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Friday 15 May 2026
Operators of Day Treatment Program for Children Agree to $15.2 Million Civil Judgment to Resolve Medicaid Fraud AllegationsRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The operators of a day treatment program for children with behavioral and mental health needs have agreed to a civil judgment of $15,248,240.66 in favor of the United States to resolve allegations that they defrauded the Kentucky and Ohio Medicaid programs.
The judgment, announced today by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, is part of a civil settlement resolving allegations that Recovery Center of Kentucky, LLC, Recovery Center of Ohio, LLC, Recovery Center of Maryland, LLC, their parent company, Recovery Center of USA, and CEO, Dr. Warrick Stewart, violated the False Claims Act, a federal statute that prohibits the submission of false claims for payment to Government programs, such as Medicaid.
According to the settlement agreement, Recovery Center of Kentucky and Recovery Center of Ohio operated the Aspire Day Program, which provided day treatment services to children with behavioral and mental health needs in Elizabethtown, Lexington, Louisville, and Radcliff, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio. Day treatment services for children typically include individual and group therapy, among other behavioral health services, and can be provided in collaboration with other activities like education. While the Kentucky and Ohio Medicaid programs cover day treatment, they only pay for children’s time spent receiving behavioral health services; they do not pay for any non-healthcare activities. The Government alleged that, from August 2022 through June 2025, the Recovery Centers nonetheless sought Medicaid payments for time spent on children’s education, recreation, and lunch breaks at the Aspire Day Program. As a result, the Recovery Centers allegedly received millions in Medicaid reimbursements to which they were not entitled.
Additionally, the Government alleged that Recovery Center of Kentucky falsely represented the qualifications of some of their clinicians on claims to Kentucky Medicaid in order to receive higher reimbursements. According to the settlement agreement, day treatment services provided by lower-level healthcare workers at Aspire Day Program were billed as if they had higher-level licenses. Moreover, some employees did not have the qualifications to provide day treatment services at Aspire Day Program at all, but Recovery Center of Kentucky nonetheless billed Medicaid as if the services were provided by a licensed professional.
The Government alleged that the parent company, Recovery Center of USA, and CEO, Dr. Warrick Stewart, are liable for these false claims because they directed Recovery Center of Kentucky’s, Recovery Center of Maryland’s, and Recovery Center of Ohio’s compliance with federal healthcare programs, staffing decisions, and submission of claims to Kentucky and Ohio Medicaid.
“Vulnerable populations, like children who need behavioral health services, deserve to be treated by qualified clinicians,” said Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Our office is committed to investigating behavioral healthcare fraud to ensure that Kentuckians receive necessary medical care and that Medicaid programs only pay for covered services.”
“HHS OIG remains committed to combatting Medicaid fraud and enforcing compliance with billing requirements,” said Susan Edwards, Chief Counsel to the Inspector General at the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG). “In connection with today’s settlement, Recovery Center has entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with HHS OIG. This agreement imposes strengthened compliance obligations to ensure Recovery Center establishes and maintains robust systems that protect Medicaid funds and uphold the delivery of appropriate, compliant services to beneficiaries.”
The civil judgment will be satisfied by the terms agreed to in the civil settlement agreement based on Defendants’ limited ability to pay, including remitting payments from Defendants’ future distributions and terminating ownership rights to some of Dr. Stewart’s property.
The civil judgment and settlement agreement resolve a lawsuit brought by private citizens under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party can file a civil action on behalf of the United States, thereby bringing allegations of fraud to the Government’s attention, and share in any financial recovery. As part of this resolution, the individuals who filed the qui tam complaint are eligible to receive a portion of the settlement proceeds. The civil case is captioned United States ex rel. Harned, et al. v. Aspire Day School, LLC, et al., Case No. 3:23-cv-41-GFVT.
The investigation was conducted by investigators from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky. This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Stubblebine, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
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Oklahoma City Trio Charged with Drug Trafficking Conspiracy after Seizure of Nearly 180 Pounds of Methamphetamine by Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – ELTRAMANE NEAL, 47, WILLIE JEFFERSON, JR., 43, and DONTE PARKER, 44, all of Oklahoma City, have been charged for their roles in a conspiracy to possess and distribute nearly 180 pounds of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to court documents, on May 14, 2026, law enforcement was conducting surveillance on Jefferson and Parker and observed them meeting at a residence in northeast Oklahoma City. A short time later, agents observed Neal arrive at the residence, where Neal and Parker loaded a black tote into Neal’s vehicle. After Neal left the residence, a traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 99 pounds of methamphetamine, most of which was contained inside the black tote. While waiting for a search warrant for the residence, officers conducted a traffic stop on Jefferson and found a key to the residence and a large amount of U.S. currency. While executing the search warrant at the residence, law enforcement recovered approximately 80 more pounds of methamphetamine.
Today, Neal, Jefferson, and Parker were each charged by Complaint with conspiracy to possess 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Each appeared in federal court this afternoon. If found guilty, they face up to life in federal prison and fines of up to $10,000,000.
The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations, and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Anderson is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Ohio Man Sentenced to 25 Years for the Production of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
ASHLAND, Ky. – A Gallipolis, Ohio, man, Henry Ritscher, 44, was sentenced on Friday to 25 years by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning for the production of child pornography.
According to his plea agreement, on September 6, 2025, Ritscher produced child pornography of a minor child in Johnson County. Specifically, the victim discovered a video depicting her showering and changing clothes, which appeared to be taken from a covert position in Ritscher’s bathroom. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on the same day and uncovered multiple electronic devices, including a covert camera hidden in a cell phone charging block that was used to produce the bathroom video. Ritscher provided a statement to law enforcement in which he admitted to covertly recording the victim and using the videos to satisfy his sexual fantasies.
Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Blankenship is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted 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 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.
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Northern District of Indiana Announces Major Progress in Fight Against CrimeRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE, SOUTH BEND, AND HAMMOND – On May 5, 2026, the Honorable Adam L. Mildred completed his fourth month as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana. To mark the date, U.S. Attorney Mildred shared statistics demonstrating the year-on-year increase in federal criminal law enforcement efforts.
“We are proud to announce a great period of progress and renewed momentum for the Office, reflecting the hard work of the attorneys, litigation support team and our critical local, state, and federal law enforcement partners with whom we share this fight,” U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred said.
“During the first four months of 2026, this Office brought 80% more indictments and charged twice as many defendants as it did during the same period of 2025. Both our narcotics and violent-crimes indictments increased by over 60%, our child-exploitation charges doubled, and our white-collar/fraud charges quadrupled. Meanwhile, we have aggressively pursued long prison sentences for those ultimately convicted of federal crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.
“Since being appointed, my focus has been on the core mission of protecting the citizens of the Northern District of Indiana and vigorously enforcing the law. Our office focuses on prosecuting violent offenders and gangs, child predators and those that peddle poison in our communities. We seek to fight terrorists and enemies of our nation, both foreign and domestic. We address critical illegal immigration issues and are committed to the total elimination of drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations. We also represent the civil interests of the United States and defend the foundational rights of all Americans, particularly the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred said.
“These sorts of increases put criminals on notice—if you choose to commit federal crimes in the Northern District of Indiana, you will be hunted down and held accountable by the exceptional law enforcement professionals who have dedicated their lives to keeping Indiana safe,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.
The following notations of recent sentences illustrate the types of cases captured by those statistics:
United States v. Miguel Angel Vera-Rosales: Mexican national with a previous felony conviction sentenced to 20 months for illegal reentry into the United States.
United States v. Annamarie Fleischman: Roanoke woman sentenced to 600 months in prison following her conviction for sexually exploiting children and distributing child pornography.
United States v. Keith Hall: Kokomo man sentenced to 188 months in prison for possessing child pornography.
United States v. Michael Deckinga: Dyer man sentenced to 180 months in prison for distributing child pornography.
United States v. Lucas Kern: Huntington man sentenced to 168 months in prison for possessing child pornography.
United States v. Devin Melvin: Michigan man sentenced to 270 months in prison for organizing and leading a fentanyl trafficking group.
United States v. Robert Crayton: Illinois man sentenced to 216 months in prison for conspiring to distribute and possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine.
United States v. Michael O. Beers: Fort Wayne man sentenced to 190 months in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl and various firearms offenses.
United States v. Aguila Binion: South Bend man sentenced to 144 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a felon and for possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute.
United States v. Mark A. Lyons: Gary man sentenced to 158 months in prison for possessing over 25 pounds of methamphetamine and a firearm.
United States v. Jahmal Sanders: Hammond man sentenced to 192 months in prison for possessing a stolen firearm as a felon.
United States v. Gary Schmucker: Warsaw man sentenced to 46 months in prison for possessing a firearm while an unlawful drug user following a standoff with police.
United States v. Jerry Boomershine: Elkhart man sentenced to 51 months in prison for bank robbery.
United States v. Bethany A. Cataldi: Chesterton woman sentenced to 97 months in prison and ordered to pay over $19 million in restitution for committing health care fraud.
United States v. Christine Reese: Crown Point woman sentenced to 84 months in prison for committing health care fraud and aggravated identity theft by fraudulently posing as a psychologist.
United States v. Janis A. Sexton: Ossian woman sentenced to 60 months in prison and ordered to pay over $1.6 million in restitution for conspiring to commit wire fraud and money laundering against multiple defendants.
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New Jersey Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Daniel Lanfrit, age 50, was sentenced May 13, 2026, to 60 months’ imprisonment and 10 years’ supervised release for possession of child pornography. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.
When he pleaded guilty, Lanfrit admitted that he had traveled to Canada and then arrived at a port of entry to seek admission back into the United States. The defendant traveled with his cell phone and a tablet. When the defendant’s devices were searched at the port of entry, both devices contained images of child pornography. The defendant possessed nearly 400 images of child pornography.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said, “This defendant’s conduct shows his sick perversion, bordering on obsession, when he went on vacation to Canada and brought two devices containing child pornography. The images were available to him wherever he was and whenever he wished. The images of child pornography were distinct and different on each device, explaining why the defendant needed to take both with him on vacation so he could have access to his full collection. When the defendant arrived back in the United States, we discovered the devices containing the child pornography and moved to prosecute him. I thank Customs and Border Protection and HSI for their work in bringing this individual to justice.”
HSI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan: “Daniel Lanfrit’s possession of nearly 400 images of child sexual abuse material fueled the exploitation of children, inflicted lasting harm on vulnerable victims, and posed a serious threat to the safety of our communities. Every one of these horrific images represents a real child who was abused. HSI Syracuse, working alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York and our law enforcement partners, will continue to protect children and the public from further harm, and hold accountable those who fuel this cycle of victimization.”
In addition to the imprisonment and supervised release terms, United States District Judge Anthony J. Brindisi in Utica also ordered Lanfrit to pay $15,000 in restitution to the victims. Lanfrit also will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
HSI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carling Dunham prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Multiple defendants indicted for immigration violationsRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, Georgia: Multiple defendants have been indicted by the May term of the federal Grand Jury in the Southern District of Georgia with Re-entry after Removal or Deportation, a charge applied to an illegal alien present in the United States after at least one prior removal.
Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, announced the indictments. Those facing federal charges include:
- Alejandro Mendoza-Hernandez, 39, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States, arrested in Long County.
- Didier Mora-Tino, 38, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States, arrested in Ware County.
- Marcos Saraya-Canales, 26, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States, arrested in Evans County.
- Porfirio Suarez-Olan, 40, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States, arrested in Atkinson County.
- Luis Angel Velasquez-Montes, 27, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States, arrested in Chatham County; and,
- Kenny Omar Diaz-Diaz, 35, a citizen of Honduras illegally present in the United States, arrested in Chatham County.
The charges carry statutory penalties up to two years in prison, followed by referral to immigration authorities for deportation.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The cases are being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy P. Dean, Lauren C. Olsen, and Makeia R. Jonese.
Michigan Home Health Care Agency Owner Convicted of $1.6M Medicare Fraud Scheme and Kickback ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A federal jury in the Eastern District of Michigan convicted a Michigan nurse and home health care agency owner yesterday for operating a $1.6 million scheme to defraud Medicare.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Ruby Scott, 55, of Farmington Hills, Michigan, owned and operated Delta Home Health Care LLC (Delta). From 2018 through 2021, Scott bribed a discharge nurse at a Detroit hospital to identify Medicare patients and fax their confidential records to Delta, unbeknownst to the patients. Scott had developed the kickback relationship with the hospital discharge nurse at a home health company she had previously co-owned, but she offered the nurse an additional $100 patient to induce her to refer patients to her new company. Scott paid the discharge nurse over $130,000 by CashApp, PayPal, check, and cash. Scott used these stolen profiles to bill Medicare for home health services, exploiting the diagnostic and personal information of patients who were unaware their data had been compromised.
The evidence at trial showed that Scott paid the discharge nurse approximately $300 for each patient Scott successfully billed to Medicare. In billing claims for patients who were obtained through kickbacks, as well as other claims between 2018 and 2024, Scott falsely represented to Medicare that a doctor had certified patients as meeting the Medicare requirements to receive home health services, including being homebound, when evidence proved no doctor had ever evaluated these patients for home health services. In many instances, Scott used the identities of real doctors to fabricate the existence of these evaluations when, in reality, these doctors had never even met the patients and did not know that Scott was using their information to fraudulently bill Medicare. A witness testified one patient for whom Delta received thousands of dollars in payments had never received services from Scott’s company. Delta failed to maintain patient files for over one-third of the patients for which it submitted claims to Medicare, for whom Medicare paid Delta over $1.2 million. Scott caused approximately $1.6 million in losses to Medicare, which a witness testified drains the Medicare trust fund and could make it difficult for Medicare to pay on claims that are true and accurate.
The jury convicted Scott of five counts of health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay illegal health care kickbacks, and four counts of paying illegal health care kickbacks. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 24 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison as to each health care fraud count, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison as to each kickback count, and a maximum penalty of five years in prison as to the conspiracy count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division; Special Agent in Charge Reuben Coleman of the FBI Detroit Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Thomas Ethridge of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.
The FBI Detroit Field Office and HHS-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Kelly M. Warner and Ahmad Huda of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion since 2007. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.Memphis Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Distribution and Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A federal judge has sentenced Terry Curtis, 41, to 27 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl and possession of firearms. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, in April 2022, narcotics officers with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office detected a package containing 2 kilograms of methamphetamine and 497 grams of fentanyl being shipped to Curtis’s home. After the package was received by Curtis at his home, officers served a search warrant. They recovered the substances as well as two loaded firearms, pill presses, scales, cash, and other drug paraphernalia indicative of drug distribution. The investigation revealed Curtis had been selling a pound of methamphetamine daily.
In September 2025, Curtis pled guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On May 13, 2026, United States District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Curtis to 324 months of federal imprisonment, to be followed by ten years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney Dunavant said, "Because illicit fentanyl is closer to a chemical weapon than a narcotic, President Trump has designated fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction (WMD). Its lethality is significant, and those who ship and traffic deadly poison into our communities will be severely punished and incapacitated.”
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Narcotics Division and the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Musselwhite and Bryce Phillips prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States government.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at [email protected]. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Maryland Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Preparing False ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Maryland woman was sentenced today to 12 months and one day in prison for preparing false tax returns for clients.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Zewdi Tsegay, of Burtonsville, Maryland, operated a tax preparation business initially called Taxes R Us LLC. From 2017 through 2023, Tsegay prepared and filed with the IRS false tax returns on behalf of clients. These tax returns included false business losses that resulted in either the clients receiving tax refunds that they were not entitled to receive or the clients’ tax liabilities being decreased. After Tsegay learned she was under investigation, she changed the name of the business to Taxes 4 You, LLC.
In March 2020, the IRS conducted an undercover operation at Tsegay’s return preparation business. Tsegay initially prepared the undercover agent’s tax return correctly, which reflected that the undercover agent owed taxes. Tsegay then added a fictitious business loss to the undercover agent’s tax return, which resulted in the return improperly claiming a refund. Following a search warrant at her tax preparation business, Tsegay continued to prepare and file false returns on behalf of clients under the name of another individual. Further, from 2021 to 2023, Tsegay was required to file tax returns for herself, but she willfully failed to do so by the statutory deadline.
In total, Tsegay caused a tax loss to the United States between $250,000 and $550,000.
Tsegay pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of a false tax return. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang ordered Tsegay to serve one year of supervised release and to pay $178,480 in restitution to the United States.
Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Catriona Coppler and Richard Kelley of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section prosecuted the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Man Sentenced to 30 years in Prison and 15 Years of Supervised Release for Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On May 14, 2026, United States District Court Judge Aida Delgado Colón sentenced Luis Ángel Domenech‑Acabá to 360 months (30 years) in prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release for child exploitation. On February 25, 2026, after a three-day jury trial, Luis Ángel Domenech‑Acabá, 35, from San Juan, was found guilty of production and possession of child pornography. This sentence was imposed consecutively with a state sentence of six years for lewd acts in a separate case.
According to the evidence presented at trial and reviewed by the jury, from September 2017 to September 2018, Domenech‑Acabá sexually exploited a female minor, who was 15 years old at the time. The evidence showed that he used a cellular phone and internet messaging services to persuade, induce, entice, or coerce the minor to engage in sexual activity for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct.
During trial, the government presented testimony and digital evidence establishing that, using cellphones and other devices, Domenech‑Acabá produced images and videos depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. He also possessed images and videos of the minor and of other minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, which he kept in a secured folder on his cellular phone.
U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico and Yariel Ramos, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daynelle Álvarez‑Lora and Emelina Agrait Barreto of the Crimes Against Children, Human Trafficking, and Immigration Unit prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Liberty County felon sentenced to 14 years in federal prison after taking firearm from law enforcement officers during courtroom scuffleRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Liberty convicted felon has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Allen Joe Fregia, Sr., 48, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone on May 14, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on April 29, 2025, Fregia was a defendant in a Liberty County courtroom where he had just been sentenced to prison by a State District Judge. As he was being escorted out of the courtroom by several law enforcement officers, Fregia became enraged and noncompliant, and a scuffle ensued. During the altercation, Fregia removed a firearm from an officer’s gun holster. The officer was able to retrieve the firearm as other officers were able to subdue Fregia. During the altercation, an officer suffered injuries that required medical attention. Fregia, a previously convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing the firearm.
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 Texas Rangers, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tommy Coleman.
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Knoxville Man Charged in Federal Court with Fentanyl and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On May 15, 2026, Seayon Weston, 39, of Knoxville, TN, was charged via criminal complaint with fentanyl and firearms offenses in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville.
The complaint charges Weston with possessing with the intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of 18 U.S.C. 924(c), and being a felon in possession of firearms in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). The Honorable Jill E. McCook, United States Magistrate Judge, authorized the complaint.
According to the affidavit of DEA Special Agent Jason Klingler filed in support of the complaint, law enforcement’s investigation into Weston’s activities culminated in a search warrant execution at Weston’s Knoxville residence on May 14, 2026. The affidavit details certain aspects of the search warrant execution, including the seizure of approximately 471 grams of suspected fentanyl, drug processing and packaging materials, including dozens of used rubber gloves, cash, and three firearms. One of the firearms was a mini-Draco 7.62 semi-automatic pistol, according to the affidavit. The affidavit included photographs of some of the seized evidence.
The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation by elements of the Knoxville Police Department, including KPD’s Special Operation Squad, Organized Crime Unit, and Drug Related Death Task Force. The Drug Enforcement Administration assisted with the investigation and search warrant execution and is the lead agency in this federal prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces.
This case is part of “Operation Knoxville Thunder” in furtherance of DEA’s Fentanyl Free America initiative, which is a comprehensive enforcement initiative and public awareness campaign designed to combat the synthetic opioid crisis.
On December 15, 2025, the President issued an Executive Order designating fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Quencer and Alan Kirk will represent the United States in this prosecution.
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Kalder CEO Pleads Guilty to Securities FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that GÖKÇE GÜVEN, the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Kalder Inc. (“Kalder”), pled guilty to one count of securities fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud the investors in Kalder, a technology startup. As part of her plea, GÜVEN agreed to forfeit nearly $7 million in proceeds from her illegal scheme. GÜVEN pled guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn.
“Gökçe Güven defrauded more than a dozen venture capital investors through material misrepresentations about Kalder’s revenue and brand partners, then lied to obtain an immigration benefit,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “In our startup markets, ambition is not a substitute for honesty. If you lie to investors in any market—public or private; venture or late-stage growth; fintech; biotech; energy; financial services; industrial; etc.—you will be held accountable.”
As alleged in the Superseding Information and other public filings in this case:
GÜVEN was the founder and CEO of Kalder, a New York-based technology startup focused on business loyalty and rewards programs. GÜVEN promoted Kalder as a “fintech-marketing platform” that brands could use to create and monetize customized reward programs. In April 2024, GÜVEN began raising Kalder’s “seed round,” soliciting investments from dozens of venture capitalists. GÜVEN provided prospective investors with false statements, misleading claims, and fabricated documents regarding Kalder’s revenue and brand partners. GÜVEN transmitted to potential investors a pitch deck that misrepresented, among other things, that Kalder had 26 brands “using Kalder” and 53 brands in “live freemium” (that is, using basic Kalder services free of charge). As to some brands, Kalder had only entered into pilot programs to provide services for a limited time period and typically at a heavily discounted price. Other brands had no agreement with Kalder whatsoever—not even for free services. Kalder’s pitch deck also falsely reported that Kalder’s recurring revenue had steadily grown month over month since February 2023 and that by March 2024, Kalder had reached $1.2 million in annual recurring revenue. GÜVEN concealed the true financial condition of the company from multiple investors by maintaining two sets of books—one internal set containing Kalder’s accurate monthly and annual financial information that was prepared by Kalder’s outside accounting firm, and a second set with false and inflated numbers that was transmitted to investors and prospective investors. GÜVEN also transmitted to prospective investors a forged contract between Kalder and a purported brand partner to further deceive her investors. Through these lies and misrepresentations, GÜVEN raised approximately $7 million from more than a dozen investors.
GÜVEN, a citizen of Turkey, also made false statements and fabricated documents as part of a visa application. Following the expiration of her student visa, GÜVEN caused Kalder to sponsor her for an O-1A visa, which is typically issued to individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics. GÜVEN’s application repeated the same sorts of misrepresentations that GÜVEN had provided to Kalder’s investors. GÜVEN also supplied letters of support and reference purportedly signed by business executives but that, in fact, GÜVEN had digitally signed herself without the executives’ knowledge or consent. GÜVEN was ultimately issued an O-1A visa in the fall of 2025.
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GÜVEN, 26, of New York, New York, and Turkey, pled guilty to one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. GÜVEN is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan on September 17, 2026.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Mr. Clayton also expressed appreciation for the assistance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allison Nichols and Alexandra N. Rothman are in charge of the prosecution.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Justice Department Secures Landmark Resolution to End Pediatric “Gender-Affirming Care” and Create Detransition ClinicRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice announced the first resolution secured under the Department’s ongoing national investigation into violations of federal law in connection with the provision of sex-rejecting procedures on minors (often euphemistically called “gender-affirming care”). Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH) has entered into agreements with the Department and the Texas Attorney General that include commitments to not perform such procedures on children, which include the administration of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones. TCH has also agreed to collectively pay over $10 million in damages and civil penalties and to dedicate millions to the provision of medical care to children harmed by the provision of such procedures (i.e., “detransitioners”).
“The Justice Department will use every weapon at its disposal to end the destructive and discredited practice of so-called ‘gender-affirming care’ for children,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Today’s resolution protects vulnerable children, holds providers accountable, and ensures those harmed receive the care they need.”
Under the terms of the agreements, which the Department of Justice reached in coordination with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, TCH will pay $10 million to resolve allegations that it submitted false billings to public and private payors to secure insurance coverage for pediatric sex-rejecting procedures. The Department alleges this conduct violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the False Claims Act, and federal fraud and conspiracy laws. Critically, in addition to terminating these services, TCH has committed to establishing the first-of-its-kind clinic dedicated to restorative care for detransitioners.
In connection with the settlements, the United States acknowledged that TCH took significant steps entitling it to credit for cooperation with the Department in its investigation. At all times during the investigation, TCH remained cooperative, proactive, and solution-driven, as highlighted by its multi-million-dollar commitment to providing care to the victims who most need it.
“The Department of Justice is committed to protecting America’s children,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. “Today’s resolution furthers that commitment and puts providers of so-called 'gender affirming care' on notice that this Department will vigorously enforce federal law where children are put at risk.”
“I am grateful that Texas Children’s wants to be part of the solution and no longer the problem,” said Brett A. Shumate, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division. “Its commitment to providing detransitioner care is emblematic of just that. While the Department is satisfied with the resolution announced today, our division will continue to work tirelessly to protect America’s children and hold accountable pharmaceutical companies and medical providers who have taken advantage of vulnerable children under the guise of ‘care.’”
These matters and the investigations into sex-rejecting procedures on minors are being led by the Justice Department’s Civil Division Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch and Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section.
The claims resolved by the United States in the settlements are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. Both entities have denied all allegations.
The two agreements are available here and here.
Justice Department Files Complaint to Protect Law Enforcement, Challenging Connecticut Mask Ban, Identification Requirements, and Use-of-Force Policies for Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont, Attorney General William Tong, Chief State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin, and Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Eliot Prescott, challenging their unconstitutional attempt to regulate federal law enforcement officers through the so-called “Act Concerning Democracy and Government Accountability,” also known as Senate Bill 397.
“Law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to keep Americans safe, and they do not deserve to be doxed or harassed simply for carrying out their duties,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Connecticut’s anti-law enforcement policies regulate the federal government and are designed to create risk for our agents. These laws cannot stand.”
“This week — Police Week — we honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the safety of our Nation’s communities,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. “This Department of Justice will not stand by idly in the face of lawless efforts that endanger our brothers and sisters in blue.”
“Connecticut’s attempt to regulate federal officers is dangerous and unconstitutional,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “State interference with federal operations is precisely what the Supremacy Clause was intended to prevent, as the Supreme Court has recognized for centuries.”
Among other things, the law prohibits federal officers from wearing facial coverings in the performance of their official duties, requires federal officers to clearly display their badge and name tag when performing official duties, and to adhere to Connecticut’s preferred use-of-force policies when performing official duties. Not only is the law an illegal attempt to regulate the federal government, but, as alleged in the complaint, the law threatens the safety of federal officers who have exhibited extreme bravery in enforcing our Nation’s laws despite an unprecedented wave of harassment, doxing, and even violence. Threatening officers with prosecution for simply protecting their identities and their families also chills the enforcement of federal law and compromises sensitive law enforcement operations. The danger is acute.
Last year, the Attorney General instructed the Justice Department’s Civil Division to identify state and local laws, policies, and practices that facilitate violations of federal laws or impede lawful federal operations. Today’s lawsuit is the latest in a series of lawsuits brought by the Civil Division targeting illegal policies designed to thwart federal law enforcement across the country, including in New York, New Jersey, and California.
Johnstown Felon Indicted on Numerous Firearm Charges, Including Possession of Machinegun and Unlicensed Manufacturing/Dealing of FirearmsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The six-count Indictment named Louie Guadalupe, 34, as the sole defendant.
“Gun violence—and, particularly, the increasing rate of that violence involving machinegun conversion devices such as Glock switches and drop-in auto sears—poses a serious threat to the safety of our citizens and to law enforcement,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “The Indictment unsealed today reflects the collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local law enforcement partners aimed at reducing this threat to our communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partner federal agencies remain committed to working closely with our state and local counterparts to disrupt the cycle of gun violence and hold accountable those who put dangerous and illegal firearms on our streets.”
“Selling illegal firearms, and switches that transform guns into a fully automatic weapon, means deadlier shootings, more chaotic crime scenes, and increased danger to innocent bystanders,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec. “Trafficking these devices quickly becomes a critical public safety issue. The FBI and our Safe Streets Task Force partners will use every resource at our disposal to get these extraordinarily dangerous devices out of our communities.”
“Firearms trafficking puts guns in the hands of the criminals who threaten our communities,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “That those firearms included very dangerous machinegun conversation devices makes this case particularly severe. Thanks to our close cooperation with our law enforcement partners, we exposed this criminal enterprise that endangered the Johnstown area.”
“In light of the recent, senseless acts in our community, the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office is committed to facilitating efforts that prevent gun violence before it occurs through collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies,” said Cambria County District Attorney Jessica Aurandt. “The indictment of Louie Guadalupe is a manifestation of those collaborative efforts—the result of which removed several firearms and Glock switches from the streets of Johnstown. The DA’s Office would like to express our gratitude to the Johnstown Police Department, Cambria County Detective Bureau, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their incredible diligence and hard work throughout this investigation.”
According to the Indictment, from on or about March 12, 2026, and continuing thereafter until around April 15, 2026, Guadalupe willfully engaged in the business of manufacturing and dealing in firearms without a license. The Indictment further alleges that, on three dates during March of 2026, Guadalupe unlawfully possessed a firearm after previously having been convicted of a felony. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Lastly, on or about April 1, 2026, and April 15, 2026, Guadalupe is alleged to knowingly and unlawfully have possessed and transferred a machinegun.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Jamestown woman sentenced for assaulting a federal officerRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Alyssa Sheldon, 30, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of assaulting, resisting or impeding a federal officer, was sentenced to serve one year of probation by U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer.
On May 17, 2022, an arrest warrant was executed, and Sheldon was taken into custody. On May 18, 2022, made an initial appearance the U.S. Courthouse in the Western District of New York. During the proceeding, Sheldon was ordered remanded into custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. While being escorted back to her cell, Sheldon attempted to escape from custody. She resisted the escorting officer, kicking him below his waist. Sheldon continued to resist and attempted to spit in the officer’s face.
This case was 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 Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Emergency Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.
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Jamestown man sentenced for his role in narcotics conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Curtis Snyder, 53, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Snyder was an associate and co-conspirator of Rocco Beardsley, who sold large quantities of heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances in the Jamestown area. On April 9, 2019, an individual identified as J.A. was discovered deceased from an apparent overdose at a residence in Jamestown and Beardsley was believed to be involved in the overdose. About a month after J.A.’s overdose death, Beardsley sent Snyder to the residence of another individual to force this individual to make a video regarding Beardsley’s lack of involvement with J.A.’s overdose death. In exchange, Snyder would receive a “bundle” of heroin/fentanyl. The individual complied and made the video, stating that Beardsley was not present at J.A. residence the date of J.A.’s overdose death.
Rocco Beardsley was previously convicted and sentenced.
This case was 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 Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Emergency Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Jeffrey E. Intravatola. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.
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Jamaican national sentenced to prison for lottery scam that devastated southwest Washington retireeRead the Press Release
Tacoma – A Jamaican citizen was sentenced late yesterday in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to three years in prison for wire fraud for his lottery scheme that cost an elderly victim more than $600,000, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Roshard Andrew Carty, 34, was arrested in Jamaica on August 21, 2025, and arrived in the Western District of Washington for arraignment on October 23, 2025. He pleaded guilty in February 2026. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright said, “Even as (the victim) hesitated and tried to resist,” Carty persisted in contacting her through a variety of means.
“This defendant was relentless in defrauding a vulnerable victim,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. “At every turn when she tried to end the contact, he persisted playing on her isolation and her fear of losing the money she had already lost. He stole the money she was counting on to survive in retirement, so that he could buy luxuries and live large in Jamacia. It is despicable conduct deserving of this punishment.”
According to records filed in the case, Carty first contacted the 73-year-old southwest Washington victim in 2020. He posed as an employee of Publisher’s Clearinghouse and claimed the victim won $22 million and a car in the lottery, but that she needed to pay taxes and fees to access her winnings. He convinced the victim that the FBI was recording the call and told her she was not to tell anyone about the big win. Between August 2020 and February 2024, he convinced the victim to send more than $600,000 to various money couriers throughout the United States, who ultimately sent the money to Carty in Jamaica.
Carty’s requests for cash started small and grew over time. He directed the victim to remove small amounts of cash from her accounts and send them to U.S. locations via FedEx. Carty told the victim the money was lost or stolen and demanded more. Carty told the victim to borrow against her home so she could send more money. Carty convinced the victim to sell her home to cover additional “costs and fees” to claim her prize. In all, Carty stole more than $600,000 from the victim by having her mail the money to various couriers in the U.S.
Carty was relentless in contacting the victim using various phone numbers and texting programs. He contacted her thousands of times throughout the fraud. When she tried to cut off contact, he tried sending tow trucks, and pizza deliveries, and asked her landlord for a welfare check to try to get back in touch with the victim.
“Mr. Carty relentlessly and cruelly manipulated and intimidated his elderly victim to deprive her of her life savings for his own profit," said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. "His lies in pursuit of her money even went so far as to abuse the trust and credibility of law enforcement by claiming the FBI was recording a call. Ultimately, the victim lost her home without receiving any of the fictitious prize money Mr. Carty had promised. We hope this case sends a message to would-be lottery scammers that the FBI will work just as relentlessly with our partners to hold fraudsters accountable, even when they reside beyond the borders of the United States.”
The southwest Washington victim was not the only one uncovered by law enforcement, and investigators fear Carty may return to fraud after his prison term. As the government pointed out in its sentencing memorandum, “Carty’s conduct here shows he is relentless, callous, and has an aptitude for deception—he is unlikely to be deterred by the reality that his conduct left people like Victim 1 destitute. Carty knew Victim 1, Victim 2, and likely others were insolvent because of him, and yet he persisted in his scam. And unlike with U.S.-based defendants, the U.S. Probation Office cannot effectively monitor Carty when he returns home.”
Carty was indicted in November 2024. Following his August 2025 arrest in Jamaica, Carty consented to extradition to the United States. He pleaded guilty in February 2026.
The U.S. Embassy in Jamaica has a page devoted to lottery scams based in that country. Find it here. The bottom line: You never should pay to receive a prize and any request for advance fees is a scam.
The case was investigated by the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Watts Staniar and David T. Martin. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with the Government of Jamaica to secure the arrest and extradition of Carty.
Iraqi National Arrested and Charged with Providing Material Support to Iranian-Backed Terrorist Organizations and Directing Attacks Targeting U.S. Citizens and InterestsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today the arrest of Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, an Iraqi national and senior member of Kata’ib Hizballah, a U.S. designated foreign terrorist organization (FTO). Al-Saadi was charged by complaint with six counts of terrorism-related offenses for his activities as an operative of Kata’ib Hizballah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including his involvement in nearly 20 attacks and attempted attacks throughout Europe and the United States. Al-Saadi was arrested on the charges contained in the complaint, which was unsealed today, transferred into U.S. custody overseas, and transported to the United States. Al-Saadi was presented earlier today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn in Manhattan federal court and ordered detained pending trial.
“Thanks to the dedication and vigilance of law enforcement, this alleged terrorist commander is now in U.S. custody,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “As alleged in the complaint, Al-Saadi directed and urged others to attack U.S. and Israeli interests and to kill Americans and Jews in the U.S. and abroad, and in doing so advance the terrorist goals of Kata’ib Hizballah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. These charges show American law enforcement will never let such evil go unchecked and will use all tools to disrupt and dismantle foreign terrorist organizations and their leaders.”
“The FBI’s successful FTOC of Mohammad Al-Saadi, another high-value target responsible for mass global terrorism, is just the latest success in this administration’s historic work to bring terrorists to justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This was a righteous mission executed brilliantly by our agents, investigators, CIRG tactical units and interagency partners who delivered yet again. We are greatly appreciative of the work of our allies around the world—especially to Ambassador Tom Barrack, who led this joint sequenced operation and has been instrumental in bringing this successful mission home to the United States.”
“As alleged, Al-Saadi coordinated a wave of attacks across Europe, including bombings, arson, and assaults targeting American communities and interests,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “The complaint further alleges that Al-Saadi discussed attacking locations in New York, California, and Arizona and presented a serious threat to our national security. We will continue to work closely with international partners to hold terrorists accountable in U.S. courts.”
“Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, a commander for the terrorist organization, Kata’ib Hizballah, faces serious charges for his role in numerous attacks against U.S. interests across the globe, including his efforts to kill on U.S. soil,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York. “As alleged, for years, Al-Saadi committed himself to furthering the terrorist goals of Kata’ib Hizballah and the IRGC, two terrorist organizations dedicated to harming the United States and its allies. More recently, Al-Saadi attempted to carry out attacks in the United States, including in New York City. Al-Saadi attempted to disrupt American society through intimidation and violence. In a righteous and just contrast, his prosecution will highlight the best of our country. Those who engage in or support terrorism against Americans and on U.S. soil should take note: the whole of the federal government is committed to dismantling terrorist organizations and bringing their members to justice. I commend our law enforcement partners for their outstanding investigative work resulting in the arrest of Al-Saadi, who will now face justice in a U.S. court.”
“In the span of just three months, Mohammad Al-Saadi allegedly directed 18 terrorist attacks throughout Europe—including against United States citizens and interests—and planned to conduct a similar attack here in our country,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “The FBI New York’s Joint Terrorism Task Force maintains its unwavering resolve to hold accountable leaders of foreign terrorist organizations who utilize mass fear and suffering to further their anti-American agenda.”
“This case puts into stark relief the global threats posed by the Iranian regime and its proxies like Kata’ib Hizballah—Foreign Terrorist Organizations that have repeatedly targeted Jewish communities across Europe and the United States since the war began,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Working with our law enforcement partners, we disrupted a plot against a Manhattan synagogue, and in partnership with the synagogue’s leadership, ensured its security when the threat was elevated. The NYPD’s work in this case, from officers assigned to the JTTF, to intelligence analysis provided through our international liaison program, helped protect the streets of our city. The NYPD has the most robust municipal counterterrorism and intelligence capacity of any city in the world, which is only strengthened by our partnership with federal agencies on cases like this one.”
Al-Saadi is a commander for Kata’ib Hizballah, a U.S. designated FTO operating in Iraq that is closely aligned with the IRGC. The IRGC, which is also a U.S. designated FTO, is an Iranian military and counterintelligence agency that operates under the authority of Iran’s Supreme Leader. The IRGC has publicly stated its desire and intention to conduct operations targeting those perceived to be enemies of the Iranian regime, and it has plotted and conducted attack operations targeting, among others, U.S. citizens residing abroad and in the United States, including attacks that resulted in the deaths of U.S. citizens. Iran and the IRGC use other terrorist and paramilitary proxies in the region to take lethal action and to carry out operations against the United States and its allies. These proxies include Kata’ib Hizballah, which has received extensive training, funding, logistical support, weapons, and intelligence from the IRGC’s external operations force, the IRGC Qods Force (IRGC-QF).
As alleged in the complaint, Al-Saadi worked closely with Qasem Soleimani, the longtime commander of the IRGC-QF who was killed during a U.S. airstrike in or about 2020, as well as Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was the leader of Kata’ib Hizballah until he was killed in the same airstrike that killed Soleimani. Below are photographs from one of Al-Saadi’s social media accounts of Al-Saadi with Soleimani, including at a military-related facility:
In addition, as alleged, Al-Saadi has called on others to attack and kill Americans, including in retribution for Soleimani’s and al-Muhandis’s deaths. On or about July 2, 2020, for example, Al-Saadi published on one of his social media accounts the following image of the U.S. capitol in rubbles projected against the faces of Soleimani and al-Muhandis, with the text “our revenge for the martyred leaders is ongoing. No negotiations with the occupier.”
In recent months, Al-Saadi has also allegedly directed and urged others to attack U.S. and Israeli interests, including by killing Americans and Jews, to further the terrorist goals of Kata’ib Hizballah and the IRGC. In or about February 2026, for example, Al-Saadi posted on one of his social media accounts a message in Arabic, which read in part, “Do not abandon the blood of your Imam of the time, oh Shiites of Iraq. Kill everyone who supports America and Israel. Do not leave any of them remaining. Civil and military targets, as well as voices of discord, kill them everywhere.”
As alleged, over the last several months, Al-Saadi and his associates have planned, coordinated, and claimed responsibility for at least 18 terrorist attacks in Europe (the “European Terrorist Attacks”), as well as two additional attacks in Canada, in the name of Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, a component of Kata’ib Hizballah. On or about March 9, 2026—the day of the first of the European Terrorist Attacks—Al-Saadi posted on one of his social media accounts a message calling on “warriors of Islam” to engage in “jihad,” or violent holy war. From that point on, Al-Saadi and his associates allegedly have carried out attacks against U.S. interests. Al-Saadi and Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya have also published videos of the attacks.
For example, on or about March 15, 2026, individuals carried out an attack involving explosives against the Bank of New York Mellon, an American bank, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The next day, on or about March 16, 2026, AL-SAADI posted a propaganda video of the attack, in which Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya claimed responsibility for the attack. The video also showed aspects of the attack planning, including maps of the location of where the attack would be and a message which read: “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful This is the Final Warning[.] To all the peoples of the world, especially in the European Union, Immediately distance yourselves [] from all American and Zionist interests, facilities, and what is affiliated with them.”
Similar attacks continued in or about March and April 2026, accompanied by videos allegedly published by Al-Saadi in which Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya claimed responsibility for the attacks. In one such attack, on or about April 12, 2026, an arson was allegedly committed against a synagogue in Skopje, North Macedonia. On or about April 16, 2026, Al-Saadi posted a video showing the site of that attack with a red target symbol and surveillance footage of the synagogue on fire, as depicted in the screenshots below with the logo of Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya in the upper right corner of the images (circled in red):
In another attack, on or about April 29, 2026, two Jewish men—including a dual U.S.-British citizen—were stabbed and seriously injured in London, United Kingdom.
In addition, in or about April and May 2026, Al-Saadi, on behalf of Kata’ib Hizballah and the IRGC, allegedly attempted to coordinate and carry out terrorist attacks to kill individuals in the United States, including by targeting Jewish institutions in New York, New York, and elsewhere. On or about April 3, 2026, Al-Saadi spoke to an undercover law enforcement officer (“UC-1”) whom Al-Saadi believed could carry out attacks in the United States. That day, Al-Saadi texted UC-1 photographs and maps showing the exact location of a prominent Jewish synagogue located in New York, New York (the “New York Synagogue”), as well as two additional U.S.-based Jewish institutions in Los Angeles, California, and Scottsdale, Arizona, respectively, and directed UC-1 to carry out terrorist attacks against those targets. Al-Saadi also spoke on the phone with UC-1, and discussed with UC-1, with respect to the New York Synagogue, whether UC-1 would use an improvised explosive device or “set the place on fire.” Fortunately, no such attacks occurred at the time.
Al-Saadi, 32, of Iraq, has been charged with: (i) conspiring to provide material support to Kata’ib Hizballah, a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (ii) conspiring to provide material support to the IRGC, a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (iii) conspiring to provide material support for acts of terrorism of attempting and conspiring to murder nationals of the United States, and bombing and conspiring to bomb a place of public use, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison; (iv) providing material support for acts of terrorism, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison; (v) conspiring to bomb a place of public use, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison; and (vi) attempted destruction of property by means of fire or explosive, which carries a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
The statutory maximum and mandatory minimum penalties are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
The case was investigated by FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the NYPD, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies, and the FBI Washington Field Office, Counterterrorism Division, and with the assistance of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section, the Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the NYPD, and the New York State Police.
This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey W. Coyle and Sarah L. Kushner are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Paul Casey and James Donnelly of the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Iraqi National Arrested and Charged with Providing Material Support to Iranian-Backed Terrorist Organizations and Directing Attacks Targeting U.S. Citizens and InterestsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Acting Attorney General for the United States, Todd Blanche, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, John A. Eisenberg, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Kash Patel, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the FBI, James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge of the Washington Field Office of the FBI, Darren Cox, and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced today the arrest of MOHAMMAD BAQER SAAD DAWOOD AL-SAADI, an Iraqi national and senior member of Kata’ib Hizballah, a U.S. designated foreign terrorist organization (“FTO”). AL-SAADI was charged by Complaint with six counts of terrorism-related offenses for his activities as an operative of Kata’ib Hizballah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (“IRGC”), including his involvement in nearly 20 attacks and attempted attacks throughout Europe and the United States. AL-SAADI was arrested on the charges contained in the Complaint, which was unsealed today, transferred into U.S. custody overseas, and transported to the United States. AL-SAADI was presented earlier today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn in Manhattan federal court and ordered detained pending trial.
“Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, a commander for the terrorist organization, Kata’ib Hizballah, faces serious charges for his role in numerous attacks against U.S. interests across the globe, including his efforts to kill on U.S. soil,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “As alleged, for years, Al-Saadi committed himself to furthering the terrorist goals of Kata’ib Hizballah and the IRGC, two terrorist organizations dedicated to harming the United States and its allies. More recently, Al-Saadi attempted to carry out attacks in the United States, including in New York City. Al-Saadi attempted to disrupt American society through intimidation and violence. In a righteous and just contrast, his prosecution will highlight the best of our country. Those who engage in or support terrorism against Americans and on U.S. soil should take note: the whole of the federal government is committed to dismantling terrorist organizations and bringing their members to justice. I commend our law enforcement partners for their outstanding investigative work resulting in the arrest of Al-Saadi, who will now face justice in a U.S. court.”
“Thanks to the dedication and vigilance of law enforcement, this alleged terrorist commander is now in U.S. custody,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “As alleged in the complaint, Al-Saadi directed and urged others to attack U.S. and Israeli interests and to kill Americans and Jews in the U.S. and abroad, and in doing so advance the terrorist goals of Kata’ib Hizballah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. These charges show American law enforcement will never let such evil go unchecked, and will use all tools to disrupt and dismantle foreign terrorist organizations and their leaders.”
”As alleged, Al-Saadi coordinated a wave of attacks across Europe, including bombings, arson, and assaults targeting American communities and interests,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “The complaint further alleges that Al-Saadi discussed attacking locations in New York, California, and Arizona and presented a serious threat to our national security. We will continue to work closely with international partners to hold terrorists accountable in U.S. courts.”
“The FBI’s successful FTOC of Mohammad Al-Saadi, another high-value target responsible for mass global terrorism, is just the latest success in this administration’s historic work to bring terrorists to justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This was a righteous mission executed brilliantly by our agents, investigators, CIRG tactical units and interagency partners who delivered yet again. We are greatly appreciative of the work of our allies around the world—especially to Ambassador Tom Barrack, who led this joint sequenced operation and has been instrumental in bringing this successful mission home to the United States.”
“In the span of just three months, Mohammad Al-Saadi allegedly directed 18 terrorist attacks throughout Europe—including against United States citizens and interests—and planned to conduct a similar attack here in our country,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “The FBI New York’s Joint Terrorism Task Force maintains its unwavering resolve to hold accountable leaders of foreign terrorist organizations who utilize mass fear and suffering to further their anti-American agenda.”
"As a senior member of a designated foreign terrorist organization, al-Saadi allegedly directed the planning and coordination of 18 terrorist attacks and attempted terrorist attacks targeting U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world," said Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Darren Cox. "Thanks to the FBI's diligence, the defendant will face justice on American soil. The FBI and our partners remain steadfast in our pursuit of all terrorists who threaten our country and our allies."
“This case puts into stark relief the global threats posed by the Iranian regime and its proxies like Kata’ib Hizballah—Foreign Terrorist Organizations that have repeatedly targeted Jewish communities across Europe and the United States since the war began,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Working with our law enforcement partners, we disrupted a plot against a Manhattan synagogue, and in partnership with the synagogue’s leadership, ensured its security when the threat was elevated. The NYPD’s work in this case, from officers assigned to the JTTF, to intelligence analysis provided through our international liaison program, helped protect the streets of our city. The NYPD has the most robust municipal counterterrorism and intelligence capacity of any city in the world, which is only strengthened by our partnership with federal agencies on cases like this one.”
According to the allegations contained in the Complaint, and statements made during court proceedings:[1]
AL-SAADI is a commander for Kata’ib Hizballah, a U.S. designated FTO operating in Iraq that is closely aligned with the IRGC. The IRGC, which is also a U.S. designated FTO, is an Iranian military and counterintelligence agency that operates under the authority of Iran’s Supreme Leader. The IRGC has publicly stated its desire and intention to conduct operations targeting those perceived to be enemies of the Iranian regime, and it has plotted and conducted attack operations targeting, among others, U.S. citizens residing abroad and in the United States, including attacks that resulted in the deaths of U.S. citizens. Iran and the IRGC use other terrorist and paramilitary proxies in the region to take lethal action and to carry out operations against the United States and its allies. These proxies include Kata’ib Hizballah, which has received extensive training, funding, logistical support, weapons, and intelligence from the IRGC’s external operations force, the IRGC Qods Force (“IRGC-QF”).
As alleged in the Complaint, AL-SAADI worked closely with Qasem Soleimani, the longtime commander of the IRGC-QF who was killed during a U.S. airstrike in or about 2020, as well as Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was the leader of Kata’ib Hizballah until he was killed in the same airstrike that killed Soleimani. Below are photographs from one of AL-SAADI’s social media accounts of AL-SAADI with Soleimani, including at a military-related facility:
In addition, as alleged, AL-SAADI has called on others to attack and kill Americans, including in retribution for Soleimani’s and al-Muhandis’s deaths. On or about July 2, 2020, for example, AL-SAADI published on one of his social media accounts the following image of the U.S. capitol in rubbles projected against the faces of Soleimani and al-Muhandis, with the text “our revenge for the martyred leaders is ongoing. No negotiations with the occupier.”
In recent months, AL-SAADI has also allegedly directed and urged others to attack U.S. and Israeli interests, including by killing Americans and Jews, to further the terrorist goals of Kata’ib Hizballah and the IRGC. In or about February 2026, for example, AL-SAADI posted on one of his social media accounts a message in Arabic, which read in part, “Do not abandon the blood of your Imam of the time, oh Shiites of Iraq. Kill everyone who supports America and Israel. Do not leave any of them remaining. Civil and military targets, as well as voices of discord, kill them everywhere.”
As alleged, over the last several months, AL-SAADI and his associates have planned, coordinated, and claimed responsibility for at least 18 terrorist attacks in Europe (the “European Terrorist Attacks”), as well as two additional attacks in Canada, in the name of Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, a component of Kata’ib Hizballah. On or about March 9, 2026—the day of the first of the European Terrorist Attacks—AL-SAADI posted on one of his social media accounts a message calling on “warriors of Islam” to engage in “jihad,” or violent holy war. From that point on, AL-SAADI and his associates allegedly have carried out attacks against U.S. interests. AL-SAADI and Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya have also published videos of the attacks.
For example, on or about March 15, 2026, individuals carried out an attack involving explosives against the Bank of New York Mellon, an American bank, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The next day, on or about March 16, 2026, AL-SAADI posted a propaganda video of the attack, in which Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya claimed responsibility for the attack. The video also showed aspects of the attack planning, including maps of the location of where the attack would be and a message which read: “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful This is the Final Warning[.] To all the peoples of the world, especially in the European Union, Immediately distance yourselves [] from all American and Zionist interests, facilities, and what is affiliated with them.”
Similar attacks continued in or about March and April 2026, accompanied by videos allegedly published by AL-SAADI in which Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya claimed responsibility for the attacks. In one such attack, on or about April 12, 2026, an arson was allegedly committed against a synagogue in Skopje, North Macedonia. On or about April 16, 2026, AL-SAADI posted a video showing the site of that attack with a red target symbol and surveillance footage of the synagogue on fire, as depicted in the screenshots below with the logo of Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya in the upper right corner of the images (circled in red):
In another attack, on or about April 29, 2026, two Jewish men—including a dual U.S.-British citizen—were stabbed and seriously injured in London, United Kingdom.
In addition, in or about April and May 2026, AL-SAADI, on behalf of Kata’ib Hizballah and the IRGC, allegedly attempted to coordinate and carry out terrorist attacks to kill individuals in the United States, including by targeting Jewish institutions in New York, New York, and elsewhere. On or about April 3, 2026, AL-SAADI spoke to an undercover law enforcement officer (“UC-1”) whom AL-SAADI believed could carry out attacks in the United States. That day, AL-SAADI texted UC-1 photographs and maps showing the exact location of a prominent Jewish synagogue located in New York, New York (the “New York Synagogue”), as well as two additional U.S.-based Jewish institutions in Los Angeles, California, and Scottsdale, Arizona, respectively, and directed UC-1 to carry out terrorist attacks against those targets. AL-SAADI also spoke on the phone with UC-1, and discussed with UC-1, with respect to the New York Synagogue, whether UC-1 would use an improvised explosive device or “set the place on fire.” Fortunately, no such attacks occurred at the time.
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AL-SAADI, 32, of Iraq, has been charged with: (i) conspiring to provide material support to Kata’ib Hizballah, a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (ii) conspiring to provide material support to the IRGC, a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (iii) conspiring to provide material support for acts of terrorism of attempting and conspiring to murder nationals of the United States, and bombing and conspiring to bomb a place of public use, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison; (iv) providing material support for acts of terrorism, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison; (v) conspiring to bomb a place of public use, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison; and (vi) attempted destruction of property by means of fire or explosive, which carries a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
The statutory maximum and mandatory minimum penalties are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the NYPD, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies, and the FBI Washington Field Office, Counterterrorism Division, as well as the assistance of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section, the Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the NYPD, and the New York State Police. Mr. Clayton also offered particular thanks to the U.S. Department of State, and in particular Ambassador Thomas Barrack and Ambassador Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun.
This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey W. Coyle and Sarah L. Kushner are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Paul Casey and James Donnelly of the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Houston Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge for Burglarizing ATM in Hardin CountyRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Houston, Texas, man pled guilty yesterday to burglarizing a Hardin County bank’s ATM and stealing over $48,000.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Jeremy Thompson of the Elizabethtown Police Department made the announcement.
Jesse Kayembe, 26, of Houston, Texas, and others working with him, stole a truck in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Kayembe drove the stolen truck to the WesBanco Bank in Elizabethtown, hooked it to the ATM, and drove forward, ripping open the ATM door and vault. Kayembe and another individual took the cash drawers from the ATM, resulting in a loss to the bank of over $48,000.
Kayembe pled guilty to one count of bank larceny. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 22, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Additionally, Kayembe will be required to pay restitution.
United States Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner stated, “Across the country banks have unfortunately been the victims of numerous incidents where criminals ripped open ATMs and stole cash. These crimes cause significant economic harm and disruption to banks and their customers. Our office will simply not stand for this brazen criminality. I commend our law enforcement partners for catching this criminal.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson said, "Financial institutions are a vital part of the American way of life. When reckless criminals steal from banks to feed their personal greed, it not only causes disruption and damage to the business, but also puts bank customers and innocent bystanders in harm’s way. The FBI will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners every day to keep our communities safe."
Elizabethtown Police Chief Jeremy Thompson stated, “This conviction and sentencing is an incredible example of collaboration between local and federal law enforcement. Intelligence led policing allowed us to know the suspects were in our area committing crimes. This should send a message to criminals everywhere; crime will not be tolerated in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Louisville Field Office and the Elizabethtown Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Lantz is prosecuting the case.
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Homeland Security Task Force investigation leads to additional narcotics seizures, current total of more than 700 pounds of suspected cocaine with street value of $5.8 millionRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Ongoing investigation stemming from the arrest earlier this week of two Southwest Ohio relatives has led investigators to taking an additional 244 kilograms of suspected cocaine from the alleged drug traffickers.
Damian Galan, 31, of Cincinnati, and Diego Galan, 19, of Fairfield, appeared in federal court on Monday following their weekend arrests by agents with the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF). Their case was announced at that time and involved approximately 80 kilograms of cocaine.
During subsequent searches of properties, investigators discovered an additional 244 kilograms of suspected cocaine in locations near Columbus. In total, the case thus far involves 325 kilograms, or approximately 716 pounds, of narcotics. The street value of the drugs seized is more than $5.8 million dollars.
According to charging documents, the DEA Cincinnati District Office, the Cincinnati Police Department and other agencies within the Cincinnati Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) received information regarding the Galans’ potential drug trafficking throughout the Southern District of Ohio and elsewhere.
Surveillance of the men, as well as additional investigation, led law enforcement officials to locations in the Columbus area on May 9. Those involved in the organization were seen traveling in tandem to locations suspected of storing narcotics and drug proceeds.
The defendants then allegedly traveled to Diego’s residence in Fairfield, where they moved the four storage containers observed being placed in their vehicle.
Law enforcement officials executed search warrants at both Galan residences. They discovered four kilograms of suspected cocaine and a firearm at Damian Galan’s home. The search of Diego Galan’s residence recovered the storage bins – which contained approximately 77 kilograms of suspected cocaine – along with bulk cash, firearms and suspected methamphetamine.
The men were arrested in the early morning hours of May 10.
They are each charged with conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, a federal crime punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio and members of the HSTF, including the DEA, Cincinnati Police Department, FBI, HSI and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office’s Regional Narcotics Unit (RENU), announced the charges. Executive Assistant United States Attorney Christy L. Muncy is representing the United States in this case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of 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.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Guatemalan National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Sentenced to Federal Prison for Traveling to Washington to Sexually Abuse a MinorRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in Culver, Oregon, was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for traveling hours across state lines to sexually abuse a minor victim.
Leonias Juber Ramos-Garcia, 26, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release.
According to court documents, in February 2025, Ramos-Garcia gave the minor victim a note with cash and professed his affection for the minor. In March 2025, Ramos-Garcia sent sexually explicit messages to the minor victim and secured a hotel in Central Oregon where he sexually abused the victim. In April 2025, Ramos-Garcia traveled from Oregon to Washington and booked a second hotel where he again sexually abused the victim.
On November 18, 2025, Ramos-Garcia pleaded guilty to traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the FBI, with assistance from the DEA and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.
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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Guatemalan Man Sentenced for Assault on Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JACOBO EDUARDO US-REAL (“US-REAL”), age 19, was sentenced on Thursday, May 7, 2026, by United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey, after previously pleading guilty to assaulting a federal officer, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 111(a)(1), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
US-REAL, who has been detained since his arrest on February 9, 2026, was sentenced to 5 months imprisonment. Once US-REAL has served his sentence, he will be deported.
According to court records, on January 14, 2026, three federal law enforcement officers of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) were conducting targeted enforcement operations in Metairie, Louisiana to apprehend removable aliens. The three ICE ERO officers are referred to herein as Officers 1, 2, and 3. Officer 1 is referred to as “M.O.V.” in the indictment.
While conducting these operations on Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Metairie, Louisiana, Officer 1 observed a red Nissan Rogue occupied by three males pull into a parking space in the vicinity. Officer 1 observed the three males exit the vehicle and enter a nearby retail store. Officer 1 ran a computer check of the license plate on the Nissan Rogue and learned that the registered owner of the vehicle was the driver with a registration address in Kenner, Louisiana. Through further computer database checks of driver’s identifying information, Officer 1 learned that the driver is a Guatemalan citizen who was previously ordered removed from the United States by an immigration judge in 2017.
Suspecting that the Nissan Rogue contained one or more aliens unlawfully present in the United States, the officers conducted a stop to determine the immigration status of the vehicle occupants. As the stop unfolded, the officers noticed the rear passenger side passenger abruptly exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot. The officers continued with the stop, with the driver and the front passenger, later identified as US-REAL, remaining in the vehicle. During the stop, US-REAL unlocked the front passenger side door and Officer 2 removed US-REAL from the vehicle. Once out of the vehicle, US-REAL began struggling with Officer 2 in an attempt to flee. Officer 2 placed US-REAL on the ground to detain him. Officer 1 moved from the driver side to the passenger side of the vehicle to assist Officer 2. Officer 1 commanded US-REAL to stop resisting in Spanish, but US-REAL continued, so Officer 1 deployed Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray. Officers 1 and 2 handcuffed US-REAL and placed him inside a government vehicle.
Officer 1 approached the government vehicle in which US-REAL was detained to render aid to US-REAL by using bottled water to decontaminate the irritant effects of the OC on US-REAL’s face. As Officer 1 opened the rear vehicle door and reached into the vehicle and attempted to apply the bottled water to US-REAL’s face, US-REAL bit Officer 1’s left middle finger. US-REAL then used his head to push against Officer 1’s chest to escape. The force of the headbutt pushed Officer 1 backwards, and US-REAL pushed his way out of the government vehicle, he repeatedly attempted to bite Officer 1 and fled on foot while still in handcuffs and ultimately escaped.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Veters and Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Kippers of the General Crimes Unit.
Greer Man Sentenced to More than 12 Years in Federal Prison for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, S.C. — Gerald Larson, II, 52, of Greer, has been sentenced to nearly 12 and a half years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
On Oct. 7, 2024, Larson drove from his residence in Greer with kilograms of cocaine. North Carolina Highway Patrol stopped Larson, and a K-9 alerted to the scent of drugs in his vehicle. Law enforcement searched Larson’s car and found a suitcase containing 15 kilograms of cocaine. Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations obtained a search warrant for Larson’s residence and located over $419,000 and an additional 43 kilograms of cocaine. Larson already had numerous prior state convictions out of California for cocaine trafficking and firearms related charges.
United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain sentenced Larson to 151 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, South Carolina Department of Corrections Office of Inspector General, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Greenville City Police Department, Greenville County Drug Enforcement Unit, and the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen is prosecuting the case.###
Georgia Woman Who Faked Identity of Pregnant Teen to Target Adoptive Parents Sentenced on Cyberstalking and Threat OffensesRead the Press Release
A Georgia woman was sentenced today to 20 months in prison and three years of supervised release for cyberstalking, transmitting threats to kidnap or injure in interstate commerce and identity theft.
“Gabryele Watson, an adult woman, stole a pregnant teenager’s identity and cruelly led on couples seeking to adopt a baby, only to later emotionally abuse them, including threatening to terminate the pregnancy and mocking adoptive mothers for not being able to conceive,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “She preyed on would-be parents desperately seeking to adopt a child to add to their family. Her sentence today accounts for the real-world devastation her unrelenting online harassment caused her victims.”
“This defendant, for her own selfish and evil reasons, preyed on the hopes and dreams of a young couple who simply wanted to be parents,” said U.S. Attorney Braden Boucek for the Middle District of Tennessee. “This kind of fraud is devastating to those it affects, it cannot be tolerated, and today’s punishment shows that we will hold those who commit it accountable for their actions.”
“Gabryele Watson’s deliberate actions instilled fear in caring people who longed to adopt a child,” said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “Cyberstalking not only causes panic and anxiety but also leaves victims feeling constantly unsafe and vulnerable. The FBI prioritizes cases involving threats of violence and will always investigate and bring to justice those who use digital platforms to threaten others.”
According to court documents, from May to June 2023, Gabryele Watson, 30, of Athens, Georgia, cyberstalked a married couple living in the Middle District of Tennessee who had been trying to adopt a baby for eight years. To do so, she assumed the identity of a teenager in Pennsylvania who was pregnant (Minor Victim 1), obtaining accurate details about Minor Victim 1 and her pregnancy from Minor Victim 1’s social media posts. Over the next several months, as Minor Victim 1 posted new content on her social media accounts, Watson copied that new content for continued use in her scheme.
Posing as Minor Victim 1, Watson contacted the couple online, initially through her social media adoption page and then later using text spoofing services and other tools and techniques to hide her true identity. In their early conversations, the defendant claimed that she was a teenager facing an unplanned pregnancy and wanted to give her baby up for adoption. She shared detailed information about Minor Victim 1’s life and elicited similar personal information from the couple. Over time, Watson began to demand that the couple be available at all hours to respond to her frequent communications and that they purchase baby-related gear and maternity clothing. Watson also repeatedly threatened to cancel the adoption and claimed that her baby suffered from various life-threatening health emergencies. Watson further threatened to abort or injure the unborn baby, to commit suicide while pregnant, and to kill the couple.
According to court documents, Watson engaged in the same disturbing conduct with another married couple living in the Middle District of Tennessee when she pretended to be a pregnant 18-year-old living in Arkansas. This time, Watson pretended to be pregnant with high-risk twins. She also communicated on speakerphone with the couple’s two young sons and encouraged them to be excited about the adoption. She eventually threatened to kill the couple and their children.
On July 25, 2025, Watson pleaded guilty to cyberstalking, communicating threats to injure in interstate commerce, and unlawful use of a means of identification.
This case was investigated by the FBI Nashville Field Office.
The Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica R. Morrison are prosecuting the case. Former Senior Trial Attorney Mona Sedky provided substantial contributions to the prosecution.
CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime and intellectual property (IP) crime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cyber and IP criminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.
Fraud Division Announces Massive Crackdown for Second Straight Week — Over $1 BILLION in Nationwide Fraud Enforcement ActionsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division announced numerous enforcement actions in the past week, as prosecutors across the country pursued the criminals stealing American taxpayer dollars. Notably, a jury in the Southern District of Florida found the founder and owner of HealthSplash guilty for his role in operating a platform that generated false doctors’ orders and prescriptions to defraud Medicare and other federal health care benefit programs, billing more than $1 billion for unnecessary equipment.
"In the past week, prosecutors throughout the Department secured trial convictions of multiple defendants who ran fraud schemes totaling over a billion dollars,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “I am proud of the fearless men and women of the Fraud Division who are fighting to protect the American people and hold fraudsters accountable.”
Other top highlights from the fight against fraud this week include the following enforcement actions.
Benefits Program Fraud
A federal jury found a tax preparer guilty for operating an unemployment insurance fraud scheme to defraud the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program out of over $11 million in fraudulent unemployment benefits.
A former employee of the U.S. Department of Labor pleaded guilty in Boston to fraudulently obtaining over $40,000 in pandemic unemployment assistance benefits.
In Massachusetts, a woman pleaded guilty to fraudulently receiving Social Security disability benefits after failing to notify Social Security that her husband, whose income exceeded the program’s limits, became part of the household.
A judge in the Middle District of Florida sentenced a defendant to 63 months in federal prison for submitting a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application. The court ordered forfeiture in the amount of $739,582.
A grand jury returned an indictment charging a defendant with wire fraud and theft of government money for concealing the death of her aunt in order to obtain Social Security benefits and City of New York pension benefits that did not belong to her. The indictment seeks forfeiture of more than $75,000.
Health Care Fraud
A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging a podiatrist and two nurses for allegedly submitting fraudulent claims to Mediare for skin substitute services, resulting in Medicare paying $29 million in claims.
Government Fraud
A Danish researcher—and HHS-OIG top ten most wanted fugitive—was arraigned on wire fraud and money laundering charges. The defendant allegedly stole more than $1 million of CDC grant money by submitting fraudulent documents to the Danish government and a Danish hospital where scientists performed research under the CDC grant.
Tax Fraud
A founder and CEO of a Hong Kong financial services firm pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States by helping high-value U.S. taxpayer-clients conceal more than $60 million in income and assets held in offshore bank accounts and evade U.S. taxes.
In the Middle District of Tennessee, a licensed attorney pleaded guilty to filing false tax returns that failed to report millions of dollars in income from cryptocurrency sales and from his consulting business. In total, the defendant caused a tax loss of more than $550,000.
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On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Former Seattle area real estate broker sentenced to prison for fraud on investors and the IRSRead the Press Release
Seattle – A former real estate professional who operated a real estate investment fund was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 55 months in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and multiple counts of wire fraud, money laundering, and tax fraud, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Tamara King, aka Tamara Waln, 56, of Toledo, Ohio, previously resided in Bellevue and Kirkland, Washington. King was convicted in December 2025 following an 8-day jury trial. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez noted that King refuses to accept responsibility for her actions saying, “King testified falsely, she deliberately lied on the witness stand… She was the primary instigator of this fraud… for the most base motivation of all: pure greed.”
“This defendant stole from those who invested not just their money, but their dreams of a secure retirement,” said First Assistant Neil Floyd. “To this day she tries to blame others for her conduct that resulted in convictions for 14 federal felonies. This significant prison time should send a message to other fraudsters that we will investigate and hold defendants accountable.”
“For a decade, investors thought they were prudently saving their hard-earned money for retirement through a real estate fund operated by King and her husband," said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. "Instead, Ms. King drained the account to fund her lavish lifestyle. The FBI and our partners will carefully follow the money to ensure fraudsters are held accountable for their greed and the damage it causes.”
According to records filed in the case, between August 2009 and December 2013, King’s now ex-husband and co-conspirator Paul Waln, 60, solicited investments in a real estate fund called Halcyon. Twenty-two victims, most of whom were Seattle residents, invested $2.25 million in the fund. Waln told investors their funds would be pooled to purchase and renovate an apartment building in West Seattle and then used for other real estate projects. Investors were required to leave their money in the investment pool for ten years. Waln said that at the end of the 10-year period, Waln would return the investment principal and earnings, which he estimated amount to a 20 percent annual return. Waln was entitled to receive a 1% fee for managing the investment fund.
In 2013, Waln married King, who was also a real estate agent. Waln and King then jointly managed the investment fund. Between February 2014 and December 2018, they conspired to misappropriate money from the fund to pay their personal expenses. The pair secretly transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars at a time from the fund to their management company and then transferred the money to King’s personal accounts. Much of that money went to purchase big-ticket luxury items, and she purchased nearly all of those big-ticket items for herself, not Paul Waln.
For example, King financed the purchase of an early edition, Model X Tesla with customized pink trim for $121,950, and purchased a $49,300, 8.5 carat diamond ring. King used another $189,775 to pay back a personal tax debt. King employed her own personal assistant between May 2016 and 2019.
Waln and King were required to distribute the investment funds to investors in 2019. But in October 2019, King informed the investors that all the money was gone, and the investment had failed. All the remaining investors lost their entire investments.
Victims of the fraud described to the court how King’s theft impacted their lives: forcing them to delay retirements, stress over the cost of care for disabled spouses, and made them ashamed that they had been deceived. One wrote, “Tamara King stole that money and had cosmetic procedures. She stole that money and bought a car much nicer than we ever had. She stole that money and lived in a home twice as large as we’ve ever been able to afford. She stole that money and paid her credit card bills from a very extravagant lifestyle. We don’t believe for one minute that she is remorseful or that she will not do it again. Her arrogance and callous, self-centered nature enable her to believe she can get away with anything.”
King also failed to report over $1.6 million in income over three tax years. For those three tax years, King reported $188,116 in total income, when she actually received $1.85 million. The tax loss to the U.S. is $551,758.
"Without considering the harm inflicted on her victims, Ms. King fraudulently spent investor funds to support her lavish lifestyle instead of funding the promised real estate projects," said Special Agent in Charge Carrie Nordyke, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Seattle Field Office. “IRS-CI is committed to protecting our communities from the devastating effects of financial crime, and we will continue to bring criminals and fraudsters like Ms. King to justice.”
The jury convicted King of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, eight counts of wire fraud, two counts of money laundering, and three counts of filing a false tax return.
King’s co-defendant Paul Waln, 60, now of Dallas, Texas, pleaded guilty to the wire fraud conspiracy in June 2025 and was sentenced to 33 months in prison on October 31, 2025.
In asking for a 92-month sentence prosecutors wrote to the court, “She showed an utter lack of respect for the law by giving false, and indeed incredible, testimony to the jury for hours. The sentence must be sufficient to deter others from giving false testimony, and also to promote respect for the law by showing there are severe consequences for lying on the stand.”
King will be on three years of supervised release following her prison term. Judge Martinez scheduled a hearing on July 24, 2026, to determine restitution and forfeiture of assets.
The case was investigated by the FBI and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Seth Wilkinson, Cindy Chang, and Jehiel Baer.
Former Machias Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A former Machias man pleaded guilty on May 14 in U.S. District Court in Bangor to one count of possessing child pornography.
According to court records, in May and June of 2025, Ryan Gatcomb, 19, possessed images and videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The minors lived in other states, and Gatcomb had received the depictions using the internet while he was in the state of Maine. Investigators recovered the images from Gatcomb’s computer and phone. He admitted that he had attempted to delete items from those devices on the morning of June 4, 2025, after being contacted by local law enforcement.
Gatcomb faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to a lifetime of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI investigated the case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.
Project Safe Childhood: 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 the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc.
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Former Federal Prison Employee Convicted of Sexually Abusing Two InmatesRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A federal jury in Rockford has convicted a former employee of the Federal Correctional Institute in Thomson, Ill. of sexually abusing two male inmates.
After a three-day trial, the jury in U.S. District Court in Rockford on Wednesday found DANNY L. SPYKER, 42, guilty of two counts of knowingly engaging in sexual acts with two inmates. Each count is punishable by up to 15 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Sunil R. Harjani set sentencing for Sept. 14, 2026.
According to evidence presented at trial, Spyker worked as a cook supervisor in March 2024 when he knowingly engaged in sexual acts with two inmates. At the time, both victims were in official detention in the prison and under the custodial, supervisory, and disciplinary authority of prison employees, including Spyker.
The conviction was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Matt Loux, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Midwest Regional Office of the Department of Justice’s Office of Inspector General. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan S. Kim and Andrew M. Rosati.
Former California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Employee Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute over 300 Grams of Methamphetamine to Inmates at San Quentin Rehabilitation CenterRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Former California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation employee, Keith Reindeer Randle, pleaded guilty in federal court today to possession with intent to distribute over 300 grams of methamphetamine to inmates at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, formerly known as San Quentin State Prison.
Randle, 56, of Vallejo, California, was charged by Information on March 20, 2025, with one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
In pleading guilty, Randle admitted to soliciting and accepting bribery payments in exchange for smuggling and distributing prison contraband, including methamphetamine, marijuana, and tobacco, to inmates at San Quentin. The scheme went on for years, dating back to at least January 2019 and continuing through August 15, 2024. Randle charged inmates and their associates approximately $1,000 per item he smuggled into the prison and initially received payments directly from inmates. However, fearing law enforcement might uncover his contraband and drug distribution scheme, Randle began to solicit and accept bribery payments from the associates of inmates rather than inmates themselves. On August 15, 2024, Randle was caught inside San Quentin with a hollowed out peanut butter jar containing 301 grams of methamphetamine, as well as marijuana. The peanut butter jar was painted brown and glued shut to appear full and unopened.
Randle profited significantly from his years-long bribery and drug distribution scheme. For example, from January 2019 through April 2020, Randle was paid $31,000 from associates of inmates to his PayPal account in exchange for smuggling contraband into the prison. As another example, from July 2021 through August 2022, Randle received approximately $40,926 via Cash App from an inmate’s wife in exchange for smuggling contraband to her husband at San Quentin. In 2023 and 2024, Randle primarily only accepted bribery payments in cash. On October 1, 2024, federal law enforcement seized $55,210 in cash from Randle’s two residences, all of which Randle admitted were proceeds from his bribery and drug distribution scheme. In total, Randle admitted to soliciting and accepting over $100,000 in bribery payments from inmates and their associates. With the illicit proceeds, Randle admitted to making numerous purchases, such as buying cars, motorcycles, and other assets.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Cobo made the announcement.
Randle’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 21, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Susan Illston. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 40 years’ imprisonment and a $5,000,000 fine in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B)(viii), possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Any sentence will be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin K. Kleinman is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Amala James, Analisse Iniguez, and Veronica Hernandez. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
Five Members of New Jersey and Philadelphia Drug Trafficking Organization—including Two Jamaican Nationals—Arrested in NJ-Homeland Security Task Force OperationRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – Five members and associates of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in southern New Jersey and Philadelphia—including two Jamaican citizens—were arrested this week and charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
“As alleged, this drug trafficking organization distributed large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine throughout southern New Jersey and Philadelphia while operating across state and national borders. Working through the Homeland Security Task Force and alongside our federal, state, and local partners, this Office is committed to dismantling transnational drug trafficking networks that flood our communities with deadly narcotics and fuel violence and addiction.”
- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer
“This investigation dismantled a drug trafficking organization responsible for flooding communities across southern New Jersey and Philadelphia with dangerous quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine,” said DEA New Jersey Field Division Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James. “The seizures in this case represent lives potentially saved from the devastating impact of these deadly narcotics. DEA and our law enforcement partners remain committed to targeting transnational criminal organizations that profit from addiction and violence, and we will continue using every investigative tool available to identify, disrupt, and dismantle these networks operating in our communities.”
This week’s charges are the result of a long-term wiretap investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Agency New Jersey Field Division’s Atlantic County HIDTA Task Force and the New Jersey State Police’s Gangs and Organized Crime South Unit.
Andrew Davis, a/k/a “Flip Mogella,” a/k/a “Floss King,” 47, a Jamaican citizen living in East Nottingham Township, Pennsylvania; Clifford Brown, 52, a Jamaican citizen living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Damion Jones, 44, of Millville, New Jersey; James McBride, 53, of Marlton, New Jersey; and Jule Stubbs, 51, of Millville, New Jersey, all had their initial court appearances earlier this week before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ann Marie Donio in Camden federal court and were detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In order to take down this DTO, law enforcement obtained wire-tap orders for Davis’s phones, conducted controlled drug purchases with a confidential source, performed physical and electronic surveillance, and executed search warrants. The investigation showed that the DTO distributed large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl/fentanyl analogue, and cocaine. The DTO obtained the drugs from packages sent to addresses the DTO controlled in southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia area. The complaint describes some of the drugs seized by law enforcement as part of the investigation, including more than 38 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, more than 7.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine, and almost 1 kilogram of fentanyl/fentanyl analogue.
The count charging conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute carries a maximum potential penalty of life imprisonment, a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $10 million.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents and task force officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James, and personnel with the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Acting Superintendent Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Jeanne Hengemuhle, with the investigation leading to the charges in this case. U.S. Attorney Frazer also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, under the direction of U.S. Attorney David Metcalf, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark, the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Andy Johns, and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw, for their assistance in the investigation.
These arrests 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 Atlantic City comprises agents and officers from DEA, FBI, and HSI with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Bender and Dak Cohen of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel:
Davis: Edward F. Borden, Jr., Esq., Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Brown: Ikram Ally, Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Camden, New Jersey
McBride: Jonathan Sobel, Esq., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Jones: Jordan Zeitz, Esq., Haddonfield, New Jersey
Stubbs: Gina Amoriello, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
stubbs.complaint.pdfFederal Jury Convicts Former USC Employee for Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Mohammad Ebrahim Torki Harchegani, 40, a legal permanent resident of the United States and Iranian citizen, has been convicted by a federal jury following a three-day trial. Harchegani was found guilty on one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.
Evidence introduced at trial showed that on Dec. 3-4, 2024, multiple agencies with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force participated in an online chat operation targeting child sex offenders where an officer posed as a 14-year-old girl. Harchegani met the undercover officer on an online dating application and began messaging with her. Shortly thereafter, he engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the alleged 14-year-old girl over the course of multiple days. Harchegani used the name “Alex Shaw,” along with at least two other aliases, in an effort to disguise his identity. Harchegani ultimately traveled to the residence where he believed the girl was home alone to engage in sexual activities with her. He was arrested thereafter.
Harchegani was a researcher at the University of South Carolina at the time of the chat. Upon his arrest, his employment was suspended and his contract with the university was not renewed.“Those who target children in our state will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “I’d like to thank our law enforcement partners at the FBI, South Carolina Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, and our prosecution team for bringing this defendant to justice.”
“The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our mission to protect children from those who exploit them,” said FBI Columbia Special Agent in Charge Kevin Moore. “This verdict marks a victory in the fight to safeguard children. We applaud the jury for delivering justice and commend the investigative team and prosecutors who worked tirelessly to ensure this outcome.”
Harchegani faces a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution. U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis presided over the trial and will sentence Harchegani after receiving and reviewing a pre-sentence report from the U.S. Probation Office.
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.
The FBI Columbia Field Office, the South Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department participated in the online chat operation and investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elle E. Klein and Winston Holliday are prosecuting the case.###
District of Arizona Charges 299 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct this WeekRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – During the week of enforcement operations from May 9, 2026, through May 15, 2026, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 299 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 147 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 137 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 15 cases against 15 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Recent matters of interest include:
United States v. Kyle Bowman Marsaw. Kyle Bowman Marsaw was charged by complaint on May 11, 2026, with one count of Transportation of Illegal Aliens for Profit. On May 9, Border Patrol agents observed a Dodge Ram travelling southbound on a highway on the Tohono O'odham Nation then 13 minutes later traveling back north. Agents attempted to stop the vehicle to conduct an immigration inspection, but the driver failed to yield. Agents pursued the vehicle, which reached speeds of 98 mph. The pursuit was terminated, and agents relayed the direction of travel to other agents in the area. Approximately 30 minutes later, the Ram activated a camera, and agents responded to the location, following tire tracks until the Ram was located near a cemetery, unoccupied. Agents then followed footprints and, with the assistance of a K9 unit and air asset, located an individual, later identified as Kyle Bowman Marsaw, hiding in the brush. The air asset was able to guide agents to two other individuals dressed in camouflage hiding in the brush who were determined to be citizens of Mexico, illegally present in the United States. Agents learned that Marsaw was the driver of the Ram and had picked up the two illegal aliens, who had been instructed by their guide to hide in the brush and wait to be picked up. [Case Number: 26-MJ-00426 TUC]
United States v. Derek Dialesandro Amperez-Toledo. Derek Dialesandro Amperez-Toledo was charged by complaint on May 13, 2026, with one count of Transportation of Illegal Aliens for Profit. On May 12, Border Patrol Agents on the Tohono O'odham Nation were advised to be on the lookout for a black BMW potentially involved in human smuggling. Agents located the vehicle and attempted to stop it to conduct an immigration inspection, but the vehicle failed to yield and rapidly accelerated. Agents successfully deployed a vehicle immobilization device. The vehicle then drove off the road and continued for approximately one quarter of a mile before coming to a stop. Multiple individuals then exited the vehicle and ran away. Agents pursued them on foot and apprehended four subjects, including Amperez-Toledo and three citizens of Mexico illegally present in the United States. Agents learned that Amperez-Toledo was the driver of the vehicle who picked up the subjects. Once inside the vehicle, Amperez-Toledo instructed the subjects to get down inside the vehicle to avoid detection by Border Patrol. When the vehicle eventually stopped, the defendant instructed the subjects to flee on foot. [Case Number: 26-MJ-00619 TUC]
United States v. Ever Emmanuel Gonzalez. On May 11, 2026, Ever Emmanuel Gonzalez was charged by criminal complaint with Transportation of an Illegal Alien for Profit and Improper Entry by an Alien. On May 11, 2026, a Department of Public Safety trooper observed that a silver Ford Fusion’s license plate was not properly affixed and was consistently flapping as the car drove. The trooper initiated a traffic stop. The driver, Ever Emmanual Gonzalez, identified himself by his Mexican driver’s license and appeared visibly nervous. The Fusion had three occupants. After further investigation, the trooper contacted Border Patrol for assistance, who determined that Gonzalez and all three passengers were citizens of Mexico, illegally present in the United States. [Case Number: 26-MJ-3135 – Phoenix]
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-077_May 15, 2026, Immigration Enforcement
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Defendants Sentenced to Prison in COVID-19 Employment Tax Credit Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – On May 14, 2026, Edward Zanes, 51, of Kingsport, Tennessee the last of three defendants charged in an extensive Covid-19 employment tax credit fraud scheme, was sentenced to 65 months in prison by the Honorable Judge Clifton Corker, United States District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. Following his release, Zanes will be on supervised release for three years.
This sentence follows an 84-month term of prison imposed earlier this year on co-defendant, Ryan Glidewell, 53, of Kingsport, Tennessee and a 50-month prison term imposed last year on co-defendant, Alyssa Glidewell, 36, of Kingsport, Tennessee for their respective roles in the fraud scheme. Both co-defendants will be on supervised release for three years following their release from imprisonment. Judge Corker also ordered the three to pay $1,806,637 in restitution to the United States.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Ryan Glidewell, Alyssa Glidewell, Edward Zanes, and others, conspired to file false tax returns seeking refunds based on the Employee Retention Credit and paid Sick and Family Leave Credit, both of which were created by Congress to aid struggling businesses during the COVID-19 global pandemic. The defendants, led by Ryan Glidewell, created at least eleven phony businesses, which lacked any employees or operations, for the sole purpose of falsely claiming the credits. Members of the conspiracy then filed numerous false tax returns for those businesses and directed the tax refunds to be mailed to addresses controlled by conspirators.
In total, the false returns filed from the eleven sham businesses claimed over $3.4 million in tax refunds, of which the IRS paid $1.8 million.
“The defendants in this case exploited governmental efforts to assist businesses during a time of unprecedented uncertainty,” said U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III for the Eastern District of Tennessee. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to vigorously prosecute individuals that steal from the citizenry through tax fraud.”
“Edward Zanes and his co-conspirators created fake companies, filed fraudulent tax forms, and tried to steal from programs meant to help Americans during the pandemic,” said Donald “Trey” Eakins, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Charlotte Field Office. “IRS CI special agents, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to uncover COVID-19 relief fraud and hold anyone who files false tax returns fully accountable.”
IRS Criminal Investigation and the United States Secret Service investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Blackwell and Mac Heavener, and Trial Attorney Zachary A. Cobb formerly with the Justice Department’s Tax Division, represented the United States.
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D.C. Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for March 2025 Shooting and March 2025 CarjackingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Keon Preston, 19, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today in Superior Court today to eight years in prison for his participation in an armed carjacking which took place on March 23, 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“It is only by the grace of God that the victim in this case is still alive. These violent teen criminals fired over 30 rounds at the victim and it’s a miracle that this was not a homicide,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Their shooting and carjacking spree shows their lack of regard for human beings, and one wonders whether they should be a part of a civilized society.”
Preston pleaded guilty on September 19, 2025, to assault with intent to kill, possession of a machine gun, and carjacking. His co-defendant, Mekhi Greene, 19, who was seventeen years old at the time of the carjacking and charged under Title 16, pleaded guilty the same day to carjacking. The Honorable Judge Deborah Israel sentenced Preston to eight years of incarceration, to be followed by three years of supervised probation. Greene is scheduled to be sentenced on July 31, 2026.
According to the government’s evidence, on the afternoon of March 23, 2025, in the 4600 block of G Street Southeast, Preston and two other unidentified suspects fired approximately 30 rounds at a victim as the victim exited his house to walk towards a bus stop. Although the victim was not hit, multiple rounds struck the victim’s house and car.
Later that evening, Preston, Greene, and two unidentified suspects, approached the 3500 block of East Capitol Street, Northeast, wearing masks and dark clothing, and carjacked a victim at gunpoint. After Metropolitan Police Department officers attempted to stop the stolen vehicle, the vehicle abruptly pulled into a dead end on the corner of 33rd Street Southeast and C Street Southeast and the defendants fled on foot. Officers recovered two illegal firearms from the vehicle, one of which had an automatic conversion switch. Preston and Greene were arrested at the scene and have been in custody since.
Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Green.
2025-CF3-003167
D.C. Man Sentenced to 13.5 Years in Prison for Burglary and Robbery Charges including Stealing the Victim’s DogRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jeffrey Birth, 45, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 13 and a half years in prison in connection with the January 3, 2025, robbery of a victim in Northwest, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Following a jury trial, Birth was found guilty on March 10, 2026, on six counts, including burglary, robbery, assault with intent to commit robbery, unlawful possession of ammunition, and contempt. On March 31, 2026, Birth pleaded guilty to three additional counts of possession of a controlled substance, contempt, and a violation of the Bail Reform Act for failing to appear in court.
In the early morning of January 3, 2025, Birth, who was barred from the apartment building, knocked on the door of a resident inside 1221 M St. NW. When the occupant opened the door, the defendant pushed his way inside and threatened to kill the occupant. Birth demanded money and, when the occupant did not give him money, Birth took phones, a wallet, an iPad, and the occupant’s dog before leaving. Several hours later, MPD officers located the dog in an apartment linked to Birth. A search of the apartment revealed several debit cards in the occupant’s name and two mobile phones belonging to the occupant. When Birth was arrested, he was found in possession of bullets for an unlicensed handgun.
Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). They acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorney Nickolas Reck and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kraig Ahalt, who prosecuted the case.
2025 CF3 002621
D.C. Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Shooting at His Romantic PartnerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Michael Manley, 24, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for shooting his 32-year-old girlfriend in April 2025, while she sat in her car, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“Today’s sentence cannot undo the pain the victim has endured, but it sends a clear message that acts of violence against intimate partners will be met with serious consequences here in the District,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Our office is committed to standing up for survivors and ensuring that justice is served.”
Manley pleaded guilty on December 16, 2025, to one count each of assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful discharge of a firearm and destruction of property. Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe ordered Manley to serve the 10-year prison term to be followed by five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, Manley and the victim were in a romantic relationship for several months. On April 11, 2025, the victim was sitting in her car in front of her residence when the defendant approached her vehicle and shot at her through the driver’s side window. This was not the only time that Manley was violent towards her. On other occasions, he destroyed her property, shot at her apartment building, and repeatedly returned to her residence in violation of a court-issued stay away.
Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department.
Finally, they thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olivia Hinerfeld and Ariel Lieberman, who prosecuted the case.
2025 FD3 004531
Convicted Felon Charged with Drug & Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
Gainesville, Florida – Quardarell Henry Robinson, 38, of Williston, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for manufacturing crack cocaine, possessing with the intent to distribute multiple controlled substances, possessing a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime, and possessing multiple firearms as a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.
Robinson appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Midori Lowry in Gainesville, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for June 17, 2026, at 8:30 am before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor.
Robinson faces up to life imprisonment for possessing a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime, at least 5 years of which must be consecutive to any other sentence. Robinson also faces up to thirty years’ imprisonment for each of the controlled substance offenses and up to 15 years’ imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The case was jointly investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Florida Highway Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Hapner and James A. McCain.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
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.
Chinese National Guilty of Violating Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ZIHANG ZENG (“ZENG”), age 24, a resident of China, pled guilty on May 13, 2026, before United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, a mixture and substance containing one hundred (100) kilograms or more of a detectable amount of marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846, announced the U.S. Attorney's Office.
According to court documents, on April 14, 2025, DEA Special Agents observed Yilei Zhou pick up Hanjie Wu, a known marijuana distributor, from an airport in Houston, Texas and drive him to a residence in Katy, Texas, where they picked up ZENG, then drove to Denham Springs, Louisiana. The following day, two other individuals, Wei Bin Chen and Like Chen, left the Denham Springs residence and traveled to a nearby storage facility where they retrieved multiple large trash bags from a storage unit before driving to another storage facility in Slidell, Louisiana. Zhou and Wu then drove to same facility in Slidell where they all met with an individual identified as Aaron Steele. Wei Bin and Like Chen then loaded the large trash bags into Steele’s vehicle and all parties left the storage facility.
Forrest County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop of Chen’s vehicle on Interstate 59 headed towards Hattiesburg, Mississippi. A consensual search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 43.5 kilograms of marijuana.
Mississippi Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop of Steele’s vehicle on Interstate 59 in Picayune, Mississippi. A consensual search of his vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 22.7 kilograms of marijuana.
Based on the seizures that occurred in Slidell and Mississippi, Livingston Parish officers obtained search warrants for the residence and storage facility in Denham Springs. When the officers arrived at the residence, ZENG ran from the residence and was arrested. Inside the residence, officers located $1,552.00 in currency, hundreds of rubber bands, a vacuum sealer and a money counter. From the storage unit, officers seized 38.5 kilograms of marijuana.
On the drug conspiracy count, ZENG faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a maximum term of imprisonment of forty (40) years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, at least four (4) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, Forrest County Mississippi Sheriff’s Office, and the Picayune, Mississippi Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys André Jones and Nolan D. Paige of the Narcotics Unit.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of 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 New Orleans comprises agents and officers from the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Chinese Man Sentenced for International KidnappingRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. –A Chinese national lawfully residing in the United States, Hao Qiu, 39, was sentenced on Friday to 30 months by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell for international parental kidnapping.
Qiu, a citizen of China, has three children with a United States citizen who resided in Fayette County. Qiu and the children’s mother negotiated an agreement, through their attorneys in a custody case, for Qiu to drive the children on a vacation to Florida. Unknown to their mother, Qiu obtained duplicate Chinese passports for each of the three children and made reservations to fly all of them to Beijing, China, through multiple countries. Qui drove the children to California and then removed the children from the U.S., by crossing the border to Mexico. They then flew from Mexico to Cuba to Panama, where the Panamanian authorities detained Qiu as he and the children were boarding a flight to Turkey. Following a rapid response by the FBI, the Department of State, and the Department of Justice, the Panamanian authorities ultimately returned the children to their mother’s custody.
Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Filed Office jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Boone is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Challenge to Sable Pipeline in California DismissedRead the Press Release
The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California yesterday dismissed the complaint in Center for Biological Diversity v. Burgum – one of several cases challenging Sable Offshore Corp.’s oil and gas operations at the Santa Ynez Unit in the Santa Barbara Channel.
In April 2025, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a decision concluding that Sable was not required to revise its development and production plan for the Unit under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. The plaintiffs then sued and sought a court order compelling the Bureau to require a revised plan. Instead, the court dismissed the lawsuit because the plaintiffs’ asserted procedural injury had no basis in the statute, was not traceable to any action by BOEM, and could not be redressed by an order of the court. Among other problems the court identified with the plaintiffs’ case, they invoked a provision of the statute that governs “approval of a development and production plan,” not revision of an already-existing plan.
“This decision is a clear-eyed interpretation of federal law in keeping with the Supreme Court’s instruction in Loper Bright to follow the best interpretation of statutes,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “Our defense of BOEM’s decision supports domestic energy production in furtherance of President Donald J. Trump’s directive to unleash American energy.”
Sable Offshore was required to immediately resume petroleum transportation through the Santa Ynez Pipeline System pursuant to a Defense Production Act order issued by Energy Secretary Chris Wright on March 13. Since then, the Unit has been transporting about 30,000 barrels of oil per day to California and is expected to reach 60,000 barrels per day.
Attorneys with ENRD’s Natural Resources Section handled this matter.
Challenge Dropped to Air Force’s Fighter Jet Training Operations in Eastern OregonRead the Press Release
Earlier this month, the Oregon Natural Desert Association voluntarily dismissed its suit that alleged that the Air Force was illegally discharging countermeasures — chaff and flares — into waterways as part of its fighter jet training operations over the Paradise North area of eastern Oregon. The suit alleged that these releases from aircraft entered waterways and violated the Clean Water Act because the Air Force did not have a permit to do so. The Air Force denied that its operations required a permit in light of an April 20 determination by President Donald J. Trump to exempt for one year the Air Force’s fighter jet training operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada from federal, state, and local requirements respecting the control land abatement of water pollution. The dismissal will minimize any disruption of the Air Force’s training program and save significant time and resources that the litigation would have required.
“Given how critical the Air Force’s training operations are to the nation’s military readiness and national defense, we are gratified to see this case dismissed,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “Congress granted the President the authority to exempt certain military operations from Clean Water Act requirements, and doing so here ensures that our pilots continue to receive the best training in the world.”
Military aircraft have been training in eastern Oregon since Mountain Home Army Air Field opened in August 1942. The Air Force currently conducts aerial fighter training for aircraft — primarily F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft — and pilots stationed at the base. This aerial flight training takes place within six Military Operation Areas, including the Paradise North desert lands in southeastern Oregon, as part of the Air Force’s ongoing mission to train and equip America’s elite cadre of fighter pilots. The training occurs over an expansive area and may include fighter jets releasing chaff and flares into the atmosphere as practice for defending against RADAR-guided weapons and heat-seeking missiles. For several decades, the Air Force has, at times, used chaff and flares during aerial training at Mountain Home Air Force Base.
Attorneys with ENRD’s Natural Resources Section handled this matter.
California Man Arrested for Violating Lacey Act for Plot to Illegally Export Trafficked TurtlesRead the Press Release
This week, Donald Do, of Daly City, California, was arrested on federal wildlife trafficking charges. Do is charged with conspiracy and Lacey Act crimes related to submitting false paperwork to obtain a federal export permit and trying to ship protected turtles to Asia.
The indictment alleges that between December 2022 and May 2024, Do and a California accomplice attempted to export 292 loggerhead musk turtles to Taiwan. Do’s co-conspirator obtained an export permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) based on a false claim by Do that he hatched and raised the turtles when he had not.
After obtaining the export permit, Do allegedly bought musk turtles poached from the wild in Florida and elsewhere, and tried to obtain more. Do told sellers he was willing to take “wild caught” and sent instructions to ship turtles to San Francisco. Do and the co-conspirator also allegedly tried to obtain over 200 turtles from Albert Bazaar, of Louisiana, who was detained last week in Phoenix on turtle trafficking charges. After unsuccessfully exporting the turtles, Do allegedly tried to conceal his role by lying to his co-conspirator in California that he had sold the turtles to other domestic buyers.
It is illegal under the Lacey Act to provide false information about wildlife involved in international or interstate commerce or to sell or transport wildlife taken in violation of state law. The USFWS issues permits to import or export fish, wildlife, and plants protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), of which the United States and 184 other governments are signatories. Loggerhead musk turtles were added to the list of protected species in November 2022.
The judge scheduled a bond hearing for May 21 and a status conference for July 31. If convicted, Do faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of the conspiracy and Lacey Act charges. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), U.S. Attorney Craig Missakian for the Northern District of California, and Assistant Director Doug Ault, USFWS Office of Law Enforcement announced the arrest and charges.
The USFWS investigated the case as part of Operation Southern Hot Herps, which was a joint federal and state law enforcement operation to detect and deter turtle poachers in the southeastern United States. Homeland Security Investigations, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission assisted with the investigation.
Senior Trial Attorney Ryan Connors of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Chambers for the Northern District of California are prosecuting the case.
An indictment merely contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Buffalo man arrested on drug chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Delmar Washington, 49, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
According to the complaint, since November 2025, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office has been investigating a drug trafficking organization operating in Buffalo. During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Washington was involved in the drug trafficking activities. On March 30, 2026, investigators executed a search warrant at a Landon Street residence in Buffalo, seizing approximately 475 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine and 676 grams of fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and a shotgun, which had previously been reported stolen. Investigators also seized seizing 3.5 grams of suspected crack cocaine and 3.5 grams of suspected fentanyl from Washington at the time of his arrest.
Washington made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was held pending a detention hearing on May 19, 2026.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Brazilian National Guilty of Reentry of Deported AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –WALYSTTON HENRIQUE DE SOUZA (“DE SOUZA”), age 32, a native of Brazil, plead guilty and was sentenced on May 7, 2026, for reentry of removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to court documents, DE SOUZA, an illegal alien, was found in St. Tammany Parish on March 31, 2026 by agents of the United States Customs and Border Patrol. DE SOUZA had previously been removed to Brazil by the United States Department of Homeland Security on July 2, 2021.
United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced DE SOUZA to time served, then transferred DE SOUZA into ICE Custody for deportation proceedings, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Customs and Border Patrol in investigating this matter. Special Assistant United States Attorney Rick Veters, of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.
Athens, Georgia, Woman Sentenced on Cyberstalking and Threat OffensesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Gabryele “Gabby” Watson, 29, was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison today on four counts of cyberstalking, two counts of interstate transmission of threats to kidnap or injure, and two counts of unlawful use of a means of identification, announced Braden H. Boucek, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
“This defendant, for her own selfish and evil reasons, preyed on the hopes and dreams of a young couple who simply wanted to be parents,” said U.S. Attorney Boucek. “This kind of fraud is devastating to those it affects, it cannot be tolerated, and today’s punishment shows that we will hold those who commit it accountable for their actions.”
“Gabryele Watson’s deliberate actions instilled fear in caring people who longed to adopt a child,” said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “Cyberstalking not only causes panic and anxiety but also leaves victims feeling constantly unsafe and vulnerable. The FBI prioritizes cases involving threats of violence and will always investigate and bring to justice those who use digital platforms to threaten others.”
From May to June 2023, Watson cyberstalked a married couple living in the Middle District of Tennessee, who had been trying to adopt a baby for eight years. She assumed the identity of a real 16-year-old in Pennsylvania who was pregnant (Minor Victim 1), obtaining accurate details about Minor Victim 1 and her pregnancy from Minor Victim 1’s social media posts. These included Minor Victim 1’s full name and nickname, her date of birth, her home state, the full name and nickname of Minor Victim 1’s teenaged boyfriend, who was also the baby’s father (Individual A), and details about, and photographs and video recordings depicting, Minor Victim 1’s pregnancy. She obtained photographs and video recordings of Minor Victim 1 and Individual A, including a series of “baby bump” photographs and videos of Minor Victim 1 displaying her pregnant belly at various stages of development. She also obtained sonogram photographs and videos of Minor Victim 1 and Individual A’s unborn baby at various stages of development. Over the next several months, as Minor Victim 1 posted new content on her social media accounts, Watson copied that new content for continued use in her scheme.
Posing as Minor Victim 1 and using Minor Victim 1’s real nickname, Watson contacted Victim One online, initially through her social media adoption page and then later through spoofed text messages, spoofed voice phone calls, and e-mail messages using an account the defendant created in Minor Victim 1’s name. In their early conversations, the defendant claimed that she was 16 years old, was facing an unplanned pregnancy, and wanted to give her baby up for adoption. She shared detailed information about her (really, Minor Victim 1) life and elicited similar personal information from Victim One. Watson shared photographs of sonographs of Minor Victim 1’s unborn baby, and repeatedly assured Victim One and Victim Two (Victim One’s husband) that they were going to adopt her baby and encouraged them to share their good news with others. Over time, Watson began to demand that Victims One and Two be available at all hours to respond to her frequent communications and that they purchase baby-related gear and maternity clothing. Watson also repeatedly threatened to cancel the adoption, claimed that “her” baby suffered from various life-threatening health emergencies, and pretended to being stalked and to have disappeared from home. Watson also threatened to abort or injure the unborn baby or to commit suicide while pregnant. Finally, she threatened to kill Victims One and Two.
Watson engaged in the same disturbing conduct with Victims Three and Four, another married couple living in the Middle District of Tennessee, when she pretended to be a pregnant 18-year-old living in Arkansas (Victim Five). This time, Watson pretended to be pregnant with high-risk twins. She also communicated on speaker phone with Victim Three and Four’s two young sons and encouraged them to be excited about the adoption. She made similar claims about “her” unborn babies’ health, was verbally abusive to Victim Three, and threatened to kill Victims Three and Four and their children.
Following her term of incarceration, Watson will be on supervised release for three years.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica R. Morrison prosecuted the case with the assistance of the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS).
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Thursday 14 May 2026
Wisconsin Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Using the Internet to Sexually Exploit a Minor in the PhilippinesRead the Press Release
Bradley D. Hounsell, 44, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was sentenced today to 13 years in prison, to be followed by seven years of supervised release, for using the internet to coerce and entice a minor in the Philippines to engage in unlawful sexual conduct.
According to court documents, Hounsell used an online social media platform to pay an individual in the Philippines for sexually explicit images and videos of children. In November 2023, this individual informed Hounsell that she had access to an approximately 13-year-old girl, and Hounsell asked to have the minor pose in sexually suggestive positions. Hounsell then offered to pay for a video of the individual penetrating the child’s genitals. After Hounsell sent her money, the individual sent Hounsell a video depicting an adult sexually abusing a nude child. At various points in their conversations, Hounsell offered to pay this individual money for additional images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children. Law enforcement recovered this video and other evidence of Hounsell’s criminal conduct from his phone during a warrant-authorized search of his home in Wisconsin. Hounsell was employed as a correctional officer with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections prior to his arrest.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; First Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad D. Schimel for the Eastern District of Wisconsin; Assistant Director Heith Janke of the FBI’s Criminal Division; and Special Agent in Charge Alan Karr of the FBI’s Milwaukee Field Office made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit and Milwaukee Field Office with the assistance of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office.
Trial Attorney William G. Clayman, formerly of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel R. Humble for the Eastern District of Wisconsin 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 www.justice.gov/psc.
Waterville Man Sentenced for Attempting to Transfer Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Waterville man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor.
U.S. District Judge Stacey D. Neumann sentenced Neil Wing, 39, to 21 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Wing pleaded guilty on November 4, 2025.
According to court records, Wing began communicating with an undercover detective posing as a 12-year-old girl on the online chat platform Kik. These conversations quickly became sexual in nature, with Wing repeatedly asking for pictures. Wing subsequently sent the undercover detective a sexually explicit image of himself naked in the bathroom. Wing was interviewed while a search warrant was being executed at his residence and admitted to sending the image.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit–Special Victims investigated the case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child sexual abuse material: Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as “child pornography” – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2025, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) received over 21 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.
Project Safe Childhood: 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 the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc.
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