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14 July 2026
Nevada Tax Preparer and 11 Others Indicted for Large-Scale Conspiracy to Fraudulently Obtain COVID-Related LoansRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A federal grand jury in Nevada returned a 90-count indictment charging a Las Vegas-based tax preparer and his 11 co-conspirators in connection with their alleged roles in a COVID-19 relief loan application scheme totaling more than $14 million in fraudulent loan proceeds to which they were not entitled.
“In a 90-count indictment, the defendants are alleged to have exploited a taxpayer-funded program during a national emergency,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners at the FBI, IRS-CI, SBA-OIG, and TIGTA will pursue anyone who chooses to abuse and steal from taxpayer-funded programs for their own financial gain.”
“The defendants deliberately engaged in fraudulent activity, diverting funds intended for individuals and small businesses impacted by the national emergency,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “The FBI, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, remains steadfast in the pursuit and prosecution of individuals who misuse federal relief programs.”
According to court documents, from April 2020 to May 2021, Charles Omonzokpia Usigbe, a Las Vegas-based tax preparer, and his co-conspirators filed more than 100 false PPP loan applications and more than 25 false EIDL applications. The loan applications were administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.
Charles Omonzokpia Usigbe; Christopher Omobhio Usigbe; Nancy Usigbe Smith; Favor Chikelu; Francisca Iyere; Egberanmwen Vivian Osayanren Onaiwu; Matthew Obobhen Usigbe; Ayele Amavigan; Solomon Ugbodu; Ibironke Mercy Alaga; Ifekam Joycelynn Osuya; and Varney Allen Fofana were charged in a 90-count indictment including charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud; bank fraud; wire fraud; conspiracy to money launder; promotion money laundering; and concealment money laundering.
Earlier today, the defendants made their initial appearances in court. A jury trial has been scheduled for August 31, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office; and Phoenix Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Scott Brown for the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI, IRS-CI, the Small Business Administration (SBA-OIG), and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Lopez is prosecuting this case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Multiple defendants sentenced after pleading guilty in district courtRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, Georgia: Three defendants have been sentenced to prison in federal court for firearms- and drug-related charges in separate cases.
The sentences were imposed in U.S. District Court and announced by Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. They include:
- Eric Lowe, 45, of Dublin, Georgia, was sentenced to 96 months in prison and a $1,500 fine followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. In February 2023, Lowe was found in possession of a Taurus, Model 85, .38 caliber pistol during a traffic stop by Dublin Police in Laurens County.
- Tykez Elijahwun Davis, 30, of Dublin, was sentenced to 15 months in prison and a $1,500 fine followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. In August 2024, Davis was found to be in possession of a Rossi Model 461 .357 caliber pistol by Dublin Police in Laurens County.
- Corrie Devon Eady, 32, of Savannah, was sentenced to 12 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. In June 2025 in Chatham County, Eady was found in possession of a stolen Ruger .380 caliber pistol during a traffic stop by Savannah Police.
There is no parole in the federal system. Under federal law, it is prohibited for previously convicted felons to possess firearms or ammunition.
“Illegally possessed firearms are a fast track to extended prison terms for many defendants,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “Our law enforcement partners will investigate these cases, and they can be assured that our office will prosecute the case to the fullest extent.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Savannah Police Department, and the Dublin Police Department assisted in the investigation of these cases. These cases were prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Kyle Davis, L. Alexander Hamner, Ryan Bondura, and Patricia G. Rhodes.
More Than 40 Gang Members from Newburgh and Poughkeepsie Sentenced to Prison for Racketeering, Violence, Narcotics, and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today the last sentencing of gang members and narcotics distributors as a result of a long-running investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) in Newburgh and Poughkeepsie, New York. 26 of the defendants were convicted of being members, associates, and co-conspirators of the violent street gang the Young Gunnaz (“YG”), including YG leader Kashad Sampson. 12 of the defendants were convicted of being members and associates of the violent street gang the Double Nine Grim Reapers (“Grimz”), including Grimz leaders Jeremy Williams, Randy Jones, and James White. U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas imposed the sentences in the YG case, United States v. Kashad Sampson, et al., 22 Cr. 640, and U.S. District Judge Philip M. Halpern imposed the sentences in the Grimz case, United States v. Jeremy Williams, et al., 22 Cr. 641. RODNEY GEORGE, a defendant in the Sampson case, was the last in this series to be sentenced and received 108 months in prison.
“For years, members and associates of the Young Gunnaz and the Double Nine Grim Reapers brought shootings, armed robberies, narcotics trafficking, and fraud to communities across the Hudson Valley,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Today’s final sentencing marks the end of a years-long prosecution that removed over 40 of these violent gang members and drug traffickers from our streets. No gang should get to claim a block, a neighborhood, or a city as its own, and this Office will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to dismantle violent criminal organizations and protect the communities they prey upon.”
As alleged in the Indictments, other court filings, and statements made during court proceedings:
Since at least 2018, the Grimz has been a brutally violent street gang. The Grimz was founded by co-defendants Jeremy Williams, a/k/a “Dubs,” and Randy Jones, a/k/a “Nickelz,” and has hundreds of members across New York State, including throughout Orange County, Dutchess County, and the New York State prison system. The Grimz is a highly organized and efficient street gang with an organizational commitment to violence that strictly enforces its internal laws and celebrates gun violence. The highest-ranking members and leaders of the Grimz, like co-defendants James White, a/k/a “Infared,” and Octavious Griffin, a/k/a “Tate,” have so-called “serial numbers” within the Grimz, which include the name of a 9-millimeter firearm.
Since at least 2019, the YG has been a violent street gang that operated through New York State and engaged in large-scale narcotics trafficking, wire fraud, armed robberies, and shootings. For the most part, the YG defendants were part of the PlayBoyGzz subset of YG, which was led by, among others, co-defendant Kashad Sampson, a/k/a “Shoca.” Like the Grimz, senior members of YG glorified violence and demanded action from its members.
For years, the Grimz and YG terrorized communities in this District and demonstrated a complete disregard for human life. The Grimz defendants were responsible for multiple armed robberies and shootings in the City of Newburgh, including the November 3, 2020, attempted murder of a rival gang member. During that attempted murder, which involved co-defendants Justice Jackson, a/k/a “Tweak,” Tyrell Simon, a/k/a “Rello,” a/k/a “Insane,” Thomas Rodriguez, a/k/a “Tom Tom,” a/k/a “Checks,” and others, Rodriguez shot a rival gang member multiple times while the rival gang member sat in his vehicle. The rival gang member survived after receiving life-saving medical treatment at two different hospitals. The Grimz were also responsible for trafficking large amounts of deadly narcotics, like crack cocaine and heroin, on the streets and for trafficking K2, a synthetic cannabinoid, within the New York State prison system.
The YG defendants were responsible for at least approximately 13 shootings, three armed robberies, and a large-scale narcotics trafficking conspiracy responsible for flooding the streets with fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, and other drugs. In addition, some of the YG defendants also participated in a widespread scheme to defraud the New York state unemployment insurance program during the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, these defendants made just over $1,000,000 through this scheme and caused at least one of their victims to fall into financial ruin because, as a result of YG’s fraud, the victim lost her total disability social security payment.
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The counts of conviction and sentences imposed on the defendants in the Sampson and Williams cases are contained in the chart below.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, City of Newburgh Police Department, New York State Police, Town of New Windsor Police Department, Town of Newburgh Police Department, New York City Police Department, and Nassau County Police Department. Mr. Clayton also thanked the FBI’s Westchester Safe Streets Task Force, the New York City Department of Correction, Correction Intelligence Bureau, the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, and the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department for their assistance in the investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer N. Ong, Ryan W. Allison, and Margaret N. Vasu are in charge of the prosecution.
United States v. Kashad Sampson, et al., 22 Cr. 640 (KMK)
Defendant
Age
Counts of Conviction
Sentence
Kashad Sampson,
a/k/a “Shoca”
27
Racketeering Conspiracy
Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
200 months in prison
Five years’ supervised release
George Delgado,
a/k/a “Groc”
26
Racketeering Conspiracy
Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Aid of Racketeering
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
144 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Gabriel Roman,
a/k/a “Gabe”
26
Racketeering Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
Aggravated Identity Theft
160 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Dallas Archer,
a/k/a “Muggas”
29
Racketeering Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
90 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Bruce Allen,
a/k/a “Bam”
28
Racketeering Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
154 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Syncere Tatum,
a/k/a “Syn”
25
Racketeering Conspiracy
Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
160 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
John Lalanne,
a/k/a “JJ”
27
Racketeering Conspiracy
Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
120 months in prison
Four years’ supervised release
Raekwon Jackson,
a/k/a “Tree”
26
Racketeering Conspiracy
Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
170 months in prison
Four years’ supervised release
Bashir Mallory,
a/k/a “BG,”
a/k/a “Bear”
22
Racketeering Conspiracy
Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
140 months in prison
Five years’ supervised release
Mekhi McDonald,
a/k/a “Khi”
22
Racketeering Conspiracy
Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
168 months in prison
Four years’ supervised release
Christopher Tate,
a/k/a “Bag”
23
Racketeering Conspiracy
Narcotics Conspiracy
140 months in prison
Four years’ supervised release
Kristopher Burgess Cunningham,
a/k/a “KG”
32
Racketeering Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
90 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Dejon Scott,
a/k/a “Red Dot”
30
Racketeering Conspiracy60 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Davon Waddell,
a/k/a “Spotem,”
a/k/a “Light Skin Day Day”
28
Racketeering Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
164 months in prison
Four years’ supervised release
Zyrell Williams,
a/k/a “Zabb”
21
Racketeering Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
96 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Demetrius Ware,
a/k/a “Doom Doom”
21
Racketeering Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
90 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Antonio Pittman,
a/k/a “Ant”
24
Racketeering Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
84 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Daquan Cueto24
Racketeering Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
108 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Christopher Johnson,
a/k/a “Brisko”
32
Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence and Drug Trafficking Crime
Hobbs Act Robbery
Narcotics Conspiracy
144 months in prison
Four years’ supervised release
Harry Pimentel24
Racketeering Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
130 months in prison
Four years’ supervised release
Eric Steadman,
a/k/a “Little Man”
25
Racketeering Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
120 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Donald Leid,
a/k/a “Big Lip Day Day”
32
Narcotics Conspiracy
Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence and a Drug Trafficking Crime
94 months in prison
Five years’ supervised release
Tevin George,
a/k/a “Tev Roc”
32
Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence84 months in prison
Five years’ supervised release
Devin Williams,
a/k/a “Twin,”
a/k/a “Dev”
29
Racketeering Conspiracy54 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Dante Johnson,
a/k/a “D Rose”
28
Racketeering Conspiracy60 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
George Tatum,
a/k/a “Buddy”
48
Narcotics Conspiracy140 months in prison
Five years’ supervised release
Coleridge Lewter,
a/k/a “Korrupt”
45
Narcotics Conspiracy72 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Rodney George,
a/k/a “Taco”
49
Narcotics Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
108 months in prison
5 years’ supervised release
United States v. Jeremy Williams, et al., 22 Cr. 641 (PMH)
Defendant
Age
Counts of Conviction
Sentence
Jeremy Williams,
a/k/a “Dubs”
37
Racketeering Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
300 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
James White,
a/k/a “Infared”
47
Racketeering Conspiracy
Narcotics Conspiracy
300 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Messiah Jackson,
a/k/a “Two”
25
Racketeering Conspiracy
Narcotics Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
210 months in prison
Five years’ supervised release
Justice Jackson,
a/k/a “Tweak”
25
Racketeering Conspiracy
Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
180 months in prison
Five years’ supervised release
Octavious Griffin,
a/k/a “Tate”
39
Racketeering Conspiracy
Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
234 months’ imprisonment
Five years’ supervised release
Markell Williams,
a/k/a “15”
25
Racketeering Conspiracy
Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
204 months in prison
Five years’ supervised release
Tyrell Simon,
a/k/a “Insane,”
a/k/a “Rello”
25
Racketeering Conspiracy
Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
180 months in prison
Five years’ supervised release
Joshua Hendrick.
a/k/a “Hendrix”
26
Racketeering Conspiracy121 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Elijah Briggs,
a/k/a “Eli”
29
Racketeering Conspiracy87 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Shamell Williams,
a/k/a “Mello Trend”
33
Racketeering Conspiracy87 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Thomas Rodriguez,
a/k/a “Tom Tom,”
a/k/a “Checks”
34
Racketeering Conspiracy
Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering
Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
Narcotics Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
360 months in prison
Five years’ supervised release
Mission Man Sentenced for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on July 13, 2026.
Fred Leading Cloud, age 68, was sentenced to 2 years and 4 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Leading Cloud was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2025. He pleaded guilty on April 20, 2026.
On May 22, 2025, Leading Cloud got into an altercation with the victim in Mission, South Dakota, within the exterior boundaries of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. During the altercation, Leading Cloud pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim in the neck.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal Court as opposed to State Court.
This case was investigated by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Zachrison prosecuted the case.
Leading Cloud was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mexican Illegal Alien Sentenced for Illegal Reentry of a Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CANDIO TIERRA BLANCA-QUESADA (“TIERRA BLANCA-QUESADA”), age 43, a native of Mexico, was sentenced on July 9, 2026, by United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon, after previously pleading guilty to reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
TIERRA BLANCA-QUESADA was sentenced to the imprisonment time he already served, a one-year term of supervised release, and payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. He has been detained in federal prison since January 2, 2026.
According to court records, TIERRA BLANCA-QUESADA was previously removed from the United States on three occasions: March 30, 2007; January 5, 2012; and October 28, 2012. TIERRA BLANCA-QUESADA was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana by an agent of the United States Border Patrol on December 29, 2025, having reentered the United States without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Kippers is in charge of the prosecution.
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Meth Trafficker from Georgia Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Jimmy Randell Chason, 70, of Cairo, Georgia, pleaded guilty in federal court to three counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our HIDTA partnerships continue to deliver results in our ongoing whole-of-government efforts to combat drug trafficking operations, and this successful prosecution will pay dividends in our fight to stop the devastation that meth has wrought on our communities.”
Court documents reflect that the investigators with the North Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration developed information identifying the defendant as source of supply of substantial quantities of methamphetamine into the Tallahassee area. As part of an undercover operation, law enforcement purchased multi-ounce quantities of methamphetamine from the defendant. The defendant was apprehended while in-transit to deliver drugs, during which he was caught with one pound of methamphetamine.
The defendant faces a minimum mandatory sentence of ten years imprisonment, up life imprisonment on all four counts of conviction.
This case was investigated by the investigators with the North Florida HIDTA, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Florida Highway Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 26, 2026, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Mescalero Man Sentenced for Violent Assault and StrangulationRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man was sentenced to 30 months in prison for assaulting and strangling the victim, leaving them with serious injuries.
According to court documents, on March 13, 2025, Philman Sam Pike, 25, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, assaulted the victim by punching, strangling and suffocating them, causing them to lose consciousness and causing them extreme physical pain.
Pike pleaded guilty to assault by strangling. Upon his release from prison, Pike will be subject to three years of supervised release.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. The Las Cruces Branch Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.
Medical Device Company to Pay over $550,000 to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Tactile Systems Technology (Tactile) has agreed to pay $550,959 to resolve allegations that it submitted false claims to Medicare seeking reimbursement for medically unnecessary pneumatic compression devices in violation of the federal False Claims Act.
Tactile markets pneumatic compression devices that health care professionals prescribe to treat patients suffering from chronic swelling due to lymphedema and chronic venous insufficiency. Pneumatic compression devices apply rhythmic, sequential pressure to body parts to enhance blood flow, lymphatic flow, reduce swelling and prevent venous thromboembolism. Tactile markets two pneumatic compression devices: a basic model called the Entre and an advanced model called the Flexitouch.
Medicare will cover the cost of a pneumatic compression device only after a lymphedema or chronic venous insufficiency patient fails to receive adequate relief from swelling after four weeks of conservative therapy, including basic compression. A health care professional prescribing a pneumatic compression device for a Medicare patient must document in medical records why basic compression failed to adequately treat a patient’s condition. Tactile required sales personnel to collect and retain the patient’s medical records.
The government contends that between Jan. 1, 2019 and Dec. 31, 2024, certain Tactile sales personnel fabricated or amended health care professionals’ medical records and other clinical documentation that Tactile used to submit claims to Medicare for payment for dispensing the pneumatic compression devices. In particular, various Tactile sales personnel, many of whom Tactile terminated upon learning of the conduct, inserted false statements into the medical records about patients’ failures to experience relief through basic compression therapy and/or forged health care professionals’ signatures on doctored medical records to make it appear as though the health care professionals had prescribed the Entre or Flexitouch devices. In other instances, Tactile sales personnel fabricated and amended health care professionals’ medical records and other clinical documentation to falsely state that patients did not experience a significant reduction in swelling after using the Entre and, therefore, required use of the more expensive Flexitouch device.
The claims against Tactile were brought under the whistleblower or qui tam provision of the False Claims Act. Under the FCA, private parties may sue on behalf of the government for false claims for government funds and receive a share of any recovery. The relators will receive $129,475 from the proceeds of the settlement. The lawsuits are captioned United States ex rel. Scarborough, LLC v. Tactile Systems Technology, Inc., No 21-cv-10813 and United States ex rel. Gorham and Gast v. Tactile Systems Technology, Inc., No. 21-cv-11809.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge, Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. This matter is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Sharobem of the Office’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit and Civil Chief Abraham R. George.
Massachusetts Man Convicted of Violating U.S. Sanctions Against IranRead the Press Release
A Massachusetts man was convicted yesterday in federal court in Boston following a 14-day jury trial for charges related to a scheme to illegally export sophisticated electronic components from the United States to Iran.
Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi, 43, a dual U.S.-Iranian national of Natick, Massachusetts, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR); and two counts of violation of the IEEPA and the ITSR. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Oct. 13.
The defendant was charged by criminal complaint in December 2024 alongside Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, also known as Mohammad Abedini (Abedini), of Tehran, Iran, and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury shortly thereafter. They were again charged in a superseding indictment in December 2025. Abedini remains a fugitive in wanted status.
“This guilty verdict demonstrates the National Security Division’s commitment to holding accountable those who violate U.S. sanctions against Iran,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “For years, Sadeghi conspired to and did send sensitive microelectronic parts from the United States to Iran through a company in Europe despite receiving training on U.S. sanctions and export law. The National Security Division will continue to pursue those who, through unlawful export and deception, threaten our national security.”
“This defendant exploited his access to sophisticated U.S. technology to help funnel sensitive electronic components to Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions and export control laws. These laws exist to protect our national security by preventing these high-tech components from reaching – and being used by – hostile foreign actors and terrorist organizations. This verdict makes clear that individuals who conspire to evade U.S. sanctions will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley for the District of Massachusetts. “We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate and prosecute those who seek to evade these critical safeguards.”
“By illegally exporting sophisticated American technology to Iran, Sadeghi violated U.S. laws and endangered national security,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “This conviction holds him accountable. The FBI and our partners are committed to using all our resources to bring to justice anyone who helps our adversaries.”
“This verdict should serve as a wake-up call to those in corporate America that if you violate our country’s export laws, you will not get away with it,” said Special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks of the FBI Boston Field Office. “Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi learned this the hard way when he conspired to send electronic components to Iran, one of the world’s most infamous state sponsors of terrorism. There’s no question Mr. Sadeghi put his own personal interests ahead of our country’s best interests. Export laws exist for a reason and that’s to protect our national security, here and abroad. Make no mistake, the FBI will continue to defend the homeland by going after anyone who illegally transfers U.S. technology to our adversaries.”
According to court documents, Abedini is the founder and managing director of an Iranian company, San’at Danesh Rahpooyan Aflak Co. (SDRA or SADRA), that manufactures navigation modules used in the IRGC’s military drone program. SDRA’s main business is the sale of a proprietary navigation system—known as the Sepehr Navigation System—to the IRGC, which the United States designated as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) on April 15, 2019. The primary application of SDRA’s Sepehr Navigation System is for use in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs) – also known as drones – as well as cruise and ballistic missiles.
Sadeghi was employed by a Massachusetts-based microelectronics manufacturer (U.S. Company 1) and was one of the founders of a Massachusetts-based technology company (U.S. Company 2) that specializes in wearable sensors that provide kinetic monitoring for fitness applications.
Sadeghi and, allegedly, Abedini and others conspired to evade U.S. export control and sanctions laws by procuring U.S. origin goods from, U.S. Company 1 and causing them to be exported and supplied to Iran and, in particular, Abedini’s Iranian company, SDRA.
In or around 2016, Sadeghi traveled to Iran to request funding for U.S. Company 2 from the Iranian National Elites Foundation (INEF), which is an Iranian governmental organization whose main purpose is to recognize, organize and support Iran’s elite national talents. In exchange for funding for U.S. Company 2, which Sadeghi’s company ultimately received from the INEF, Sadeghi and others created a second company in Iran (Iranian Company 1). Shortly after forming Iranian Company 1, Sadeghi, through Iranian Company 1, entered into a contract with SDRA for the purchase of SDRA’s technology. On multiple occasions beginning in or around 2016, Sadeghi helped Abedini procure U.S. export-controlled electronic components for reexport to Iran.
Due to U.S. laws restricting exports to Iran, Abedini established a Switzerland front company for SDRA, Illumove SA (Illumove). According to court documents, with Sadeghi’s assistance, Abedini, through Illumove, entered into a contract with U.S. Company 1 to develop a product to evaluate U.S. Company 1’s electronic components, including sophisticated semiconductors. Sadeghi caused U.S.-origin goods to be transferred to Iran, through Illumove, for the benefit of SDRA, including accelerometers, gyroscopes, and inertial measurement units. Certain of the electronic components that Abedini allegedly obtained through Illumove were the same types of electronic components used in SDRA’s Sepehr Navigation System.
Abedini also allegedly provided material support to a foreign terrorist organization, the IRGC Aerospace Force, which is a strategic missile, air and space force. Since at least in or about 2014, SDRA has had multiple projects with the IRGC Aerospace Force, including projects for guided rockets and integrated navigation systems. As alleged, between 2021 and 2022, approximately 99% of SDRA’s sales of the Sepehr Navigation System, which are used in IRGC one-way attack drones, were to the IRGC’s Aerospace Force.
On Jan. 28, 2024, three U.S. service members were killed, and more than 40 others were injured, in a drone attack by IRGC-backed militants on a military base located in northern Jordan, known as Tower 22. According to court documents, analysis of the drone that was recovered from the site of the attack showed that the drone was an Iranian Shahed UAV and that the navigation system used in the drone was manufactured by Abedini’s company.
The charges of violation of the IEEPA and the ITSR, and conspiracy to do so, each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared C. Dolan and Alathea E. Porter of the District of Massachusetts’ National Security Unit; Trial Attorney Leslie Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Massachusetts Man Convicted of Violating U.S. Sanctions Against IranRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Massachusetts man was convicted yesterday in federal court in Boston following a 14-day jury trial for charges related to a scheme to illegally export sophisticated electronic components from the United States to Iran.
Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi, 43, a dual U.S.-Iranian national of Natick, Mass., was convicted of one count of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR) and two counts of violation of the IEEPA and the ITSR. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Oct. 13, 2026.
The defendant was charged by criminal complaint in December 2024 alongside Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, a/k/a Mohammad Abedini (Abedini), of Tehran, Iran, and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury shortly thereafter. They were charged in a superseding indictment in December 2025. Abedini remains a fugitive.
“This defendant exploited his access to sophisticated U.S. technology to help funnel sensitive electronic components to Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions and export control laws. These laws exist to protect our national security by preventing these high-tech components from reaching – and being used by – hostile foreign actors and terrorist organizations. This verdict makes clear that individuals who conspire to evade U.S. sanctions will be held accountable,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate and prosecute those who seek to evade these critical safeguards.”
“This guilty verdict demonstrates the National Security Division’s commitment to holding accountable those who violate U.S. sanctions against Iran,” said Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg of the Justice Department's National Security Division. “For years, Sadeghi conspired to and did send sensitive microelectronic parts from the United States to Iran through a company in Europe despite receiving training on U.S. sanctions and export law. The National Security Division will continue to pursue those who, through unlawful export and deception, threaten our national security.”
“This verdict should serve as a wake-up call to those in corporate America that if you violate our country’s export laws, you will not get away with it,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi learned this the hard way when he conspired to send electronic components to Iran, one of the world’s most infamous state sponsors of terrorism. There’s no question Mr. Sadeghi put his own personal interests ahead of our country’s best interests. Export laws exist for a reason and that’s to protect our national security, here and abroad. Make no mistake, the FBI will continue to defend the homeland by going after anyone who illegally transfers U.S. technology to our adversaries.”
According to court documents, Abedini is the founder and managing director of an Iranian company, San’at Danesh Rahpooyan Aflak Co. (SDRA or SADRA), that manufactures navigation modules used in the IRGC’s military drone program. SDRA’s main business is the sale of a proprietary navigation system—known as the Sepehr Navigation System—to the IRGC, which the United States designated as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) on April 15, 2019. The primary application of SDRA’s Sepehr Navigation System is for use in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs) – also known as drones – as well as cruise and ballistic missiles.
Sadeghi was employed by a Massachusetts-based microelectronics manufacturer (U.S. Company 1). He was also one of the founders of a Massachusetts-based technology company (U.S. Company 2) that specializes in wearable sensors that provide kinetic monitoring for fitness applications.
Sadeghi and others conspired to evade U.S. export control and sanctions laws by procuring U.S. origin goods from, U.S. Company 1 and causing them to be exported and supplied to Iran and, in particular, Abedini’s Iranian company, SDRA.
In or around 2016, Sadeghi traveled to Iran to request funding for U.S. Company 2 from the Iranian National Elites Foundation (INEF), which is an Iranian governmental organization whose main purpose is to recognize, organize and support Iran’s elite national talents. In exchange for funding for U.S. Company 2, which Sadeghi’s company ultimately received from the INEF, Sadeghi and others created a second company in Iran (Iranian Company 1). Shortly after forming Iranian Company 1, Sadeghi, through Iranian Company 1, entered into a contract with SDRA for the purchase of SDRA’s technology. On multiple occasions beginning in or around 2016, Sadeghi helped Abedini procure U.S. export-controlled electronic components for reexport to Iran.
Due to U.S. laws restricting exports to Iran, Abedini established a Switzerland front company for SDRA, Illumove SA (Illumove). With Sadeghi’s assistance, Abedini, through Illumove, entered into a contract with U.S. Company 1 to develop a product to evaluate U.S. Company 1’s electronic components, including accelerometers, gyroscopes and inertial measurement units. Those electronic components were transferred to Iran, through Illumove, for the benefit of SDRA. Certain of the electronic components that Abedini allegedly obtained through Illumove were the same types of electronic components used in SDRA’s Sepehr Navigation System.
According to Court documents, Abedini also allegedly provided material support to a foreign terrorist organization, the IRGC Aerospace Force, which is a strategic missile, air and space force. Since at least in or about 2014, SDRA has had multiple projects with the IRGC Aerospace Force, including projects for guided rockets and integrated navigation systems. As alleged, between 2021 and 2022, approximately 99% of SDRA’s sales of the Sepehr Navigation System, which are used in IRGC one-way attack drones, were to the IRGC’s Aerospace Force.
On Jan. 28, 2024, three U.S. service members were killed, and more than 40 others were injured, in a drone attack by IRGC-backed militants on a military base located in northern Jordan, known as Tower 22. According to court documents, analysis of the drone that was recovered from the site of the attack showed that the drone was an Iranian Shahed UAV and that the navigation system used in the drone was manufactured by Abedini’s company.
The charges of violation of the IEEPA and the ITSR, and conspiracy to do so, each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jared C. Dolan and Alathea E. Porter of the District of Massachusetts’ National Security Unit are prosecuting the case alongside Trial Attorney Leslie Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence & Export Control Section.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lynn Man Sentenced for Receiving Stolen Government Money and Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for receiving stolen Social Security benefits and making false statements.
James C. Burdulis, 57, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to one day of prison deemed served, three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $67,159 in restitution. In April 2026, Burdulis pleaded guilty to one count of receiving stolen government money or property and one count of false statements. Burdulis was charged on March 26, 2026.
Burdulis received $63,959 in stolen Social Security benefits and $3,200 in COVID economic impact payments (EIP) from June 2019 through June 2025 that were intended for a beneficiary who had died. Prior to the beneficiary’s death in May 2019, Burdulis had been appointed as the beneficiary’s representative payee to manage their Social Security benefits and provide regular accountings to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Between June 2020 and June 2024, Burdulis submitted five fraudulent representative payee reports to the SSA under penalty of perjury in which he stated that he spent money received from the SSA on behalf of the deceased beneficiary after their death. Further, Burdulis submitted a fraudulent verification form to the SSA in September 2020 stating that the deceased beneficiary continued to live at the same location.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is 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.
Louisiana Man Charged with Murder of a Federal Officer After Standoff with Federal and State Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE / ALEXANDRIA — Yesterday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana charged Clarence A. Frazier Jr., 48, of Alexandria, Louisiana by criminal complaint with the murder of Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Hanson who was working with other law enforcement to apprehend Frazier after he failed to appear for trial on a state charge of sexual battery. If convicted, Frazier faces a maximum sentence of life in prison or death.
“U.S. Marshals risk their lives every day - securing our courts, protecting our communities, and working shoulder-to-shoulder with local law enforcement to bring dangerous fugitives to justice. Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Hanson embodied that courage and dedication,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Tragically, the defendant's alleged actions claimed the life of a dedicated law enforcement officer who was simply doing his duty. The alleged perpetrator is now in custody and will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Marshal Hanson's family and the entire law enforcement community mourning his loss. Drew paid the ultimate price while protecting our communities. His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and his service will forever stand as an inspiration to all who wear the badge.”
“Our men and women put their lives on the line every day to apprehend the country’s most dangerous criminals,” said Director Gadyaces Serralta of the U.S. Marshals Service. “When a Deputy U.S. Marshal is killed in the line of duty serving an arrest warrant on a violent fugitive, this agency and, indeed the entire country mourn that loss. While we are all profoundly heartbroken by Drew Hanson’s tragic death, we are at the same time grateful for his unselfish devotion to protecting his community and those he loved.”
“Our Office joins all of our Western District community and the Department of Justice in mourning and honoring the loss of this Deputy Marshal — a man who was a father, a husband, a son, and a child of God — as someone who paid the ultimate price in service of our community’s safety,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana. “This investigation is ongoing and a criminal complaint is only an allegation, but our office looks forward to working alongside our federal and state law enforcement partners to ensure that justice is done and that accountability reflects the enormity of the loss our community grieves today.”
“The FBI offers our deepest condolences to the family of Deputy U.S. Marshal Hanson, who was killed in the line of duty while doing his job pursuing a subject wanted for violent crime” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “We will commit our full force of resources to conduct a thorough investigation with our partners at the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office and the Department of Justice to ensure the individual responsible for this horrific act is brought to justice. The FBI sends our prayers to Deputy Hanson’s family, friends, and our partners at the U.S. Marshal’s service."
According to court documents, law enforcement from the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office (RPSO) and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) secured an arrest warrant for Frazier on July 13 in connection with his failure to appear in state court to face trial on a charge of Sexual Battery with a Person with Infirmities. RPSO and USMS personnel located Frazier at his residence and obtained a search warrant for the residence before attempting to approach Frazier. The officers then approached Frazier’s residence while bearing clear law enforcement markings to execute the warrant, announced their presence, and forced entry into the residence.
Officers then found Frazier in his bedroom, where he barricaded himself and shot at the officers, striking a Deputy United States Marshal who later succumbed to his injuries. Frazier then engaged in a further standoff with law enforcement in his bedroom until he was taken into custody.
The FBI is investigating the case with assistance from RPSO.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys John W. Nickel and Elliott Cassidy for the Western District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Joanne Henry-Mills and Paralegal Specialist Denise Duhon.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Louisiana Man Charged with Murder of a Federal Officer After Standoff with Federal and State Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
Yesterday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana charged Clarence A. Frazier Jr., 48 of Alexandria, Louisiana by criminal complaint with the murder of Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Hanson who was working with other law enforcement to apprehend Frazier after he failed to appear for trial on a state charge of sexual battery. If convicted, Frazier faces a maximum sentence of life in prison or death.
“U.S. Marshals risk their lives every day - securing our courts, protecting our communities, and working shoulder-to-shoulder with local law enforcement to bring dangerous fugitives to justice. Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Hanson embodied that courage and dedication,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Tragically, the defendant's alleged actions claimed the life of a dedicated law enforcement officer who was simply doing his duty. The alleged perpetrator is now in custody and will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Marshal Hanson's family and the entire law enforcement community mourning his loss. Drew paid the ultimate price while protecting our communities. His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and his service will forever stand as an inspiration to all who wear the badge.”
“Our men and women put their lives on the line every day to apprehend the country’s most dangerous criminals,” said Director Gadyaces Serralta of the U.S. Marshals Service. “When a Deputy U.S. Marshal is killed in the line of duty serving an arrest warrant on a violent fugitive, this agency and, indeed the entire country mourn that loss. While we are all profoundly heartbroken by Drew Hanson’s tragic death, we are at the same time grateful for his unselfish devotion to protecting his community and those he loved.”
“Our Office joins all of our Western District community and the Department of Justice in mourning and honoring the loss of this Deputy Marshal — a man who was a father, a husband, a son, and a child of God — as someone who paid the ultimate price in service of our community’s safety,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana. “This investigation is ongoing and a criminal complaint is only an allegation, but our office looks forward to working alongside our federal and state law enforcement partners to ensure that justice is done and that accountability reflects the enormity of the loss our community grieves today.”
“The FBI offers our deepest condolences to the family of Deputy U.S. Marshal Hanson, who was killed in the line of duty while doing his job pursuing a subject wanted for violent crime” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “We will commit our full force of resources to conduct a thorough investigation with our partners at the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office and the Department of Justice to ensure the individual responsible for this horrific act is brought to justice. The FBI sends our prayers to Deputy Hanson’s family, friends, and our partners at the U.S. Marshal’s service."
According to court documents, law enforcement from the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office (RPSO) and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) secured an arrest warrant for Frazier on July 13 in connection with his failure to appear in state court to face trial on a charge of Sexual Battery with a Person with Infirmities. RPSO and USMS personnel located Frazier at his residence and obtained a search warrant for the residence before attempting to approach Frazier. The officers then approached Frazier’s residence while bearing clear law enforcement markings to execute the warrant, announced their presence, and forced entry into the residence.
Officers then found Frazier in his bedroom, where he barricaded himself and shot at the officers, striking a Deputy United States Marshal who later succumbed to his injuries. Frazier then engaged in a further standoff with law enforcement in his bedroom until he was taken into custody.
The FBI is investigating the case with assistance from RPSO.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Nickel for the Western District of Louisiana is prosecuting the case with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Joanne Henry-Mills.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lenexa Man Charged with Traveling to Missouri to Engage in Illegal Sexual Conduct with a MinorRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Lenexa, Kan., man has been charged in federal court on an attempted child exploitation charge.
Ruben A. Gutierrez, II, 25, of Lenexa was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. on Monday, July 13, 2026. Gutierrez had his initial appearance yesterday afternoon.
The federal complaint charges Gutierrez with one count of Travel with Intent to Engage in Sexual Conduct with a Minor.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Gutierrez engaged in online communications with an undercover law enforcement officer who was posing online as a 14-year-old minor. During his communications with the person he believed to be a minor, Gutierrez arranged to meet the purported minor to engage in sexual conduct.
Gutierrez was later arrested on July 12, 2026, after he traveled from Kansas to the location in Missouri where he had arranged to meet the minor to engage in sexual conduct. A subsequent search of Gutierrez’s cell phone by law enforcement located text messages between Gutierrez and the purported minor.
The charge contained in this complaint is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Luna. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood
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 the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Justice Department Settles with California Towing Company for Illegally Auctioning Servicemembers’ VehiclesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that S & K Towing Inc., a towing company based in San Clemente, California, has agreed to pay $160,000 to resolve a lawsuit alleging that it violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by illegally auctioning motor vehicles owned by members of the military.
“For far too long, tow companies have sold or disposed of servicemembers’ vehicles in violation of federal law,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This settlement sends a strong message that all towing companies must recognize servicemembers’ rights and take the necessary steps to comply with the SCRA.”
“Members of the U.S. Armed Forces have a legal right to be protected while they serve our nation overseas,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “This settlement will provide compensation to impacted service members and serves as notice to all businesses to comply with federal laws that protect our military.”
The Department’s lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on March 25, alleges that S & K Towing illegally sold or disposed of as many as 148 vehicles owned by servicemembers, many of which it towed from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Even though S & K’s contract with Camp Pendleton required it to comply with all applicable federal and state laws, the company made no effort to comply with the SCRA, which requires tow companies to obtain a court order before selling or disposing of a vehicle owned by an SCRA-protected servicemember.
In May 2024, a Military Legal Assistance attorney contacted S & K Towing and explained that the company was violating the SCRA. In response, a manager at S & K Towing told the attorney, “We do this all the time.” After this exchange, S & K Towing continued to sell and dispose of vehicles owned by SCRA-protected servicemembers without obtaining court orders. Some of the vehicles S & K sold or disposed of were registered to addresses on Camp Pendleton. In other cases, S & K auctioned vehicles even after they were told that the owner was in the military.
Pursuant to the settlement agreement, S & K Towing will pay $160,000 to servicemembers who were harmed by the company’s conduct. While the company is in the process of shutting down its operations, it has agreed that if it engages in or reenters the business of towing or storing vehicles, it will adopt policies and procedures to comply with the SCRA.
Since 2011, the Department has obtained over $489 million in monetary relief for over 152,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the Department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov.
Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA may have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil
Jamaican Citizen Charged with Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes today announced the unsealing of a criminal complaint charging a Jamaican citizen and music artist residing in the United States on an O-1B visa, with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person after he was allegedly caught with multiple guns and 92 rounds of ammunition after fleeing deputies in Turner County, Georgia, in November.
Ackeme Jermane Campbell, 32, of Jamaica and Davenport, Florida, who is in the United States on an O-1B non-immigrant visa, is charged by criminal complaint with one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Campbell faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The complaint was filed in the Middle District of Georgia on July 1 and unsealed on July 14.
Campbell was arrested in Miami, Florida, on July 5 and was detained without bond at his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Eduardo I. Sanchez in the Southern District of Florida on July 9. Campbell is in federal custody.
According to the criminal complaint and court documents, Campbell, a music artist performing professionally as Chronic Law, was residing and performing in the United States pursuant to an O-1B non-immigrant visa. On Nov. 15, 2025, Campbell was allegedly driving a vehicle at an excessive speed in Turner County, Georgia. When deputies attempted to pull him over, Campbell fled, driving the car at over 120 miles per hour.
As captured on body camera, when the chase concluded, officers discovered that Campbell allegedly had a semiautomatic pistol with one magazine and 12 rounds of ammunition; a semiautomatic pistol with two magazines and 31 rounds of ammunition; a semiautomatic rifle with two magazines and 49 rounds of ammunition; and a gun that was reported stolen from Miami.
Campbell allegedly admitted to agents that the firearms belonged to him and that he had not applied for the necessary waivers permitting ownership, as it is illegal for a visa holder to have firearms. As alleged, Campbell’s affiliation with a criminal gang and his high risk of flight from the country, coupled with the serious nature of the crime and the number of firearms and ammunition in his possession, determined his detention by the Court without bond.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
FBI-Miami, FBI-Atlanta, and the Turner County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shiante McMahon of the Middle District of Georgia is prosecuting the case for the Government, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Pasek from the Southern District of Florida.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
Hot Springs Couple Sentenced to More Than 20 Years Combined in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – An Arkansas husband and wife were sentenced yesterday to more than 20 years combined in Federal Prison to be followed by five years of Federal Supervised Release for Conspiracy to Distribute More Than 500 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine. The Honorable District Judge John Thomas Shepherd presided over the sentencing hearings, which took place in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court records, in late 2024 into early 2025, law enforcement agent conducted undercover controlled purchases of methamphetamine from William Bostick, age 45, and his wife, Ashley Bostick, age 42, both of Hot Springs. On June 16, 2025, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at the Bosticks’ residence, during which they located a large quantity of methamphetamine. It was also determined that both William and Ashley Bostick have prior felony convictions.
On December 2, 2025, William Bostick pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute More Than 500 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine. During a separate hearing on the same date, Ashley Bostick pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute More Than 500 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine. William and Ashley Bostick appeared in separate proceedings before District Judge John Thomas Shepherd on July 13, 2026, in Hot Springs. William Bostick was sentenced to a term of 126 months imprisonment to be followed by five years of Federal Supervised Release. Ashley Bostick was sentenced to a term of 135 months imprisonment also to be followed by five years of Federal Supervised Release. Combined, the husband-and-wife duo was sentenced to a total of 261 months of imprisonment.
United States Attorney Kevin R. Holmes made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan A. Achorn prosecuted the case for the United States. The Department of Homeland Security, Investigations Division and the 18th East Judicial District Drug Task Force investigated the case. The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for the 18th East Judicial District also assisted with the prosecution and investigation of this matter.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the U.S. Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Hinsdale Man Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Approximately $345,000 from His EmployerRead the Press Release
Hinsdale Man Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Approximately $345,000 From His Employer
CONCORD – A Hinsdale man pleaded guilty today to embezzling almost $345,000 from his employer, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
Michael Darcy, 49, pleaded guilty to five counts of Bank Fraud. U.S. District Judge Steven J. McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for October 28, 2026.
Darcy was the Operations Manager for his employer. As Operations Manager, Darcy oversaw the day-to-day work of the company and had access to the company checkbook. Beginning in December 2019, and continuing through December 2024, Darcy forged the owner’s signature to draft dozens of unauthorized checks on the company’s bank account. Darcy concealed the purpose of the payments by entering them under false headings in accounting records. He sometimes also listed false entries in the memo line on the checks. Overall, Darcy embezzled $344,874.47 from his employer.
The charging of Bank Fraud provides a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Hinsdale Police Department, FBI, and IRS Criminal Investigations led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.
Harvey Man Charged for Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle announced today that MICHAEL CUSIMANO (“CUSIMANO”), age 59, of Harvey, Louisiana, was charged by bill of information on July 9, 2026, with Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2). If convicted, CUSIMANO faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten (10) years and a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of no less than five (5) years and up to life, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, beginning at an unknown time and until on or about May 27, 2026, CUSIMANO possessed, and attempted to possess, images and videos of pre-pubescent child pornography. CUSIMANO’s home was searched by state law enforcement officials and federal agents on May 27, 2026. CUSIMANO was arrested by federal agents during the execution of the search warrant after finding him in possession of electronic devices and media containing the sexual abuse of prepubescent children.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey N. Knight of the Financial Crimes Unit.
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Guatemalan Illegal Alien Guilty of Illegal Reentry of a Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OSEAS AGUILAR-GUZMAN (“AGUILAR-GUZMAN”), age 38, a native of Guatemala, pleaded guilty to reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. His sentencing is set before Chief U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter on October 13, 2026.
According to the charging document, AGUILAR-GUZMAN was found in the United States on March 20, 2024, having reentered the United States without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, after previously being deported on December 4, 2013.
AGUILAR-GUZMAN faces up to two years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Kippers of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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Ghanaian National Extradited to U.S. to Face Accusations of Using Romance Fraud Schemes to Take $8+ Million from Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – A 31-year-old Ghanaian National was extradited from the Republic of Ghana to face charges that involve defrauding more than 80 elderly victims out of more than $8 million.
According to court documents, Frederick Kumi, aka Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, aka Abu Trica, of Swedru, Ghana, and co-defendant Daniel Yussif, aka Denteni, aka Slab, 31, of Accra Ghana, were part of a criminal network that targeted elderly victims in romance scams across the United States since 2023. Kumi was arrested in Ghana Dec. 11, 2025, and extradited to the United States July 9.
Court records allege that from about April 2023 to November 2025, Kumi was part of a criminal network that devised romance fraud schemes to obtain money from elderly United States citizens. Kumi and Yussif acted as leaders of a group that used online dating sites and social media to identify and target their victims, who were often widows or divorcees. Kumi employed advanced techniques including AI-driven video platforms to engage with the victims under fictitious female personas. Others involved in the deception leveraged Ghanaian associates to communicate directly with victims via encrypted apps and by phone, to maintain the false identities used to facilitate the fraud. After being misled by false stories or gold or diamond inheritances, the victims sent money via wire transfer to financial accounts controlled by conspiracy members. Portions of the funds were further provided to co-conspirators in Ghana and elsewhere. Kumi and other co-conspirators used money mules based in Ghana, and contacts in the Ghanaian immigrant community in the U.S., to launder millions of dollars through fake businesses and bank accounts.
Kumi allegedly used his ill-gotten gains to acquire luxury vehicles and other items of value. Assets seized by international law enforcement partners included a mansion in Ghana, a Lamborghini, Tesla Cybertruck, Mercedes Benz, and BMW.
U.S. v. Kumi et al, case# 1:25CR590 U.S. v. Kumi et al, case# 1:25CR590Kumi has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. Additionally, his ill-gotten gains are subject to forfeiture. Kumi faces up to 20 years imprisonment.
If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to the case, including each defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, his role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentences will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Each defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian M. McDonough and Elliot Morrison for the Northern District of Ohio.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio would like to acknowledge and thank the Ghana Attorney General’s Office, EOCO – Ghana Economic Organized Crime Office, GPS – Ghana Police Service, Ghana Cyber Security Authority, NACOC – Ghana Narcotics Control Commission, Ghana National Intelligence Bureau, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Sensitive Investigation Unit, U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and FBI Legal Attaché Office in Accra for their cooperation in securing the arrest and extradition from Ghana.
The investigation and prosecution are conducted under the Elder Justice Initiative Program, established by the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017 (EAPPA). The EAPPA and Elder Justice Initiative aims to coordinate and strengthen the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat abuse, neglect, financial fraud, and scams targeting older adults.
To submit a report of suspected elder financial abuse, please visit tips.fbi.gov/home or justice.gov/elderjustice/financial-exploitation.
Gary Man Found Guilty by Jury for Trafficking Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, and HeroinRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Darod Wheeler, 55 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was found guilty following a two-day trial presided over by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 8, 2026.
“The Defendant was found guilty for Trafficking Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, and Heroin. According to trial testimony and documents in the case, on July 24, 2025, during an initial controlled purchase outside his residence in Gary, Indiana, Wheeler sold more than 5 grams of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant acting at the direction of law enforcement. Five days later, on July 29, 2025, during a second controlled purchase outside that residence, Wheeler sold more than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a quantity of fentanyl, and a quantity of heroin to that informant. The jury was advised that less than an hour after the second controlled purchase concluded, officers searched Wheeler’s residence and located the money used to pay Wheeler for those drugs. After being advised of his Miranda rights, the Defendant confessed to drug trafficking, according to trial testimony,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred.
The jury also found that Wheeler has a prior federal conviction for a “serious drug felony,” distribution of fentanyl, in the Northern District of Indiana for which he served more than twelve months of imprisonment and for which he was released from serving any term of imprisonment related to that offense within fifteen years of July 24 and July 29, 2025. Based on that prior conviction, Wheeler faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years of imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group, the Porter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Valparaiso Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristian R. Mukoski and Ambris Saravanan.
Former executive director of Hinesville Housing Authority indicted for defrauding housing agencyRead the Press Release
4_26cr79_indictment_as_to_melanie_s_thompson.pdfSAVANNAH, Georgia: The former executive director of the Hinesville Housing Authority (HHA) and another individual have been indicted on multiple counts of Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.
Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, announced the indictments.
Melanie S. Thompson, 55, of Savannah, was indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, 19 counts of Wire Fraud, and two counts of False, Fictitious, or Fraudulent Claims. Toriono L. Byrd, 52, of Savannah, is charged in the indictment with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
As described in the indictment, beginning as early as September 2019 and continuing through October 2023, while employed with the HHA, Thompson is alleged to have created or authorized false invoices, directed to Byrd’s private business, which authorized payments to Byrd for work that was never completed, or in amounts that far exceeded the actual value of the work. Upon receiving these payments, Byrd is alleged to have made return payments, or kickbacks, to Thompson for her personal use and benefit.
The indictment further alleges that through her role as executive director, Thompson directed multiple fraudulent payments to herself through the payroll system, directed payments of fraudulent bonuses to which she was not entitled, and that Thompson made false Covid-era loan applications to the federal government.
In all, the scheme is alleged to have resulted in a loss of more than $2.5 million for the HHA.
The charges carry statutory penalties upon conviction of up to 20 years in prison, along with substantial financial penalties and up to three years of supervised release upon completion of any prison term.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and is being prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darron J. Hubbard and L. Alexander Hamner.
Florida Man Sentenced to 32 Months in Federal Prison for Defrauding Zelle UsersRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KUTTINO JAMAL SCOTT, 24, of Miami, Florida, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 32 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for his role in a scheme that defrauded numerous individuals who used the electronic payments system Zelle. Judge Shea also ordered Scott to perform 125 hours of community service while on supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement has been investigating crimes against users of digital payment applications, including Zelle. Typically, through this scheme, a victim receives a fraudulent text message, purporting to be from the victim’s bank, asking the victim to confirm whether a Zelle transaction was authorized. When the victim denies the transaction, the victim receives a response that a bank representative will be in contact. The victim then receives a phone call from an individual impersonating a bank representative who informs the victim that an unauthorized transaction has occurred and that they need to work together to reverse the transaction. Without the victim’s knowledge, the fraudsters will link the victim’s actual phone number or email address via Zelle to a bank account that does not belong to the victim. The victim is then instructed to “reverse” the fictional fraudulent transaction by making a Zelle payment to what they believe is their own account, but is, in fact, an account controlled by the fraudsters.
From approximately February 2021 through August 2023, Scott and others, including Kader Gahmaal Biwaki Edmond, stole $657,680.79 from approximately 140 victims, including victims in Connecticut, through this Zelle scheme and other fraud schemes. The investigation revealed that Edmond had more direct contact with victims, and Scott managed at least eight “money mules,” individuals who allowed their bank accounts to receive and transfer proceeds of the fraud scheme.
Judge Shea ordered Scott to pay full restitution.
Scott was arrested on August 31, 2023. On January 13, 2026, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Scott, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 15.
Edmond pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on August 19, 2024, was sentenced to three years of imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Chang with the assistance of Law Student Intern Lucas Alexander.
Victims can report Zelle fraud to their bank or credit union, or to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), which is run by the FBI and serves as the country’s hub for reporting cybercrime, at www.ic3.gov.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Swears in Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra HebertRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Monday July 13th, 2026, First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III swore in Sandra Hebert as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York.
Hebert brings more than 20 years of federal prosecutorial experience to the Northern District. She has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney since 2004, first in the Western District of Texas, and most recently in the District of Rhode Island. During her tenure, Hebert held multiple leadership roles including OCDETF Chief, Deputy Criminal Chief and Criminal Chief.
“We are proud to welcome Sandra Hebert to the Northern District family,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “Sandra’s extensive experience spanning the spectrum of federal prosecutions makes her an outstanding addition to our team. Her commitment to justice and strong track record of public service will complement and enhance our ability to protect communities throughout the Northern District of New York.”
Prior to joining the United States Attorney’s Office, Hebert clerked for the Honorable John D. Rainey in the Southern District of Texas and was an active-duty United States Army Judge Advocate General Officer.Sandra joins the Office’s Criminal Division, where she will contribute her extensive federal prosecutorial experience to ongoing and future cases. She will be based in the Syracuse office, supporting the District’s efforts to advance public safety and uphold the rule of law across the Northern District.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone swears in Assistant United States Attorney Sandra Hebert
Final fugitives charged as part of ‘Operation Fly City’ enforcement operation arrestedRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – The final of four fugitives charged in June as part of “Operation Fly City” were arrested by federal agents yesterday evening.
U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II announced on June 22 with federal law enforcement partners the results of an eight-week operation to fight gun violence and drug trafficking in Dayton. Forty-seven defendants face federal charges.
During the operation, which began on April 27, agents seized 176 firearms, as well as machinegun conversion devices and kilogram quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
At the time of the announcement, four defendants remained at large: Isaiah Chancellor, 25, of Dayton; Anthony Scott, 23, of Dayton; Eucelf Taste Sr., 46, of Trotwood; and Eucelf Taste Jr., 22, of Dayton.
Father and son Taste Sr. and Taste Jr. were arrested yesterday by officials with the Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST), which is led by the United States Marshals Service. SOFAST arrested Taste Sr. and Taste Jr. in the parking lot of a business complex in Oakwood.
Taste Jr. allegedly sold fentanyl and a machinegun to undercover officers. He told officers he was a member of the 41 Boyz, a violent drug trafficking organization that law enforcement knows to offer protection services to other drug dealers. Charging documents detail that Taste Jr. allegedly offered these services to undercover officers, saying he and others would willingly provide armed security at a five-kilogram drug deal. Taste Jr. allegedly showed up to the purported deal site on June 9, armed, and brought with him two other associates who were also armed.
Taste Jr. also allegedly discussed his father, saying his father was a major drug trafficker with direct drug connections to Mexico.
Taste Sr. allegedly received kilograms of narcotics every month from his drug source. The son showed undercover officers a June 8 photo of his father holding up a trash bag purportedly filled with half a million dollars in cash from drug sales. Through an introduction from Taste Jr., Taste Sr. then allegedly sold a kilogram of fentanyl to an undercover officer.
The two other fugitives were taken into custody last month. Chancellor was arrested June 23. He is charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl and distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Scott, who was arrested on June 30, is charged with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The charges against all 47 defendants were brought via 20 federal indictments and three federal criminal complaints. Indictments and criminal complaints merely contain allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Deputy Criminal Chief Brent G. Tabacchi, Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief Amy M. Smith, Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly K. Rossi, Elizabeth L. McCormick, Rob Painter, Brendan Sullivan, Erica D. Lunderman, Christina E. Mahy and Ryan A. Saunders and Special Assistant United States attorney Allison Oswall are representing the United States in these cases.
These cases are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Cincinnati comprises agents and officers from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
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FCI-Marion inmate known as “Beetlejuice” sentenced to additional prison time for producing hand-drawn child sexual abuse materialRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – A district judge added 224 months of additional federal imprisonment to an FCI-Marion inmate’s sentence after he admitted to producing hand-drawn child sexual abuse material while incarcerated.
Christopher L. Collins, also known as “Beetlejuice”, 42, pleaded guilty to two counts of Production of Obscene Visual Representations of the Sexual Abuse of Children and one count of Possession of Obscene Visual Representations of the Sexual Abuse of Children. In March 2025, a corrections officer at FCI-Marion located 11 hand drawings depicting adults sexually assaulting children. The images depicted drawings of children approximately 6 to 12 years old. According to court documents, Collins admitted to creating the obscene drawings and providing them to other inmates at FCI-Marion.
“Christopher Collins is a serial child sex offender who continues to produce images of his grotesque fantasies of adults raping young children,” said United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “We are determined to add as much prison time as the law allows to his already lengthy sentence to ensure he never has access to children in the community ever again.”
Collins is currently serving a 240-month sentence in the Bureau of Prisons at FCI-Marion. Collins has two prior felony convictions. In 2008, Collins pled guilty to one count of possession of child pornography in the Southern District of Iowa. And in 2019, Collins pled guilty to two counts for receiving child pornography and possession of obscene visual representation of the sexual abuse of children in the Southern District of Iowa. The district court ordered Collins’ new sentence to run consecutively to the undischarged time on his 2019 conviction.
“Collins’ actions demonstrate a continued pattern of exploiting children, even while incarcerated. The FBI remains committed to identifying and disrupting all forms of child exploitation, whether committed in our communities or from within prison walls,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge Ryan Presley. “We will continue working with our partners to ensure that those who create or circulate materials that exploit children are held accountable.”
“Inmate Collins’ actions are disgraceful and show a vile disregard for the safety and dignity of children," said BOP Director William K. Marshall III. "I commend the staff at FCI Marion for their vigilance and thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois for its unwavering pursuit of justice. The Bureau of Prisons will never tolerate predatory behavior toward children and will always ensure offenders face the full consequences of the law.”
FBI-Marion and the Bureau of Prisons led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Sanders prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and 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 Justice.gov/PSC.
Dominican National Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national unlawfully residing in Lawrence was sentenced on July 8, 2026, in federal court in Boston for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.
Jason Aymar Ramos, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to a term of 18 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In April 2026, Aymar Ramos pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Aymar Ramos was indicted by a federal grand jury in 2018.
Aymar Ramos was deported from the United States to the Dominican Republic on April 5, 2012. Sometime after his removal, Aymar Ramos illegally reentered the United States without permission.
Between 2015 and 2024, Aymar Ramos, using an alias, was convicted in four separate state court drug cases. In October 2025, after completing a two and a half year jail sentence in one of the cases, he was transported to federal court in the illegal reentry case. He has been in federal custody since that time.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; David T. Wesling, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston; and Lawrence Police Chief Maurice Aguiler made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Delco Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Second Child Pornography ConvictionRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Jeffrey Worrilow Jr., 44, of Media, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison and 10 years of supervised release by United States District Judge Chad F. Kenney for child pornography offenses.
The defendant was also ordered to pay $40,000 in restitution, a $10,000 Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act Assessment, $1,500 Amy, Vicky and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act Assessment, and $200 special assessment. In addition, Worrilow Jr. is subject to mandatory registration as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”) and Megan’s Law.
The defendant was charged by indictment in September 2025 and pleaded guilty this March to two counts of accessing with intent to view child pornography.
As detailed in court filings and statements, the FBI, in an undercover operation, took control of a website on the dark web providing child pornography. Investigators identified Worrilow Jr. as being a member of the site for more than a year and determined that he maintained two different accounts, which he used to access the site 27 times and post at least twice.
On one occasion when the defendant accessed the website, the FBI captured the IP address used, with subscriber information subsequently leading to the defendant’s home. In March 2025, a federal search warrant was executed at that residence and several devices were seized. Investigators located evidence of child pornography on two devices, including 648 images and 14 videos of child pornography found in the cache of Worrilow’s iPhone and an additional 17 images of child pornography in the phone’s browser.
This is the defendant’s second such conviction. In 2008, at the age of 26, Worrilow Jr. was convicted in Delaware County for online child pornography offenses. He was sentenced to 11½ to 23 months of imprisonment and allowed to serve the imprisonment over 24 weekends.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Media Police Department and Upper Providence Township (Delaware Co.) Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Jones.
Dayton man sentenced to federal prison after shootout on University of Dayton campusRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – Dylan Hiner, 20, of Dayton, was sentenced in federal court here to 27 months in prison for illegally receiving a firearm or ammunition while under indictment for another felony crime.
According to court documents, Hiner was attending a Halloween party on Nov. 1, 2025, at the University of Dayton. While at the party, Hiner participated in a shootout. The defendant fired multiple rounds of ammunition into the air. A student was shot in the leg by another suspect who was also firing a weapon.
The Dayton Police Department and University of Dayton Police Department arrived on scene and discovered multiple rounds of ammunition and observed home surveillance footage. Video surveillance shows Hiner discharging a firearm between houses on Evanston Avenue.
At the time of this incident, Hiner was under indictment in Montgomery County for allegedly carrying a concealed weapon and improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle and therefore was prohibited by federal law from receiving a firearm or ammunition.
Hiner has been suspected of multiple shootings and other acts of violence in 2025. The United States detailed in its sentencing memorandum that Hiner was captured on surveillance and in Instagram posts possessing and firing weapons.
Hiner was arrested and charged federally on Nov. 10, 2025. He pleaded guilty in this federal case in February.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); Dayton Police Chief Eric Henderson and University of Dayton Police Chief Steve Durian announced the sentence imposed on July 14 by U.S. District Judge Michal J. Newman. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders is representing the United States in this case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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Dallas felon sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for attempting to rob Plano Lyft driver at gunpointRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas –A Dallas convicted felon has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Antonio Detravion Woodard, Jr., 24, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Richard Schell on July 13, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on January 10, 2025, Woodard called for a Lyft and upon arrival, pulled out a gun and told the Lyft driver, “This is a robbery.” Woodard asked the driver for access to his Cash App and Wallet. Upon inspection, Woodard discovered that the victim driver had no cash. Woodard was upset and demanded the victim, “Not tell the police what happened.” The Lyft driver was able to hit the safety feature in his Lyft app and local law enforcement responded. Further investigation revealed Woodard was a convicted felon and prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
This case was investigated by the Plano Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
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Court Orders Continued Access for USDA to Inspect Iowa Dog Breeder’s Facility Following Seizure of 32 DogsRead the Press Release
Last week, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa issued a preliminary injunction against Wuanita Swedlund, a dog breeder, based on claims that she has repeatedly failed to grant Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials access to inspect her facility, animals, and records in violation of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). This preliminary injunction follows a temporary restraining order (TRO) based on the same claims that led to the seizure of 32 dogs by Iowa law enforcement.
Photo of a dog at Swedlund’s facility, from USDA’s inspection report.“The court’s preliminary injunction ensures USDA inspectors can assess whether this breeder continues to operate in violation of the Animal Welfare Act,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Energy and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “We enforce the AWA’s standards to ensure that animals in breeding facilities are safe and healthy.”
“The U.S. Department of Agriculture continues its close collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice on enforcing the Animal Welfare Act,” said General Counsel Tyler Clarkson of the USDA.
According to the complaint, filed with a motion for TRO and preliminary injunction, Swedlund has allegedly engaged in a pattern and practice of violating the AWA while operating a dog breeding facility in Farmington, Iowa. After the court issued the TRO requested by the United States, inspectors from USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship coordinated and obtained access to Swedlund’s facility. APHIS cited Swedlund for dozens of AWA violations, including lack of adequate veterinary care for animals with visible fleas, failure to provide sanitary enclosures for puppies and their mothers, and indoor housing facilities with temperatures that exceeded 90 degrees for at least four hours. The state obtained a search warrant and took possession of all 32 dogs found at the facility, and they have been placed in a local animal shelter.
In issuing the preliminary injunction, the court recognized, “the animals in Swedlund’s care suffered needlessly—precisely the type of harm that the AWA sought to prevent.” The preliminary injunction will assist USDA with preventing the conditions that affected the health and well-being of the animals at Swedlund’s facility.
The USDA referred this matter to the Justice Department based on concerns about potential conditions faced by the animals in Swedlund’s facility. The preliminary injunction will assist USDA with assessing the health and well-being of the animals in Swedlund’s possession. This lawsuit follows the Prioritization of Animal Welfare Enforcement memorandum issued by the Attorney General in February.
USDA’s APHIS is investigating this matter.
Trial Attorneys Kamela A. Caschette, Michelle M. Spatz, and Bonnie M. Ballard of ENRD’s Wildlife and Marine Resources Section are handling this matter.
Correctional center employees admit to depriving inmate of civil rightsRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – A Correctional Officer and Correctional Lieutenant employed at Lawrence Correctional Center appeared in federal court Tuesday to admit to conspiring to deprive a restrained inmate of civil rights.
Craig Muhs, 28, and Ethan Yates, 30, each pled guilty to conspiring to violate an inmate’s civil rights during an incident occurring on July 31, 2025, and during the ensuing investigation. Muhs was employed as a Correctional Officer at Lawrence Correctional Center. Yates was employed as a Correctional Lieutenant, charged with supervising other staff. Lawrence Correctional Center is a maximum-security state prison staffed by employees of the Illinois Department of Corrections.
According to court documents, the incident arose from a mistaken belief that the inmate had assaulted a female employee. Yates and Muhs admitted to participating in a six-person conspiracy in which the inmate, who was restrained in a mobility chair with leg shackles and hand cuffs, was struck in the face, head, and body. The victim was also pepper sprayed in the genital region and experienced a sensation of asphyxiation after an employee poured water over the cloth spit hood covering the victim’s mouth and nose. The victim received numerous injuries, including an orbital fracture requiring reconstructive surgery.
“These maximum-security correctional officers have a difficult and dangerous job, and I stand behind the men and women who work every day in these dangerous conditions surrounded by dangerous people,” said United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “By their own admissions, these two officers crossed the line into vigilantism after mistakenly believing the inmate had assaulted a female employee. Prison guards simply cannot be allowed to physically abuse a restrained inmate, and other guards who are present must protect a defenseless inmate from this type of unjustified abuse.”
Muhs and Yates both admitted to striking the restrained inmate, failing to intervene when other employees severely abused the victim, failing to submit required reports regarding the incident, and failing to obtain appropriate medical attention for the victim.
“ISP takes allegations of abuse very seriously and is committed to thorough investigations and accountability,” said Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly.
Under federal law, officers must not only refrain from the use of excessive force, but also have a duty to intervene if a fellow officer uses excessive force. Charges of deprivation of civil rights carry potential sentences of 10 years.
Muhs’s sentencing is scheduled for November 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Yates’s sentencing is scheduled for November 12, 2026 at 10:30 AM. Both sentencings will be held at the Benton Courthouse before Chief Judge Yandle.
Illinois State Police is leading the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Burke is prosecuting the case.
Chouteau Man Sentenced for Driving Impaired and Causing Fatal Car WreckRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Chouteau man was sentenced for Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country after driving impaired and causing a fatal car wreck, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Tyler Ray Thompson, 29, to 64 months' imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.
The investigation revealed that in March 2024, Thompson began his day by consuming methamphetamine and marijuana. Thompson had never held a valid driver’s license and told investigators that he usually drove only in neighborhoods. On the date of the incident, he claims that his significant other, Nancy Moore, drove them to her dentist’s appointment but could not drive afterward because she was under anesthesia. After Thompson purchased more marijuana, he attempted to drive on a busy highway. On the drive home, he failed to stop at a red light and struck the rear end of a tractor-trailer while driving at approximately 57 miles per hour. Nancy Moore died from blunt force trauma.
The toxicology report confirmed that Thompson had methamphetamine, amphetamine, THC, hydroxy-THC, and THCA in his blood when he was treated at the hospital shortly after the crash.
Thompson is a citizen of the Muskogee Creek Nation. He was previously released on bond but was taken into custody after violating the terms of his pretrial release in July. Court documents show that after pleading guilty and while awaiting sentencing for this offense, he tested positive for marijuana eight times, for amphetamines seven times, failed to appear for required drug tests, and missed six scheduled mental-health treatment appointments. Thompson will remain in custody, pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The FBI and the Pryor Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Dunn prosecuted the case.
Chester County Man Sentenced to over Three Years in Prison for Possessing Unregistered Explosive DevicesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Kevin Krebs, 32, of Malvern, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 37 months in prison and three years of supervised release by United States District Judge Mary Kay Costello for possessing unregistered explosive devices.
The defendant was arrested on a criminal complaint and warrant in October of last year, charged by information in December with one count of possession of an unregistered firearm or destructive device, and pleaded guilty the same month.
As detailed in court filings and statements, on June 14, 2025, Krebs was arrested by the West Chester Police Department for carrying a firearm without a license. Two days later, Chester County Detectives executed a state search warrant at Krebs’s residence and discovered what appeared to be an improvised explosive device (“IED”), specifically a pipe bomb, and related materials, in a garage attached to the premises.
Bomb technicians responded, examined the device, and determined that it contained nails and screws, which are frequently placed inside IEDs to serve as shrapnel. As the search continued, investigators located multiple additional IEDs, other explosive materials, and related components.
The recovered items yielded a total of six destructive devices and 10 improvised explosive detonators. Investigators also recovered eight one-pound orange plastic containers containing suspected ammonium nitrate and aluminum powder, a binary explosive mixture that forms an ammonium nitrate and aluminum explosive when combined and is classified as a regulated explosive.
This case was investigated by the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, FBI Philadelphia’s Newtown Square Resident Agency, and the West Chester Police Department, with the assistance of the Montgomery County, FBI, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives bomb squads, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Everett Witherell and Frank Menna.
The commonwealth’s case against Krebs is still pending.
Casamero Lake Woman Sentenced for Fatal Hit-and-RunRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Casamero Lake woman was sentenced to 37 months in prison for striking and killing a pedestrian on a dirt road while driving drunk.
According to court documents, on or about August 6, 2024, Debbie Rojack, 46, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, hit and killed John Doe on a dirt road in the Borrego Pass area after drinking a six-pack of beer that day. John Doe was last seen leaving work on August 5, 2024, and his body was discovered four days later. An autopsy determined that John Doe died from blunt force injuries consistent with vehicular trauma, including multiple fractures and a severed spinal cord. Investigators recovered vehicle debris near the body, and several parts were traced to a gray 2018-2022 Ford SUV. Additional investigation linked the parts to a gray 2019 Ford SUV owned by Rojack, which had significant damage to the driver's side and deployed airbags. A federal search warrant executed on the vehicle recovered additional evidence.
On October 4, 2024, special agents interviewed Rojack, who stated that she had been involved in an accident in a canyon while driving home from Crownpoint to Casamero Lake late at night. Rojack claimed she believed she struck a deer and did not stop to investigate because she was alone and it was late at night. She admitted drinking a six-pack of Bud Light on the day of the crash and stated that she was approximately a "5 out of 10" in terms of intoxication. Rojack further stated that she later learned a person had been found dead in the same canyon where the collision occurred and acknowledged she was concerned that she may have struck a person. She also confirmed that she was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Rojack pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Upon her release from prison, Rojack will be subject to two years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany DuChaussee and Jack Burkehad are prosecuting the case.
Butte woman sentenced to 11 years in prison for trafficking methRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Butte woman who was pulled over with 27 pounds of meth in her car was sentenced today to 11 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Carol Jane Soza, 61, pleaded guilty in December 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Soza was bringing methamphetamine into Montana from a source in Washington and selling it in Butte with the help of a partner.
In January 2025, law enforcement learned from a source who had been buying meth from Soza twice a month that Soza was regularly traveling to Washington to obtain her methamphetamine. A month later, law enforcement pulled over Soza and her partner in Rocker. Investigators found 10 pounds of meth in her partner’s suitcase and another 17 pounds in a duffle bag in the trunk. Also in the vehicle was Soza’s ledger that detailed her drug distribution, including an entry that broke down the cost of the meth that specifically noted 20 pounds were paid for and 7 pounds were “fronted.”
A cell phone search turned up messages that indicated the pair worked together to acquire the meth in Washington and distribute it in Butte. Soza was the connection with the Washington supplier and her partner handled the distribution in Butte.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.
Burke County Sheriff indicted by federal grand juryRead the Press Release
1_26cr47_indictment_as_to_alfonzo_williams.pdfSAVANNAH, Georgia: Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams, 55, of Waynesboro, Georgia, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia on five counts of Extortion Under the Color of Official Right and one count of Transfer of a Firearm to a Convicted Felon.
The indictment, returned by the July term of the grand jury, alleges the offenses occurred from August 2021 to April 2022, with the indictment asserting that Williams requested and accepted monetary payments from five individuals in exchange for dismissing pending citations for driving under the influence. Additionally, the indictment charges that in January 2023, Williams provided a firearm to an individual previously convicted of a felony.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The extortion charges each carry a statutory penalty upon conviction of up to 20 years in prison, along with substantial financial penalties and up to three years of supervised release upon completion of any prison term. The firearms charge carries a statutory penalty upon conviction of up to 15 years in prison, along with substantial financial penalties and up to three years of supervised release.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara M. Lyons and Timothy P. Dean.
Billings man pleads guilty to trafficking fentanylRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man who trafficked significant amounts of fentanyl from his West End home admitted to charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Jason Allen Lehman, 50, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Lehman faces up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, a $5 million fine, and a $100 special assessment on the trafficking charge. For the gun charge he faces between five years and life in prison, five years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided at the change of plea and sentencing was set for a later date. U.S. District Judge Kathleen S. Lane will determine a sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Lehman remained on release pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that Lehman had been using the postal service to obtain fentanyl pills, which he then trafficked around Billings from his home on the West End.
The investigation into Lehman began on Feb. 24, 2025, when law enforcement intercepted a suspicious package sent from an invalid Colorado address to a home on Green Teal Drive in Billings. Using a warrant, investigators opened the package and discovered more than 100 grams of fentanyl in the form of 1,000 pills. A cell number associated with the package was registered to Lehman.
A month later, law enforcement spoke with a source who had purchased fentanyl from a man named “Jason Holtz,” who drove a Ford F-150, and lived on Green Teal Drive. By April 2025, law enforcement had learned of a second person who had purchased fentanyl from Lehman at the address on Green Teal Drive. On April 21, 2025, law enforcement intercepted another package containing fentanyl addressed to the Green Teal Drive home. Investigators then obtained a search warrant for the home and the Ford F-150, and found roughly 1,500 fentanyl pills, drug paraphernalia, a handgun, a shotgun, an assault-style rifle, and a bolt action hunting rifle.
In interviews with law enforcement, Lehman acknowledged he purchased fentanyl pills online, which were then shipped to his home under different names. He said he used most of the pills himself but said he also sold some and gave some away. He said he kept the guns for protection.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The United States Postal Inspection Service and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force conducted the investigation.
Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputy Convicted of Tipping Off DEA TargetsRead the Press Release
LUBBOCK, Texas – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould, announced the July 10 conviction of a Bernalillo County, New Mexico Sheriff’s Office detective for obstructing Drug Enforcement Administration investigations and making a false statement to the FBI.
After five days of trial and three hours of deliberation, a New Mexico jury convicted Paul Jessen, Jr., 36, of one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice, two counts of obstruction of justice, and one count of making a false statement.
Due to a recusal by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas prosecuted the case. The trial was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
“Paul Jessen, Jr. violated his oath, betrayed his position of public trust and jeopardized the safety of fellow law enforcement officers when he compromised DEA operations by providing confidential information to a known drug trafficker” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “When given the opportunity to do the right thing, Jessen compounded his criminality by lying to the FBI and further obfuscating justice. Most law enforcement officers serve with honor and distinction, but those rare few like this former Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputy who abuse their positions of trust will be held accountable by the Department of Justice. Credit to the agents who investigated and the Northern District of Texas AUSAs who prosecuted this very important public corruption case in New Mexico.”
“Jessen failed to conduct his work with honor and integrity when he used his law enforcement position to obstruct a DEA investigation and made a false statement in an attempt to avoid accountability,” said Special Agent in Charge Cloey Pierce of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General’s (DOJ OIG) South Central Region. “The DOJ OIG, along with its law enforcement partners, is committed to rooting out this kind of wrongdoing and bringing perpetrators to justice.”
“The integrity of the criminal justice system depends on law enforcement officers honoring their oath and protecting the sensitive information entrusted to them. By tipping off the subject of an active investigation, Jessen not only compromised investigative efforts but also put fellow law enforcement personnel in unnecessary risk and betrayed the public's confidence,” said Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to working with our partners to protect the integrity of our investigations and ensure that anyone who violates the public's trust is held accountable.”
According to evidence presented at trial, Paul Jessen, Jr. and former BCSO Detective Kyle Linker recruited a drug trafficker to work as a confidential informant in July 2021. In November 2021, a DEA agent notified Linker that the agency planned to conduct an operation near the confidential informant’s home. Fearing the operation might target the BCSO confidential informant, Linker reached out to warn him about the impending operation. As a result, the confidential informant changed the location of a drug deal and canceled another deal altogether.
At trial, prosecutors introduced text messages between Linker and Jessen. The text messages showed that the two BSCO detectives harbored personal animus against the DEA in Albuquerque because they believed the DEA was stealing their targets. In one message, Linker wrote: “I should tell [confidential informant] to tip off [drug trafficker] hahahaha.” Jessen replied, “Do it!” Also, in response to learning about a DEA operation, Jessen wrote: “It would be a shame if there is nothing there.” Linker responded, “Gonna be a real shame.”
In early December 2021, Jessen received information about an upcoming DEA operation. Jessen sent a text saying: “It’s happing this upcoming week.” Two minutes later, Linker sent the confidential informant a text warning, “Fairly certain [drug trafficker] getting hit Mon or Wed next week. Got a tip.”
Upon examining the confidential informant’s phone records, DEA agents began to suspect that he had been tipped off by Linker and decided to conduct another operation without notifying Linker first.
According to additional evidence admitted during trial, in December 2021, the DEA executed a search warrant at the confidential informant’s residence and located more than 470 grams of methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, and a firearm. During the ensuing interview, the confidential informant admitted to the agents that he had been previously tipped off by Linker. The DEA devised a plan to confirm the confidential informant’s statement.
Shortly thereafter, an agent contacted Linker to inform him the DEA was planning to conduct a controlled purchase from the confidential informant. Although the agent specifically instructed Linker not to contact the informant, Linker messaged the informant to “call me ASAP.” Unbeknownst to Linker, the confidential informant was still in the presence of law enforcement.
The informant called Linker, who told him he was “on DEA’s radar” and instructed him to have someone else deliver drugs to the DEA.
Shortly after receiving word from the DEA that the operation would continue as planned, Linker texted Jessen to complain about the DEA’s plan.
“Tell [confidential informant] not to sell to anyone. And go to a hotel or stay with someone else for a bit,” Jessen responded.
“What I should do is have you call [confidential informant] that way when they ultimately say I tipped [confidential informant] off I can show them my call logs and be like I haven’t talked to him since this morning, “Linker texted back.
“I’ll [expletive] do it,” Jessen allegedly responded.
“Perfect,” Linker said. “Plausible deniability for me.”
Prosecutors introduced evidence that Linker used Jessen’s cell phone to contact the confidential informant to further warn that the DEA was planning to target the confidential informant.
The jury also saw evidence of a meeting between Jessen and the confidential informant. Jessen searched the confidential informant to see if he was wearing a wire and said: “If I find out that you’re like working for the DEA and you’re gonna try and rat me out, like I’m not gonna answer your phone calls or anything.”
Jessen was interviewed by an FBI special agent in January 2022. The jury found that Jessen made a false statement during the interview when he denied personal knowledge of anything inappropriate between Linker and the confidential informant.
Jessen faces up to 65 years in federal prison. His sentencing date has not been set but will be scheduled before Senior U.S. District Judge James O. Browning, from the District of New Mexico, Albuquerque Division, who presided over the trial.
Linker pled guilty to obstruction of justice and was sentenced to eight months’ custody, resulting in a 30-day imprisonment term, followed by seven months of location monitoring.
The Department of Justice Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Albuquerque District Office conducted the investigation. Northern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Long and Ryan Redd prosecuted the case in the District of New Mexico.
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Arlington Resident Indicted for Wire Fraud and Identity Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
An Arlington, Texas resident with ties to several Arlington and Mansfield churches was indicted for alleged conduct related to a scheme to defraud through his church-related entities, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.
Richard Reinaldo Garcia, 53, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Fort Worth on June 2, for one count of wire fraud conspiracy, two counts of wire fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft.
“The defendant allegedly took advantage of his victims’ faith by promising significant profits through investment opportunities but instead used their funds to selfishly enrich himself at their expense,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “We will not stand idly by while North Texans fall victim to these unscrupulous schemes, and my office will work hard to seek out and prosecute those that commit these types of crimes.”
“The FBI remains committed to investigating those who misuse positions of trust to further fraudulent investment schemes. The FBI encourages anyone who may be a victim to access the Seeking Victims page on our website,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock.
According to the indictment, from August 2021 through April 2025, Garcia and others allegedly made false material misstatements based, in part, on the promise of significant profits for his victims. The misstatements, among other things, induced victims to enter into agreements and provide funds for “church flipping” real estate improvement projects and “joint venture” agreements to host Christian music concerts and other church programs. Garcia then allegedly used victim funds to pay for his own personal expenses and business operating expenses.
The indictment alleges that Garcia controlled bank accounts in church-related entity names, such as Ministerio Gracia, Iglesia Gracia de Texas, Gracia Church of Texas, and Pesar de Todo, LLC (“relevant entity names”). Garcia allegedly directed several victims to transfer their funds to accounts held in these relevant entity names and to label the funds as “donations” for Gracia Church, when in reality, the funds were solicited for use in the relevant fraudulent scheme. According to the indictment, over 50 victims across the United States and internationally paid over $3.2 million to Garcia as a result of his scheme to defraud.
The case is set for trial in Fort Worth on Oct. 13. If convicted, Garcia faces a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison for each count of wire fraud, conspiracy and wire fraud, and a mandatory sentence of two years in prison for the aggravated identity theft count.
The FBI requests that if you or someone you know is a potential victim of this alleged fraudulent scheme, please go to one of the websites listed below for additional information and click on the link to fill out the “Seeking Information Questionnaire.”
English version: fbi.gov/GraciaChurchvictims
Spanish version: fbi.gov/GraciaChurchVictimsEspanol
The FBI’s Fort Worth Resident Agency conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac McDonald is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
"GUILTY" - A Federal Jury Convicts a California Felon for Firearms Trafficking ViolationsRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – United States Attorney Scott F. Leary announced today that a federal jury convicted Yohannes Tekie Gebrezghi, 41, of Sacramento, California after a two-day trial. Gebrezghi was convicted of firearms trafficking.
According to evidence produced at trial, Gebrezghi was stopped in New Albany by two Mississippi Highway Patrol officers. A search of his vehicle by the troopers uncovered 13 firearms, including pistols and AK-style rifles. The weapons were hidden in the vehicle’s door panels and hatch, along with ammunition, large-capacity magazines, and $16,000 in United States currency. Evidence at trial confirmed that Gebrezghi had travelled from California. He was a prior convicted felon.
Gebrezghi will be sentenced by United States District Judge James D. Maxwell, II on a future date.
U.S. Attorney Leary stated, “Gun traffickers put both our citizens and law enforcement officers at risk. Those who traffic in illegal firearms are directly feeding the cycle of violent crime that is out plaguing our communities. We, as responsible free people, can never tolerate such dangerous criminals in our society. The Mississippi Highway Patrol did an excellent job with this case. We’ve grown to expect continual investigative professionalism from the ATF and this case is another fine example of their work.”
“In our effort to disrupt violent gun crime in our community, ATF will continue to focus efforts on long-time criminals who illegally traffic firearms,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “The jury’s guilty verdict today sends a message to convicted felons who are prohibited from trafficking firearms that we will continue to work to keep our neighborhoods safe as the top priority for ATF.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Mississippi Highway Patrol and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. The Fort Bragg, California Police Department provided further support in the prosecution.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Addison and Chad Doleac.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
13 July 2026
Wyoming Law Enforcement Leaders Unite to Combat Drug Abuse and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CHEYENNE Wyo.—The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Wyoming joined the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (RMHIDTA) program, the Laramie County Sheriff's Office today to highlight their coordinated efforts to combat drug trafficking, reduce overdose deaths, and hold criminals responsible for distributing dangerous drugs.
During a joint briefing, officials discussed the latest trends impacting Wyoming, including the continued threat posed by fentanyl and cartel-connected drug trafficking organizations. They emphasized that while overdose deaths have declined in recent years, fentanyl remains the deadliest drug threat facing the nation, and law enforcement agencies continue to see increasing seizures of illicit fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics across the state.
Officials highlighted the collaborative work underway to identify and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in Wyoming. Through intelligence sharing, joint investigations, highway interdiction efforts, and coordinated federal prosecutions, law enforcement agencies are disrupting the criminal networks responsible for distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin throughout the region.
The briefing also underscored the importance of partnerships between law enforcement and public health agencies to reduce substance abuse and prevent overdose deaths. Officials warned that counterfeit pills continue to claim lives across the country and urged the public to never take medication that was not prescribed by a licensed medical provider and dispensed by a legitimate pharmacy.
"Protecting Wyoming communities requires a unified approach," said U.S. Attorney Darin Smith. "By working together across all levels of government, we are disrupting criminal organizations, removing deadly drugs from our streets, and saving lives through prevention, enforcement, and accountability."
Fentanyl remains the deadliest drug threat facing our country, said Special Agent in Charge David Olesky with the DEA. “Nearly all the fentanyl in the United States comes from Mexico, and most of it is trafficked by the Sinaloa and Jalisco Cartels. Interstates 25 and 70 remain transportation routes for cartel-led smuggling.”
The Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak said, "We value our law enforcement partners. It takes all of us together to investigate these crimes and hold the offenders accountable. We have a zero-tolerance policy for drug offenses in Laramie County, resulting in 186 drug arrests made by our deputies so far this year."
Training Manager Jeremy Wicht from RMHIDTA stated, “The close working partnership between the state’s public safety and health agencies will continue to be integral in addressing the most dangerous drug trafficking endangering Wyoming communities.”
This press conference was held to enforce Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods.
DEA’s Fentanyl Free America initiative integrates enforcement with prevention and public awareness to address both the supply and demand side of the crisis. The integrated approach to Fentanyl Free America reflects how DEA is adapting to the current threat environment by combining operational pressure with prevention to achieve lasting results. Information and free resources are available on DEA.gov.
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Image Caption:
(From Left to Right) Laramie County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Deputy Wilthanger, LCSO K9 Dak, Sheriff Brian Kozak, LCSO; Darin Smith, United States Attorney for the District of Wyoming, Dave Olesky, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Jeremy Wicht, Training Manager, Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) spoke at a press conference to combat drug abuse and drug trafficking in Wyoming.
United States Reaches $4.17 Million Civil Settlement and Three-Year Compliance Agreement with West Virginia University Health System over Controlled Substance ViolationsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA — The United States Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia announced today that West Virginia United Health System, Inc., doing business as West Virginia University Health System (WVUHS), has agreed to pay $4,177,139 and enter a Memorandum of Agreement to resolve civil allegations that it violated multiple provisions of the Controlled Substances Act across various registered facilities over a seven-year span.
Pursuant to a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation, the United States identified that WVUHS committed numerous recordkeeping and reporting violations between 2017 and 2024. WVUHS facilities failed to notify the DEA regarding thefts or significant losses of controlled substances. In addition to these failures to report, other violations included errors in orders regarding controlled substances; failures to maintain accurate and current inventory records; failures to ensure proper authority for use of DEA order forms; maintaining policies and procedures not fully consistent with the requirements of the Controlled Substance Act; and other administrative violations.
“The DEA Diversion Investigators who worked this matter should be commended for uncovering failures that put controlled substances at risk of diversion, and their work has undoubtedly made West Virginia a safer place,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Prezioso. “When a healthcare system controls large quantities of addictive medications, strict compliance with the Controlled Substances Act is necessary to protect the public. This settlement, along with the corresponding Memorandum of Agreement, demands accountability and mandates meaningful reform across WVUHS.”
In addition to the civil monetary settlement, WVUHS has signed a comprehensive, three‑year Memorandum of Agreement with the DEA. The Memorandum of Agreement imposes detailed systemwide compliance requirements, including additional diversion oversight; rapid reporting of thefts or losses; installing hundreds of security cameras at controlled substance storage sites; enhancing training and auditing procedures; and other policy improvements to detect, investigate, and prevent diversion.
“Hospital systems stockpile controlled medications with a high potential for abuse, so it’s imperative that they safeguard those drugs and maintain accurate records to prevent diversion,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott, head of DEA’s Louisville Field Division. “The multi-million dollar fine levied against the WVUHS in this case reflects the serious nature of their failure to meet their obligations in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act.”
This case was litigated on behalf of the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Prezioso, Jordan V. Palmer, and Stephanie K. Savino, from the Northern District of West Virginia, and Greg Neil of the Southern District of West Virginia. It is also the result of tireless efforts by DEA Diversion Investigators.
For questions about the settlement or the terms of the MOA, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia.
Read the settlement agreement below.
final_wvuhs_settlement_agreement_.pdfU.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle Visits TSA Officials at RDURead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle and his team recently visited the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials at Raleigh–Durham International Airport for an inside look at the vital work TSA performs to keep travel safe and moving efficiently. TSA plays a crucial role in protecting the nation’s transportation systems—not only for millions of daily air travelers, but across rail, maritime, pipelines, highways, and the broader supply chain. During the visit, both agencies reaffirmed their strong partnership, working side‑by‑side by maintaining a coordinated, united approach to keeping the transportation system secure.Two sentenced to federal prison in Eastern District of Texas cocaine trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – Two individuals were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jonathan Guerra, 30, of Irving, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on July 10, 2026.
Laura Loera-Flores, 38, of Mexico, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison by Judge Jordan.
According to information presented in court, Guerra and Loera-Flores were involved in a conspiracy with others to traffic more than five kilograms of cocaine from Mexico into the Eastern District of Texas and beyond. Loera-Flores played an integral role in the conspiracy and was responsible for driving her vehicle loaded with hidden drug proceeds from the United States into Mexico so that Mexican drug traffickers could receive the profits from the illegal drug trade. Loera-Flores was found with ten bundles totaling $198,902 in cash on one trip. She made multiple trips between Mexico and the United States during the conspiracy.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lesley Brooks.
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TransDigm Abandons Proposed Acquisition of Stellant Systems in Response to Justice Department’s Decision to Block TransactionRead the Press Release
TransDigm Group has abandoned its attempt to acquire rival defense and industrial component manufacturer Stellant Systems. TransDigm and Stellant compete, in addition to industrial products, to supply and repair components used in radar systems for the U.S. Navy’s Aegis Combat System and the U.S. Air Force’s F-16 fighter jets. The acquisition would have left the Department of War with a single source for critical products, increasing supply chain risks and removing the benefits of competition.
TransDigm abandoned the transaction after the Justice Department informed the parties that it would file a lawsuit in federal court to block the transaction.
“This Justice Department will rigorously investigate and challenge mergers that create monopolies and harm competition. Our decision to put a stop to this deal preserved critical competition that protects American taxpayers and warfighters,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. “We are grateful to our War Department partners who were crucial to this investigation.”
“The Department of War is committed to building the Arsenal of Freedom, which requires resilient supply chains and competition,” said Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment. “Maintaining a robust, diverse, and competitive defense industrial base is vital to preventing single-source vulnerabilities and ensuring our warfighters are equipped with superior capabilities at the best value to the American taxpayer.”
TransDigm Group Incorporated is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. Stellant Systems Inc. is headquartered in Torrance, California.
Tallahassee Armed Drug Trafficker Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Landon Dashawn Wilson, 28, of Tallahassee, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute marijuana, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking offense. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our citizens deserve to live in safe, drug-free communities, and my office will do everything in its power to deliver on that promise with aggressive prosecutions of armed drug dealers, like this defendant. Operation Take Back America was launched under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to eradicate the scourge of drug traffickers from our streets, and that’s exactly what my office will do.”
Court documents reflect that the Tallahassee Police Department responded to a call regarding a possible burglary or assault at an apartment. Witnesses reported the defendant attempted to enter an apartment without permission of the residents, and had a bookbag containing a firearm. After the defendant was located nearby, and identified by the witnesses, the bookbag was searched. Law enforcement recovered a jar containing approximately 113 grams of marijuana, 81 baggies, and a loaded “AR”-type pistol.
The defendant was prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions for burglary, drug possession, and firearm offenses.
The defendant faces up to 5 years’ imprisonment on the possession with intent to distribute marijuana count; up to 5 years’ imprisonment on the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon count; and not less than 5 years’ imprisonment on the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense count consecutive to other sentences imposed.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tallahassee Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Eric K. Mountin and James A. McCain.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 25, 2026, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Federal Prison for Threatening to Kill Multiple Public OfficialsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man has been sentenced to more than three years in federal prison for making a true threat to kill multiple public officials, including President Donald J. Trump, the 47th and 45th President of the United States.
On Oct. 21, 2025, TRENT SCHNEIDER posted a video of himself on Instagram in which he stated, “People like me have suffered real [expletive] crimes from [expletive] judges, doctors, lawyers, police. They all should be killed. All of them should be executed for what they’ve done . . . I’m going to get some guns. I know where I can get a lot of [expletive] guns and I am going to take care of business myself. I’m tired of all you [expletive] frauds. People need to [expletive] die and people are going to die. [Expletive] all of you, especially you Trump. You should be executed.”
On the same day, Schneider appeared at the Lake County, Ill. courthouse and told the judge presiding over Schneider’s pending foreclosure case that he would burn the courthouse down.
A federal jury in Chicago earlier this year convicted Schneider, 58, of Winthrop Harbor, Ill., of making a true threat in interstate commerce to injure a person. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman sentenced Schneider to three years and two months in federal prison.
The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Jim Morley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Chicago Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lake County, Ill. Sheriff’s Office and the Winthrop Harbor, Ill. Police Department. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hanna Helwig and Paige Nutini.
“As I have repeatedly stated since becoming U.S. Attorney, threats against public officials are an attack on our democracy and must be met with swift and serious consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “The Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office is working in lockstep with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to vigorously investigate and prosecute criminal threats of violence, including political violence. Those who cross the line into such conduct and activity will not find safe haven in the Northern District of Illinois.”
“Safeguarding the President of the United States and all our protectees is the U.S. Secret Service’s top priority, as this case demonstrates,” said Acting SAIC Morley. “Political violence has no place in civil society, and we will vigorously pursue threats against our protectees. I commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois for its diligent prosecution in this important case. I also thank our law enforcement partners at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Winthrop Harbor Police Department for their support and collaboration throughout this investigation.”
Stockton, California Man Found Guilty after Federal Jury Trial of Conspiring to Distribute Huge Quantities of Methamphetamine in South DakotaRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a jury has convicted John Odom Harris, Jr., age 41, of Stockton, California of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine following a 4-day jury trial in federal district court in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on July 10, 2026.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment, a $10 million dollar fine and at least five years up to life supervised release.
Harris was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2024.
Harris was responsible for distributing over 100 pounds of methamphetamine to a co-conspirator who then distributed the methamphetamine to others in South Dakota from early 2023 to early 2024. Harris sent methamphetamine to South Dakota through the mail. He also provided it to his co-conspirator in California, who then transported the drugs to South Dakota in cars and on trains. Four other conspirators from the same drug trafficking organization have been convicted in federal court to date. Harris’s co-conspirator, Marquez McGee, was caught in possession of 42 pounds of methamphetamine in January 2024. After pleading guilty, McGee was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison in December of that year.
“Methamphetamine dealers seeking to distribute their poisonous product would be wise to cross off South Dakota from their list,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered. Sentencing will be set for a later date. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.