Northern District of Texas

DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould and FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock today announced today that federal agents have disrupted a major illicit laptop‑hosting network that enabled Democratic People's Republic of Korea IT workers to unlawfully access U.S. corporate systems using stolen or falsified American identities.

As part of Operation Lonestar Roundup, the FBI executed searches of over 40 residences in the State of Texas seizing 187 laptops and KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) devices, all of which had operated as laptop farms for DPRK IT workers. In North Texas, agents seized approximately 100 devices that the DPRK workers and their U.S.-based facilitators used carry out the fraudulent scheme to obtain remote employment and generate revenue for the North Korean regime’s sanctioned weapons programs.

“This investigation is about far more than fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “It is about a hostile foreign regime infiltrating American companies through stolen identities and covert access points inside our own borders. Every laptop farm we dismantle shuts down a revenue stream that the North Korean government relies on to fund weapons programs that threaten global stability. Operation Lonestar Roundup sends a clear message: we will not allow enemies of the United States to exploit our businesses or compromise our national security.”

“Operation Lonestar Roundup was aimed at disrupting malicious cyber activity perpetrated by the North Korean government with the purpose of supporting its WMD and ballistic missile programs, intelligence program, and nuclear program. Each laptop seized potentially represents one company that has hired a DPRK IT worker,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement and private sector partners to combat this threat. We encourage any company, or individual, who has information on this scheme to come forward and file a report at ic3.gov.”

According to investigative findings, DPRK IT workers applied for and obtained remote positions by using stolen or fabricated identity documents, virtual private networks and proxy infrastructure to appear as though they were working from within the United States. They also relied on U.S.-based facilitators who received laptops from victim companies, housed and configured those devices, installed remote-access software and transferred earnings to DPRK‑controlled accounts. 

U.S. cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike has identified this group of DPRK IT workers and their helpers as “Famous Chollima,” a name that many victims now use to describe the broader threat network. 

Investigators discovered that the DPRK operatives allegedly used a network of fraudulent Google accounts to facilitate their criminal activity. The following accounts were among those identified as being used in this plot:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]

The Department of Justice remains committed to disrupting DPRK illicit financial networks and protecting U.S. companies from covert intrusion schemes.

The investigation remains ongoing. Additional details will be released as appropriate.

LUBBOCK, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that a New Mexico man who was caught with over 300 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded Glock pistol after leading multiple West Texas law enforcement agencies on a lengthy high-speed chase was sentenced to just over 19 years in federal prison on Oct. 8.

Erik Louis Almaguer, 32, was indicted in February and pleaded guilty in May to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix imposed a 170‑month sentence for the drug offense, followed by a consecutive 60‑month sentence for the firearm offense, for a total of 230 months. 

“This defendant put countless motorists and officers at risk in an effort to avoid accountability,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “This sentence reflects both the seriousness of his conduct and the strength of the partnerships that make West Texas safer. Because of the swift coordination among our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, a dangerous trafficker was stopped, and significant quantities of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm were removed from our communities.”

“Drug traffickers who put innocent lives at risk by fleeing from law enforcement demonstrate a reckless disregard for the safety of our communities,” said DEA Dallas Special Agent in Charge Joseph B. Tucker. “This defendant chose to endanger the public rather than face the consequences of his criminal activity.  Thanks to the coordinated efforts of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, he will now be held accountable for his actions.”

According to court documents, on Oct. 9, 2025, narcotics agents in Lubbock were surveilling Erik Almaguer under suspicion that he was engaged in drug trafficking. A Lubbock Police Department patrol unit attempted to stop his vehicle after he committed a traffic violation, but Almaguer immediately accelerated his vehicle and led officers on a high-speed chase. Almaguer left the Lubbock city limits, traveling towards Brownfield. Multiple law enforcement agencies were called in to assist in stopping Almaguer. The defendant evaded law enforcement all the way from Lubbock to Brownfield, at times traveling over 100 miles per hour.

When Almaguer reached Brownfield, officers successfully flattened two of Almaguer’s tires using spike strips. However, he continued to evade, forcing officers to use their patrol units to disable his vehicle. Almaguer exited his vehicle and attempted to flee on foot but was quickly captured.

Officers located a torn plastic baggie containing suspected methamphetamine near where Almaguer was taken into custody. Officers searched his vehicle and located over 300 grams of suspected methamphetamine and more than 12 grams of suspected fentanyl powder. A loaded Glock 17 pistol with an extended magazine was found between the driver’s seat and center console. Officers also located a baggie of suspected fentanyl pills in Almaguer’s sock.

In plea papers, Almaguer admitted to possessing over 300 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it to others. He also admitted to possessing a loaded Glock pistol in relation to his drug trafficking. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Lubbock Police Department, Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office, Hockley County Sheriff’s Office, Terry County Sheriff’s Office, and Brownfield Police Department conducted the investigation. Federal, state, and local law enforcement partners collaborated on this investigation under the Caprock Texas High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) initiative. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Long from the Lubbock Division prosecuted the case.

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FORT WORTH, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that a Springtown, Texas, man who repeatedly issued violent threats against the President of the United States and federal immigration officers was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison. 

On June 9, 2025, Francisco Jesus Mena, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of threatening a federal official. U.S. Chief District Judge Reed O’Connor imposed the sentence today.

“Threats against the President and federal officers are crimes that my office takes very seriously,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “We will continue to prosecute individuals like the defendant who seek to intimidate, impede or retaliate against federal law enforcement for performing vital national security and immigration related duties.” 

“This sentence makes clear that conveying violent online threats is a serious criminal offense with substantial consequences, said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI remains committed to ensuring that individuals who exploit digital platforms to intimidate, coerce, or instill fear are held accountable.” 

“The U.S. Secret Service investigates all threats against our protectees,” said Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Dallas Field Office Christina Foley. “Threats against the President will not be tolerated. We continue to work alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to investigate these threats and will hold those who threaten to harm any of our protectees accountable.”

According to court documents, between May 13 and May 25, 2025, Mena made numerous threats against President Trump and ICE agents in a series of online messages posted to social media. The defendant repeatedly threatened to assault and murder the President, writing variations of “KILL TRUMP” across multiple dates and platforms. He also issued threats directed at federal law enforcement officers stating that if ICE agents came to his residence, he would “respond with a gunfight,” and claiming he had previously stabbed an ICE agent and “would love to do this again.”

On several occasions, Mena claimed that ICE personnel would be targeted next and encouraged violence against federal officers and white people, stating that individuals with “blue eyes and white skin will get chopped,” and offering payment or solicitation to harm the President. He further stated he did not need money to “take out Trump” and requested access to a sniper.

The FBI and the U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation with assistance from local law enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Beck and Ethan Womble from the Fort Worth Division prosecuted the case.

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DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that a Dallas man has been charged with repeatedly flying a drone into restricted airspace around both Dallas Love Field and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. 

On Sept. 16, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment against Pujan Prashantkumar Gajjar, 24, on offenses related to the unauthorized operation of an unmanned aircraft in protected airport airspace. 

“Safe and secure air travel depends on strict compliance with federal aviation rules,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “Unauthorized drone incursions into protected airport airspace jeopardizes aircraft and endangers pilots, passengers and the entire community. This office will continue working with our law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of our airspace.” 

"Operating a drone in restricted airport space threatens the safety of pilots, passengers, and crew in the air as well as communities on the ground,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI is committed to working with our partners to investigate these types of violations and ensure those who endanger our airspace are held accountable.”

According to the indictment, Mr. Gajjar allegedly flew a drone into the runway exclusion zone at Dallas Love Field around 11:30 p.m. on June 26, 2025, with the drone allegedly crossing an active runway. The following night, he allegedly flew the same drone into restricted airspace surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. The indictment further alleges that, in connection with the same flights, Mr. Gajjar knowingly and willfully served as an airman without the required airman’s certificate.

Federal agents arrested Gajjar Sept. 22. He made his initial appearance the same day before U.S. Magistrate Judge Renee Harris Toliver. If convicted, Gajjar faces up to eight years in federal prison.

The FBI Dallas and the Federal Air Marshal Service conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Federal Aviation Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward L. Hocter from the National Security Section is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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DALLAS –Heal 360 Urgent Care PLLC, Heal 360 Primary Care PLLC (together “Heal 360”) and their owner, Dr. Mohammed Amer Mohiuddin (Mohiuddin), have agreed to pay the United States $20 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations that they knowingly submitted or caused the submission of false claims to the Health Resources & Services Administration COVID-19 Claims Reimbursement to Health Care Providers and Facilities for Testing, Treatment, and Vaccine Administration for the Uninsured Program (the “Uninsured Program”) for evaluation and management services that were not performed.

“This settlement is a great example of this Administration’s commitment to using all available tools at its disposal to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in federal healthcare programs,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould for the Northern District of Texas. “Through the combined efforts of civil fraud and asset forfeiture prosecutors from my office, civil fraud prosecutors in the Eastern District of Texas and at Main Justice, and outstanding investigative work by our agency partners at the HHS Office of Inspector General, we were able to secure this substantial recovery for the benefit of the American taxpayer. The message should be crystal clear to anyone seeking to defraud federal healthcare programs — we will find you, we will find the money and assets, and we will do everything within our power to hold you accountable.”

“The Department is committed to rooting out fraud by healthcare providers who bill for services they did not provide,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement demonstrates that we will hold accountable those providers who exploit federal healthcare programs for their own financial gain.” 

“We are dedicated to protecting healthcare resources from fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs for the Eastern District of Texas. “When medical providers bill federal healthcare payers for unnecessary or unprovided services to increase revenue, we will use every possible tool to hold medical providers accountable and recover those funds. This case emphasizes our District’s commitment to justice by pursuing anyone who attempts to steal through misrepresentations.”

“Ensuring federal funds dedicated to public health emergency response are used appropriately is a core oversight priority for HHS‑OIG,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Miranda L. Bennett of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Billing for services that were never provided undermines trust in the health care system and diverts resources from patients who need them. HHS‑OIG will continue working alongside law‑enforcement partners to hold anyone who attempts to exploit federal healthcare programs accountable.”

Between approximately May 2020 and April 2022, the Uninsured Program reimbursed eligible providers for COVID-19 tests, testing-related items and services, treatment, and vaccines performed on uninsured individuals. Mohiuddin is a physician who owns the Heal 360 entities, which are medical clinics in Plano, Texas. During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, Heal 360 provided healthcare services, including specimen collection for COVID-19 tests. The settlement announced today resolves allegations that from Jan. 1, 2021 through March 23, 2022, Heal 360 and Mohiuddin knowingly submitted or caused the submission of false claims to the Uninsured Program by billing evaluation and management services (E/M Services) that were not performed.

As alleged by United States, claims for E/M Services, sometimes referred to as “office visits,” are submitted under Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Codes, and vary in level of complexity. Higher level codes reflect increased complexity, such as a higher level of decision-making, more detailed history, or longer duration of time. During the COVID Public Health Emergency, CMS approved the use of CPT Code 99211 for COVID-19 test specimen collection. Physicians and non-physician practitioners, such as nurse practitioners (NPs) were required to use CPT Code 99211 to bill for COVID-19 specimen collection billed by clinical staff incident to their services. By contrast, Levels 3 and 4 E/M Services (i.e. CPT Codes 99203 and 99204 for new patients, and 99213 and 99214 for established patients) are codes for higher level E/M services (the “Higher Level E/M Services”) that could not be used for mere specimen collection.

The United States contends that during the PHE, under Mohiuddin’s oversight and direction, the Heal 360 entities operated and provided services at dozens of COVID-19 testing sites in Texas, the vast majority of which were walk up or drive through testing sites (the “COVID test sites”). Patients could register online or at the site to receive a COVID-19 test, and at the COVID test sites, patients remained in their vehicles while Heal 360 staff checked them in and performed specimen collection services through nasal swabs for COVID-19 tests. No other medical treatment was rendered.

The United States alleges that Heal 360 and Mohiuddin knew that the appropriate CPT Codes for the services provided at the COVID test sites were specimen collection codes, but nevertheless submitted claims under CPT Codes for Higher Level E/M Services that were reimbursed at substantially higher rates than reimbursements for specimen collection.

In order to create the appearance that Higher Level E/M Services were being performed, Heal 360 and Mohiuddin created fictitious, template-generated medical records to correspond to the dates of service for testing that made it appear as if E/M services occurred, for example by including sections for “past medical history” and “examination.”  The charts were generated by remote scribes located overseas who input information collected at the COVID test sites into the records. Although Mohiuddin did not visit or treat patients at the COVID tests sites, he was listed on the majority of the claims as the rendering physician. Heal 360 and Mohiuddin submitted hundreds of thousands of claims by the Heal 360 entities to the Uninsured Program for Higher Level E/M Services, and as a result received payment to which they were not entitled.

The civil settlement resolves two cases pending in the Eastern District of Texas and Northern District of Texas filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to file an action for false claims on behalf of the United States and share any recovery. The qui tam cases are captioned U.S. ex rel. Hooper at al. v. Heal 360 Primary Care, PLLC et al., Case No. 4:21-cv-00569 (E.D. Tex.) and U.S. ex rel. Hasan v. Heal 360 Urgent Care, PLLC et al., Case No. 3:22-cv-1333-E (N.D. Tex.). Relators will receive $3,400,000 of the proceeds from the settlement. In addition, the government and Mohiuddin have reached an agreement to resolve a related asset forfeiture proceeding initiated in the Northern District of Texas against certain real properties purchased by Mohiuddin, with proceeds from the sales of those properties being credited to the civil settlement. The asset forfeiture proceeding is captioned United States v. Real Property Known as 3300 State Highway 78, Garland, TX et al., No. 3:23-cv-2784-X.

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of Texas and Northern District of Texas, with substantial assistance from HHS-OIG. This matter was handled by Civil Division Fraud Section Trial Attorney Elizabeth J. Kappakas and by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Gillingham and Kevin McClendon for the Eastern District of Texas, Brian Stoltz and Najib Gazi for the Northern District of Texas, and John Penn for the forfeiture proceeding in the Northern District of Texas.

This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.

The civil claims settled by the agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of civil liability.

FORT WORTH, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that an Afghan citizen residing in Fort Worth pleaded guilty Oct. 6 to transmitting a threatening communication in interstate commerce after threatening to conduct a suicide attack.

Mohammad Dawood Alokozay, a 32-year-old Afghan national, was charged by federal complaint on Nov. 30, 2025, with transmitting a threatening communication in interstate commerce related to threats he made during a social media livestream, which was recorded and posted to multiple social media accounts. 

“Threats of suicide bombing are not jokes or momentary outbursts, they are federal crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “The United States has zero-tolerance for any threat to engage in a suicide attack or mass casualty event. We will respond swiftly and decisively to ensure that anyone who engages in this type of behavior faces serious federal consequences.”

“The FBI takes online threats of violence seriously and will work with our law enforcement partners to hold individuals accountable for threatening the safety of others. I want to thank the members of the public who came forward to report the defendant’s video. Their timely action contributed to our ability to quickly identify the defendant and secure this guilty plea. We continue to urge the public to report threatening communications to law enforcement," said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock.

According to court documents, on Nov. 23, 2025, Alokozay participated in an online video chat group with several individuals, including Victim 1, who is also from Afghanistan. Alokozay and the others exchanged highly offensive insults based on longstanding tribal animosity. Alokozay threatened to conduct a "suicide attack" against Victim 1 and the others using a "suicide bomb." Portions of the exchange were recorded and uploaded to the social media platform TikTok.

Federal agents and local partners quickly identified and located Alokozay and executed a search warrant at his residence and on his mobile phone to confirm he had no bomb‑making materials and concluded that the defendant did not intend to carry out an attack. Alokozay admitted in court documents that he knowingly transmitted a threat to injure another person through interstate and foreign commerce.

Alokozay pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey L. Cureton on Oct 6. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. A sentencing date will be set by the Court.

The FBI Dallas, Fort Worth Resident Agency conducted the investigation with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations Dallas, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Fort Worth Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincent Mazzurco from the National Security-Cybercrime section is prosecuting the case.

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DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced today that AMAX Engineering Corporation, an AI data center engineering firm, has agreed to pay $2.48 million to resolve allegations that the company violated the False Claims Act by applying for and receiving a loan that it was not eligible for in the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program.

AMAX applied for and received a second draw PPP loan in 2021 which was later forgiven in full. However, the government contended that AMAX was not a qualified small business eligible for the loan, because it and related entities collectively exceeded the applicable size standard.

The settlement resolved a lawsuit filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The qui tam lawsuit is case number 3:25-CV-3100-N in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, and the qui tam relator, Blockquote, Inc., will receive $248,000 in connection with the settlement.  

“My office continues to aggressively investigate and pursue companies that received PPP funds they were not eligible for,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “The PPP was purposely limited to qualifying small businesses, meaning that every PPP dollar taken by a larger, ineligible company during the pandemic was a dollar that should have gone to the small businesses of Main Street America that Congress was trying to help. We are determined to hold those companies accountable and recover those taxpayer dollars.”

Congress created the PPP in March 2020, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act to provide emergency loans to small businesses suffering economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether an applicant qualified for a PPP loan depended on various factors, including employee-count size standards for applicants.

The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Najib Gazi, together with Attorney Amber Perez, Office of General Counsel for the Small Business Administration.  

This year, the Trump Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s False Claims Act enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. False Claims Act matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s False Claims work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.

The civil claims settled by the agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of civil liability.

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DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that a Mexican citizen was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy involving nearly four kilograms of high‑purity methamphetamine.

Luis Manuel Abarca‑Torres, a.k.a. “Güero Menso,” pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on July 29, 2025. Judge Brantley Starr imposed the decades long sentence on Sept. 30. 

“Four kilograms of nearly pure methamphetamine poised for distribution is not just a drug transaction, it’s a direct threat to every family in North Texas,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “This defendant helped funnel extraordinarily dangerous narcotics into our community, and thanks to the relentless work of our Homeland Security Task Force that pipeline is now shut down. This 40‑year sentence sends a clear message: traffickers who target North Texas will face severe consequences.”

“This sentence sends a message to drug traffickers who poison our communities with dangerous drugs and line the pockets of criminal organizations,” said Joseph B. Tucker, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Dallas Field Division. “This sentence of 480 months will hold Mr. Torres accountable for the poison that found its way into our neighborhoods by his hand. No amount of drugs is acceptable in our neighborhoods, and those that are responsible for the distribution of poison in the form of drugs in our communities will face justice sooner or later. The DEA will never cease its efforts to rid these drugs from the streets of North Texas.”

Courtroom filings reveal that between June 21, 2022, and June 30, 2022, Torres arranged to supply an undercover officer four kilograms of methamphetamine in exchange for $10,000 U.S. Dollars. During this time frame, Torres told the undercover officer that a Dallas based distributor would contact the undercover officer and tell the undercover officer that they were calling on Torres’ behalf by identifying Torres as “Guero.”    

Co-defendant Adriana Melendez Calvillo met the undercover officer at a McDonald’s located at 7305 Airport Freeway, in Richland Hills, Texas and delivered 3.953 kilograms of methamphetamine to the undercover officer. The methamphetamine had a purity of 97%.  Calvillo was sentenced on Nov. 20, 2024, to 480 months confinement on drug charges and 240 months confinement on money laundering charges.

Courtroom filings related to co-defendant Ignacio Manzo Cardenas, who was sentenced on Oct. 29, 2025, to a term of 440 months confinement on drug charges and 240 months confinement on money laundering charges, reveal that on Oct. 25, 2022, agents conducted a search at an address located in Reno, Texas. During the search agents located over 24 kilograms of crystalized methamphetamine. The methamphetamine had a purity of 99%. The search also revealed evidence of a methamphetamine conversion lab with different amounts of methamphetamine being located in liquid and crystalized form.  

The search also revealed multiple drug ledgers that showed hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine had been received and disbursed from the location. Those same ledgers also contained evidence regarding money deliveries.    

Courtroom testimony from Melendez’s sentencing hearing revealed shipments of drugs and proceeds in this case are linked to the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación. On Feb. 20, 2025, the U.S. Department of State designated the CJNG, which has contacts across the Americas, Australia, China, and Southeast Asia, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The CJNG has previously attacked the Mexican military and police with military grade weaponry, the use of drones to drop explosives on Mexican law enforcement and assassinations or attempted assassinations of Mexican officials.    

Abarca-Torres is the 12th defendant sentenced in this investigation that involved a total of 13 defendants in two separate cases. All told, Abarca-Torres was held accountable for 396,769 kilograms (calculated as converted drug weight) for trafficking methamphetamine and heroin. One defendant remains unapprehended.  

The following defendants have been previously sentenced in this case:

• Adriana Melendez Calvillo was sentenced to a term of 480 months imprisonment for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and 240 months imprisonment on money laundering
• Ignacio Manzo Cardenas was sentenced to a term of 440 months confinement for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and 240 months confinement for laundering of monetary instruments with individuals  
• Omar Gilliam was sentenced to a term of 270 months confinement for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
• David Garcia was sentenced to 121 months imprisonment for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
• Fatima Garcia was sentenced to a term of 108 months imprisonment for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and money laundering charges
• Juan Pablo Guerra was sentenced to a term of 62 months imprisonment for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin
• Gerardo Campos Garcia was sentenced to a term of 27 months imprisonment for conspiring to launder monetary instruments; and
• Hilario Zamago was sentenced to a probation term of one year for using a communication facility to facilitate a drug felony.

As part of Torres’ agreement to plead guilty in this case, the Government agreed to dismiss charges in case number 3:23-CR-177-N. In that case the following sentences have been pronounced:

• Oscar Alonso Dominguez Rodriguez was sentenced to 240-months confinement for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
• Guadalupe Ramirez was sentenced to 97-months confinement for Laundering Monetary Instruments
• Franklin Jose Cruiz Arguijo was sentenced to 70-months confinement for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Dallas Division conducted the investigation with assistance from the IRS-Criminal Investigation, Texas Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Leal, Joseph T. Lo Galbo and Abby Policastro prosecuted the case.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of 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. HSTF Dallas comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, United States Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, and United States Secret Service in partnership with the Texas Department of Public Safety, City of Dallas Police Department, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement entities.  

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FORT WORTH, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould, announced that a federal court sentenced Stephenville businessman Clayton Lloyd Iley, 41, to more than 13 years in federal prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft on Oct. 1. These offenses arose from a scheme wherein he illegally obtained credit cards and offered a scam loan program to victims.

“Clayton Iley’s conduct caused real financial and emotional harm to the victims he targeted, many of whom trusted him with their personal information and hard‑earned money,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “This sentence reflects our commitment to holding fraudsters accountable. Those who steal from members of our community, manipulate them with fabricated schemes and misuse their identities will face significant federal consequences.” 

“This 160-month sentence holds the defendant accountable for a multi-year fraud scheme that exploited members of our communities,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI will continue to work in close coordination with our partners to identify, investigate, and disrupt fraud schemes that threaten the public.”

According to court records, Iley operated an insurance brokerage business named Clayton Texas Legacy Insurance Group, LLC from its headquarters in Cross Plains, Texas and offered home, auto, life, health, farm & ranch, and commercial insurance policies to the public. 

Court documents show from January 2020 through May 2026, Iley used at least two entities he controlled, Texas Legacy Holdings and Enterprises, LLC and Spartan Global Security, LLC dba as “Black Eagle PMC” to conduct financial transactions. Texas Legacy Holdings operated as a holding company and was used to conduct financial transactions. Spartan Global purported to offer private security services, commercial security services, corporate security services, and private military contracting services. Iley defrauded victims by, among other things:

• Falsely representing to victims that he could invest their funds in a “Bonded Note” loan program that was provided by the U.S. Department of Defense to private military contractors, when in reality, Iley knew the relevant loan program did not exist; during the relevant time period, Iley collected over $2 million based on this misrepresentation and used the funds to pay his own personal expenses and to execute other parts of his fraudulent scheme
• Falsely represented to specific Texas Legacy Insurance clients that he would accept client funds and cause Texas Legacy Insurance to initiate requested insurance policies on their behalf, when in in reality, Iley knew he would accept their insurance premium payment funds, fail to open requested insurance policies, and instead intended use their funds to pay his own personal expenses and to fund the relevant fraudulent scheme
• Provided victim personal identifying information (e.g., first name, last name, etc.) to financial institutions to fraudulently secure credit cards bearing the names of those specific victims without the knowledge or authority of each victim, then used the resulting credit cards deposit funds into Spartan Global bank accounts and claim the transactions were gross receipts for the business; and pay for his own personal expenses and exotic collector vehicles.

As part of his plea agreement, Iley agreed to forfeit property over 90 exotic collector vehicles obtained with funds from his fraudulent scheme. To date, federal investigators have seized and secured a preliminary order of forfeiture for the following vehicles which will be sold to fund restitution owed to the victims of Iley’s fraud scheme: 

• 2012 Lamborghini Model Ave 
• 2016 Ferrari Model 488 
• 2022 Maserati Model MC20 
• 2021 Porsche Taycan 
• 2013 Toyota Model Tundra 
• 2014 Dodge SRT Viper 
• 2022 Maserati Model MC20 
• 2018 Ferrari Model 488 
• 2022 Maserati Model MC20 
• 2015 Lamborghini Model Huracan 
• 2023 Jeep Gladiator 
• 2015 Lamborghini Huracan 
• 2012 Lamborghini Aventador 
• 1968 Pontiac Model FB 
• 1989 AM G M99 
• 1990 BMY M923A 
• 1993 AM General 

Iley pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft offenses on June 17. U.S. District Court Judge Mark Pittman imposed the 160-month sentence yesterday.

The FBI’s Fort Worth Resident Agency, the Texas Rangers, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Stephenville Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac McDonald from the Fort Worth Division prosecuted the case.

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ABILENE, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that Troy Nathaniel Navarro, 34, was sentenced Oct. 1 to life in federal prison for committing severe child‑exploitation offenses over multiple years.

Navarro pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor, production of child pornography, and commission of a felony offense involving a minor by a registered sex offender on May 8. Yesterday, the Court imposed the following sentence:

• Life imprisonment for enticement of a minor
• 600 months (50 years) for production of child pornography
• 120 months (10 years) as to felony offense involving a minor by a registered sex offender

“The life sentence imposed today reflects the enormity of the defendant’s conduct and highlights our unwavering commitment to pursue the strongest penalties available under federal law when a predator exploits a child,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “This defendant’s repeated violations of the law underscore precisely why federal statutes exist to address offenders who continue to prey on children despite prior convictions. The community is safer because this defendant has been held accountable.” 

“This life sentence, imposed as a result of multiple violations by a registered sex offender, underscores our commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for crimes against children,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI, alongside our law enforcement partners, remains dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities.”

According to court records, from 2023 through 2026, Navarro knowing or attempted to employ, use, persuade, induce, coerce, or entice minor victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct. As part of his guilty plea, Navarro admitted he used the Internet, cellular devices, and cloud‑based applications — all facilities of interstate commerce — to carry out his offenses.

The case originated from a CyberTip report received by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, indicating possible child‑exploitation material linked to an account stored within a commercial cloud‑service platform. Investigators with the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Investigations Division developed the initial lead, identifying subscriber information and linking the activity to Navarro’s residence in Throckmorton, Texas.

Digital‑forensics personnel from state and federal agencies executed both state and federal search warrants, retrieving electronic evidence across multiple devices and accounts. The recovered data established Navarro’s extensive digital communications, his use of interstate‑commerce channels and his role in producing child pornography.

According to court documents, Navarro admitted to using interstate communications systems to entice a minor and produce illegal visual depictions. Navarro has prior conviction for aggravated sexual assault of a child. As a registered offender, Navarro’s commission of new felony conduct involving a minor triggered enhanced penalties under federal law.

The Court ordered the life and 50-year sentences to run concurrently and 10-year sentence to run consecutively to the earlier counts. Upon release from imprisonment, Navarro will be subject to a life term of supervised release, with all three terms to run concurrently.

FBI Dallas Field Office – Wichita Falls Resident Agency and Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Whitney James from the Abilene Division prosecuted the case.

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DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that Athuman Farid Omar was sentenced 40 months in federal prison and two years of supervised release for defrauding a Dallas-based credit union that resulted in over $2.3 million in actual losses. 

Omar, 49, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit bank fraud in April. On Sept. 23, U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade imposed the sentence and ordered him to pay $2,332,491.91 in restitution.

“This sentence and restitution order reflects the seriousness of Mr. Omar’s long‑running scheme to exploit a trusted relationship and siphon millions of dollars from a financial institution that serves our community,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “This Office will not tolerate those who exploit personal relationships and manipulate the banking system for illicit gain. We will protect the integrity of our financial institutions and relentlessly pursue anyone who attempts to defraud them.” 

According to court documents and statements at the sentencing hearing, Omar exploited his years-long relationship with the former CEO of the Dallas-based credit union and coconspirator, Jonathan Salcedo. He used that relationship to defraud the financial institution out of millions of dollars by depositing insufficiently funded checks into several business accounts he had opened with the credit union that were issued from an account with a separate bank. 

The eighteen-month long scheme came to an end in December 2022, when in the span of just two days, Omar attempted to deposit 56 checks totaling $1,160,780 from his account with a separate bank to an account with the credit union, despite knowing that he did not have sufficient funds to cover the amount of those checks. 

Omar is a Tanzanian citizen who has resided in the Dallas area for decades without legal status in the United States. He will be transferred to ICE custody upon completion of his federal sentence. 

Coconspirator Jonathan Salcedo has also entered a guilty plea, and his case is set for sentencing later this year.

The FBI Dallas conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Koos prosecuted the case.

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AMARILLO, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that federal agents arrested Tharon Thomas Drake, a 53-year-old Borger man, pursuant to a criminal complaint charging him with receipt of child pornography on Sept. 30.

“This arrest reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting every family in every community in North Texas,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “My office has zero tolerance for those who prey on children—whether in person or behind a screen. I want to reassure families that we are watching, we are vigilant and we will act swiftly and decisively against anyone who harms children.”

“This arrest reflects the FBI’s ongoing commitment to identifying individuals who prey on our children through online exploitation and ensuring they are held accountable,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “We will continue working closely with our partners to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.”

According to the criminal complaint, from at least April 2024 through Sept. 2, 2026, Drake allegedly communicated online with individuals he believed to be minors and received files containing child sexual abuse material. Court ordered search warrant material revealed that Drake received over 50 sexually explicit videos and images from two minor victims after they disclosed they were under the age of 18.

The complaint alleges Drake used multiple messaging platforms that investigators linked to the defendant through subscriber records, online accounts, IP address information and other identifying data. 

Drake is charged with receipt of child pornography. He made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lee Ann Reno on Sept. 30. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in federal prison.

The FBI Dallas Field Office, Amarillo Resident Agency conducted the investigation with the assistance of the FBI Dallas Field Office, Wichita Falls Resident Agency, the Borger Police Department, the Hutchinson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Potter County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Callie Woolam and Aspen Hall are prosecuting the case.

A complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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FORT WORTH, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that Badshah Sahi, a 21-year-old Afghan national, was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for producing and possessing child pornography on Sept. 29. 

Sahi pleaded guilty to production and possession of child pornography charges on April 1. U.S. Senior District Judge Terry R. Means imposed the 420-month sentence to run consecutive to his outstanding state proceedings.

“This lengthy sentence sends a resounding message: Child predators will find no safe harbor in the Northern District of Texas,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “We will find them and ensure they face the full weight of federal prosecution. Our commitment to protecting children is absolute, and we hope this outcome serves as a clear deterrent to anyone contemplating similar crimes.”

“This dangerous child sex offender was recklessly released into the United States without proper vetting during the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 and went on to prey on innocent children both here in North Texas and online,” said HSI Dallas acting Special Agent in Charge Antwoine Jones. “Thankfully, working with our law enforcement partners, we were able to remove him from the local community and ensure he spends the next 35 years behind bars where he won’t be able to harm any more children.” 

According to court documents, the Forney Police Department arrested Sahi for sexual assault of a child on Feb. 28, 2025. Officers believed Sahi was communicating with a 14-year-old minor female from his residence in Arlington, Texas. Sahi would pick up the minor female from outside her home in Forney and transport her to various locations to sexually assault her. 

A search of Sahi’s phone at the time of his arrest revealed numerous images and videos of a prepubescent female child and communication with other minors online. On at least one occasion, Sahi utilized the gaming platform Roblox to coerce a minor child in Indiana to create and send him sexually explicit videos at his direction. The minor victim was 10 years old, which was revealed to Sahi during the course of their communications. 

Additional forensic records revealed that Sahi communicated with a 15-year-old minor female in San Marcos, Texas and drove to her location where he recorded himself sexually assaulting the minor victim.

Homeland Security Investigations Dallas, the Arlington Police Department, the Forney Police Department, the Green County Sheriff’s Office and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allyson Monte from the Fort Worth Division prosecuted the case. 

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DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould today announced that a federal jury convicted Phillip Daniel Peterson, 56, of Dallas, on six counts of transmitting threatening communications in interstate commerce.

“Today’s guilty verdict affirms that violent threats carry real consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “Cyber‑based threats are real threats, and those who misuse online communications to sow fear should expect meaningful federal consequences. We are grateful for the jury’s careful consideration and remain committed to protecting the public from those that misuse technology to harm or frighten others.”

“This verdict makes clear that conveying violent online threats is a serious criminal offense with substantial consequences,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI remains committed to protecting our communities and ensuring that individuals who exploit digital platforms to intimidate, coerce, or instill fear are held accountable.”

According to evidence presented at trial, Peterson sent a series of threatening emails on June 23, 2023, directing violent language toward multiple victims. The following six communicated threats transmitted across state lines resulted in each of the convicted counts.

1. “M.M., I am going to f**k you up.”
2. “I am going to put your f**king head on a stick.”
3. “I am going to a** f**k you M.M. you f**king c*nt.” 
4. “M.M. I am going to f**k you in the a** you stupid c*nt.”
5. “I am going to f**k both J.H. and D.W. in the a**.”
6. “You stupid f**gots better know I know where you live.”

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 11, 2027, before U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey. Peterson faces up to five years in federal prison per count on each of the six counts. 

The FBI Dallas conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ted Hocter and Caroline Poore from the National Security Division prosecuted the case.

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DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that an illegal alien from Mexico, with seven convictions for driving while intoxicated, was sentenced to 6+ years in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States. 

Fernando Salvador Perez Morales, 46, was indicted in November 2025 for illegally reentering the U.S. Perez-Morales pled guilty in March. U.S. District Judge Brantley Starr sentenced him to 74 months in federal prison on Sept. 23. 

“Individuals who repeatedly violate our immigration laws and endanger our communities by driving drunk—especially after multiple removals—are not welcome in the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “With seven DWI convictions, including hit and run crashes, Perez-Morales continued to illegally return and put North Texans at risk. This sentence underscores our commitment to protecting the public and enforcing federal immigration law. We appreciate the work of our ICE partners and the prosecutors who secured this conviction.” 

“After violating our nation’s laws to illegally re-enter the country three times, this criminal alien repeatedly put the lives of innocent Americans in jeopardy by driving while he was intoxicated on seven different occasions, fleeing the scene twice,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office Director Miguel Vergara. “While sanctuary politicians and the media work to shield dangerous criminal aliens like this from deportation, our officers will continue to work tirelessly to enforce our nation’s immigration laws and remove illegal aliens who pose a threat to our communities.”

According to court records, between 2009 and 2025, Perez-Morales was convicted seven times of DWI, two of which involved hit and run accidents. In August 2025, Perez-Morales was apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement his seventh conviction. Perez-Morales was removed from the U.S. in 2013 and 2020 and will be removed again once he fulfills his 74-month sentence in federal prison.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the Investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marbel Leonel Munoz and Eric Bales from the Major Crimes Section prosecuted the case. 

DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced today that nineteen individuals have been federally charged in a sweeping 24-count indictment that alleges their involvement in a years‑long drug trafficking operation responsible for distributing cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana throughout the Dallas area. 

“Today’s charges against 19 North Texas drug dealers reflect the unwavering commitment of the Homeland Security Task Force to protect our communities from violent criminal networks,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “Through HSTF’s unprecedented interagency collaboration, we are able to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating near locations and public spaces where families and community members should feel safe. My office will use every tool available to hold drug traffickers accountable and to safeguard the people of North Texas.” 

“This investigation reflects what is possible when local and federal law enforcement agencies work together with a shared commitment to protecting our communities,” said Dallas Police Chief Daniel C. Comeaux. “Our officers and investigators worked alongside our federal partners over an extended period to identify and disrupt an alleged drug trafficking network operating in Dallas neighborhoods. We will continue working with our partners to hold those who bring drugs, guns and violence into our communities accountable and to keep Dallas safe.” 

“As this investigation unfolded, the DEA and our law enforcement partners identified a highly organized, poly-drug distribution organization, feeding our streets with cocaine, MDMA, methamphetamine, and fentanyl,” said DEA Dallas Special Agent in Charge, Joseph B. Tucker. “Working alongside our Homeland Security Task Force partners, the DEA Dallas Division dismantled this network and remains fiercely committed to removing these poison peddlers and violent organizations from our communities to ensure our neighborhoods and parks are safe for our children.” 

“This investigation highlights the mission of the HSTF, which includes targeting transnational criminal organizations engaged in drug trafficking,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “We will continue our collaboration through the Dallas HSTF to produce real, impactful outcomes for the safety of our communities.”

“Task force cases make our communities safer. In this case, IRS Criminal Investigation special agents helped uncover alleged money laundering activities involving drug proceeds tied to drug houses near where our children learn and play,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. Altemus Jr. of IRS-CI’s Texas Field Office. “HSTF is designed to bring together the expertise of its members, and IRS-CI contributes to the team by focusing on tracing the illicit funds.”

According to the indictment, the charges stem from a long‑term investigation into convicted federal drug trafficker Avery Wayne Davis, identified as a leader in the organization alongside Sterling Lawrence Taylor. Working with cultivated sources and historical investigative intelligence, Dallas Police Department officers and FBI, DEA, and IRS-CI special agents uncovered multiple narcotics distribution networks, four wire targets and numerous drug houses operating across Dallas, many of which are located adjacent to schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, and public parks.

Agents seized cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, multiple firearms—including a .50‑caliber Desert Eagle, Glock Model 33, Taurus pistols and other weapons—and more than $40,000 in drug‑related proceeds, along with additional currency and jewelry totaling more than $500,000. 

The indictment charges a wide range of alleged criminal conduct, including drug‑trafficking conspiracies, money laundering, firearms offenses, drug house operations and unlawful use of communication facilities.

The following are categories of the violations of federal drug trafficking and firearms law that the named defendants are alleged to have committed and the sentencing range if convicted:

Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine, 10-life

• Avery Wayne Davis a.k.a. AD
• Sterling Lawrence Taylor a.k.a. Bo 
• Phillip Hernandez-Martinez a.k.a. Phillip Martinez-Hernandez

Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine, 5-40 years

• Avery Wayne Davis a.k.a. AD
• Sterling Lawrence Taylor a.k.a. Bo
• Oltin Coneius Ward a.k.a. Lump 
• Tiffany Nicole Alphonse
• Samantha Rodriguez a.k.a. Sam a.k.a. Bonnie 
• Adonis Jamaal Moore a.k.a. Mall
• Anthony Taylor a.k.a. Ant

Possession with the Intent to Distribute 0-5 or 0-20 years 

• Paul Perkins
• Darrin DeShon Ray

Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, a mandatory 5 years consecutive to any sentence imposed in other counts

• Avery Wayne Davis a.k.a. AD
• Sterling Lawrence Taylor a.k.a. Bo
• Adonis Jamaal Moore a.k.a. Mall
• Paul Perkins
• Darrin DeShon Ray

Maintaining Drug Involved Premises and aiding and abetting

• Avery Wayne Davis a.k.a. AD 
• Sterling Lawrence Taylor a.k.a. Bo 
• Tiffany Alphonse 
• Reteecia Te Shane Handy a.k.a. Retecia Handy
• Adonis Jamaal Moore a.k.a. Mall
• Anthony Taylor a.k.a. Ant
• James Harrison
• Darrin DeShon Ray

Use of a Communications Facility to Further Drug Trafficking

• James Harrison

Money Laundering

• Avery Davis a.k.a. AD
• Tiffany Alphonse 
• Shydale McNickels a.k.a. Missy, and 
• Reteecia Te Shane Handy a.k.a. Retecia Handy

*        *        *        *

Summary of All 24 Counts

• Count 1 – Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine 
• Count 2 – Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine 
• Count 3 – Conspiracy to launder monetary instruments involving drug‑trafficking proceeds 
• Counts 4–8 – Using or maintaining drug‑involved premises at multiple Dallas locations, including Roberts Ave., Munger Ave., Cedar Mountain Circle, Woodmeadow Parkway, and Abrams Road 
• Counts 9–10 – Possession with intent to distribute cocaine 
• Count 11 – Possession with intent to distribute marijuana 
• Counts 12–17 – Possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, involving multiple weapons including Taurus pistols, a Glock handgun, a Canik pistol, and a 300 Blackout rifle 
• Count 18 – Unlawful use of a communication facility, specifically a cellular telephone, to facilitate cocaine distribution 
• Count 19 – Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine 
• Count 20 – Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base 
• Counts 21–22 – Maintaining drug‑involved premises on Coolidge Street 
• Counts 23–24 – Possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, involving a .50‑caliber Desert Eagle and a .357 Magnum revolver 

The FBI, DEA, IRS-CI and the Dallas Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Myria Boehm from the Major Crimes Section is prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of 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. HSTF Dallas comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, United States Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, and United States Secret Service in partnership with the Texas Department of Public Safety, City of Dallas Police Department, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement entities.  

An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that on Sept. 23, a federal grand jury indicted a former Senior Immigration Services Officer with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Lukman Owolabi Ganiyu and his associate Adeniyi Akeem Somoye based on allegations outlined below. 

A press release issued Friday, Sept. 4 alleges the following:

• A federal criminal complaint filed Aug. 31 charged the duo with conspiracy to receive illegal gratuities as public officials.
• Federal agents arrested Ganiyu and Somoye on Sept. 2. 
• According to the complaint, from December 2019 through March 2026, Ganiyu used his official position to approve immigration applications—I‑130: Petition for Alien Relative; I‑485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status; I‑751: Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence; and N‑400: Application for Naturalization—in exchange for money.
• Investigators allege he bypassed required interviews, supervisory reviews, jurisdictional limits, background checks, and USCIS processing protocols. 
• Ganiyu and Somoye collected hundreds of thousands of dollars from applicants, many of which corresponded to approvals issued by Ganiyu. 
• The scheme involved extensive thousands of WhatsApp messages and calls between the defendants and applicants. 

"The indictment makes clear that Ganiyu gravely betrayed his oath as a public servant, and that he and Somoye knowingly violated federal law. Their actions, as alleged, corrupted the integrity of our immigration system and jeopardized national security by letting individuals evade essential vetting requirements. These charges underscore that my office will relentlessly pursue anyone who abuses public trust for personal gain.”

USCIS Office of Investigations, DHS Office of Inspector General and the FBI Dallas Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham from the Fraud section is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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SAN ANGELO, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that Rassian Nateray Comer, 21, from Louisiana, was sentenced to life in federal prison for his role in a fatal alien smuggling conspiracy that claimed the lives of a grandmother, her 7-year-old granddaughter and two illegally present Mexican nationals. 

“This case lays bare a heartbreaking human tragedy — a grandmother, a 7-year-old child and two Mexican nationals were all killed because of Mr. Comer’s criminal and depraved actions,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “These were innocent lives, stolen in an instant by an alien smuggler whose criminal actions showed complete disregard for everyone on the road.  No sentence can restore what was lost, but it does send a clear message: when criminals gamble with human lives, we will respond with the full weight of the federal government to ensure victims receive justice.”

“Comer’s reckless actions turned a human-smuggling run into an unimaginable tragedy that took the lives of four people, including a grandmother and her young granddaughter,” said Homeland Security Investigations Dallas acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge Judy Pardo. “He showed a callous disregard for the lives of the people he transported, the law enforcement officers pursuing him, and the innocent family sharing the road that night. This sentence holds him accountable for that devastating choice. HSI will continue to work with our partners to pursue the smuggling networks that profit from human lives and leave tragedy in their wake.”

According to court records, on March 13, 2023, Comer was transporting 11 illegal aliens when he fled from a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. During the chase, he drove eastbound in the westbound lanes of Interstate 10 and ultimately ran a red light in Ozona, Texas, colliding with a red pickup truck carrying the grandmother and her 7-year-old granddaughter. Both were killed at the scene. Two of the illegal aliens in Comer’s vehicle, identified as R.S. and I.C.G., also died as a result of injuries sustained in the collision, while the remaining nine suffered serious injuries. 

Further highlighting the defendant’s recklessness, at one point during the pursuit, Comer streamed the chase on Facebook Live, showing police lights in his rearview mirror and a speedometer reading 105 mph as voices in Spanish were heard in the background. 

Comer admitted that this was his fourth smuggling trip for an organization operated by a relative. He coordinated pickup locations through WhatsApp and on that day retrieved 11 migrants in Sheffield, Texas. Comer admitted that the 11 migrants had entered, come to, or remained in the United States in violation of the law. He also admitted he knew that the 11 aliens were in the U.S. in violation of the law and when he transported, moved, or attempted to transport or move them within the U.S., he did so with intent to further each alien’s unlawful presence. 

A Springfield XD9 9mm handgun was found under the brake pedal of Comer’s vehicle. Comer acknowledged possessing the weapon, admitting he believed that it was stolen. The firearm had traveled in interstate and foreign commerce prior to Comer’s possession. 

On June 18, Comer pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens resulting in death, 11 counts of transportation of an illegal alien resulting in death and one count of possession of a stolen firearm. Today, U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix imposed the Life sentence for Counts One through Twelve and 5 years of supervised release. Comer was also sentenced to 120 months for Count Thirteen to run concurrently with each other and 3 years supervised release, plus a $1,300 special assessment.

VICTIM STATEMENT

We want to thank U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould of the Northern District of Texas and his staff for the immediate and decisive action he and his office took to move this matter forward for us. A unique and special thank you goes out to Jeff Haag, West Texas Branch Chief for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Texas. Mr. Haag is a diligent force and means what he says. He built trust with our family by continuously keeping us informed and following through on his commitment at each step.

“Thank you!” to all the Texas teams and investigators for the extraordinary dedication, compassion, and determination you have shown throughout this tragic journey.

There are no words that can adequately express the unbearable impact of losing Mom and Emilia.  The killing of Mom and Emilia is immeasurable.  Losing our seven-year-old daughter, granddaughter and niece, Emilia Brooke Tambunga and Mom Coke, left us only with fierce commitment and determination to enact sweeping change and to hold this animal accountable. Losing Mom, wife, and Grandma Maria “Coke” Tambunga has left us untethered. Losing Emilia Brooke left us fractured with a gaping wound.  Nothing can undo what this animal did, but it does affirm something important: their lives mattered, their deaths mattered, and what was done to them could not simply go unanswered.

Today is not about closure—because a loss of this magnitude does not simply close.

This Texas team stood up as our voices—their voices, Mom’s and Emi’s—and they carried the facts into the courtroom and pursued justice. For that, we will always be grateful.

Thank you for standing with the victims, for standing with their families, and for seeing this case through to this moment. Your work has mattered more than words can say.

With deepest gratitude and respect,

Emilio Tambunga, Father & Husband
Elisa Tambunga, Mother and Daughter
Gin & Tim Jespersen, Daughter, Aunt & Uncle

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Crockett County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Border Prosecution Unit, and the 112th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey R. Haag, West Texas Branch Chief, prosecuted the case.

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DALLAS — United States Attorney Ryan Raybould and Criminal Chief Fabio Leonardi of the Northern District of Texas traveled to Guatemala this week to expand cooperative efforts with Guatemalan justice‑sector partners to prosecute transnational cartels and disrupt the financial networks that support them.

During the visit, Raybould met with the President of Guatemala, the Attorney General, vetted investigative units, Guatemalan prosecutors and leadership from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration. 

The trip focused on strengthening joint investigations targeting cartel money‑movement systems, including fraud networks, bulk‑cash operations, trade‑based laundering, cryptocurrency channels and other financial mechanisms that cartels use to move illicit proceeds across borders.

“Cartels are not just violent criminal organizations—they are global financial machines built to exploit international borders. And We will not allow those borders to protect them,’ said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “Our message is unequivocal: we will follow their money, expose their networks and work with our Guatemalan partners to bring every facilitator, broker and launderer to justice. If you move cartel money, we will find you.” 

Officials emphasized that Dallas–Fort Worth is a critical choke point in cartel finance investigations due to its rapidly expanding financial sector, central transportation hub and concentration of federal agencies specializing in financial crime, cyber operations, cryptocurrency tracing and money‑laundering enforcement.

The Department of Justice and Guatemalan authorities reaffirmed their commitment to coordinated operations, expanded evidence sharing, and joint prosecution strategies targeting cartel financial infrastructures.

DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that a Grand Prairie woman was federally indicted Sept. 15 alleging that she embezzled at least $1.2 million from an elderly Waxahachie couple who trusted her with their family finances.

Nancy Black, 69, was charged with ten counts of bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. She had her Initial Appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Toliver Judge on Sept. 23.

“Stealing more than a million dollars from a family who relied on you is a profound breach of trust and betrayal of the highest magnitude,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “Crimes like this don’t just drain bank accounts; they upend lives and inflict lasting hardship. My office will pursue anyone who targets vulnerable populations and weaponizes trust to commit fraud and identity theft.”

“For years Black allegedly lived a life of financial deception, stealing money and the identity of the family she worked for as a bookkeeper. Financial crimes like this one significantly and horribly impact everyday people. There are always victims,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. Altemus, of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Texas Field Office. “Our special agents are law enforcement officers who are experts in solving financial crimes. Working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we are driven to hold these types of alleged criminals accountable.”

According to the indictment, from at least 2018 to 2024, Black worked as a bookkeeper for a Waxahachie couple who had originally hired her since at least in the early 2000s. In this role, Black allegedly stole from the couple by forging checks made payable to herself, using the victims’ bank accounts to pay offer her own credit card bills and withdrawing cash from an account she had been tasked with closing over a decade earlier.

If convicted, Black faces a maximum penalty of thirty years in prison for each of the bank fraud counts and two years for each of the two aggravated identity theft counts.

IRS-Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ignacio Perez de la Cruz of the Fraud Section is prosecuting the case. 

An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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FORT WORTH, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that a member of the violent North Texas street gang Kiccdoe was sentenced Sept. 17 to more than 13 years in federal prison for his role in a racketeering conspiracy involving acts of violence, armed robbery and drug trafficking. 

Blake Aaron Scott, 22, of Arlington, Texas, pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy on June 3. 

“This defendant fueled a violent criminal enterprise that terrorized North Texas neighborhoods with shootings, robberies and drug trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “Let me be unmistakably clear: My office will not tolerate this type of violence in North Texas. We will dismantle any gang that threatens our communities and aggressively prosecute its offenders.” 

“This defendant’s role in a violent gang that terrorized the Arlington community warrants the sentence imposed in this case,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to dismantle violent criminal organizations that threaten the safety of our communities.”

“This is a significant win for our community,” said Arlington Police Chief Al Jones. “In Arlington alone, we documented more than 180 criminal incidents, many of them violent, involving the members of this street gang. Our city is safer with these defendants of our streets. I’m extremely grateful to the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas for partnering with us on this case and for successfully prosecuting everyone who was part of this conspiracy.”

According to court documents, Scott was a member and associate of the Kiccdoe gang—an organization whose members engaged in murder, shootings, armed robberies, intimidation and narcotics trafficking throughout Arlington and other North Texas communities. 

From at least August 2021 through 2025, Scott and other Kiccdoe members conspired to conduct the affairs of the enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity, including:

• Conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder: On Jan. 20, 2022, during a shooting at a residence in Arlington targeting an individual identified as N.C., Scott urged Kiccdoe members to locate and kill rivals in Instagram communications. 
• Armed robbery: On May 7, 2022, Scott participated in a gunpoint robbery during which approximately $250 and personal items were taken from W.B. Scott later helped co-conspirators evade law enforcement. 
• Drug trafficking: From at least August 2022 through November 2025, Scott used Instagram to advertise drug sales, posted images of large marijuana quantities and engaged in hand‑to‑hand deliveries. Proceeds were used to purchase firearms for use in further violent crimes. 

The Kiccdoe Enterprise

Court records describe Kiccdoe as a criminal enterprise operating in Arlington, Texas, since approximately 2017. Gang members use violence, intimidation, narcotics distribution and social media promotion to maintain territory, influence and profits and climb in rank by trafficking controlled substances and committing violent acts, referred to as “standing on business.” 

In court papers, Scott admitted that he knew the enterprise’s objectives, agreed to its goals and committed essential elements of the charged racketeering conspiracy. 

U.S. District Judge Mark T. Pittman sentenced Scott to 157 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release. Scott was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following sentencing. 

Scott is the last of 21 defendants convicted and sentenced in this racketeering conspiracy.

The FBI’s Dallas Field Office and Arlington Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura G. Montes and Eric B. Chen from the Fort Worth Division prosecuted the case with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Capoccia.

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DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that a man who fired multiple rounds from an AR‑style rifle off the Margaret McDermott Bridge amid New Year’s Eve celebrations was sentenced to 35 months in federal prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm as an illegal alien. 

Jose Raul Alarcon Sanchez, an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey. In imposing the 35‑month sentence, Judge Godbey noted that although Alarcon Sanchez is young, his conduct was “incredibly dangerous” and warranted a significant term of imprisonment.

“Spraying rifle fire off a downtown bridge is a lawless act that puts our Dallas residents at risk. This sentence makes clear that anyone who turns a celebration into a crime scene will face swift and serious federal consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “We will not tolerate violent, brazen conduct that endangers the public, and we will continue to use every federal tool available to protect North Texans.”

“This case is a clear example of why we never stop working the evidence,” said ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Brian Garner. “What happened on that bridge could have ended in tragedy, but our agents and our law enforcement partners methodically followed the evidence—from the shell casings recovered at the scene to the firearm and ultimately to the individual who pulled the trigger. When someone recklessly uses a firearm in a way that puts innocent people in danger, ATF will use every investigative resource available to identify that firearm, identify the shooter, and build the case necessary to hold them accountable.”

According to court records, just after midnight on Jan. 1, Alarcon Sanchez and another man stood among stopped vehicles and crowds gathered to watch celebratory fireworks from the Margaret McDermott Bridge. The two men took turns filming each other firing black rifles over the side of the bridge.

On Jan. 5, Dallas Police Department officers recovered significant ballistic evidence at the scene, including seventy‑nine 5.56/.223 caliber fired cartridge casings and multiple 9mm and .40 caliber casings both on and beneath the bridge. Additional matching cartridge casings and ammunition were recovered from Alarcon Sanchez’s pockets and his van when he was arrested by Grand Prairie Police later that night in response to a separate “shots fired” call.

A subsequent search warrant executed at Alarcon Sanchez’s residence on Jan. 28, resulted in the recovery of multiple firearms, including an AR‑15‑style pistol later linked to the fired cartridge casings found on the bridge. Agents also recovered his Mexican passport and confirmed that he had overstayed a temporary visitor visa issued in May 2025.

Investigators additionally located social media photographs and videos posted by Alarcon Sanchez days before and immediately after the New Year’s Eve shooting, depicting him holding and firing the same AR‑style rifles believed to have been used on the bridge.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Dallas Field Division and the Dallas Police Department conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Grand Prairie Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marissa Aulbaugh from the Violent Crimes section prosecuted the case.

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DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced charges against four defendants for allegedly orchestrating a multi‑year mortgage fraud scheme that resulted in the funding of more than 20 fraudulent home loans totaling approximately $7,339,699. 

On Sept. 16, a federal grand jury indicted Shawna Randall (aka Shawna Porter), Cleophus Turner, Julie Shoumbert and Maurice Gardner. All four are charged with conspiracy to provide false statements to a mortgage lending business, while Randall and Turner are additionally charged with three counts of fraud and false statements. 

“These defendants allegedly conspired to corrupt the mortgage process by flooding lenders with fabricated finance and employment information to push through unqualified borrowers,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “We will pursue anyone who deceives federal loan programs, threatens the integrity of our housing system and harms American taxpayers who ultimately bear the cost of fraudulent schemes such as this.”

“The defendants allegedly engaged in a sophisticated loan origination scheme, using their knowledge and experience in banking and real estate to circumvent federal lending requirements,” said Special Agent in Charge Grant Permenter, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General. “At every stage, any one of them could have stopped these fraudulent transactions, but instead, they allegedly chose to participate. Their actions undermined the integrity of the FHA program and resulted in more than $7.3 million in fraudulently obtained loans. HUD OIG will continue working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement and oversight partners to hold accountable those who seek to profit by abusing HUD funded programs.”

“Stopping fraud in the VA Home Loan Program is not just about protecting resources—it’s about safeguarding the benefits that our veterans have earned,” said Inspector General Cheryl L. Mason, Department of Veterans Affairs. “Through our strong law enforcement partnerships and vigilant oversight, we will continue to halt these schemes and hold fraudsters accountable.” 

FHFA-OIG is committed to working with the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who engage in mortgage-related fraud, particularly when officers of financial institutions and lenders, who have a duty to conduct honest business, participate in that fraud” said Christopher Lane, Special Agent in Charge of FHFA-OIG’s Central Region. “We are grateful to HUD-OIG and VA-OIG for their partnership in the investigation of this case.

According to the indictment, from June 2020 through November 2022, Randall, Turner, Shoumbert and Gardner conspired to falsify income, employment, bank records and other financial documents in order to qualify unqualified borrowers for Federal Housing Administration, Veteran’s Affairs and conventional mortgage loans originated through Eustis Mortgage Corporation d/b/a Verity Mortgage. 

Randall, who worked for a real estate broker, allegedly recruited unqualified borrowers and prepared or directed the preparation of fraudulent W‑2s, pay stubs, employment verifications and falsified bank statements. Her real‑estate license was inactive during the conspiracy. 

Turner, a mortgage loan officer at Verity Mortgage, allegedly submitted the falsified documents as part of official loan applications, despite knowing the information was fabricated or altered. 

Shoumbert and Gardner allegedly produced falsified bank statements for borrowers at Randall’s request, which were then submitted to Eustis/Verity Mortgage as part of loan qualification files. 

The indictment outlines numerous overt acts showing the defendants created and transmitted fake employment documents and bank statements to support loan applications in Texas and Oklahoma. 

As a result of the alleged fraud, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has already paid partial FHA‑insurance claims exceeding $493,499. 

If convicted, Randall and Turner each face up to five years in federal prison for conspiracy and up to thirty years on each of the three false‑statement counts, fines and mandatory forfeiture. Shoumbert and Gardner, who are each charged with conspiracy, face up to five years in prison, fines, and forfeiture.

HUD, VA and Federal Housing Finance Agency Offices of the Inspectors General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham from the Fraud Section is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that on Sept. 16, a federal grand jury indicted Michael Raymond Roell, also known as “Johnathan Michael,” and Wendy Bailey, former principal of Crosby Elementary School in Forney ISD, for orchestrating a scheme that concealed Roell’s prior history of alleged abuse and misconduct, and enabled him to obtain a position as a special‑education teacher within the district.

The duo is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and six counts of wire fraud for their alleged roles in facilitating Roell’s fraudulent entry into the school district.

“The allegations in this indictment represent a profound violation of trust,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “A school is supposed to be a place where children are safe and protected, not a place where an educator with a known history of misconduct can walk back into a classroom because someone in a position of authority helped him hide who he really was – a predator that targets special needs children. This office will use every tool available to aggressively prosecute anyone who compromises the safety of children or undermines the integrity of our public institutions. These individuals did not just conspire to break the law, they actively and maliciously put children at risk.” 

“This indictment demonstrates the lengths these two defendants went to circumvent a hiring process meant to keep our schools and students safe,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that students not only receive a good education, but that education is provided in a safe environment.”

According to the indictment, on or about June 6, 2016, Roell was arrested and charged in Dallas County, with one count of indecency with a child – sexual conduct after accusations he touched at least one student in the groin area and observed the student as they used the restroom. Roell was terminated from his position with Garland ISD. These prior allegations, which were known to Bailey, were concealed during the hiring process, and were red flags that would have impacted his eligibility for employment if adequately disclosed.

The indictment alleges that to circumvent hiring safeguards, Roell, encouraged by Bailey, legally changed his name from Michael Raymond Roell to Johnathan Michael, then submitted an employment application to Forney ISD that concealed his prior identity, criminal charges, and misconduct and disciplinary history. Prosecutors allege that Bailey used her position as principal to promote Roell’s candidacy, participate in hiring communications and help move his falsified application forward.

The indictment details numerous electronic communications between Roell and Bailey — including emails, text messages, and application documents — that prosecutors say demonstrate explicit coordination to hide Roell’s prior criminal charges and ensure his hiring. In October 2025, Roell, using his new legal name, was successfully hired as a special‑education teacher at Crosby Elementary, earning approximately $67,700 annually.

Roell remained employed by Forney ISD until May 2026, when the Texas Rangers arrested him on state charges of felony child abuse and grooming. That arrest led to the federal investigation now culminating in these felony indictments.

As alleged in the indictment, the charges are related to Roell’s prior alleged wrongdoing and the alleged efforts by Roell and Bailey to conceal that information.

Roell has been in federal custody since Aug. 27. If convicted, both defendants face a federal prison sentence of up to twenty years and forfeiture of any proceeds derived from the offense.

The FBI’s Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation, in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations Dallas and the Texas Rangers. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ted Parran and Claire Demers are prosecuting the case. 

Project Safe Schools is a federal initiative aimed at protecting students, enforcing accountability and restoring transparency in public schools across North Texas. Project Safe Schools directly targets failures in mandatory reporting of educator misconduct and combats the practice known as “passing the trash,” where educators with known misconduct issues move between schools without disclosure of their prior wrongdoing. Project Safe Schools’ goals are to:

• Enforce mandatory reporting requirements tied to federal education programs.
• Hold school districts, administrators and teachers accountable through civil and criminal enforcement.
• Increase transparency in educator misconduct investigations.
• Strengthen student safety across schools in North Texas.          

An indictment is merely an allegation, and both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that a West Dallas man pleaded guilty today to bank fraud and admitted to using stolen identities and fake IDs to deposit over $15 million in U.S. Treasury checks intended for various business throughout the United States.

Kendrick Lamont Fugett, 34, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S District Court Judge Reed O’Connor. Fugett was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on Aug. 20. 

Mr. Fugett’s guilty plea reflects our office’s commitment to protecting federal funds,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who steal from the American taxpayer and Main Street Americans.”

As Fugett admitted in his plea agreement, he assumed the identity of the chief financial officer of a software company based in Austin, Texas, to open a business account at an Origin Bank branch in Dallas. To pass himself off as the company’s CFO, Fugett used a fake Texas driver’s license and forged corporate documents, later arranging the deposit of a Treasury refund check worth more than $13.8 million.

Fugett’s scheme extended to several other banks in the Dallas area. For example, court documents reveal that Fugett successfully deposited a refund check for more than $447,000 at a Bank of America branch in Mesquite, Texas, that had been made out to a real business. In connection with that transaction, Fugett assumed the identity of the billionaire chairman of the holding company that owns that business and presented a fake Illinois driver’s license bearing his own image. 

Fugett faces a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 14, 2027. 

IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ignacio Perez de la Cruz and Alexander Schwab from the Fraud section are prosecuting the case.

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DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that a North Texas man was sentenced Sept. 16 to 17 months in federal prison for threatening to shoot and kill ICE agents. 

Robert Wilson King, 36, pleaded guilty June 16 to transmitting an interstate threat in connection with a post he made on a social media platform, stating, “If I see ICE agents in my neighborhood I’m opening fire. It’s time to stop being p****** and put the second amendment to work.  ICE are not real cops, they are a secret police force with no real legal authority. Kill them.”

“There is no place for political violence in this country, and that includes hiding behind a keyboard to threaten the lives of the men and women who serve in federal law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents perform critical duties for our nation, and they should never have to fear for their own lives or the safety of their families simply for doing their jobs. Those who attempt to intimidate, harass or threaten federal officials will be tracked down and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“The FBI takes all threats of violence seriously. Online threats directed at federal law enforcement officers is a federal crime and carries serious consequences,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “We would like to thank our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners that contributed to the outcome of this investigation. Law enforcement’s collaborative effort ensured this offender was held accountable for his actions.”

“Threats of violence against federal law enforcement officers are not protected speech; it is a criminal act that will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly,” said HSI Dallas Deputy Special Agent in Charge Antwoine Jones. “This sentence sends a clear message that those who threaten officers or attempt to intimidate them from performing their lawful responsibilities will be held accountable.”

“This sentence sends a strong message that political violence will not be tolerated and those who threaten members of law enforcement will be held accountable,” said U.S. Secret Service Dallas Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christina Foley. “Through strong partnerships with our federal, state and local counterparts—and by leveraging our unique technical and investigative capabilities—we remain committed to bringing to justice those who threaten the safety and lives of others.”

According to court documents, this was one of several politically themed violent threats King posted on social media.

U.S. District Judge Brantley Starr sentenced King to 17 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release.

The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office and the McKinney Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Brasher prosecuted the case.

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DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that a Four Deuce Oakland Crip gang member was sentenced Sept. 16 to 90 months in federal prison for his role in an armed carjacking committed in Dallas’s Deep Ellum entertainment district.

Travion Williams, 23, pleaded guilty to carjacking and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence on June 3, 2025. 

“Armed gang members who hijack public spaces and terrorize citizens in North Texas will face federal consequences—period,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. This defendant chose violence and fear and today, he is facing the consequences of that decision. We will not allow criminal organizations like the Four Deuce Oakland Crips to operate with impunity in this District.”

“This sentence sends a clear message to violent gang members: if you choose to use firearms to terrorize our communities and commit violent crimes, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and our law enforcement partners will come after you,” said ATF Dallas Special Agent in Charge Brian Garner. “Through Operation Blue Laces, ATF and our partners will continue dismantling violent gang activity and holding those who threaten our communities accountable.”

According to court documents, Williams, an identified member of the Four Deuce Oakland Crips, participated in an armed carjacking on Dec. 6, 2023. The victim and a companion were returning to their 2020 Chevrolet Corvette parked near Elm Street in Dallas when Williams and two co‑conspirators approached. All three gang members were masked, and Williams brandished a Glock 19 pistol. They forcibly stole the victim’s keys, wallet, phone and other belongings before fleeing in the Corvette. 

Dallas police attempted to stop the stolen vehicle, but Williams evaded officers at high speed before abandoning the Corvette under a bridge. Williams fled on foot into an industrial area but, he was ultimately apprehended by Dallas Police Officers.

Williams’ sentencing is part of Operation Blue Laces, an ATF-led initiative launched in January 2024 to identify and disrupt gang members operating along the Malcolm X Boulevard corridor in South Dallas. Residents had reported that Four Deuce Oakland Crip members created an atmosphere of fear and lawlessness, using storefronts to stash firearms and distribute drugs, while also maintaining an open-air drug market on the 2800 block of Casey Street—known to the community as “the Dead End.” 

U.S. District Judge Brantley Starr imposed the 90-month sentence yesterday morning. 

To date, twelve defendants associated with the Four Deuce Oakland Crips have been convicted of federal offenses including drug conspiracy, firearms violations and carjacking. 

ATF Dallas and the Dallas Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Calvert, Major Crimes Section Chief, prosecuted the case.

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FORT WORTH, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that seven non‑citizens have been charged for unlawfully voting in federal elections or falsely claiming United States citizenship. 

Six defendants were indicted on Sept. 10, while the seventh was charged by criminal complaint on Sept. 11. Federal agents arrested one defendant on Sept. 11 and five defendants on Sept.14. One fugitive defendant surrendered to federal authorities today. 

“Federal elections belong to American citizens—period,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “When individuals who are not citizens cast ballots or falsely claim citizenship, they violate federal law, undermine the integrity of our electoral process and erode the public’s confidence in the fairness of our elections. These charges send a clear message: We will enforce the law. We will hold offenders accountable. And we will safeguard the voting process for the citizens it is meant to serve.”

“Election integrity is a national security priority, and HSI will continue working with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate violations that threaten public confidence in our electoral process,” said HSI Dallas acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge Judy Pardo. “These charges reflect HSI’s commitment to enforcing federal law, protecting the rights of U.S. citizens, and ensuring that only those legally eligible participate in American elections.” 

“Americans have a right to expect free and fair elections. This includes ensuring that the only people who vote in our elections are in fact eligible to vote,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI will continue to work with our partners to thoroughly investigate any allegation of voter fraud or other election crimes.”

The seven non-citizens are charged with the following offenses:

• Helen Sayen Adams, is a 67-year-old citizen of Nigeria and lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) since May 2024, is charged with voting by an alien in a federal election and false statement of citizenship in order to register to vote. Adams allegedly falsely claimed U.S. citizenship on a Texas Voter Registration Application in June 2024 and voted in the November 2024 general election in Tarrant County. She later admitted she was not a U.S. citizen. 
• Joshua Nmelichukwu Akpom, is a 27-year-old citizen of Nigeria and lawful permanent resident since 2016, charged with false statements in relation to naturalization. As alleged, Akpom falsely denied on his 2026 naturalization application that he had ever claimed U.S. citizenship, registered to vote, or voted, despite registering in 2017 and voting in the 2018 general election. Due to the five‑year statute of limitations, prosecutors relied on the naturalization offense rather than the voting conduct. 
• Carlos Salas Barrios, is a 41-year-old Mexican citizen and lawful permanent resident since 2018, charged by complaint with allegedly voting by an Alien in a Federal Election. Barrios unlawfully cast a provisional ballot in Tarrant County in the November 2024 general election despite not being a U.S. citizen and not being registered. Although the ballot was ultimately rejected, casting it was still unlawful under Texas and federal law.
• Khalwinder Singh Bhengura, is a 69-year-old citizen of India and lawful permanent resident since 2022, charged with voting by an alien in a federal election and false statement of citizenship in order to register to vote. Bhengura falsely claimed U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in January 2024 and again when applying for a Texas driver license later that year in August. He voted in the November 2024 general election and later admitted he knew he was not a citizen. He was arrested on Sept. 11.
• Celestin Katubadi, is a 20-year-old citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo and lawful permanent resident, charged with voting by an alien in a federal election and false statement of citizenship in order to vote. Katubadi cast a provisional ballot in Tarrant County during the November 2024 general election after falsely claiming U.S. citizenship on an affidavit of provisional voter. Although his ballot was rejected, casting it was still unlawful Texas and federal law.
• Rocio Thrasher, is a 38-year-old Mexican citizen and lawful permanent resident since 2017, charged with voting by an alien in a federal election and false statement of citizenship in order to register to vote. According to the indictment, Thrasher allegedly falsely declared U.S. citizenship when registering in June 2024 and voted in the November 2024 general election. She later admitted knowing she was not a citizen.
• Moises Anwar Arellano‑Alba, is a 36-year-old illegal alien from Mexico ordered deported in July, charged with voting by an alien in a federal election and false statement of citizenship in order to register to vote. He allegedly falsely claimed U.S. citizenship when applying for a Texas driver license in 2023 and voted early in the 2024 general election in Dallas County despite being a non‑citizen and convicted felon. He admitted in immigration proceedings that he had voted. Arellano‑Alba was a fugitive until this morning when he surrendered himself to federal agents.

These are not isolated incidents in North Texas. On the same day these several noncitizens were indicted, Eliseo Morales-Tapia, an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for aggravated identity theft, identity theft, voting by an alien in a federal election and false statements of citizenship.

HSI and FBI Dallas field offices conducted the investigations with assistance from the Election Integrity Unit of the Texas Office of the Attorney General and the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Capoccia from the Fort Worth Division is prosecution the case. 

Indictments and complaints are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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LUBBOCK, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced today that Paul Rene Rocha, Jr., 36, of Lubbock, has been charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine following his arrest on Sept. 8, 2026. 

“Drug traffickers present a direct and destabilizing threat to the safety and security of our neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “This activity fuels violence erodes community trust and endangers families across Lubbock. Protecting the public requires unified action, and this case reflects the critical importance of partnerships between federal, state and local law enforcement. Together, we will continue to aggressively pursue those who profit from harming our communities and ensure they are held fully accountable under federal law.”

According to the complaint, narcotics agents in Lubbock discovered that Rocha was allegedly a major drug trafficker in the area and identified a storage building he visited frequently. On Tuesday, Sept. 8, agents observed Rocha entering and leaving the unit. After watching him meet with another individual in what appeared to be a drug transaction, agents stopped that person and recovered several ounces of cocaine. They then obtained a search warrant for the storage building. 

Inside, they located a firearm and approximately 18 kilograms of suspected cocaine:

Agents also obtained a warrant to search Rocha’s residence in Lubbock. Inside, they located another firearm and approximately $56,000 in currency hidden in an appliance. 

The full seizure is depicted below:

Rocha is currently in custody and will make his initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at a later date.

This investigation was carried out by the Caprock Division of the Texoma High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area and the Texas Anti-Gang initiatives with the collaboration of the Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Lubbock Police Department; Lubbock County Sherriff’s Office and Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Lubbock Division are prosecuting the case. 

A complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

WICHITA FALLS, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that on Sept. 9, Tammy Sue Kerns, 58, pleaded guilty to second degree murder for killing her newborn son on or about Aug. 4, 1988, at the U.S. Air Force Regional Hospital at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. 

Kerns was charged via Information with unlawfully killing a newborn male infant with malice aforethought on Sept. 1.

“Forensic genealogy shattered the silence surrounding this crime and revealed the truth the defendant hid for nearly forty years: she deliberately and maliciously murdered her newborn baby,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “This plea is a direct result of relentless investigative work and scientific advances that allowed us to identify both parents and bring justice to an infant who was denied his first breath. Time will never shield those who commit violent crimes. I am extremely grateful to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the forensic specialists for their diligence and extraordinary work in the case.”

“A case is never just a file on a shelf—it’s a promise. Decades may pass, but we do not walk away, we do not forget, and we will never stop fighting to find the truth and seek justice,” said Mr. John Fine, Chief, Cold Case Team, Air Force Office of Special Investigations. “When the AFOSI Cold Case Team was established in 2015, one of its first priorities was reopening the 1988 investigation into the murder of an infant at Sheppard Air Force Base. Our commitment to securing justice for the victim remained absolute. Through outstanding persistence, paired with advanced forensics and investigative genealogy, the team was ultimately able to resolve the case. We are deeply grateful to base leadership, local and federal law enforcement partners, the Department of Justice, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for working alongside us to bring about this resolution.” 

“Although this tragic loss occurred nearly four decades ago, the passage of time has not diminished our commitment to the truth,” said Deputy Commander of the 82nd Training Wing, Col. Joseph Wierenga. “On behalf of Sheppard Air Force Base, we are proud partners in this effort and hope these long-awaited answers bring a meaningful sense of closure and healing to our installation and our community. We extend our profound gratitude to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Cold Case Team, whose relentless determination and use of modern forensic science were instrumental in solving this case, as well as our sincere appreciation to U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould and the dedicated prosecutors of the Northern District of Texas for their tireless work.” 

According to court documents, on or about Aug. 4, 1988, a deceased full‑term infant was found in a laundry bin at Ponds Laundry in Wichita Falls, Texas, wrapped in linens from the Air Force Regional Hospital at Sheppard Air Force Base. At the time of discovery, all known pregnant patients and newborns at the hospital and on the base were accounted for. 

An autopsy conducted on Aug. 5, 1988, determined that the full-term male infant had no morphologic abnormalities. The report indicated there was evidence of live birth and the toxicology screen returned negative for all substances. The cause of death was ruled hypovolemia and anemia. With no suspects identified, the investigation was eventually closed. 

Forensic Genealogy Breakthrough

The case was revived decades later through advanced forensic genealogical methods. In 2015, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations reopened the investigation and conducted new interviews. In 2017, the U.S. Air Force pathology unit located genetic material from the deceased infant and sent it to the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory to build a familial Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS, profile. 

In May 2022, forensic DNA laboratory and technology company Othram, Inc. performed laboratory testing of tissue samples from 1988 using advanced DNA sequencing and conducted forensic genetic genealogy research to identify biological relatives. This work led to a major breakthrough in 2023, identifying M.R. as the potential father of the infant. M.R. was interviewed on Dec. 10, 2024, and later confirmed as the biological father through DNA comparison.

“No child should be forgotten, no matter how much time has passed,” said Othram CEO David Mittelman. “We are honored to have supported AFOSI with the DNA testing that helped uncover the truth in this case.”

Identification of the Mother

AFOSI Cold Case Unit analyzed personnel rosters from Andrews Air Force Base and Sheppard Air Force Base covering 1987–1988. Through this roster analysis, investigators determined there was only one female service member stationed at Andrews the same time as M.R. during the likely conception period and reassigned to Sheppard at the time of birth: Tammy Sue Kerns. 

On May 20, 2025, AFOSI conducted a non‑custodial interview with Kerns where she admitted she was the infant’s mother. She confirmed to investigators she concealed her pregnancy and never sought medical care. 

In plea papers, Kerns admitted she went into labor while working a night shift at the hospital, hid herself in the x-ray room so that no one would see her and locked the doors to prevent others from entering. Kerns gave birth during the shift and once she delivered Infant Male Doe, she placed her hand over his mouth until he stopped crying and/or breathing. Kerns then severed the umbilical cord from Infant Male Doe and the placenta and wrapped the cord around his body. Kerns then wrapped Infant Male Doe in hospital linens and placed the deceased infant in the laundry bin, cleaned up the room and returned to her shift. At the conclusion of the interview, Kerns voluntarily provided her DNA which confirmed she was the mother of Infant Male Doe.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, Kerns faces a minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison, a fine up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release up to five years. Otherwise, this charge carries a sentence of up to life in federal prison. Her sentencing hearing is set for Jan. 8, 2027, before Chief U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor.

The Air Force Office of Special Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allyson Monte from the Fort Worth Division is prosecuting the case.

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DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that four defendants — Donella Locke, Suekya Whitney (aka Suekya Locke), Shakoya Crenshaw (aka Shakoya Locke), and Krystle Locke (aka Krystle Edwards / Krystal Locke) — were indicted in two related fraud schemes involving the exploitation of elderly or vulnerable individuals entrusted to their care.

According to the Aug. 26 indictments, the family of alleged fraudsters operated unlicensed boarding homes across North Texas that housed elderly and disabled residents. Investigators allege that the defendants used their positions of trust to carry out schemes involving financial exploitation, fraudulent property transactions and theft of government benefits.

“Safeguarding our senior citizens is among the Justice Department’s most solemn obligations,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “Whether through the manipulation of an elderly woman’s home or the theft of a deceased resident’s Social Security benefits, the alleged exploitation of vulnerable individuals under the defendants’ care represents a profound breach of trust and a serious federal offense. Social Security is not a personal piggy bank to exploit at the expense of the American taxpayer, and we will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to claw back any federal dollars lost to fraud, waste and abuse, and to ensure those who target our most vulnerable community members face swift justice.”

Fraud Scheme Involving Sale of Elderly Woman’s Home

A federal grand jury charged Donella Locke, Suekya Whitney, and Shakoya Crenshaw with one count of conspiracy to make false statements to a financial institution and four counts of making false statements to a financial institution. 

The indictment alleges the defendants obtained power of attorney over a 79‑year‑old woman, W.S., residing in one of their unlicensed boarding homes. They allegedly orchestrated the sale of W.S.’s longtime Garland residence to Whitney and Crenshaw, funneling more than $156,000 in proceeds through multiple accounts before transferring $147,000 to Locke. Locke then allegedly used these funds to purchase a new home, misrepresenting the money as a “cash gift” from her daughter. 

The defendants also allegedly made false statements to Capital Fund 1 and CrossCountry Mortgage, claiming the real estate transactions were arm’s‑length and that Locke received legitimate gift funds, assertions the indictment states they knew were false. In reality, the indictment asserts the defendants knew the transaction involved close family members and the funds originated from the sale of W.S.’s property.

If convicted, each defendant faces up to five years in federal prison on the conspiracy count and up to 30 years on each false statement count. The indictment seeks forfeiture of any property traceable to the offenses. 

“This indictment demonstrates the actions these defendants took to defraud elderly victims in their care,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI remains committed to investigating those that engage in fraudulent schemes that target the most vulnerable members of our communities.”

Social Security Benefits Theft Scheme

In a related matter, the grand jury also indicted Krystle Locke for allegedly stealing more than $50,000 in Social Security benefits belonging to a deceased resident of one of her unlicensed boarding homes. Locke is charged with four counts of theft of government money and one count of aggravated identity theft.

The indictment alleges Locke owned and operated John Thomas Residential Care Home and other unregistered boarding homes. In December 2022, the victim — identified as S.T. — executed a durable power of attorney naming Locke as his agent. Locke allegedly applied for Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income on S.T.’s behalf, later redirecting S.T.’s benefit payments into her own account. Social Security Administration records show deposits of $42,638.29 on Oct. 17, 2024, and $2,302.00 the next day. 

S.T. died on Oct. 19, 2024. Despite being notified of his death, Locke allegedly withdrew tens of thousands of dollars in the days that followed and failed to return the funds after being directed to do so. 

If convicted, Locke faces up to ten years in federal prison for each count of theft of government money, plus a mandatory consecutive two‑year sentence for aggravated identity theft.

The FBI Dallas conducted the investigation into the mortgage‑fraud scheme.

The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, Veteran’s Administration OIG and Texas Attorney General’s Office – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the Social Security benefits theft scheme.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elise Aldendifer and Chad Meacham from the Fraud section are prosecuting the cases.

An indictment is an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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DALLAS — Less than one year after appointment as United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould marks a year of institutional transformation, historic prosecutions and measurable results across one of the nation’s largest and most complex federal districts.

Ryan Raybould was sworn in as the U.S. Attorney on Nov. 17, 2025, pursuant to an Attorney General Appointment. He was then appointed by the Northern District of Texas judges before being confirmed by the U.S. Senate in May 2026, following his October 2025 nomination by President Donald J. Trump. 

From his first day in office, U.S. Attorney Raybould established three guiding principles for the Northern District of Texas: reduce violent crime, disrupt cartels, and protect North Texans from fraudsters. 

Within his first 90 days, U.S. Attorney Raybould reorganized the Criminal Division to sharpen its focus on the threats facing North Texas and the nation. Over the following year, the office hired over 40 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and brought in the best and brightest leaders across the nation to reform its leadership team.   

At the same time, the office increased violent crime prosecutions by 26 percent, white collar prosecutions by 50 percent and charged the most immigration offenses in North Texas history. The office also ranked first among the extra-large U.S. Attorney’s Offices in cases charged per federal prosecutor. Empowered by U.S. Attorney Raybould to crush crime, the office has already charged more criminals than in 2025 and will end the fiscal year with more filed cases than at any point this decade.

“In less than a year, we’ve only just begun to transform the Northern District of Texas into the safest community it can be. With families, businesses and entire industries moving here from across the country, North Texas is booming and our office is meeting that growth with unwavering resolve. I’m proud of the extraordinary team we’ve built, men and women who bring unmatched talent and commitment to the mission every single day. As Y’all Street emerges as a powerful economic engine, drawing investment and opportunity from every direction, one thing remains constant: criminals will find no refuge in North Texas. We will continue driving violent crime down, protecting our borders and defending the rule of law with absolute determination.” — U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould

PROJECTS AND PRIORITIES

Project Safe Schools

U.S. Attorney Raybould launched Project Safe Schools, a federal initiative aimed at protecting students, enforcing accountability and restoring transparency in public schools across North Texas. Project Safe Schools directly targets failures in mandatory reporting of educator misconduct and combats the practice known as “passing the trash,” where educators with known misconduct issues move between schools without disclosure of their prior wrongdoing.

Project Safe Neighborhoods

Project Safe Neighborhoods is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that unites federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and public safety partners to coordinate efforts to reduce violent crime and strengthen community safety. The Northern District of Texas hosts several PSN operations. Under U.S. Attorney Raybould’s leadership, a second high‑risk area in Dallas – along Harry Hines Boulevard long known for trafficking, violence and public safety challenges – received PSN designation.  Through a Homeland Security Task Force investigation, federal, state and local agencies recently shut down a sex trafficking conspiracy operating out of the Paris Adult Bookstore, resulting in the indictment of eight defendants on related federal charges.  Additionally, U.S. Attorney Raybould expanded PSN to a second area in Fort Worth and is currently leading an operational surge there of state, local, and federal resources to ensure that violent offenders are brought to justice. 

Decentralize the District

U.S. Attorney Raybould has made enormous strides to decentralize the district, including filing more cases in West Texas and ensuring that the branch offices are staffed to meet the population growth. U.S. Attorney Raybould has assigned more Assistant United States Attorneys and Special Assistant United States Attorneys than ever before to the Fort Worth division, Abilene division and Amarillo division. As the chief federal law‑enforcement officer for the entire region, overseeing a vast jurisdiction that spans 100 counties and multiple metropolitan areas, his commitment is to deliver fair, effective and consistent enforcement of federal law to every single one of the almost nine million residents who call North Texas home, ensuring their safety and trust in the justice system.  As he often says, “I’m a U.S. Attorney for all 100 counties in North Texas. That is both an honor and an obligation that I aim to meet every single day by leaving it all on the field so that people can go about their lives free from violence, intimidation, and fraudsters.”  

RECENT CASES OF HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE

• Antifa Cell Leader Gets 100-Year Sentence for Terrorist Attack: In the Country’s first prosecutorial response to Antifa-designated domestic terrorism, Benjamin Hanil Song, who was convicted of the attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, was sentenced to 100 years in prison. Together, the 16 Prairieland terrorists received a combined sentence of 450 years in prison.
• Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Dismantle San Angelo Drug Trafficking Ring – 48 Arrested as Part of “Operation Concho Valley Shakedown.” This investigation and prosecution dismantled a major drug‑trafficking network operating across West Texas, leading to 48 arrests and the disruption of a supply chain responsible for fueling violence and addiction throughout the region.
• 60‑Year Sentence for Child Sexual Abuse Material: Victor Torres pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child pornography leading to one of the lengthiest sentences handed down in the District for such crimes highlighting the District’s commitment to protecting minors and combating sexual exploitation.
• Homeland Security Task Force Investigations lead to indictment of 8 members of designated foreign terrorist organization TdA: Five of the eight indicted illegal aliens from Venezuela were charged in Northern District of Texas with kidnappings that resulted in death, racketeering involving murder and other violent offenses.
• Health Care Fraud Takedown – 13 Charged in NDTX, $360 Million Loss: This strategically coordinated nationwide law enforcement action resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death.
• Civil Fraud Enforcement – Nearly $75 Million in Settlements: The use of civil tools to protect the public fisc and recover taxpayer dollars lost to fraud, waste, or abuse is also a priority for U.S. Attorney Raybould, and so far in 2026 the office has reached civil settlements totaling $74,990,652.66, primarily under the False Claims Act.

These cases reflect U.S. Attorney Raybould’s and the Northern District’s concentrated efforts to disrupt cartels, domestic terrorist actions and cyber enabled crimes; dismantle fraud networks and protect children, reinforcing its strategic priorities in law enforcement.

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LUBBOCK, Texas – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that a former Muleshoe, Texas High School teacher has been charged in a federal enticement case involving a minor student.

A federal grand jury in Lubbock returned an indictment today charging Allegra Fey Mora, 28, with enticement of a minor for allegedly having sexual relations with one of her students. 

“The full force of my office will be brought to bear on teachers, administrators, and school districts who perpetuate a cycle of abuse in our schools,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “No one who abuses a position of authority over a child in the Northern District of Texas will escape scrutiny.  As I said before, Project Safe Schools is here to stay, and I’d encourage teachers, administrators and school districts to report any and all abuse that has occurred in the past to my office.  If we find out about it on our own, the consequences will be more severe.  And to North Texas parents, we will continue to fight for you to put bad actors in prison who abuse kids and create a culture of concealment in our North Texas schools.”

“Protecting children from exploitation is among HSI’s highest priorities, especially when allegations involve an abuse of trust by someone in a position of authority,” said HSI Dallas Deputy Special Agent in Charge Antwoine Jones. “HSI Dallas will continue working alongside our partners to identify, investigate and support the prosecution of those who target minors. Every child deserves to be safe from exploitation, including in the places where they should feel most protected.”

According to the indictment, from October 2025 to May 2026, Mora allegedly knowingly used a facility and means of interstate and foreign commerce, including a cellular telephone, to persuade, induce, entice and coerce a minor to engage in sexual activity. Texas Rangers initiated an inquiry in June 2026 after receiving a report concerning possible inappropriate sexual conduct between Mora and a 17‑year‑old Muleshoe High School student. During the investigation, law enforcement conducted interviews, collected electronic evidence and executed search warrants related to the case. The evidence reviewed by investigators corroborates alleged explicit communications and conduct underlying the federal charge.

Mora was arrested by state authorities earlier this year and was released pending further state proceedings. If convicted, Mora faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and up to life in federal prison.

The Texas Rangers conducted the investigation with forensic assistance from Homeland Security Investigations - Dallas. Assistant U.S. Attorney Callie Woolam from the Lubbock Division is prosecuting the case. 

Project Safe Schools is a federal initiative aimed at protecting students, enforcing accountability and restoring transparency in public schools across North Texas. Project Safe Schools directly targets failures in mandatory reporting of educator misconduct and combats the practice known as “passing the trash,” where educators with known misconduct issues move between schools without disclosure of their prior wrongdoing. Project Safe Schools’ goals are to:

• Enforce mandatory reporting requirements tied to federal education programs.
• Hold school districts, administrators and teachers accountable through civil and criminal enforcement.
• Increase transparency in educator misconduct investigations.
• Strengthen student safety across schools in North Texas.          

An indictment is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that a Dallas man who admitted to running a multi‑state marijuana distribution operation was sentenced today in federal court for conspiracy to use interstate facilities in aid of racketeering. 

U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay sentenced Dian Huang Jiang, aka “Danny Jiang,” to 60 months in federal prison.

“Drug traffickers who exploit interstate networks to pump poison into our communities will be met with the full force of federal prosecution,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “Mr. Jiang built a sprawling, multi‑state drug enterprise that pushed thousands of kilograms of marijuana and funneled millions of dollars in proceeds through criminal channels. The Homeland Security Task Force unraveled that operation piece by piece, and today’s sentence reflects our unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal organizations that threaten public safety.”

“This case sends a clear message; drug traffickers do not get a free pass simply because marijuana laws vary from state to state” said DEA Dallas Special Agent in Charge Joseph B. Tucker. “Mr. Jiang moved large quantities of marijuana across state lines and supplied dangerous criminals who fuel violence and threaten our communities.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to dismantle networks and prevent drug proceeds from strengthening criminal organizations.”

According to court documents, Jiang pleaded guilty to conspiracy to use interstate facilities in aid of racketeering. From at least January 2020 through August 2023, Jiang led a large‑scale distribution network responsible for moving marijuana from Oklahoma to customers across Texas and multiple other states. Jiang routinely used cellular telephones to coordinate marijuana deliveries, negotiate pricing and direct customers where to drop off large quantities of U.S. currency as payment for drug shipments. 

Court records show Jiang acquired multi‑ton quantities of marijuana, often distributing up to 1,000 pounds in a single day, and required customers to purchase between 20 and 300 pounds per transaction. He utilized multiple residences in Oklahoma and Texas to store, distribute and collect proceeds from the illegal drug enterprise. As part of the conspiracy, Jiang and his coconspirators transported drug proceeds between states, sometimes sending substantial amounts overseas to include the People’s Republic of China. On Aug. 8, 2023, federal agents seized more than $2.8 million from bank accounts and safe deposit boxes linked to Jiang’s operation. 

In addition to the prison term, Jiang faces forfeiture of several residential properties used in the drug‑trafficking operation as well as more than $4 million in drug proceeds traced by investigators.

The Drug Enforcement Administration – Dallas conducted the investigation with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Oklahoma City), the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Oklahoma, and the City of Mesquite Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph T. Lo Galbo and Rick Calvert prosecuted the case with assistance from AUSAs Phelesa Guy and Jonathan Penn. 

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of 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. HSTF Dallas comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, United States Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, and United States Secret Service in partnership with the Texas Department of Public Safety, City of Dallas Police Department, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement entities.  The prosecution was led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas. 

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Thao Duong and Lam Mai, a wife and husband from Garland, Texas, were sentenced today in federal court to charges stemming from their operation of a website selling veterinary drugs and pesticides smuggled into the United State from Mexico. Duong was sentenced to three months in prison, two years of supervised release, and a forfeiture of more than $1.5 million. Mai was sentenced to two years of probation.

“The defendants in this case traded human safety and environmental health for illicit profit,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Energy and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “The Justice Department will continue to investigate and prosecute transnational crimes to secure our border and protect the health and safety of Americans.” 

“No one should profit from bringing illegal chemicals into the United States and poisoning American communities,” said Assistant Administrator Jeffrey A. Hall for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Illegal Mexican pesticides and animal steroids are a dangerous combination. The sentence in this case underscores the importance of the cooperative efforts of federal, state, and local agencies to disrupt smuggling operations and secure our nation’s borders from foreign harm.”

“Trafficking toxic chemicals into the United States is a blatant assault on our national security and public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan R. Raybould for the Northern District of Texas. “These defendants pumped dangerous, foreign sourced pesticides and drugs into our country recklessly putting American communities at risk. This sentence makes clear we will be uncompromising in the prosecution of those who engage in illicit activities that threaten our people, our environment and the integrity of our borders.”

“The FDA is charged with ensuring that veterinary drugs meet rigorous safety standards. When individuals smuggle and distribute misbranded and unapproved veterinary drugs, they jeopardize the health of animals,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Lamb of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s Office of Criminal Investigations, Kansas City Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who distribute misbranded and unapproved animal drugs unlawfully.”

According to filings and evidence presented in court, in approximately 2011, Duong began using various online platforms to sell animal care products to customers throughout the United States. The products she sold were used primarily by people engaged in rooster fighting ventures. Duong was not a veterinarian and did not require customers to provide veterinary prescriptions to purchase veterinary drugs. She also sold products such as Cipio Vet, Baytril Max, and Caterrol, which are produced in Mexico and not approved by the FDA for use in the United States. In 2017, she added the pesticides Taktic and Bovitraz to her inventory. Neither Taktic nor Bovitraz were registered with the EPA for sale or use and could not be sold legally in the United States. 

In 2018, Duong started a website, which she used as her primary means of selling and distributing veterinary drugs and pesticides. After launching the site, Duong entered into agreements with several co-conspirators to purchase veterinary drugs and pesticides that she knew had been smuggled into the United States from Mexico. 

The smuggled pesticides and veterinary drugs were brought into the United States through the Calexico Port of Entry in Imperial County, California, and placed in storage units near the border. Duong’s co-conspirators then shipped the products from California to Texas. Between 2018 and 2022, Duong obtained approximately $2.4 million worth of smuggled merchandise from her co-conspirators. 

Lam Mai was the shipping manager for the website. After orders were received, he packaged the pesticides and veterinary drugs and distributed them to customers throughout the country using the U.S. Postal Service and other shippers. 

According to the EPA, the active ingredient in the pesticides Taktic and Bovitraz is amitraz, which is toxic to bees if released into hives, and then ultimately to humans when it ends up in honey, honeycomb, and beeswax. Misuse of amitraz-containing products in beehives can result in exposures that could cause neurological effects and possibly reproductive effects in humans from the consumption of contaminated honey. Signs of neurotoxicity from exposure to amitraz have been documented in multiple animal species and include central nervous system depression, decrease in pulse rate, and hypothermia.

The EPA and FDA investigated the case, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Trial Attorney Lauren D. Steele of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vincent J. Mazzurco and Madeleine Case for the Northern District of Texas prosecuted the case. 

ENRD is a member of the Department of Justice’s Trade Fraud Task Force, a cross-agency law enforcement effort that also involves the Criminal and Civil Divisions’ Fraud Sections, ENRD, the Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide. The Task Force was created to leverage all of the Department’s tools and authorities to prevent trade fraud that deprives the government of vital revenue, threatens critical domestic industries, undermines consumer confidence, and weakens national security. The Task Force is designed to pursue enforcement actions against parties who seek to evade tariffs and other duties, as well as smugglers who seek to import prohibited goods into the American economy. The Justice Department encourages whistleblowers to alert the government to credible allegations of fraud, including utilizing the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act or through the Criminal Division’s Corporate Whistleblower Program at [email protected] using the form available here.

FORT WORTH, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that federal prosecutors, in coordination with federal and local law enforcement partners, launched Operation New Day, a public safety initiative aimed at ridding the Fort Worth community of dangerous criminal offenders in advance of the upcoming holiday season.

Formally launched on Aug. 24, this 90-day operation focuses on prosecuting narcotics traffickers, dangerous illegal aliens and other violent offenders. By removing these threats from the community, U.S. Attorney Raybould aims to help ensure a safer and more family‑friendly holiday season.

Less than two weeks since its inception, Operation New Day has resulted in 23 new federal cases being filed by the Fort Worth Division. 

“Those who break our laws, flood our streets with drugs and commit violent acts in our community should understand that they are not welcome in Fort Worth,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “North Texas will not serve as a refuge for individuals who persist in violating federal law, nor will it provide a respite for those who believe they can evade justice.”

Since launching Operation New Day, the Fort Worth Division has seized more than 20 kilograms of methamphetamine, along with distribution quantities of crack cocaine, and powder cocaine. Additional charges have been filed against multiple individuals for offenses including possession of a machine gun, escape from detention, narcotics distribution and illegal reentry into the United States.

Fort Worth is the 10th‑largest city in the nation and Operation New Day represents a significant step toward making Fort Worth the safest big city in the nation.

DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that Lukman Owolabi Ganiyu, a former Senior Immigration Services Officer with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and Adeniyi Akeem Somoye were arrested on federal charges for their roles in an alleged multi‑year scheme to receive illegal gratuities in exchange for manipulating and expediting immigration applications.

A federal criminal complaint filed Aug. 31, charges the duo with conspiracy to receive illegal gratuities by a public official. Federal agents arrested both on Sept. 2.

“Selling immigration benefits for cash is a blatant abuse of public trust,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “When a federal official puts a price tag on lawful status, we will intervene immediately. Public corruption will never be tolerated in the Northern District of Texas.”

“The alleged manipulation of immigration decisions for personal gain undermines the integrity of a process essential to our national security,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain committed to holding accountable anyone who abuses their position of trust.”

According to the complaint, from December 2019 through March 2026, Ganiyu used his official position to approve immigration applications—including Forms I‑130: Petition for Alien Relative; I‑485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status; I‑751: Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence; and N‑400: Application for Naturalization—in exchange for money. Investigators allege that Ganiyu bypassed required interviews, supervisory review, jurisdictional limitations, background checks and standard USCIS processing protocols to unlawfully expedite approvals for applicants, many of whom were not eligible under federal law. 

The complaint alleges that Ganiyu and Somoye together collected hundreds of thousands of dollars in payments from applicants, several of which correspond directly with immigration approvals issued by Ganiyu.

Investigators also identified extensive WhatsApp communications between Ganiyu, Somoye and numerous applicants whose immigration cases they handled, including thousands of messages and hundreds of calls during the charged period. 

Their initial court appearances were held on Sept. 2 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Each defendant faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

USCIS Office of Investigations, DHS Office of Inspector General and the FBI Dallas Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham from the Fraud section is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that a Dallas man was sentenced yesterday to 60 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a minor and committing that offense while required to register as a sex offender.

Eduardo Brito Leaton pleaded guilty May 14 to sexual exploitation of a child and to committing that felony offense while required to register as a sex offender.

“Eduardo Leaton’s actions inflicted profound and lasting harm on a vulnerable child, and today’s lengthy sentence underscores this office’s unwavering commitment to protecting the most innocent among us,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “In this district, those who target minors will face the full measure of federal justice. We will use every lawful tool at our disposal to ensure offenders are removed from our communities and held fully accountable.” 

“Predators who target children, whether across the street or across international borders, will be held accountable,” said HSI Dallas Deputy Special Agent in Charge Antwoine Jones. “This 60-year sentence reflects the seriousness of Leaton’s crimes and the unwavering commitment of our HSI special agents, and all our law enforcement partners in the fight to protect children and pursue justice for victims.”

According to court documents, on June 15, 2024, Leaton used an internet‑connected cellular telephone to induce a 13‑year‑old minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual media, which were transmitted via the Internet, a means of interstate and foreign commerce. Investigators later traced the communications to Leaton, who was residing at the Dallas Transitional Housing Center. His cellular telephone was seized during a parole‑related contact, and a search warrant revealed digital evidence supporting the offense. 

Court documents revealed that Leaton was required to register as a sex offender due to multiple prior convictions, including three Dallas County convictions from 2021 for possession or promotion of child pornography, which require lifetime registration under Texas law, and several convictions from Los Angeles County, California, for sexual offenses involving minors. While under those registration requirements, he committed the June 2024 offense involving the minor victim. 

Chief U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor sentenced Leaton to 600 months in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child and 120 months for committing a felony offense against a minor victim while being required to register as a sex offender. The sentences will run consecutively for a total of 720 months. 

Homeland Security Investigations Dallas; Waterloo, Canada Regional Police Department; Texas Department of Public Safety; Dallas Police Department and Dallas County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandie Wade from the Violent Crimes section prosecuted the case.

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DALLAS — The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas today announced that it has surpassed 100 Assistant U.S. Attorneys, the largest onboarding of federal prosecutors in the office’s history. Since taking office in November 2025, U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould has led an unprecedented, district wide hiring initiative—bringing aboard more than 40 AUSAs in just 10 months and assembling what he describes as “a championship caliber team dedicated to protecting the people of North Texas.”

This hiring surge has stretched across the entire district, with prosecutors added in Dallas, Fort Worth, Amarillo, Abilene, Lubbock and Wichita Falls, strengthening federal enforcement capacity in every corner of the Northern District of Texas. The expansion comes at a pivotal moment: the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex is on pace to soon become the third largest metropolitan area in the United States, reflecting rapid population growth, increased economic activity and the corresponding rise in complex criminal threats.

“When I stepped into this role, my immediate priority was to build the strongest, most capable prosecutorial team this office has ever had,” said U.S. Attorney Raybould. “We set out to hire the best of the best—no matter where they were, no matter their background, no matter the competition—and bring them to North Texas to serve the public. Like a general manager building a professional sports franchise, we sought out top talent with proven grit, skill, and integrity. Today, that vision has become reality.”

The surge of new prosecutors reflects a strategic effort to strengthen all aspects of federal enforcement, from violent crime and drug trafficking to financial fraud and corporate misconduct, cyber intrusion, national security threats, civil enforcement, and appellate advocacy. 

The office has drawn from a deep talent pool, recruiting experienced state and federal prosecutors, former federal judicial clerks, trial attorneys with complex litigation backgrounds, subject matter experts, and lawyers from the country’s leading private law firms. The new prosecutors are graduates of leading law schools across the country including the University of Texas, Texas Tech, SMU, Pepperdine, Harvard, Yale, UCLA, Baylor, Notre Dame, Mississippi, Tulane, Texas A&M, Case Western Reserve, Loyola Chicago, George Washington University, Georgetown, St. Louis University, and other nationally recognized institutions. Several are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Many of these hires relocated to Dallas specifically for the opportunity to serve in the Northern District of Texas.

“North Texas is one of the fastest growing regions in the country, and the challenges we face are evolving just as quickly,” the U.S. Attorney continued. “To meet those challenges, we invested aggressively in people, the most important asset any office has. The attorneys joining our ranks bring exceptional courtroom experience, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to justice. Together, we are elevating the strength and capacity of this office so that we can protect the almost 9 million folks in North Texas.”

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DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that a Grand Prairie woman was indicted Sept. 1 for attempting to interfere with commerce by robbery after allegedly planning an armed robbery of the Golden Chick restaurant where she worked.

According to the criminal complaint, Laura Gonzalez, 44, engaged in a series of communications between Aug. 3 and Aug. 6 with an individual she believed could assist her in committing a robbery. Unbeknownst to Gonzalez, the individual was working undercover with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives who connected her with a special agent. Gonzalez allegedly sought their help to rob the Golden Chick restaurant located at 3051 East Mayfield Road in Grand Prairie, Texas.

“Thanks to the ATF’s swift action and thorough investigation, a dangerous scheme was stopped before anyone was harmed,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “Our priority is keeping the public safe, and when someone plots violence in this district, even before a single shot is fired or a door is breached, they should expect to face serious federal consequences.” 

“An employee entrusted with access to a business attempted to use that position to orchestrate an armed robbery, putting her co-workers and the public at risk,” said ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Brian Garner. “This investigation demonstrates the importance of proactive investigative work in stopping violent crimes before they occur. ATF will continue to work to identify and disrupt those who use firearms or threaten violence to further criminal activity.”

The complaint alleges that Gonzalez provided detailed information to facilitate the planned robbery, including employee schedules, the location and status of the safe, camera placement, expected cash on hand and instructions on how to enter through an unlocked rear door. She also allegedly produced a hand‑drawn sketch of the interior layout and repeatedly encouraged that the robbery take place in the early morning hours while employees were present.

Gonzalez allegedly discussed the use of firearms, stated she would be present at the restaurant during the robbery to reduce suspicion and sought a share of the anticipated proceeds, estimated at $3,000 to $4,000. On Aug. 6, she allegedly sent a video from inside the restaurant showing the route to the safe and Digital Video Recorder camera unit.

ATF agents arrested Gonzalez Aug. 6 before any robbery occurred. According to the affidavit, Golden Chick is a multistate restaurant chain that operates along major travel corridors and relies on interstate supply chains and internet‑based services; therefore, the conduct described would have affected interstate commerce.

If convicted, Gonzalez faces up to 20 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years post-release supervision.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives Dallas Field Division conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Violent Crime section are prosecuting the case. 

An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced, that on Aug. 26, a federal grand jury indicted Joseph Dale Lewis, 45, from Dallas, for threatening to kill multiple federal judges in Indiana. 

Lewis was charged by criminal complaint July 31 for threatening to assault, kidnap or murder federal officials with the intent to impede, intimidate, interfere with, or retaliate against such officials on account of the performance of their official duties.

“Threats against federal judges and elected officials strike at the foundation of our republic, and will not be tolerated by this office,” said the U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “This office is committed to standing up for our other branches of government, at both the state and federal level, so they can exercise their authorities under our constitution free from intimidation and violence.” 

“The FBI thoroughly investigates anyone who threatens the life of a federal judge or elected official,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “We take these offenses seriously and ask the public to report threatening behavior to law enforcement.”

According to the criminal complaint, an individual identifying himself as Joseph Dale Lewis allegedly called the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana and stated, “Two of your (Federal) judges are going to die today, get the [expletive] out the building.” The caller’s number displayed the name Joseph Lewis.

That same day, three federal judges in the Southern District of Indiana reportedly received an email from [email protected] with the subject line “Trump was murdered.” The message referenced “hitting Federal judges in Indiana with airstrikes … and the FBI in Indiana,” constituting a threat of violence against federal officials. The email was signed “Joseph Dale Lewis.” 

During an interview with the defendant’s mother, Laverne Barker, she allegedly confirmed Lewis’ telephone number, which was used to threaten two federal judges and also advised that his email address is [email protected], which closely resembles [email protected], the account used to send the threatening message to three federal judges.

Lewis’ Initial Appearance hearing was set for Aug. 3, but it was re-calendared because the defendant had to be forcibly removed from the courtroom after making multiple outbursts directed at the judge. During the second attempt on Aug. 5, Lewis again disrupted the proceedings with outbursts and threats directed at the judge and United States Marshals Service officers present, leading to his forcible removal from the courtroom. 

If convicted, Lewis faces 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

The FBI and the United States Marshals Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli Sterbcow from the Major Crimes section is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

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DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that a Dallas man has been charged with kidnapping a 14‑year‑old minor.

According to the federal criminal complaint filed on Aug. 27, David Michael Klepak, 63, allegedly kidnapped a minor in Dallas and held her captive from approximately July 30 to Aug. 2. 

“The conduct described in this complaint is brutal and predatory,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “As alleged, the defendant, a 63-year-old man, kidnapped, drugged and raped the victim, a teenage girl. The defendant will have his day in court but let this be a warning to would be predators on the streets: we will find you and lock you up for as long as possible under the law.”

The complaint alleges that Klepak approached the minor victim while she was lost in her neighborhood and offered her a ride home. But instead of taking her to her home, Klepak transported her to his residence in Dallas, where he proceeded to repeatedly sexually assault her. Klepak reportedly yelled at the minor victim if she refused to take narcotics with him, and at times, Klepak threatened to kill her. The minor victim escaped on or about Aug. 2 and was found by a family member who took her to a police precinct to report the incident. Dallas Police officers arrested Klepak that same day.

According to the affidavit, investigators identified Klepak after the minor victim provided, among other details, a physical description of the suspect’s luxury vehicles and distinct jewelry. 

If convicted, Klepak faces a sentence of up to life imprisonment. 

Homeland Security Investigations is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Dallas Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Claire Demers and Brandie Wade from the Violent Crimes section are prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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FORT WORTH, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that a Fort Worth couple was sentenced today for their roles in a yearslong fraud scheme involving dozens of victims and millions of dollars in losses. 

Christopher Judge, 35, and Raquelle Judge, 36, pled guilty in December 2025 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Senior U.S. District Judge Terry R. Means sentenced Christopher Judge to 78 months in federal prison to be followed by two years of supervised release. Raquelle Judge was sentenced to one month in prison. Both defendants were ordered to pay $2,794,680.73 in restitution. 

“Fraudsters who exploit hard working families in the Northern District of Texas will face serious consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “The Judges didn’t just abandon construction sites; their entire business model was built on lies and deceit. This kind of brazen fraud strikes at the heart of consumer trust, and our office will ensure that those who engage in such criminal conduct face justice.”

According to court documents, the Judges were managing members of Judge DFW LLC, a Texas-based company they used to falsely market themselves as providers of custom architecture, construction and interior design services. From approximately August 2020 through January 2023, the defendants offered below‑market bids to consumers across six counties in North Texas, inducing them to enter into design‑and‑build contracts for custom home projects. 

Although victims paid multiple installment payments for their projects, the Judges failed to complete most of the work and often abandoned projects entirely, leaving victims without finished homes. The defendants also admitted to falsely representing that Christopher Judge was a licensed architect. 

Court records reflect that the couple defrauded more than 40 victims across at least 24 construction projects. The defendants commingled victims’ installment payments in the primary Judge DFW operating account, frequently using individual victim installment payments for unrelated construction projects. The total loss amount is estimated at approximately $4.2 million.

The FBI’s Fort Worth Resident Agency and the Euless Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark McDonald and Laura Montes from the Fort Worth Division prosecuted the case. 

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DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that a Grand Prairie attorney was arrested Aug. 31 on federal charges alleging he defrauded investors for years, used forged notary documents to mislead the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, falsely placed an innocent woman he barely knew at the center of that fictional operation and pressured the woman and her husband to “take a vacation” to Mexico to prevent authorities from learning the truth.

David Thomas Gilchrist, 70, is charged by criminal complaint with wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and witness tampering. He is expected to make his initial appearance before a U.S. magistrate judge on Wednesday, Sep. 2.

“Mr. Gilchrist’s alleged conduct strikes at the heart of investor trust and the integrity of our financial system,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “He didn’t just defraud innocent people out of their savings, he allegedly forged documents, lied to federal regulators, and tried to intimidate witnesses to cover his tracks. We will not hesitate to pursue anyone who attempts to deceive investors or undermine federal investigations, and we remain committed to working with our great partners at the SEC to hold offenders accountable.”

“Attorneys play a vital role in the SEC’s investor protection mission,” said SEC Inspector General Kevin Muhlendorf. “Where any individual, but especially an attorney, seeks to obstruct SEC Enforcement investigations through lies, fake documents, or witness tampering, SEC OIG will use our law enforcement authority to pursue them with our partners at the Department of Justice.”

According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, Gilchrist entered partnerships and promissory notes with roughly twenty victims for the purpose of purchasing property tax liens in Texas counties as an investment vehicle. As alleged in the complaint, bank records show Gilchrist did not use his victims’ funds to purchase tax liens but instead commingled the money with other funds, which he used to make personal expenditures and repay earlier investors—classic features of a Ponzi scheme. Investigators estimate that between April 2023 and January 2026, Gilchrist received approximately $1.45 million from investors and returned only about $789,000.

The complaint alleges that when the SEC initiated an investigation and requested documentation, Gilchrist provided a set of purported quitclaim deeds that later proved to be forgeries. The deeds allegedly contained notary stamps and signatures belonging to real Texas notaries, none of whom authorized Gilchrist to use their credentials. 

According to the complaint, during sworn testimony before the SEC in April and May 2026, Gilchrist stated that he had redacted the homeowners’ names on the fraudulent quitclaim deeds because “they’re illegal,” and claimed that he used a woman — also “illegal”—as an intermediary to identify the homeowners and deliver cash to them in Bexar County, Texas. The complaint further alleges that days before testifying before the SEC, Gilchrist appeared unannounced at the woman’s home, told her husband that the FBI was looking for him and advised them to “take a vacation" for a couple of years, potentially in Mexico.

Gilchrist allegedly provided his victims with sporadic payments, misleading updates and implausible excuses such as a government shutdown, an arson investigation, and a hurricane‑relief deployment, that Gilchrist allegedly used to delay repayment. In at least one instance, while claiming to be hospitalized in Tennessee after a colectomy, Gilchrist was recorded as checking into a local gym in Mansfield, Texas.

If convicted of the charges alleged in the complaint, Gilchrist faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each of the wire fraud and witness tampering charges and a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence for aggravated identity theft.

In a separate case, the SEC’s Chicago Regional Office has also filed a civil complaint charging Gilchrist with securities fraud.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Office of Inspector General is investigating this matter with substantial assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander Schwab and Douglas Brasher of the Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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FORT WORTH, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that a South African national with a long history of fraud and identity related offenses was charged in a federal criminal complaint Aug. 25 with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft following an extensive multi agency investigation.

Craig George McLachlan, who has used numerous aliases including “Craig Pritchard,” “Clive Morgan Pritchard,” “Jeffrey Moore,” “Joseph Robert Almond,” “John Paul Loisel,” and “Francis Castanho,” is alleged to have carried out a yearslong scheme involving thefts from gym patrons across Texas. 

“McLachlan didn’t just steal wallets, he stalked gyms across North Texas for years, hunting for victims and hijacking their identities with the confidence of someone who thought he could never be caught,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “His long trail of aliases and deceit shows a deliberate attack on hard working Americans just going about their daily lives. These charges make clear that those who treat fraud as a way of life will face swift federal consequences.”

“Identity theft is not a victimless crime. As alleged, this defendant preyed on everyday people across North Texas, stealing from gym patrons and using their identities to fuel a years-long fraud scheme,” said HSI Dallas Deputy Special Agent in Charge Antwoine Jones. “HSI Dallas and our law enforcement partners will continue to pursue criminals who exploit stolen identities, drain victims’ accounts, and hide behind aliases to evade accountability.” 

According to the complaint, McLachlan entered gyms, stole wallets and credit cards and used those stolen cards to make thousands of dollars in fraudulent purchases across the Dallas–Fort Worth region.

Homeland Security Investigations, Southlake Police Department, Coppell Police Department, Plano Police Department, University Park Police Department, Richardson Police Department, Grapevine Police Department, Flower Mound Police Department, Austin Police Department and other agencies traced reports dating back as far as February 2018. Each case involved the same modus operandi: McLachlan allegedly stole credit cards from unlocked gym lockers or unattended bags, then purchased electronics, restaurant meals, groceries and other goods.

Law enforcement connected McLachlan to alleged thefts at gyms including YMCA locations, Texas Family Fitness, Summit Climbing Gym, Lifetime Fitness, Impact Fitness, and Club 4 Fitness, and fraudulent financial transactions at Whole Foods, Best Buy, REI, St. Bernards, Trader Joe’s, Spec’s, Central Market, Home Depot and other retailers.

The complaint also alleges that on Jan. 10, McLachlan used an alias “Jeffrey Tims” to obtain a day pass at Club 4 Fitness in Grapevine. He then stole a victim’s Chase Sapphire and AAdvantage MasterCard credit cards, charging more than $1,500 at stores and restaurants across North Texas. Surveillance images from Central Market and The Home Depot show McLachlan using the victim’s stolen card. Because the victim’s AAdvantage MasterCard transactions were routed through interstate servers in Texas, Georgia, Nebraska, and Arizona, the conduct constitutes wire communications in interstate commerce.

McLachlan was taken into custody on Feb. 5, after Grapevine Police located him driving a black 2020 Ford F 150 in Dallas. He has prior federal convictions for illegal reentry, firearms offenses, passport fraud, and aggravated identity theft, and he remains illegally present in the United States with an outstanding deportation order.

Homeland Security Investigations – Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation with support from multiple partner law enforcement agencies throughout Texas. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric B. Chen from the Fort Worth Division is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that a former chief financial officer of a Dallas‑based charity has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for embezzling more than $2 million from the organization.

Jeffrey Scott Keehn, the 55-year-old former CFO of the Child and Family Guidance Center from Imperial Beach, California, previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud after admitting he stole $2,109,786.56 from the non-profit over a period of approximately seven years. At Wednesday’s hearing, U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade sentenced Keehn to 60 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay full restitution in the amount of $2,109,786.56.

“Stealing from a charity that serves families in crisis is unconscionable,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “Mr. Keehn’s fraud didn’t just drain the charity’s finances; it forced them to divert time and resources away from their mission. This prison sentence and the restitution he now owes demonstrate that the Justice Department will pursue accountability for those who exploit nonprofits and divert funds meant to support critical community services.”

“This sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s actions, which included embezzling charitable funds meant to help those in need of mental health services,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI will continue to investigate those responsible for defrauding organizations that provide critical services to members of our communities.”

According to court documents, Keehn abused his position as CFO by secretly accessing the charity’s checkbook, forging signatures and depositing fraudulent checks into his personal accounts. He also falsified QuickBooks entries and misrepresented the charity’s available cash to conceal the scheme.

As part of the investigation and forfeiture proceedings, the government successfully seized approximately $800,000 in assets, including multiple bank accounts, precious metals, a vehicle and his interest in a condominium in Oceanside, California.

At sentencing, two representatives of the Child and Family Guidance Center addressed the Court, describing the organization’s mission of providing mental health services to the indigent population. They emphasized not only the financial harm caused by Keehn’s actions but also the significant operational burden the fraud imposed, including extensive forensic audits and the challenge of rebuilding after years of concealed losses.

The FBI – Dallas Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marty Basu prosecuted the case. 

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DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that federal prosecutors have charged 184 defendants with illegal reentry after removal since June 1, marking one of the District’s most significant recent efforts to confront illegal aliens with egregious criminal history who have reentered the United States in violation of federal law.

By swiftly bringing these cases forward in coordination with federal law enforcement partners, the Department of Justice is reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding our communities. These prosecutions help ensure that individuals with prior removals who continue to engage in unlawful activity are promptly identified, charged and ultimately removed from the United States. 

“Those who repeatedly break our immigration laws, especially individuals with serious criminal histories, should understand that they are not welcome in the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “Illegal reentry is a federal felony, and we are moving swiftly to charge and remove criminal offenders who endanger our communities. North Texas will not serve as a refuge for those who persist in violating federal law.”

“ERO Dallas remains focused on arresting and removing individuals who unlawfully return to the United States after removal, especially those with serious criminal histories,” said Miguel Vergara, ERO Dallas Field Office Director. “This initiative strengthens coordination with our partners and supports safer communities.”

“HSI Dallas works closely with our federal partners to identify and investigate individuals who illegally reenter the United States after removal, particularly those with serious criminal histories,” said Antwoine Jones, HSI Dallas Deputy Special Agent in Charge. “These cases reflect the value of strong law enforcement coordination and our shared commitment to protecting public safety and upholding federal law.”

Illegal reentry carries statutory penalties that may increase based on prior criminal history. Previous criminal convictions of defendants presently charged for illegal reentry include:

• Aggravated sexual assault of a child
• Indecency with a child
• Hit & run causing fatality
• Aggravated robbery
• Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
• Assault on a public servant

ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigations. This initiative is being led by the Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Calvert, Major Crimes Section Chief, and the cases are being prosecuted by the following Assistant U.S. Attorneys: Myria Boehm, John Boyle, Alexander Fryer, Katy Garner, Ashley Koos, Michael Murtha, Eli Sterbcow, David Thomas and Patrick Vickery, as well as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys: Eric Bales, Paul Lichlyter, Marbel Munoz, and Sarah Stefaniak.

An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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FORT WORTH, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould, announced new federal awards through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, designed to deepen multijurisdictional partnerships and ensure that federal resources directly support local efforts to fight crime and improve community safety.

As Fort Worth and the surrounding Tarrant County region continue to experience unprecedented growth, the Department of Justice is investing in key public safety initiatives to help law enforcement meet the evolving needs of a rapidly expanding metropolitan area. 

U.S. Attorney Raybould underscored that strong multijurisdictional partnerships are essential for a county facing the challenges of rapid development, diverse needs, and increasing calls for service.  

“As Fort Worth and Tarrant County continue to grow, effective public safety depends on deepening partnerships across jurisdictions and making sure federal resources are brought to bear where they’re needed most. These grants represent one of many steps the Department of Justice is taking to support local law.”

These grants reflect an important commitment: as cities grow, public safety must grow with them. In Tarrant County, one of the fastest growing regions in Texas, strengthening coordination among agencies and giving officers the tools they need to effectively serve a larger and more complex community are essential.

Under these awards, jurisdictions across Tarrant County will receive targeted federal support to modernize forensic systems, expand mental health crisis response, and strengthen officer readiness.

• Fort Worth has been awarded $577,626 to acquire a new Laboratory Information Management System to enhance forensic efficiency and evidence processing, allowing investigators to manage rising case volumes in a rapidly growing city.
• Tarrant County has been awarded funding to expand mental health assistance for police calls, ensuring that officers responding to individuals in crisis have expert support.
• Arlington will bolster officer safety by purchasing Glock MOS pistols with red dot sights, strengthening readiness in a city that plays a major role in the county’s public safety ecosystem.
• North Richland Hills has been awarded $12,033 to implement an indoor drone program, an innovative tool that improves situational awareness, supports de-escalation, and reduces risks during building searches, barricaded suspect events, and other complex operations.

“Every dollar we receive from the Department of Justice is investment in public safety,” said Fort Worth Police Chief Eddie Garcia. “Modernizing our laboratory systems allows our investigators and forensic professionals to work faster, smarter, and more efficiently, helping us deliver justice to our community. We are grateful for our partnership with the Department of Justice and for their investment in keeping Fort Worth Safe.”

“I’ve said for years that the Tarrant County Jail is the largest mental health facility in our county, and the continued rise in mental health incidents shows just how urgent this challenge has become,” said Tarrant County Sheriff Bill E. Waybourn. “This new funding equips our deputies with the tools, training, and support they need to respond with understanding — keeping the individual in crisis safe, as well as the deputy and the community we serve.”

“Effective policing means building strong partnerships and the federal funding available through the JAG grant is a strong example of the support our community receives through the Department of Justice,” said North Richland Hills Police Chief Jeff Garner. “Our department prioritizes the sanctity of all human life, and this indoor drone program will create additional response options that support both officer and community safety.”

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program is a formula grant program which serves as the leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. It was named after Edward “Eddie” R. Byrne, an officer in the New York City Police Department who was murdered while protecting a witness in a drug case. The JAG Program provides states, tribes, and local governments with critical funding necessary to support personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, training, technical assistance, and information systems for criminal justice or civil proceedings.

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DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould announced that Kwanghee Anh, 46, from Dallas, was sentenced today to nearly 5 years in federal prison for her role in a multi‑year bank fraud conspiracy that defrauded lenders of more than $8.3 million. 

On March 17, Anh pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

“This was not a victimless paperwork scheme,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “Ms. Anh and her partners flooded lenders with false documents and manipulated credit reports to steal millions. Their actions undermine confidence in the financial markets that North Texans and Main Street families rely on every day. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute anyone who threatens the stability of our region’s banking system and the financial security of hardworking consumers.”

“The sentence imposed demonstrates the lengths Ms. Ahn took to defraud North Texas lenders, several of which were federally insured, to benefit herself and her clients.” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI remains committed to investigating and holding accountable those who abuse their roles to further fraudulent schemes.”

According to plea documents, from January 2014 through March 2016, Anh and other charged co‑conspirators employed at Preferred Marketing Group, created and supplied fraudulent financial documents including false IRS Forms W‑2, fabricated paystubs and fictitious employment records to inflate clients’ incomes and misrepresent their jobs. Anh helped clients prepare loan applications that included this false information and assisted in transmitting fraudulent materials to lenders across North Texas.

Over the course of the conspiracy, Anh and her co-defendants caused lenders—many federally insured—to issue at least $10 million in fraudulently obtained loans and credit products.

At today’s sentencing hearing, the government explained that Anh fled the United States in 2017, shortly after initial plea discussions but before she could be indicted. She remained abroad for years until authorities arrested her in South Korea in September 2025 and transferred to U.S. custody in November 2025 to face federal charges. 

U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey sentenced her to 58 months’ imprisonment and ordered her to pay $8,340,647.46 in restitution to affected financial institutions.

The FBI Dallas Division conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elise Aldendifer from the Fraud section prosecuted the case.

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DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced today that Aymancare PLLC, a medical clinic with offices in the Dallas area, agreed to pay $7.5 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by overbilling the federal government in connection with COVID-19 testing services performed for uninsured patients.

“Aggressively investigating and pursuing healthcare fraud is a top priority for my office,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “We will use all available tools, including through civil enforcement mechanisms like the False Claims Act, to identify and recover any healthcare dollars lost to fraud, waste or abuse—the American taxpayer deserves no less.” 

“Ensuring that federal funds dedicated to the COVID-19 response are used appropriately remains a core oversight priority for HHS-OIG,” said Jason E. Meadows, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Billing for services that were never provided is a blatant abuse of the health care system and diverts critical resources away from patients who genuinely need them. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who exploit federal programs and to safeguard taxpayer dollars.”

As alleged by the United States, Aymancare operated “pop-up” testing sites during the COVID-19 pandemic and advertised “free” COVID testing that was in fact paid for by the federal government through a program for uninsured patients operated by the Health Resources and Service Administration – the COVID-19 Claims Reimbursement to Health Care Providers and Facilities for Testing, Treatment, and Vaccine Administration for the Uninsured Program.

The United States alleged that, in addition to billing the government for the specimen collection and testing services that were provided through these testing sites, Aymancare also billed the government for separate “E&M services” (evaluation and management services, which typically represent services like office visits) as if the patients had been seen by a medical provider for some separate treatment or visit, when in fact no such separate services were performed. All that occurred during the testing encounters was that a technician or other personnel used nasal swabs to administer the COVID-19 tests.

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. 

This year, the Trump Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s False Claims Act enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. False Claims Act matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s False Claims work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.

The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Stoltz.  

The civil claims settled by the agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of civil liability.

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