Eastern District of Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Newport News man sentenced to over eight years in prison following neighborhood shootingRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Newport News man was sentenced today to eight years and one month in prison for two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on Nov. 5, 2023, Newport News Police (NNPD) responded to a report of a man brandishing a firearm. As police arrived, Jimmy Lee Scott, 33, was firing a handgun. The shooting damaged multiple vehicles. Scott fled the scene but was arrested in a neighboring back yard after a brief pursuit.
During a search of a residence associated with Scott, investigators recovered six firearms, including a stolen revolver. One of the firearms recovered from the residence matched all twenty casings recovered from the scene of the shooting.
Scott was previously convicted for disorderly conduct, driving on a suspended license (twice), carrying a concealed weapon (twice), trespassing, possession with intent to distribute marijuana (twice), and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. As a previously convicted felon, Scott cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter G. Osyf prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-cr-21.
Federal jury convicts Franklin man for armed robberyRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A federal jury convicted Janathian Porter, 27, of Franklin, on Aug. 26 on a charge of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery. Porter, aka Frankboy Nate, Nate, or Nate Dog, also pled guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Leondre Douglas, aka Worm, 26, set up a drug transaction on Oct. 28, 2024, with a marijuana dealer and Porter. When they met for the transaction, Porter robbed the dealer at gunpoint, taking the dealer’s firearm. Porter and Douglas then fled in separate vehicles.
On Nov. 1, 2024, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that reportedly had been involved in the Oct. 28, 2024, robbery. Douglas was driving, and three minor children were inside the vehicle. Officers recovered a stolen handgun from underneath the driver seat. As a previously convicted felon, Douglas cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
On Nov. 12, 2024, a man observed Porter rummaging through the man’s vehicle at his home. The victim entered his vehicle, noticed that a speaker had been stolen, and followed Porter, who was attempting to flee in another vehicle. The victim pursued Porter to the end of a cul-de-sac, where Porter shot at the victim. Shell casings at the scene matched the caliber of a firearm that a witness reported stolen the same evening from his vehicle near where Porter was observed breaking into cars.
Porter is an eight-time convicted felon, including for breaking and entering, grand larceny, buying/receiving stolen goods, eluding/endangering police, and twice each for probation violations and hit and run. As a convicted felon, Porter cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
Douglas pled guilty on Aug. 25 to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Porter and Douglas face up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on Jan. 30, 2026. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr. accepted the verdict and the pleas.
The Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation of the Oct. 28, 2024, and Nov. 1, 2024, offenses. The Franklin Police Department assisted in the investigation of the Nov. 12, 2024, offense.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda L. Cheney, Anthony Marek, and Kristin G. Bird are prosecuting the cases.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 2:25-cr-62, 2:25-cr-77, and 2:25-cr-78.
This release was revised on Jan. 30, 2026, to correct the spelling of Leondre Douglas' name.
United States uses civil asset forfeiture to recover $1.9M for victim of cryptocurrency investment schemeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, through civil asset forfeiture, has recovered and cleared title to $1,971,399.80 in investment fraud proceeds and property involved in money laundering. The United States is now in the process of returning that property to the victim.
According to court documents, scam perpetrators first sent an unsolicited text message to the victim about going to Central Park and then continued to engage in communications with the victim. The cryptocurrency investment scheme involved the perpetrators taking time to get to know the victim and earning their trust before encouraging the victim to “invest” in cryptocurrency using a spoofed investment website set up to mimic a legitimate cryptocurrency investment platform and funnel victim funds to the perpetrators. The site falsely represented to the victim that their “investments” were making sizeable gains. When the victim attempted to make withdrawals, however, the perpetrators coerced the victim to send more money, using tactics such as claiming the victim owed taxes on their “profits.” Ultimately, the perpetrators never let the victim withdraw any funds and simply stole the victim’s money.
After receiving the victim’s funds, the perpetrators laundered the victim’s funds by conducting a series of convoluted transactions and making quick swaps from one type of cryptocurrency to another.
In December 2024, the FBI and Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office seized just under $2 million from three cryptocurrency wallets. The United States began a civil forfeiture action against the seized funds by publicly filing a civil forfeiture complaint in U.S. District Court. The seized funds have been ordered forfeited, allowing for the return of the funds to the victim.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal Division; and Michael L. Chapman, Loudoun County Sheriff, made the announcement.
The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Annie Zanobini.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cv-559.
Italian man sentenced to two years in prison for using unauthorized credit card information to purchase a firearmRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Italian national residing in Woodbridge was sentenced today to two years in prison for aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents, on June 2, 2024, Wilford Amoako Osei, 23, placed a $1,249 online order for a firearm using another person’s name and credit card number without that person’s permission. The victim’s credit card was later reported lost or stolen. Osei received the firearm on June 24, 2024, from a federally licensed firearms dealer in Woodbridge.
In six instances from June 24, 2024, through August 30, 2024, Osei attempted to place online orders for additional firearms using the names and credit card numbers of other victims without their authorization. The attempted orders were blocked or cancelled and were not fulfilled.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel K. Amzallag prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-41.
Chesapeake man sentenced to over 10 in prison for federal drug trafficking and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Chesapeake man was sentenced today to 10 years and 10 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, on Oct. 9, 2024, law enforcement intercepted a parcel containing approximately one kilogram of cocaine that was destined for a fictitious name at the residence of Jamey Andre Bennett, 50, in Chesapeake. Law enforcement substituted counterfeit cocaine in the parcel and conducted a controlled delivery of the parcel. After delivery, Bennett retrieved and opened the parcel. Investigators took Bennett into custody and conducted a search of the residence.
During the search, investigators recovered the counterfeit cocaine, an additional kilogram of cocaine, 5,000 fentanyl pills, 1.605 grams of crack cocaine, two loaded firearms, a firearm magazine containing 10 rounds of ammunition, two scales, packaging material, and two cellphones. The fentanyl pills were stamped to appear to be Percocet.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Christopher C. Goumenis, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division; Col. Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police; Mark G. Solesky, Chief of Chesapeake Police; and Mark Talbot, Chief of Norfolk Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Luke Bresnahan prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-13.
Richmond-area felons convicted, sentenced for federal firearms crimesRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – Two Richmond-area men were sentenced to prison and a third was convicted this week for being felons in possession of firearms.
According to court documents, Devon Sherman Mickins, 26, came to the attention of Richmond Police (RPD) on August 30, 2024, when he posted a photograph of himself on Instagram holding a rifle. On Sept. 4, 2024, an RPD detective observed Mickins carrying the same rifle that he was holding on Instagram. Mickins sat in a chair outside his apartment with the rifle. RPD detectives and officers approached Mickins, who had the rifle in his lap. Mickins complied with an order to put his hands up and a detective safely retrieved the rifle, and Mickins was taken into custody. Police recovered another firearm from the apartment.
Mickins has prior felony convictions for malicious wounding, robbery, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, all of which he committed in Richmond in 2019 and 2021.
Mickins pled guilty on March 6. He was sentenced yesterday to three years and eight months in prison by U.S. District Judge David J. Novak. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Groover, an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney with the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, prosecuted the case.
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On Sept. 29, 2024, RPD officers observed Javion Stamper, 25, standing with a small group, and Stamper appeared to have a firearm in the waistband of his pants. The officers stopped their vehicle to investigate, and Stamper fled as the officers exited the vehicle. After a foot pursuit, one of the officers heard Stamper behind a cluster of bushes and ordered him to come out. Stamper complied and was detained. An officer recovered the firearm from where Stamper had attempted to hide. The firearm had been stolen and was loaded. Stamper had been convicted of robbery in 2019.
Stamper pled guilty on April 25. He was sentenced yesterday to a year and nine months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Gilliland, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen E. Anthony prosecuted the case.
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On May 7, 2024, Henrico County Police (HCPD) officers conducted a traffic stop on Ross Allan Jefferson, 44, who was subject to outstanding warrants in Richmond and Petersburg. During the stop, an officer observed a loaded handgun with an extended magazine protruding from beneath the driver’s seat. The officer secured the firearm, the serial number of which had been obliterated. During a search of Jefferson, officers located a .40 caliber round of ammunition in Jefferson’s pocket.
At the time of his arrest, Jefferson had ten adult felony convictions, including: possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (2002); possession of a controlled substance (2002, 2010, 2015); and possession of ammunition by a felon (2015).
Jefferson pled guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 20 and faces up to 15 years in prison. Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne accepted the plea. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Gilliland and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony are prosecuting the case.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police; Eric D. English, Chief of Henrico County Police Division; Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia; and Colette Wallace McEachin, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Richmond, made the announcement.
These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 3:25-cr-8 (Mickins), 3:25-cr-18 (Stamper), and 3:24-cr-130 (Jefferson).
Portsmouth felon sentenced to over four years in prison after latest firearm convictionRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Portsmouth man was sentenced today to four years and five months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, in Norfolk on Feb. 16, 2024, Norfolk Police and Portsmouth Police performed a traffic stop and arrested Joshaua Sheimel Anderson, 25, on outstanding warrants. Detectives conducted a search of Anderson’s backpack and located a handgun equipped with a machine gun conversion device and a 31-round extended magazine. They also recovered over a pound and a half of suspected marijuana, multiple jars of suspected THC wax, and over $2,200.
Prior to this offense, Anderson had been convicted of grand larceny, felony eluding, hit and run, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As a previously convicted felon, Anderson cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia; and Stephen Jenkins, Chief of Portsmouth Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc W. West, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-40.
Norfolk career offender sentenced to 15 years in prison for federal drug-trafficking and firearms crimesRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, psilocyn, and heroin; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, in September 2023, Virginia Beach Police (VBPD) obtained state arrest warrants for Lloyd Levi Hardy, aka Blu or Trap Monster, 41, for brandishing a firearm, use of a firearm during commission of a felony, shooting into an occupied dwelling, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in connection with a shooting into an apartment where a woman and children were present. On Oct. 10, 2023, law enforcement located Hardy and his vehicle at a hotel in Virginia Beach and arrested him.
“Lloyd Hardy has earned a sentence as substantial as his criminal record,” said Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “As an armed drug dealer, with outstanding arrest warrants for violent crimes at the time of his arrest, Hardy is exactly the type of threat to our citizens that we work every day to identify and remove from our communities. In coordination with the FBI and our state and local partners, my office will continue to hold career offenders such as Lloyd Hardy responsible for their abhorrent actions.”
“This repeat offender’s criminal career ends here,” said Dominique Evans, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office. “Working with the Virginia Beach Police Department, we brought the full force of federal resources to bear—putting a dangerous individual behind bars and sending a clear message: if you peddle drugs and carry guns in our community, we will find you, and we will stop you.”
“The VBPD continues to aggressively focus on career offenders, and we are grateful for our federal partners assisting us in holding them accountable for the danger they present to our community,” said Paul Neudigate, Chief of Virginia Beach Police. “Every day, our officers put their lives on the line to keep drugs off our streets and firearms out of the hands of those who cannot legally possess them or those who intend to inflict harm in our neighborhoods. Ensuring accountability for ongoing felony activity helps keep Virginia Beach safe.”
“Thanks to the tireless work of our local, state, and federal partners, another dangerous criminal is off our streets,” said Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia. “This sentence makes it clear that repeat violent offenders and drug dealers will be held accountable in Virginia. My office will keep working with law enforcement across the Commonwealth to protect our communities and keep violent criminals behind bars.”
Law enforcement seized and searched Hardy’s vehicle, from which they recovered approximately $1600, 13.03 grams of cocaine, 14.44 grams of heroin, 11.71 grams of psilocyn, and four firearms, one of which was stolen. One of the firearms was linked through ballistics to the September 2023 shooting. Police also recovered a cellphone that contained numerous messages dating as far back as December 2020 in which Hardy conducted the sale of heroin, cocaine, and psilocyn.
Hardy has prior convictions, including for grand larceny, destruction of property, obstructing, unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm, eluding police (endangerment), and burglary. Hardy committed the offenses in this case while under a period of good behavior for two separate convictions.
Hardy pled guilty on Nov. 19, 2024, and was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan M. Montoya prosecuted the case. Former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyssa Miller, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, assisted in the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-45.
Iraqi national dealing fentanyl from Glen Allen hotel room sentenced to prisonRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – An Iraqi national residing in Henrico was sentenced to prison for possession with the intent to distribute of fentanyl.
According to court documents, on July 25, 2023, Yasir H. Al Sheikh Mohammed, 28, conducted hand-to-hand transactions from a hotel room in Glen Allen rented by his girlfriend, Destiny Aleeyona Deaver Lindore, 24, of Richmond, who was present in the room during the transactions and helped Mohammed package the fentanyl pills. When Mohammed and Lindore travelled to a nearby pharmacy, law enforcement arrested Mohammed on outstanding warrants while Lindore was inside the business. During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered 10 tablets containing fentanyl from Lindore’s purse and $164 in drug proceeds.
During a search of the hotel room, investigators recovered 1,060 tablets containing fentanyl marked “M” and “30,” making them appear to be Oxycodone. They also recovered a handgun from Mohammed’s backpack and $3,890 in drug proceeds.
Mohammed pled guilty on Nov. 15, 2024, and was sentenced on Aug. 12 to 15 years and eight months in prison.
Lindore pled guilty on Nov. 13, 2024, and was sentenced yesterday to four years of probation with a special added condition of six months of home confinement.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Christopher C. Goumenis, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr. The Henrico County Police Division assisted in the investigation of this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ellen H. Theisen and Angela Mastandrea prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-126.
Hampton man convicted for downloading child sexual abuse materialRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Hampton man yesterday on six counts of transportation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, from August 2020 through November 2021, Ryan Matthew Bieber, 31, uploaded multiple files of CSAM depicting adults engaged in sexually explicit conduct with children. Bieber’s Google account was deactivated immediately after Google submitted a CyberTipLine report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Bieber faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on Dec. 18. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Dominique Evans, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes accepted the verdict.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Devon Heath and Peter G. Osyf are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:25-cr-5.
American ex-pat pleads guilty to groping fellow airline passengerRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An American residing in the United Arab Emirates pled guilty yesterday to abusive sexual contact aboard an aircraft in flight.
According to court documents, on June 6, Darrell Ray Seale, 56, was a passenger aboard a flight from Boston Logan International Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Shortly after ascent, Seale intentionally touched himself and another passenger in a sexual manner without the victim’s consent.
After the victim gestured for Seale to stop, Seale removed his hand, but later again started touching the victim without the victim’s consent. Shortly afterward, the victim notified a flight attendant and was reseated for the remainder of the flight. Seale’s actions were witnessed by a third passenger.
Seale is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 5 and faces up to two years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Joshua P. Stone, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Counterterrorism Division, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga accepted the plea.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Clement and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Morgan are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-193.
Identity thieves sentenced to prison for bank fraud conspiracyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Maryland man was sentenced today to two years and two months in prison for a years-long scheme to defraud financial institutions of at least $930,000 using stolen identities. A co-defendant was sentenced last week to three years in prison.
According to court documents, Akinsegun Oyekunle, 44, and previously convicted identity thief Rasheed Olalekan Williams, 51, impersonated identity theft victims, pretended to be the corporate representatives for legitimate manufacturing and trucking businesses, and then stole funds from those businesses.
Oyekunle created fictitious business registrations with the Virginia State Corporation Commission and obtained fictitious Internal Revenue Service identification numbers in the names of the companies. Williams then opened multiple fraudulent bank accounts in the names of the companies, and Williams and Oyekunle falsely purported to represent the companies they were impersonating.
On at least six separate occasions, Williams deposited stolen and forged checks that he and his co-conspirators illicitly obtained into the corporate bank accounts he opened. These checks were often intended for the real businesses the criminals were impersonating. Oyekunle and his co-conspirators then quickly drew down funds by making ATM withdrawals and transferring funds to other bank accounts controlled by the conspirators before the banks could catch on. Oyekunle, Williams, and their co-conspirators impersonated at least five identity theft victims, one of whom was deceased, including by obtaining victims’ personal identifying information, opening fictitious bank accounts in the victims’ names, and creating fraudulent identification documents in the victims’ names.
Investigators recovered an electronic fraud ledger containing victims’ information in Oyekunle’s possession, along with several debit cards in victims’ names. Williams was arrested separately in possession of a fake driver’s license and debit card in the name of a victim associated with the scheme.
Williams and Oyekunle pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, on April 9 and April 22, respectively. On August 7, Williams was sentenced to three years in prison. Oyekunle was sentenced today to two years and two months in prison.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi Panth prosecuted the case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth R. Simon Jr. provided substantial assistance to the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 1:25-cr-97 (Williams) and 1:25-cr-104 (Oyekunle).
U.S. Attorney announces immigration case updates for the Eastern District of VirginiaRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, announced today case updates on seven immigration cases in the district.
On Jan. 20 the President signed executive orders addressing the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. Protecting the American People Against Invasion recognized that enforcing our Nation’s immigration laws is critically important to the national security and public safety of the United States, and that it is the policy of the United States to faithfully execute the immigration laws against all inadmissible and removable aliens, particularly those aliens who threaten the safety or security of the American people. The order tasked the Department of Justice with prioritizing the prosecution of criminal offenses related to the unauthorized entry or continued unauthorized presence of aliens in the United States. Securing Our Borders prioritizes the pursuit of criminal charges against illegal aliens who violate immigration laws and against those who facilitate their unlawful presence in the United States.
Between Sept. 1, 2004, and April 29, 2015, Salvadoran national Wilber Alexander Andrade-Castellon, 45, was removed from the United States on three occasions, each time pursuant to a final order of removal. Following his third removal in 2015, Andrade-Castellon again illegally re-entered the country. On Aug. 9, 2024, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) learned Andrade-Castellon was unlawfully present in the United States when he was arrested and detained at the Fairfax County Detention Center. On May 14, Andrade-Castellon pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. He remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 1:25-cr-101
In 2018, Honduran national Daniel Alberto Urbina Romero, 28, was convicted in Virginia of abduction with intent to defile and aggravated sexual battery. Pursuant to a final order of removal, Urbina Romero was removed from the United States on Jan. 27, 2023. On March 19, ICE agents learned that Urbina Romero was illegally present in the United States following a traffic violation in Loudoun County. On July 31, Urbina Romero pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States after removal for an aggravated felony conviction. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 1:25-cr-161
Salvadoran national Carlos Antonio Flores Monroy, 52, illegally entered the United States in 2001. On July 6, 2007, an Immigration Judge ordered Flores Monroy to be removed. On Feb. 14, 2024, Flores Monroy was arrested in Richmond for carrying a concealed weapon, for which he was convicted on July 19, 2024. He was removed on Oct. 3, 2024. On May 1, immigration officials encountered Flores Monroy in Richmond. On Aug. 5, Flores Monroy pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a prior removal. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 3:25-cr-83
After illegally entering the United States, Honduran national Maynor Dionicio Hernandez-Reyes was deported on Aug. 20, 2021, pursuant to a final order of removal. On April 10, ICE agents learned that Hernandez-Reyes had unlawfully reentered the United States when he was detained at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail in James City County. On Aug. 7, Hernandez-Reyes pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 4:25-cr-45
Pursuant to a final order of removal, Honduran national Jose Adoney Monge-Santos, 33, was removed from the United States in 2013, 2015, and 2016. He was first removed after he was arrested twice in 2013 for being drunk in public. On April 10, 2023, having illegally re-entered the United States following his third removal, he was arrested for public intoxication, assault and battery, and property damage after he grabbed a chair from behind a bar and struck a security guard on the head. On Nov. 11, 2024, Monge-Santos was arrested for felony malicious wounding by mob when he and others allegedly attacked a victim and forcibly tried to recruit him to their gang. On Nov. 15, 2024, ICE agents learned that Mr. Monge-Santos was back in the United States and had been detained at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. On June 9, Monge-Santos was arrested for public intoxication and trespass. On June 10, ICE officers arrested Monge-Santos and on Aug. 11 he pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a prior removal. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 1:25-cr-194
Salvadoran national Miguel Angel Alvarado Cordero, 23, was first removed from the United States on Feb. 11, 2022. On Feb. 19, ICE officers learned that Alvarado Cordero had unlawfully reentered the country following his detention in Fairfax County for two felony counts of possession of controlled substances, failure to appear on a felony offense, obstructing justice, disorderly conduct, property damage, and public intoxication. On May 9, Alvarado Cordero was arrested on a federal warrant and on Aug. 6 he pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 1:25-cr-159
On June 5, 2005, Honduran national Wilmer Roberto Lopez-Mejia, 46, illegally entered the United States. According to police reports, on July 11, 2008, Lopez-Mejia raped and repeatedly stabbed the mother of his two children, then left her to die. On March 26, 2009, following an extensive manhunt, Lopez-Mejia was apprehended and charged in Fairfax County with rape by force, threat, or intimidation; malicious wounding; and abduction with the intent to defile. On Sept. 28, 2009, Lopez-Mejia pled guilty to one count of unlawful wounding. Following his incarceration, Lopez-Mejia was removed from the United States, but Lopez-Mejia subsequently re-entered the United States illegally. On Feb. 26, Lopez-Mejia was arrested for the illegal re-entry. He pled guilty on April 24 and is awaiting sentencing. Lopez-Mejia remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 1:25-cr-78
Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for the case number provided above.
Salvadoran nationals plead guilty in conspiracy to steal and sell catalytic convertersRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Two Salvadoran nationals pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in interstate transportation and sale of stolen goods.
According to court documents, beginning in September 2024, Erick Alfaro Guevara, 46, and Jose Wilmer Ortiz Granados, 23, stole catalytic converters from cars in Virginia and sold them in Maryland. Alfaro Guevara and Ortiz Granados used their cellphones to communicate about stealing catalytic converters, which they typically did at night or in the early morning, and used saws to remove the catalytic converters from parked vehicles.
On Dec. 18, 2024, Alfaro Guevara and Ortiz Granados traveled from Maryland to Arlington County where they burglarized multiple vehicles and stole catalytic converters. Later, law enforcement in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, responded to the scene of a single-car accident involving the vehicle Alfaro Guevara and Ortiz Granados had used. Alfaro Guevara and Ortiz Granados were gone by the time officers arrived at the scene. Investigators recovered 17 stolen catalytic converters as well as Alfaro Guevara’s cellphone.
Ortiz Granados pled guilty on July 1 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 30. Alfaro Guevara pled guilty yesterday and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 28. They face up to five years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal Division, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema accepted the plea.
The Fairfax County Police Department, Arlington County Police Department, Richmond Police Department, Montgomery County Police Department, and Anne Arundel County Police Department provided significant assistance in the investigation of this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Rumbaugh and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Fisher are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 1:25-cr-160 (Otiz Granados) and 1:25-cr-224 (Alfaro Guevara).
Richmond psychotherapist convicted of healthcare fraud to pay over $1MRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Mechanicsville Licensed Clinical Social Worker who was convicted of criminal health care fraud has agreed to pay an additional $449,014.93 to settle civil fraud claims asserted against him by the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
According to court documents, between January 2017 and December 2022, Daniel Jacobsen, 72, knowingly submitted at least $335,824.31 in fraudulent claims for reimbursement to Virginia Medicaid and Medicare for services that weren’t rendered. These included claims that billed for more than 16 hours in services in one day or that used billing codes for more complex services with higher rates than the services that were provided. To support his fraudulent claims, Jacobsen used false psychotherapy progress notes reflecting the patients’ supposed receipt of services.
Jacobsen pled guilty to health care fraud on Oct. 17, 2024, and on March 13, was sentenced to three months in prison. As part of his criminal case, Jacobsen paid $316,338.31 in restitution and was ordered to pay $335,821.31 in forfeiture and a $100,000 fine. To resolve the civil fraud claims against him, Jacobsen agreed to pay an additional $449,014.93. The restitution, forfeiture, fine, and settlement total $1,201,174.55.
The resolutions obtained in these matters were the result of an effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Office of the Virginia Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla Jordan-Detamore prosecuted the criminal case. The civil fraud matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McIntosh and Virginia Assistant Attorneys General Joseph Hall, Ray Bowman, and Christopher Salerno.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Case records may be found on PACER under case number 3:24‑cr‑140.
The civil claims settled are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.
Brothers from Washington sentenced to prison for Virginia, Maryland armed robberiesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Three Washington men have been sentenced to prison for a series of armed robberies across Maryland and Virginia.
According to court documents, from September 2023 to February 2024, brothers Andre Joel White Jr., 41; Abdullah Khalil Ismael DeVaugh Michelle, aka Damien Devaughn Moore, 43; and Aaron Isaiah Devaughn Aaron White, 29, robbed a convenience store, four tobacco shops, and a gas station, which they robbed twice, and attempted to rob another gas station. During the robberies, the brothers wore masks and gloves, brandished firearms, assaulted a victim, and stole money and cigarettes.
On Dec. 4, 2023, in Washington, D.C., Michelle noticed a ride-share driver exit his vehicle at a hotel to help a passenger with their luggage. Michelle jumped in the driver’s seat of the car and drove away. The brothers then used the stolen car to commit additional robberies in Virginia. When the car became disabled following a robbery, they abandoned it and continued to rob stores using a van rented by Michelle. The van was eventually reported stolen, and despite using stolen license plates, Michelle was arrested on Feb. 13, 2024, while driving the van.
On Feb. 5, Michelle pled guilty to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and two counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. On July 2, he was sentenced to 21 years in prison.
Aaron White pled guilty on Feb. 5 to two counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. On June 18, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
On Dec. 18, 2024, Andre White pled guilty to three counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He was sentenced today to 10 years and six months in prison.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and William J. DelBagno, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith J. Edwards and Nicholas A. Durham prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-222-2.
Federal jury convicts Richmond recidivist for illegally possessing a firearmRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Richmond man yesterday for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on Feb. 23, Henrico County Police observed Tajon Rasheed Baskerville, 35, rummaging through a purse, which had been taken from a nearby vehicle earlier. As an officer performed a pat-down of Baskerville, the officer felt a firearm in a holster on Baskerville’s hip. Baskerville pulled away from and struck the officer. The officer fell, at which time Baskerville drew his firearm and, in response, the officer drew his service weapon. Baskerville tossed his firearm and attempted to flee on foot. The officer recovered the firearm and Baskerville was apprehended.
Investigators found items that had been taken from the purse in Baskerville’s pockets. They also found a wallet, which had been in the purse, in Baskerville’s shirt.
At the time of the offense, Baskerville had previously been convicted for possession of a schedule I or II controlled substance (2010 and 2012), felony probation violation (2012, 2014, and twice in 2017), grand larceny (2015 and 2018), and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (2022). As a previously convicted felon, Baskerville cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
Baskerville faces a up to 15 years in prison when sentenced on Dec. 17. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Eric D. English, Chief of Henrico County Police Division, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge David J. Novak accepted the verdict.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick J. McGorman and Stephen E. Anthony are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-79.
Norfolk recidivist sentenced to six years in prison for federal drug-trafficking and firearms crimesRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man was sentenced today to six years in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and being a felon in possession of firearms.
According to court documents, in February 2024, law enforcement investigators conducted a controlled purchase of cocaine from Stanley Desmarat, aka Whisper, Tony Sulza, Tony Demarcy, or Stanly Desmaratti, 46. On May 13, 2024, law enforcement encountered a parcel containing five kilograms of cocaine and performed a controlled delivery. Shortly after the parcel was delivered, Desmarat arrived in a rental vehicle and retrieved the cocaine. Investigators stopped and arrested Desmarat.
During a subsequent search of Desmarat’s residence, investigators recovered three handguns, one of which was stolen, as well as various ammunition and magazines. Among his previous felony convictions, Desmaret was convicted in 2003 for the manufacture, sale, or possession with intent to manufacture or sell controlled substances and in 2007 for being a felon in possession of a firearm. As a previously convicted felon, Desmarat cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Christopher Heck, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C.; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Mark Talbot, Chief of Norfolk Police; and Ramin Fatehi, Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Jamar K. Walker.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham M. Stolle, an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney with the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Marek prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-138.
Federal jury convicts four conspirators in vast Hampton Roads drug-trafficking ringRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A federal jury yesterday convicted four defendants charged in a 127-count superseding indictment relating to a Hampton Roads-based drug trafficking conspiracy.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, federal law enforcement opened an investigation into large-scale drug trafficking activity at Lux Auto in Newport News around June 2021. The conspirators used the business as a base of operations, storing illegal drugs in vehicles throughout the parking lot of Lux Auto. Members of the organization were frequently armed with handguns and other weapons. Between August 2020 and August 2023 at major airports in the Mid-Atlantic area, law enforcement seized almost $400,000 in drug proceeds and 1,000 pounds of marijuana and contraband relating to the conspiracy.
Members of the organization had varying roles and responsibilities. The leaders engaged with the sources of supply outside Virginia and arranged for the purchase of large loads of marijuana. They also instructed other members of the organization to arrange for couriers to fly to the sources of supply, deliver money to them, and return to Virginia with the marijuana. The leaders further arranged for midlevel members to receive marijuana from couriers and distribute it to customers or have subordinate dealers sell the marijuana.
Cortez Dayshawn Bumphus, aka Co, 32, was convicted of continuing criminal enterprise; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana; conspiracy to launder money; being a felon in possession of a firearm; possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime; maintaining a drug-involved premises; and use of a communication facility in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Dilquon Best, aka Quon or DQ, 33, was convicted of continuing criminal enterprise; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana; conspiracy to launder money; and use of a communication facility in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Earvin Jerome Moore, aka Gooch, 45, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana; maintaining a drug-involved premises; and use of a communication facility in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Kamani Johnson, aka Komma or Kazz, 30, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana, and interstate travel in aid of racketeering.
Thirty-one other defendants pled guilty previously.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Dominique Evans, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen accepted the verdict.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric M. Hurt and Luke Bresnahan are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyson C. Yates, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-cr-54.
Airport services worker at Dulles International Airport pleads guilty to smuggling cocaineRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Peruvian citizen pled guilty today to importing cocaine into the United States.
According to court documents, José Luis Castillo Rojas, 43, was employed by an airport services company at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Castillo Rojas held a Special Access Seal that provided him unescorted access to customs security areas within the airport, including access to international flights and secure baggage areas.
On April 24, Castillo Rojas arrived at IAD on COPA Airlines Flight 404 from Tocumen International Airport in Panamá City, Panamá, with one cargo bag and one backpack. During an authorized inspection of Castillo Rojas’ cargo bag, Customs and Border Protection officers discovered multiple packages of cocaine, totaling 1.95 kilograms and more than $54,000 in counterfeit U.S. currency. An inspection of his cellphone revealed a text message conversation in which Castillo Rojas discussed retrieving the cargo bag from an individual in Peru and payment for delivering the bag to an individual in the United States.
Castillo Rojas is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 6. He faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Christopher Heck, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C.; and Christine Waugh, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Washington, D.C. made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff accepted the plea.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lyndi McVey and David Lubitz and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Harvey are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-188.
U.S. Attorney announces immigration case updates for the Eastern District of VirginiaRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, announced today case updates on 11 immigration cases in the district.
On Jan. 20 the President signed executive orders addressing the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. Protecting the American People Against Invasion recognized that enforcing our Nation’s immigration laws is critically important to the national security and public safety of the United States, and that it is the policy of the United States to faithfully execute the immigration laws against all inadmissible and removable aliens, particularly those aliens who threaten the safety or security of the American people. The order tasked the Department of Justice with prioritizing the prosecution of criminal offenses related to the unauthorized entry or continued unauthorized presence of aliens in the United States. Securing Our Borders prioritizes the pursuit of criminal charges against illegal aliens who violate immigration laws and against those who facilitate their unlawful presence in the United States.
According to court records, on March 4, 2000, Mexican national Noe Medrano Nuñez, 51, was convicted in Dallas for carrying a firearm on an alcohol premises. Pursuant to a final order of removal, Medrano Nuñez was removed from the United States on June 1, 2000. On Dec. 13, 2024, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) learned that Medrano Nuñez had illegally reentered the United States and was residing in Hampton. On June 3, Medrano Nuñez pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. He remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 4:25-CR-7
On Oct. 21, 2011, Honduran national Wuender Santos-Gonzalez, 39, was convicted in Fairfax County of forgery of public records. Pursuant to a final order of removal, on Jan. 13, 2012, Santos-Gonzalez was removed from the United States. Santos-Gonzalez illegally reentered the United States and on May 18, 2013, was encountered by ICE agents near Carizo Springs, Texas. On Dec. 18, 2013, Santos Gonzalez was convicted in federal court in Texas for illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal and on Aug. 11, 2014, was removed again. On June 22, 2016, U.S. Border Protection agents encountered Santos Gonzalez near Amado, Arizona. On April 18, 2017, Santos-Gonzalez was federally convicted for illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal and on April 25, 2017, was removed yet again. On Feb. 28, ICE agents learned that Santos Gonzalez had once again illegally reentered the United States and was in the Richmond area. On June 10, Santos Gonzalez pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 3:25-CR-73
Pursuant to a final order of removal, on Feb. 17, 2017, Honduran national Roger Alfonso Marin, 55, was removed from the United States. ICE agents learned that Marin had illegally reentered the United States following a traffic violation on Dec. 25, 2024. On July 15, Marin pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 3:25-CR-84
On June 16, 2014, Guatemalan national Hamilton Estuardo Marroquin-Barillas, aka Jair Figueroa, Haminton Barillas, Jose Carlos Gonzalez, or Alexander Jaramillo, 32, illegally entered the United States and, on Nov. 20, 2018, was removed from the United States pursuant to a final order of removal. Marroquin-Barillas illegally re-entered the United States and, on May 16, 2021, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Chesterfield County. On Dec. 10, 2021, he was arrested and charged with grand larceny (auto theft), again in Chesterfield County. On April 15, Marroquin-Barillas was charged in the Eastern District of Virginia with illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal. He pled guilty on May 14 and remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 3:25-cr-69
On Aug. 27, 2015, Salvadoran national Alfredo Dubon-Navarro, 30, was arrested near Roma, Texas, for illegally entering the United States and, pursuant to an expedited order of removal, was removed from the country. On Sept. 5, 2015, Dubon-Navarro was arrested near Rio Grande City, Texas, for illegally entering the United States and was removed again on Sept. 7, 2015. ICE agents encountered Dubon-Navarro on July 7, 2019, at the Henrico County Jail following his arrest for assault and battery on a family member. During processing, Dubon-Navarro stated that he had previously misrepresented himself to be a Mexican citizen and admitted that he is a citizen and national of El Salvador. On Aug. 30, 2019, Dubon-Navarro was removed from the United States to El Salvador. On April 6, ICE agents learned that Dubon-Navarro was once again illegally present in the United States following a DWI arrest in Henrico County. On May 22, Dubon-Navarro pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 3:25-CR-78
On Oct. 11, 2006, pursuant to a final order of removal, Salvadoran national Walter Caceres Chavarria, 50, was removed from the United States. Caceres Chavarria illegally reentered the United States and, subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction in 2009, was removed again on Jan. 13, 2009. ICE agents learned that Caceres Chavarria had unlawfully returned to the United States following an arrest in Fairfax County. Caceres Chavarria was indicted on a charge of illegally reentering the United States after removal for an aggravated felony conviction. A federal judge convicted Caceres Chavarria on July 14. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 1:25-cr-79
On March 30, 2015, Guatemalan national Otilio Herrera Morales, 40, was removed from the United States pursuant to a final order of removal. On Jan. 2, ICE agents learned that Herrera Morales was illegally present in the United States when he was detained at the Fairfax County Jail. On July 23, Herrera Morales pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 1:25-CR-207
After unlawfully entering the United States, Honduran national Walter Lagos-Duron, 38, was convicted in Michigan in 2012 of driving without a license. Later in 2012, Lagos-Duron fraudulently obtained the identities of multiple individuals and used their personal information to illegally withdraw money for himself. He was convicted in 2013 of felony identity theft and was removed from the United States pursuant to a final order of removal. After illegally reentering the United States, in 2024 Lagos-Duron sexually assaulted two minors, ages four and five, in Virginia. Lagos-Duron pled guilty to sexual battery of a child under the age of six and must register as a sex offender. On May 12, Lagos-Duron pled guilty to illegal reentry subsequent to a felony conviction. On July 29, Lagos-Duron was sentenced to two years in prison and remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 1:25-CR-93
Guatemalan national Felipe Perez-Cartalina, 44, was removed from the United States on July 31, 2009. After unlawfully reentering the United States, Perez-Cartalina was removed again on Oct. 5, 2017. Following his illegal return to the United States, Perez-Cartalina was removed a third time on Dec. 15, 2017. ICE Agents learned that Perez-Cartalina once again had illegally reentered the United States when he was detained at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center and, pursuant to a federal warrant, arrested him on June 16. On July 29, Perez-Cartalina pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States after a previous removal and remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 1:25-CR-202
On April 3, 2014, pursuant to a final order of removal, Salvadoran national David Jonathan Rodriguez Zelaya, 36, was removed from the United States. On Nov. 26, 2024, ICE agents learned that Rodriguez Zelaya had reentered the United States when he was detained in Stafford County. On July 29, Rodriguez Zelaya pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States after a previous removal and remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 1:25-CR-189
On Feb. 9, 2009, Ecuadoran national Luis Gançalo Manobanda-Leon, 45, was convicted in Virginia Beach of aggravated malicious wounding, and on July 24, 2014, was removed from the United States. Manobanda-Leon illegally reentered the United States in April 2015. On Oct. 27, 2015, Manobanda-Leon was convicted of illegally reentering the United States after a previous removal and was deported on Jan. 19, 2018. On April 3, Manobanda-Leon was found unlawfully present in the United States and on April 22 he was arrested in Virginia Beach. On July 29, Manobanda-Leon pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States after a previous removal and remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 2:25-CR-47
Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for the case number provided above.
Navy Petty Officer sentenced to six years in prison for receiving child sexual abuse materialRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A U.S. Navy Petty Officer Second Class in Norfolk was sentenced yesterday to six years in prison for receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
According to court documents, on Nov. 13, 2024, the Norfolk Police Department (NPD) received a complaint that Robert Henry, 43, possessed child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on his personal laptop. The witness lawfully provided NPD with Henry’s laptop and two hard drives. Henry’s devices, including his cellphone, contained 176 CSAM videos and 119 CSAM images depicting at least 27 minor victims.
Henry searched online for groups on messaging apps, using keyword searches of “Teens and Schoolgirls” and “Teen XXX Groups.” Henry used the messaging apps to request CSAM and to find additional groups that shared CSAM. At one point, Henry deleted one of the messaging apps because “There are people looking for predators.”
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Emily Schmid, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Norfolk Field Office; and Mark Talbot, Chief of Norfolk Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-22.
Chesapeake fentanyl dealer sentenced to 20 years in prison for selling counterfeit pills that caused high school student’s deathRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Chesapeake man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.
According to court documents, Izayah Dural, 23, was a regular supplier of fentanyl pills to an individual identified as C.W. and several of C.W.' s high school friends and classmates. On June 2, 2024, Dural sold two counterfeit Oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to C.W., who used a portion of one of the pills, overdosed, and died of acute fentanyl toxicity.
“As a fentanyl trafficker, Izayah Dural displayed a callous disregard for the lives of others,” said Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Even worse, he chose to target minors to sell one of the most dangerous drugs plaguing our society. His reckless pursuit of money to fuel his own consumption cut short the life of a young person who, unlike Mr. Dural, will never have the opportunity to make his own decisions as an adult. So, for drug traffickers in the Eastern District of Virginia, let this case make one thing clear--you are on notice. My office, along with our federal, state, and local partners, will not stop until we find you and hold you responsible to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Drug traffickers like Dural prioritize profit over the lives and families they destroy,” said Ibrar A. Mian, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division. “They exploit the trust of vulnerable citizens by distributing fake pills that mimic legitimate medication but are, in fact, toxic substances, many of which contain fentanyl. The quantity of pills seized from this individual could have potentially resulted in the deaths of 40 people. Such actions are unacceptable, and we are committed to investigating to hold accountable those involved in the illegal production and distribution of drugs, thereby safeguarding American lives. One Pill Can Kill, and conversations save lives.”
On June 11, 2024, investigators observed Dural engaging in what appeared to be a hand-to-hand narcotics transaction in a convenience store parking lot in Norfolk. Dural was in possession of 80 counterfeit Oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. During a search of Dural's residence, investigators recovered additional fentanyl pills, a handgun with an extended magazine, and $7,870 in cash.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Virginia Beach Police Department, and Norfolk Police Department assisted in the investigation of this case. Dural was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olivia L. Norman and Patrick J. McGorman prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-156.
Canadian cybercriminal sentenced to a year in prison for NFT theft schemeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Canadian was sentenced yesterday to a year in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents, in May 2022, Cameron Albert Redman, 22, of Mississauga, Ontario, formed a scheme to steal non-fungible tokens (NFTs) by gaining unauthorized access to the X accounts of various digital artists. The conspirators used the artists’ online identities to direct the artists’ followers to fraudulent websites. There, victims would seek to claim new NFTs from the digital artists. Though victims thought they were authorizing a transaction to receive NFTs into their digital wallets, they unknowingly enabled the conspirators to remove cryptocurrency and NFTs from their wallets.
Within a few days, Redman and his co-conspirators defrauded over 200 victims and profited over $794,000.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance to secure the arrest and March 2025 extradition from Portugal of Redman. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Cybercrime Investigation Team, Central Region, provided valuable assistance in this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe Bedell prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-129.
Bulgarian arms trafficker and three others indicted for conspiring to supply military-grade weaponry to Mexican drug cartelsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – In an indictment unsealed in the Eastern District of Virginia, the United States charged a Bulgarian arms trafficker and three other foreign nationals with conspiracy to distribute cocaine; conspiracy to possess firearms, including machineguns and destructive devices, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and conspiracy to provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization.
As alleged in the indictment, since at least September 2022, Peter Dimitrov Mirchev, along with Kenyan national Elisha Odhiambo Asumo, Ugandan national Michael Katungi Mpeirwe, and Tanzanian national Subiro Osmund Mwapinga conspired to illegally supply military-grade weaponry to Mexican drug cartels, and in particular, the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most violent and prolific transnational criminal organizations. The weaponry included machineguns, rocket launchers, grenades, night vision equipment, sniper rifles, anti-personnel mines, and anti-aircraft weapons.
The defendants allegedly believed that the CJNG intended to use these weapons in furtherance of the illegal trafficking of large shipments of cocaine into the United States. On Feb. 20, 2025, the CJNG was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization under the Immigration and Nationality Act and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Executive Order 13224. Arms sales to transnational criminal organizations like the CJNG are prohibited by virtually every country.
In a series of meetings with individuals claiming to represent the CJNG, Mirchev allegedly agreed to arrange, coordinate, and participate in illegal arms transactions while avoiding detection by international and U.S. law enforcement. Mirchev allegedly recruited Asumo to corruptly obtain an End-User Certificate (EUC) from a nation that would falsely claim a different end-user for the weapons. Asumo recruited Mpeirwe, who recruited Mwapinga. Together, they allegedly obtained an EUC from the United Republic of Tanzania authorizing the importation of AK-47s. As a test shipment, Mirchev and others then exported 50 AK-47 automatic assault rifles and accompanying magazines and ammunition from Bulgaria, using the EUC provided by Asumo, Mpeirwe, and Mwapinga, and intending that the weapons were actually received by the CJNG.
The defendants allegedly continued to conspire to supply drug cartels with even more weaponry, potentially including surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft drones, and the ZU-23 anti-aircraft weapon system. Mirchev allegedly created a list of weaponry for the CJNG totaling approximately 53.7 million Euros (approximately $58 million U.S.). Asumo, Mpeirwe, and Mwapinga allegedly agreed to again provide arms control documents designed to obscure that these weapons were intended for the CJNG.
According to court records, Mirchev was previously implicated in supplying arms to Viktor Bout, who was convicted at trial of conspiring to kill U.S. nationals, conspiring to kill U.S. officers and employees, conspiring to acquire and export anti-aircraft missiles; and conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization in case 1:08-cr-365 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Mirchev was arrested by Spanish authorities in Madrid on April 8 and is currently pending extradition to the United States. Asumo was arrested by Moroccan authorities in Casablanca on April 8 and is currently in extradition proceedings. Mwapinga was arrested by Ghanaian authorities in Accra on April 8 and was extradited to the United States on July 25. Mpeirwe remains at large. If convicted, each defendant faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Louis A. D’Ambrosio, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Special Operations Division, made the announcement.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided invaluable assistance in securing Mwapinga’s extradition, working in cooperation with the DEA Attaché to U.S. Embassy Accra and key Ghanaian partners, including the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice of Ghana, the Ghana Police Service, and Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission.
This case was investigated by the DEA’s Special Operations Division – Bilateral Investigations Unit. The Hellenic National Police (HNP) in Greece provided substantial assistance in this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony T. Aminoff and Edgardo J. Rodriguez are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-CR-102.
An indictment is merely an accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Attachments:
mirchev_unsealed_indictment.pdfFederal jury convicts South Carolina man on sex trafficking and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A federal jury convicted a South Carolina man today on charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion; sex trafficking of a minor; production of a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct; transportation with the intent to engage in prostitution; transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in prostitution; and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, during July 2024, Johnny Thiel Banks, 30, of Summerville, transported a minor, identified as Jane Doe, from North Carolina to Virginia on multiple occasions. While in Virginia, he sex-trafficked Jane Doe at hotels, a truck stop, and a gas station in Hampton Roads, including in Suffolk and Virginia Beach. Jane Doe was 15 years old at the time and had just finished the 8th grade. Banks repeatedly threatened Jane Doe and her family to get her to comply with his demands. He also had her pose for and send him child sexual abuse material (CSAM). When she did not want to go back to Virginia to engage in commercial sex, he threatened to have her “floating in a creek.”
On July 31, 2024, while armed with a firearm, Banks took Jane Doe from a residence and brought her to a hotel in Virginia Beach to sex traffic her. He set up multiple commercial sex appointments that night. After they arrived in Virginia Beach, he argued with Jane Doe and strangled her, and she called a family member for help. After receiving information that Jane Doe was missing from Charlotte, the Virginia Beach Police Department quickly located Jane Doe in the parking garage of a hotel. As officers spoke with Jane Doe, Banks walked by and was detained.
Law enforcement obtained a search warrant and recovered Banks’ loaded handgun from his rental vehicle. As a previously convicted felon, Banks cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition. Police also obtained search warrants for three cellphones that contained CSAM and evidence of sex trafficking.
Banks is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 19 and faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Christopher Heck, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C.; and Paul Neudigate, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson accepted the verdict.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca Gantt and Megan M. Montoya are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-15.
Three people sentenced to prison for a series of armed robberiesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A northern Virginia trio has been sentenced to prison for their roles in a series of armed robberies in northern Virginia.
According to court documents, on July 5, 2024, Javon Rustin Louis Paige, 38, robbed a cellphone store in Alexandria at gunpoint. Paige ordered an employee to the ground, hit the employee on the head with the handgun, and kicked the employee. Paige forced the employee through a back door into another business, then forced the owner of that business and the employee of the cellphone store back into the cellphone store and made them lie on the ground behind the counter. Paige stole several electronic devices and cash from the store, then fled.
On July 25, 2024, Paige robbed another Alexandria cellphone store with Vincent Henry Kirkland Jr., aka Daniel Eugene Robinson, 31, whom Paige met in prison. Paige pointed a handgun at an employee and customer, ordering them onto the ground and then to the back of the store. Kirkland started to drag the customer toward the back of the store before the customer was able to get up and walk to the rear. In the back of the store, Paige and Kirkland encountered the store manager and demanded cellular devices. Kirkland and Paige stomped on the employee’s head and Paige struck the store manager in the back of the head with his handgun. Paige and Kirkland loaded store merchandise and cash into backpacks and a trash can. Paige pepper-sprayed the employee and customer before fleeing the store.
On August 13, 2024, Brianna Mamie Oceolia Archie, 27, drove Paige and Kirkland to a Woodbridge business that sells and repairs electronic merchandise. Paige and Kirkland, both armed with handguns, entered the store and ordered two victims to the ground, demanded money, and ordered the victims to open the cash register. Paige and Kirkland struck both victims in the head with a handgun, causing injury. Paige and Kirkland loaded store merchandise and cash into bags and fled from the store. Archie then drove them back to a hotel in Dumfries where Paige was staying at the time.
Paige, Kirkland, and Archie were arrested in December 2024.
On March 11, Archie pled guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery. On June 17, she was sentenced to five years and ten months in prison.
On March 11, Kirkland pled guilty to two counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. On July 15, Kirkland was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
On April 29, Paige pled guilty to two counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Paige was sentenced today to 16 years in prison.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal Division; Kevin Davis, Fairfax County Chief of Police; and Peter Newsham, Chief of Prince William County Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Smalky and Megan Braun prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 1:25-cr-50 (Archie), 1:25-cr-59 (Kirkland), and 1:25-cr-63 (Paige).
Alexandria man pleads guilty to defrauding pandemic relief programs of nearly $1.5MRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A former Air Force dentist pled guilty yesterday to conspiracy to commit wire fraud relating to his applications for and receipt of pandemic relief funds to which he was not entitled.
According to court documents, from April 2020 through December 2021, Muhammad Adil Quraish, 35, of Alexandria, conspired with at least four co-conspirators to submit materially false applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). PPP was a COVID-19 relief program intended to provide loans backed by the Small Business Administration to certain businesses, nonprofit organizations, and others to help them remain afloat during the pandemic. The purpose of the EIDL program was to enable small businesses to meet financial obligations and operating expenses during the pandemic.
After learning of the PPP and EIDL programs, Quraish discussed applying for EIDL and PPP loans with co-conspirators with intentionally inflated and falsified payroll information to receive loans that the businesses were not entitled to receive. Quraish inflated the numbers of employees each entity claimed as well as quarterly and annual payroll figures for several entities. Quraish created falsified payroll records and falsified IRS tax forms, and falsely certified or caused to be falsely certified that such forms had been filed with the IRS.
Quraish and his co-conspirators personally profited $1,471,599 from the fraud conspiracy. Quraish used the fraud proceeds to invest in cryptocurrency, among other things.
Quraish is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 22 and faces up to five years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Brig. Gen. Amy Bumgarner, Commander of the Office of Special Investigations for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force; Christopher Dillard, Special Agent in Charge for the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s Mid-Atlantic Field Office (DCIS), Kareem A. Carter, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the Washington D.C. Field Office; and Christopher Heck, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston Jr. accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary H. Ray is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-185.
Prolific international money launderer sentenced to 15 years in prisonRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Paraguay-based transnational money launderer was sentenced today to 15 years in prison.
According to court documents, Federico Ezequiel Santoro Vassallo, aka Capitan, 46, was a close associate of Uruguayan national Sebastian Enrique Marset Cabrera, 29, who, as alleged in an indictment, is a transnational drug-trafficker responsible for moving ton quantities of cocaine worth millions of dollars from South America to Europe. Santoro served as a transnational money launderer for drug-trafficking organizations and facilitated the movement of millions of dollars of drug proceeds from various countries in Europe to South America and elsewhere.
Santoro and his co-conspirators arranged for the collection of narcotics proceeds and utilized couriers and tokens to covertly deliver bulk illicit currency, typically in euros. Santoro’s co-conspirators specialized in placing the illicit currency into the global banking system. He then would direct the movement of the funds internationally, usually via bank wire transfer. Santoro typically directed that the funds be delivered in U.S. dollars and a correspondent bank in the United States would facilitate the transaction.
Santoro used at least seven businesses to facilitate the transmission of money and hid the location and ownership of the assets being laundered by using unrelated companies, all registered as purportedly doing business in different, unrelated industries. Santoro used businesses registered in South America and Asia to receive the laundered drug proceeds and concealed the source of the funds by creating false invoices to justify the wire transfers.
Santoro threatened violence to protect his money laundering activities. Santoro laundered millions of dollars of drug proceeds and, in a span of less than five months, directed the movement of more than $11 million in drug-trafficking funds through U.S. banks. As payment, Santoro took a percentage of the illicit bulk cash proceeds that he laundered.
As part of the sentence, the Court entered an Order of Forfeiture in the amount of $11,537,860.47.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Louis A. D’Ambrosio, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Special Operations Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston Jr.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and law enforcement partners in Paraguay provided substantial assistance to secure the arrest and extradition of Santoro Vassallo.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony T. Aminoff and Catherine Rosenberg prosecuted the case.
Anyone with information about Marset’s operation, including his drug trafficking, money laundering, and use of (or threats to use) violence, or about his location, is urged to contact the DEA by email at [email protected].
This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-143.
Former bank insider pleads guilty to stealing money from customer accountsRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A South Chesterfield woman pled guilty today to embezzling funds from and making false statements to her former employer, Truist Financial Corporation.
According to court documents, Ahshah Dior Martin, 35, repeatedly stole customer banking information to enrich herself.
In 2023, Martin began improperly using her access to Truist computer systems to gather Truist account holders’ banking information. Then, she initiated fraudulent debits and withdrawals from these accounts for her own benefit. For instance, Martin repeatedly initiated payments from customer bank accounts to a child support payment processor, through which Martin paid herself. In all, Martin used her access to sensitive customer financial information to steal $195,000 from at least 70 separate Truist customer accounts.
Martin stole from the Truist accounts of individuals and entities, including multiple churches, a children’s museum, an eye tissue bank non-profit organization, manufacturing and construction companies, a small business making customized holsters, and the North Carolina Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. Martin spent stolen funds on cosmetic products, clothing, travel expenses, dining, and at a hookah bar.
On April 15, 2024, Martin was terminated by Truist. Despite repeated attempts to retrieve her Truist laptop, Martin retained access to her work computer. To conceal her wrongdoing and prevent the return of her Truist laptop, Martin faked her own death. On April 17, 2024, in response to an email from Truist asking for the computer, Martin responded, “Sorry to inform you, she has passed away.”
Martin is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 20 and faces up to 30 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Jeffrey D. Pittano, Special Agent in Charge of the Mid-Atlantic Region for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Avi Panth and Robert S. Day are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-102.
Smithfield man sentenced to over two years in prison for illegally possessing a firearmRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Smithfield man was sentenced yesterday to two years and four months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on May 25, 2024, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Ahmod Keshawn Finney, 24, and placed him in custody pursuant to outstanding state arrest warrants. While Finney was being detained, officers observed and recovered a loaded handgun from the vehicle. The handgun was stolen and was equipped with an extended magazine and a machinegun conversion device.
As a previously convicted felon, Finney cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Col. Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police; and Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Jamar K. Walker.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter G. Osyf prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-cr-86.
Smithfield man pleads guilty to possessing over 150 improvised explosive devices and an unregistered short barrel rifleRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Smithfield man pled guilty today to possession of an unregistered short barrel rifle and possession of an unregistered destructive device.
According to court documents, on July 31, 2021, Brad Kenneth Spafford, 36, was admitted to an emergency room with a completely amputated right thumb, partially amputated right middle and index fingers, hearing loss, and scalp lacerations. Spafford falsely told the hospital his injuries were caused by fireworks. An investigation later revealed that Spafford’s injuries resulted from his misfire of a launcher at a family member’s rural property where Spafford routinely detonated explosives he made.
On Dec. 17, 2024, law enforcement arrested Spafford for possession of an unregistered short barrel rifle. Immediately following Spafford’s arrest, law enforcement searched his Smithfield property and vehicles. Agents recovered an unregistered short barrel rifle and ammunition compatible with the rifle. Agents also found approximately 155 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that appeared to be homemade pipe bombs. Some of the IEDs had handwritten identification on them, including “lethal” and “concussion.”
Among the IEDs analyzed were propellant capabilities consistent with use in a launcher and IEDs capable of causing property damage, personal injury, or death. Investigators also recovered bomb-making equipment, along with riot gear, Tannerite, two empty grenade canisters, an improvised mine, precursor chemicals for explosive materials, and numerous rounds of homemade ammunition.
Spafford is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 18 and faces up to 10 years in prison for each charge. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Dominique Evans, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert J. Krask accepted the plea.
The Suffolk Police Department, Norfolk Bomb Squad, Virginia State Police, Isle of Wight County Fire Rescue, and Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation, with continued support from the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Norfolk.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca Gantt and Luke Bresnahan are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-3.
Repeat offender sentenced to 20 years in prison for trafficking narcotics and laundering the proceedsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Connecticut man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, conspiracy to import GBL with intent to manufacture GHB, and concealment money laundering.
In May 2024, investigators learned that Hatem S. Salem, 56, was importing quantities of GBL, a precursor for the “date-rape” drug GHB, into Virginia from China. From August 2024 through January 2025, law enforcement conducted five controlled purchases of various controlled substances, including cocaine, ketamine, MDMA, and over 100 grams of meth from Salem.
On Jan. 30, investigators searched Salem’s residence in Shelton, Connecticut. Agents recovered 151 grams of meth, 626 grams of cocaine, various quantities of Ketamine, MDMA, and LSD, bottles containing GBL and GHB, and 157 boxes containing nearly 1,200 liters of suspected GBL in Salem’s basement. As part of his guilty plea, Salem admitted that over 2,000 liters of GBL was involved in the importation conspiracy. Investigators also discovered a clandestine lab in Salem’s shed that contained substances and equipment for manufacturing GHB. A financial investigation revealed that Salem used various methods, such as convoluted transactions between business and personal bank accounts, to conceal or disguise the proceeds from his drug conspiracy. Investigators seized assets constituting proceeds of Salem’s drug trafficking conspiracy and property involved in money laundering, including approximately $370,000 in cash and $171,500 in cryptocurrency.
Salem has several prior federal narcotics-related convictions. In 1999, Salem was convicted for conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids, distribution of anabolic steroids, and making false statements. In 2005, Salem was convicted for distribution of GBL and GHB while he was on probation for his 1999 conviction. In 2015, Salem was convicted for unlawful importation of GBL with intent to manufacture GHB.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Christopher Heck, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C.; and Kevin Davis, Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hahn and Assistant U.S. Attorney Annie Zanobini prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-105.
Gloucester drug trafficker sentenced to five years in prison for firearms offenseRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Gloucester man was sentenced yesterday to five years in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, on July 15, 2024, Kyle Jacob Buquor, 26, parked a pickup truck in the area of Market Drive and entered a store. While Buquor was inside the store, a K9 positively alerted for narcotics in the truck as law enforcement conducted an open-air sniff around the vehicle.
Buquor was detained when he returned to the vehicle. During a probable cause search of the vehicle agents recovered a handgun, three loaded magazines, an empty magazine, 11.5 grams of methamphetamine, and various items indicative of drug trafficking.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Darrell W. Warren, Jr., Gloucester County Sheriff, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Heath prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-cr-56.
Arizona drug trafficker sentenced to over seven years in prisonRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – An Arizona man was sentenced on July 15 to seven years and six months in prison after pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and distribution of pills containing parafluorofentanyl and fentanyl.
According to court documents, three controlled buys were conducted in February and March 2022, Matthew Stuart Powlowsky, 35, sold meth and counterfeit Oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and parafluorofentanyl, which he shipped by mail from Arizona to Virginia. In all, the Powlowsky sold 86.48 grams of meth, which forensic analysis showed was 95% pure.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Stephen Farina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Mastandrea prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-151.
Newport News felon sentenced to four years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm while on supervised releaseRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Newport News man was sentenced today to four years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on May 20, 2024, two police officers observed that James Earl Hooker, 35, appeared to have a firearm in his waistband as he was walking in downtown Newport News. When one of the officers attempted to speak with Hooker, he immediately fled on foot. During the pursuit, a loaded handgun fell from Hooker’s waistband. The officers recovered the firearm after apprehending Hooker.
Hooker has multiple prior federal convictions for conspiring to interfere with commerce by robbery, interference with commerce by robbery, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and mail fraud. At the time of Hooker’s arrest, he was under federal court supervision for his 2022 conviction for pandemic-related mail fraud in the Eastern District of Virginia. As a previously convicted felon, Hooker cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
The four-year sentence for being a felon in possession of a firearm will be served consecutive to an eight-month sentence for his supervised release violations.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mack Coleman prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:25-cr-1.
Richmond recidivist sentenced to seven years in prison for latest drug offenseRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to seven years in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl.
According to court documents, On Aug. 18, 2024, Richmond police observed Ernest Winfred Mealey, 30, with what appeared to be a firearm. Mealey and another individual began walking away from the officers. The officers approached Mealy and asked if he had a firearm, which he denied. When asked if he had a concealed weapons permit, Mealey did not respond, then attempted to flee.
The officers pursued and tackled Mealey, at which point a firearm fell from Mealey’s shirt. Mealey also had a bag, from which officers recovered $1,696, a digital scale, 48.14 grams of fentanyl, and 28.17 grams of cocaine.
Mealey has seven prior felony convictions, including for drug and firearms offenses.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police; and Colette Wallace McEachin, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Richmond, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Groover, an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney with the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-7.
Postal employee pleads guilty to causing over $42,000 in damage to U.S. propertyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Falls Church woman pled guilty today to causing damage to property of the United States.
According to court documents, on Jan. 16, mail carrier Lolita Brickhouse, 31, had concluded her work shift and began looking for her cellphone. Brickhouse began accusing other USPS employees and supervisors of stealing her cell phone. Brickhouse proceeded to violently knock over and throw objects around the postal facility. She personally insulted her supervisors and coworkers and taunted them to call the police.
Without authorization, Brickhouse took a set of vehicle keys, walked to the parking lot, and entered a USPS vehicle. Shen then deliberately rammed the vehicle into another USPS vehicle with such force that the second vehicle collided with and damaged a third USPS vehicle. Brickhouse exited the USPS vehicle and used her metal water bottle to break and shatter a driver-side window. As a result of the violent crash, Brickhouse totaled the second USPS vehicle.
Brickhouse is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 16 and faces up to 10 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff accepted the plea.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake Drucker is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-152.
Convicted felon caught twice with loaded firearms sentenced to over eight years in prisonRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to eight years and four months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on June 13, 2024, Richmond Police officers observed Emanuel Leon Crawford, Jr., 33, in a parking lot area of a convenience store on Mosby Street in Richmond acting suspiciously. When they got out of their patrol vehicle, Crawford fled on foot. As Crawford was running, he removed a crossbody bag and threw it. Officers took Crawford into custody and recovered the bag, which contained a loaded .40 caliber handgun. Officers also recovered 18 multi-colored pressed pills containing methamphetamine.
On July 26, 2024, as officers served Crawford with a misdemeanor warrant, they found him in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun.
Crawford was convicted in 2013 of attempted unlawful wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and burglary of a residence. Crawford also was convicted in 2020 of possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I/II controlled substance. As a previously convicted felon, Crawford is prohibited from legally possessing firearms or ammunition.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman and Third-Year Law Student Kevin C. Teel prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-169.
Two Honduran nationals plead guilty to firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Two Honduran nationals pled guilty to charges relating to their purchasing and international shipping of ammunition to Honduras and an attempt to send firearms to Honduras.
According to court documents, in July 2013, Miguel Humberto Pinto Serrano, 29, unlawfully entered the United States and was encountered by immigration officials. Pinto Serrano was found removable in absentia after he failed to appear at his removal hearing. In August 2021, Walter Antonio Coto Alvarenga, unlawfully entered the United States and was encountered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in New Mexico. CBP determined that Coto Alvarenga was unlawfully present in the United States and removed him from the country. Coto Alvarenga later illegally reentered the United States.
The two were illegally residing in the United States in a residence they shared in Sterling. On at least 23 occasions from 2020 to 2025, Pinto Serrano purchased ammunition and firearm parts from three companies. Pinto Serrano also purchased pistol magazines, grips, barrels, and night sights on eBay. On Nov. 29, 2022, Pinto Serrano shipped 3,000 rounds of ammunition to Honduras, and, in coordinating the shipment, stated that the shipment contained clothes and food for Coto Alvarenga’s family in Copán, Honduras. The ammunition was later seized by Honduran officials in a box bearing Coto Alvarenga’s name and phone number.
On April 10, Pinto Serrano ordered 1,200 rounds of ammunition that were delivered to the residence in Sterling on April 19. On April 21, 2025, law enforcement searched the residence shared by Pinto Serrano and Coto Alvarenga. From the residence, investigators recovered over a thousand rounds of ammunition, firearm parts, 10 new rifle magazines, and three handgun magazines, including an extended capacity magazine. During the search, Pinto Serrano and Coto Alvarenga arrived in a rental vehicle from which investigators recovered two rifles, four unloaded magazines, and one loaded magazine. The serial number on one of the rifles had been obliterated. On Pinto Serrano’s cellphone were messages indicating that he intended to sell and ship the rifles to Honduras.
Pinto Serrano pled guilty today to smuggling goods from the United States and possession and interstate transport of a firearm by an illegal alien. He remains subject to the 2013 order of removal. Coto Alvarenga pled guilty yesterday to possession and interstate transport of a firearm by an illegal alien. Pinto Serrano and Coto Alvarenga are scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 24 and face up to 15 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Christopher Heck, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather D. Call and is prosecuting the case. Former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Binder assisted in the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 1:25-cr-175 (Pinto Serrano) and 1:25-cr-176 (Coto Alvarenga).
Philadelphia drug trafficker sentenced to 15 years in prisonRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Philadelphia man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine after having previously been convicted of a serious drug felony.
According to court documents, in September and October of 2024, Antonio Ortiz, 43, arranged to sell two kilograms of cocaine and agreed to travel to Arlington County to complete the transaction. On Oct. 15, 2024, law enforcement took Ortiz into custody upon his arrival at the agreed location in Arlington and searched his rental vehicle. From the trunk of the vehicle, law enforcement recovered 2,005.3 grams of cocaine. Law enforcement in Philadelphia searched Ortiz’s residence and recovered an additional 3,022.3 grams of cocaine.
Ortiz was convicted in 2002 and again in 2003 for distribution of cocaine. In 2011, Ortiz was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine while he was still on parole for a 2004 conviction for aggravated assault and carrying a firearm without a license after shooting another individual during an argument. Ortiz was on supervised release for the 2011 conviction at the time of his arrest on Oct. 15, 2024.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Ibrar A. Mian, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division; and Charles “Andy” Penn, Arlington County Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip Alito and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hahn prosecuted the case.
This investigation is part of the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking (HIDTA) Northern Virginia Drug Initiative, which seeks to identify, disrupt, and dismantle drug trafficking organizations and money laundering organizations; reduce drug-related crime and violence; and identify and respond to emerging drug trends.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-35.
Maryland man pleads guilty after assaulting an airline gate agentRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Maryland man pled guilty today to interfering with security screening personnel.
According to court documents, on March 13, Christopher Stuart Crittenden, 54, of Frederick, who had consumed multiple alcoholic beverages, became irate about a delay and his seating assignment for his flight from Washington Dulles International Airport. Crittenden shouted expletives at a gate agent. The agent informed the flight captain, who was on the jet bridge, that Crittenden was likely inebriated and verbally harassing airline staff. The captain came to the gate to speak with Crittenden and ultimately informed him that he could not fly on the aircraft.
Crittenden then assaulted the agent by punching him in the face, temporarily rendering the victim unconscious. Crittenden also attempted to punch another gate agent, but that gate agent avoided the assault.
Crittenden is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 9 and faces up to 10 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Joshua P. Stone, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterterrorism Division, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Clement is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-167.
Previously convicted felon sentenced to five years in prison for illegally possessing a firearmRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced yesterday to five years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on July 16, 2024, Richmond Police officers approached Terry B. Matthews, 41, in a parking lot in Richmond. When the officers engaged Matthews in conversation, Matthews fled on foot and the officers pursued. Matthews jumped from a ledge and injured himself when he landed. Officers observed a loaded handgun in Matthews’ waistband and recovered it. Matthews also possessed a knotted plastic baggie containing over five grams of cocaine.
In 2005, Matthews was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He then was convicted of assault and battery for beating his 17-year-old former girlfriend with a wooden board and a stick. Matthews was later convicted of second-degree murder after using a tree branch to strike the head of a victim who allegedly owed him money. As a previously convicted felon, Matthews cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick J. McGorman prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-160.
U.S. Attorney announces immigration case updates for the Eastern District of VirginiaRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, announced today case updates on 11 immigration cases in the district.
On Jan. 20 the President signed executive orders addressing the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. Protecting the American People Against Invasion recognized that enforcing our Nation’s immigration laws is critically important to the national security and public safety of the United States, and that it is the policy of the United States to faithfully execute the immigration laws against all inadmissible and removable aliens, particularly those aliens who threaten the safety or security of the American people. The order tasked the Department of Justice with prioritizing the prosecution of criminal offenses related to the unauthorized entry or continued unauthorized presence of aliens in the United States. Securing Our Borders prioritizes the pursuit of criminal charges against illegal aliens who violate immigration laws and against those who facilitate their unlawful presence in the United States.
“These defendants are just more examples of individuals who not only illegally entered the United States but committed serious crimes that harmed our citizens and jeopardized public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Siebert. “From drug offenses, to sexual battery, to assault and battery, to child neglect, to drinking and driving, these defendants were all removed previously for crimes they committed after coming to our country, and they each committed yet another serious violation of federal law by illegally returning following removal. Moreover, most of the defendants were found by immigration authorities after being arrested for committing still additional crimes after their unlawful return, to include four who escaped an ICE detention facility. As these cases demonstrate, enforcement of our immigration laws is essential to protecting the American people and we will not waiver in our responsibility to keep the citizens of the Eastern District of Virginia safe.”
On March 16, 2017, Guatemalan national Angel Estuardo Marchorro-Giron, 34, was removed from the United States pursuant to a final order of removal. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents learned that Marchorro-Giron had unlawfully reentered the United States and had been detained at the Fairfax County Detention Center on Sept. 25, 2020, following his arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI). On Oct. 1, 2024, in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Marchorro-Giron was arrested for and later convicted of two counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance and possession of a loaded handgun in a vehicle. On June 24, Marchorro-Giron pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. He remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 1:25-CR-119
On April 3, 2014, Salvadoran national David Jonathan Rodriguez Zelaya, 36, was removed from the United States pursuant to a final order of removal. On Nov. 26, 2024, ICE agents learned that Rodriguez Zelaya had unlawfully reentered the United States after his arrest in Stafford County on charges of sexual battery, taking indecent liberties with a child, and peeping. On March 19, 2025, Rodriguez Zelaya was convicted on the sexual battery and peeping charges. On June 6, Rodriguez Zelaya was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. A federal grand jury indicted Rodriguez Zelaya today. He remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 1:25-MJ-237
On April 17, 2009, Mexican national Alejandro Perez Garfias was apprehended by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Border Patrol agents and was granted voluntary return to Mexico. Perez Garfias illegally reentered the United States and on March 28, 2013, was convicted of driving under influence (DUI) in Kenosha County, Wisconsin. On Jan.17, 2014, Perez Garfias was convicted of attempted possession of cocaine. On May 25, 2016, Perez Garfias was convicted of larceny in Lake County, Illinois. On Oct. 10, 2016, Perez Garfias was removed from the United States pursuant to an order of removal. On June 6, 2017, Perez Garfias was encountered by ICE-Fugitive Operations and, on June 16, 2017, was removed again. After illegally reentering the United States again, ICE encountered Perez Garfias following his arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Henrico County. On May 20, Perez Garfias pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. Case No. 3:25-CR-71
On Feb. 5, 2011, Mexican national Abel Cordova-Garrido, 49, was removed from the United States pursuant to a final order of removal. On June 17, 2022, Cordova-Garrido was convicted of DUI and felony child neglect in Spotsylvania County, and was again removed from the United States. On April 13, 2025, ICE agents learned that Cordova-Garrido had unlawfully reentered the United States and had been detained by law enforcement at the Rappahannock Regional Detention Center in Stafford. On July 1, Cordova-Garrido pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. He remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 1:25-cr-166
On Sept. 19, 2012, Mexican national Joaquin Garcia-Munoz, 38, was convicted in Lunenburg of DUI. On Sept. 19, 2013, he was convicted in Nottoway County of assault and battery of a family member and failure to appear. On Jan. 16, 2014, Garcia-Munoz was convicted in Lunenburg County of sexual battery. On April 17, 2014, Garcia-Munoz was removed from the United States pursuant to a final order of removal. On April 27, 2014, Garcia-Munoz illegally reentered the United States and was arrested. On April 29, 2014, Garcia-Munoz was convicted in the Southern District of Texas of illegal entry, and on Aug. 26, 2014, was removed from the United States. Garcia-Munoz again unlawfully reentered the United States and was arrested in Virginia on May 15, 2025. On July 1, Garcia-Munoz pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. He remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 3:25-cr-80
On Feb. 24, 2020, Salvadoran national Roberto Antonio Flores-Marquez, 41, was removed from the United States pursuant to a final order of removal. On Jan. 22, 2024, ICE agents learned that Flores-Marquez had illegally reentered the United States after he had been detained by law enforcement and then fingerprinted at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. On June 12, Flores-Marquez pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. He remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 1:25-CR-139
On July 3, 2018, Salvadoran national Cesar Marquina-Martinez, 27, was removed from the United States pursuant to a final order of removal. ICE agents learned that Marquina-Martinez had unlawfully reentered the United States after he was detained in Fairfax County on Nov. 25, 2022. On June 18, Marquina-Martinez pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. He remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 1:25-CR-118
On March 2, Salvadoran national Jose Lovo-Bautista, 27, Honduran national Wilmer Alberto Isaola-Medina, 22, Mexican national Jose Manuel Rodriguez-Rosales, 25, and Salvadoran national Byron Isaac Toledo-Henriquez, 22, escaped from the Farmville Detention Facility by scaling a fence around an outdoor recreation area. Lovo-Bautista was arrested the following day while hiding in the woods in Farmville. Toledo-Henriquez and Isaola-Medina, stole a car and fled to Richmond. Rodriguez-Rosales also fled to Richmond. Dozens of members of law enforcement participated in the fugitive search. Toledo-Henriquez was arrested on March 3 and Rodriguez-Rosales was arrested on March 4. Isaola-Medina remained a fugitive for 15 days. Case No. 3: 25-CR-58
Lovo-Bautista was arrested in Spotsylvania for DUI on Nov. 11, 2019. On Aug. 28, 2020, he was arrested and charged with a second DUI and felony possession of a Schedule I or II drug in Stafford County and was convicted on May 6, 2021. Pursuant to a final order of removal, on June 18, 2021, immigration officials removed Lovo-Bautista from the United States to El Salvador. Lovo-Bautista illegally reentered the United States and on Dec. 19, 2024, was arrested in Stafford County. On Jan. 16, pursuant to the prior removal order, immigration officials directed that Lovo-Bautista be removed from the United States. Following his escape from immigration custody and his subsequent arrest, Lovo-Bautista pled guilty on May 1 to illegal reentry after a felony conviction and failure to comply with a removal order. He remains subject to the removal order.
Rodriguez-Rosales illegally entered the United States in 2017 and was quickly returned to Mexico by U.S. immigration authorities. Rodriguez-Rosales illegally reentered the United States less than a month later. On Feb. 5, 2019, an Immigration Judge determined that Rodriguez-Rosales was removable from the United States but allowed him to return to Mexico voluntarily. Rodriguez-Rosales failed to exit the United States and immigration officials were directed to arrest him and effectuate his removal. From 2019 to 2025, Rodriguez-Rosales remained in the United States as a fugitive subject to his order of removal. ICE officials took Rodriguez-Rosales into custody following a traffic stop in Richmond in February 2025 and ICE officials issued a Warrant of Removal/Deportation. On May 22, Rodriguez-Rosales pled guilty to failure to comply with a removal order, and he remains subject to that order.
Toledo-Henriquez illegally entered the United States before March 14, 2022, when he was charged with traffic offenses in Richmond and later charged with petit larceny committed on several occasions between August 2024 and September 2024. Toledo-Henriquez entered ICE custody in January 2025, and ICE issued Toledo-Henriquez a Notice to Appear in Immigration Court, which alleged that Toledo-Henriquez was unlawfully present in the United States. Following his March 2 escape and March 3 arrest, Toledo-Henriquez pled guilty on April 23 to escape.
After failing to appear in immigration court on July 27, 2023, an Immigration Judge determined that Isaola-Medina was removable from the United States and ordered that he be deported to Honduras. On Feb. 26, 2025, ICE officers placed Isaola-Medina in custody and ICE officials issued a Warrant of Removal/Deportation. On May 7, Isaola-Medina pled guilty to failure to comply with a removal order, and he remains subject to that order.
Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for the case number provided above.
Pennsylvania man pleads guilty to attempting to meet a minor for sexRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Pennsylvania man pled guilty today to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.
According to court documents, on May 1, Keith Allen Pinkard, 67, of Middletown, sent a private message to another user on a social media platform, unaware that the other user was an undercover FBI special agent. Pinkard told the user that he was seeking “a new playmate” for an “ongoing adventure.” The two discussed their interests, including Pinkard’s interest in young girls, leading to discussion of the other user’s purported nine-year-old daughter. Pinkard expressed interest in meeting the other user in person and engaging in sex acts with the purported nine-year-old girl. Pinkard said he was ready to commit “to a regular thing” with the user and the purported child, and that he wanted to present the child with a gift before going to the child’s bedroom. Pinkard and the other user arranged to meet at a coffee shop the following week and then walk together to the other user’s residence, where the purported child would be waiting.
On May 6, Pinkard arrived at the agreed upon location in Virginia, where he was arrested by FBI agents. In his vehicle were a gift bag containing a coloring book, colored pencils, and two packs of candy, as well as an Easter-themed basket with candy. He also had an image of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct on his cellphone.
Pinkard is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 30. He faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Emily Odom, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal and Cyber Division, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Halper is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-183.
Williamsburg man pleads guilty for sending threat to police officer that included images of child sexual abuseRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Williamsburg man pled guilty today to distributing obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children.
According to court documents, on Feb. 14 and 15, a police officer made contact with Xavier Joseph Stafford, 22, and asked Stafford to remove his vehicle from private property in Williamsburg. On Feb. 18, Stafford sent an email to the officer in which Stafford threatened to rape the officer’s daughter. Stafford included two animated images depicting child sexual abuse. The email also included a live photo repeatedly looping several frames of consecutive images of the officer’s home.
Stafford is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 4. He faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Dominique Evans, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert J. Krask accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Therese O'Brien is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:25-cr-40.
U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert announces charges as part of DOJ’s national health care fraud enforcement actionRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Today, Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, announced criminal charges against six defendants. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.
“This record-setting Health Care Fraud Takedown delivers justice to criminal actors who prey upon our most vulnerable citizens and steal from hardworking American taxpayers,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Make no mistake – this administration will not tolerate criminals who line their pockets with taxpayer dollars while endangering the health and safety of our communities.”
“This action underscores our efforts to holding accountable those who abuse our health care systems for personal profit,” said U.S. Attorney Siebert. “Health care fraud not only wastes valuable resources but also jeopardizes patient safety and trust. Under the leadership of Attorney General Bondi, my office, along with our stalwart law enforcement partners, will not stop until fraud, waste, and abuse are eliminated across the health care sector.”
“The Criminal Division is intensely committed to rooting out health care fraud schemes and prosecuting the criminals who perpetrate them because these schemes: (1) often result in physical patient harm through medically unnecessary treatments or failure to provide the correct treatments; (2) contribute to our nationwide opioid epidemic and exacerbate controlled substance addiction; and (3) do all of that while stealing money hardworking Americans contribute to pay for the care of their elders and other vulnerable citizens,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Division’s Health Care Fraud Unit and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices stand united with our law enforcement partners in this fight, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to protect the integrity of our health care programs for the American people.”
“Health care fraud drains critical resources from programs intended to help people who truly need medical care,” said Director Kash Patel of the FBI. “Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to pursuing those who exploit the system for personal gain. With more than $13 billion in fraud uncovered, this is the largest takedown for this initiative to date. Together, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to hold those accountable who steal from the American people and undermine our health care systems.”
The charges announced today by U.S. Attorney Siebert are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants for their alleged participation in health care fraud and illegal drug diversion schemes that involved the submission of over $14.6 billion in intended loss s and over 15 million pills of illegally diverted controlled substances. The defendants allegedly defrauded programs entrusted for the care of the elderly and disabled to line their own pockets, and the Government, in connection with the Takedown, seized over $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, and other assets.
The following individuals were charged in the Eastern District of Virginia:
Jawad Bhatti, 54, of Richmond, was charged by indictment with health care fraud, false statements related to health care matters, receiving adulterated and misbranded devices, and administering a misbranded drug in connection with schemes to defraud Medicare and Medicaid. As alleged in the Indictment, in his first scheme, Bhatti received in interstate commerce three FDA-unapproved devices that produced medical ozone gas, which the FDA has described as “a toxic gas that with no known useful medical application in specific, adjunctive, or preventive therapy.” Bhatti then allegedly advertised these devices on his website and used them in his pain management practice. Bhatti allegedly advertised to patients the benefits of ozone, to include that it treats cancer, AIDS, arthritis, and lower back pain, and improves weight management, sexual stamina, energy, and mental acuity. When Bhatti allegedly injected ozone into patients’ necks, backs, toes, and scalps, many reported it to be the worst pain they had ever experienced. To disguise his unapproved ozone treatments from the FDA, Medicare, and Medicaid, he allegedly falsely billed ozone and other treatments as nerve blocks. In his second scheme, Bhatti allegedly falsely billed Medicare and Medicaid for using ultrasound to guide the insertion of a needle for his injections when in fact he either did not use an ultrasound at all or he only used the ultrasound after the injection was complete. Bhatti allegedly was by far the most prolific pain management biller of this procedure in Virginia. In total, Bhatti allegedly submitted and caused the submission of over $5,202,374.96 in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shea Gibbons of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Keri Ayres, 50, of Warrenton, was charged by information with conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with a scheme to overcharge Medicaid for environmental modifications to homes or vehicles such as installing wheelchair ramps, or grab bars in showers, which scheme cost Medicaid approximately $245,000. As alleged in the information, Ayres was the owner of Ability Unlimited, a Medicaid provider whose business centered on facilitating but not performing environmental modifications, and Medicaid did not allow facilitators that performed no actual labor to charge a separate profit margin. Unsatisfied, Ayres allegedly directed her employees to hide their arbitrary and often exorbitant profit margins in the subcontractor costs. For example, Ability Unlimited purchased a generator from Amazon.com for less than $1000 and had it shipped directly to the Medicaid recipient, but charged Medicaid $3,395.16, listing the generator cost in an altered invoice as $2,610.16, and including an additional labor cost of $785 despite the direct shipment of the generator. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shea Gibbons of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Lori Adcock, 54, of Hampstead, North Carolina, was charged by complaint with conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with a scheme to overcharge Medicaid for environmental modifications to homes or vehicles such as installing wheelchair ramps or grab bars in showers, which scheme cost Medicaid approximately $213,210.69 attributable to Adcock. As alleged in the complaint, Adcock was the operations manager of Ability Unlimited, a Medicaid provider whose business centered on facilitating but not performing environmental modifications, and Medicaid did not allow facilitators that performed no actual labor to charge a separate profit margin. Adcock was the manager of the fraudulent scheme to hide Ability Unlimited’s arbitrary and often exorbitant profit margins in the subcontractor costs. For example, Ability Unlimited purchased a generator from Amazon.com for less than $1000 and had it shipped directly to the Medicaid recipient, but charged Medicaid $3,395.16, listing the generator cost in an altered invoice as $2,610.16, and including an additional labor cost of $785 despite the direct shipment of the generator. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shea Gibbons of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Kevin White, 56, of Richmond, was charged by information with health care fraud in connection with a scheme to bill Medicaid for residential group home services when the Medicaid recipients were hospitalized, incarcerated, or otherwise outside the group home. As alleged in the information, White was the owner of Ithiel Group, a Medicaid residential group home provider. White allegedly billed Medicaid for often-months-long periods when Medicaid group home residents were outside Ithiel’s group homes when they were hospitalized, incarcerated, or visiting their families. White and his managers allegedly often sent employees home because they lacked residents for which to care, but White billed Medicaid as if the residents were present. White allegedly received funds from a separate Virginia agency to hold bed space for absent residents while at the same time charging Medicaid as if he were providing services to these same absent residents. As a result of the scheme, Medicaid was billed over $1,000,000, and paid $461,704.23, in false and fraudulent claims. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shea Gibbons of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Yvoune Kara Petrie, 54, of Leesburg, was charged by Information with health care fraud in connection with a scheme to bill CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) for medical services and products that were not provided to patients, not prescribed by a physician, and not medically necessary. As alleged in the information, Petrie was the president and chief operating officer of Virginia Integrative Health, a medical clinic that provided hyperbaric oxygen therapy (“HBOT”) to patients. Petrie allegedly recruited her family members and friends to participate in her fraud as patients and she submitted fraudulent claims based on profit rather than the services that were actually prescribed. Petrie allegedly hired physicians at her clinic, but then used at least four physician’s National Provider Identifiers (“NPIs”) without their knowledge or permission to submit fraudulent claims to CareFirst. For example, Petrie allegedly used one physician’s NPI to submit fraudulent HBOT claims for that physician, as if the physician prescribed HBOT treatment for himself, but the treatment was never provided nor prescribed. As a result of the fraud scheme, Petrie allegedly caused at least $1,900,000 in actual loss to CareFirst. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary H. Ray of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Cristina Schasse, 40, of Glen Allen, was charged by Criminal Information with three charges of Criminal Tampering. As alleged in the Criminal Information, Schasse, while working as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at Chippenham and Johnston-Willis Medical Center, on three separate dates tampered with a Pyxis machine that contained fentanyl and Versed, by drawing syringes of fentanyl and Versed, placing them into her pockets, and then preparing syringes of Precedex (a non-scheduled sedative), mixed with saline, and then marked the syringes with preprinted labels misidentifying them as containing either fentanyl or Versed. Schasse then allegedly stored these mislabeled syringes in the Pyxis machine, knowing that the substituted drugs would be administered to patients. After the patient was sedated with Propofol, Schasse then allegedly administered the replacement substances she had placed inside the mislabeled syringes, to multiple patients during medical procedures. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Angela Mastandrea and Patrick J. McGorman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
“The scale of today’s Takedown is unprecedented, and so is the harm we’re confronting. Individuals who attempt to steal from the federal health care system and put vulnerable patients at risk will be held accountable,” said HHS-OIG Acting Inspector General Juliet T. Hodgkins. “Our agents at HHS-OIG work relentlessly to detect, investigate, and dismantle these fraud schemes. We are proud to stand with our law enforcement partners in protecting taxpayer dollars and safeguarding patient care.”
"Defrauding the American health care system is not a victimless crime," said Assistant Director in Charge Steven Jensen of the FBI Washington Field Office. "It raises health insurance premiums, exposes patients to unnecessary medical procedures, and can lead to identity theft. Every dollar stolen is one fewer that's available to pay for needed care. The FBI will continue our relentless pursuit of those committing health care fraud and hold them accountable for their crimes."
“Health care professionals who tamper with patients’ medications not only endanger those patients, but also undermine the trust Americans place in their medical providers,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ronald Dawkins, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Metro Washington Field Office. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice health care professionals who tamper with patients’ medications.”
“We are sending a strong message: if you abuse your position to harm patients or engage in criminal activities, you will lose the privilege of handling, distributing, and prescribing controlled substances in our country,” emphasized Ibrar A. Mian, Special Agent in Charge for DEA Washington Division. “The DEA targets individuals involved in fraud and criminal enterprises, regardless of whether they are disguised in white coats or blue scrubs. We are committed to pursuing anyone who exploits financial, pharmaceutical, and criminal systems.”
The Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, and Texas Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Arizona, Central District of California, Northern District of California, Southern District of California, District of Columbia, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle, District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Middle, District of Georgia, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern District of Kentucky, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Maine, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Northern District of Mississippi, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nevada, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Western District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, District of North Dakota, Northern District of Ohio, Southern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, District of South Carolina, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Washington, and Northern District of West Virginia; and State Attorney Generals’ Offices for Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania are prosecuting the cases in the National Health Care Fraud Takedown, with assistance from the Health Care Fraud Unit’s Data Analytics Team.
A complaint, information, or indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER.
Previously convicted felon sentenced to over five years in prison for illegally possessing a firearmRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Henrico County man was sentenced today to five years and three months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on Aug. 15, 2024, Henrico County Police responded to a report of gunshots at an apartment complex where Michael Anthony Nolan, 35, had been arguing with his ex-girlfriend. On arriving, officers observed Nolan, who was intoxicated, standing in the apartment complex's parking lot next to the driver-side door of a vehicle inside which officers observed a handgun on the floorboard.
In 2010, Nolan was convicted of robbing and attempting to rob pizza delivery drivers with a knife, and subsequently found guilty of two felony probation violations. As a previously convicted felon, Nolan cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Eric D. English, Chief of Henrico County Police Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick J. McGorman prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-179.
Four people sentenced for kidnapping and stealing $7000 from 83-year-old veteranRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Four people have been sentenced to prison for kidnapping an 83-year-old Arlington man and taking $7,000 from him.
According to court documents, on Dec. 30, 2023, Phillip Anderson, 37, Anthony Brockington, 22, Damien Griffin, 23, and K’la Hargrove, 27, traveled to the victim’s home intending to rob him. Hargrove’s boyfriend, who was incarcerated, owed $4,000 to Anderson for drugs, and had performed yardwork and handiwork for the victim. Hargrove, who had previously met the victim through her boyfriend, contacted the victim and arrived at the residence first. After the victim allowed Hargrove into his home, some of her co-conspirators, all of whom were armed, forced their way inside the home, assaulted the victim, and held him at gunpoint while demanding he give them money.
When the victim explained he didn’t have enough cash in his home, the co-conspirators kidnapped the victim and took him to a “trap house” in Washington, where they physically restrained the victim and continued to assault him. The victim was forced to transfer $7,000 to the bank account of an associate of Griffin. While the victim was being held, Griffin used the victim’s credit card to make purchases from McDonalds, DoorDash, and a gas station, and attempted to purchase gift cards at a CVS Pharmacy. During the night of Dec. 31, 2023, Griffin and Brockington, at Anderson’s direction, returned to the victim’s home, broke into a locker, and stole firearms. They transferred the firearms to Anderson, who later sold them.
On Jan. 1, 2024, the victim escaped from the trap house and returned to his home. A neighbor called 911 to report the kidnapping, and the victim was taken to a hospital for treatment. The kidnappers caused the victim to sustain fractures to his sternum and hands, broken ribs, and bruises and lacerations to his head and face.
On Oct. 30, 2024, Griffin pled guilty to conspiracy to kidnap. On Jan. 30, he was sentenced to 17 years and six months in prison.
Anderson pled guilty on Jan. 16, to conspiracy to kidnap and kidnapping. On May 1, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
On Jan. 30, Brockington pled guilty to kidnapping and aiding and abetting kidnapping. On May 1, he was sentenced to 17 years and six months in prison.
Hargrove pled guilty on March 13 to aiding and abetting kidnapping. She was sentenced today to six years in prison.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Emily Odom, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal and Cyber Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff.
The Arlington County Police Department provided valuable assistance in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sehar F. Sabir and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Cristina Stam prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-196.
Campaign treasurer pleads guilty to embezzling over $840,000Read the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Alexandria woman pled guilty today to embezzling campaign contributions from three federal candidates for political office and committing tax evasion.
According to court documents, Katherine Margaret Buchanan, 59, worked as a political campaign compliance consultant for more than 20 years for various political campaigns and political action committees (PACs). Typically, she held the title of “Treasurer” of the campaign or PAC. Beginning in 2020 and continuing to 2024, Buchanan used the access she had as treasurer to embezzle contributed funds from her clients and converted that money to her own personal use. Buchanan used campaign or PAC funds to make payments to her personal credit cards, used official campaign or PAC credit cards to make personal purchases, used campaign or PAC funds to pay third parties for her own personal enrichment, and transferred funds from campaign or PAC bank accounts into her personal bank accounts.
Buchanan used the embezzled funds for such personal expenses as dining, landscaping, aesthetic services, a Peloton exercise bike, clothing, airline tickets to Italy, concert tickets and suites, landscaping, chartered yacht tours, and legal fees. Altogether, Buchanan misappropriated at least $840,006.98 in contributed funds from the various campaign committees and PACs for whom she served as treasurer.
Buchanan also under-reported the income she received from 2017 through 2022 to the Internal Revenue Service to avoid paying taxes on it. This resulted in a total loss of unpaid federal taxes of $671,200.
Buchanan is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 8 and faces up to five years in prison for each charge. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Emily Odom, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal and Cyber Division; and Kareem A. Carter, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the Washington D.C. Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston Jr. accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Rumbaugh is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-150.