Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
22 June 2026
Mesa Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Fentanyl Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Edgar Giovany Baca-Anaya, 27, of Mesa, Arizona, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to 120 months in prison, followed by 96 months of supervised release. Baca-Anaya previously pleaded guilty to Distribution of Fentanyl and admitted that the distribution resulted in the death of another person.
On June 23, 2019, in Mesa, Arizona, a man was found deceased in his apartment from an apparent drug overdose. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death was fentanyl toxicity. Through their investigation, law enforcement agents learned that the victim contacted Baca-Anaya through Facebook Messenger and obtained fentanyl from him shortly before overdosing.Fentanyl is a man-made opioid 50 times more potent than heroin. Just two milligrams of fentanyl is considered a potentially deadly dose. Counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, appearing nearly identical to other prescription pills, are often sold through social media or other illegitimate sources.
Legitimate pharmaceutical pills cannot be bought through social media. The only safe medications are ones prescribed directly to you by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. For additional information and resources, including a Caregivers Fact Sheet, visit DEA.gov/onepill.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Forsyth (N. Dist. Ga.), Brandon M. Brown, and William H. Bryan, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-22-01041-PHX-SMB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-100_Baca-Anaya# # #
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.Manchester Resident Indicted for Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Manchester Resident Indicted for Attempted
Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
CONCORD – Last week a federal grand jury indicted Eric Duran, 41, for attempting to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Duran appeared before the Court last Thursday for his initial appearance and arraignment.
According to the charging document, Duran is alleged to have attempted to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
The charge of attempted possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine has a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison, a maximum fine of $10,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The United States Postal Inspection Service led the investigation. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Hampshire State Police provided valuable assistance. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Defrank is prosecuting the case.
Man Sentenced to More Than 30 Years for Sexually Abusing a Special Needs ChildRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced David Leonard Mayes, 41, to over 30 years in prison for sexually abusing a special needs child. A federal jury found Mayes guilty in March 2026 of the aggravated sexual abuse of a minor while on a military base.
Mayes raped a nine-year-old disabled, nonverbal child while visiting her family on Camp Lejeune. The victim’s mother arrived home early to find her daughter’s door closed. Alarmed, she burst in and caught Mayes in flagrante, sexually assaulting her daughter. DNA testing confirmed Mayes abhorrent crimes.
“This monster preyed on the most vulnerable nine-year-old imaginable. He exploited his relationship with her mother to violate her in disgustingly inhuman ways. Rather than man-up and admit his heinous crime, he brought further trauma to the family by forcing them to recount what he did in public at trial. We will always fight to protect the heroes aboard Camp Lejeune and their mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives by stomping out spiders like this. The Court’s sentence ensures this spider cannot hurt anyone else for 30 years,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
“The overwhelming forensic evidence secured by NCIS Special Agents left this predator with absolutely no place to hide, guaranteeing a swift conviction and a 30-year sentence, that removes a dangerous threat from the community," said Special Agent in Charge Kelly Parrish of the NCIS Carolinas Field Office. "We have zero tolerance for those who prey upon children within our Navy and Marine Corps communities. This case demonstrates the relentless dedication of NCIS to uncover the truth, protect the vulnerable, and partner with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure predators face the full weight of the law.”
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. NCIS investigated the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:22-CR-74.
Madison Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years for Drug Trafficking and Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Steve E. Adams, 43, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced last week by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 62 months in federal prison for distributing heroin and fentanyl and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Adams pleaded guilty to these charges on March 20, 2026.
Between May 6, 2025, and June 18, 2025, Adams sold a mixture of heroin and fentanyl multiple times on the east side of Madison. In late June, officers searched Adams’ house and found more drugs, a hydraulic press, and a loaded Ruger-57, 5.7x28 caliber pistol. Adams is prohibited from legally possessing firearms or ammunition because of a prior felony conviction.
Judge Peterson remarked that the hydraulic press suggested Adams was engaged in “more than basic street level” dealing. The judge was troubled that Adams engaged in this criminal behavior despite having a well-paying job in the construction industry.
The charges against Adams were the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force, which is comprised of federal agents from ATF as well as state and local agents throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Stelljes and Alex Samuel prosecuted this case.
Federal prosecutions by the U.S. Department of Justice involving drugs and guns are part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminals, 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).
Middle District of Louisiana Raises Awareness of Government Imposter ScamsRead the Press Release
In honor of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana, Kurt L. Wall, joins the Elder Justice Coordinating Council and other government agencies and organizations across the country to spread the word about government and business imposter scams.
Government imposter scams are a serious problem: in 2025, the FTC received more than 375,000 reports about government imposters, with reported losses of $917 million.
These imposter scammers lie and pretend to be someone they’re not. Their goal? Trick you into giving them money, access to your financial accounts, or your personal information. They make up complicated stories about so-called emergencies, so you’ll panic and act quickly before you have time to think about what to do or talk to someone you trust.
One common scam starts with an unexpected call from someone who says they’re from a well-known business, saying there’s suspicious activity on your account.
To “help” you, they transfer you to someone who says they’re from the government. This so-called helper, who claims to be from the FBI, the FTC, or some other law enforcement agency, urges you to move your money to “protect it” — maybe by transferring it to an account they give you, depositing it in a “government account” or crypto ATM for “safekeeping,” or getting cash or gold and giving it to a courier. But it’s all a lie. No one from the government will ever ask you to do these things. Only scammers will.
Other lies might involve a “suspended Social Security number” or supposed eligibility for government benefits. In all cases, that scammer will go to great lengths to convince you they’re with the government: fake caller ID or official-looking letters, for example. The agency name might be real or made up (but real-sounding), and some scammers might show you an employee ID or badge — all to seem more real. But they’re not.
To recognize and avoid a government imposter, keep these things in mind:
- Never ever will someone from the government say: “Your money isn’t safe. Move it to protect it.” Only a scammer will.
- Never ever will someone from the government threaten to suspend your government benefits if you don’t pay immediately. Only a scammer will.
- Never ever will someone from the government demand that you pay with a payment app, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or gift cards.
Talk to someone you trust if you’re worried about a problem with your account or identity — especially if the stranger says they’re from the government or the situation is serious or involves a crime. Visit ejcc.acl.gov/imposters for more on imposter scams. And if you spot an imposter scam — or any other type of scam — report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Lexington County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — De’Marionne Zaquann Miller, 22, of Lexington, has been sentenced to more than nine years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing the firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on June 14, 2025, deputies with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department responded to an apartment after receiving reports of a domestic violence incident.
While deputies were on their way to the location, they learned that Miller had an outstanding warrant for a probation violation. As law enforcement arrived on scene, Miller ran out of the apartment with an AK-style rifle and a backpack. When deputies caught up with Miller, he did not have the rifle, but after arresting Miller, the deputies retraced his steps and located the AK-style firearm.
In the seized backpack, deputies located cash, numerous individual bags of marijuana, and two cellphones. A subsequent search of the apartment revealed a large vacuum sealed bag of marijuana, a digital drug scale, and ammunition. Miller is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition based upon prior convictions for escape and unlawful carrying of a pistol.
United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Miller to 111 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case.Law Enforcement Announces Drones Restricted Near Sail250 Maryland EventsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Planning to fly your drone in Baltimore during SAIL250 Maryland?
The government is issuing temporary flight restrictions (TFR) around the Baltimore Inner Harbor, Fells Point, North Locust Point, Under Armour Pier, Baltimore Peninsula, and Martin State Airport during SAIL250 Maryland & Airshow Baltimore, from June 24 through June 30. It is prohibited to fly a drone or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in and around SAIL250 events.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the TFR with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Lt. Cmdr. Kate Newkirk, deputy incident commander, U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Maryland – National Capital Region.
TFRs define a certain area of airspace where air travel, including drones and other UAS, is limited for a specific period of time. Restriction details include size, altitude, date, time, and the types of operations that are restricted or permitted. All pilots are required to adhere to the restrictions. Flying a drone in a restricted zone is a federal crime and can result in criminal fines up to $100,000, prison time, and drone confiscation.
“Operating a drone in restricted airspace is dangerous and against the law. An Unmanned Aircraft System operator could lose control of the drone, threatening the safety and lives of those below,” Hayes said. “Anyone who operates an Unmanned Aircraft System in the No-Drone Zone during Sail250 Maryland should expect to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“The FBI will use its full suite of investigative and intelligence capabilities to ensure SAIL250 Maryland is safe for everyone,” Paul said. “We will identify drone operators who are violating temporary flight restrictions, seize their drones, and support prosecution to the fullest extent possible.”
“The Coast Guard remains focused on ensuring the public can safely enjoy this historic maritime celebration with confidence,” Newkirk said. “A part of accomplishing that mission includes coordinating closely with our partner agencies to implement integrated safety and security plans which addresses unmanned aircraft systems.”
Unsafe or improper use of a drone during this time frame poses a physical hazard to other aircraft and to individuals on the ground. TFRs are intended to protect ship crew, cadets and midshipmen, aviators, visitors, and critical infrastructure, such as power lines and cell phone towers, from accidents and security threats.
Before every flight, drone operators should check for active flight restrictions using an FAA-approved B4UFLY service provider. A list of approved providers offering free airspace awareness tools for desktop and mobile devices is available at faa.gov/uas/getting_started/b4ufly. These tools provide real-time information on temporary flight restrictions, restricted airspace, and other advisories based on the operator’s location. We encourage you to review www.tfr.faa.gov for a full list of TFRs in place.
Members of the public are encouraged to report all suspicious activity. Law enforcement will actively monitor the airways for illegal UAS/drones and is committed to identifying, investigating, disrupting, and prosecuting the careless or criminal use of drones in the area.
If you spot unsafe drone activity, report it immediately by calling 911. Together, let’s keep the skies—and SAIL250 Maryland & Airshow Baltimore— safe for everyone.
Learn more about all federal UAS/drone regulations on the FAA website.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.
# # #
Kittanning Resident Sentenced for Theft of Disabled Child’s Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Kittanning, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 36 months of probation, including an initial five months of home detention, and ordered to pay restitution of $17,000 to the United States Social Security Administration on his conviction of theft of public funds, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Jared Koeller, 47, on June 17, 2026.
According to information presented to the Court, Koeller was the representative payee for a disabled child, and misused Social Security funds designated for the child after the child was placed in the custody of another person.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Koeller.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within federal benefit programs.
Justice Department Concludes USDA Preferences for “Socially Disadvantaged” Groups Violate the ConstitutionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON—The Department of Justice issued an opinion today finding that certain U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) preferences for “socially disadvantaged” groups unconstitutionally discriminated based on race and sex.
The Office of Legal Counsel determined that conservation‑planning programs that authorized USDA to waive user fees for “socially disadvantaged” farmers as defined by race‑ and sex‑based criteria failed to satisfy the Constitution’s equal-protection guarantee. The statutory and regulatory definitions of “socially disadvantaged” farmers preferred certain racial groups and women over other farmers without a compelling or important governmental interest to justify such classifications. The opinion upheld five other USDA programs as constitutional because they could be administered in a race- and sex-neutral manner.
“Racial discrimination is illegal, and the government cannot show preference to certain groups when awarding special benefits without a compelling reason to justify the classification,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “This Department of Justice is committed to ending illegal DEI initiatives across the federal government that violate our Constitution and laws.”
“Our colorblind Constitution generally prohibits the federal government from distributing benefits based on race or sex,” said Joshua Craddock, Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel. “Where Congress has not made the required findings and where classifications sweep far beyond any legitimate purpose, the Department must conclude that such preferences are unlawful.”
“Today’s opinion affirms discrimination based on race and sex is unconstitutional and no program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including those in the Farm Production and Conservation mission area, will act otherwise," said USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. "All persons served by this Department will, without question, be treated equally.”
USDA may continue to provide technical assistance, financial support, and outreach to farmers and ranchers through constitutionally permissible means. Building on the Office of Legal Counsel’s December 2025 opinion concerning the Department of Education’s race-based education programs and the Solicitor General’s February 2026 letter to Congress about USDA’s race- and sex-based preferences, today’s opinion ensures that programs for American farmers operate consistent with the longstanding principle that all persons are entitled to equal treatment under the law.
The full opinion is available on OLC’s website.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced to More Than 21 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Charles Curtis Williams (47, Jacksonville) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jordan E. Pratt to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Williams pleaded guilty on February 27, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Williams sold drugs, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, and crack cocaine to an undercover detective on seven different occasions in 2025. Subsequently, Williams was stopped and apprehended by law enforcement on his way to another drug transaction. After Williams was arrested, law enforcement located bags of methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl in his car.
Federal agents executed a search warrant at Williams’s residence and seized a loaded firearm with an additional magazine, oxycodone pills, bags of crack cocaine and cocaine, fentanyl packaged for individual sale, and drug trafficking paraphernalia, including a ledger with drug sales information, baggies, a beaker, and scales. Due to his criminal history, Williams was classified and sentenced as an armed career criminal under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelli Swaney.
IT Group Agrees to Repay $7 Million in CARES Act FundingRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A civil settlement was unsealed showing that a group of IT companies agreed to pay $7 million after receiving funding from the CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program for which they were ineligible, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
In 2020, Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, commonly known as the “CARES Act.” Qualifying businesses were authorized to obtain a forgivable disaster loan to preserve jobs in industries impacted by COVID-19. When the CARES Act was amended, applicants were allowed to seek a second round of disaster relief funding, with eligibility limited to small businesses with 300 or fewer employees.
Under the Federal False Claims Act, private individuals act as qui tam, “whistleblowers,” and may bring lawsuits against entities that have committed fraud against the government. A qui tam Civil Complaint was filed by GNGH2, Inc. in December 2024, alleging that Speridian Technologies LLC, BenefitAlign, LLC, Xelleration LLC, TrueCoverage LLC, Business Advantage Consulting Inc., and Helix Business Solutions LLC (Speridian Group) violated the False Claims Act. The principal locations for the businesses are Washington, New Mexico, California, and Tennessee. Court documents show that the Speridian Group allegedly employed more than 300 people and provides various IT and internet-based services globally.
The Speridian Group companies each sought a second round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under the CARES Act in 2021 and 2022. Collectively, the companies within Speridian Group received $4,896,758.73 in loans processed by BOK Financial, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After receiving the funds, they applied for and received forgiveness for each loan.
In the Settlement Agreement, the Speridian Group admitted that they were members of a single corporate group for purposes of determining PPP loan eligibility and exceeded the 300-employee threshold. As a result, they received a second PPP loan that was forgiven, even though they were not eligible. To resolve the civil claims against it, the Speridian Group agreed to pay the United States $7,000,000, of which $5,101,881.63 is restitution. After the restitution is paid to the Small Business Administration, the United States will pay GNGH2, Inc. $700,000 as its statutory share under the False Claims Act for bringing the suit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Cooper represented the Northern District of Oklahoma, and the Small Business Administration’s Office of General Counsel assisted in the litigation of this case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division's prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at Justice.gov/OPA/pr/justice-department-takes-action-against-covid-19-fraud.
Huntington Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Role in Huntington-Area Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Geon Lavell Henderson, also known as “Money,” 53, of Huntington, was sentenced today to 12 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl. Henderson admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Huntington area.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 9, 2025, Henderson sold approximately 110 grams of methamphetamine and 1.9 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant in Huntington in exchange for $800. As part of his guilty plea, Henderson admitted that he conducted the transaction, that he arranged it beforehand, and that it took place at his residence.
Henderson further admitted to arranging the sale of approximately 111 grams of methamphetamine for $900 and of approximately 55 grams of methamphetamine for $400 on April 17, 2025. Another individual sold the methamphetamine during both transactions, each time to a confidential informant at a residence in Huntington.
Henderson is among 10 defendants indicted on charges alleging they participated in the DTO while it operated from in or about January 2025 to in or about August 2025. Five defendants pleaded guilty, including Henderson. The indictment against the other defendants remains pending. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Cabell County Sheriff's Office, the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, and the Huntington Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Courtney L. Finney and Joseph F. Adams prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-154.
###
Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Roger Lee Townson, 57, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 25, 2025, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a garage behind Townson’s residence. Officers ordered the residence’s occupants, including Townson, to exit the house and asked Townson if there were any firearms inside. Townson told officers he had a firearm in his bedroom and allowed officers to enter the residence to secure it. Officers found a Glock model 43 9mm pistol in the bedroom.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction or a conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Townson knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior convictions for forgery in Cabell County Circuit Court on March 10, 2000, and for domestic battery in Cabell County Magistrate Court on June 14, 2010.
Townson is scheduled to be sentenced on October 5, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Huntington Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin 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.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-182.
###
Hilton man previously convicted of cyberstalking pleads guilty to new cyberstalking chargeRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that David Guest, 30, of Hilton, NY, pleaded guilty to cyberstalking and violating the terms of his federal supervised release before U.S. District Judge Merideth A. Vacca. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
In 2025, Guest threatened and harassed an acquaintance through social media accounts. He posted nude photographs of the victim to various pornographic websites with the victim’s full name. In addition, Guest sent the photographs to the victim’s family members, colleagues, former classmates, and friends. As a result, the victim suffered extreme emotional distress.
Guest was previously convicted of cyberstalking in 2023 and sentenced to serve 27 months in prison. He was released from prison in 2025, shortly before he committed this latest offense.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 21, 2026, at 10 a.m. before Judge Vacca.
# # # #
Harrison County Woman Sentenced for Falsifying VA Medical Records to Steal Disability Benefits and Erase $242K in Student LoansRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Bridgeport, West Virginia woman was sentenced for theft of public money, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
Christina Nolte, 42, was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison. Nolte, a licensed physician assistant, falsified her medical records to file for and receive disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Nolte then used her fraudulently obtained disability to have $242,528 in federal student loans discharged.
“By falsifying her medical records and exploiting programs meant to support our nation’s veterans, Ms. Nolte stole taxpayer funds and undermined systems designed to help those who served,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. “We will continue to hold those who engage in benefits fraud accountable.”
Nolte was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $355,179.13.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer T. Conklin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The matter was investigated by the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Education Office of Inspector General.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Former NYPD Officer Sentenced to 90 Months in Prison for Bribery, Narcotics, and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that ANDREW NGUYEN, a former officer in the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), was sentenced to 90 months in prison for conspiring to solicit and receive bribes, conspiring to distribute narcotics, and possessing a firearm in connection with the conspiracy to distribute narcotics, in connection with his role as an NYPD officer. NGUYEN previously pled guilty on January 29, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres, who imposed today’s sentence.
“Andrew Nguyen repeatedly abused his position of public trust by soliciting and accepting tens of thousands of dollars in bribe payments,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “In exchange, he helped the leader of a drug trafficking organization, including by transporting kilograms of dangerous drugs, providing armed protection, and using an NYPD police car and equipment to conduct and document a fake car stop and seizure. In short, Nguyen endangered the very community that he swore an oath to protect. The greatest police department in the world does not accept corruption in its ranks, and this Office was proud to partner with them to root it out. Today’s sentencing sends a message from the NYPD and the DOJ: corruption has no place in the world’s greatest police force.”
According to the Indictment, plea agreement, and statements made in court:
For approximately three years, between at least in or about 2020 and at least in or about November 2023, NGUYEN used his position as a police officer in the NYPD to solicit and accept tens of thousands of dollars in bribe payments in exchange for assisting another individual (“CC-1”) with the operation of CC-1’s drug trafficking enterprise. For example, NGUYEN transported drugs, including approximately eight kilograms of cocaine, for CC-1 while NGUYEN was armed with a firearm, including NGUYEN’s NYPD-authorized off-duty firearm, which NGUYEN planned to use to protect CC-1 if violence occurred. While transporting those drugs, NGUYEN also carried his NYPD credentials and an NYPD parking placard, which NGUYEN planned to use to evade arrest in the event he was pulled over by other members of the NYPD. Overall, NGUYEN, who was at all relevant times an officer in the NYPD, accepted more than $30,000 in bribe payments from CC-1 (and solicited tens of thousands of dollars in additional bribes) in connection with NGUYEN’s participation in CC-1’s drug trafficking enterprise.
* * *
In addition to his prison term, NGUYEN, 41, of Harriman, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit and Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. King and Jonathan E. Rebold are in charge of the prosecution.
Former Anchorage attorney pleads guilty to drug trafficking crimeRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A former member of the Alaska Bar pleaded guilty today to possessing drugs with intent to distribute in Alaska.
On May 21, 2025, Justin Facey, 46, was arrested after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with drug trafficking and firearm crimes. The indictment against Facey alleged that he used his residence in Anchorage to distribute and use controlled substances, namely fentanyl and methamphetamine, and possessed four firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. He pleaded guilty to one count of possessing drugs with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Court documents explain that Facey was suspended from practicing law on Feb. 24, 2025, following numerous bar complaints. Prior to that, Facey was an Anchorage defense attorney with his own practice.
Facey is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6, 2026, and faces between 10 to 40 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford of the District of Oregon, Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Saccone of the Drug Enforcement Administration Seattle Field Division and Special Agent in Charge Matthew Schelgel of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska has been recused from this case with the exception of certain personnel. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Clymer from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York has been appointed as Special Attorney to the United States Attorney General to assist with this and other recused cases. He reports to and acts under the direction of the Deputy Attorney General, or his delegee, or Acting U.S. Attorney Narus in these cases. Special Attorney Clymer supervises personnel from the District of Alaska who have been exempted from the recusal.
The DEA Anchorage District Office and FBI Anchorage Field Office, with assistance from the Anchorage Police Department, are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Alexander and Jennifer Ivers are prosecuting the case.
###
Federal prison sentences handed down for firearms-related chargesRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, Georgia: Five men have been sentenced to federal prison in U.S. District Court following guilty pleas for firearms-related crimes.
The sentencings before U.S. District Court were announced by Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. They include:
- Maurice Edward Jones, 38, of Rincon, Georgia, was sentenced to 130 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Jones was found with a 9 mm pistol when he was apprehended by Effingham County Sheriff’s Deputies immediately after committing a smash and grab burglary at a convenience store in May 2025.
- Zyron Loadholt, 19, of Savannah, was sentenced to 58 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah Police responded to a report of a man with a gun near the Moses Jackson Center in July 2025. After attempting to flee, Loadholt was apprehended and found to be in possession of a Glock Model 19, 9 mm pistol.
- Deondre Jamar Williams, 30, of Riverdale, Georgia, was sentenced to 46 months in prison and a $1,200 fine followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon. Williams was found in possession of a Taurus G2C 9 mm pistol and ammunition in Augusta in July 2025. The firearm had also been reported as stolen.
- Xavier Whitfield, 41, of Savannah, was sentenced to 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Whitfield was found to be in possession of Hi-Point .380 caliber pistol after a search warrant was served on his residence in September 2024 by Savannah Police.
- Alvin Tyrone Sturgis Jr., 39, of Augusta, was sentenced to 24 months in prison and a $1,500 fine followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Sturgis was found to be in possession of a Taurus model 85 Ultralite, .38 caliber pistol in January 2025 in Richmond County.
There is no parole in the federal system. Under federal law, it is prohibited for previously convicted felons to possess firearms or ammunition.
“Convicted felons who continue to disregard the law and threaten the safety of our communities will be held fully responsible,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “These sentences are just one step towards securing safety for our children and families.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Savannah Police Department, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, and Chatham County Police Department investigated the cases, which were prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara M. Lyons, Kelsey L. Scanlon, Patricia G. Rhodes, Makeia R. Jonese, Bradley R. Thompson, Timothy P. Dean, and L. Alexander Hamner.
Federal Jury Convicts Dallas Man for Distributing Fentanyl – Over 17,000 Fentanyl Pills SeizedRead the Press Release
A Dallas man was convicted today of distributing fentanyl, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.
Following a three-day trial and roughly five hours of deliberation, the jury convicted Joshua Burton, 30, on Friday, June 18, 2026, of conspiring with others to distribute fentanyl and personally distributing fentanyl in Northern District of Texas.
“This verdict should send a clear message to drug dealers that we will dismantle any effort to peddle deadly fentanyl in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their dedicated collaboration in taking thousands of fentanyl pills off the streets of Dallas”
According to evidence presented at trial, law enforcement seized approximately 17,000 fentanyl pills from Burton in a single week. Evidence also showed Burton had been distributing fentanyl for approximately three years, and his phone showed a history of narcotics distribution in the area.
Burton is set for sentencing on October 7, 2026, before United States District Judge Ed Kinkeade, who presided over the trial. Burton faces up to life in federal prison.
The Texas Department of Public Safety, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Garland Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Abby Policastro and Marissa Aulbaugh are prosecuted the case.
FBI Arrests Two More Men in Washington and Missouri in Connection with Planned Attack on Government Officials at White House UFC eventRead the Press Release
Two more men have been arrested by the FBI since Friday in a fast-moving FBI investigation of a plot to attack the June 14 Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Freedom 250 event at the White House.
William Lee Spartacus Falkner was arrested midday Friday, June 19. Falkner is charged by criminal complaint in the Western District of Washington with conspiracy to commit murder. He appeared in U.S. District Court in Tacoma at 2:00 pacific time today.
Jordan W. Rincker, 28, of St. Joseph, Missouri, was arrested Sunday, June 21. Rincker is charged by criminal complaint in the Western District of Missouri with conspiracy to commit murder. He appeared in U.S. District Court in Kansas City at 2:00 central time today.
“Law enforcement continues to do what it does — move to disrupt and hold accountable those allegedly plotting to do harm on the White House Grounds on June 14,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Each and every day, the FBI and their federal, state and local law enforcement partners, along with U.S. Attorneys offices across the country, safeguard American communities and our nation’s security.”
“These arrests are the latest result of the FBI, teaming up with our great partners, to identify and apprehend those who allegedly wanted to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event — a threat this FBI and our partners prevented,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “In just over a week we have executed a multi-state operation that could not have been possible without our Justice Department prosecutors, the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, Secret Service, and our state and local law enforcement partners to once again stop a potentially deadly plot before alleged criminals could act. This collective resolve demonstrates to anyone who threatens the lives of American citizens — this FBI and our partners will find you no matter where you hide, and you will face justice.”
“These latest arrests reflect the rapid progress of our investigation into the alleged plot targeting the UFC event at the White House — an apparent attempt to destabilize the U.S. government,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security (NSD) John A. Eisenberg. “NSD will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure that all individuals who sought to carry out this potential attack are identified and brought to justice.”
“I commend the work of the FBI for their effective investigative work on what was clearly a plot to murder members of the federal government at the highest levels,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd for the Western District of Washington. “This was a geographically wide-ranging conspiracy, and the investigation has required round-the-clock coordination to identify and arrest those responsible. Here in the Pacific Northwest, the FBI and the Mason County Sheriff’s Office moved swiftly and carefully to ensure any threat to the public was neutralized.”
“This case demonstrates the effectiveness of our law enforcement partners and U.S. Attorneys working together to prevent violence before it can take place,” said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price for the Western District of Missouri. “We will continue taking decisive action against those who seek to endanger national security and threaten the safety of Americans. By staying proactive, we will disrupt their operations, break apart their networks, and hold those responsible accountable under the law.”
William Falkner
According to the detailed complaint filed in the Western District of Washington, law enforcement first learned of the plot to attack the UFC White House event when the parents of a co-conspirator in Ohio, Tycen C. Proper, alerted police to their son’s purchase of weapons and concerning online activities. As investigators reviewed cell data and online communications, they identified a number of coconspirators including Falkner. The communications indicate that Falkner has experience with drones, both manufacturing and piloting them. In the communications, he discussed loading explosives on the drones and how to configure and fly them for maximum destructive impact.
The plan apparently called for the drones to attack the event on one side to force those in attendance to try to exit from the other side of the event where they could be shot by coconspirators with sniper rifles and other weapons.
Falkner and another had been discussing their “Work trip” prior to the scheduled UFC fight. After the arrests of some of the co-conspirators, Falkner and others communicated that the “work trip” was cancelled.
One of those arrested in this case said the goal of the conspirators was to cause enough chaos to bring about the overthrow of the U.S. government.
Conspiracy to commit murder is punishable by up to life in prison.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Wynne for the Western District of Washington is prosecuting the case, working closely with the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
Jordan Rincker
In the criminal complaint filed in the Western District of Missouri, it is alleged that Rincker accepted $1,200 in cash from co-conspirator, Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, to disperse payment to other co-conspirators involved in the UFC event attack plot. The complaint alleges that with this money Rincker sent Bryan Omar Roa, 24, of Calimesa, California, $100 through CashApp, for gas to drive from California to Washington, D.C., to pick up the “drone operator” for the attack. Both Alvarez and Roa were arrested and charged last week for their involvement in the plot to kill government officials during the UFC event at the White House.
Rincker allegedly communicated with co-conspirators on an encrypted messaging application. According to court documents, Rincker also gave a 12-gague pump action shotgun to Alvarez during an in-person meeting in Omaha. During this meeting, Alvarez gave Rincker a ballistic plate, face shield, 3D printer, 3D printing filament, night vision goggles, binoculars, a “wire checker,” and a minicomputer. Alvarez allegedly gave Rincker the 3D printer to make drones. The complaint also states Rincker “traded” the 12-gauge pump action shot gun with an ammunition-filled bandolier.
While executing a search warrant of Rincker’s home and storage unit, investigators found:
- FN Reflex 9mm pistol with a magazine and loose 9mm rounds;
- FMK AR1 eXtreme multi-caliber rifle;
- A Remington 597 .22 LR caliber rifle;
- 3D printed Glock-style pistol with 3D-printed magazine and 3D-printed ammunition;
- Gas mask with cartridge;
- Night vision goggles;
- Multiple electronic devices; 3D printer (Ender brand)
- 3D printer and filament;
- 3D printed gun parts;
- Shield;
- Strike Face Level III ballistic plate;
- Plate carrier with plates inside;
- Thermal imaging scope;
- A mini-Mac computer; and
- Muzi Works off grid mesh network (a network that uses rugged, pre-built and specific devices to send secure text messages and share locations without cellular service or the internet; it relies on long-range, low-power radio frequencies, like 900MHz LoRa, to hop messages between devices, creating a decentralized communication grid owned by its users).
The FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen Brackett, Trey Alford, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Chlarson for the Western District of Missouri are prosecuting the case, working closely with the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
The charges contained in a complaint are merely accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Durham Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Provide Support to ISIS TerroristsRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Alexander Justin White, 30, to 8 years in federal prison for conspiring to provide and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). The Court sentenced White after law enforcement officers arrested him as he attempted to fly to North Africa to join ISIS as terrorist and fight in an ISIS-controlled territory.
“The United States does not tolerate terrorism in any form,” U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle said. “Whether keyboard warriors or wannabe fighters, the Department of Justice and FBI will relentlessly bring them to justice. This sentence shows our unwavering commitment to eradicating such evil from our country and the globe.”
White made numerous posts supporting ISIS and jihad between May and October of 2024 including videos used to recruit new members and gin up passion for fighting. He also engaged in fundraising efforts while making several posts and reposts referencing well-known ISIS supporters and enablers. White made, or attempted to make, several financial transactions to support terrorist camps and other similar terrorist campaigns to funnel money to ISIS members and their supporters.
White openly discussed his desire and intention to travel overseas to join ISIS on Facebook and over other encrypted messaging applications. He indicated that he wanted to be a “Mujahid,” which means someone who commits jihad. White expressed a willingness to kill U.S. military members and citizens.
White proactively tried to join ISIS, purchasing a flight to North Africa. In preparation for his new life as a would-be terrorist, White purchased equipment to use overseas. Law enforcement arrested White as he attempted to board his flight with that equipment.
"White planned to abandon his family, betray his country, and fly to Morocco to actively fight with the terrorist group ISIS. Thankfully, the FBI Raleigh-Durham Joint Terrorism Task Force intervened and arrested him at the airport before he could board his flight. It cannot be overstated that ISIS continues to pose a threat to U.S. interests, both domestically and abroad. We must continue to be vigilant to prevent ISIS inspired terrorism" said Reid Davis, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.
The investigation into White is a result of the work of the FBI’s Raleigh-based Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). The JTTF is a group of highly trained, locally based investigators, analysts, linguists, and other specialists from dozens of U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies that gather evidence, make arrests, provide security for special events, collect and share intelligence, and respond to threats and incidents at a moment’s notice. There are about 200 JTTFs across the country, including one in each field office, with hundreds of participating state, local and federal agencies.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The FBI’s JTTF investigated the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-CR-9.
Dominican National Sentenced for Fraudulently Obtaining Social Security Benefits and Medicare Coverage Using Stolen IdentityRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A Dominican national has been sentenced to federal prison for using a stolen identity to fraudulently obtain more than $100,000 in Social Security disability benefits and health care services through Medicare.
Senior U.S. District Judge Paul C. Huck sentenced Juan Francisco De La Cruz Mejia, 38, of Miami Springs, to 52 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to theft of government funds, Social Security fraud, health care fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
“This defendant stole an American citizen's identity and used it to siphon taxpayer-funded benefits for years,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “Social Security and Medicare exist to serve eligible beneficiaries, not fraudsters. The Southern District of Florida will continue to prosecute those who steal public benefits, abuse government programs, and exploit the trust of American taxpayers.”
“This sentencing demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of Social Security programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Conor Washington of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Eastern CDI Division. “The defendant, a foreign national unlawfully present in the United States, stole an American citizen’s Social Security number and used it to illegally receive more than $100,000 in Social Security benefits. SSA OIG will continue to aggressively investigate benefit fraud schemes to safeguard taxpayer funds and protect the public.”
“Identity theft and health care fraud undermine the integrity of federal health care programs that exist to serve some of our nation’s most vulnerable individuals,” said Special Agent in Charge Isaac M. Bledsoe of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “By stealing another person’s identity to improperly access Medicare benefits, the defendant siphoned taxpayer-funded resources meant to care for legitimate Medicare enrollees. HHS-OIG will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable those who attempt to defraud federal health care programs.”
According to court records, beginning in February 2021, De La Cruz Mejia unlawfully used the name and Social Security number of another individual to obtain Social Security Title II disability benefits to which he was not entitled. He continued the scheme for more than four years, causing the Social Security Administration to suffer losses exceeding $105,000.
Between February 2021 and August 2025, De La Cruz Mejia received and used $105,057.90 in Social Security disability benefits obtained through stolen identity. In April 2021, he also used the same identity to enroll in Medicare.
By fraudulently obtaining Medicare coverage, De La Cruz Mejia received medical services and prescriptions drugs under another person’s identity, causing health care providers to submit claims to Medicare for services rendered to him. The claims — including Medicare Parts A, B, and D benefits and durable medical equipment — totaled approximately $3.4 million in billed charges, resulting in Medicare payments of approximately $108,057.63.
SSA OIG and HHS-OIG investigated the case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nikole Hiciano prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-20460.
###
District of Arizona Charged 330 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct Last WeekRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – During the week of enforcement operations from June 13 through June 18, 2026, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 330 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 153 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 148 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 25 cases against 29 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).
The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
A 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: 2026-101_June 19, 2026 Immigration Enforcement
# # #
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.D.C. Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery of Postal Worker in Mail Theft Scheme Spanning the RegionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — Ibrahim De La Cruz, 26, of the District, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in connection with the armed robbery of a U.S. Postal Service maintenance worker from whom he took postal master keys that he used to steal high volumes of mail from luxury apartment buildings across the District, Northern Virginia, and Maryland, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“The armed robbery of a federal employee is an attack on the integrity of our public institutions and the safety of those who serve this community,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “After stealing USPS master keys, De La Cruz used those keys to gain unauthorized access to mailboxes throughout the region, stealing mail, packages, and financial information belonging to residents. His conduct was calculated, far‑reaching, and deeply harmful to victims whose mail he targeted. Today’s plea ensures he will be held fully accountable for the damage he inflicted on residents throughout the District and beyond.”
De La Cruz, aka “Black Migo,” pleaded guilty before Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan to one count of robbery of mail, money, or other property of the United States. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. Judge Sooknanan scheduled sentencing for December 8.
According to court documents, on Aug. 10, 2024, De La Cruz approached a U.S. Postal Service employee who was performing maintenance on a USPS collection box in Northwest Washington and demanded the employee’s USPS Arrow Keys. The employee complied, and De La Cruz fled with the keys.
Using the stolen keys, De La Cruz carried out a series of high-volume mail thefts from residential buildings across the region. Investigators tied him to the crimes through surveillance footage, Instagram posts, and cell phone tracking. His targets included locations on the 1400 block of R Street NW; the outdoor mail area of 17th Street NW; and mailboxes located at 2419 Ontario Road NW
De La Cruz also used a credit card stolen from the mail to make purchases for his own benefit.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Army Criminal Investigation Division.
The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Akhtar.
Surveillance cameras captured images of De La Cruz with stolen mail on several occasions.
Contractor Sentenced for Multi-Year Half-Million Dollar Tax FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of a construction company doing business in Berkshire County was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield, Mass. for a multi-year income tax fraud scheme.
Dennis Condron, 76, of Cheshire, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to a year of probation and a $40,000 fine. Condron was also ordered to pay over $200,000 in restitution. The government recommended six months in prison. In February 2026, Condron pleaded guilty to four counts of tax fraud.
Over a three-year period, in addition to depositing customer payments to his company, D Condron Construction, Condron hid over half a million dollars in customer checks by cashing them and diverting them to his personal accounts. When Condron had his taxes prepared, he did not tell his preparer about the customer checks he was cashing and diverting – resulting in his tax returns underreporting the gross receipts of the business by hundreds of thousands of dollars. As a result, Condron kept hundreds of thousands of dollars that he should have paid in federal and state income taxes.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Merck of the Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Club Miami Owner Pleads Guilty to Selling Methamphetamine and Cocaine Inside Nashville NightclubRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Rimon Salim, 38, owner and operator of Club Miami, an after-hours nightclub in Nashville, pleaded guilty today to distributing methamphetamine and cocaine from inside the club, announced United States Attorney Braden H. Boucek for the Middle District of Tennessee.
"Ramon Salim’s nightclub became a marketplace for methamphetamine and cocaine," said United States Attorney Braden H. Boucek for the Middle District of Tennessee. "Business owners who illegally profit from the distribution of dangerous narcotics contribute to the serious problem that devastates families and communities across Tennessee. Today's guilty plea reflects our commitment to holding drug traffickers accountable, regardless of where they operate."
According to court documents, Salim owned and operated Club Miami, a weekend after-hours nightclub that remained open from approximately 2 a.m. until 6 a.m. Between February and March 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation used confidential informants equipped with audio and video recording devices to document drug trafficking inside the club.
"This guilty plea is the result of collaborative local, state, and federal law enforcement efforts to rid our communities of highly addictive and extremely dangerous drugs," said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. "The FBI is committed to dismantling the drug networks that threaten our neighborhoods and will continue to target and bring to justice those who engage in these crimes."
On February 23, 2025, Salim sold approximately 27.69 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. Laboratory testing later confirmed the methamphetamine was approximately 94 percent pure. On March 9, 2025, Salim sold approximately 55 grams of cocaine to a confidential informant, weighing the drugs on a scale inside the club's bathroom before completing the transaction. In both instances, the controlled substances were recovered by law enforcement and subsequently analyzed by the Drug Enforcement Administration laboratory, which confirmed their identity and weight.
“The ATF works collaboratively with our law enforcement partners day and night to swiftly remove individuals who distribute narcotics in our streets, participate in organized crime, and show total disregard for human life in our communities,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Nashville Field Division SAC Jamey VanVliet. “The ATF’s primary mission is to combat violent crime, and we will work tirelessly with our partners to keep the communities that we serve safe.”
Salim pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, one involving methamphetamine and one involving cocaine.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 21, 2026. Salim faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations; the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; the Tennessee Highway Patrol; the Tennessee Department of Revenue; and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.
Criminal Chief Ahmed A. Safeeullah and Assistant United States Attorney Cooper R. Byers are prosecuting the case.
Charges against any co-defendant are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Carver Man Agrees to Plead Guilty to Federal Dogfighting ChargeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Carver, Mass., man has agreed to plead guilty to his participation in a multi-year dogfighting conspiracy involving the breeding, training and fighting of dogs, as well as related animal cruelty and illegal gambling activities.
Corey Elliott, 49, has agreed to plead guilty to conspiring to participate in an animal fighting venture in violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court. Elliott was arrested and charged in April 2026.
According to the charging document, the defendant participated in a long-running dogfighting conspiracy spanning several years and involving the breeding, training and fighting of dogs, as well as related gambling and animal cruelty offenses. The defendant and his co-conspirator allegedly maintained a close partnership over a period of years, during which they communicated extensively about dogfighting activities, including arranging fights, discussing outcomes, placing wagers and coordinating the acquisition, sale and conditioning of dogs for fighting purposes.
The United States also filed a civil forfeiture complaint against four pit bull-type dogs, seized in June 2025 from Elliott’s residence in Carver. As alleged in the civil forfeiture complaint, the seized dogs were housed separately in locked cage structures; several of the seized dogs had evidence of scarring; and, at the location where the dogs were seized, items commonly associated with an illegal dogfighting operation were found, including training equipment, veterinary supplies and dog fighting literature. The dogs are currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) being cared for by a USMS-contractor. Pursuant to the Animal Welfare Act, animals involved in violations of 7 U.S.C. § 2156 are subject to forfeiture to the United States.
The civil forfeiture complaint also alleges that Elliott messaged with another dogfighter through WhatsApp about training dogs to fight, the planning and results of dogfights, injuries sustained by and the death of fighting dogs and disposing of dog carcasses.
In June 2023, a search warrant was executed at the co-conspirator’s residence, which allegedly resulted in the seizure of multiple pit bull-type dogs and evidence consistent with dogfighting activity, including veterinary supplies, training equipment and implements associated with dogfighting. Analysis of electronic devices seized during the investigation allegedly revealed numerous videos and communications related to dogfighting, including messages between the defendant and his co-conspirator spanning several years.
To report animal fighting crimes, please contact your local law enforcement or the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General complaint hotline at: https://usdaoig.oversight.gov/hotline or 1-800-424-9121.
The charge of conspiring to participate in an animal fighting venture provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations – Northeast Region; Geoffrey D. Noble, Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Karen LoStracco, Director of Law Enforcement at the Animal Rescue League of Boston made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Massachusetts State Police; Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service; United States Marshals Service; Maine State Police; New Hampshire State Police; Massachusetts Office of the State Auditor; Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; and the Acton, Boston, Carver and Hanson Police Departments.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danial E. Bennett of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case. Carol E. Head, Chief of the Asset Recovery Unit for the District of Massachusetts and Trial Attorney Caitlyn F. Cook of ENRD’s Wildlife and Marine Resources Section are prosecuting the civil forfeiture case.
The details contained in the charging document and civil forfeiture complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
California Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for his Role in Illegal Firearms PurchasesRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – A previously convicted felon from California has been sentenced to prison for traveling about 2,500 miles across the country to convince a 67-year old woman he met through online dating to purchase assault-style pistols on his behalf.
Chariece Chew, 32, of Hayward, was sentenced to 15 years in prison by U.S. District Judge J. Philip Calabrese after he was found guilty by a jury in August 2025 of the following offenses:
- Two Counts of Straw Purchasing of Firearms
- Two Counts of Felon in Possession of Firearms; previous convictions include Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine in 2019
In 2024 Chew was active on an online dating app where he met a 67-year-old woman from Ohio. After conversing through the app, he took a Greyhound bus from California to Ohio to meet with her. During his visit, he asked her to help him purchase four AK-style pistols for his purported “security company.”
The woman purchased two Micro Draco 7.62 caliber pistols at a Cleveland-area firearms dealer. She later went to a second location in Parma to purchase a Micro Draco and a Mini Draco, 7.62 caliber pistols for Chew. After Chew acquired the firearms from the woman, he returned to California on a Greyhound bus. One of the firearms acquired by Chew in Ohio was later recovered in Modesto, California.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Zarzycki, and Brenna Fasko for the Northern District of Ohio.
Brookings Man Convicted in Federal Trial Charging Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a ChildRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a jury has convicted Joseph Darrell Peterson, Jr., age 47, of Brookings, South Dakota (formerly of Veblen, South Dakota) of two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
Each conviction carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a possible maximum term of life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine; upon release from prison, Peterson will be on supervised release for at least 5 years and possibly up to life. He must also pay $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and restitution to the victim may also be ordered.
The investigation discovered that over the course of 13 years, in multiple states, and specifically in 2010 through 2012 while living on the Lake Traverse Indian Reservation, in Veblen, South Dakota, Peterson engaged in repeated penetrative sexual acts with a child who was under 12 years old. In 2023, that child had the courage to come forward to law enforcement and an investigation ensued. Peterson was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2024 and convicted June 17, 2025.
This case was investigated by the Sisseton-Wahpeton Tribal Law Enforcement, South Dakota DCI, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Ebert-Webb and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Person AUSA for the Great Plains Region Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners. The Department views this work as a priority for its law enforcement components. Through the MMIP Regional Outreach Program, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify MMIP cases and issues in Tribal communities and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. This prosecution upholds the Department’s mission to the unwavering pursuit of justice on behalf of victims and their families despite the passage of time.
This case was also 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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.A presentence investigation was ordered, and sentencing is set for September 14, 2026. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Broker and Three Traders Plead Guilty to Multi-Year Insider Trading SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, John Lowe and Richard Ringel pleaded guilty to securities fraud for their involvement in a multi-year insider trading scheme. Co-defendants David Cooper, a broker registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and Randy Grewal pleaded guilty to securities fraud on September 22, 2025 and April 30, 2026, respectively. The proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Taryn A. Merkl. When sentenced, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Pete Gizas, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI New York); and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, New York Division (USPIS), announced the guilty pleas.
“For years, the defendants brazenly exploited their access to inside information to gain an unfair advantage over the investing public,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Insider trading destroys the public’s faith in the fairness and integrity of our markets. This Office is committed to protecting market integrity and rooting out bad actors, and it will continue to hold accountable those who engage in insider trading.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, New York Regional Office, and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
“By admitting they conspired to steal confidential information from investment banks and trade ahead of multiple secondary stock offerings, these defendants have acknowledged a years-long scheme that corrupted the markets for their own gain and generated more than a million dollars in illicit profit,” stated HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Gizas. “Insider trading erodes public confidence in our financial system, harms everyday investors who play by the rules, and sends a dangerous message that the wealthy and well connected can tilt the playing field in their favor. HSI New York, through meticulous financial analysis, a range of investigative techniques, and close coordination with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, will continue working alongside our law enforcement and regulatory partners to uncover complex financial crimes and ensure those who abuse access to sensitive information are held to account.”
“These individuals used their access to confidential information not available to the trading public to devise a scheme for their financial gain, profiting from MNPI. Let me be clear, it does not matter the type of scheme, postal inspectors will remain dedicated to exposing and bringing to justice anyone utilizing the U.S. mail to further criminal activity,” stated USPIS Inspector in Charge Larco-Ward.
As detailed in the indictment and other court filings, between approximately January 2018 and May 2024, the defendants conspired to obtain material non-public information (MNPI) about upcoming secondary stock offerings and to trade on that MNPI in advance of those offerings. The defendants illegally obtained MNPI from numerous sources, including through Cooper and another employee of a broker-dealer (Broker-Dealer), who had obtained MNPI from investment banks involved in and underwriting the secondary stock offerings. The MNPI included specific deal information such as the identity of the public company issuing the secondary offering; the timing of the deal; the structure of the deal; and the price at which the company would offer its stock in the upcoming offering. Employees of the Broker-Dealer breached their duty of confidentiality to their employer by improperly disclosing the MNPI to Lowe, Ringel and others with knowledge that they intended to use the information to execute short sales in advance of the public announcement of the secondary offerings. Employees of the Broker-Dealer shared the MNPI to induce their customers, including Lowe and Ringel, to commit to buy shares in the offerings so that the Broker-Dealer would receive compensation from the underwriters. Lowe, in turn, passed MNPI to Grewal. Lowe, Ringel and Grewal illegally profited more than $1 million from trading based on MNPI.
Evidence obtained from judicially authorized wiretaps revealed that in connection with numerous secondary offerings between approximately January 2023 and May 2023, Cooper and another employee of the Broker-Dealer (Co-Conspirator #1) obtained MNPI from investment firms that were underwriting the secondary offerings and provided MNPI to Lowe, Ringel and others, with knowledge that Lowe, Ringel and others intended to trade securities in advance of secondary offerings based on the MNPI. Those secondary offerings included the companies Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSSE), Revelation Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: REVB) and Tivic Health Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: TIVC).
Fraudulent Trading on MNPI in the CSSE Secondary Offering
On or about March 30, 2023, Cooper obtained MNPI about the timing and pricing of the CSSE offering from the sole managing underwriter for the deal and shared that information with Ringel, who traded in CSSE in advance of the offering using the information, and with Co-Conspirator #1, who gave the inside information to Lowe. Lowe traded based on the MNPI and tipped Grewal, who also traded using the MNPI.
Fraudulent Trading on MNPI in the REVB Secondary Offering
Between February 6, 2023 and February 8, 2023, Lowe obtained MNPI about the timing of the REVB offering from a representative of the sole underwriter on the deal and passed it to Grewal, who traded in REVB using the information. Between February 7, 2023 and February 9, 2023, Ringel traded REVB based on MNPI that Cooper received from another representative of the sole underwriter on the deal.
Fraudulent Trading on MNPI in the TIVC Secondary Offering
On or about February 6, 2023, Cooper called a representative of the sole managing underwriter for the TIVC offering. The next day, Co-Conspirator #1 communicated to Lowe that TIVC intended to offer shares of its stock in a secondary offering. After learning this information, Lowe traded in TIVC and passed the MNPI he received from Co-Conspirator #1 to Grewal, who then also traded in TIVC. Between February 6, 2023 and February 8, 2023, Ringel and Cooper spoke over the telephone numerous times and Cooper executed a number of short sales in TIVC. In particular, on February 8, 2023 (after Co-Conspirator shared MNPI about the TIVC deal with Lowe), Cooper spoke with Co-Conspirator #1 and then with Ringel. Approximately six minutes after Ringel and Cooper spoke, Ringel executed additional short sales in TIVC.
* * * * *
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section and the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica K. Weigel, Adam R. Toporovsky and Sophia M. Suarez are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Laura Mansour. Assistant United States Attorney Laura Mantell of the Office’s Asset Forfeiture Section is handling forfeiture matters.
The Defendants:
JOHN LOWE (also known as “Clams”)
Age: 63
Sayville, New YorkRICHARD RINGEL
Age: 56
Boca Raton, FloridaCo-Defendants Who Previously Pleaded Guilty:
DAVID COOPER
Age: 40
Larchmont, New YorkRANDY GREWAL
Age: 55
Anthem, ArizonaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-10 (DG)
Boston Gang Member Sentenced to over Seven Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A self-admitted member of the Bailey Street gang in Boston was sentenced today in deferral court in Boston for illegal possession of five firearms and ammunition.
Kenneth Bigby-Williams, 30, of Hyde Park, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 90 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In March 2026, Bigby-Williams pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Bigby-Williams was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2025.
On Aug. 7, 2025, five firearms, approximately 73 rounds of various caliber ammunition, along with numerous high-capacity magazines and other firearms accessories were seized during a series of search warrants. Due to a prior conviction in 2019 for possession of a firearm without a permit in Suffolk Superior Court, Bigby-Williams is prohibited from possessing firearms.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Dawley of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations 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 and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Billings man sentenced to 11 years for trafficking methRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man who was caught with 10 pounds of methamphetamine while travelling from Wyoming was sentenced Wednesday to 135 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Nathan Wilnau, 51, pleaded guilty in February 2026 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Wilnau, working with a partner, was helping bring methamphetamine from California via Wyoming into Billings.
In June 2023, law enforcement learned Wilnau and Christina Lavon Hill were selling illegal drugs in Billings. Agents learned Hill was sending money to a source in San Francisco, who then sent packages of meth to Cody, Wyoming, which Wilnau would go and retrieve.
On his last trip, Wilnau drove to Cody, picked up the package, and was heading back to Billings when he was pulled over. Searching the vehicle, agents found over 10 pounds of meth. They also learned that the source in Cody had previously received three to four packages of meth for Hill and Wilnau.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The DEA and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.
Belfair, Washington, man arrested by FBI in connection to planned attack on government officials at White House UFC eventRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 21-year-old resident of Belfair, Washington, was arrested Friday June 19, 2026, in a fast-moving FBI investigation of a plot to attack the June 14, 2026, UFC event at the White House, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. William Lee Spartacus Falkner was arrested midday Friday June 19, 2026. Falkner is charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit murder. Falkner appeared in U.S. District Court in Tacoma today and was ordered detained pending future hearings.
“I commend the work of the FBI for their effective investigative work on what was clearly a plot to murder members of the federal government at the highest levels,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. “This was a geographically wide-ranging conspiracy, and the investigation has required round-the-clock coordination to identify and arrest those responsible. Here in the Pacific Northwest, the FBI and the Mason County Sheriff’s Office moved swiftly and carefully to ensure any threat to the public was neutralized.”
“While many enjoyed a relaxing holiday weekend, the FBI and our partners remained vigilant, working hard to keep the public safe,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “FBI Seattle especially commends the Mason County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Secret Service for their vital contributions to this investigation and arrest.”
According to the detailed complaint, law enforcement first learned of the plot to attack the UFC White House event when the parents of a coconspirator in Ohio alerted police to their son’s purchase of weapons and concerning online activities. As investigators reviewed cell data and online communications, they identified a number of coconspirators including Falkner. The communications indicate Falkner has experience with drones, both manufacturing and piloting them. In the communications he discussed loading explosives on the drones and how to configure and fly them for maximum destructive impact.
The plan apparently called for the drones to attack the event on one side to force those in attendance to try to exit from the other side of the event where they could be shot by coconspirators with sniper rifles and other weapons.
Falkner and another had been discussing their “Work trip” -- prior to the scheduled UFC fight. After the arrests of some of the coconspirators Falkner and others communicated that the “work trip” was cancelled.
One of those arrested in this case said the goal of the conspirators was to cause enough chaos to bring about the overthrow of the U.S. government.
The charge contained in the criminal complaint is only an allegation. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Conspiracy to commit murder is punishable by up to life in prison.
The case is being investigated by the FBI with significant assistance from the Mason County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted in Seattle by Assistant United States Attorney Brian Wynne. He is working closely with the Department of Justice National Security Division on the case.
falkner_complaint_-_wdwa.pdfAlgerian man arrested, extradited to the United States for his role in black market fraud conspiracy that targeted thousands of victimsRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Abdellah Belmili, a/k/a Dila Belmili, a/k/a SPOX, 26, a citizen of Algeria, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.
“This defendant thought that he could get away with defrauding thousands of victims out of hundreds of thousands of dollars by using fake names and hiding behind a keyboard to steal bank account and credit card numbers,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “This arrest makes clear that, regardless of where you operate, our law enforcement partners will find you – and when they do, you will face the full consequences of your actions.”
“Cybercriminals often believe they can hide behind usernames and encrypted platforms. This arrest proves otherwise,” said Brendan Dunford, Acting Special Agent-in- Charge of the FBI Buffalo Field Office. “The FBI identified the individual behind this alleged cyber fraud scheme, followed the evidence across international borders, secured his extradition, and brought him to the United States to face justice.
According to the criminal complaint, in September 2020, FBI Buffalo became aware of a nefarious online marketplace www.market0day.com, run by an administrator using the name “SPOX,” a cyber actor known for creating “phishing kits” that have been used to compromise major U.S. financial institutions. SPOX was later identified as Belmili. Between September and November 2020, Belmili advertised the marketplace and facilitated some of the customer support for the marketplace on his personal Telegram channel @SpoxCoder. Cyber actors typically open marketplaces on the internet to facilitate the anonymous selling and purchasing of illicit goods and services, operating similarly to Amazon or eBay. However, unlike legitimate websites, these websites sell illegally acquired online banking information, stolen credit card information, victim computer login information, malware tools, and other nefarious goods and services, requiring all transactions to be paid for through the use of bitcoins.
In December 2020, investigators conducted controlled purchases from www.market0day.com:
- Investigators purchased a JP Morgan Chase phishing kit, which was successfully downloaded after purchase.
- Investigators successfully purchased a Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), which typically includes a mail server’s IP Address, username (email), and password, allowing the purchaser to access the user’s email messages.
- Investigators also purchased a Cpanel, which allows website owners to manage and publish on their websites. Compromised cpanel access would allow the purchaser to access and alter the compromised website. The cpanel was never sent to investigators.
In late December 2020, after several customers complained that they had not received their purchases from www.market0day.com, Belmili replied that he was no longer the administrator, and instead had opened up a new marketplace – www.spoxy.us, advertising the new marketplace as a “new store for bulk sms.” “Bulk sms” typically refers to sending phishing or other fraudulent messages via text message.
During the course of the conspiracy, Belmili is accused of defrauding multiple institutions, including American Express, Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, and Wells Fargo, as well as financial institutions in the United Kingdom. Between January 2020 and January 2023, approximately $900,000 was deposited into an account controlled by Belmili. The investigation has also identified approximately 5,600 U.S. and international victims.
Belmili made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was detained.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly. The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance with securing the arrest and June 18 extradition from Spain of Belmili to the United States.
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.
# # # #
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Assault
Kevin Jacob Dupri Eagle, 27, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming, was sentenced to 23 months’ imprisonment with four years of supervised release to follow for assault by strangulation. According to court documents, the Wind River Police Department was called to the defendant’s house on Dec. 10, 2025, for a reported domestic assault. When they arrived, the victim stated that Eagle had struck them with closed fists and choked them to the point of unconsciousness. The victim was treated for injuries at the hospital. The defendant admitted to drinking earlier in the day and getting into an argument that resulted in him choking the victim. The Wind River Police Department investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson prosecuted the case. Eagle was indicted on Jan. 13 and pleaded guilty on March 24. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on June 12 in Cheyenne. Case No. 26-00007
Firearm Offenses
David Leroy Young, 67, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for being a felon in possession of a firearm. This sentence was imposed consecutively to a seven-month sentence for a supervised release violation. According to court documents, on Dec. 15, 2025, Casper police pulled the defendant over for a traffic violation. Officers learned Young had an outstanding warrant. During a subsequent search, officers seized $846 in cash, 13.8 grams of methamphetamine and a Glock 9 mm handgun and ammunition. Young has prior felony convictions, including a federal conviction for felon in possession of a firearm which prohibits him from possessing a firearm. The Casper Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Naiman prosecuted the case. Young waived indictment and pleaded guilty on March 13. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on June 11 in Cheyenne. Case No. 26-CR-00022
47 defendants charged as part of ‘Operation Fly City’ Homeland Security Task Force enforcement operationRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II announced today with federal law enforcement partners the results of an eight-week operation to fight gun violence and drug trafficking in Dayton. Forty-seven defendants face federal charges, and 43 individuals are in federal custody following arrests last week. During the operation, which began on April 27, agents seized 176 firearms, as well as machinegun conversion devices and kilogram quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
“The goal of this operation was simple: to get guns and drugs off the street and out of the hands of the most violent and habitual offenders,” said U.S. Attorney Gerace. “Law enforcement at all levels took that mission seriously and I thank them for making our streets safer. I also thank the prosecutors in my office for the dedication and skill that it took to support this large operation. We will continue to use every resource at our disposal to maintain law and order and keep our communities safe.”
Special Agent in Charge Jorge A. Rosendo stated “I’m proud of the women and men of the ATF’s Columbus Field Division and all they accomplished in such a short period of time. Their dedication to duty and unwavering commitment to the citizens of Dayton, Ohio were truly remarkable throughout this operation. It is our sincere desire that our collective efforts will have a lasting and positive impact on their community for years to come.”
“Operation Fly City is a testament to the strength of the Homeland Security Task Force and HSI’s unwavering commitment to making our communities safer,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “By working together with our federal, state, and local partners, we were able to disrupt dangerous criminal activity and remove illegal firearms and narcotics from the streets of Dayton. HSI remains dedicated to protecting the public and ensuring that those who threaten our neighborhoods are held accountable.”
“This operation is another example of what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies work together toward a common goal,” said Dayton Police Chief Eric Henderson. “By targeting individuals responsible for violent crime, illegal firearms, and drug trafficking, we are making our neighborhoods safer and sending a clear message that those who threaten our community will be held accountable. I want to thank our officers and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment throughout this operation. The Dayton Police Department remains committed to reducing gun violence and improving the quality of life for everyone who lives, works, and visits our city.”
“The arrests and seizures announced today are the result of extensive investigative efforts focused on identifying those responsible for drug trafficking, illegal firearms offenses, and other criminal activity,” said Sheriff Rob Streck. “This operation highlights the impact of strong partnerships and a shared commitment to addressing the criminal activity that affects our communities.”
The charges were brought via 20 federal indictments and three federal criminal complaints in Dayton over the past few weeks. Indictments and criminal complaints merely contain allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Deputy Criminal Chief Brent G. Tabacchi, Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief Amy M. Smith, Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly K. Rossi, Elizabeth L. McCormick, Rob Painter, Brendan Sullivan, Erica D. Lunderman, Christina E. Mahy and Ryan A. Saunders and Special Assistant United States attorney Allison Oswall are representing the United States in these cases.
A complete list of those charged includes:
Operation Fly City Defendants
NameAgeCity of ResidenceChargesTerrence Berry38DaytonConspiracy to distribute cocaine
Distribution of cocaine
Mark Jones42DaytonConspiracy to distribute cocaine
Distribution of cocaine
Marshall Disney36Huber HeightsDistribution of cocaineDavid Cohorn42DaytonConspiracy to distribute cocaine
Distribution of cocaine
Use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime
Dealing in firearms without a license
Brandon Dunn42DaytonConspiracy to distribute cocaine
Distribution of cocaine
Robert Everhart42DaytonConspiracy to distribute cocaine
Distribution of cocaine
Raymond Garvin 43DaytonConspiracy to distribute cocaine
Distribution of cocaine
Brian Gee38DaytonDistribution of cocaineGeoffrey Hobson52DaytonConspiracy to distribute methamphetamine
Distribution of methamphetamine
Daviontay Travis Hunter22DaytonFelon in possessionMarlin Robinson33CincinnatiFelon in possessionKevin Julious47DaytonDistribution of cocaine
Felon in possession
Brenda Mann55MoraineDistribution of methamphetaminePatrell Miller28DaytonDistribution of fentanylAngel Santos-Rodas 27DaytonConspiracy to traffic firearms
Transfer of a firearm for use in a drug trafficking crime
Alien in possession of a firearm
Distribution of methamphetamine
Distribution of cocaine
Brandon Heisle34DaytonConspiracy to traffic firearms
Transfer of a firearm for use in a drug trafficking crime
Felon in possession of a firearm
Jeremy Wright30DaytonConspiracy to traffic firearms
Transfer of a firearm for use in a drug trafficking crime
Felon in possession of a firearm
Nathan Smith37Huber HeightsConspiracy to distribute cocaine
Distribution of cocaine
Marcus Lockett37DaytonConspiracy to distribute cocaine
Distribution of cocaine
Austin Womble31DaytonConspiracy to distribute 500+ grams meth and 40+ grams fentanyl
Distribution of various amounts of meth and fentanyl
Use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime
Felon in possession of a firearm
Trafficking in firearms
Pete Craft45DaytonConspiracy to distribute 500+ grams methamphetamine and 40+ grams fentanyl
Distribution of various amounts of meth and fentanyl
Felon in possession of a firearm
Trafficking in firearms
Ra’Che Amos26DaytonDistribution of fentanyl
Use and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime
Conspiracy to traffic in firearms
Conspiracy to transfer a firearm for use in a drug crime
Felon in possession of a firearm
Possession of a machinegun
Dereon Caudill24DaytonConspiracy to traffic in firearms
Conspiracy to transfer a firearm for use in a drug crime
*Isaiah Chancellor25DaytonConspiracy to distribute fentanyl
Distribution of 40+ grams fentanyl
Dalontay Martin24DaytonConspiracy to distribute fentanyl
Distribution of fentanyl
Conspiracy to traffic in firearms
Conspiracy to transfer a firearm for use in a drug crime
Julian Heisle36DaytonConspiracy to distribute cocaine Distribution of cocaine
Conspiracy to traffic in firearms
Conspiracy to transfer a firearm for use in a drug crime
Karon Clark19DaytonConspiracy to traffic firearms
Conspiracy to transfer of a firearm for use in a drug crime
Dealing in firearms without a license
Ja’leon Hayes19DaytonConspiracy to traffic firearms
Transfer of a firearm for use in a drug crime
Dealing in firearms without a license
Victor Coronado-Hernandez30DaytonDistribution of cocaineDakota Jones32DaytonConspiracy to traffic firearms
Dealing in firearms without a license
Jaden Fuller20DaytonConspiracy to traffic firearms
Dealing in firearms without a license
Donovan Printers23DaytonConspiracy to traffic firearms Dealing in firearms without a licenseDeshon Fisher33DaytonConspiracy to traffic firearms
Dealing in firearms without a license
Phillip Benson19DaytonConspiracy to traffic firearms Dealing in firearms without a licenseKendall Jones30DaytonDistribution of cocaineDiontre Montgomery22DaytonConspiracy to distribute 40+ grams of fentanyl
Distribution of fentanyl
Conspiracy to traffic firearms
Conspiracy to transfer firearms for use in a drug crime
Possession of a machine gun
Darnell Clark27DaytonDistribution of fentanyl
Conspiracy to traffic firearms
Conspiracy to transfer firearms for use in a drug crime
Robert Williams27DaytonDistribution of fentanyl
Conspiracy to traffic firearms
Conspiracy to transfer firearms for use in a drug crime
*Eucelf Taste Jr.22DaytonDistribution of 40+ grams of fentanyl
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5kg + cocaine
Possession of a machinegun
*Anthony Scott23DaytonConspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5kg + cocaine
Possession of a machinegun
Tony Yates27DaytonConspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5kg + cocaineDylan O’Quin34MiamisburgDealing in firearms without a license
Attempt to traffic firearms
Quasawn Taborn24DaytonDistribution of cocaineD’Shawn Russell25Huber HeightsDistribution of cocaineLaryan Brooks37DaytonDistribution of cocaine*Eucelf Taste Sr. 46TrotwoodConspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams + fentanyl
Distribution of fentanyl
Willie D. Spann42DaytonPossession with intent to distribute cocaine
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine
*Defendants who are fugitives
If you have information on the whereabouts of any of the defendants at large, contact ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS or email [email protected]. ATF is offering a reward of $5,000 for information leading to the arrests of Eucelf Sr. and Jr.
These cases are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Cincinnati comprises agents and officers from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
# # #
21 June 2026
Reedsburg Man on Parole for Homicide Sentenced to 8 Years for Illegally Possessing Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that David Davis, 54, Reedsburg, Wisconsin, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 8 years in federal prison for possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. Davis pleaded guilty to this charge on March 18, 2026.
On June 5, 2025, Reedsburg police executed a search warrant at Davis’s residence. While searching the bedroom, investigators found a loaded Hi-Point 9mm handgun, a Polymer 80 privately made handgun, and two AR15s with loaded magazines nearby. One of the AR15s had an obliterated serial number.
In 1991 Davis was convicted of being a party to the crime of homicide in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was sentenced to life in prison but was released on parole in 2020. As a convicted felon, Davis is prohibited from legally possessing firearms and ammunition.
At sentencing, Judge Conley noted that these weapons could cause a lot of damage and that Davis was also dealing drugs in a grocery store parking lot. Judge Conley also found that Davis obstructed justice by trying to get another individual to falsely claim the guns belonged to them. Judge Conley sentenced Davis to 8 years in prison to run concurrently with his parole revocation sentence.
The charge against Davis was the result of an investigation conducted by the Reedsburg Police Department and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force, which is comprised of federal agents from ATF as well as state and local agents throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted this case.
Federal prosecutions by the U.S. Department of Justice involving drugs and guns are part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department 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 (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Canadian Citizen Sentenced to 3 Years for Defrauding U.S. Victims Out of More Than $1.2 MillionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Michel Poirier, 60, Montreal, Canada, was sentenced on June 10, 2026, by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 3 years in federal prison for mail fraud. Poirier pleaded guilty to this charge on March 20, 2026, following his extradition from Canada.
Between 2011 and May 2016, operating out of Canada, Poirier orchestrated a mass marketing fraud scheme that targeted printing companies and consumers in the United States, including the Western District of Wisconsin, resulting in a loss to victims of more than $1.2 million.
Using aliases, Poirier contacted printing companies in the U.S., representing that he was working for direct mail companies looking for United States suppliers to handle mass mailings of brochures. After the victim printing companies incurred costs for printing and mailing the brochures, the companies received business checks from Poirier that drew on either closed accounts or accounts with insufficient funds. When the victim printing companies sought alternative forms of payment, Poirier stopped answering emails and telephone calls.
The brochures printed and mailed by the victim printing companies promoted weight loss products sold by Poirier. These marketing materials contained numerous false statements and material omissions, including: (1) testimonials from fictitious clients; (2) statements of product authenticity from fictitious doctors; and (3) a fictitious money back guarantee. Consumers who received the brochures and purchased weight loss products were defrauded out of their money.
At sentencing, Judge Conley called the crime callous stating that Poirier failed to appreciate the financial and emotional harm to the victims. Further, Judge Conley found that Poirier perpetuated this elaborate scheme, which involved layers of misrepresentations, for over seven years and that this was a significant factor in imposing the three-year prison term.
The charge against Poirier was the result of an investigation conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Internal Revenue Service, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of International Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Reinhard prosecuted this case.
20 June 2026
Madison County Man Charged with Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Travis J. Longo, age 46, of Cazenovia, New York, appeared in federal court on June 20, 2026, on charges of receiving and possessing child pornography. The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Homeland Security Investigations Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone (HSI), and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James.
The complaint filed against Longo alleges that during a search of Longo’s cellular telephone seized by NYSP investigators on June 18, 2026, numerous images and videos of child pornography were discovered including several videos depicting the sexual abuse of infants that Longo had received from other users of an internet-based messaging application.
The receipt charge filed against Longo carries a mandatory minimum term of five years in federal prison, while both counts carry a statutory maximum term of 20 years. Both charges carry a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life. Longo will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Longo made his initial appearance on June 20, 2026, via video, before United States Magistrate Judge Miroslav Lovric, and was detained pending further proceedings.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “As school board vice president, the defendant was entrusted by parents and the community to help protect and serve the interests of children. Instead, as alleged, he exploited his position of public trust while actively seeking out and accumulating images and videos depicting the heinous sexual abuse of children. This shocking betrayal makes his conduct all the more reprehensible. Thanks to the great investigative work of HSI and the New York State Police, he is now behind bars where he belongs and where my office will work tirelessly to ensure he stays for a long time.”
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone said: “These allegations against a school board vice president strike at the heart of parents’ trust and fears. For HSI Syracuse and our law enforcement partners, protecting children is not just a duty—it’s personal. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will aggressively pursue anyone who endangers children, so parents can send their kids to school knowing they are safe.”
NYSP Superintendent Steven G. James stated: “The exploitation of children is among the most disturbing crimes we investigate, and those who seek out, possess, or distribute this material will be held accountable. I commend the dedicated work of our investigators and our federal partners whose efforts led to these charges. The New York State Police remain committed to protecting vulnerable victims and aggressively pursuing individuals who exploit children through technology and online platforms.”The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
HSI and the NYSP Computer Crimes Unit (CCU) are investigating the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle as part of Project Safe Childhood.
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.
###
19 June 2026
Unauthorized Sale of Adulterated Animal Drugs Lands Repeat Offender in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Scott Robinson, 51, of Pace, Florida, was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of Drug Adulteration. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Complying with federal laws that are in place to ensure the safety of regulated medications is not optional. This defendant knowingly flouted those requirements for several years, but thanks to the excellent investigative work of our federal law enforcement partners, his scheme has been dismantled and now he will be held accountable.”
Court documents reflect that from 2022 to 2025, the defendant, via his website, advertised and sold the animal drug toltrazuril to customers across the United States. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, toltrazuril is deemed an adulterated new animal drug, which is subject to specific requirements for its production, labeling, and sale. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted multiple purchases of items labeled and advertised as toltrazuril from the defendant’s website. Those items were tested by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and confirmed to contain toltrazuril. The defendant never complied with FDA regulations regarding his production, labeling, and sale of toltrazuril.
“This sentencing reflects the serious public safety risk created when someone knowingly distributes adulterated and unsafe animal medications,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “The FBI continues to work with our partners to investigate and hold accountable anyone who profits from the sale of counterfeit or contaminated drugs.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher C. Patterson and Ward Narramore.
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.
Panama City Felon Indicted for Distribution of Drugs & Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Jhi Chadron Williams, 46, of Panama City, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for one count of distribution of cocaine and marijuana and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.
Williams appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Charles A. Stampelos in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for July 20, 2026, at 8:30 am, before District Judge Mark Walker in Tallahassee, Florida.
Williams faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the distribution of cocaine and marijuana count and up to 15 years’ imprisonment on the firearm count.
The case was jointly investigated by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin.
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.
Mesa Bank Employee Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Embezzling Money from the BankRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – A former bank employee who embezzled $655,000 from the bank she managed over the course of seven months was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Roslyn O. Silver to 48 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Brooke McDonough, formerly known as Brooke Taylor, 35, of Mesa, Arizona, was sentenced on June 10, 2026. A jury previously convicted McDonough of embezzlement by a bank employee, structuring, and transactional money laundering.
McDonough served as the branch manager of a Mesa bank, a position that afforded her broad authority over branch operations, employee assignments, and cash audits. Between June 2021 and February 2022, McDonough stole cash from the ATMs and vault inside the branch. She also manipulated monthly audits by entering inflated figures into the bank’s systems to conceal the increasing cash shortage. The scheme came to light only after McDonough resigned. The discovery of the theft triggered an internal investigation that caused three other bank employees to be placed on administrative leave.
A federal investigation revealed that McDonough deposited most of the cash she stole into her personal bank accounts. She used different ATMs at multiple bank branches breaking deposits into smaller amounts to avoid mandatory Currency Transaction Reports for deposits of over $10,000 in cash.
“Embezzlement is not a victimless crime,” said United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “McDonough’s conduct caused real harm to her employer, to the integrity of the financial system, and to innocent co-workers whose careers were placed at risk by her actions. The sentence she received reflects the seriousness of that conduct.”
“The sentencing in this case serves as a stern warning to others who are considering victimizing financial institutions or financial consumers…you will be caught, and you will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Ryan Korner with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC OIG). “We are laser focused on protecting the Nation’s Financial System, and we were proud to work alongside the Mesa Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office to bring justice in this case.”
"This successful embezzlement prosecution reflects the strong investigative work of the Mesa Police Department and its partnership with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General,” said Mesa Police Chief Dan Butler. “Financial crime cases are often complex, requiring detailed analysis and coordination across jurisdictions. We commend the investigators and prosecutors whose dedication and professionalism led to this outcome. Their efforts demonstrate the importance of collaboration in holding offenders accountable and protecting the community from financial crime."
This case was investigated by the FDIC OIG and the Mesa Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aron Ketchel and Adriana Genco, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: 24-CR-376
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-099_McDonough# # #
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.Homeland Security Task Force Initiative Leads to Indictment of Tallahassee ManRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Malcolm Akeem Holloway, 22, of Tallahassee, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge.
Holloway appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for July 20, 2026, at 8:30 am before District Court Judge Mark E. Walker in Tallahassee, Florida.
If convicted, Holloway faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Tallahassee Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney 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 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 comprises agents and officers from multiple agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida.
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.
Four-Time Deported Illegal Alien Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Franklin Flores-Penas, 48, of Honduras, was sentenced yesterday to 21 months in prison after pleading guilty to illegal reentry by an alien, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Flores-Penas will be removed from the United States after he completes his prison sentence.
According to court records and the sentencing hearing on October 26, 2025, Flores-Penas was arrested in Buncombe County. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement determined that the defendant had illegally reentered into the United Sates four times after he had been deported. Court records show that on January 16, 2004, Flores-Penas was convicted of a felony drug offense in Los Angeles, California, and on February 25, 2004, he was ordered to be deported back to Honduras. Subsequently, Flores-Penas was removed from the United States three more times, in 2008, 2015 and 2018. Each time the defendant was removed, he illegally reentered the United States voluntarily without gaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reenter.
In announcing the sentence, Chief U.S. District Judge Martin Reidinger noted Flores-Penas’s disregard for the law and his many previous reentries after deportation.
Flores-Penas remains in federal custody and will be ordered to report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Buncombe County Sherrif’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher S. Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
18 June 2026
Waterloo Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Lying While Buying Four GunsRead the Press Release
A woman who bought four guns over six months and lied about her drug use was sentenced June 17, 2026, to a year in federal prison.
Sydnie Mahoney, age 28, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 23, 2026, guilty plea to making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.
Information at sentencing showed that between March 2023 and September 2023, Mahoney bought four guns on four separate occasions from a gun dealer in Cedar Falls, Iowa. During each purchase, Mahoney signed a form on which she indicated she was not an unlawful user of controlled substances, including marijuana. Mahoney was a marijuana user at the time of each purchase. During two of the purchases, Mahoney was accompanied by Torion Byrd, her boyfriend.
Later, police officers found Byrd driving a car with another man who was wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant. Officers searched the car and found one of the guns Mahoney had purchased in the glove box. Byrd’s DNA was found on the gun, which had an extended magazine. Byrd was a convicted felon. Byrd was sentenced to over three years in federal prison.
Mahoney was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Mahoney was sentenced to 12 months and a day in federal prison. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
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.
Mahoney was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on July 20, 2026.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-cr-2027.
Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Virginia Man Sentenced to Prison Term for Pointing a Firearm at Woman at a 2023 Halloween PartyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Gerald Day, 35, of Woodbridge, Virginia, was sentenced today to five years in prison for charges stemming from an altercation between the victim and the defendant’s romantic partner that occurred in October 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Day was found guilty of one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of carrying a pistol without a license, and one count of felony threats on February 25, 2026. Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ordered Day to serve the prison term to be followed by three years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, shortly after midnight on October 29, 2023, the victim arrived at the location of a party near the intersection of O Street and Carrollsburg Place, SW. Upon arrival, she saw her romantic partner with another woman and a larger group of people. Another woman in the group–the defendant’s girlfriend–was also there, unbeknownst to the victim. The two of them began to fight and other members of the larger group joined in.
After a series of exchanges, including the victim deploying mace at a woman in the group, the victim took several steps away from the group when Day produced a black handgun with a tactical flashlight attachment and pointed the firearm at the victim, stating words to the effect of, “I’ll blow you’re a** up.” The victim and the group continued to exchange words and eventually the victim got into her vehicle just seconds before the defendant ran up to her car, kicked her car door shut, and slammed the firearm against the window.
As the victim drove past the group, she heard three gunshots, fired by co-defendant Paul Poston. The victim’s vehicle sustained gunshots to the driver’s side rear door, the driver’s side rear window, and trunk. The victim was not injured and drove away before pulling over and calling 911.
Day self-surrendered on an arrest warrant on January 4, 2024. Day was stepped back today.
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.
They also thanked Assistant United States Attorneys William Gandy and Samuel Ison, who tried the case, and Assistant United States Attorneys Sara Hanson, Michael Lee, Hannah Skopicki, and Katerina Qesari, who investigated, indicted, and prosecuted the case and Deidria Ellis, who served as a Victim Advocate for the case investigation and trial.
2024 CF3 000133
Violent Felon Pleads Guilty to Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Michael Stephen Johnson, 59, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Operation Take Back America continues to deliver wins for the citizens of the Northern District of Florida, and this successful prosecution demonstrates my office’s firm commitment to aggressively pursuing the violent criminals who have threatened the safety of our streets for far too long.”
Court documents reflect that on July 16, 2025, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a shooting at a residence located on Wilson Avenue, in Pensacola, Florida. Once there, deputies detained the defendant and transported him to the Sheriff’s Office for an interview. During the interview, the defendant admitted to possessing a firearm, which he described as a .22-caliber assault rifle, and stated that he purchased the firearm from the victim within the past few months for approximately $150.00. Investigators obtained a residential search warrant for the Wilson Avenue residence and found a black Mossberg Intl Model 702 Plinkster, semi-automatic .22 LR caliber rifle with a magazine inside one of the bedrooms. At the time of the arrest, the defendant was a convicted felon and could not legally possess a firearm based upon his multiple prior convictions for aggravated assault and bank robbery.
Johnson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years’ imprisonment up to a maximum of life imprisonment.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Thomas S.P. Geeker is prosecuting the case.
Sentencing is to be scheduled after the resolution of Johnson’s related state case and will be held at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell II.
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 available 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.
U.S. Attorney's Office Announces 15 Arrests for Benefit FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Fifteen individuals, 11 illegal aliens and four U.S. Citizens, have been charged and arrested for benefit fraud in Massachusetts. The defendants are charged with more than $1.4 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit fraud, MassHealth benefit fraud and disability and unemployment benefit fraud, just to name a few.
The following individuals have been charged over the past week. Several defendants’ names are currently unknown at this time, as they have been living under stolen identities:
- Heriberto Rodriguez of Framingham, Mass., is charged with passport fraud, SNAP fraud, and aggravated identity theft in connection with $546,463 in total benefit fraud loss ($175,182 in MassHealth fraud; $146,944 in Social Security fraud; $185,194 in HUD fraud; and $39,000 in SNAP fraud);
- Mirian Chalas, 33, a U.S. Citizen living in Salem N.H., is charged with making false statements in connection with $266,000 in MassHealth fraud; $25,000 in Social Security Disability fraud; and $12,000 in SNAP fraud;
- Santo Escolastico Cuello, 56, a Dominican national unlawfully living in Worcester, Mass., is charged with aggravated identity theft and making false statements relating to a health care program in connection with $162,180 in MassHealth fraud;
- John Doe, age unknown, suspected to be in the United States illegally, is charged with false representation of a Social Security number, aggravated identity theft and making false statements relating to a health care program in connection with MassHealth fraud totaling $75,000 and aggravated identity theft;
- John Doe, age unknown, suspected to be in the United States illegally living in Quincy, Mass., is charged with illegal acquisition or use of SNAP benefits, theft of government funds and aggravated identity theft in connection with SNAP benefit fraud totaling $11,000;
- Mario Baez Romero, 45, a Dominican national unlawfully living in Somerville, Mass., is charged with aggravated identity theft and passport fraud in connection with $26,942 in SNAP fraud and $48,785 in MassHealth fraud. Baez Romero was allegedly encountered during an interdiction of a recreational vessel near Key Biscayne in Miami, Fla. in May 2026;
- Richard Odelis Vallegas Nunez, 35, a Dominican national unlawfully living in Allston, Mass., is charged with aggravated identity theft and unlawful production of an identification document in connection with $48,865 in MassHealth fraud;
- Miguel Diaz Matos, 54, a Dominican national living in Lynn, Mass., is charged with illegal acquisition or use of SNAP benefits, theft of government funds and aggravated identity theft in connection with $13,431 in SNAP fraud and $50,494 in MassHealth fraud;
- John Doe, age unknown, suspected to be in the United States illegally, is charged with making false statements related to a health care program in connection with $32,717 in MassHealth fraud;
- John Doe, age unknown, suspected to be in the United States illegally, living in Lynn, Mass., is charged with aggravated identity theft and making false statements relating to a health care program in connection with $38,776 in MassHealth fraud;
- Mitul Patel, 40, an Indian national unlawfully living in Worcester, Mass., is charged with conspiracy to commit visa fraud, in which co-conspirators staged a false armed robbery of a convenience store to allow “victims” such as Patel, to seek U Visas as victims of violent crimes;
- Santo Tejada Sanchez, 48, a Dominican national unlawfully living in Haverhill, Mass., is charged with aggravated identity theft, theft of government funds and SNAP benefit fraud totaling $4,054;
- Jennifer Ferran, 48, a U.S. Citizen living in Haverhill, Mass., is charged with theft of government property, Social Security fraud and furnishing false information to Social Security in connection with over $29,000 in Social Security fraud;
- Owen Landry, a/k/a “Oski,” 24, a U.S. Citizen living in Haverhill, Mass., is charged with theft of government property, Social Security fraud and furnishing false information to Social Security in connection with over $29,000 in Social Security fraud; and
- Yahaira Diaz Gomez, 45, a Dominican national living in Mattapan, Mass., is charged with making false statements relating to a health care program in connection with $48,694 MassHealth fraud.
“Today’s announcement is just the beginning of what will be a sustained and ongoing effort to arrest and charge individuals for benefit fraud in Massachusetts. The defendants charged today stole from a number of programs, including SNAP and MassHealth – which are designed to assist U.S. citizens in need of food and health care. They allegedly stole tens of thousands of dollars each in benefits for which they are not entitled,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley. “There isn’t any place else in the world where you can go and be handed free food, free housing, free healthcare and free monthly checks, while being in the country illegally. However, it appears that you can come to Massachusetts and steal as many benefits as you want without fear and without any accountability. This is all ending on my watch. Beginning today, we will be announcing benefit fraud charges on a rolling basis.”
“These cases highlight a broader, deeply troubling pattern: the exploitation of America’s safety-net by illegal aliens,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald for the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Fraud by illegal aliens carries real and substantial costs to American taxpayers and places enormous strain on our public benefits systems. The Fraud Division remains laser-focused on rooting out fraud — whether committed by illegal aliens or anyone else — and recovering money wrongfully taken from the American people.”
“Stealing someone’s identity to rip off unemployment benefits isn’t just breaking the law — it's stealing from every American who plays by the rules,” said Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor. “We will continue working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, HSI’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force, and our federal and state partners to hunt down these criminals and ensure they pay the price for stealing from hardworking Americans.”
“During this short surge operation, we have uncovered over $1 million of fraud — but we’re just getting started. In response to rampant fraud in Massachusetts, and with the support of our task force partners and the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, we’re redoubling our efforts to root out fraud and bring these criminals to justice,” said Jeffrey Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “HSI is making real progress identifying government benefits fraudsters, dismantling identity document dealers, and arresting those who steal from taxpayer-funded programs.”
“This investigation determined that several defendants submitted fraudulent SNAP and other benefits applications in the names of stolen identities. Identity theft affects the lives of many people. Our collaborative work to combat this type of fraud and promote the integrity of government programs remains a priority,” said Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations – Northeast Region.
“Medicaid enrollment fraud undermines the integrity of our health care system and inflicts real harm on the victims whose personal information is exploited and whose medical records are compromised,” said Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “Every fraudulent dollar paid out through these schemes is a dollar taken from those who are truly entitled to these benefits —and we will not allow that theft to go unanswered.”
The charge of SNAP fraud of over $5,000 provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of SNAP fraud of over $100 provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of passport fraud provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of unlawful production of an identification document provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to commit visa fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of theft of government funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of Social Security fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of making false statements to federal officials provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of making false statements relating to a health care program provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of furnishing false information to Social Security provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory two-year sentence to run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald for the National Fraud Enforcement Division; Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor; Jeffrey Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations – Northeast Region; and Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Two Sentenced to over Four Years in Prison for Manufacturing Counterfeit Pills Containing FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Massachusetts men were sentenced in federal court in Boston for a conspiracy involving the distribution and manufacturing of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and other controlled substances.
Elmidio Crisostomo, 30, of Lynnfield, was sentenced on June 10, 2026, by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 53 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. David Depena, 32, of Lynn, was sentenced on Dec. 10, 2025, by Judge Stearns to 53 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. On Sept. 9, 2025, Crisostomo and Depena both pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. In November 2023, Crisostomo and Depena were indicted by a federal grand jury.
From late 2022 through June 2023, Crisostomo and Depena used an apartment in Lynn to manufacture thousands of counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, which they then distributed around Malden, Saugus and Revere. During a search of the Lynn apartment in June 2023, more than three kilograms of fentanyl and 500 grams of methamphetamine were recovered as well as a large hand-crank-style pill press.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lynn Police Department and the Revere Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.- Two Gang Members Sentenced to Life in Prison plus Ten Years for Murder-for-Hire, Firearms, and Fraud Convictions