Western District of Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Pair Plead Guilty in CARES Act FraudRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A pair of Virginia residents pled guilty recently to filing false claims for pandemic unemployment benefits for pandemic unemployment benefits authorized by the CARES Act. The CARES Act is a federal law, enacted in March of 2020, that was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Martha Sue Buffy Davis, 50, of Glade Spring, Va., and Robert Walter Neely, 47, both pled guilty to one count of conspiring to defraud the United States and commit an offense against the United States by filing fraudulent claims for pandemic unemployment benefits as authorized by federal law. Both defendants are scheduled for sentencing on December 18, 2026.
According to court documents, from July 2020 through May 2021, Davis, Neely, and others, conspired to file false and fraudulent claims for pandemic unemployment benefits. It was part of the conspiracy that Neely provided personal identifying information (PII) to Davis, who filed and recertified the false claims with the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC).
To perpetuate the scheme, Davis listed a non-existent business, “Buff-N-Shine Cleaning,” that she invented for the purpose of filing the fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits with the VEC. In addition, Davis obtained PII and assisted other co-conspirators in filing and recertifying fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits. First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Labor, and the Virginia Employment Commission investigated the case.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Stone and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Suzanne Kerney-Quillen, a Virginia Office of the Attorney General Senior Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Major Crimes and Emerging Threats Section, are prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Man Sentenced for Role in Conspiracy with Annandale-Based Doctor to Illegally Distribute Promethazine-CodeineRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – An Alabama man, who conspired with Dr. Rotimi Adegoke Illuyomade and others to illegally distribute promethazine-codeine solution, was sentenced today to one year of probation.
Cameron Zackery Brown pled guilty to one misdemeanor count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a Schedule V controlled substance, promethazine-codeine solution, also known as “lean” and “purple drank.”
“Doctors who violate their professional duty and betray the public trust to illegally distribute controlled substances will be held accountable in the Western District of Virginia,” First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today. “I with to thank The Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Virginia State Police, Russell County Sheriff’s Office, Salisbury, Maryland Police Department, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Police, HHS-OIG, and the Food and Drug Administration for their assistance on this case.”
According to court documents, between 2023 and 2024, Brown, Dr. Illuyomade, Raymono Russell, Yared Tesfaye, Kenechukwu Okwara, Cameron Lewis, Zion Adeduwon, and others, conspired to acquire and distribute promethazine-codeine solution by fraud.
Specifically, Brown served as a driver for co-conspirators Okwara and Lewis, whom he knew from high school. Brown drove Okwara and Lewis to Dr. Illuyomade’s office, Crossover Medical Center in Annandale, Virginia, and to pharmacies in multiple states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia, for the purpose of filling illegal promethazine-codeine solution prescriptions. In exchange for driving, Brown received cash payments and/or CashApp, Apple Pay, or Zelle money transfers.
The investigation began on September 2, 2023, when co-conspirator Raymono Russell attempted to pick up a fraudulent promethazine-codeine solution prescription transmitted by Dr. Illuyomade at a pharmacy in Honaker, Virginia. Russell was arrested and a search of his vehicle revealed multiple controlled substance prescription bottles in various ‘patient’ names, all from Dr. Iluyomade, filled at pharmacies in Roanoke, Radford, Tazewell, and Floyd, Virginia.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Virginia State Police, Russell County Sheriff’s Office, Salisbury, Maryland Police Department, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Police, HHS-OIG, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lena Busscher and Randy Ramseyer are prosecuting the case.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci, Christopher C. Goumenis, Special Agent in Charge DEA Washington Division, and Darren B. Cox, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office, made the announcement.
Honduran Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Violating the Travel ActRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A Honduran national, Wilson Garcia Hernandez, 29, who overstayed his visa and has lived illegally in the United States since October 2024, pled guilty today to violating the Travel Act.
The Travel Act prohibits, among other things, using facilities in interstate commerce, such as cellphones and computers, to carry on unlawful activities, including prostitution.
According to court documents, in April 2026, an agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), acting in an undercover capacity began exchanging emails with Hernandez, after the defendant responded to an advertisement for commercial sex dates. The undercover officer was posing as a “female escort” online.
As the two began messaging each other, the undercover officer quickly told Hernandez that she was in fact 16 years old. Hernadez acknowledged her age and indicated that was not a problem for him and continued messaging with her.
Eventually, Hernandez arranged to meet the undercover officer, whom he believed was a 16-year-old girl, at a public park in the Harrisonburg, Virginia area and to pay $170 to have sex with for one-hour.
When Hernandez arrived, officers arrested him and found he was in possession of approximately $200 in cash and a condom.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf of Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. made the announcement today.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sally J. Sullivan is prosecuting the case.
Martinsville Woman Pleads Guilty in Social Security Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – A Martinsville woman, who stole almost $30,000 in Social Security benefits intended for her deceased boyfriend, was ordered to repay the money she stole and sentenced to two years of supervised release.
Jackie Cayton, 55, previously pled guilty to one felony count charging her with theft of government money.
According to court documents, from January 1, 2024, through September 16, 2025, Cayton used the deceased’s debit card to steal $29,988 in Social Security Administration (SSA) retirement benefits to which she was not entitled.
Law enforcement was made aware of Cayton’s action in September 2025 when a family member of the deceased SSA beneficiary (“the Deceased”) reported that his romantic partner, Cayton, was in possession of the Deceased’s Social Security benefits card and was spending the money.
Further investigation confirmed that the benefits were paid directly to a Truist bank account belonging to the Deceased through September 2025; even though he had died in December 2023.
Agents determined that Cayton used her deceased boyfriend’s benefits to make large ATM withdrawals of $400, online payments for cosmetics, as well as purchases at a Collinsville furniture store, Aldi, Walmart, Food Lion, and Appalachian Power Company.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci made the announcement.
The Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General investigated the matter with significant contribution from the Henry County Sheriff's Office.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Browne prosecuted the case.
Blacksburg Man to Serve 50 Months for Possessing More than 30,000 Child Exploitation Images and VideosRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – A Blacksburg, Virginia man, who used peer-to-peer filesharing software to download more than 30,000 images and videos of child exploitation material, was sentenced yesterday to 50 months in federal prison.
Rafael Bedia, 39, pled guilty in January 2026 to one count of possessing material involving the sexual exploitation of minors.
“This office will continue to target those who produce or possess child exploitation materials. The sentence imposed in this case should send a clear message that those who abuse and exploit children in the Western District of Virginia will be investigated and prosecuted for their crimes. I commend the FBI for their outstanding assistance in this case,” First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today.
“FBI Richmond is determined to continue to seek justice for victims of child exploitation. Today's hearing is the culmination of years of relentless work and dedication by our agents and analysts,” Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division said following yesterday’s hearing. “This sentencing shows how the collective efforts of our investigators, the strength of the evidence, and the power of the law can partner to ensure predators like Bedia will never target another innocent child.”
According to court documents, on July 13, 2021, Bedia used peer-to-peer filesharing software to download a nearly 45-minute-long video depicting a minor victim. Several months later, in February 2022, Bedia downloaded another lengthy video that depicted another young girl engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
On May 11, 2022, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Bedia’s electronic devices. Upon executing the warrant, investigators found an extraordinarily large collection of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors, including over 30,000 images and nearly 1,500 videos.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason M. Scheff and Drew O. Inman prosecuted the case for the United States.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Virginia Company to Pay $2.5 Million in Anti-Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – EBI LLC (“EBI”), a Virginia company with its principal place of business in Danville, Virginia, has agreed to pay $2,541,742.12 to resolve allegations that it fraudulently obtained a Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) for which it was not eligible.
PPP was an emergency loan program established by Congress in March 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, and administered by the SBA. The CARES Act is a federal law enacted in March of 2020, that was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized the SBA to provide loans of up to $2 million to eligible small businesses that were experiencing a loss of revenue from the COVID-19 pandemic. A second round of PPP loans was authorized in early 2021, and to be eligible, a business was required to certify, among other things, that it had no more than 300 employees, including domestic and foreign affiliates.
“The Western District of Virginia is committed to combatting waste, fraud, and abuse in all federal benefit programs,” First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today.
The settlement resolves allegations that EBI was ineligible for its second draw PPP loan because it was affiliated with a Polish company known as COM40 Spółka z Ograniczoną Odpowiedzialnością Spółka Komandytowa, also known as Com40 Sp. z o.o. Sp. K. or Comforty Fabryka (“COM40”). EBI was a wholly owned subsidiary of COM40, and according to its financial filings, COM40 employed more than 3,000 people in 2020 and 2021. As a result, the United States contends that EBI was ineligible for its second draw PPP loan because it exceeded the SBA’s size standards based on affiliation rules. EBI cooperated with the government’s investigation and was proactive in its efforts to reach a resolution in this matter.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party known as a relator can file an action on behalf of the government and receive a portion of the recovery. The case was captioned United States ex rel. Aidan Forsyth v. EBI LLC, Docket No. 4:25-cv-00036 (W.D. Va.). In this case, the relator will receive a share of the settlement.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and SBA General Counsel Wendell Davis made the announcement.
The resolution was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia and the SBA. The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew G. Howells with assistance from Randall K. Martin, Trial Attorney with the SBA’s Office of General Counsel.
Michigan Man Sentenced for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A self-proclaimed “sovereign diplomat” from Michigan, who had been living in a makeshift camp site in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, and was convicted for not registering as a convicted sex offender as required under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), was sentenced yesterday to 33 months in federal prison.
Deon Andre Green, 38, a.k.a. “Dalayah Assir Yashar’al” was convicted of failing to register as a convicted sex offender following a jury trial in May 2026.
“This office will aggressively target those who place our communities at risk by failing to register as sex offenders,” First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today. “I commend the U.S. Marshals Service, Virginia State Police, U.S. Forest Service, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Browne for their outstanding work on this case.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in December 2025, U.S. Forest Service personnel encountered Green living at a makeshift camp inside the George Washington National Forest with nine children. Despite Green’s attempts to provide officers with a fake name and forged identity documents, they were able to identify him as a Michigan sex offender convicted in 2011 of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. At that time, they referred the investigation to the U.S. Marshal’s Service.
Investigators with the U.S. Marshals Service determined that Green had failed to meet his registration requirements under the SORNA.
At trial, it was determined that Green stopped registering as a sex offender in 2017. At sentencing, the Court further found that Green obstructed justice by lying to and misleading law enforcement.
The Court ordered that Green would be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for five years following his release from prison.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Matthew Davis, Western District of Virginia made the announcement.
The U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Forest Service, and the Virginia State Police investigated the case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Browne is prosecuting the case.
Bristol Woman Sentenced for Distributing Fentanyl and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A Bristol, Virginia woman, who conspired with others to traffic methamphetamine from Ashville, North Carolina into Washington County, Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison.
Pamela Michelle Fansler, 52, pled guilty in December 2025 to conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine and one count of possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
“This office will continue to target for priority prosecution those who profit by poisoning our communities with fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other deadly substances,” First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today. “I commend the work of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and DEA for their work on this case.”
According to court documents, between July 2025 and August 2025, Fansler and others conspired to distribute methamphetamine. Specifically, Fansler traveled to Asheville, North Carolina to pick up methamphetamine and brought it back to Washington County, Virginia for redistribution. Additionally, on August 26, 2025, Fansler possessed approximately four ounces of methamphetamine and half and ounce of fentanyl that she intended to distribute to others. While transporting these drugs, she was carrying a .22 caliber pistol that she later admitted she had obtained by trading drugs.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Goumenis of the Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Division made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Washington County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Stone is prosecuting the case.
Fluvanna County Pharmacist Charged with Stealing Prescription OpioidsRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A federal grand jury indictment was unsealed today charging a Fluvanna County pharmacist with diverting liquid hydromorphone for his own use and replacing it with water.
According to the indictment, Joshua Joseph Walden, 52, who previously worked at Jefferson Pharmacy in Palmyra, Virginia, is charged with one count of tampering with consumer products and attempt to tamper with a consumer product, two counts of theft of pre-retail medical products, and one count of acquiring a controlled substance by fraud.
Walden worked as a pharmacist from in or before July 2023 until he resigned in February 2025, according to court records. Throughout the course of his employment, Walden stole liquid opioids and amphetamines, and further tampered with prescription medications with reckless disregard for the risk that another person would be placed in danger of death or bodily injury.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Virginia State Police are investigating the case.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci for the Western District of Virginia made the announcement.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher B. Browne is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Wytheville Man to Serve More than 14 Years for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – A Wytheville, Virginia man with criminal convictions dating to the late 1990s was sentenced yesterday to a total of 174 months in federal prison for possessing child sexual abuse material.
Christopher Matthew Marsh, 49, recently pled guilty in the Western District of Virginia to possessing child sexual abuse material involving infants and toddlers.
According to court documents, in 1997, Marsh was convicted in Florida of attempted sexual battery of a minor under the age of twelve and was sentenced to 13 years in prison. As a result of that conviction, Marsh was required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
In 2017, Marsh was convicted in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia for violating his registration requirements under SORNA.
In February 2025, while Marsh was on supervised release for his 2017 SORNA conviction, the U.S. Probation Office conducted an unannounced search of the motel room where Marsh was staying in Wytheville, Virginia. The U.S. Probation Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation analyzed the contents of one of Marsh’s cell phones. The phone contained approximately 2000 images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and most of the images involved toddlers and infant girls. The analysis revealed that Marsh used the phone to search the internet for images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and download the images.
In addition to his prison sentence, the Court ordered Marsh to serve five years of supervised release after prison, and pay $71,500 in restitution to identified victims.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Probation Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Whit Pierce is prosecuting the case.
Three Sentenced in Plot to Rob Marijuana Dealer in RadfordRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – Three men who plotted to rob a Radford, Virginia marijuana dealer in April 2025, and the man who they targeted to rob, were sentenced recently in U.S. District Court to federal prison time.
Trevion Trevor Johnson, 23, of Roanoke, was sentenced to 108 months. Dominick Latrell Anderson, 24, of Roanoke, was sentenced to 96 months. Sidney Elijah Schwartz, 23, of Elliston, Va., was sentenced to 48 months, and Robert Jason Leonard Jr., 48, of Fairlawn, Va., was sentenced to 36 months.
According to court documents, on April 17, 2025, Johnson, Anderson, and Schwartz entered the residence of Leonard with the intention of stealing his marijuana. To prepare for the robbery, Anderson obtained Leonard’s contact information. The morning of the robbery, Anderson, using an alias, arranged with Leonard a transaction involving approximately one and one-half pounds of marijuana.
Leading up to the robbery, Anderson, Schwartz, and Johnson agreed upon their respective roles. Anderson would distract Leonard by feigning a payment transfer, Schwartz would seize the marijuana, and Johnson – who obtained a firearm from a juvenile accomplice earlier and agreed to wait in the getaway vehicle- would maintain control of Leonard to ensure the group’s safe retreat.
On the night of the planned robbery, the three robbers entered the home, proceeded to the kitchen and began discussing the purported transaction with Leonard. During the encounter, Johnson suspected that Leonard’s wife was armed, causing Johnson to brandish a 9mm pistol and aim it at Leonard’s wife. A physical altercation ensued between Johnson and Leonard, during which Johnson discharged his firearm, shooting Leonard in the buttocks. Schwartz then grabbed a portion of the marijuana and the three men fled. As they fled, Leonard fired multiple rounds at the fleeing assailants, striking Schwartz in the back.
Anderson, Johnson, and the juvenile accomplice dropped Schwartz off at a hospital and divided the stolen marijuana among them.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm and Explosives and the City of Radford Police Department investigated the case.
Illegal Alien from Mexico Pleads Guilty to Illegally Reentering the United States and Possessing Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – A Mexican citizen, living illegally in Danville, Virginia, pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal and unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon and alien illegally in the United States.
Fernando Bahena Ruiz, 28, was charged based on an incident that occurred March 25, 2026.
According to court records, several people called 911 on March 25, 2026 to report gunfire in a Danville neighborhood. One person saw muzzle flashes coming from Bahena Ruiz’s backyard. Officers arrived and saw Bahena Ruiz carrying a gun before he went back inside his house.
Officers ultimately took Bahena Ruiz into custody, then executed a search warrant on his house, where they found a handgun, magazines, ammunition, and fraudulent immigration documents, including a green card and Social Security Card bearing false names.
Officers also found at least 71 spent shell casings on Bahena Ruiz’s back porch and peyote plants containing mescaline, both Schedule I controlled substances, in Bahena Ruiz’s basement.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf of Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. made the announcement today.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Danville Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman is prosecuting the case for the United States.
CEO of Skincare Company Pleads Guilty to FDCA Charges and Mail FraudRead the Press Release
Bryce Cleveland, the President and CEO of Scalpa, Inc., pleaded guilty today to three charges related to Scalpa’s selling of skincare products that had not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Cleveland, 42, of Scottsdale, Arizona, pleaded guilty to mail fraud, introduction of an adulterated device into interstate commerce, and introduction of an unapproved new drug into interstate commerce. Cleveland was apprehended late last year in Colombia and removed back to the United States where he was arrested on an outstanding federal warrant by the U.S. Marshals Service after an indictment against him was returned in July 2024.
In 2015, Scalpa was a for-profit corporation incorporated in Arizona that marketed and sold medical devices and drug products intended to affect the structure and function of the human body. Between March 2018 and December 2020, Cleveland devised a fraudulent scheme to unlawfully enrich himself by marketing and delivering, and causing others to market and deliver, unapproved devices to consumers, including the ScalpaJECT Hyaluronic Acid, and Hyaluron Pen, while making false representations that the devices were not subject to FDA regulation. Similarly, Cleveland introduced and delivered, and caused others to introduce and deliver, the unapproved new drug “Scalpatox” into commerce.
The ScalpaJECT Hyaluronic Pen, Hylaron Pen, and similar unapproved and misbranded devices and drugs are especially concerning from a public health perspective because injectable drug products can pose risks of serious harm to users. Injectable products are delivered directly into the body, sometimes directly into the bloodstream, and therefore, bypass some of the body’s key defenses against toxins and microorganisms that can lead to serious and life-threatening conditions.
Scalpatox was an unapproved and misbranded botulinum toxin product. On Nov. 5, 2025, the FDA issued a warning to owners of websites illegally marketing unapproved and misbranded botulinum toxin products, commonly called Botox. The agency is aware of adverse events associated with unapproved and misbranded botulinum toxin products, including botulism symptoms.
Cleveland has agreed to be sentenced to a prison term of between four and eight years. He has also agreed to pay restitution for the entire scope of his criminal conduct, and to forfeit $800,000.
The FDA Office of Criminal Investigations investigated the case with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Valuable assistance was provided by the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the Judicial Attaché Office in Bogotá. The U.S. Marshals Service provided exceptional assistance in locating the defendant in Colombia and facilitating his return to the United States.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Corey Hall and Randy Ramseyer for the Western District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Taylor Broadbent of the Criminal Division’s Health and Safety Unit are prosecuting the case.
The Health and Safety Unit within the Department’s Criminal Division works with law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute violations of federal laws designed to protect public health and safety. The unit focuses on corporations and individuals who make and sell dangerous drugs, food, and other consumer products that could cause significant harm to Americans. For more information, see https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-fraud/health-safety-unit.
CEO of Scalpa, Inc. Pleads Guilty to FDCA Charges and Mail FraudRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – Bryce Cleveland, the President and CEO of Scalpa, Inc., pleaded guilty today to three charges related to Scalpa’s selling of skincare products that had not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Cleveland, 42, of Scottsdale, Arizona, pleaded guilty to mail fraud, introduction of an adulterated device into interstate commerce, and introduction of an unapproved new drug into interstate commerce. Cleveland was apprehended late last year in Colombia and arrested on an outstanding federal warrant by the United States Marshals Service after an Indictment against Cleveland was returned in July 2024.
Scalpa was a for-profit corporation incorporated in Arizona in 2015 that marketed and sold medical devices and drug products intended to affect the structure and function of the human body. Between 2018 and December 2020, Cleveland devised a fraudulent scheme to unlawfully enrich himself by marketing and delivering, and causing others to market and deliver, unapproved devices to consumers, including ScalpaJECT Hyaluronic Acid and Hyaluron Pen, while making false representations that the devices were not subject to FDA regulation. Similarly, Cleveland introduced and delivered, and caused others to introduce and deliver, the unapproved drug “Scalpatox” into commerce.
ScalpaJECT Hyaluronic Acid, Hylaron Pen, and similar unapproved and misbranded devices are especially concerning from a public health perspective because injectable drug products can pose risks of serious harm to users. Injectable products are delivered directly into the body, sometimes directly into the bloodstream, and therefore, bypass some of the body’s key defenses against toxins and microorganisms that can lead to serious and life-threatening conditions.
Scalpatox was an unapproved and misbranded botulinum toxin product. The FDA has issued numerous warning letters to owners of websites illegally marketing unapproved and misbranded botulinum toxin products, commonly called Botox, and has noted adverse events associated with these products, including botulism symptoms.
Cleveland has agreed to be sentenced to a term of imprisonment between four and eight years. He has further agreed to pay restitution for the entire scope of his criminal conduct. In addition, he has agreed to forfeit $800,000. Finally, Cleveland has agreed that he committed all 34 crimes charged in the Indictment.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration—Office of Criminal Investigations and United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Marshals Service and the Department of Justice’s Offices of International Affairs and the Judicial Attaché in Bogotá.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Corey Hall and Randy Ramseyer and Trial Attorney Taylor Broadbent from the Criminal Division’s Health and Safety Unit are prosecuting the case.
The Health and Safety Unit within the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division works with law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute violations of federal laws designed to protect public health and safety. The unit focuses on corporations and individuals who make and sell dangerous drugs, food, and other consumer products that could cause significant harm to Americans. For more information, see https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-fraud/health-safety-unit.
Wise County Man Found Guilty of Illegally Possessing Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – Johnny Lorrain Dishman, 68, of Wise County, Virginia was recently found guilty by a jury in U.S. District Court of unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition after previously being convicted of a felony. Since 1990, Dishman had been convicted of nine felony offenses in both federal and state court, most recently in 2022 in Wise County Circuit Court for unlawfully possessing a firearm and Schedule I/II controlled substance.
On February 13, 2025, officers with Wise Police Department were searching for a wanted individual at Dishman’s residence in Wise County. After announcing themselves for over 20 minutes, Dishman finally responded to the officers by racking a Mossberg 500AT, 12-gauge shotgun and greeting the officers with the loaded shotgun in his hands.
Dishman faces a maximum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment, and he is scheduled to be sentenced in October of this year.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Wise Police Department, and Wise County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Corey Hall and Danielle Stone are prosecuting the case.
Former Youth Pastor Sentenced for Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – A Catawba, Virginia man, who pled guilty in December 2025 to attempting to sexually exploit a 15-year-old child, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison.
Jacob Ryan Barnett, 35, was arrested in August 2025 and pled guilty in December to one count of attempted sexual exploitation of a 15-year-old child.
According to court documents, on May 18, 2025, Barnett used TikTok to message the Minor Victim (M.V.) and they began chatting. Barnett posed as a 17-year-old using another person’s images. As their chat progressed, Barnett sent increasingly graphic sexual messages to M.V. Ultimately, Barnett said he wanted to “use” M.V. and asked for something that he could masturbate to. In response, M.V. sent Barnett sexually explicit video of herself.
Sentencing evidence showed that Barnett used TikTok, Discord, Snapchat, and other social media apps to solicit minor girls for sexual chats and media. Barnett’s TikTok account was following thousands of young women and minors when he was arrested. He also solicited young men for selfies and images of their genitals, which he used to pose as a teenaged boy when soliciting his victims.
Barnett used various tactics to obtain child sex abuse material, including once vying for sympathy with a minor victim by pretending that he was in a mental institution and only had an hour to talk. Barnett pressed another victim to record “risky” videos of herself while on the school bus and to take nude photos while outside.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman is prosecuting the case for the United States.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
FBI Arrests Pulaski Town Councilman for Child Exploitation CrimesRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – The Pulaski County Work Report Program Coordinator and current member of the Pulaski Town Council, who previously served as a sheriff’s deputy and corrections officer, was arrested today by the FBI.
Steven Wayne Erickson, 48, was arrested on a federal criminal complaint and charged with one count of receipt of child sexual abuse material (“CSAM”) and one count of distribution of CSAM.
According to court records, the FBI received a cyber tip regarding potential child sexual exploitation occurring over Kik, a messaging app. Through search warrants and other legal process, agents discovered that Erickson used two Kik accounts prolifically.
Kik records revealed several instances where Erickson solicited and shared CSAM with other Kik users. In 2025, a user referred to as “Cravt” (based on their username) sent Erickson almost 100 photos of Cravt’s purported family, including elementary-aged minors. Erickson encouraged Cravt to use AI to transform the photos. In mid-October 2025, Cravt sent apparently AI-generated CSAM of minors - some depicting at least one of Cravt’s minor children - to Erickson. Erickson sent back videos of himself masturbating to the CSAM.
In late February of this year, another user, “Tribbin,” sent Erickson video taken from a hidden camera that depicted an apparently teenaged minor unknowingly exposing herself to use the bathroom. Erickson sent back a video showing him masturbating to the video. Erickson later asked for more material, but Tribbin said he hadn’t had company over for his hidden camera to capture.
In March, Erickson chatted with another user who claimed they sexually assaulted their 9-year-old daughter. Erickson sent a photo of his genitals in exchange for a sexually explicit photo of the daughter, and he repeatedly urged the user to send images of the daughter being abused.
In early April, Erickson sent another user, “Benji,” photos of a minor, some of which appeared to be taken without the minor’s awareness. With Erickson’s direction, Benji used AI to generate various sexualized and exploitative images of the minor. Erickson sent back videos of himself masturbating to the AI-generated CSAM. Erickson also urged Benji to “abuse” the minor and make them as young as Benji could. At Benji’s prompting, Erickson described his fantasies of sexually assaulting the minor.
In later April, Erickson sent several photos, again including photos of a minor, to another user, “Tony.” Tony used AI to generate a video of individuals stripping nude. Erickson forwarded this video to a second Kik account.
In several instances, Erickson sent images of himself to other users to prove he was real. For example, Erickson sent a photo of himself touching his nose and video of himself relaying the date and time. Erickson also sent a photo of a sheriff’s office badge. The badge displayed “Commonwealth of Virginia,” but Erickson’s thumb blocked the county name.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci District of Virginia, and Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew O. Inman is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Springfield man found guilty of receipt and possession of child sexual abuse materialRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal judge convicted a local tax preparer and Franconia museum guide of receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) over multiple years.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in December of 2022, law enforcement began an undercover investigation into a user who was requesting CSAM files on the peer-to-peer file sharing network Freenet. Further investigation revealed that the user was Nathaniel Carey Lee, 39, of Springfield. In June of 2024, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a search warrant and seized multiple devices which were later found to contain a large volume of images and videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In an interview with law enforcement, Lee admitted to possessing approximately 4 million images of CSAM and/or child erotica.
Following a bench trial, Lee was convicted on two counts of receipt of CSAM and one count of possession of CSAM. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 6, 2027. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C., investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Clement for the Eastern District of Virginia and Nadia Prinz for the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section 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. Attorneys’ 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.
For more information about HSI’s efforts to protect children from sexual predators, visit Know2Protect.gov.
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-330.
Springfield Man Sentenced for Hatchet Attack in National ParkRead the Press Release
HARRISONBURG, Va. – A Springfield, Virginia man, convicted by a jury back in March of assaulting his then-girlfriend with a hatchet while camping in Shenandoah National Park, was sentenced today to 78 months in federal prison.
Soufiane Bougria, 31, was convicted of two counts of felony assault in the territorial jurisdiction of the United States (Shenandoah National Park) following a jury trial in March.
"This office will seek maximum accountability against violent offenders and those who violate our laws in the National Forst adn other Federal land," First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said. "I applaud the outstanding work of the National Forest Service and trial team for their commitment to justice in this case."
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on the night of August 24, 2025, Bougria and his then-girlfriend (B.A.) were camping at the Mathews Arm Campground in Shenandoah National Park. Three different park visitors testified that they witnessed a heated and violent argument between Bougria and B.A. in the late-night hours of August 24.
These witnesses, from two different campsites, heard screaming, slamming, crying, choking, and what sounded to them like a gunshot. One of the witnesses saw the defendant physically grabbing B.A.
These witnesses described hearing a male voice say, “I don’t care, I’ll do the max sentence” and a female voice say, “I can’t believe you would threaten me with murder.”
All three witnesses independently called 911 to report the violent encounter.
National Park Service Rangers responded to the area near Mathews Arm Campground that night. On their way to the campground, Park Rangers encountered two of the witnesses at a nearby overlook. While speaking with the witnesses, a car matching the description of the defendant’s vehicle drove past the overlook. Officers pursued the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop.
When officers approached the vehicle, they observed Bougria driving and visibly intoxicated. He was shirtless, barefoot, and smelled of alcohol. In addition, B.A. was sitting in the passenger seat crying and screaming. She was holding a piece of clothing around her right arm in an effort to stop the bleeding from a gaping laceration on her right arm and wrist. As officers looked around the car, they saw blood and fatty tissue. They also observed that the windshield of the car was shattered, and both the hood and windshield had large, dirty footprints on them.
When questioned by officers, the defendant told them B.A.’s arm was accidentally cut with an axe.
Emergency medical personnel arrived at the overlook and transported B.A. to the nearest hospital. Treating physicians determined she needed a higher level of care based on the seriousness of her injuries and transported her to Winchester Medical Center where she underwent emergency surgery.
In the early morning hours of August 25, 2025, National Park Service Rangers returned to the Mathews Arm campsite where Bougria and B.A. were camping. There, they found a hatchet with blood spatter on the handle, blood throughout the campsite, pepper spray, shoes, and other personal belongings strewn around the campsite.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci U.S. made the announcement.
The National Park Service is investigating the case.
Assistant Unite States Attorney Sally J. Sullivan and Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Browne are prosecuting the case for the United States.
Honduran Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – An illegal alien from Honduras pled guilty to witness tampering after threatening the victim in a sexual exploitation case charged earlier this year in the Western District of Virginia.
Dania Orellana-Gamez, 20, was arrested earlier this year on a criminal complaint.
Orellana-Gamez is the girlfriend of Bryan Sixto Arias-Chicas, who was charged in October 2025 with the May 2025 sexual exploitation of a 16-year-old Albemarle County, Virginia girl. Arias-Chicas is accused of getting the girl, Minor Victim 1 (MV1), so intoxicated that she could not walk and repeatedly having sex with her, as well as taking photos and videos of himself have sex with MV1. Gustavo Quintero was charged in January 2026 with the repeated sexual exploitation of MV1 in the months following the May 2025 sexual assault. In addition to sexual exploitation charges, Quintero has also been charged with assaulting a federal law enforcement officer. Arias-Chicas pled guilty earlier this month.
According to court documents, in February 2026, Orellana-Gamez contacted MV1 via Facebook Messenger and began harassing and threatening her.
Orellana-Gamez told MV1 it was in her best interest to “keep quiet” and threatened to “upload all those videos and put your name on them,” referring to the videos that Arias-Chicas had recorded of the sexual assault of MV1.
Orellana-Gamez also threatened to post the videos “everywhere.”
MV1 reported the contact to law enforcement and felt Orellana was attempting to scare her into not testifying in court.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Scheff Sally Sullivan are prosecuting the case.
Danville Man Pleads Guilty to Enticement of Multiple Minors, Extortive ThreatsRead the Press Release
LYNCHBURG, Va. – A Danville man, who sexually exploited minor females using social media, and in some cases threatened the minors with the distribution of their nude images to their friends, family, and churches, pled guilty to federal child exploitation and threat charges.
Jesus Diaz, 25, pled guilty to one count of making extortive threats to injure the reputation of another and four counts of enticement of a minor.
“The US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia will aggressively target and prosecute online predators who coerce and exploit our children,” First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said. “I commend DHS Homeland Security Investigations, the City of Danville Police Department, U.S Postal Inspection Service, Customs and Border Patrol, the Idaho Office of Attorney General, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for their assistance bringing this defendant to justice.”
“Diaz repeatedly exploited and extorted children he met online, using fear to force them into producing explicit material. This heartbreaking cycle has become increasingly common as children spend more time online. Following today’s guilty plea, Diaz faces substantial federal prison time for his crimes,” said HSI Washington, D.C. Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf. “This case was made possible by the courage of the victims who came forward and shared their experiences, providing the evidence needed to hold Diaz accountable. We want parents and children to know that if they have been victimized by someone like Diaz, they are not alone and help is available.”
According to court documents, between July 2019 and November 2021, Diaz used social media platforms to entice Minor 1 (M1) to send him nude and sexually explicit photos and videos of herself. At the time, M1 was approximately 13 to 14 years old.
After years of having no contact with M1, Diaz contacted her on February 28, 2024, via social media. Diaz sent M1 nude and sexually explicit images and videos, along with other non-nude images, that M1 had sent to Diaz years before and demanded that M1 add him as a friend on another social media platform “or else I start sending these out.” Diaz then started a countdown: “25” “20” “15.” M1 added Diaz on the social media platform as demanded.
From February 2024 through April 2024, Diaz repeatedly contacted M1. Diaz told M1 he was in love with her, despite having never met her. He threatened to expose M1 to her high school, her family, her ex-boyfriend, and her church. Diaz accused M1 of “playing with [his] strings” and blamed her for “hurting [him] like this.” He also sought more nude and sexually explicit images.
For weeks, Diaz created new accounts and continued to contact M1, despite her blocking him on social media. Diaz sent her multiple friend requests, direct messages threatening to send her nude images to her ex-boyfriend or her best friend and left a comment on a social media post she made.
M1 reported the threats to state authorities in Idaho, who quickly worked to identify Diaz as a suspect. Subsequent investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations, revealed a pattern of similar behavior.
Between August 2022 and April 2024, Diaz used social media platforms to entice Minor 2 (M2) to take nude and sexually explicit photos and to record nude and sexually explicit videos of herself. Diaz also called M2 using FaceTime and recorded M2. M2 periodically felt uncomfortable and blocked Diaz on social media. In order to contact M2, Diaz created different social media accounts using names M2 did not recognize.
In 2024, following an extended period of no contact, Diaz messaged M2 from a social media account she did not recognize and sent M2 a video of herself showering and threatened to send it to her high school if she didn’t answer him. Diaz demanded a new shower video every day for the next six months. M2 pleaded with Diaz to not publish her images. Ultimately, she agreed to send Diaz one final video, which she sent in April 2024. M2 then blocked Diaz and cut off contact with him. During the relevant period, M2 was between 15 and 17 years old.
Between May 2024 and October 2024, Diaz used social media platforms to entice Minor 3 (M3) to take nude and sexually explicit photos and to record nude and sexually explicit videos of herself. Diaz also called M3 using FaceTime and recorded M3. At the time, M3 was 15 years old.
Between August 2024 and November 2024, Diaz used social media platforms to entice Minor 4 (M4) to take nude and sexually explicit photos and to record nude and sexually explicit videos of herself. When M4 expressed discomfort, Diaz threatened to leak M4’s pictures. Ultimately, M4 blocked Diaz when she believed it was safe to do so. At the time, M4 was 16 and 17 years old.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. is investigating the case, with assistance from the Homeland Security Investigations Albuquerque, NM office, which played a key role in the apprehension of Diaz. Valuable investigative support was also provided by the Idaho Office of the Attorney General, Criminal Division; the City of Danville Police Department; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the United States Postal Inspection Service; and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Brett is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/ .
Lynchburg Man Sentenced to More Than 23 Years on Fentanyl and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
LYNCHBURG, Va. – A Lynchburg man, who distributed thousands of fentanyl pills, pounds of methamphetamine, and kilograms of cocaine, among other drugs, while possessing a firearm, was sentenced to 280 months in federal prison.
This investigation was brought as part of the revamped Project Safe Neighborhoods, a combined law enforcement initiative that aims to provide a rapid response to violent crime, conduct strategic federal, state, local, and tribal partnerships, and increase accountability and deterrence to promote public safety.
John Coleman, III, 35, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, and more than a half kilo of cocaine, one count of distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, one count of distributing more than 40 grams of fentanyl, and one count of using a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking crimes.
“This office will aggressively target fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine traffickers in the Western District of Virginia,” First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today. “I commend the outstanding work of our DEA partners for their outstanding work on this.”
“This sentence is a true testament of the efforts made by federal, local, and state law enforcement agencies to combat violent and unscrupulous criminals who endanger our communities and affect the quality of life in our neighborhoods. We will not rest until we arrest and prosecute all of them. The communities belong to our people, not to the criminals,” commented Christopher Goumenis, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Washington Division.
According to court documents, in 2024, Coleman was known to law enforcement as someone who sold marijuana, methamphetamine, and cocaine while possessing firearms. As a result, officers performed several controlled purchases of ounces of methamphetamine from Coleman in June and July 2024. Subsequently, Coleman was stopped by law enforcement after making a trip to Atlanta, Georgia to pick-up drugs. At the time of the traffic stop, Coleman was found to be in possession of 23 pounds of marijuana and a firearm. At that time, he was arrested and released on bond.
However, he continued to sell narcotics and law enforcement continued to investigate.
On September 30, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Coleman’s residence and found $47,711 in cash, an additional firearm, 1,004 grams of cocaine, 118 grams of fentanyl, approximately, 40 grams of Oxycodone, and almost 20 grams of MDMA.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Christopher Goumenis, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Washington Division made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Lynchburg Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Welsh is prosecuting the case.
Salvadoran National Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A Salvadoran national, whose green card has been revoked, pled guilty to sexually exploiting a 16-year-old girl (MV1) and filming the encounter.
Bryan Arias-Chicas, 23, a citizen of El Salvador, pled guilty yesterday to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor.
Arias-Chicas was charged via information in October 2025. Gustavo Quintero was charged via indictment in December 2025 for his conduct with respect to MV1. Quintero was additionally charged with assaulting a federal law enforcement officer in February 2026. Dania Orellana-Gamez, Arias-Chicas’s girlfriend, was charged in April 2026 with witness tampering for threatening MV1. The charges against Quintero and Orellana-Gamez remain pending.
According to court documents and other evidence, on May 7, 2025, in Albemarle County, Arias-Chicas and Quintero encountered a young female (MV1) walking down the street. Arias-Chicas and Quintero approached MV1 and offered to buy her alcohol.
MV1 agreed and hung out with Arias-Chicas in a parking lot behind a tractor trailer while Quintero went to purchase high alcohol content drinks for MV1. MV1 quickly drank both drinks and, when she became too drunk to stand upright on her own, began to support herself using the trailer.
Throughout the night and into the next morning, Arias-Chicas, Quintero, and two other men, including Individual 1, took MV1 to multiple locations. On the morning of May 9, 2025, Arias-Chicas, Quintero, and Individual 1 took MV1 to Individual 1’s house in the City of Charlottesville, where they each had sex with MV1.
While Arias-Chicas had sex with MV1, and engaged in other sexual activity with her, he used his cell phone to take multiple videos and pictures of MV1 that depict MV1 naked and engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and HSI Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Albemarle County Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Scheff is prosecuting the case.
Eight Arrested for Distributing Pounds of Methamphetamine in Western Virginia, Eastern TennesseeRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – Eight individuals, including an illegal alien, were arrested yesterday for distributing over 250 pounds of methamphetamine in Eastern Tennessee and Western Virginia.
Following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm, and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Hawkins County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office, the Kingsport Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Unit, the Scott County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations, the Southwest Virginia Drug Task Force, the Washington County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office, the Johnson City, Tennessee Police Department, and the Abingdon, Virginia Police Department, the following have been arrested and charged via federal criminal complaint with conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Israel Barajas-Ramirez, 37, of Church Hill, Tennessee
- Emily Katlyn Vaughn, 26, of Church Hill, Tennessee
- Christy Marie Thomas, 43, of Kingsport, Tennessee
- Benny Charles Larkins, 61, of Gate City, Virginia
- Shannon Dwayne Jarvis, 50, of Gate City, Virginia
- Marcy Lee Hedrick, 55, of Kingsport, Tennessee
- Tiffany Michelle Shipley, 34, of Kingsport, Tennessee
- Andrew Todd Douglas, 50, of Kingsport, Tennessee
According to court documents, beginning in October 2024 and continuing until the present, law enforcement have been investigating individuals believed to be conspiring to commit drug trafficking and firearm-related offenses in and around Scott County, Virginia, Washington County, Virginia, Hawkins County, Tennessee, and Washington County, Tennessee, in relation to the charged conspiracy.
The conspirators allegedly distributed hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine into Western Virginia and Eastern Tennessee, with some conspirators illegally possessing firearms.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci District of Virginia, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and HSI Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lena Busscher is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Wise County Woman Sentenced for Distributing Cocaine and PsilocybinRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A Wise County, Virginia woman, who distributed hundreds of grams of cocaine and Psilocybin, was sentenced to five years in federal prison.
Emily Dawn McCoy, 27, of Pound, Va., pled guilty to one count of possessing with the intent to distribute and distributing 500 grams or more of cocaine and one count of possessing with the intent to distribute and distributing Psilocyn.
According to court documents, from February 29, 2024, through September 4, 2024, McCoy distributed cocaine and Psilocybin, along with other, unnamed, co-conspirators.
During the course of the investigation, members of the Southwest Virginia Multi-Jurisdictional Narcotics Task Force (DTF) purchased cocaine and Psilocyn from McCoy on numerous occasions in February, April, May, and September of 2024.
Following the purchase in September 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at McCoy’s residence and located approximately 1.8 pounds of cocaine, two bags of fungi material, 8 bags of suspected marijuana, 3 jars containing wax material, a 9 mm pistol, and 3 boxes of 9 mm ammunition.
In addition, officers uncovered a spiral notebook that appeared to contain a ledger of narcotics sales.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive, Southwest Virginia Regional Narcotics Task Force, Wise County Sheriff’s Office, and Norton Police Department investigated the case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Suzanne Kerney-Quillen, a Virginia Office of the Attorney General Senior Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Major Crimes and Emerging Threats Section is prosecuting the case.
Illegal Alien from Mexico Sentenced for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – An illegal alien from Mexico, living locally in Keswick, Virginia, was sentenced today to eight months in federal prison for illegally possessing a gun while being in the United States unlawfully.
Javier Bernal-Lopez, 38, pled guilty to illegal possession of a firearm while being unlawfully in the United States.
According to court documents, on November 18, 2025, Victim 1 and another person came to the Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD) to report a domestic dispute which had occurred the previous day near Keswick, Virginia. Victim 1 described a violent encounter with her ex-boyfriend, Javier Bernal-Lopez, involving a firearm being shot through their entrance door.
Victim 1 advised detectives with ACPD that Bernal-Lopez always carries a firearm on his person. In addition, Victim 1 advised detectives that she had been dating Bernal-Lopez for several years and she knew him to be a Mexican National illegally present in the United States.
Authorities confirmed that Bernal-Lopez had twice been arrested by U.S. Border Patrol at Nogales, Arizona, in June 2004. Following both arrests he was allowed to voluntarily return to Mexico.
On November 25, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home. During the search, law enforcement located a SCCY CPX-2 9mm semi-automatic handgun. The firearm was located in a bag along with Bernal-Lopez’s Mexican passport. A box of ammunition, as well as an extended magazine, were located within the home as well.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf for Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. and the Albemarle County Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sally J. Sullivan is prosecuting the case.
Illegal Alien from Mexico Charged with Possessing Firearm and Fraudulent Immigration DocumentsRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – A Mexican citizen, living illegally in Danville, Virginia, was arraigned in federal court this week on charges of illegal reentry of a previously removed alien, unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon and alien illegally in the United States, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of fraudulent immigration documents.
Fernando Bahena Ruiz, 28, was charged based on an incident on March 25, 2026.
According to court records, several people called 9-1-1 to report gunfire in a Danville neighborhood. One person saw muzzle flashes coming from Bahena Ruiz’s backyard. Officers arrived and saw Bahena Ruiz carrying a gun before he went back inside his house.
Officers ultimately took Bahena Ruiz into custody, then executed a search warrant on his house, where they found a handgun, magazines, ammunition, and fraudulent immigration documents, including a green card and Social Security card.
Officers also found at least 71 spent shell casings on Bahena Ruiz’s back porch and peyote plants containing mescaline (a Schedule I controlled substance) in Bahena Ruiz’s basement.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf of Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Danville Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Florida Woman Pleads Guilty for Role in Business Email ScamRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A Florida woman pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to execute a business email compromise scheme that stole more than $3 million from victims throughout the United States.
Zamar McPherson, 49, of Boynton Beach, Florida, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud and two counts of wire fraud. She has agreed to pay restitution for the entire scope of her criminal conduct. In addition, she has agreed to forfeit $154,474.85.
Two of McPherson’s coconspirators—Garland Shelton, 57, of Wytheville, Virginia, and Olivia Oxley, 35, of Brooklyn, New York—each pleaded guilty last year to one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud. McPherson, Shelton, and Oxley each face up to 30 years in prison for their roles in this conspiracy.
According to court documents, McPherson conspired with Shelton, Oxley, and others to engage in a business email compromise scheme. The victims in this case had planned to send legitimate wire payments to certain payees. A member of the conspiracy compromised the email accounts of these payees, however, and provided new account information for the wire payments to the victims. The victims were then defrauded into sending large sums of money to bank accounts belonging to McPherson, Shelton, and Oxley. McPherson, Shelton, and Oxley created and utilized personal and illegitimate business accounts at various financial institutions to facilitate these fraudulent wire transfer payments.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci, Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division and Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf of Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. made the announcement.
Several law enforcement agencies throughout the United States investigated the case, including Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C., St. Paul; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Eden Prairie, Minnesota Police Department; Virginia State Police; Middlesex County, New Jersey Prosecutor’s Office; and Palm Beach County, Florida Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Hall is prosecuting the case.
Fake ID Dealer Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A Fluvanna County man, who used social media platforms to sell hundreds of fraudulent IDs to underage customers, pled guilty in U.S. District Court.
Sebastian Andres Arquilla, 22, of Palmyra, Virginia, pled guilty to knowingly transferring in the mail false identification documents that were and appeared to be driver’s licenses.
According to court documents, beginning in 2022 and continuing through October 2024, Arquilla advertised, sold, and shipped fake identification documents, primarily “scannable” driver’s licenses, to underage customers around the country using a variety of social media platforms and the U.S. mail.
Arquilla created accounts in the name of “The Novelty Team” to market the fake identification documents online using social media platforms, including Instagram, Snapchat, Telegram, and Discord.
Through “The Novelty Team,” Arquilla sold hyper-realistic, polycarbonate IDs for $125 apiece and promised customers they “scan everywhere. All bars/clubs, grocery stores, liquor stores, cannabis dispensaries, vape shops.”
As part of his guilty plea, Arquilla agreed to forfeit at least $84,449 in illicit profits, as well as electronic devices and a magnetic scanner device.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Postal Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood made the announcement.
The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher B. Browne is prosecuting the case.
Tennessee Man to Serve 60 Months for Trafficking Fentanyl at Hotel and Casino in BristolRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A Tennessee man, who trafficked fentanyl-laced pills and fentanyl powder into Southwest Virginia, including to the parking lot of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Bristol, Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison.
Jermaine Crayton Jr., 20, of Chattanooga, Tenn. pled guilty in February to one count of conspiracy possess with the intent to distribute and distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
According to court documents, following a law enforcement operation in August 2025, investigators with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, City of Bristol Virginia Police Department, Washington County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration developed intelligence that Crayton was trafficking fentanyl-laced pills and powder fentanyl. The intelligence indicated that Crayton, on a regular basis, had been bringing large quantities of fentanyl pills into Smyth County for further distribution.
On August 18, 2025, law enforcement arranged a controlled purchase of 1,000 fentanyl pills and two ounces of fentanyl powder from Crayton at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Bristol, Virginia.
After they identified Crayton, law enforcement converged on Crayton’s vehicle, at which time Crayton fled on foot. While fleeing, Crayton dropped several items, including a baggie containing pressed fentanyl pills and a baggie containing powder fentanyl.
Following his arrest, it was determined that Crayton had brought 2,372 fentanyl pills and 58.72 grams of fentanyl powder to the casino. The type of pills Crayton was distributing are increasingly common and extremely dangerous. They are known as “pressed” pills or “M30s” designed to resemble a pharmaceutical preparation of oxycodone pills. However, they often contain fentanyl, in inconsistent doses that can lead to overdose and death.
Robert N. Tracci, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, and Christopher Goumenis, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Washington Division, made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, City of Bristol Virginia Police Department, and Washington County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Whit Pierce is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Personal Care Attendant Pleads Guilty to Stealing from Vietnam War VeteranRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – A personal care attendant, contracted with the Department of Veteran Affairs to provide personal care services to veterans, pled guilty to stealing from a Vietnam War Veteran she was tasked with caring for.
Melissa Diana Simmons, 50, of Boones Mill, Virginia, pled guilty to forgery of government checks. Simmons and co-defendant James Patrick Brown were indicted in 2025.
According to court documents and other evidence, Simmons met the victim in May 2022, when she was assigned as his in-home care provider, pursuant to a contract between her employer and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”). Beginning around December 2022, the victim began withdrawing significantly more money from his bank account than normal, sometimes through checks made out to Simmons and her boyfriend, Brown.
After Simmons’s employer fired her in June 2023, she persuaded the victim to move in with her and Brown at their Boones Mill house. Beginning in July 2023, staff at the victim’s bank became suspicious as Simmons and Brown brought the victim to the bank drive-through for frequent and increasingly large withdrawals. Court records claim staff observed the victim’s condition deteriorate over time, from upbeat to hunched over, confused, and fearful.
In mid-August 2023, Simmons had the victim add her as a signatory to the victim’s bank account. Within 30 days of being added to the victim’s account, the victim allegedly lost around $30,000 from Simmons and Brown’s continual, large withdrawals.
In mid-September 2023, bank staff demanded Simmons come inside when she attempted another large withdrawal at the drive-through. Inside, staff saw the victim’s nose was burned from smoking while using his oxygen tank. He was confused and reeked of urine and feces. The victim could not remember when he last bathed, ate, or visited the VA Medical Center. Bank staff persuaded him to open a new account without Simmons as joint owner. As bank staff privately questioned the victim, Simmons grew belligerent, hitting the office window, and shouting at staff until police arrived.
According to court records, Brown arrived at the bank sometime later with the victim asking how to get the victim’s VA benefits and social security checks direct deposited into the victim’s account. Brown also sought to have the victim withdraw between $60,000 and $70,000 from the account. The victim appeared to be in even worse physical condition than before. Bank staff observed an overwhelming stench of urine and feces. He was confused as to why he was withdrawing the money.
Soon after the incident, Franklin County Adult Protective Services (“APS”) opened an investigation. An APS staff member administered a mental status exam on the victim, which showed the victim was suffering from dementia.
On November 18, 2023, Simmons and Brown reported to the Roanoke County Fire and Rescue that the victim was non-responsive. Emergency responders rushed him to Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where he was admitted with acute respiratory failure and critically low oxygen saturation. Medical records showed methamphetamine in the victim’s system, even though he had no history of methamphetamine use and had no ability to independently travel.
From January 2024 into April 2024, while the victim recovered at the hospital and later a rehab center, Simmons received four of the victim’s VA benefits checks though the United States Mail, totaling close to $8,000. The indictment claims Simmoms forged the victim’s signatures on these checks and deposited them into the victim’s new bank account. Simmons and Brown then used the victim’s debit card for their personal use, including spending thousands at a casino.
On October 22, 2024, during an interview with agents of the VA Office of the Inspector General, Simmons admitted that she forged the victim’s VA checks, and that she and Brown spent the victim’s money with his debit card while he was in the hospital.
The VA Office of the Inspector General, with assistance from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, is investigating the case.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Drew O. Inman and Keith A. Parrella are prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the Fraud Division. The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Mexican Identity Thief Pleads Guilty to Passport Fraud, Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
HARRISONBURG, Va. – An immigrant from Mexico, who lied about her identity for more than 30 years to obtain immigration documents and other benefits, pled guilty to a pair of federal charges.
Candy Lazo, a.k.a. “Candida Jimenez Lazo” a.k.a. “Natalia Perez de Cruz” a.k.a. “Natalia Perez,” 53, pled guilty to one count of passport fraud and one count of theft of government funds.
According to court documents, the defendant was born Candia Jimenez Lazo in 1973 in Oaxaca, Mexico. However, beginning at least as early 1993, Lazo began impersonating a Mexican woman named Natalia Perez de Cruz, whom she knew as the former spouse of her ex-husband.
Lazo used the victim’s name and date of birth to obtain a U.S. visa in April 1993, according to the statement of facts filed in the case. She went on to use the victim’s identity on applications to procure various U.S. government benefits between 2011 and 2024, including: naturalization and U.S. citizenship, U.S. passports and passport cards, driver’s licenses, and REAL ID Act-compliant documents.
Further, Lazo used the Social Security number she obtained by impersonating the victim to apply for Social Security Administration disability benefits. By stealing the victim’s date of birth, Lazo effectively raised her age by approximately eight years, allowing her to fraudulently receive over $89,340 in disability benefits to which she was not entitled.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci, Special Agent in Charge David Richeson of the Department of State- Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Special Agent in Charge Michael McGill of the Social Security Administration- Office of the Inspector General, and Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf of Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. made the announcement.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Browne is prosecuting the case.
Missouri Couple Sentenced for Abducting and Sexually Abusing 13-Year-Old They Groomed OnlineRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – A married couple was sentenced today to lengthy prison terms for grooming a teenager online before picking her up in Virginia and repeatedly sexually abusing her as they drove back to their apartment in Missouri.
Justin Johiah Curtright, 41, was sentenced today to 45 years in federal prison. His wife, Christin Marie Curtright, 33, was sentenced to 27 years. The Curtrights, of Springfield, Missouri, pled guilty in 2025 to sexual exploitation of a minor and transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
“This Office is committed to seeking maximum accountability against predators who target our children online or through other means. This sentence should send a clear message to those who exploit our children: you will be identified by law enforcement and prosecuted to the full extent of the law by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci. “I wish to thank the Springfield, Missouri Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation for their outstanding work bringing these predators to justice.”
“The abduction and abuse of a young child is a crime beyond measure- feeding on fear, destroying innocence, and leaving scars that last a lifetime. This case exemplifies just how important it is for parents to stay alert. The internet can be a hunting ground, and awareness is your child’s first line of defense. Law enforcement will continue to hunt down and bring to justice those who continue to prey on our youth,” said Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division.
According to court documents, in 2024 Justin Curtright first contacted the minor victim on Discord, an online video chatting platform. Justin later introduced the victim to his wife, and from that point, the three talked extensively, both online and by phone. As encouraged by Justin, the victim’s family did not know about her contact with the Curtrights.
The Curtrights also engaged in sexually explicit acts on camera while video chatting with the victim and urged her to do the same. Justin would frequently pretend to be the victim’s father.
After weeks of planning, in the summer of 2024, the Curtrights met the victim near her home in Virginia. The victim got into the Curtrights’ van, and they drove her back to Missouri. While on the road, the Curtrights took turns sexually abusing the victim in the back of the van. Once they reached their apartment, they continued their sexual exploitation of the victim for several more days.
Days later, officers with the Springfield Police Department went to the Curtrights’ apartment, where they found the victim hiding in the back of a closet in the Curtrights’ bedroom. The victim had an ID card that Justin Curtright gave her, which falsely represented her as Justin’s daughter.
Springfield officers seized the Curtrights’ phones, which held video and images of the victim’s online sexual exploitation, as well as images of the victim being abused during the drive to Missouri.
Investigators later obtained extensive Discord chat logs, which revealed how the Curtrights doggedly groomed and manipulated the victim. The chat logs also showed that Justin was actively seeking and sexually exploiting other children online. Justin told his wife that he had a fantasy of sexually abusing a teenaged runaway.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Springfield Police Department, and various local law enforcement agencies investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Drew O. Inman and Lee S. Brett prosecuted the case for the United States.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Wanted Fugitive Out of Maryland Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISONBURG, Va. – A wanted fugitive out of Maryland, who led police on a high-speed car chase on Interstate 81 before crashing into the median, pled guilty yesterday to federal drug and gun charges.
Corey Frances Potter, 30, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pled guilty to one count of possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, in February 2026, Potter was a known fugitive traveling north on Interstate 81 from Roanoke, Virginia, towards Winchester, Virginia. When Potter entered Rockingham County, Virginia, law enforcement pulled behind the defendant’s vehicle and turned on their lights and sirens to initiate a traffic stop.
Rather than pull over, Potter sped up to evade law enforcement, eventually hitting a tractor trailer’s front tire, spinning out, striking a pick-up truck, and rolling over into the median.
Law enforcement retrieved various items from the crash scene, including a backpack that belonged to Potter, which contained two firearms, various magazines, and significant amounts of ammunition. Law enforcement also found inside the vehicle approximately 13.7 ounces of cocaine, bags of white pills, another firearm, $14,755, and a fraudulent Drug Enforcement Administration.
Potter’s criminal history shows that he was convicted in 2015 of two felony charges in Pennsylvania, both involving fleeing from, or attempting to elude, law enforcement.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virginia State Police investigated the case with assistance from the City of Roanoke Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason M. Scheff is prosecuting the case.
Officials Announce Results of Project Safe Neighborhoods Operation Combined Resolve Roanoke ValleyRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – Law enforcement leaders from more than a dozen agencies across the Roanoke Valley announced the results of Operation Combined Resolve Roanoke Valley today. Combined Resolve, a month-long enforcement operation led by the U.S. Marshals Service and in furtherance of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, resulted in more than 150 arrests and the seizure of nearly $2 million dollars’ worth of street drugs.
Between May 1, 2026, and May 31, 2026, 78 officers from 15 partner agencies arrested 150 fugitives and executed 302 warrants.
The operation resulted in the seizure of nearly $2 million dollars’ worth of street drugs. These drugs included 338 doses of MDMA, 16 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 12 kilograms of cocaine.
Finally, 352 grams of fentanyl was seized, enough potential lethal doses to kill 176,097 people, or more people than the entire population of the Roanoke Valley.
In addition to drug seizures, $93,940 in cash, 20 handguns, and 1 rifle were seized.
“Operation Combined Resolve resulted in the arrest of over 300 individuals and the capture of 150 fugitives wanted for offenses including assault and battery on law enforcement, carjacking, robbery, aggravated malicious wounding, assault by mob, and crimes against children. The US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia will continue to maximize strategic law enforcement partnerships through Project Safe Neighborhoods to enhance cooperation and information sharing that ensures a sure and rapid response to violent crime and other threats to our citizens,” First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today. “I am proud to stand with law enforcement partners including the Roanoke City, Roanoke County, and Vinton Police Departments, VSP, Virginia National Guard Counterdrug Program, Roanoke area Commonwealth’s Attorneys, ATF, DEA, FBI, HSI, and other partners who contributed to the outstanding success of Combined Resolve. Like Operation Washout No Limits in Danville last October, Combined Resolve reflects our collective and unyielding determination to enhance community safety and the rule of law in our communities. These efforts will continue throughout the Western District of Virginia.”
“Operation Combined Resolve Roanoke Valley is a continuing example of how partnerships and true collaboration, among law enforcement partners in the Western District of Virginia, results in safer streets and communities by leveraging the full weight and commitment of federal, state, and local law enforcement to bring violent offenders to justice, remove illegal drugs and guns from our communities, and fight organized crime. I commend First Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Tracci for his leadership and spearheading the operation, as well as our local operational commander Chief Booth, for his tenacity and dedication to the citizens we serve. We also extend gratitude to Roanoke City Commonwealth’s Attorney John McNeil, Jr. and Roanoke County Commonwealth’s Attorney Brian Holohan, for the substantial work of their staff as well as their guidance, oversight, and prosecutorial judgements in future prosecutions. All the participant agencies contributed significantly, and none of these excellent results, for our citizens, would have been accomplished without every leader and officer involved. Finally, we suggest this operation is the first of many future collaborations in continued and enhanced partnerships. Criminals should take notice. If you are wanted for a crime, committing violent crime, or are part of a transnational gang, your time of freedom is limited if you stay in the Roanoke Valley,” said Acting United States Marshal Matthew Davis.
“Today’s results are a testament to what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies come together with one common goal: the safety and security of the Roanoke Valley. The success of this operation demonstrates that through collaboration, shared resources, and a unified commitment to public safety, we are able to deliver results that no single agency could achieve alone. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to every agency and officer who participated in this effort. In particular, I want to recognize First Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Tracci and his team from the Western District of Virginia, as well as the United States Marshals Service, for their partnership, leadership, and dedication throughout this operation. Together, we are sending a clear message that public safety remains our top priority and that law enforcement agencies across this region stand united in our commitment to reducing violent crime, removing illegal drugs and firearms from our streets, and holding offenders accountable. Operation Combined Resolve reflects the best of law enforcement partnership and will continue to serve as a model for our future efforts to protect and serve the people who call the Roanoke Valley home,” said Scott Booth, Chief of Police, City of Roanoke.
“Operations like this highlight the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts in addressing the dangerous connection between narcotics trafficking and illegal firearms. ATF remains steadfast in its mission to protect our communities by supporting investigations that remove violent offenders, illegal firearms, and dangerous narcotics from our streets, “ said ATF Washington Field Division Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood.
“Every day, Postal Inspectors work to protect the mail from being misused by criminals, including large scale Drug Trafficking Organizations. When prevention and investigative efforts can come together with the efforts of other agencies to identify and charge individuals who distribute drugs throughout Virginia, it makes all our communities safer. I want to acknowledge the contributions of the combined efforts of officers and agents from the multiple involved agencies for the impressive work accomplished. Through combined efforts such as this, the Postal Inspection Service upholds its long-standing mission of protecting our Postal customers and eliminating criminal misuse of the U.S. Mail,” said Damon Wood, Inspector in Charge, USPIS Washington Division.
“Some of the primary goals of the Virginia State Police are to preserve life and to protect the vulnerable. Collaborative efforts, such as this, enhance our capability of achieving these goals through problem solving partnerships. We are pleased with the results and grateful for the contributions of the involved agencies. We look forward to further cooperation on future operations,” said Shawn Caudill – Captain, Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
This operation was part of the revamped Project Safe Neighborhoods, a combined law enforcement initiative that aims to provide a rapid response to violent crime, conduct strategic federal, state, local, and tribal partnerships, and increase accountability and deterrence to promote public safety.
Lynchburg Store Owner Sentenced for Federal Food Stamp FraudRead the Press Release
LYNCHBURG, Va. – The owner of Taste of India, a medium-sized grocery store in Lynchburg, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison on federal food stamp fraud and other charges.
Rajan Babbar, 60, pled guilty in March 2026 to one count of fraud regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program and one count of transacting in criminally derived property. SNAP was established by the United States government to alleviate hunger and malnutrition among low and middle-income families by increasing their food purchasing power and ability.
According to court documents, in 2016 Babbar filed paperwork with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) for Taste of India to become a SNAP retailer. In December 2016, FNS approved Babbar’s application.
Beginning around April 2021, it is alleged that SNAP sales at Taste of India exploded from their previous levels. For example, in 2018, Taste of India was conducting an approximate monthly average of $2,600 in SNAP transactions. By 2023, the approximate monthly average was $65,000 a month, a roughly 2,500 percent increase. Between January 2019 and January 2025, the average individual SNAP transaction at Taste of India was for $115.77. By comparison, the average individual SNAP transaction among similarly sized stores statewide was $40.61.
To perpetuate the scheme, Babbar admitted that he permitted individuals to exchange their SNAP benefits for cash. Babbar rang up false transactions for non-existent food items and other products. He then provided those individuals with cash for approximately one-half the value of the SNAP benefits.
Between approximately January 2019 and January 2025, Babbar conducted numerous such fraudulent SNAP transactions in an amount determined by the Court to be $2,108,924. The Hon. Norman K. Moon, Senior United States District Judge, also ordered that Babbar forfeit more than $380,000 in seized assets and pay $2,108,924 in restitution back to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci, Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the USDA-OIG, Northeast Region, and Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement.
The USDA-OIG, FBI, and Lynchburg Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Brett prosecuted the case.
Florida Man Sentenced for Defrauding Local Doctor of Almost $500,000Read the Press Release
LYNCHBURG, Va. – A Miramar, Florida man was sentenced yesterday to 41 months in federal prison for perpetuating a lengthy scheme to defraud a Lynchburg doctor out of nearly a half million dollars.
Tommie Lee Nelson, 66, pled guilty in February 2026 to one count of wire fraud.
According to court documents, beginning around April 2020, the victim, a Lynchburg doctor, sought to purchase a commercial building in Danville, Virginia, in partnership with an agricultural cooperative. Nelson represented himself to the victim as a “hard money” lender who could assist in purchasing the building.
Through Nelson’s fraudulent representations, he convinced the victim to wire him several payments from July 2020 and into 2021, ultimately totaling almost $500,000. Despite Nelson’s representations, these payments did not go toward the building purchase. Instead, Nelson spent the victim’s money at casinos and for his personal benefit.
By 2021, the purchase agreement had fallen through, and Nelson stopped responding to the victim’s calls.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement today.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew O. Inman prosecuted the case for the United States.
North Carolina Man Who Trafficked Fentanyl into Virginia SentencedRead the Press Release
CHARLOTESVILLE, Va. – A North Carolina man. who trafficked fentanyl from North Carolina into Virginia, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison.
Semaj Montaque Sledge, 35, pled guilty to one count of distributing 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
“Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids have killed a quarter million Americans,” First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said. “This office is committed to eradicating the illegal distribution of this toxin from the Western District of Virginia.”
According to court documents, on August 26, 2025, Sledge traveled from North Carolina to Virginia to sell an individual approximately 252 grams of pressed fentanyl in exchange for $8,000. The transaction was observed by law enforcement.
Several days later, Sledge once again traveled from North Carolina to Virginia to sell the same individual fentanyl. This time selling 437 grams of fentanyl in exchange for $14,500. This purchase was once again observed by law enforcement.
A few weeks later, officers with the Virginia State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) arrested Sledge along I-64 near Zions Crossroads in Virginia.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Christopher Goumenis, DEA Washington Division Special Agent in Charge made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Virginia State Police investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Swartz is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Pair Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl, Meth, and Cocaine and from FloridaRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A pair of men from Southwest Virginia, who regularly drove to Florida and brought fentanyl, cocaine, and kilograms of methamphetamine back into the Commonwealth for redistribution, were sentenced in U.S. District Court in Abingdon.
Terry Brandon Watson, 41, of Atkins, Virginia, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in the conspiracy. Marcus Hunter Moran, 30, of Marion, Virginia, was previously sentenced to five years in federal prison. Both men previously pled guilty to charges related to that conduct.
“This office will aggressively pursue those who target our citizens with fentanyl, methamphetamine and other narcotics,” First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today. “I applaud the work of the FBI and the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office in helping ensure accountability in this case.”
According to court documents, in February 2025 the Federal Bureau of Investigation determined that Watson and Moran were regularly traveling from Smyth County, Virginia to Florida to pick up controlled substances to sell in the Western District of Virginia.
Beginning on March 15, 2025, law enforcement began tracking Watson and Moran’s car as the pair traveled to Florida to pick up a load of illegal drugs. The following day, law enforcement stopped Moran and Watson as they returned from Florida. Moran was driving and Watson was in the passenger seat. Officers found two pounds of methamphetamine in the passenger compartment, along with two ounces of fentanyl and an ounce of powdered cocaine.
The investigation showed that Moran and Watson had traveled from the Western District to Florida at least four times to pick up methamphetamine and other drugs. Each time, Moran drove the vehicle for Watson. On other occasions, Watson used other drivers to make the trip.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Whit Pierce is prosecuting the case.
Bristol, Virginia Man Sentenced to 60 Months on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A Bristol, Virginia man, who conspired with others to distribute more than 600 fentanyl pills, was sentenced yesterday to 60 months in federal prison.
Bobby John Arnett, 56, pled guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Briar Stephens, 25, was sentenced on April 30, 2026, to 10 years in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy.
According to court documents, between September 2024 and October 2024, Arnett, Stephens, and others, conspired to distribute fentanyl. Specifically, over the course of the conspiracy, Stephens purchased fentanyl pills that he and Arnett further distributed in Washington County, Virginia within the Western District of Virginia, and elsewhere.
During a search of Arnett’s residence in September 2024, law enforcement officers found multiple fentanyl pills and powder at the residence, along with several firearms and numerous rounds of ammunition.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Christopher Goumenis, DEA Washington Division Special Agent in Charge made the announcement.
The Elizabethton Tennessee Police Department, Washington County Virginia Sheriff’s Office, Holston River Drug Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Stone is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Sentenced for Role in Alien Smuggling and Kidnapping SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A Texas man, who conspired with others to kidnap, transport, and hold multiple victims at gunpoint for ransom that culminated in a deadly 2023 shootout in a quiet, Charlottesville neighborhood, was sentenced yesterday in federal court as part of Operation Take Back America.
Jordan Perez, 21, of Lockhart, Texas, was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in federal prison. Perez pled guilty in June 2025 to one count of conspiracy to kidnap and one count of transporting an alien resulting in death.
Perez’s co-conspirator, Ricardo Ordaz, 26, of Cedar Creek Texas, was sentenced to more than 18 years in prison in January 2026 for his role in the conspiracy.
“Human trafficking is an affront to human decency and dignity. This sentence should send a clear and unmistakable message that the scourge of human trafficking will be aggressively prosecuted in the Western District of Virginia,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci. “As a result of outstanding cooperation among the Charlottesville Police Department, Albemarle County Police Department, DHS Homeland Security Investigations, and the commitment of Assistant United States Attorney Sullivan, justice was served in this case.”
“This case highlights the relentless efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and our law enforcement partners to disrupt dangerous criminal networks that threaten public safety,” said Eric Weindorf, Special Agent in Charge of HSI’s Washington DC Field Office. “We will continue to pursue those who engage in kidnapping, human smuggling, and violence, ensuring they face justice for their actions.”
According to court documents, in early January 2023, Ordaz, Perez, and other co-conspirators who had ties to transnational criminal organizations, kidnapped multiple victims and held them for ransom, knowing these individuals had entered the United States illegally.
As part of the scheme, Ordaz arranged to transport victims from an area near the United States-Mexico border and bring them to a stash house near Austin, Texas. Once there, Ordaz, and others, held the victims against their will and under armed guard, then called and messaged the victims’ families and friends demanding cash ransom in exchange for their release.
Ordaz exchanged one of the victims in Texas for $5,000 cash, and on January 8, 2023, at Ordaz’s direction, Perez and a co-conspirator transported another victim to Charlottesville, Virginia, where they arranged to exchange that victim for $10,000 in cash.
During the exchange, when it was revealed that the full $10,000 ransom was not available, an argument and shootout ensued, during which Perez, and another co-conspirator, brandished firearms, and instigated a shooting that resulted in the death of one of the kidnappers and the serious wounding of Perez.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Homeland Security Investigations in Harrisonburg investigated the case with assistance from the Charlottesville Police Department, Albemarle County Police Department, and HSI Austin, Texas.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sally J. Sullivan prosecuted the case for the United States.
Illegal Alien from Mexico Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – An illegal alien from Mexico, living locally in Keswick, Virginia, pled guilty this week to a federal firearms charge for illegally possessing a gun while being in the United States unlawfully.
Javier Bernal-Lopez, 38, pled guilty this week to illegal possession of a firearm while being illegally or unlawfully in the United States.
According to court documents, on November 18, 2025, Victim 1 and another person came to the Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD) to report a domestic dispute which had occurred the previous day near Keswick, Virginia. Victim 1 described a violent encounter with her ex-boyfriend, Javier Bernal-Lopez, involving a firearm being shot through their entrance door.
Victim 1 advised detectives with ACPD that Bernal-Lopez always carries a firearm on his person. In addition, Victim 1 advised detectives that she had been dating Bernal-Lopez for several years and she knew him to be a Mexican National illegally present in the United States.
Authorities confirmed that Bernal-Lopez had twice been arrested by U.S. Border Patrol at Nogales, Arizona, in June 2004. Following both arrests he was allowed to voluntarily return to Mexico.
On November 25, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home. During the search, law enforcement located a SCCY CPX-2 9mm semi-automatic handgun. The firearm was located in a bag along with Bernal-Lopez’s Mexican passport. A box of ammunition, as well as an extended magazine, capable of holding more than twenty rounds were located within the home as well.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf for Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. made the announcement.
The Department of Homeland Security and the Albemarle County Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sally J. Sullivan is prosecuting the case.
Pulaski County Felon Pleads Guilty to Selling Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – A convicted felon, prohibited from possessing firearms due to his previous criminal record, pled guilty yesterday to selling two stolen firearms.
Michael Brandon Smith, 40, of Dublin, Virginia, pled guilty yesterday to possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents, sometime between January 27, 2025, and February 6, 2025, an acquaintance of Smith stole two firearms from an unoccupied building. The acquittance brought the firearms to Smith at a property owned by Smith’s father.
At the time, Smith understood these firearms were stolen and sought to get them away from his father’s property. Smith took possession of both firearms and sold them to another person.
Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives recovered both stolen firearms, a Savage Arms .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle and a Hawthorne-Sentry .22 caliber long rifle.
At sentencing, Smtih faces a maximum possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Samuel Ward made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charlene R. Day is prosecuting the case.
Virginia Man Sentenced for Making Threats Against Public OfficialsRead the Press Release
HARRISONBURG, Va. – A Winchester, Va., man, who made online threats to kill, kidnap, or injure former Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Barrack Obama, was sentenced recently to 30 months in federal prison.
Frank Lucio Carillo, 68, pled guilty in April 2025 to one count of sending threatening communications through interstate commerce.
According to court documents, Carillo used the social media platform GETTR to post thousands of messages using the name “joemadarats1.” GTTR is publicly accessible, and users can post articles, statements, and links to other websites, as well as comment on and reply to other users’ posts.
On July 27, 2024, FBI Phoenix received information concerning a threat made against an employee of the Maricopa County, Arizona, Recorder’s Office posted on GETTR by a user with the name “joemadarats1.”
FBI searched the “joemadarats1” user account and discovered approximately 4,359 posts, comments, and replies made by the user targeting various public officials including, but not limited to Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Barrack Obama
In a February 2024 post, “joemadarats1” said he had his “AR-15 LOCKED AND LOADED.”
Authorities used GETTR subscriber information and other investigative methods to determine that the “joemadarats1” username was used by Carillo at his residence in Winchester, Virginia.
On August 2, 2024, authorities at the FBI Richmond executed a search warrant at Carillo’s home and seized a 9 mm pistol, an AR-15 rifle, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement.
The FBI in both Richmond, Virginia and Phoenix, Arizona, and the United States Secret Service are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Welsh is prosecuting the case.
Lynchburg Man Sentenced to 21 Years for Directing Drug Trafficking Operation While IncarceratedRead the Press Release
LYNCHBURG, Va. – A Lynchburg, Va. man, who used friends and family members to help him distribute more than a kilogram of fentanyl while he was incarcerated at the Lynchburg Adult Detention Center, was sentenced yesterday to more than 21 years in federal prison.
Tremon Jaquil Burford, 31, pled guilty on July 10, 2025, to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl.
“We are committed to enhancing cooperative relationships with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to eradicate the clear and present fentanyl threat to our citizens and communities. I commend Chief Edwards, the Lynchburg Police Department, and ATF for their outstanding work ensuring clear accountability in this case,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci.
“The success of this case was built on collaboration, trust, and the collective determination of multiple law enforcement agencies working toward a common goal,” said Lynchburg Police Chief Edwards. “Our partnership with federal investigators strengthened this operation from start to finish and sends a clear message that criminal organizations targeting our community will face a coordinated and relentless response.”
“Fentanyl trafficking continues to devastate our communities, destroying families and ultimately fueling violence and addiction,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Samuel Ward. Today’s sentence demonstrates our unwavering commitment to working alongside our law enforcement partners to combat violent crime and narcotics trafficking. ATF will continue identifying and dismantling the criminal networks responsible for distributing this deadly poison throughout our neighborhoods while holding those responsible fully accountable for their actions.”
According to court documents, from approximately February 2023 to November 2023, Burford headed an organization that trafficked tens of thousands of pressed fentanyl pills in the Lynchburg area while he was incarcerated at the Lynchburg Adult Detention Center awaiting trial on gang and firearm charges.
Burford was able to accomplish this using a network of co-conspirators outside of the jail— predominantly women with little to no criminal history, including his own relatives. These co-conspirators held controlled substances and money for him, communicated with suppliers and customers, and delivered drugs and drug proceeds at Burford’s direction.
Even following his conviction in this matter, Burford continued his brazen criminal activity. On September 8, 2025, he slipped a correctional officer a note offering him $2,500 to smuggle Suboxone strips into the jail.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Lynchburg Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Lee Brett and Kelly McGann prosecuted the case.
One Sentenced, One Convicted for Conspiring with Annandale-Based Doctor to Illegally Distribute Promethazine-Codeine and other Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – A pair of Maryland men who conspired with Dr. Rotimi Iluyomade, an Annandale-based doctor convicted of distributing more than 7,000 oxycodone pills, 34,000 milliliters of hydrocodone-chlorpheniramine solution (also known as “Tussionex”), and 107,000 milliliters of promethazine-codeine solution (“also known as lean”), had court appearances today in U.S. District Court in Roanoke.
Obioma Alozie Ndubuka, 32, a.k.a. “Bank Roll” of Derwood, Maryland, was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison. Ndubuka pled guilty in February to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute Schedule II controlled substances and to acquire promethazine-codeine solution by fraud.
In addition, Kenechukwu Brian Okwara, 29, a.k.a. “Kene” of Bowie, Maryland, pled guilty today to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute Schedule II controlled substances and to acquire promethazine-codeine solution by fraud.
Also charged in the conspiracy are Cameron Isaiah Lewis, 23, of Bowie, Maryland; Elhadj Malick Diallo, 31, of Silver Spring, Maryland; Zion Oluwademilade Adeduwon, 24, of Bowie, Maryland; and Yared Michael Tesfaye, a.k.a. “Yar,” 28, of Montgomery Village, Maryland, and Raymono Alfonzo Russel II, 25, of Bowie, Maryland. Zion Adeduwon was sentenced to 42 months in March.
According to court documents, in at least 2023 and 2024, Iluyomade and the co-conspirators entered into an agreement to distribute oxycodone pills and hydrocodone-chlorpheniramine solution to pharmacies in multiple states, including California, Colorado, Nebraska, Arizona, Missouri, Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island, Georgia, Wisconsin, Texas, West Virginia, and in the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia. At least 70 of the illegal controlled substance prescriptions were transmitted to and/or filled at pharmacies in the Western District of Virginia.
As part of the conspiracy, multiple individuals visited Iluyomade’s medical clinic to obtain fraudulent prescriptions. The individuals provided Iluyomade with lists of multiple “patients” with fake identifying information or different variations of names and false addresses, and requested prescriptions be sent to pharmacies throughout the United States for the “patients” on the lists.
Ndubuka traveled to various pharmacies to pick up fraudulent prescriptions written by Iluyomade, which he then distributed for profit, often posting pictures on his social media accounts to facilitate drug sales. Iluyomade transmitted at least 134 fraudulent prescriptions using variations of the “Ndubuka” surname. The prescriptions listed 56 different residential addresses but the same patient home phone number. Ndubuka paid approximately $300 per fraudulent prescription.
Okwara visited Iluyomade at Crossover Medical Center in Annadale, Virginia to obtain fraudulent prescriptions for promethazine-codeine and hydrocodone-chlorpheniramine. Okwara was one of the first co-conspirators to obtain fraudulent prescriptions from Iluyomade, and shortly thereafter began selling “slots” with Iluyomade to other co-conspirators that they used to obtain fraudulent prescriptions.
The investigation began on September 2, 2023, when Russell attempted to pick up a fraudulent promethazine-codeine solution prescription transmitted by Iluyomade at a pharmacy in Honaker, Virginia. Russell was arrested and a search of his vehicle revealed multiple controlled substance prescription bottles in various ‘patient’ names, all from Iluyomade, filled at pharmacies in Roanoke, Radford, Tazewell, and Floyd, Virginia.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Virginia State Police, Russell County Sheriff’s Office, Salisbury, Maryland Police Department, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Police, HHS-OIG, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lena Busscher and Randy Ramseyer are prosecuting the case.
Danville Man Arrested, Charged on Numerous Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – An indictment charging a Danville, Va. man in connection with twelve felony charges related to child exploitation, including the production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), sexual enticement of minors, cyberstalking, and making threats to injure reputation with intent to extort, was unsealed today following his recent arrest in New Mexico.
In a sealed indictment returned April 9, 2026, a federal grand jury in Roanoke charged Jesus Diaz, 25, of Danville, with two counts of making extortive threats to injure the reputation of a minor, one count of distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), one count of cyberstalking of a minor, four counts of production of child sexual abuse material, and four counts of enticement of a minor.
Diaz was arrested April 16, 2026 in New Mexico. He is scheduled to make his initial court appearance in the Western District of Virginia on May 15, 2026.
According to the indictment and other court documents, in March 2024, Minor Victim 1 (MV1), then a 17-year-old female living in Idaho, reported to local law enforcement that an individual was extorting her for sexually explicit images and videos. MV1 indicated that several years earlier, when she was 14 years old, she sent nude images via social media to an individual she knew as “Xavier” and that Xavier was now threatening to send those previous pictures and videos to MV1’s family, friends and church members if MV1 didn’t continue communicating with him and send more images.
The Idaho Office of the Attorney General Criminal Division reached out to agents with the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to assist in their investigation after they determined accounts used by “Xavier” to send threatening communications were associated with an IP address in Danville, Virginia.
Agents with HSI determined that the Danville IP address was associated with Diaz. In addition, they determined Diaz would be returning to the United States from an overseas trip via Hartfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta. Upon his arrival, law enforcement seized several digital devices from Diaz and obtained search warrants for the devices. During the resulting search, investigators found that that Diaz’s phone allegedly contained references to social media accounts used to harass and threaten MV1.
HSI subsequently investigated further. In searches of the devices and digital accounts associated with Diaz, HSI found nude and sexually explicit pictures of MV1 and at least 24 other minor females. Diaz allegedly used social media platforms to meet his victims and to solicit nude pictures and images from them. In some instances, Diaz allegedly threatened to broadcast victims’ previous images if they stopped communicating with him or refused to send more images.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and HSI Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf made the announcement.
The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case. Valuable investigative assistance was provided by the Idaho Office of the Attorney General, Criminal Division, the City of Danville Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Albuquerque office of Homeland Security Investigations provided valuable assistance in the apprehension of Diaz.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Brett is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/ .
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A Tennessee man, whose non-profit had no revenue and no employees when he fraudulently received a CARES Act loan intended to help small businesses, pled guilty yesterday in federal court.
Paul Eugene Welborn Jr., 67, of Mountain City, Tenn., pled guilty to wire fraud related to misrepresentations he made on his application for a CARES Act loan.
The CARES Act is a federal law, enacted in March of 2020, that was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized the Small Business Administration to provide loans of up to $2 million to eligible small businesses that were experiencing a loss of revenue from the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the CARES Act authorized the SBA to issue “advances” of up to $10,000 to small businesses within three days of the business having applied for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) loan.
According to court documents, Welborn founded a non-profit called Wings of Hope in 2011. When Welborn applied for a CARES Act loan in 2020, Wings of Hope had no employees, and little or no revenue or expenses. On his SBA loan application paperwork, however, Welborn claimed Wings of Hope had $2 million in gross revenue, employed more than 12 people and had $2 million in annual expenses, including $330,000 in costs of goods sold, $410,000 in nonprofit costs of operations, and $260,000 in lost business rents.
As a result of these misrepresentations, on June 9, 2020, Wings of Hope was awarded a $159,900 EIDL loan, which included a $10,000 advance.
Welborn improperly used the funds for numerous personal expenses, including purchases at Omaha Steaks, QVC, HSN, Amazon, Macy’s, Best Buy, and various fast-food restaurants. In addition, Welborn transferred portions of the loan funds between various personal bank accounts.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Kareem A. Carter, Special Agent in Charge of IRS – Criminal investigation, Washington DC Field Office made the announcement.
The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations and the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Whit Pierce is prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the Fraud Division. The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Bristol, Virginia Man Sentenced to 10 Years on Federal Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A Bristol, Virginia man who conspired with others to distribute more than 600 fentanyl pills was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison.
Briar Stephens, 25, pled guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime.
“This office will continue to partner with law enforcement to target anyone who illegally distributes fentanyl in the Western District of Virginia,” First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today.
“Keeping our communities safe is our top priority. We are committed to pursuing justice against drug traffickers who illegally distribute dangerous substances like fentanyl. Through collaboration and unwavering determination, we strive to uphold justice and protect the citizens we serve. The DEA Bristol Post of Duty will continue to partner with law enforcement to target anyone who illegally distribute fentanyl in Western Virginia,” said Christopher Goumenis, DEA Washington Division Special Agent in Charge.
According to court documents, between September 2024 and October 2024, Stephens, Bobby Arnett, and others, conspired to distribute fentanyl. Specially, over the course of the conspiracy, Stephens purchased fentanyl pills that he and Arnett further distributed in Washington County, Virginia within the Western District of Virginia, and elsewhere.
On October 16, 2024, Stephens possessed approximately 600 fentanyl pills with the intent to further distribute them. Stephens also possessed a loaded Glock 23 .40 caliber pistol in his waistband in furtherance of the drug conspiracy.
The Elizabethton Tennessee Police Department, Washington County Virginia Sheriff’s Office, Holston River Drug Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Stone is prosecuting the case.
Tri-Area Community Health Agrees to Pay $513,000 to Resolve Medicare Billing AllegationsRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – Tri-Area Community Health, (TACH) located in Laurel Pike, Virginia, has agreed to pay $513,729.90 to the United States to resolve allegations it improperly billed Medicare for Annual Wellness Visits. TACH previously repaid $321,075.56 toward the total settlement amount.
Tri-Area Community Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center that operates six independent clinic locations within the Western District of Virginia. TACH provides Annual Wellness Visits to Medicare beneficiaries that are ultimately billed to Medicare.
From August 2022 through December 2025, TACH provided Annual Wellness Visits to Medicare beneficiaries that were provided by pharmacists without physician oversight, without a physician being present physically or virtually, and/or otherwise without appropriate physician supervision, that were ultimately billed under the names of physicians who were not involved with the visits. TACH cooperated with the government’s investigation, initiated its own internal review, and assisted with identifying the improperly reimbursed claims.
The resolution was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Counsel to the Inspector General.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew G. Howells investigated the matter with assistance from HHS-OIG.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
tach_settlement_agreement_0.pdf