States. Li and Wang later used a photograph of Li and the President taken at the fundraiser to solicit investments in the TEC Project.
* * * * *
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime and Public Integrity Sections. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew D. Reich and Meredith A. Arfa are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Magdalena St. Surin and Rebecca Roth. Assistant United States Attorney Claire S. Kedeshian of the Office’s Asset Forfeiture Section is handling forfeiture matters.
The Defendant:
SHERRY XUE LI
Age: 54
Oyster Bay, New YorkThe Defendant Who Previously Pleaded Guilty:
LIANBO WANG
Age: 49
Oyster Bay, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-484 (GRB)
Two Members of the Folk Nation Gangster Disciples Indicted for Murders in Brooklyn in 2012 and 2015Read the Press Release
Earlier today, a five-count superseding indictment was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn that includes new racketeering charges relating to defendants Kwyme Waddell and Paolo Alfarobarber, who, along with co-defendant Joel Myrie, are alleged to be members of the Folk Nation Gangster Disciples (GD). The superseding indictment charges both Waddell and Alfarobarber with racketeering conspiracy including predicate acts of murder, robbery, fraud, and narcotics trafficking. Waddell is charged with the murder of Franklin McPherson in September 2012 and Alfarobarber is charged with the murder of Armani Thomas in November 2015.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James C. Barnacle, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Jessica Tisch, Commissioner, New York Police Department (NYPD) announced the charges and arrests.
“Today’s superseding indictment charging two murderers demonstrates our Office’s commitment to seek justices for all victims, regardless of how long it takes,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “We intend to eradicate street gangs and hold their members accountable for senseless acts of gun violence that endanger our communities.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to FBI/NYPD Metro Safe Streets Task Force for their outstanding work and assistance in this investigation and prosecution.
As alleged in the superseding indictment and in court filings, GD is a violent gang that engages in murder, robbery, narcotics trafficking, fraud, and counterfeiting. GD members elevate their statuses in the gang by engaging in these types of criminal activities. Specifically, GD members are known to engage in violent acts against rival gang members to enhance their reputation in the gang. Waddell and Alfarobarber were previously charged with their alleged participation in a drive-by shooting on Father’s Day in 2022 in a rival gang neighborhood during which a victim was shot and injured.
The superseding indictment charges Kwyme Waddell for the murder of Franklin McPherson on September 25, 2012, Waddell’s birthday. Waddell shot and killed McPherson while McPherson was sitting on his front porch outside of his home in East Flatbush, New York. The superseding indictment also charges Paolo Alfarobarber with the murder of Armani Thomas on November 10, 2015, while Thomas was hanging out in the stairwell of his apartment building located in Brooklyn, New York.
The charges in the superseding indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Dana Rehnquist, Sophia Suarez, Daniel Marcus, and Rebecca Urquiola are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Elizabeth Reed.
The Defendants:
KWYME WADDELL
Age: 34
Brooklyn, New YorkPAOLO ALFAROBARBER
Age: 34
Bridgeport, ConnecticutJOEL MYRIE
Age: 28
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-351
MS-13 Associate Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for the Murder of Teenage Victim in Kissena Park in QueensRead the Press Release
Today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Oscar Flores-Mejia, also known as “Chamuco,” an associate of La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as the MS-13, was sentenced to 45 years’ imprisonment for the murder of 17-year-old Andy Peralta. Co-defendants Juan Amaya-Ramirez, also known as “Cadaver,” and Leyla Carranza were previously sentenced to 45 years’ imprisonment and 22 years’ imprisonment, respectively, for their participation in the murder.
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 Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI New York), announced the sentences.
“The senselessness of this murder is matched only by its brutality,” said United States Attorney Nocella. “The defendants lured Andy Peralta to a secluded part of Kissena Park where they beat him mercilessly before Amaya-Ramirez choked him to death and Flores-Mejia hacked at him with a knife. The murder of this teenager is a chilling reminder of MS-13’s callous disregard for human life. Bringing those who commit violent crimes to justice is one of our Office’s highest priorities.”
Mr. Nocella also thanked the New York City Police Department for its work on the case.
“MS-13’s pattern of savagery, depravity and instilling terror in our communities while treating human life as expendable will not be tolerated,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. “May today’s sentencing send a clear message: those who commit murder and gang violence for a foreign terrorist organization like MS-13 will be held accountable. The FBI remains steadfast in our commitment to dismantling all dangerous organizations and protecting our neighborhoods.”
“MS-13’s violence is methodical, premeditated, and ruthless —its depravity laid bare in the horrific and senseless murder of Andy Peralta in Kissena Park, NY. No prison sentence can ever restore what was stolen from his family, who are forced to endure the lifelong trauma of such unimaginable brutality,” stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Alfonso. “HSI New York and our law enforcement partners stand resolute in our mission to dismantle MS-13 and protect our communities from further acts of unspeakable violence.”
As proved at a hearing in connection with Leyla Carranza’s sentencing, the defendants sought to murder Peralta because they believed he was associated with 18th Street, a rival gang of MS-13. Flores-Mejia found a video online that depicted Peralta, who the defendants did not know, briefly flashing a sign associated with the 18th Street gang. Flores-Mejia then recruited a 16-year-old boy to help kill Peralta. Amaya-Ramirez’s then-girlfriend Carranza was recruited to befriend Peralta and lure him to his death in the park.
The day of the murder, Carranza messaged Peralta and took him to a predetermined location in Kissena Park in Flushing where Amaya-Ramirez, Flores-Mejia and their 16-year-old accomplice were waiting. Flores-Mejia had brought a knife and black winter gloves to use in the attack. When Peralta arrived, Flores-Mejia gave a signal, and the men attacked Peralta, beating him until they were exhausted. Amaya-Ramirez then began strangling Peralta while Flores-Mejia stomped on his head. Peralta begged for his life and called out for his mother and father. Flores-Mejia put dirt in his mouth to silence him and Amaya-Ramirez choked him to death. Flores-Mejia stabbed Peralta in the back and slashed his tattoo of his girlfriend’s name.
The men took a photograph posing over Peralta’s body in which they flashed MS-13 hand signs. They stole Peralta’s money and dragged him to a small body of water, where he was found the following day.
Today’s sentencing is the latest in a series of federal prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York targeting members of MS-13. MS-13’s leadership was based in El Salvador and Honduras, but the gang has thousands of members across the United States. Since 2003, hundreds of MS-13 members, including dozens of clique leaders, have been convicted on federal felony charges in the Eastern District of New York. A majority of those MS-13 members have been convicted on federal racketeering charges for participating in murders, attempted murders, and assaults. Since 2010, this Office has obtained indictments charging MS-13 members with carrying out more than 45 murders in the district and has convicted dozens of MS-13 leaders and members in connection with those murders. These prosecutions are the product of investigations led by our law enforcement partners including HSI and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, comprising agents and officers of the FBI and NYPD.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime & Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan Siegel, Anna L. Karamigios and Kamil R. Ammari are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
JUAN AMAYA-RAMIREZ
Age: 28
Fresh Meadows, QueensOSCAR FLORES-MEJIA
Age: 26
Elmhurst, QueensLEYLA CARRANZA
Age: 25
Richmond, VirginiaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-228 (LDH)
Long Island Child Therapist Sentenced to 84 Months for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Renee Hoberman, also known as “Rina,” a licensed social worker, was sentenced by United States District Judge Joanna Seybert to 84 months’ imprisonment for receipt and distribution of child pornography.
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 New York), and Patrick Ryder, Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department, announced the sentence.
“Today, Renee Hoberman was sentenced for distributing sordid images and videos depicting the horrific sexual abuse of the most innocent and vulnerable members of our society: infants and children,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The defendant’s access to children has come to an end. Our Office will relentlessly pursue child predators and hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
"The absolute depravity of Renee Hoberman's crimes, committed while she was entrusted as a mental health counselor for children, represents a staggering betrayal of the public trust and a horrific violation of innocent lives,” stated HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Alfonso. “I hope the defendant's sentencing delivers a measure of justice to the Long Island community and offers hope for healing to her traumatized victims, who deserve to know that their suffering has not gone unanswered. HSI New York and our partners relentlessly investigated this case, and we remain unyielding in our commitment to protect vulnerable communities from predators in every form."
As set forth in court filings and on the record at the plea and sentencing proceedings in this case, Hoberman used encrypted social media messaging applications to upload, receive, and trade digital videos and images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, including several videos depicting infants six months to one year of age, frantically screaming while being physically restrained and raped by adult males. The defendant also engaged in multiple online “chats” concerning child sexual molestation. In these chats, the defendant, posing as the father of several minor children, claimed to have sex with the children and punish them by getting naked, stripping the children naked, and spanking them while the other children watched. The defendant invited another user to visit “his” family in New York to spank and sexually abuse the children. In addition, the defendant described sexually abusing “his” children and their friends, and then uploaded and sent two videos containing child sexual abuse material, claiming that these videos depicted the defendant’s own children.
During the same time period that Hoberman was distributing child sexual abuse material online, she was also working as a mental health counselor for children and adolescents. The defendant was arrested on October 23, 2024, and pleaded guilty on June 18, 2025. She has been incarcerated since her arrest.
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 Long Island Criminal Section. Assistant United States Attorney Kaitlin McTague is in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Janelle Robinson.
The Defendant:
RENEE HOBERMAN, also known as “Rina”
Age: 38
Plainview, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-463 (JS)
Five Defendants Charged with Impersonating Immigration Judges, Law Enforcement Officers, and LawyersRead the Press Release
Earlier today, a five-count indictment was partially unsealed in the Eastern District of New York charging five defendants with wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and two counts of false impersonation of an officer or employee of the United States. Three of the defendants, Daniela Alejandra Sanchez Ramirez, Jhoan Sebastian Sanchez Ramirez, and Alexandra Patricia Sanchez Ramirez, were arrested this afternoon at Newark Liberty International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Colombia with one-way tickets. Marlyn Yulitza Salazar Pineda was arrested at a restaurant in New Jersey. A fifth defendant is not in U.S. custody. Daniela and Jhoan Ramirez, and Marlyn Pineda are immigration parolees, and Alexandra Ramirez is in the U.S. on a tourist visa. Daniela, Jhoan, and Alexandra Ramirez are siblings. The four defendants who were arrested will be arraigned tomorrow morning at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Cross-Goldenberg.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Joseph V. Cuffari, Ph.D, Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General, and Ryan Hill, Acting Special Agent in Charge, United States Customs and Border Protection, Office of Professional Responsibility, New York Field Office (CBP-OPR), announced the arrests and charges.
“As alleged, the defendants undermined the integrity of our immigration system by impersonating judges, law enforcement officers, and lawyers, and targeting vulnerable members of our community who sought to hire attorneys to help them navigate sensitive legal issues,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The defendants brazenly stole their victims’ money and deceived them by sending fictious documents and holding sham court proceedings. I commend our Office’s prosecution team and the law enforcement agents whose hard work has disrupted this elaborate and outrageous scheme.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection, and National Security Directorate; the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; Executive Office for Immigration Review-Office of the General Counsel’s Fraud & Abuse Prevention Program; and the New York State Office for New Americans.
“We denounce those who would prey upon people trying to work through the immigration system,” stated DHS Inspector General Cuffari. “We will hold accountable anyone who commits fraud or impersonates government officials. We appreciate all our law enforcements partners that worked to expose this scheme and bring these individuals to justice.”
“The Office of Professional Responsibility in coordination with our other federal partners at DHS OIG, CBP Office of Field Operations (OFO), HSI, and DSS were able to stop an illegal scheme impacting hundreds of potential victims and generating hundreds of thousands of dollars in illicit proceeds, which were being remitted to Colombia, the Foreign Terrorist Organization’s base of operations,” stated CPB-OPR Acting Special Agent in Charge Hill. “Impersonating immigration attorneys and U.S. government officials, including CBP and USCIS officers, and U.S. Embassy personnel, to profit on the fear of others is repulsive. These criminals will now face severe consequences for their horrific actions.”
As set forth in the indictment and other court filings, the defendants and their co-conspirators portrayed themselves as immigration lawyers and operated a fictitious immigration law firm that they called “CM Bufete De Abogados Consultoria Migratoria.” After soliciting prospective “clients,” primarily on Facebook, the defendants and their co-conspirators charged their victims fees ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars for nonexistent legal advice and services. None of the defendants or their identified co-conspirators were attorneys admitted or licensed to practice law in any jurisdiction in the United States.
After receiving victim funds, the defendants and their co-conspirators pretended as if they were actually representing their “clients.” They transmitted documents that appeared to be official because they included symbols of agencies of the United States government. Some of these documents referenced the victims’ actual cases pending in immigration court and/or reflected that the victims’ pending cases had been successfully resolved. In reality, none of these were legitimate documents issued by any United States government agency.
The defendants and their co-conspirators also facilitated sham immigration proceedings, including asylum interviews and court appearances, in which the victims participated via videoconference. In certain of these fictitious proceedings, the defendants and their co-conspirators impersonated immigration judges, agents from CBP and USCIS, and immigration lawyers. They wore judicial robes and law enforcement uniforms and appeared in front of backgrounds that resembled courtrooms and government offices, with agency seals and flags. During these videoconferences, the impersonators asked the victims sensitive personal questions and requested the victims’ personal identifying information.
At times, the defendants and their co-conspirators falsely represented that these sham proceedings had resolved the victims’ pending immigration cases. As a result, victims missed their actual appearances in immigration court, which resulted in at least one victim being ordered deported who mistakenly believed her immigration issues were resolved. The order was later reversed.
In total, the investigation has identified over $100,000 in fraudulent transactions transmitted by victims to the defendants and other individuals associated with the fake CM Bufete De Abogados Consultoria Migratoria law firm.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Each defendant faces up to 20 years of imprisonment if convicted.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Section. Assistant United States Attorney James R. Simmons is in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Special Agent Egbert Simon from EDNY’s Criminal Investigations Unit, Paralegal Specialist Adam Bernard, and Legal Assistant Danielle Rompel.
The Arrested Defendants:
DANIELA ALEJANDRA SANCHEZ RAMIREZ
Age: 25
Ibagué, Colombia and Green Brook, New JerseyMARLYN YULITZA SALAZAR PINEDA
Age: 24
Ibagué, Colombia and North Plainfield, New JerseyJHOAN SEBASTIAN SANCHEZ RAMIREZ
Age: 29
Ibagué, Colombia and Green Brook, New JerseyALEXANDRA PATRICIA SANCHEZ RAMIREZ
Age: 38
Ibagué, ColombiaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-37 (SJB)
us_v._sanchez_ramirez_26-cr-37_redacted_indictment_ecf_no._9.pdfFormer New York City Police Department Detective Pleads Guilty to Orchestrating Paycheck Protection Program Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, John Bolden pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy in connection with a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud scheme. At the time of the offense, Bolden was a detective with the New York City Police Department (NYPD). Today’s proceeding was held before United States Chief Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon. Bolden’s co-defendants—Anthony Carreira, another former NYPD detective, and Christian McKenzie—previously pleaded guilty. When sentenced, the defendants each face up to 30 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 guilty pleas.
“The Paycheck Protection program was created to keep small businesses afloat during an unprecedented national emergency,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “John Bolden, who swore to uphold the law as a police officer, instead shamefully broke the law and exploited the COVID-19 pandemic for personal gain. This Office remains committed to protecting taxpayer-funded programs and prosecuting those who steal from them.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the Suffolk County Police Department; the Small Business Administration’s Office of the Inspector General; the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Office of the Inspector General; the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General; and the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau for their assistance on the case.
“Former NYPD Detective John Bolden abused his sworn oath to protect his community by submitting fraudulent loan applications to unlawfully receive paycheck protection program funds,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. “While the cadre of NYPD detectives remains dedicated to their promise to selflessly serve, the FBI will not tolerate any public servant who exploits federal programs and taxpayer dollars to line their own pockets.”
Congress created the PPP in 2020 as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. As set forth in court filings, Bolden and Carreira, both of whom at the time served as NYPD detectives, owned partnership interests in a franchise location for a tax preparation business. Between May 2020 and October 2022, Bolden engaged in a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration by working with his clients to fraudulently obtain PPP funds. Bolden sought to obtain, and in many cases did obtain, PPP funds for himself, his co-defendants and more than 65 individuals by helping submit online loan applications that contained materially false and fraudulent information. One of those loan applications belonged to Carreira, who knowingly submitted false documentation to obtain PPP funds. McKenzie, Bolden’s cousin, also fraudulently obtained a PPP loan and steered other applicants to Bolden in exchange for fraudulent PPP proceeds. As part of the scheme, Bolden prepared fictitious Internal Revenue Service Form Schedule C documentation, which accompanied the loan applications and contained false information about his, his co-defendants’ and his clients’ places of employment, gross income, and net income.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew D. Grubin and Eric Silverberg are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Johnson Peow.
The Defendants:
JOHN BOLDEN
Age: 47
Valley Stream, NYANTHONY CARRIERA
Age: 43
Staten Island, NYCHRISTIAN MCKENZIE
Age: 48
Wheatley Heights, NYE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-361 (DG)
Two Defendants Charged with Murdering Man at a Queens IntersectionRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging Rafael Hernandez, also known as “Cap” and “Ralphy,” and Joibel Perez, also known as “J.P.,” with multiple crimes relating to the February 26, 2021 murder of Akil Kornegay in Queens, New York. The defendants were arrested this morning and will be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Seth D. Eichenholtz.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James C. 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 arrests and indictment.
“As alleged, the defendants chose to escalate a drug dispute to a deadly act of retaliation,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Such flagrant violence in our communities will not be tolerated and I commend the FBI Special Agents, NYPD detectives, and our prosecutors for their resolve and hard work resulting in today’s arrests. Our Office is committed to preventing the loss of life due to drug and gun crimes.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the FBI/NYPD Metro Safe Streets Task Force, the NYPD Queens South Homicide Squad, the 102nd Precinct Detective Squad, and the Queens County District Attorney’s Office for their work on the case.
“Rafael Hernandez and Joibel Perez allegedly murdered a customer of their drug trafficking operation over a debt dispute,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. “Their drug distribution and retaliatory violence endangered nearby residents. Working alongside our law enforcement partners, the FBI remains dedicated to crushing violent crime by dismantling criminal enterprises and holding those who terrorize our communities accountable.”
As alleged in court filings, Hernandez and Perez operated a lucrative drug trafficking business, distributing marijuana out of the Taylor Street-Wythe Avenue Housing Development in Brooklyn. A dispute over a drug debt arose between the defendants and Kornegay, who was their customer. Text messages sent by Hernandez to Kornegay reflect demands for payment, or “bread,” and accuse Kornegay of “ducking” the defendants and “playing kid games.” As the dispute escalated, Kornegay robbed the defendants of drugs, money, and other items. In retaliation for that robbery, in the early morning hours of February 26, 2021, the defendants stalked Kornegay, following him as he drove through a Queens neighborhood. They pulled alongside Kornegay when he stopped at the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard and fired multiple shots into the vehicle. Kornegay sustained multiple gunshot wounds and crashed his vehicle into a pole, and died as a result.
The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of narcotics conspiracy, possessing, brandishing and discharging a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and causing Kornegay’s death through the use of a firearm, the defendants face a maximum term of life in prison.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Lindsey Oken and Andy Palacio are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
RAFAEL HERNANDEZ (also known as “Cap” and “Ralphy”)
Age: 30
Brooklyn, New YorkJOIBEL PEREZ (also known as “J.P.”)
Age: 25
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-020 (HG)
rafael_hernandez_and_joibel_perez_indictment.pdfMS-13 Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Murder in-Aid-of RacketeeringRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Roger Morales, also known as “Crazy,” “Ciclon” and “Cyclone,” a member of the Centrales Locos Salvatruchas clique of La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as the MS-13, in Queens, New York, pleaded guilty to the June 5, 2011 murder in-aid-of racketeering of Norman Mizzell. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Brian M. Cogan. When sentenced, Morales faces a maximum term of life 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, announced the guilty plea.
“With today’s guilty plea, the defendant has finally been held accountable for his cold-blooded murder of Norman Mizzell almost fifteen years ago,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “This conviction reflects my Office’s ongoing commitment to prosecuting members of MS-13 for the violence they have long caused in our community.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his thanks to the FBI’s New York Field Office and the New York City Police Department for their outstanding work on the case.
According to court filings and admissions made in court, Morales first met Mizzell when he and other MS-13 members purchased marijuana from Mizzell at his home in Queens. Morales and other MS-13 members returned to Mizzell’s home several days later to purchase more marijuana. When they arrived, they found that Mizzell was away, so they broke into Mizzell’s home and robbed him. After Mizzell confronted Morales and another MS-13 member over the robbery, the defendant and other members of MS-13 decided to kill Mizzell for disrespecting them. On the night of June 5, 2011, Morales and his co-conspirators traveled to Mizzell’s home, where they shot him several times through a window into his bedroom. Mizzell was found dead in his home the next day.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Kamil R. Ammari and John Vagelatos are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Danielle Barber.
The Defendant:
ROGER MORALES (also known as “Crazy,” “Ciclon” and “Cyclone”)
Age: 31
Ozone Park, QueensE.D.N.Y. Docket No.: 24-CR-453 (BMC)
Rensselaer Man Sentenced for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Mark Tremblay, 35, of Rensselaer, New York, was sentenced on February 6, 2026 to 10 years in federal prison for distribution of child pornography. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Tremblay admitted that on or about November 13, 2024, he produced and sent two child pornography videos involving a child to another person with whom he was corresponding on the internet.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Offenders who prey on children will face swift, aggressive prosecution and severe consequences. This office, alongside HSI and all our federal and state law enforcement partners, will use the full weight of federal law to protect every child in this District.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan said: “The disturbing nature of these crimes underscores the urgent need to protect our most vulnerable community members. HSI Albany is unwavering in our commitment to uncovering these heinous acts and ensuring those responsible are held fully accountable. Together with our partners, we are leveraging every investigative resource and partnership available to shine a light on these crimes and pursue justice for victims.”
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also sentenced Tremblay to serve a 15-year term of supervised release to begin after he is released from prison. Tremblay will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release.
HSI investigated the case with assistance from the New York State Police (NYSP) and the NYSP Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney A.J. Vickey prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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CEO of Digital Asset Company SafeMoon Sentenced to 100 Months in Prison for Multi-Million Dollar Crypto-Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Braden John Karony, the Chief Executive Officer of SafeMoon US LLC, a digital asset company registered in Utah (SafeMoon) was sentenced by United States District Judge Eric Komitee to 100 months in prison for conspiracy to commit securities fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering in connection with a scheme to defraud investors in a decentralized finance digital asset called “SafeMoon.” As part of the sentence, Karony was ordered to forfeit approximately $7.5 million. The amount of restitution to the victims will be determined at a later date. Karony was convicted by a federal jury following a three-week trial in May 2025. The jury also issued a verdict to forfeit two residential properties.
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); Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI New York); and Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI New York) announced the sentence.
“Karony lied to investors from all walks of life—including military veterans and hard working-Americans—and defrauded thousands of victims in order to buy mansions, sports cars, and custom trucks,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Today’s sentence demonstrates that there are significant consequences for financial crimes. Our Office will continue to vigorously prosecute economic crimes that harm investors and weaken societal trust in the stability and security of digital asset markets.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for its work on the case.
“Not only did Braden John Karony abuse his position as CEO, but he also betrayed his investors’ trust by stealing more than nine million dollars in digital assets from his company to fund his lavish lifestyle,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. “The FBI is committed to addressing fraud in the digital asset marketplace to level the playing field for Americans.”
“Braden Karony exploited his access to SafeMoon’s liquidity pool to divert and misappropriate millions in cryptocurrency. He deceived investors, using their funds to lavishly expand his portfolio with million-dollar homes and luxury cars. By employing complex transactions to obscure the movement of these illicit proceeds, Karony acquired over $9 million in crypto assets. However, the expertise of IRS-CI special agents in tracing financial transactions outmatched Karony’s intricate schemes. His game of hide-and-seek failed, and now he must face justice and serve time in prison for his crimes,” stated IRS-CI New York Special Agent in Charge Chavis.
“Braden John Karony’s sentencing exposes the deep betrayal at the heart of a scheme that preyed on the hopes and trust of SafeMoon investors. He and his co-conspirators orchestrated a scheme fueled by greed, and exploited the faith of over a million victims,” stated HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Alfonso. “HSI New York, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to work tirelessly to ensure those who exploit the trust of investors—whether through fiat or cryptocurrency—will face justice.”
Background on SafeMoon
SafeMoon tokens were digital assets first issued in March 2021 by SafeMoon LLC on a public blockchain. Through the operation of SafeMoon’s smart contract, every transaction in SafeMoon was automatically subject to a 10% tax, meaning that if a holder of SafeMoon transferred 10 SafeMoon to another user, 1 SafeMoon would automatically be retained from the transfer as a tax and the remaining 9 SafeMoon would be received by the other party. As marketed to SafeMoon investors, the proceeds of SafeMoon’s 10% tax were split into two 5% tranches, the proceeds of which were supposed to benefit holders of SafeMoon in specific ways. The first 5% tranche of the tax proceeds was supposed to be “reflected” back to, and distributed among, all SafeMoon holders in proportion to their current SafeMoon holdings and thereby increase the total quantity of SafeMoon held by every SafeMoon investor automatically. The remaining 5% tranche of SafeMoon tax proceeds was supposed to be deposited into designated SafeMoon “liquidity pools.” The larger the SafeMoon liquidity pool, the greater the liquidity in the market for SafeMoon. In the months after its launch in March 2021, SafeMoon grew to have millions of holders and a market capitalization of more than $8 billion.
The Defendants’ Fraudulent Scheme
Karony and his co-conspirators misrepresented various material aspects of the SafeMoon offering to investors. Such misrepresentations included that SafeMoon relied on “locked” liquidity pools that would automatically increase in size due to the 10% tax imposed on every SafeMoon transaction; that the “locked” SafeMoon liquidity pool prevented the defendants and other insiders at SafeMoon from being able to “rug pull” (a type of crypto fraud) SafeMoon investors by removing liquidity from the SafeMoon liquidity pool; that tokens in the liquidity pool would only be used for limited pre-defined business purposes, not personal enrichment; that the defendants would manually add token pairs to the SafeMoon liquidity pool when transactions of SafeMoon occurred on specific centralized exchanges; and that the developers were not and had not been holding and trading SafeMoon for their benefit.
In reality, Karony and his co-conspirators retained access to the SafeMoon liquidity pools and used that access to intentionally divert and misappropriate millions of dollars’ worth of tokens for their personal benefit. In addition, although they publicly denied that they personally held or traded SafeMoon, they repeatedly bought and sold SafeMoon, sometimes at the height of the SafeMoon market price, which generated millions of dollars in profits. Karony and his co-conspirators masked their movement of the fraudulent proceeds via numerous private un-hosted crypto wallet addresses, complex transaction routing, and pseudonymous centralized exchange accounts. Karony acquired over $9 million in crypto assets from the scheme and used some of the proceeds to purchase luxury vehicles and real estate, including a $2.2 million home in Utah, additional homes in Utah and Kansas, a $277,000 Audi R8 sports car, another Audi R8, a Tesla, and custom Ford F-550 and Jeep Gladiator pickup trucks.
Co-conspirator Thomas Smith pleaded guilty in February 2025 to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud and is awaiting sentencing. Co-conspirator Kyle Nagy remains at large.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Dana Rehnquist, Sara K. Winik, and Jessica K. Weigel are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Melina Piatti-Chayan. Assistant United States Attorney Laura Mantell of the Office’s Asset Forfeiture Section is handling forfeiture matters and Assistant United States Attorneys Madeline O’Connor and Daniel Saavedra are handing restitution matters.
The Defendant:
BRADEN JOHN KARONY
Age: 29
Provo, UtahE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-433 (EK)
Two Queens Men Charged with $120M Adult Day Care and Pharmacy Fraud on Medicare and MedicaidRead the Press Release
On Friday, a complaint was unsealed in Brooklyn charging two Queens men with defrauding Medicare and Medicaid by paying illegal kickbacks and bribes and submitting claims for services that were never provided.
“The defendants allegedly turned a pharmacy and social adult day care centers meant to help senior citizens into a $120 million dollar Medicare and Medicaid fraud scheme,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s complaint targets those who prey upon the vulnerable so they can steal from American taxpayers and defraud government programs meant to help the public.”
“The defendants charged today allegedly stole $120 million from federal health care programs by luring the elderly to their businesses with illegal cash payments,” stated U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York. “These charges are part of this Office’s commitment to protecting federal programs and prosecuting those who steal from them.”
“Pharmacies and social adult day care centers exist to serve and support seniors — not to siphon off taxpayer resources and operate as engines for fraud,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Schemes like this, which allegedly drained more than $120 million from Medicare and Medicaid, erode trust in our health care system. HHS-OIG will continue to aggressively pursue those who exploit federal health care programs to ensure they are held fully accountable.”
“Today’s complaint demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to pursue those who defraud taxpayer funded health care programs,” said Acting Assistant Director Gregory Heeb of the FBI’s Criminal Division. “Scheming against programs like Medicare impacts those who need it most. Together with our partners, the FBI will continue to hold accountable criminals who threaten access to critical care.”
“Using the backdrop of an adult day care center, it’s alleged the two charged today had devised an elaborate scheme filled with bribery, kickbacks and good old-fashioned deception,” said Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis Jr. of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) New York. “In this decade-long scam, Inwoo Kim and Daniel Lee are alleged to have stolen $120 million from the Medicare and Medicaid system through fraudulent prescription drug and adult day care service claims. IRS-CI special agents worked closely with our federal partners in this investigation, following the money trail and charting out the multi-million dollar fraud that led to today’s arrests. Both Kim and Lee must now answer for their alleged crime.”
“Medicaid fraud threatens the health and safety of beneficiaries, wastes taxpayer dollars, and drains essential resources from the health care delivery system,” said Acting Medicaid Inspector Frank T. Walsh Jr. “This joint effort sends a clear message that the Empire State is committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the Medicaid program, hold wrong doers fully accountable, and preserve precious health care resources.”
According to the complaint, Inwoo Kim, also known as “Tony Kim” and “Long Jin,” 42, of Flushing, owned a pharmacy and two social adult day care centers — Z & W Empire Enterprise Inc. doing business as Royal Adult Daycare (Royal) and Happy Life Inc. (Happy Life). Daniel Lee, also known as “Daniel Yang” and “Donghee Yang,” 56, of Flushing, served as the program director at Happy Life. Between 2016 and 2026, Kim and Yang paid illegal bribes in the form of cash and supermarket gift certificates to Medicaid recipients and Medicare beneficiaries to induce them to fill prescriptions at Kim’s pharmacy.
The defendants also allegedly paid illegal cash kickbacks to Medicaid recipients to induce them to enroll with Kim’s social adult day cares. According to the complaint, Kim discussed the illegal payments by text message, writing to a co-conspirator, “Please give the $10,000 to the Korean members first.” Yang similarly texted about the payments, writing to a co-conspirator, “I gave the payment,” and “I left the envelope [for a patient] with Tony [Kim].” At times, Kim and Yang allegedly submitted claims for day care services that exceeded Royal and Happy Life’s permitted capacity. To generate the cash needed to pay kickbacks and bribes, Kim and Yang withdrew significant cash from bank accounts they controlled. In total, Medicare and Medicaid paid approximately $120 million for prescription drugs and social adult day care services that were medically unnecessary, not provided, or induced by kickbacks and bribes. Law enforcement executed numerous search warrants and seized several bank accounts in connection with the arrests.
Kim and Yang are both charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
HHS-OIG, FBI, IRS-CI, and OSC are investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Patrick J. Campbell of the Justice Department’s Fraud Section is prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of eight strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
A complaint is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Long Island Assistant High School Lacrosse Coach Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Joseph Garofalo pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child. At the time of the offense, the defendant was an assistant high school lacrosse coach on Long Island. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Nusrat J. Choudhury. When sentenced, Garofalo faces a minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of 30 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 plea.
“This case is a stark reminder that those entrusted with the care and mentorship of children must be held to the highest standards. Our Office will relentlessly pursue predators like this defendant who victimize the most vulnerable members of our society,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect victims and hold sexual predators accountable.”
“Joseph Garofalo, an assistant high school coach, exploited more than 30 minors by blackmailing them into sending multiple sexually explicit photos and videos through social media threads,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. “Garofalo, entrusted with the care and development of young teenagers, violated this trust when he victimized these children to fulfill his perverted wants. The FBI will continue to hold accountable those who manipulate their positions of authority to target vulnerable victims.”
As set forth in court filings, while employed as an assistant lacrosse coach at a local Long Island high school, the defendant used social media platforms to engage in sexually explicit conversations with minors. The defendant threatened to share naked photos and videos of the minors unless they sent more naked photos or sent explicit media of their friends, which is colloquially known as “sextortion.” For example, the defendant told one minor to send naked photos of the minor’s friends or the defendant would not delete naked photos that he had of the minor. The defendant also consistently uploaded child sex abuse material (CSAM) files to the internet.
On April 18, 2025, the FBI executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence, at which time the FBI interviewed the defendant, who admitted that he controlled the social media account that solicited CSAM from minors, solicited minors for CSAM, and had CSAM on his electronic devices. During the course of the investigation, the FBI seized electronic devices and recovered electronic evidence from social media platforms that contained evidence regarding approximately 30 minor victims.
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 Adam R. Toporovsky is in charge of the prosecution with assistance from paralegal specialist Janelle Robinson.
The Defendant:
JOSEPH GAROFALO
Age: 21
Valley Stream, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-005 (NJC)
Gambino Crime Family Soldier Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, James Laforte, also known as “Jimmy,” an inducted member of the Gambino organized crime family, pleaded guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Marutollo to racketeering conspiracy, Hobbs Act extortion and Hobbs Act extortion conspiracy, witness retaliation, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
LaForte is the last of 10 defendants charged in a 2023 indictment in connection with various offenses committed by members and associates of the Gambino crime family— including extortion, money laundering conspiracy and witness retaliation—to plead guilty or be convicted at trial. On October 17, 2025, seven members and associates of the Gambino crime family pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy in proceedings held before United States District Judge Frederic Block. Those defendants are Gambino crime family captain Joseph Lanni, also known as “Joe Brooklyn” and “Mommino;” Gambino soldiers Diego “Danny” Tantillo and Angelo Gradilone, also known as “Fifi;” U.S.-based Sicilian Mafia member and Gambino associate Vito Rappa, also known as “Vi;” U.S.-based Sicilian Mafia associate and Gambino associate Francesco Vicari, also known as “Frank” and “Uncle Ciccio;” and Gambino associates Kyle Johnson, also known as “Twin,” and Vincent Minsquero, also known as “Vinny Slick.” In August 2025, Salvatore DiLorenzo pleaded guilty to theft from employee benefits plans. In December 2025, a federal jury convicted defendant Robert Brooke of one count of Hobbs Act extortion.
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), Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General of the United States Department of Labor (DOL-OIG), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced the guilty pleas and trial conviction.
“The prosecution of these members and associates of the Gambino organized crime family has dealt a significant blow to that violent criminal enterprise,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Their efforts to take over and infiltrate legitimate businesses by means of intimidation threatened hardworking New Yorkers and terrorized their victims. Our Office will continue to hold accountable those who seek to use violence and fear to enrich themselves.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the New York City Business Integrity Commission, the New York Waterfront Commission, and the Office’s law enforcement partners in Italy, including the Prosecutor of Palermo, the Polizia di Stato, the Servizio Centrale Operativo, and the Squadra Mobile of Palermo.
“These ten Gambino members and associates orchestrated a campaign of violent assaults and property destruction to collect debts and intimidate those employed by competing companies,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. “Their collective actions terrorized New York residents and businesses to generate an illegal revenue stream. The FBI maintains its commitment to coordinating with our local and international law enforcement partners in the fight against organized crime.”
“These defendants used fraud, intimidation, and violence in an attempt to seize control of New York City’s demolition industry, including schemes targeting labor unions and their employee benefit plans,” stated DOL Inspector General D’Esposito. “DOL-OIG will continue working shoulder to shoulder with our law-enforcement partners to root out labor racketeering and eliminate the influence of organized crime from the labor industry. Accountability is non-negotiable.”
As set forth in court filings, members and associates of the Gambino crime family used violent extortion, fraud, theft and embezzlement schemes to infiltrate the carting and demolition industries to enrich themselves and the Gambino crime family, including by laundering criminal proceeds. For example, during a financial dispute between Tantillo and the owners of a demolition company (Demolition Company 1), Tantillo and Johnson coordinated a violent hammer assault on an employee of Demolition Company 1, which left the employee bleeding and seriously injured.
Extortions Related to the Carting and Demolition Industries
Tantillo, Rappa, Vicari and Johnson engaged in a violent extortion conspiracy relating to the demand and receipt of money from an individual (John Doe 1) who operated a carting business in the New York City area. The extortion scheme involved threatening John Doe 1 with a bat, setting fire to the steps to John Doe 1’s residence, attempting to damage John Doe 1’s carting trucks, and violently assaulting an associate of John Doe 1. After John Doe 1 ultimately made a payment of $4,000 to Vicari, Vicari and Rappa met and sent Tantillo a photo of Vicari raising a small champagne bottle, as in a toast.
As proven at Brooke’s trial, in the fall of 2019, Brooke engaged in a violent extortion scheme against the owners of a demolition company (John Does 2 through 4) over purported debts owed to Tantillo and a company that was co-operated by Tantillo and Brooke. On December 18, 2019, one of the victims was walking to work when he was ambushed and attacked by Brooke at 50th Street and Eighth Avenue in midtown Manhattan. The victim suffered a fractured cheek bone, black eye and contusions to his face. In the weeks after the beating, Tantillo reached out to the victims who are brothers and told them to pay Brooke and to drop the criminal charges against Brooke. Fearing for the safety of themselves and their employees, the owners of the demolition company paid $50,000 to Tantillo and $40,000 to the company co-operated by Tantillo and Brooke.
Extortion and Assault of a Borrower
In 2020 and 2021, LaForte extorted a person who owed money to an associate of LaForte (John Doe 5). After failing to pay LaForte’s associate on time, John Doe 5 was introduced to LaForte, who asked John Doe 5 to run an illegal poker game and a craps game for LaForte. When John Doe 5 asked LaForte after the craps game for John Doe 5’s share of the earnings from running the game, LaForte hit John Doe 5 in the face, knocking John Doe 5 backward and giving him a black eye. LaForte later contacted John Doe 5’s father to force John Doe 5 to pay what LaForte said was John Doe 5’s debt. In text messages exchanged in November 2020, shortly after John Doe 5’s loan, the person who had lent John Doe 5 the money wrote that “[t]his other punk [John Doe 5] is playing games,” and “Might ride up to his house Saturday with one of my guys from down here.” Another party to the conversation responded, “I took him up to c jimmy made it clear” and later added, “We’ll get it. He’s scared to death of jimmy.”
Witness Retaliation and Assault
On February 17, 2021, LaForte and Minsquero assaulted a person who they believed had previously provided information to law enforcement about members and associates of organized crime (John Doe 6), while Lanni sat nearby. That evening LaForte and Minsquero approached John Doe 6 inside a restaurant. LaForte called John Doe 6 a “rat” and hit John Doe 6 in the face with a bottle. LaForte and Minsquero also flipped John Doe 6’s table, sending drinks and shattered glass everywhere.
Frauds and Union-Related Crimes in the Carting and Demolition Industries
Various defendants also committed a series of crimes to steal and embezzle from unions and employee benefit plans and rigged bids in the demolition and carting industries. As part of one such scheme, DiLorenzo provided Rappa with a “no-show” job at DiLorenzo’s demolition company so that Rappa could receive paychecks and union health benefits, among other benefits. Similarly, Tantillo arranged for Gradilone to receive a “no-show” job at a construction company with which Tantillo was associated, which enabled Gradilone to receive paychecks and union health benefits to which he was not entitled. Tantillo and Johnson also conspired to secure a “no-show” job for Johnson, so that Johnson could similarly receive union health benefits.
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The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Anna L. Karamigios, Andrew M. Roddin, Elias Laris, and Brooke E. Theodora are in charge of the prosecution.
Defendant Who Pleaded Guilty Today:
JAMES LAFORTE (also known as “Jimmy”)
Age: 49
New York, New York
Defendants Who Previously Pleaded Guilty:
JOSEPH LANNI (also known as “Joe Brooklyn” and “Mommino”)
Age: 54
Staten Island, New YorkDIEGO TANTILLO (also known as “Danny” and “Daniel”)
Age: 50
Freehold, New JerseyROBERT BROOKE
Age: 58
New York, New YorkSALVATORE DILORENZO
Age: 69
Oceanside, New YorkANGELO GRADILONE (also known as “Fifi”)
Age: 59
Staten Island, New YorkKYLE JOHNSON (also known as “Twin”)
Age: 48
Bronx, New YorkVINCENT MINSQUERO (also known as “Vinny Slick” )
Age: 39
Staten Island, New YorkVITO RAPPA (also known as “Vi”)
Age: 58
East Brunswick, New JerseyFRANCESCO VICARI (also known as “Frank” and “Uncle Ciccio”)
Age: 65
Elmont, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-443 (FB)
Two Bloods Gang Members Plead Guilty to Sex Trafficking Charges and an Associate Previously Pleaded Guilty to Laundering the Proceeds of Their CrimesRead the Press Release
On January 27, 2026 and February 3, 2026, in federal court in Central Islip, co-defendants David M. Amin (D. Amin) and Bryce K. Amin (B. Amin), who are brothers and members of the Bloods street gang, pleaded guilty to sex trafficking conspiracy and substantive sex trafficking in connection with their roles in their family’s sex and narcotics trafficking business. Previously, in April 2025, co-defendant Patricia A. Peralta (Peralta), D. Amin’s spouse, pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy. As part of this business, D. Amin and B. Amin engaged in acts of violence against multiple female victims, and provided drugs to them including fentanyl to cause those victims to engage in commercial sex acts for the defendants’ financial benefit. Peralta assisted the brothers in laundering the proceeds of this lucrative business, from which she likewise derived substantial financial benefits.
D. Amin and Peralta’s guilty plea proceedings were held before United States District Judge Gary R. Brown, and B. Amin’s plea proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Steven L. Tiscione. When sentenced, D. Amin and B. Amin face a mandatory minimum term of 15 years’ imprisonment and up to life in prison, and Peralta faces up to 20 years in prison. Additionally, D. Amin and Peralta have agreed to forfeit more than $390,000, a 2021 Mercedes Benz AMG SUV, and a 2021 BMW M550i, all of which were seized from a storage facility in Suffolk County on the date of D. Amin’s arrest.
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), Kevin Catalina, Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), and Errol D. Toulon, Jr., Suffolk County Sheriff, announced the guilty pleas.“The Amin brothers took advantage of vulnerable women battling addiction to coerce them into prostitution by making them beholden to illegal narcotics supplied by the defendants,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “These guilty pleas hold the defendants accountable for profiting from the sexual exploitation of others while subjecting their victims to harm and degradation. It is my hope that these prosecutions will also serve to vindicate the civil rights and dignity of survivors of this evil scourge.”
Mr. Nocella also expressed his appreciation to the Nassau County Police Department for its assistance on the case.
“The guilty pleas of David Amin and Bryce Amin send a clear message: HSI will relentlessly pursue those who traffic and exploit vulnerable individuals and expose them to deadly fentanyl,” stated HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Alfonso. “HSI New York is laser-focused on rooting out sex traffickers and dismantling criminal networks that threaten our families. Working alongside our law enforcement partners, HSI New York special agents will utilize every tool at our disposal to ensure predators like the Amin brothers face the full consequences of their actions.”
“The Amin brothers preyed on vulnerable individuals, using drugs and manipulation to exploit them for profit. Their guilty pleas are a significant step toward justice for their victims. The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to protect our communities from the devastating impact of human trafficking,” stated Suffolk County Sheriff Toulon.
According to court filings and statements made during the guilty plea proceedings, between October 2018 and May 2023, the defendants conspired to use violence and threats of violence to compel multiple women to engage in commercial sex acts for the defendants’ financial benefit. D. Amin and B. Amin recruited drug addicted women for their sex trafficking operation on Long Island, and controlled the proceeds derived from the scheme. They also manipulated their victims into believing that they were in debt to the defendants. Additionally, D. Amin forced victims to have sex with him, which at times came with degrading rules the victims were forced to follow. D. Amin choked and struck his victims, left one or more victims stranded in public places without money, a phone, or identification and deprived them of drugs to force withdrawal symptoms. Similarly, B. Amin subjected the victims to violence and drug-related manipulation. In a recorded call from jail in January 2021, B. Amin boasted about his control over one of the victims, saying “You can groom a person to do something they’re not used to doing . . . .When I tell her sit, she listens, she does whatever I tell her to do. She’s my little puppet.”
D. Amin also operated a significant drug trafficking operation on Long Island in which he sold large quantities of controlled substances, including cocaine and fentanyl. As part of their sex trafficking operation, the Amin brothers often sold drugs through female trafficking victims to individuals that were also paying them for commercial sex acts. These add-on services were advertised as “party favors.”
The sex trafficking activity occurred at hotels on Long Island, in locations that include Bohemia, Islandia, Patchogue, and Bayport. In addition to working at the Sayville Motor Lodge, which is now closed, D. Amin forced victims to work out of cars and apartments in Suffolk County.
Additionally, when D. Amin was arrested, law enforcement searched a storage unit that he controlled with Peralta and seized more than $390,000 in cash along with two luxury vehicles, each worth approximately $100,000. Relatedly, Peralta regularly deposited large sums of money derived from sex trafficking and narcotics trafficking into personal bank accounts. Those funds were used to purchase a third luxury vehicle and to pay for hotels used in the sex trafficking operation.
This prosecution is also part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Megan E. Farrell, Adam Toporovsky and Molly Delaney are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Samantha Schroder.
The Defendants:
DAVID M. AMIN (also known as “Sonny B,” “Rico,” “Tone,” “Anthony,” and “Jonathan Santos”)
Age: 31
Coram, Freeport, and Wyandanch, New YorkBRYCE K. AMIN (also known as “Busy B”)
Age: 25
Coram, New YorkPATRICIA A. PERALTA
Age: 31
Freeport and Wyandanch, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-92 (S-1) (GRB)
Former Executive Director of Legal Services Non-Profit in Queens Pleads Guilty to FraudRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Lori Zeno, the former executive director of a legal services non-profit organization (the Organization), pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for her role in a scheme to embezzle money from the Organization. The proceeding was held before United States Chief Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon. When sentenced, Zeno faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment as well as restitution and monetary penalties.
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 Christopher Ryan, Acting Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), announced the guilty plea.
“The defendant brazenly betrayed and abused her position of trust as the director of a non-profit, stealing funds that were meant for legal services for disadvantaged clients and members of the community and then spending those funds on luxury goods and expensive vacations,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office will vigorously prosecute those who steal public funds and deprive members of our community of crucial resources.”
“Lori Zeno diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding intended for indigent residents to finance her lavish lifestyle. Zeno's abuse of authority deprived vulnerable New Yorkers of critical legal and community services. The FBI is committed to holding accountable anyone who exploits their position for selfish greed, especially those entrusted with supporting the public,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
“This defendant—the founder and leader of a legal services nonprofit—spent hundreds of thousands of dollars intended to provide legal representation for indigent New Yorkers on personal luxuries, including foreign travel, expensive meals, and rent for a penthouse apartment. The City’s nonprofits provide vital public services and today’s guilty plea acknowledges the defendant’s misuse of those precious funds. I thank our law enforcement partners in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their commitment to protecting these organizations and their scarce resources from exploitation and fraud. DOI previously has made recommendations to the City to improve compliance and to strengthen oversight of spending at City-funded nonprofits and we urge the City to accept and implement those reforms,” stated DOI Acting Commissioner Ryan.
As set forth in court filings, Zeno co-founded and served as the executive director of the Organization, which provided legal services and community support services to indigent residents of Queens, New York. Zeno hired her co-defendant, Rashad Ruhani, to work for the Organization in October 2023 and later married him in a religious ceremony.
Between June 2024 and January 2025, Zeno and Ruhani engaged in a corrupt scheme to embezzle funds from the Organization, diverting hundreds of thousands of dollars for their own personal benefit, including spending these stolen funds on foreign travel, expensive meals, luxury shopping, and rent for a penthouse apartment (the Penthouse Apartment). Zeno and Ruhani made extravagant purchases with the Organization’s credit cards, spending over $10,000 on a vacation to Bali; $1,700 at a luxury resort in Santa Monica, California; $3,300 for an 85-inch smart television to be installed at the Penthouse Apartment; thousands of dollars in food deliveries to the Penthouse Apartment; and thousands of dollars at luxury retailers such as Ralph Lauren and Neiman Marcus. In one instance, Zeno and Ruhani charged over $4,000 to an Organization credit card to buy a Louis Vuitton designer handbag. As part of the conspiracy, Zeno repeatedly lied to the Organization, falsely characterizing personal expenses as business expenses to obtain the Organization’s approval. To pay for the Penthouse Apartment, Zeno and Ruhani fraudulently obtained reimbursements from the Organization for over $39,000 in rent by submitting lease documents that were altered to conceal Zeno’s involvement. Zeno also secured lucrative positions at the Organization for relatives and associates of Ruhani who did little or no substantive work, including hiring another woman married to Ruhani as the director of a non‑existent “health and wellness” program with a salary of $60,000. As a result of Zeno’s misuse of its funds, the Organization lost its contract to provide criminal defense services to low-income New Yorkers.
Ruhani is scheduled to stand trial on June 1, 2026. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Russell Noble and Sean M. Sherman are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Johnson Peow and Daniel Arakawa.
The Defendant:
LORI ZENO
Age: 65
Garden City, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-182 (S-1) (RPK)
Two Year Prison Sentence for Woman Who Laundered over $20M DollarsRead the Press Release
A New York woman was sentenced today to two years in prison for her involvement in a Chinese money laundering scheme.
According to court documents, Rui Fang Yu, 40, of New York City, laundered over $20 million in proceeds from drug trafficking. Yu accepted large amounts of cash from co-conspirators involved in the laundering of drug proceeds, including from the sale of heroin and cocaine by a drug trafficking organization in the United States linked to a Mexican cartel. Yu used her position as an accountant at an airline ticket consolidator in Flushing, Queens, to launder these proceeds through her employer’s bank accounts. This complex scheme used trade-based money laundering to conceal drug proceeds through business transactions ostensibly made to purchase airline tickets. Ultimately, Yu and the co-conspirators facilitated the laundering of these funds to accounts controlled by co-conspirators in the United States and China.
In August 2025, Yu pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Emily Cohen and Chelsea Rooney of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Wang and Robert Pollack for the Eastern District of New York prosecuted the case.
The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section's (MNF) mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who conceal profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees who violate money laundering, Bank Secrecy Act, and sanctions laws; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.
Mexican National Without Legal Immigration Status Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Sex Offense Against a MinorRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Luis Velez was sentenced by United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen to 12 years in prison for coercion and enticement of a minor. Velez has no legal status in the United States and will be deported after serving his term of imprisonment. Velez pleaded guilty in July 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.
“The defendant preyed on children, manipulating and threatening them into creating sexually explicit images for his own sexual gratification,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office is committed to holding accountable such sexual predators and I urge parents and caregivers to discuss with their children the dangers of communicating online with strangers and anyone else who may exploit them.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the Boston Police Department for their work on the case.
“Luis Velez repeatedly forced multiple minors to create and send sexually explicit images by threatening to harm their families. Velez preyed upon his victims’ fear to satisfy his perverted desires. The FBI will continue to defend our city’s children from sexual predators, especially those residing unlawfully in this country,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
As set forth in court filings, in 2022, Velez—a 26-year-old man at the time of the charged conduct without legal immigration status in the United States—posed as a 14-year-old boy and began communicating with an 11-year-old girl (Jane Doe 1) through Instagram. At Velez’s insistence, Jane Doe 1 electronically sent sexually explicit images of herself to Velez, and then Velez threatened to hurt Jane Doe 1’s family if she did not send additional sexually explicit images. Velez communicated with various other minors on Instagram, at times posing as a girl and at other times as a boy in order to obtain—as he had done with Jane Doe 1—sexually explicit images from these minors.
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 Attorneys Rebecca M. Schuman and Stephen H. Petraeus are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
LUIS VELEZ
Age: 29
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-235 (PKC)
Justice Department Seeks to Denaturalize Convicted RapistRead the Press Release
BROOKLYN, NY — Today, the United States filed a denaturalization action in the Eastern District of New York against Gurmeet Singh, a native of India, who, according to the Department of Justice’s Complaint, concealed and misrepresented in his naturalization application that he had previously kidnapped and sexual assaulted a female passenger of his taxicab. After his passenger fell asleep in the backseat, he drove her to a side street and the passenger awoke to find Singh on top of her with a knife to her throat, telling her to stop resisting if she wanted to live. Singh then bound and gagged her, blindfolded her, removed her clothes, and raped her.
Singh concealed these acts throughout his naturalization proceedings and naturalized as a U.S. citizen on Oct. 19, 2011. After naturalizing, Singh was convicted in May 2014 in New York of Rape in the First Degree and Kidnapping in the Second Degree as a Sexually Motivated Felony and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi; Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; and Brett A. Shumate, Assistant Attorney General, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division announced the filing of the civil complaint.
“This Department of Justice will continue to strip citizenship from those who commit heinous crimes and conceal them during the naturalization process,” stated Attorney General Bondi. “American citizenship is a great and sacred privilege that must be earned honestly.
“The defendant in this case secured U.S. citizenship through deceit, and on the heels of committing the heinous crimes of rape and kidnapping,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “This case, brought to strip the defendant of citizenship that he did not earn and to which he was not entitled, demonstrates our Office’s commitment to protecting the American people and defending the sanctity of U.S. citizenship.”
“This individual’s vile acts prove that he should not have been granted U.S. citizenship,” stated Assistant Attorney General Shumate. “Singh entered our country through family-based immigration laws, then committed horrible crimes before lying about them to become a U.S. citizen. We will now correct this injustice.”
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a naturalized U.S. citizen’s citizenship may be revoked, and his certificate of naturalization canceled, if the naturalization was illegally procured or procured by concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation.
This case was investigated by the Civil Division’s Office of Immigration Litigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. The litigation is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Layaliza Soloveichik of the Eastern District of New York with Trial Attorney Christopher Lyerla and reviewed by John Inkeles, Chief of the Affirmative Litigation Unit of the Office of Immigration Litigation.
The claims made in the complaint are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Southampton Investment Advisor Sentenced to 72 Months in Prison for Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Jeffrey Slothower was sentenced by United States District Judge Gary R. Brown to 72 months in prison for wire fraud, investment adviser fraud and money laundering in connection with a scheme to misappropriate more than $1 million from clients. In addition to the terms of imprisonment, Judge Brown ordered Slothower to pay $1,160,936 in restitution and in 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 sentence.
“Jeffrey Slothower used his position as an investment advisor to steal over a million dollars from an unsuspecting couple,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Today’s sentence sends a message to all those that would use their positions as financial professionals to line their own pockets – our Office will prosecute you to the full extent of the law.”
“Jeffrey Slothower crafted fabrications of profitable returns to conceal his true intention of reaching into his clients’ wallets and personally pocketing their investments,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. “Slothower stole more than one million dollars from his investors to fund extravagant purchases and repay his own credit card bills. The FBI will continue to unravel any web of lies used to unlawfully solicit investments at the cost of trusting clients.”
As proven at trial, Slothower orchestrated a scheme to misappropriate more than $1 million from current and prospective clients. Specifically, while operating Battery Private, a New York investment advisory firm, Slothower solicited business from Victim-1 and Victim-2, a couple from California whose money Slothower had managed at another financial services firm where he was previously employed. Slothower promised the victims he could beat any rate of return they were receiving and do so without market risk. In 2017, he offered to invest Victim-1’s money into what Slothower described as bonds backed by homeowner’s association fees (the “HOA Bonds”), which would pay an eight percent return.
Based on Slothower’s representations, in January 2017, Victim-1 sent more than $500,000 to Slothower at Battery Private to be invested in the purported HOA Bonds. Instead of investing in HOA Bonds or holding the funds as promised, however, Slothower funneled the money into his personal bank accounts, and then used those funds to purchase a $125,000 Mercedes Benz SUV, and membership dues at Long Island National Golf Club, a private East End country club. To further the fraudulent scheme, Slothower made payments to Victim-1 that were falsely represented as quarterly distributions from Victim-1’s “investment.”
Later, Slothower solicited Victim-1 to invest additional money, including funds controlled by Victim-2, who was then a Battery Private client. Enticed by the supposedly steady rate of return, Victim-2 agreed to invest in the same purported HOA Bonds, and in December 2017, Victim-2 sent more than $500,000 to Slothower at Battery Private. However, like Victim-1, Victim-2’s money was not invested in HOA Bonds. Instead, Slothower used that money to pay tens of thousands of dollars in personal credit card debt traced to an approximately $6,500 Chanel purse, an approximately $13,000 Rolex watch, and more than $11,000 in Ralph Lauren clothing, among other things. To further the fraudulent scheme, Slothower made payments to Victim-2 that were falsely represented as quarterly distributions from Victim-2’s investment. Slothower’s scheme continued through June 2018, when he defrauded Victim-1 out of another approximately $84,000. Slothower used Victim-1’s money to make purported quarterly payments to Victim-1 and Victim-2 that were falsely represented as their investment returns and to pay membership dues at the private golf club.
During the same period that Slothower defrauded Victim-1 and Victim-2, he also engaged in mortgage fraud. While attempting to refinance a mortgage on a residence he owned, Slothower misrepresented to the mortgage lender, both orally and through the submission of false invoices, that the victims’ funds came from Slothower’s sale of a wine collection, a stamp collection, and a fine art collection. At his trial, Slothower lied under oath when he denied classifying the victims’ funds as the proceeds of an asset sale.
The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division and the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Toporovsky and Benjamin Weintraub are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Janelle Robinson.
The Defendant:
JEFFREY SLOTHOWER
Age: 47
Southampton, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-602 (GRB)
Four Queens-Based Sex Traffickers Sentenced to Between 25 and 35 Years in CustodyRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Blanca Hernandez Morales was sentenced to 35 years in prison by United States District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall for sex trafficking minors using force, fraud, and coercion, among other crimes. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge DeArcy Hall ordered Hernandez Morales to pay restitution of $179,300. Hernandez Morales was the final of four co-defendants who went to trial in October 2023 on various charges, including sex trafficking, to be sentenced. Her co-defendants and family members Roberto Cesar Cid Dominguez, Luz Cardona, and Jose Facundo Zarate Morales were each previously sentenced to 375 months, 325 months, and 300 months, respectively.
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 Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI New York) announced the sentences.
“Today’s sentence holds the defendants accountable for their decade-long exploitation of young women and minors and is a reckoning for the perpetrators of these deplorable crimes,” stated United States Attorney Joseph Nocella. “It is our hope that these extensive prison sentences bring some measure of comfort to the victims in this case.”
Mr. Nocella also expressed his appreciation to the New York City Police Department and the Putnam County Sherriff’s Office for their work on the case.
“This family orchestrated an international sex trafficking operation to route vulnerable victims, including minors, from Mexico into the United States to commit sexual acts. For more than a decade, these defendants lured young girls across the border with the enticement of the American dream before ensnaring them into a life of sexual servitude. May today’s lengthy prison sentences highlight the FBI’s intolerance of those who seek to profit from the sexual abuse and exploitation of others,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
“This sentencing brings a conclusive end to the yearslong, unimaginable exploitation and abuse of young women and minors. No person should ever be exposed to the dehumanizing atrocities these victims suffered at the hands of their own common-law and blood relatives. HSI New York will never forget the strength of those who bravely came forward and we owe the successful resolution of this case to their courage and willingness to speak out,” stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Alfonso.
As proven at trial, since approximately 2002, the defendants, all of whom are related by blood or common-law marriage, participated in a sex-trafficking organization (the Cid-Hernandez Sex Trafficking Organization) that used force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion to cause young women and minor girls from Mexico to engage in prostitution in the United States. Members of the organization pressured the victims, including two minor victims, to travel to the United States with false promises of employment and a better life. When the young girls arrived in New York, they were forced by the defendants to work in prostitution.
During the trial, one victim testified that she was 15 years-old and living in Mexico in 2007 when Cardona, her aunt, offered to pay travel expenses to New York City where the teen could work as a cleaner. The victim did not know that Cardona, along with her partner Zarate Morales, his mother Hernandez Morales, and her partner Cid Dominguez, were operating a prostitution business. After the victim arrived in Queens, Cardona and Zarate Morales brokered a deal with a client to sell the victim’s virginity. Thereafter the teenage victim was forced to engage in commercial sex with 20 or more men daily.
Although the Cid-Hernandez Sex Trafficking Organization was based in Queens, young women and minor girls were transported to prostitution clients throughout New York State and Connecticut. The organization controlled “routes,” which were comprised of contact lists of potential clients in specific areas and employed individuals who served as drivers.
Cid Dominguez also bribed Village of Brewster Police Officer Wayne Peiffer with free sexual services to ensure the organization’s protection from law enforcement in his jurisdiction. Peiffer pleaded guilty in April 2022 to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act extortion and was sentenced to 36 months in custody.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel A. Bennek and Nicholas Moscow are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants
LUZ ELVIRA CARDONA (also known as “Lucy”)
Age: 37
Queens, New YorkROBERTO CESAR CID DOMINGUEZ
Age: 62
Queens, New YorkBLANCA HERNANDEZ MORALES (also known as “Nancy,” “Maria Elena,” and “Malena”)
Age: 55
Queens, New YorkJOSE FACUNDO ZARATE MORALES (also known as “El Guero”)
Age: 37
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-622 (LDH)
Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Coercion and Enticement of MinorsRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Steven LaBianca was sentenced by United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly to 12 years’ imprisonment for coercion and enticement of minors and possession of child pornography. LaBianca communicated with multiple minor victims over the internet and coerced them into creating and sending him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves. LaBianca pleaded guilty to the charges in September 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.
“Today, the defendant received a significant and deserved jail term for using manipulation and deception to exploit vulnerable victims, wrongly believing he could act without consequence,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “This prosecution makes clear that coercion and enticement and possession of child pornography—particularly when directed at minors—will be met with the full force of federal law. Our Office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect victims and hold sexual predators accountable.”
“For years, Steven LaBianca prowled online platforms to exploit minor victims by forcing them to engage in sexually explicit conversations and create pornographic material. Not only did his coercion abuse the innocence of young girls, it also revictimized those whose recordings were shared in other threads for LaBianca’s twisted desires. The FBI will continue its mission to protect children from online sexual predators and investigate anyone who attempts to exploit them,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
As set forth in court filings, in 2017, LaBianca communicated online with a 15-year-old girl who resided in Cyprus (Jane Doe 2). LaBianca induced Jane Doe 2 to send him photographs and videos of herself nude and engaging in sexual activities, and instructed her to watch pornographic videos involving other young girls. LaBianca threatened to leave Jane Doe 2 for a younger girl once she grew up and advised Jane Doe 2 to delete incriminating evidence from her devices if she was ever approached by law enforcement authorities. Over the course of their communications, Jane Doe 2 sent LaBianca hundreds of photographs and videos of her engaged in sexual activities.
Additionally, from September 2017 through May 2020, LaBianca communicated with multiple young girls—some as young as 13-years-old—and coerced them into sending him sexually explicit photographs and videos through social media platforms such as Omegle, Skype, and Instagram.
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 Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorney Andy Palacio is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
STEVEN LABIANCA
Age: 53
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-206 (AMD)
Long Island Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Nearly $12 Million Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Damaris Beltre, a former tax preparer in Freeport, New York, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Sanket J. Bulsara. When sentenced, Beltre faces a maximum sentence of 53 years’ imprisonment, as well as restitution of approximately $12 million.
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 guilty plea.
“Beltre brazenly defrauded the government and callously put her clients in jeopardy to line her own pockets,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Today’s guilty plea should serve as a warning to anyone who, like this defendant, views federal programs and the federal treasury as their own personal piggybanks, that you will be arrested and vigorously prosecuted.”
Mr. Nocella also expressed his appreciation to the United States Customs and Border Protection, New York Field Office, the Freeport Police Department, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for their assistance on the case.
“Beltre was a shady tax preparer with a complete disregard for U.S. law or the American public she failed when she fraudulently claimed tens of millions of dollars in COVID-19-related tax credits. She hoarded funds meant for those with a legitimate need just to fatten her own pockets. With today’s plea, she can move forward with facing the full consequences of her actions,” stated IRS-CI New York Special Agent in Charge Chavis.
As set forth in court filings and at today’s guilty plea proceeding, Beltre owned and operated multiple corporate entities offering tax preparation and other financial services in Freeport, New York. From approximately January 2021 through April 2024, Beltre personally prepared, and supervised employees in the preparation of, false and fraudulent individual income tax returns, and associated schedules and forms, for her client-taxpayers, which were submitted to the IRS.
The tax returns that Beltre prepared and caused to be prepared for her clients listed false dependents and fraudulently claimed tens of millions of dollars in COVID-19-related tax credits and motor fuel income tax credits to directly reduce tax liability and provide substantial refunds to which her clients were not entitled. Beltre’s clients paid over $1 million in fees for her services preparing these false returns, which included a percentage of any tax refund issued. For example, in April 2023, a federal agent acting in an undercover capacity (the UC) hired Beltre to prepare his individual income tax return. If prepared accurately, the UC would have owed the IRS approximately $205. By contrast, the defendant prepared an income tax return for the UC which contained false and fraudulent statements and baseless tax credits, and which thereby claimed a refund of over $14,243. Beltre charged the UC $2,200 in fees to prepare and submit the fraudulent tax return. As a result of this years-long scheme, the IRS improperly issued nearly $11 million in tax refunds to the defendant’s clients, and failed to collect several million dollars as a result of fraudulently reduced tax liabilities.
In a separate Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud scheme, from approximately April 2020 through July 2022, Beltre filed and caused to be filed false payroll reports and income tax returns with the IRS on behalf of her corporate clients to fraudulently obtain PPP loans from the SBA, totaling approximately $1 million. Beltre used these proceeds, and those generated from the tax preparer fraud scheme described above, for personal expenses, including paying personal debts, to fund a home in the Caribbean, and to purchase a car and jewelry.
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 and Victim Witness Coordinator Stephanie Marroquin.
The Defendant:
DAMARIS BELTRE
Age: 58
Freeport, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-081 (SJB)
Miami Executive Sentenced in Brooklyn Federal Court to 20 Years in Prison for Massive Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Pushpesh Kumar Baid, also known as “PK Jain,” was sentenced by United States Second Circuit Judge Denny Chin, sitting by designation, to 20 years’ imprisonment for his role in schemes to defraud investors in Tradepay Capital LLC (“Tradepay”), a purported factoring company, and in Luxestreet, Inc. (Luxestreet), a purported luxury goods pawn shop. Baid pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in April 2025, approximately one week before trial was scheduled to commence. As part of the sentence, Baid was preliminarily ordered to pay $35,056,852.83 in restitution to the victims of both the Tradepay and Luxestreet schemes. Additionally, the Court ordered Baid to forfeit $2,607,689.00 in ill-gotten gains.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Terence G. Reilly, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, (FBI), announced the sentence.
“Baid and his co-conspirators orchestrated an elaborate fraud, creating sham companies and using straw bank accounts and fraudulent documents to deceive their victims for years into investing millions of dollars into businesses that simply did not exist,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The significant sentence imposed today should send a message to anyone who chooses to enrich themself through fraud that false statements to investors will lead to a prison term.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation for its work on the case.
“Pushpesh Baid repeatedly spun webs of lies to manipulate his investors into pooling tens of millions of dollars in fabricated companies directly utilized for Baid’s personal expenditures” stated Acting FBI Assistant Director in Charge Reilly. “Baid abused his position to create fraudulent investment opportunities at the expense of his clients. The FBI remains dedicated to exposing those who implement deceitful practices designed to betray investors’ trust for selfish financial gain.”
Baid pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with the Tradepay scheme. As part of his plea, Baid also admitted to his participation in the Luxestreet scheme. Details of the schemes, as reflected in court filings, are set forth below.
Tradepay Scheme
Baid was the Business Head of Tradepay, which purported to be an international factoring business run by an executive team experienced in factoring invoices in particular industries and geographic regions. Factoring involves the sale of an invoice to a third party at a discount. In a factoring transaction, the seller of an invoice obtains immediate funding from the buyer of the invoice, and the buyer of the invoice makes a profit when the invoice is paid in full.
Between approximately April 2017 and October 2019, Baid and his co-conspirators implemented a scheme to defraud investors in Tradepay, making it appear that Tradepay was a legitimate and successful business when it was, in fact, an elaborate scam. For example, hundreds of invoices from various businesses that Tradepay purported to be factoring were fraudulent and included fake signatures on both sides of the supposed transactions. Baid and his co-conspirators also funneled millions of dollars of investors’ funds—which they represented would be sent to Tradepay’s business partners—through a sprawling network of bank accounts that Baid controlled through shell entities and straw signatories. From those accounts, Baid and his co-conspirators spent millions of dollars on personal expenses, including on luxury cars and watches. Baid even lied about his identity, concealing his real name from investors to obscure the fact that he was wanted for criminal offenses abroad.
Investors in Tradepay initially received payments on the invoices, which led them to continue contributing large sums of capital. By approximately July 2019, however, the payments on the invoices stopped, resulting in approximately $35 million in losses.
Luxestreet Scheme
In 2018, Baid founded a separate company called Asset Capital Partners, which began doing business as Luxestreet. Baid and his co-conspirators claimed that Luxestreet operated like a pawn shop for high end goods, including luxury watches, and solicited investment in the business. In reality, Luxestreet contracts were forged and the physical watches held by the company were knockoffs. To further this fraud and continue to deceive their investors, the defendant and his co-conspirators agreed to create fake websites, use fake phone numbers, and generate fake contracts and valuation reports for the knockoff watches.
* * *
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Dylan A. Stern, Benjamin Weintraub and Molly N. Delaney are in charge of the prosecution. Assistant United States Attorney Claire Kedeshian of the Office’s Asset Forfeiture Section is handling forfeiture matters.
The Defendant:
PUSHPESH KUMAR BAID (also known as “PK Jain”)
Age: 44
Miami, FloridaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-367 (DC)
School Consultant Pleads Guilty to Kickback Conspiracy Connected to Covid-Era Programs Designed to Help Schoolchildren Access the InternetRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, school consultant Richard Bernstein pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States in connection with his agreement with others to steer federal funds to school vendors in exchange for a share of the vendors’ profits. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr. When sentenced, Bernstein faces up to five years’ imprisonment.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Fara Damelin, Inspector General, Federal Communications Commission (FCC), announced the guilty plea.
“Bernstein’s scheme enriched himself and his co-conspirators at the expense of schools and schoolchildren,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Kickback schemes that illegally syphon public funds into private pockets are an insidious form of corruption, and our Office is committed to disrupting and prosecuting such conduct.”
“This case demonstrates the continuing pattern of procurement fraud and kickbacks between consultants and vendors that threaten the integrity of FCC’s ECF and E-Rate programs. The defendant, an active consultant in this industry, used his status to defraud these programs, stated FCC Inspector General Damelin. “We will continue to identify and vigorously investigate bad actors who exploit FCC programs for personal gain to the detriment of students that these programs are meant to serve. I am proud of the outstanding work of our investigative and analytics teams as well as our law enforcement partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office-EDNY, Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, NASA, and the New York City Police Department.
As set forth in the complaint, criminal information, and as discussed in court proceedings, Bernstein was the founder and Chief Executive Officer of E-Rate Consulting, LLC and the president of E-Rate Management Solutions Inc. (together, EMS), both of which are located in Woodmere, New York. EMS offered services to schools in New York and elsewhere related to the E-Rate and Emergency Connectivity Fund (“ECF”) programs.
Both the E-Rate and the ECF programs are operated by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), with oversight from the FCC. The E-Rate program provides discounts to help eligible schools and libraries in the United States obtain affordable telecommunications and internet access. The ECF program provided funding to schools and libraries to assist them in supporting remote learning for students, staff, and library community members during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bernstein acted as an agent for schools seeking access to resources under both the E-Rate and ECF programs. Bernstein agreed with vendors to steer the schools he served to work with those vendors; he simultaneously entered into secret side agreements with the vendors to share as much as half of their profits with him. For example, Bernstein provided consulting services to a school located in Nassau County (School #1) in 2021 and 2022. Bernstein connected that school with a vendor (Vendor #1), and School #1 agreed to receive equipment from Vendor #1. Vendor #1 purchased 130 Lenovo Chromebooks and 40 Lenovo laptops for School #1, and sought reimbursement for these purchases from USAC. USAC ultimately paid $68,000 to Vendor #1 on January 28, 2022. A few days later, EMS submitted an invoice to Vendor #1 for $11,500, representing 50% of Vendor #1’s profits for the equipment provided to School #1. Vendor #1 paid EMS $11,5000 on or about February 8, 2022.
In total, EMS received more than $100,000 in kickbacks from vendors funded through the E-Rate and ECF programs. Bernstein has agreed to forfeit $137,576.64. This amount corresponds to the illicit proceeds he received from the scheme.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Zuckerwise and Eric Silverberg are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Special Agent Anthony Cunder and paralegal specialist Daniel Arakawa.
The Defendants:
RICHARD BERNSTEIN
Age: 71
IsraelE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-9 (RER)
International Arms Dealer Sentenced to 39 Months’ Imprisonment for Conspiring to Export American-Made Firearms and Ammunition to RussiaRead the Press Release
Earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn, Kyrgyz national Sergei Zharnovnikov was sentenced to 39 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to export American-made firearms. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Hector Gonzalez. The defendant illegally exported firearms and ammunition worth over $1.5 million from the United States to Russia, by way of Kyrgyzstan. Zharnovnikov does not have lawful permanent resident status and faces deportation upon sentencing.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Terence G. Reilly, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Jonathan Carson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office (DOC), announced the sentence.
“The defendant bought American-made, military-grade firearms and ammunition and reexported them to Russia—the same brand of firearms and ammunition known to be used in Russia’s war against Ukraine,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our sanctions are only as effective as our ability to enforce them. Today’s sentence is a message to would-be violators: breaking this law has serious consequences.”
“Sergei Zharnovnikov circumvented international trade law to illegally provide Russia with American firearms – including semiautomatic rifles – and ammunition worth more than one million dollars,” stated FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Reilly. “His blatant lies directly fueled Russia’s military siege against Ukraine with American-made weapons. May today’s sentencing reflect the FBI’s steadfast commitment to preventing enemy nations from exploiting export restrictions to accomplish their malevolent agendas.”
According to court filings, the defendant was an arms dealer who operated through a company that he owned located in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (Kyrgyzstan Company-1). Since at least March 2020, the defendant, together with others, conspired to export firearms and ammunition controlled by the DOC from the United States to Russia. The defendant exported approximately $1.58 million worth of U.S.-manufactured firearms and ammunition from the United States to Russia.
In one transaction, the defendant entered into a five‑year, $900,000 contract with a company in the United States (“U.S. Company‑1”) to purchase and export U.S. Company-1 firearms to Kyrgyzstan. DOC issued a license for U.S. Company-1 to export firearms to Kyrgyzstan Company-1, but the license prohibited the export or reexport of the firearms to Russia. Nevertheless, the defendant reexported U.S. Company‑1 firearms to Russia (via Kyrgyzstan), including semi‑automatic hybrid rifle-pistols., without a license
In another transaction, the defendant reexported five rifles from a second U.S. Company (“U.S. Company-2”) to Russia, via Kyrgyzstan. Here too, the DOC license prohibited the rifles from being reexported out of Kyrgyzstan. Notably, U.S. Company-2 rifles have been used by Russian military snipers, including by Russian battalions known to be active in key battles in Ukraine.
Finally, the defendant conspired to illegally reexport U.S.‑manufactured ammunition from Italy to Kyrgyzstan (and eventually Russia), in violation of U.S. law. The defendant, together with others, placed an order and received 13,000 rounds of ammunition from a third U.S. company (“U.S. Company-3”) worth $23,000 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan by way of Italy. The license for this ammunition required that the ammunition stay in Italy. Nevertheless, the defendant flouted U.S. law and reexported the U.S. Company-3 ammunition from Italy to Kyrgyzstan. U.S. Company-3 ammunition has reportedly been used in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorney Ellen H. Sise is in charge of the prosecution, along with Trial Attorney Leslie Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, with assistance from Litigation Analyst Rebecca Roth.
The Defendants:
SERGEI ZHARNOVNIKOV
AGE: 47
Bishkek, KyrgyzstanE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-45 (HG)
Two Mexican Nationals Transferred from Mexico to the United States to Face Charges of Manufacturing and Distributing Fentanyl and Fentanyl Precursor ChemicalsRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Carlos Alberto Guerrero Mercado and Guillermo Isaias Perez Parra, who are Mexican citizens, were arraigned on a superseding indictment charging them with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute fentanyl, conspiracy to manufacture and distribute listed chemicals, and money laundering conspiracy. Both defendants were ordered detained pending trial. The proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge James R. Cho. The defendants were transferred to the United States from Mexico on January 20, 2026.
The defendants are among 37 Mexican nationals who were transferred to the United States from Mexico yesterday to face a range of federal criminal charges around the country.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI New York), announced the arraignment.
“As alleged, these defendants played a key role in manufacturing the fentanyl poisoning our nation,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The defendants and their co-conspirators obtained the chemicals necessary to manufacture vast quantities of fentanyl—also known as precursor chemicals—from companies in China. Now they will face American justice for their callous crimes. Our Office is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals responsible for the fentanyl scourge at all levels of the production and distribution of this lethal drug.”
Mr. Nocella thanked the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs for their assistance.
“As alleged, these two individuals are among the worst kind of predators: traffickers who poison our communities with staggering quantities of deadly fentanyl, manufactured with chemicals funneled from overseas and unleashed on American streets. HSI has relentlessly targeted every link in this lethal supply chain — from the chemical brokers in China to the cartel chemists in Mexico and the global traffickers — and will continue to do so with unflinching focus on our mission to protect our homeland. HSI and the HSTF New York will stop at nothing to investigate, identify and arrest those who profit from this epidemic of death, wherever in the world they may hide,” stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Alfonso.
As alleged in the indictment and court filings, the defendants obtained the chemical building blocks of fentanyl from suppliers in China, often transporting the chemicals to Mexico through border towns in the United States. Once in Mexico, the defendants converted these precursor chemicals into massive quantities of fentanyl, which were later distributed and sold in the United States. When law enforcement interrupted the flow of precursor chemicals from China, the defendants conspired to manufacture their own precursor chemicals.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, both defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to life in prison.
This prosecution is also part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorneys William P. Campos, Chand Edwards-Balfour and Adam Amir are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
CARLOS ALBERTO GUERRERO MERCADO
Age: 47
MexicoGUILLERMO ISAIAS PEREZ PARRA
Age: 41
MexicoE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-287 (S-1) (EK)
Lead Narcotics Distributor for the Violent H-2 Drug Trafficking Organization Transferred from Mexico to Face Narcotics Trafficking and Firearms Charges in Federal Court in BrooklynRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Jair Francisco Patron Tobias, also known as “Crixus,” “Junior,” and “Gannicus,” was arraigned on an indictment charging him with participating in a large-scale narcotics distribution conspiracy and using one or more firearms in connection with those narcotic offenses. The defendant, a Mexican citizen, was arrested in Mexico on a provisional arrest warrant issued from the Eastern District of New York and transferred from Mexico to the United States on January 20, 2026. Today’s proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge James R. Cho. The defendant was ordered detained pending trial.
Patron Tobias was among 37 Mexican nationals who were transferred to the United States from Mexico yesterday to face a range of federal criminal charges around the country.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Frank A. Tarentino, III, Associate Chief of Operations, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Northeast Region (DEA), and Anthony Chrysanthis, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Los Angeles Field Division which oversees the Las Vegas District Office (DEA), announced the arraignment.
“As alleged in the indictment and court filings, the defendant was one of the lead drug distributors for a vicious cartel responsible for sending massive quantities of dangerous drugs into the United States,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Today’s arraignment in a U.S. courtroom is the first step in holding him accountable for his serious crimes and the immense harm that he has caused. Our Office is working with federal and international partners to dismantle drug cartels and prosecute high-level drug traffickers responsible for flooding our country with dangerous drugs that leave death in their wake.”
Mr. Nocella thanked the DEA’s offices in Mexico City, Mexico and New York, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Department of State, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and the Government of Mexico for their invaluable assistance.
“Once again we see the power of collaboration between our DEA’s offices, the HSTF, and our law enforcement partners in holding accountable those who traffic illicit narcotics while using violence, intimidation, and fear as a means to push their poison into American communities” stated DEA Northeast Regional Associate Chief of Operations Tarentino. “The DEA is committed to targeting those drug trafficking organizations and individuals, like Jair Francisco Patron Tobias, who are responsible for causing the most harm. This is the DEA’s focus, both here and abroad, and we will continue this fight until we have a drug-free America.”
“In recent years and through today, our country has suffered one of the biggest and most destructive drug crisis ever imagined. DEA is tackling this problem head on, and with urgency. Working in conjunction with national and international partners, we are intent on dismantling these violent global drug networks. They unleash poison onto our streets, lining their pockets with no regard to human suffering. Make no mistake, the heads of these drug emporiums will be held accountable. Today’s indictment of an alleged narcotics kingpin is just one example of more to come,” stated DEA Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Chrysanthis.
According to the indictment and other court filings, the defendant was a lead distributor for the H-2 Drug Trafficking Organization (the H-2 DTO), a violent Mexican drug trafficking organization based in Nayarit and Sinaloa, Mexico. The H-2 DTO was previously led by the defendant’s father, Juan Francisco Patron Sanchez, also known as “H-2,” who was killed in 2017. After Juan Francisco Patron Sanchez’s death, his brother Jesus Ricardo Patron Sanchez (the defendant’s uncle) assumed principal leadership over the H-2 DTO. The H-2 DTO had numerous distribution cells in the United States, including in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Ohio, Minnesota, and North Carolina. The DEA estimates that between January 2013 and February 2017, the H-2 DTO distributed, on a monthly basis, hundreds of kilograms of heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, as well as thousands of kilograms of marijuana, into the United States and earned millions of dollars in illegal proceeds in return. The H-2 DTO used firearms and physical violence in furtherance of its drug trafficking operation.
Between June 2013 and December 2016, the defendant directed the distribution of large quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana from Mexico throughout the United States, including the Eastern District of New York. The defendant also coordinated money laundering activities of the H-2 DTO to ensure the proceeds of their drug trafficking were transferred back to Mexico. The defendant worked closely with his father and uncle to expand the H-2 DTO’s power and territory by prohibiting rival drug trafficking organizations from manufacturing heroin.
This prosecution is also part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces up to life in prison.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Nomi D. Berenson, Raffaela S. Belizaire, and Andrew D. Wang are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
JAIR FRANCISCO PATRON TOBIAS
Age: 31
MexicoE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 16-CR-241 (S-2) (CBA)