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2 October 2026
Lead distributor and six co-conspirators sentenced to federal prison for multi-state methamphetamine trafficking ringRead the Press Release
CASPER, Wyo. — U.S. Attorney Darin Smith announced today the final federal sentences for seven individuals involved in a major drug trafficking organization that flooded Wyoming communities with methamphetamine. Denny Jason Shrove, 48, of Rawlins, Wyoming, was sentenced to 216 months (18 years) in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for the distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), launched a sweeping campaign against a major drug trafficking organization spanning multiple counties in Wyoming and Colorado. Agents identified Shrove as the lead distributor in Wyoming.
Shrove and his co-conspirators worked together to transport narcotics from Colorado and distribute them across Natrona, Carbon, Campbell, Laramie, and Albany counties in Wyoming. The investigation revealed that Shrove alone was responsible for distributing at least 23 pounds of methamphetamine in Wyoming. Shrove was arrested on Jan. 23, 2026, and remained in continual custody until he pleaded guilty.
"The trafficking of highly addictive poisons like methamphetamine has no place in Wyoming," said U.S. Attorney Darin Smith. "By holding this key distributor accountable, we send a clear message: Do the crime, and you’ll do the time."
Six of Shrove's federal co-conspirators were also sentenced by U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl in Casper for their roles in the conspiracy.
Alysha Dahl and Bryan Hackleman were each sentenced to 151 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Cainen Taylor received a sentence of 140 months in prison, followed by 8 years of supervised release. Nicole Phipps was sentenced to 133 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Gregory McCoy was sentenced to 132 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Jonathan Burton was sentenced to 100 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Dozens of other individuals linked to the organization have been charged through state court.
The case was investigated by the Wyoming DCI with the assistance of the DEA, HSI, and multiple state and local agencies in Colorado and Wyoming. Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the cases.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to 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 (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Las Vegas Business Owner Pleads Guilty to $90,000 Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas business owner pleaded guilty today to arranging a fake armed robbery of his cell phone repair store to collect money from his insurance company.
“When a business owner chooses to engineer a $90,000 fraud scheme, they are not engaging in a victimless crime,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “They are driving up premium costs for honest, hardworking business owners who play by the rules every day. Our office, in lockstep with our federal and state law enforcement partners, will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute individuals who prioritize corporate greed over legal accountability. This guilty plea underscores our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the integrity of our financial systems and protecting insurance providers from deceptive exploitation.”
“Erwin Lanada ran a calculated scheme of deception, involving a co-conspirator to fake a robbery at gunpoint for financial gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “The FBI, working alongside local law enforcement, successfully thwarted his scheme. His guilty plea highlights law enforcement's commitment to protecting financial systems from fraud, which directly impacts the insurance premiums for many Americans. Insurance is a tool American families depend on to safeguard their assets and finances. That tool has become more and more expensive for every American family due to fraud and fraud's impact on skyrocketing premiums.”
According to court documents, Erwin Lanada owned CPR Cellphone Repair, a store in Las Vegas that repaired and sold cell phones and other electronic devices. On October 25, 2023, Lanada hired and gave Marco Antonio Capistran a revolver to use during a fake robbery of CPR Cellphone Repair, and he promised to pay Capistran for his participation. On October 26, 2023, during the fake robbery, Capistran pointed the revolver at Lanada, he demanded electronic devices, parts, and cash, and he tied Lanada with zip ties, then fled the store. On October 28, 2023, Lanada filed fraudulent insurance claims with his insurance company for property loss and loss of income purportedly resulting from the fake robbery. In December 2023, the insurance company sent Lanada checks totaling approximately $88,611.23 for his claims.
Lanada pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. He faces the statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison at sentence before United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware II on January 5, 2027. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Schiess is prosecuting the case.
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Kansas City Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo. man has pleaded guilty to a firearms violation.
Edward L. Vann, 44, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the plea agreement, Vann was found in possession of two semi-automatic handguns while parked outside a business on Independence Avenue in Kansas City, Mo., during the evening of Nov. 2, 2025. Both firearms were loaded, and one contained a machinegun conversion device that rendered it capable of fully automatic fire.
Under federal statutes, Vann is subject to a sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Wagner and James Kirkpatrick. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Kailua Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to 70 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Vaughn Ludwig, 50, of Kailua, Hawaii, was sentenced yesterday in federal court by United States Chief District Judge Derrick K. Watson to 70 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court records, Ludwig was part of a conspiracy from at least November 2024 to May 2025 to obtain fentanyl from a mainland supplier and then distribute it in Hawaii. At sentencing, Ludwig was held responsible for approximately 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl and over 200 grams of heroin. In his plea agreement, Ludwig admitted to distributing fentanyl and heroin from a hotel in Waikiki in the days leading up to his arrest on May 1, 2025.
In a separate case related to the same drug trafficking conspiracy, Louis Deguair was sentenced on July 13, 2026, to 37 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl. Charles Patrick Saikley also previously pled guilty in a separate case related to the same drug trafficking conspiracy and is pending sentencing on October 15, 2026, for possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara Eucker prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
Justice Department Awards Federal Grants to Combat Domestic Violence in Northern District of FloridaRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Pensacola, & Gainesville, Florida — The Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women has awarded more than $74 million in federal grants to support state, local, and Tribal governments in combatting domestic violence and sexual assault in FY2026. In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, United States Attorney John P. Heekin of the Northern District of Florida highlighted federal grants recently awarded to key stakeholder groups operating within the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin said: “October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, during which we reaffirm our commitment to providing the safety, dignity, and justice that victims of domestic violence deserve. Through these critical investments of federal grant monies, we strengthen our partnership with coalitions operating in my district to provide victim support services as we work toward building a future free from domestic violence and sexual assault.”
The awards, paid through the Office on Violence Against Women Fiscal Year 2026 State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program, support the critical work of state and territory domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions. Grant funds authorized under this program may be used for coordinating state and territory victim services activities, or collaborating and coordinating with federal, state, territory, and local entities engaged in violence against women activities.
OVW State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program funds were awarded to the following entities within the Northern District of Florida:
- Florida Council Against Sexual Violence, Inc., based in Tallahassee, Florida;
- Florida Partnership to End Domestic Violence, Inc., based in Tallahassee, Florida
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is committed to prosecuting those who violate federal laws, collaborating with local law enforcement, and ensuring victims have access to the resources they need. By understanding the signs of abuse and connecting victims to resources, we can all play a role in creating safer communities. For more information on domestic violence or to access resources, please visit https://www.justice.gov/ovw/domestic-violence.
The Department of Justice funds essential victim services through its grantmaking. Grantees of OVW and the Department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) run programs that support victims in the aftermath of domestic violence. There is help available, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), and the Strong Hearts Native Helpline, 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483). In addition, OVW’s Resources for Victims and Survivors webpage lists national hotlines as well as state, territorial, and Tribal domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions that can direct victims to local resources and services, as well as opportunities to get involved.
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.
Jefferson County felon sentenced to federal prison for firearms violation in JasperRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Beaumont felon has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Trevor Noah Nabors, 21, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 52 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale on October 1, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on October 16, 2025, Nabors was arrested in Jasper after local police received a call reporting a person was walking down N. Wheeler Street carrying a rifle, yelling, and acting erratically. Further investigation revealed Nabors was a convicted felon and prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to making our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jasper Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
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Jefferson County felon sentenced to federal prison for firearms violationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Beaumont felon has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Deondre Marquez Howard, 27, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale on October 1, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on April 8, 2025, Howard was a passenger in a vehicle stopped for a traffic violation in Beaumont near Fannett Road and S. 11th Street. Officers smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle and a search was conducted. During the search, a 9mm firearm was located on the floorboard near Howard, who confirmed the gun was his. Further investigation revealed Howard is a convicted felon and prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to making our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
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Jefferson County felon sentenced for firearms violation following burglaryRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Beaumont felon has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Dashman Keith Crossley, 38, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 52 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale on October 1, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on November 25, 2025, local police responded to a burglary in process and observed Crossley kicking in the rear door of a residence. Crossley was arrested and a firearm was found in his pocket. Further investigation revealed Crossley was a convicted felon and on federal supervised release at the time of the incident and prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to making our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
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Italian Alien Charged with Voting in 2024 General Election and Lying About itRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Andrea Catanese (60), an Italian national, has been charged by federal indictment with voting by an alien, attempting to procure naturalization unlawfully, and making a false statement related to naturalization. If convicted on all counts, Catanese faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. U. S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Catanese, voted in the 2024 general election despite not being a citizen of the United States. The indictment further alleges that afterward, Catanese falsely stated he had never voted in a federal election on an Application for Naturalization and then made the same false statement to an immigration official who was reviewing the application.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark E. Andreu.
Illegal alien used stolen identity for federal and state public assistance benefitsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – An illegal alien from Mexico was sentenced to 24 months in prison for using a deceased person’s identity to receive benefits from federal and state public assistance programs.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
According to court documents, Simon Flores-Torres, 72, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft.
In September 2024, Flores-Torres requested a U.S. passport in someone else’s name. He provided a Kansas driver’s license and Social Security card with the victim’s stolen information as part of the application. Suspicious because of prior applications using the same identity, the U.S. State Department and the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG) launched an investigation. They learned the identity belonged to an actual person who died in 2015.
Further investigation showed Flores-Torres used the victim’s information to fraudulently obtain $95,811 in Social Security benefits from the federal government, and $97,095 in Medicaid and $24,269 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from the state of Kansas. As part of his plea agreement, Flores-Torres must pay restitution to those entities.
“Realistically, it is incredibly difficult to avoid violating the law while living day to day in the United States as an illegal alien because one cannot legally drive without a license or legally work without authorization. As a result, identity theft is one of the most common types of cases we prosecute against illegal aliens. The perpetrators care more about gaining privileges their immigration status doesn’t afford them than about the harm they cause to victims,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser.
“Safeguarding Social Security programs supported by the American taxpayer is our mission. This case demonstrates our commitment to detecting identity related fraud and holding accountable those who attempt to exploit Social Security benefits,” said Corwin Rattler, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, SSA OIG, Dallas–Kansas City Field Division. “We appreciate the joint effort and coordination of the Diplomatic Security Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Kansas Department of Revenue throughout this investigation.”
“This sentencing sends a strong message that schemes to defraud the Medicaid, SNAP, and Social Security Disability programs will not be tolerated,” stated Steven D. Anderson, Kansas Inspector General. “The Office of Inspector General will continue to work cooperatively with our law enforcement partners to aid in the identification and prosecution of individuals engaged in these types of crimes.”
An investigation showed Flores-Torres had also given the victim’s name during a prior arrest.
The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Kansas Office of Inspector General, and Kansas Department of Revenue investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith prosecuted the case.
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Houma Man Indicted for Receipt of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOSHUA PAUL FALGOUT (“FALGOUT”),age 32, of Houma, Louisiana, was charged on September 25, 2026 in a recently unsealed indictment with Receipt of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252 (a)(2), and (b)(1), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the indictment, beginning on a date unknown, and continuing until on or about March 26, 2026, FALGOUT knowingly received visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
FALGOUT faces a minimum of five (5) years up to a maximum of twenty (20) years in prison, followed by a term of supervised release for five (5) years up to life. A $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee and a fine of up to $250,000 are also applicable. If convicted, FALGOUT will be required to register as a sex offender.
U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney and Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force Leader Maria M. Carboni of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
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Hot Springs Man Sentenced to over 14 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – A Hot Springs man was sentenced on October 1, 2026, to more than 14 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release, for Possession with the Intent to Distribute of More Than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine. The Honorable District Judge John Thomas Shepherd presided over the sentencing hearings, which took place in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court records, in June of 2025, investigators received information the LaMont Green, age 55, was distributing methamphetamine in the Hot Springs area. A records check determined that Green was on parole from the Arkansas Department of Correction for a previous felony conviction. Investigators conducted a search of Green’s residence and located approximately 2.1 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, along with digital scales and other items commonly associated with drug distribution. The suspected methamphetamine was tested at the Drug Enforcement Administration Laboratory and confirmed to be 1.4 kilograms of pure methamphetamine. On February 18, 2026, Green pleaded guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute of More Than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine.
United States Attorney Kevin R. Holmes made the announcement. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hot Springs Police Department investigated the case. The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for the 18th East Judicial District also assisted with the prosecution and investigation of this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Bryan A. Achorn prosecuted the case for the United States.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the U.S. Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Haitian National Found Guilty of Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Djosaha Azulphar a/k/a “T,” age 28, a Haitian national and lawful permanent resident of the United States, has been found guilty of distribution of controlled substances, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance following a four-day jury trial in federal court in Syracuse last week.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Farhana Islam, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), made the announcement.
Evidence presented during the trial proved that on April 14, 2026, Azulphar distributed 50 grams of cocaine and 30 pills purported to be ecstasy to an informant working with the DEA in Plattsburgh, NY. On April 21, 2026, Azulphar met with the informant in Plattsburgh to distribute over three kilograms of purported ecstasy. Azulphar’s co-defendant, Deontae Alexander held the pills across the street while Azulphar negotiated with the informant. Azulphar and Alexander were both arrested that day. Lab testing later determined the pills were not ecstasy but were methamphetamine.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “This case highlights the dangers of selling, buying, and using illicit drugs. Azulphar represented he was selling ecstasy that was to be distributed to college students, but in fact the pills were highly addictive methamphetamine. When it comes to illicit drugs, one does not know what they are really putting in their body.”
“Drug traffickers who disguise dangerous substances as something other than what it is, and push them toward college students, are playing Russian roulette with young people’s lives” stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “The pills Djosaha Azulphar sold were marketed as ecstasy but really contained highly addictive methamphetamine. This verdict should serve as a warning to anyone who looks to profit from deception and poison; the DEA will find you, dismantle your operation, and hold you accountable. While there are no guarantees in the illicit drug market, just one pill, one bad decision, can have devastating consequences.”
Azulphar will be sentenced on January 5, 2027, by United States District Judge Elizabeth C. Coombe, who presided over the trial. The conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute charges of conviction against Azulphar carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Azulphar’s co-defendant, Deontae Alexander, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. He is to be sentenced by Judge Coombe on November 10, 2026, and faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 3 years.
This case was investigated by DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer prosecuted the case.
Guatemalan National Sentenced to Nearly 22 Years in Federal Prison for Leading Massive Human Smuggling Ring, Holding Migrants HostageRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An illegal alien from Guatemala was sentenced today to 262 months in federal prison for leading one of the nation’s largest human smuggling organizations, a ring that smuggled approximately 20,000 illegal immigrants from Guatemala to the United States over a five-year span, held some of them hostage, and was responsible for a car accident that killed seven migrants, two of them young children.
Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul, 53, a.k.a. “Turko,” “El Jefe,” “Patrón,” and “El Gallo,” who most recently lived in the Westlake neighborhood near downtown Los Angeles, was sentenced by United States District Judge Cynthia Valenzuela, who also ordered him to pay $64,945 in restitution in connection with a November 2023 car accident resulting in the deaths of seven illegal immigrants – including two children ages 4 and 6 years old. An additional restitution hearing related to Renoj-Matul’s kidnapping victims will be scheduled at a later date.
Renoj-Matul pleaded guilty on March 6 to one count of conspiracy to bring aliens to the United States, transport aliens in the United States, and harbor aliens in the United States for private financial gain and one count of hostage taking. He has been in federal custody since February 2025.
“This criminal built an illicit money-making machine off the desperation of illegal immigrants,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “This case, which involved hostage taking, sexual assault, and children killed in a car accident, proves that smuggling aliens into our country is not a harmless crime. It is for the safety of our citizens and immigrants themselves that we zealously police and protect our borders.”
According to court documents, Renoj-Matul first worked for then acted as a leader in the smuggling organization and specialized in the smuggling of illegal aliens from Guatemala to the United States, the transportation and movement of those illegal aliens within the United States, and the harboring, concealing, and shielding of illegal aliens within the United States. This organization moved approximately 20,000 illegal aliens from 2019 through July 2024.
Associates in Guatemala who solicited illegal aliens to come to the United States accepted payment of between $15,000 and $18,000 for each illegal alien to be smuggled into the United States and coordinated the journey of the illegal aliens from Guatemala to the United States.
Mexican smuggling organizations who accepted Guatemalan illegal aliens in southern Mexico transported them through Mexico and then smuggled those illegal aliens across the U.S.-Mexico border.
In the United States, co-conspirators within the organization oversaw smuggling cells, teams of drivers who transported illegal aliens, and operators of stash houses where illegal aliens were held while they were within the United States.
Co-conspirators operated an illegal alien stash house located on James M. Wood Boulevard in the Westlake district of Los Angeles. Illegal aliens smuggled by the organization were brought to this house. After an illegal alien’s smuggling fee was paid, the illegal alien was transported by co-conspirators to another destination within the United States. If an illegal alien’s smuggling fees were not paid, Renoj-Matul and other co-conspirators would hold that person against their will at the Westlake house until their fee was paid.
In retaliation for one victim who had not paid her smuggling fees, Renoj-Matul held her against her will, “sexually assaulted her, forced her to work demeaning jobs, mistreated her, and threatened her family in an effort to extract payment of the smuggling debt,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum.
Other co-conspirators transported and coordinated the transport of illegal aliens for Renoj-Matul from Guatemala, through Mexico, to the United States and then throughout various destinations within the United States. Within the United States, co-conspirators drove illegal aliens to other destinations in vehicles provided by Renoj-Matul and others for a fee paid by the aliens.
Renoj-Matul directed that the transportation of proceeds from human smuggling be transported from Los Angeles to Phoenix to be given to the Mexican smuggling organization and pay the smuggling organization’s expenses.
Renoj-Matul arranging for co-conspirators to transport illegal immigrants to Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, New York, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
He admitted in his plea agreement that at all relevant times, he acted for the purpose of private financial gain.
In 2024, after a third party reneged on paying a victim’s smuggling fees, co-conspirators in Guatemala and Renoj-Matul called the victim’s mother and threatened to harm the victim, including by warning the victim “would come home in a box” if her smuggling fees were not paid, according to court documents. For a two-month period from May 2024 to July 2024, the victim was held hostage at the house in the Westlake area of Los Angeles.
Renoj-Matul also held hostage another victim – an illegal immigrant from Guatemala –from April 2024 to July 2024. He knowingly and intentionally seized and detained, and threatened to kill, injure, and continue to detain the victim to compel third persons to pay smuggling fees to the hostage takers as an explicit condition for the victim’s release.
Relatedly, Cristóbal Mejia-Chaj, 51, of Westlake, was sentenced today by Judge Valenzuela to 33 months in federal prison. He pleaded guilty on March 25 to one count of conspiracy to bring aliens to the United States, transport aliens in the United States, and harbor aliens in the United States for private financial gain. His restitution hearing is scheduled for December 11.
José Paxtor-Oxlaj, 46, a co-defendant, was sentenced by Judge Valenzuela on July 31 to 78 months in federal prison and ordered him to pay $64,945 in restitution in connection with the fatal November 2023 car accident. Paxtor-Oxlaj is incarcerated in Oklahoma state prison in connection with that fatal crash. He pleaded guilty on April 13 to one count of conspiracy to bring aliens to the United States, transport aliens in the United States, and harbor aliens in the United States for private financial fain and resulting in death.
Helmer Obispo-Hernández, 43, a.k.a. “Xavi,” a lieutenant in the criminal organization, faces federal criminal charges in this case and is a fugitive.
Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, HSI’s Figueroa Initiative Gang and Human Trafficking Task Force, United States Border Patrol, and the Inglewood Police Department investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly Larocque of the Transnational Organized Crime Section and Lana Morton Owens of the National Security Division prosecuted this case.
Group Tied to Distribution of Half Ton of Methamphetamine in Iowa Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Anthony Comer Goodmann, from Chicago, Illinois, originally from Dubuque, Iowa, was sentenced October 1, 2026, to over 25 years in prison. Goodmann was the last defendant in a large-scale, multi-defendant drug conspiracy to be sentenced. Five other people have previously been sentenced for their involvement in the conspiracy:
- Jason John Weipert, age 43, from Dubuque, Iowa, was sentenced July 24, 2026, to nearly 10 years’ imprisonment.
- Steven Douglas Paul, age 53, from Dubuque, Iowa, was sentenced July 23, 2026, to over 7 years’ imprisonment.
- Michael Leigh Schmidt, age 44, from Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced July 17, 2026, to over 28 years’ imprisonment.
- Justin Smith, age 44, from Galesburg, Illinois, was sentenced July 8, 2026, to over 10 years’ imprisonment.
- Nichole Marie Schmidt, age 43, from Galesburg, Illinois, was sentenced January 29, 2026, to over 25 years’ imprisonment.
The group received the prison terms after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, and 50 grams of pure methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice” methamphetamine. Both Michael Schmidt and Nichole Marie Schmidt have prior federal drug trafficking convictions.
Evidence at their plea hearings and sentencings showed that around August 2021, Goodmann started dealing pound-level quantities of ice methamphetamine to others for the purpose of redistributing and selling to other people. Goodmann was living in Chicago at the time but drove to Dubuque with the methamphetamine or had others drive to Chicago to pick it up from him. Goodmann started dealing to Paul, Weipert, and Nichole and Michael Schmidt. Paul and Weipert primarily dealt to others in the Dubuque area. The Schmidts dealt to others in the Dubuque area and around Des Moines.
In March 2023, police stopped Goodmann while he was driving in Dubuque. Officers searched his car and found over 260 grams of methamphetamine, 15 grams of cocaine, and heroin.
On September 9, 2024, the Schmidts paid Justin Smith to drive a rental car from Davenport to Chicago. In Chicago, Smith picked up approximately 12 pounds of methamphetamine and a gun from Goodmann. Smith then drove the rental car back to Davenport. The Schmidts then took the rental car. Officers stopped the car while it was still in Davenport. Officers searched the car and found 12 pounds of pure methamphetamine, oxycodone, LSD, MDMA, cocaine, marijuana, and a loaded Ruger LCP, .380 auto caliber pistol.
On September 29, 2024, police stopped Paul while driving in Dubuque. Officers searched the car he was driving and found over 427 grams of methamphetamine and approximately three grams of ketamine. Paul was returning from Chicago, where he had just received the drugs from Goodmann.
On February 19, 2025, police stopped Goodmann while driving in Dubuque. He was travelling from from Chicago. As he was stopping the car, he threw 444 grams of pure methamphetamine out of the window. Officers recovered the drugs. Officers also found small quantities of cocaine, ketamine, and MDMA in the car.
On February 27, 2025, police stopped Weipert while driving in Dubuque. Officers searched the car and found 187 grams of pure methamphetamine. Weipert was returning from Illinois, where he had received the drugs from Goodmann.
In total, Goodmann and the Schmidt’s were involved with over 450,000 grams of ice methamphetamine. During sentencing, the judge described this amount of drugs as “astronomical.”
All defendants were sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.
- Goodmann was sentenced to 307 months’ imprisonment. He must serve five years of supervised release upon his release.
- Weipert was sentenced to 118 months and 23 days’ imprisonment. He must serve five years of supervised release upon his release.
- Paul was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment. He must serve five years of supervised release upon his release.
- Michael Schmidt was sentenced to 337 months and 21 days’ imprisonment. He must serve 10 years of supervised release upon his release.
- Smith was sentenced to 125 months’ imprisonment. He must serve five years of supervised release upon his release.
- Nichole Schmidt was sentenced to 304 months’ imprisonment. She must serve 10 years of supervised release upon her release.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley Corkery and Dillan Edwards. The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, the Dubuque Police Department, and the Illinois State Police Narcotics and Currency Interdiction Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file numbers are 25-CR-1021, 25-CR-1024, and 25-CR-1034.
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Gloversville and Johnstown Residents Detained Following Drug ArrestsRead the Press Release
On September 2, 2026, John Vincent Dimick Jr., aka “Wo,” of Gloversville, NY; Quadir Jameek Powerful Supreme Johnson, aka “Q,” of Johnstown, NY; and Darena Ann Rutauskas, also of Johnstown, all age 21, were arrested in Gloversville and charged with distribution of a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Farhana Islam, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, made the announcement.
As alleged in the complaints, on August 24, 2026, Johnson sold over 200 fake Percocet pills, which contained a mix of heroin and fentanyl, to Dimick, who then sold them on to a confidential source. The complaints further allege that on September 2, 2026, Dimick, Johnson and Rutauskas were driving to make another sale of pills containing controlled substances to the confidential source when they were arrested. According to the complaints, the pills were found in Rutauskas’ possession.
Johnson, who was driving, attempted to leave the scene after he was pulled over by police but drove into the verge on the side of the road. Dimick, Johnson and Rutauskas were all brought into federal court and had their initial appearances before United States Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista that same day. Dimick waived a detention hearing and consented to being detained pending trial. The government moved for detention with respect to Johnson and Rutauskas. At his detention hearing on September 4, 2026, Johnson was initially released to pretrial supervision with conditions, however he is now in custody after consenting to detention. Rutauskas was released to pretrial supervision with conditions following her detention hearing.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone stated, “On September 2, 2026, we took two dangerous drug dealers off the street who sold counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. Due to the quick action of the DEA we were able to prevent more deadly drugs from making its way into the communities in the Northern District of New York. Thankfully we have the ability in federal court to detain defendants unlike New York State in many cases, and Johnson and Dimick will remain off the streets pending trial.”
DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam stated, “With every arrest we make, and every deadly pill we remove from our streets, we reduce the opportunity for another family to suffer an unimaginable loss. The DEA continues to relentlessly target those individuals pushing their poison into our neighborhoods, endangering lives, and causing the most harm.”
The current charges against the defendants carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. The charges against the defendants are merely allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Walter is prosecuting the case.
Four Sentenced for Conspiring with Annandale-Based Doctor to Illegally Distribute Oxycodone and other Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – Four Maryland residents who conspired with Dr. Rotimi Iluyomade, an Annandale-based doctor convicted of distributing more than 7,000 oxycodone pills, 34,000 milliliters of hydrocodone-chlorpheniramine solution (also known as “Tussionex”), and 107,000 milliliters of promethazine-codeine solution (also known as “lean”) were sentenced today in federal court.
Yared Michael Tesfaye, a.k.a. “Yar” 29, of Montgomery Village, Maryland, was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison.
Elhadj Malick Diallo, 32, of Silver Spring, Maryland, was sentenced to time served (approximately 13 months) in federal prison. Cameron Isaiah Lewis, 24, and Raymono Alfonzo Russell II, 25, both of Bowie, Maryland, were sentenced to 8 months and 10 months respectively.
All four defendants previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute Schedule II controlled substances and to acquire promethazine-codeine solution by fraud.
“Any physician and anyone who conspires with a physician to facilitate the illegal distribution of drugs will be aggressively prosecuted in the Western District of Virginia,” First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today. “I applaud the outstanding work of the FBI and the DEA in this case.”
“The defendants paid a doctor to issue fraudulent prescriptions for opioid medications and then trafficked those drugs to buyers across multiple states,” said Darren Cox, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. “We are grateful to our federal, state, and local partners for their help in ensuring these defendants are held accountable for profiting from the illegal distribution of controlled substances.”
“Patient care is a privilege. Patient safety is a responsibility. When responsibility is betrayed through the unlawful prescribing of controlled substances, DEA and other law enforcement partners will act decisively and with one purpose: protecting American lives,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Cindy Marx of the Washington Division.
According to court documents, in at least 2023 and 2024, Iluyomade and the co-conspirators entered into an agreement to distribute oxycodone pills, promethazine-codeine solution, and Tussionex to pharmacies in multiple states, including California, Colorado, Nebraska, Arizona, Missouri, Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island, Georgia, Wisconsin, Texas, West Virginia, and in the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia. At least 70 of the illegal controlled substance prescriptions were transmitted to and/or filled at pharmacies in the Western District of Virginia.
As part of the conspiracy, multiple individuals visited Iluyomade’s medical clinic to obtain fraudulent prescriptions. The individuals provided Iluyomade with lists of multiple “patients” addresses and identify information or different variations of names and false addresses, and requested prescriptions be sent to pharmacies throughout the United States for the “patients” on the lists.
Tesfaye was the first co-conspirator to visit Iluyomade at Crossover Medical Center in Annandale, Virginia to obtain fraudulent prescriptions. In addition to obtaining his own fraudulent prescriptions, he sold “slots” with Iluyomade to other co-conspirators that they used to obtain fraudulent prescriptions.
Lewis and Diallo traveled to various pharmacies to pick up fraudulent prescriptions written by Iluyomade, which they then distributed for profit, often posting pictures on social media to facilitate drug sales. Lewis and Diallo paid Iluyomade $300 per fraudulent prescription.
The investigation began on September 2, 2023, when Russell attempted to pick up a fraudulent prescription transmitted by Iluyomade at a pharmacy in Honaker, Virginia. Russell was arrested and a search of his vehicle revealed multiple controlled substance prescription bottles in various “patient” names, all from Iluyomade, filled at pharmacies in Roanoke, Radford, Tazewell, and Floyd, Virginia.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Virginia State Police, Russell County Sheriff’s Office, Salisbury, Maryland Police Department, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Police, HHS-OIG, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lena Busscher and Randy Ramseyer are prosecuting the case.
Former US Congressman Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Secretly Acting as Agent of Venezuelan GovernmentRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Former U.S. Congressman David Rivera was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for secretly acting as an unregistered agent of the Venezuelan government and laundering millions of dollars connected to that work.
U.S. District Judge Melissa Damian imposed the sentence after a federal jury convicted Rivera, 61, of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), violating FARA, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and four counts of engaging in transactions in criminally derived property.
“Today’s sentence reinforces a simple rule: foreign influence in America cannot operate in the shadows,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “If you act at the request, direction, or control of a foreign government and engage in covered political activity, you must comply with our disclosure laws. That can include conduct like arranging a meeting with policymakers, lobbying a government official, or promoting a foreign government’s message on social media.
“For a former Congressman from South Florida, this betrayal cuts especially deep. Rivera represented a community shaped by generations of families who fled communist oppression and came to this country seeking freedom. He knew that history. He knew what this community had endured. Yet the jury found that, for millions of dollars, he secretly used the access and relationships entrusted to him to advance the interests of the Maduro regime.
“Today’s sentence of 10 years is the consequence of that choice. In South Florida, we will aggressively enforce the laws that protect our country and our communities from covert foreign influence.”
“Today’s sentencing represents a meaningful step toward restoring public trust in the integrity of our democratic processes,” said Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office. “It also demonstrates the impact of federal partners working together and combining their investigative expertise. And no attempt to conceal unlawful conduct will remain beyond the FBI’s reach.”
“This case shows that laundering illicit funds in the United States will not go unchecked,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Charles E. Miller of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Florida Field Office. “The partnership between IRS-CI and our law enforcement counterparts was vital in exposing this operation and protecting the integrity of the U.S. financial system.”
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Rivera and co-defendant Esther Nuhfer obtained a $50 million contract with a subsidiary of Venezuela’s state-owned and state-controlled oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), to advance the interests of the Venezuelan regime in the U.S. Without registering as foreign agents as required by law, Rivera and Nuhfer lobbied U.S. officials, including then-U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and U.S. Representative Pete Sessions, and arranged meetings between U.S. policymakers and high-ranking Venezuelan officials, including then-President Nicolás Maduro and then-Foreign Minister Delcy Rodríguez. Rivera and Nuhfer used coded language in text messages to describe their activities.
The evidence at trial further showed that Rivera deposited approximately $1.5 million in proceeds from the contract to his Florida state congressional campaign account between March 2017 and August 2018, among other personnel uses. Nuhfer used approximately $455,000 in proceeds to purchase a residence in Key Colony Beach.
Nuhfer, 52, who was convicted at trial of conspiracy to violate FARA, violating FARA, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and engaging in a transaction in criminally derived property, was previously sentenced to 60 months in federal prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harold Schimkat and Roger Cruz, along with Trial Attorney David Ryan of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, are prosecuting the case.
FBI Miami and IRS-CI Florida Field Office are investigating the case. This investigation is supported by the Treasury Executive Office for Asset Forfeiture (TEOAF).
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 numbers 22-cr-20552.
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Former San Jose Police Department Employee Sentenced to 60 Months for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – Denis Shevchenko was sentenced to five years in federal prison for possession of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila handed down the sentence.
Shevchenko, 45, of Gilroy, was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 30, 2022. On May 30, 2024, a federal grand jury charged Shevchenko in a superseding indictment. On October 17, 2025, following a bench trial, Judge Davila found Shevchenko guilty of possession of child pornography.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Shevchenko was employed as a community service officer (CSO) with the San Jose Police Department (SJPD). Prior to serving as a CSO, Shevchenko worked as a police officer for SJPD and the Pinole Police Department. Court documents showed that the investigation into Shevchenko began when law enforcement discovered he had posted violent messages on the internet advocating for “shooting” police officers and “culling” people who did not share his beliefs.
On October 14, 2021, SJPD officers executed a search warrant at Shevchenko’s residence and seized electronic devices, which were found to contain numerous videos and thousands of images of child pornography. The images depicted minors, including babies and toddlers, engaged in sexually explicit conduct with adults.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Davila also sentenced the defendant to a 5-year period of supervised release and ordered him to pay $47,000 in restitution to the victims. The defendant will begin serving the sentence on October 29, 2026.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Neal C. Hong is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Sahib Kaur, Sarah Slattery, and Laurie Worthen. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and SJPD.
Former Immigration Services Officer Pleads Guilty to Defrauding UnionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Immigration Services Officer pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to stealing more than $60,000 from a labor union over the course of five years.
Carol A. Aguja, 55, of Reading, Mass., pleaded guilty to wire fraud. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Jan. 7, 2027. Aguja was charged in August 2026.
Aguja was an Immigration Services Officer employed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Between approximately 2015 and August 2024, Aguja also served as Treasurer of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 38 (AFGE Local 38), a labor organization that represented USCIS employees who lived in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire.
Between 2019 and 2024, Aguja defrauded AFGE Local 38 by siphoning funds from the union bank account to pay for her own personal and non-union related expenses. As part of her fraud scheme, Aguja also paid union expenses out of her personal accounts and commingled union and personal funds to conceal her embezzlement. Specifically, Aguja used the AFGE Local 38 credit card to pay approximately $12,508 for personal expenses such as restaurant meals, bills, clothing and dance lessons. She also made 128 cash withdrawals totaling over $23,700 from the AFGE Local 38 account, and transferred over $25,000 from the AFGE Local 38 account to her personal accounts. Aguja falsified annual forms regarding the union finances that AFGE Local 38 was required to submit to the United States Department of Labor-Management Standards, in order to conceal her fraud.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, restitution, and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jonathan Russo, District Director, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards; and Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, Ph.D., U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.
Former Haverhill Man Sentenced for Receiving Stolen Government MoneyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Haverhill man was sentenced on Sept. 30, 2026 in federal court in Boston for receiving stolen Social Security disability benefits over a period of more than five years.
Christopher D. Leon, 56, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to one day of prison deemed served and three years of supervised release. Leon was also ordered to pay $87,817 in restitution. In June 2026, Leon pleaded guilty to one count of receiving stolen government money or property. Leon was charged in May 2026.
Leon received approximately $87,817 in stolen Social Security disability benefits from November 2019 through August 2025. Leon lived with an applicant for Social Security disability benefits at the time of her death. After her death, the Social Security Administration (SSA) mailed a notice of award to Leon’s address. Once the Social Security benefits began to be paid via direct deposit to the decedent’s bank account, Leon used the deceased beneficiary’s debit card to access the improperly paid funds through ATM cash withdrawals each month.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, Boston–New York Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Former Boilermakers executive headed to prisonRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A former executive for International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmith, Forgers and Helpers (Boilermakers Union) was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment and two years of supervised release. The sentence also included a ban from employment with a labor union or ERISA fund for 13 years for the defendant’s part in nearly a decade of egregious financial corruption and abuse of union funds.
According to court documents, Tyler Brown, 46, of Kansas City, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy.
The Boilermakers Union is a labor union formerly headquartered in Kansas City, Kansas, with approximately 45,000 members consisting of skilled tradespersons.
Brown was employed by the Boilermakers Union in a variety of roles, including as Executive Director of Industrial Sector Operations, Special Assistant to the International President, and Chief of Staff. Brown reported directly to International President Newton Jones and carried out Jones' directives including those Brown knew to be illegal and contrary to the union’s constitution. Some of those actions include:
• Assisting in hiring Jones’ wife, son and other relatives as staff with substantially inflated salaries knowing they did little to no productive work
• Preparing letters at Jones’ direction assigning union executives and guests to 100 lavish international trips that served no legitimate union-related purpose. Brown himself took more than 30 of such trips to destinations like Italy, London, Spain, Switzerland, Peru, and Thailand
• As chief of staff, Brown prepared agenda packages for International Executive Council Docket meetings. Brown omitted expense reports for the International President and International Secretary-Treasurer to impede councilmembers from reviewing the informationBrown, who was a licensed attorney, surrendered his license to practice law in five states. Seven other defendants involved in the conspiracy will be sentenced at a later date.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Labor investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Faiza Alhambra and Jabari Wamble prosecuted the case.
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Foreign National Among Defendants Charged in Seven-Count Housing and Social Security Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A seven count Superseding Indictment was unsealed yesterday in U.S. District Court charging Maliktra Derenorcourt, 27, and Philippe Oliver Gadie, 34, both residents of the District of Columbia, with a multi-year scheme to allegedly enrich themselves by using fake or stolen identities to fraudulently obtain leaseholds on units at various apartment complexes without paying rent or bills, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“This case alleges a calculated fraud operation that weaponized stolen identities, exploited the eviction system, and inflicted significant financial harm across the District,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “These defendants, one of whom is a foreign national unlawfully present in the United States, are charged with orchestrating a housing and Social Security fraud scheme that preyed on innocent victims and undermined the integrity of our housing system. We will not tolerate criminals who exploit our communities for profit and put the safety and security of law-abiding residents at risk.”
According to the Superseding Indictment, from at least November 2023 to the present, Derenorcourt, Gadie, and others allegedly conspired to obtain a large number of leases for residential units at numerous apartment complexes across Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas.
The conspirators allegedly used stolen or fabricated Social Security Numbers, so called “Credit Privacy Numbers”, and fabricated letters of employment in furtherance of their scheme. The conspirators then allegedly lived in the units themselves, or sold access to the units to third parties at a fraction of the value of the lease. Nearly all of the apartments that were fraudulently leased as a part of the scheme resulted in eviction proceedings for non-payment of rent causing significant losses for each of the apartment complexes involved. Currently, losses are estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, however, the investigation into the extent and scope of the scheme is ongoing.
In Washington, D.C., the eviction process can span multiple months—even up to a year or longer. Derenorcourt, Gadie, and others allegedly utilized this lengthy process by submitting fraudulent lease applications in batches using the stolen or fabricated identities.
During the conspiracy, Derenorcourt, Gadie, and others also allegedly used BitCoin and Cash App accounts with stolen and fabricated identities to transfer money between themselves. Gadie used at least one victim’s name, social security number, and date of birth to open a Cash App account conducting hundreds of transactions in the victim’s name. The investigation into these accounts is ongoing.
Derenorcourt assisted with the scheme by posing as the pair’s female identity theft victims. Search warrants executed at Derenorcourt’s apartment recovered numerous luxury fashion items. Gadie, a citizen of Côte d’Ivoire in West Africa, is unlawfully present in the United States after overstaying his nonimmigrant visa.
This case is being investigated Homeland Security Investigations, with valuable assistance provided by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation unit. The investigation was conducted by the Washington, D.C. Fraud Cell, which is a multi-agency task force established pursuant to the President’s Executive Order 14252 aimed at Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Again.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Gadie was apprehended while living on a fraudulent lease at an upscale apartment in Southeast Washington, D.C.
Gadie entering one of the apartments.
Derenorcourt and Gadie tapping into one of the fraudulently leased apartments.
Surveillance photo of Gadie.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Final Two Defendants Sentenced in Interstate Auto Theft ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ian Torres, age 26, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Jose Otero Nieves, age 43, of Baltimore, Maryland, were sentenced on September 29, 2026, to 54 months’ imprisonment and 96 months’ imprisonment, respectively, by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann for interstate transportation of stolen motor vehicles.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Torres, Otero, and eight additional co-conspirators conspired with each other and others to transport stolen motor vehicles interstate and to receive, possess, conceal, store, sell, and dispose of stolen motor vehicles that had been transported interstate.
Torres, Otero, and their co-conspirators took the stolen vehicles—typically high-end, “muscle” type cars—across state lines to “car meetups” and “street takeovers,” at which the co-conspirators would take over a parking lot, intersection, road, or portion of a highway. The vehicles were then shown off in person at the meetups and on social media and driven in a reckless and dangerous manner, such as drifting and “burning out” the vehicles. Otero ran a prominent car meetup group out of Baltimore, Maryland.
The co-conspirators stole numerous vehicles across multiple states. For example, on October 3, 2023, Torres, Otero, and other co-conspirators traveled to a car dealership in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, to steal two 2017 Cadillac CTS-V’s, a 2016 Cadillac CTS-V, two 2019 Cadillac CTS-V’s, a 2018 Chevrolet Camaro, a 2019 Chevrolet Camaro, and a 2019 Chevrolet Corvette.
The defendants in this conspiracy have each been sentenced by Chief Judge Brann as follows:
- Jose Otero Nieves, of Baltimore County, Maryland—96 months’ imprisonment.
- Rafael Otero Nieves, of Baltimore County, Maryland—84 months’ imprisonment.
- Nigel Criss, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—54 months’ imprisonment.
- Ian Quintana Torres, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—54 months’ imprisonment.
- Jesus Terrero, of Baltimore County, Maryland—36 months’ imprisonment.
- Tyler Hoagland, of Howard County, Maryland—18 months’ imprisonment.
- Shamar Morris, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—12 months’ imprisonment.
- Raymond Steward, of Camden County, New Jersey—6 months’ imprisonment.
- Robert Jones, of Prince George’s County, Maryland—6 months’ imprisonment.
- Jumaane Wright, of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania—deceased.
In imposing the sentences, Chief Judge Brann noted the sheer volume of vehicles stolen by Torres and Otero—more than two dozen each—and the leadership roles each defendant played in the wide-ranging, multi-state conspiracy. For Otero, Chief Judge Brann also noted his significant criminal history, which includes a second-degree murder conviction.
The FBI Philadelphia’s Capital Area Resident Agency and Pennsylvania State Police, Central and Eastern Auto Theft Task Forces, investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle A. Moreno prosecuted the case.
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Felon Sentenced to 50 Months After Surge Task Force Finds Stolen Gun, Cocaine Base During Traffic StopRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Kurono Scutchings, 29, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 50 months in prison in connection with his unlawful possession of a stolen semi-automatic pistol and more than 11 grams of cocaine base, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“Kurono Scutchings had already been convicted of robbery, and yet he was again found in possession of a stolen firearm and possession with intent to distribute amounts of various narcotics in the District,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Let this serve as a warning: those who choose a path of illegal firearms possession and possession of trafficking amounts of narcotics will face prosecution and federal prison.”
Scutchings, aka “Kuron Scutchings,” pleaded guilty on May 6 before U.S. District Judge Dabney L. Friedrich to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, and to unlawful possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. In addition to the 50-month prison term, Judge Friedrich ordered Scutchings to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on Aug. 24, 2025, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Special Missions Unit, along with federal agents operating under the Federal Law Enforcement Surge Task Force, were on patrol in the 2900 block of Knox Place SE. Officers observed Scutchings speaking with another individual before moving to the driver’s seat of a parked vehicle as the officers approached.
When officers asked Scutchings what was in a clear plastic bag in his hand, he claimed it was marijuana but would not show them the contents. Scutchings then handed over the bag. It contained 11.46 grams of cocaine base. During a subsequent search, officers recovered an FN Five-Seven semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 20 rounds of 5.7x28mm ammunition, hidden in Scutchings’ compression shorts. The firearm had been reported stolen out of Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Officers also recovered 5.96 grams of methamphetamine and 1.49 grams of fentanyl from the vehicle’s center console.
Scutchings’ criminal history includes a 2020 D.C. Superior Court conviction for robbery, for which he had been sentenced to 30 months’ incarceration. Given his status as a felon, he was forbidden from possessing any firearm.
The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the Federal Law Enforcement Surge Task Force.
The matter was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory V. Cole. Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump’s Executive Order to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.
The bag of cocaine base that police recovered from Scutchings.
Police recovered an FN Five-Seven semiautomatic pistol from Scutchings' shorts.
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Federal court sentences West Texas man to life in federal prison for child exploitation offensesRead the Press Release
ABILENE, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that Troy Nathaniel Navarro, 34, was sentenced Oct. 1 to life in federal prison for committing severe child‑exploitation offenses over multiple years.
Navarro pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor, production of child pornography, and commission of a felony offense involving a minor by a registered sex offender on May 8. Yesterday, the Court imposed the following sentence:
- Life imprisonment for enticement of a minor
- 600 months (50 years) for production of child pornography
- 120 months (10 years) as to felony offense involving a minor by a registered sex offender
“The life sentence imposed today reflects the enormity of the defendant’s conduct and highlights our unwavering commitment to pursue the strongest penalties available under federal law when a predator exploits a child,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “This defendant’s repeated violations of the law underscore precisely why federal statutes exist to address offenders who continue to prey on children despite prior convictions. The community is safer because this defendant has been held accountable.”
“This life sentence, imposed as a result of multiple violations by a registered sex offender, underscores our commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for crimes against children,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI, alongside our law enforcement partners, remains dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
According to court records, from 2023 through 2026, Navarro knowing or attempted to employ, use, persuade, induce, coerce, or entice minor victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct. As part of his guilty plea, Navarro admitted he used the Internet, cellular devices, and cloud‑based applications — all facilities of interstate commerce — to carry out his offenses.
The case originated from a CyberTip report received by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, indicating possible child‑exploitation material linked to an account stored within a commercial cloud‑service platform. Investigators with the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Investigations Division developed the initial lead, identifying subscriber information and linking the activity to Navarro’s residence in Throckmorton, Texas.
Digital‑forensics personnel from state and federal agencies executed both state and federal search warrants, retrieving electronic evidence across multiple devices and accounts. The recovered data established Navarro’s extensive digital communications, his use of interstate‑commerce channels and his role in producing child pornography.
According to court documents, Navarro admitted to using interstate communications systems to entice a minor and produce illegal visual depictions. Navarro has prior conviction for aggravated sexual assault of a child. As a registered offender, Navarro’s commission of new felony conduct involving a minor triggered enhanced penalties under federal law.
The Court ordered the life and 50-year sentences to run concurrently and 10-year sentence to run consecutively to the earlier counts. Upon release from imprisonment, Navarro will be subject to a life term of supervised release, with all three terms to run concurrently.
FBI Dallas Field Office – Wichita Falls Resident Agency and Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Whitney James from the Abilene Division prosecuted the case.
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Federal Jury Finds Former Soldier Guilty of 9 Counts Related to Sexual Abuse of 2 MinorsRead the Press Release
WACO, Texas – A federal jury in Waco convicted a former U.S. Army Soldier on nine counts related to the sexual abuse and exploitation of two minor victims, announced U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Jordan Anthony Pearce, 30, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, began sexually abusing a minor female at his Fort Hood residence when the minor was 11 years old. The victim reported the abuse to a friend and later school and law enforcement officials. In April 2023, the victim spoke to a forensic interviewer at the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) in Bell County and stated that Pearce told her she would not be believed if she told anyone about the abuse.
Shortly after the first reports, a second minor female was taken to the CAC, where she also detailed how she had been sexually abused by Pearce at his residence and other locations when she was between the ages of 13 and 16 years old. A search of the second victim’s cell phone revealed text messages between Pearce and the minor along with a sexually explicit video Pearce had requested from the child victim.
Pearce was indicted on April 8, 2025, and arrested on May 30, 2025. A second superseding indictment charged Pearce with ten counts which included abusive sexual contact, transportation of a minor, sexual abuse of a minor, production of child pornography, distribution of visual depictions of sexual activities by a minor, and enticement of a minor. On Wednesday, a federal jury found Pearce guilty on all charges except for transportation of a minor.
The Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary Kucera and Mark Frazier are prosecuting the case. Donna Myrdahl, Brenda Wright and Marci’a Wilson provided valuable assistance with litigation support and trial preparation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
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Duck Valley Shoshone-Paiute Tribal Member Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
BOISE – Jeremy Louis Prior, 41, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for assaulting a federal officer, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. Prior is a member of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribe of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation.
According to court records, on February 15, 2026, a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer responded to a request for assistance at a residence located on the Idaho side of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation. The calling party reported that Prior was under the influence and causing a disturbance at the residence. When the officer arrived, he attempted to locate and arrest Prior for an active tribal warrant. The officer eventually found Prior hiding in a closet. As the officer began to place Prior in handcuffs, Prior resisted and punched the officer in the face. Prior also kicked the officer.
Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Prior serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
U.S. Attorney Davis commended the work of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which led to the charge. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Booker prosecuted the case.
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Dubuque Police Lieutenant Charged with Distributing Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
Wilkens Dieujuste, age 39, from Dubuque, Iowa, has been charged with one count of distribution of a controlled substance (amphetamine). The charge is contained in a Complaint unsealed yesterday in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Complaint alleges that in June 2026, Dieujuste, who is a Lieutenant with the Dubuque Police Department, distributed a prescription medication containing amphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, to another individual. If convicted, Dieujuste faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
Dieujuste appeared today in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was released on conditions set by the court. The court will schedule Dieujuste’s next appearance at a later date.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov. The case file number is 26-cr-1029. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Doctor Convicted for Conspiring to Distribute over 2 Million Stimulant PillsRead the Press Release
A federal jury in the Western District of Michigan convicted Jonathan Decker, 46, of Rockford, Michigan, for distributing over 2 million pills of Adderall and other stimulants over the Done ADHD platform. Decker provided prescriptions for methamphetamine and amphetamines to patients without examining them, including to patients with substance use disorders and with significant mental health diagnoses, symptoms of which were exacerbated by the drugs Decker prescribed. Decker was paid more than $1 million for his prescriptions.
“The Fraud Division is providing full-spectrum accountability for drug dealers who cloak their activities in online telemedicine platforms,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “With this conviction — the eleventh in this landmark prosecution — we reaffirm that the Fraud Division will hold fully accountable anyone, whether in a boardroom or a doctor’s office, who abuses their medical license and novel technologies to flood communities with dangerous drugs and put vulnerable patients at risk.”
“Dr. Decker’s reckless abuse of his medical license put vulnerable patients at risk and fueled dangerous drug abuse,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Miranda L. Bennett of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate such conduct — we will aggressively pursue and dismantle schemes that threaten public health and ensure those responsible face swift justice.”
Decker is now the 11th defendant convicted of participating in a $100 million dollar drug distribution and health care fraud scheme perpetrated by officers and employees of California-based digital health company Done Global, Inc. The convicted defendants include Done Global’s CEO Ruthia He and Clinical President David Brody, who were ordered to forfeit over $90 million in company revenues and respectively sentenced to 72 months and 24 months in prison, as well as six other licensed prescribers and two other senior corporate employees. In addition to these 11 convictions, Done Global is presently charged with conspiracies to illegally distribute controlled substances, commit health care fraud, and obstruct justice.
The members of the conspiracy leveraged Done’s technological platform to illegally distribute over 37 million pills of Adderall to paying subscribers in all fifty states, all in service of CEO Ruthia He’s ultimate goal to build a company with an over $1 billion valuation. Members of the conspiracy targeted subscribers by paying over $40 million in social media advertisements designed to deceive viewers into believing that they had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), rather than a host of other conditions that can impact an individual’s attention and mood. Done Global advertised its services presenting easy access to plentiful pills.
Done Global Advertisement Additional Done Global Advertisement“A medical license is a public trust, not a tool for flooding communities with dangerous controlled stimulants and exploiting vulnerable patients for profit,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Pete Gizas of HSI New York. “This conviction brings accountability to a doctor who placed his own greed above patient safety and the law. As a co-leader of the Homeland Security Task Force New York, HSI New York contributed critical investigative expertise to exposing this conspiracy, and we will remain at the forefront of dismantling schemes that exploit health care systems, endanger vulnerable people and threaten the safety of our communities.”
“The evidence in this case revealed a shocking disregard for patient safety and the law,” said Executive Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis Jr. of IRS-CI New York. “Jonathan Decker used his medical license as a license to profit, fueling addiction and putting vulnerable individuals at risk — all for personal gain. Our special agents followed the money, exposed the scheme, and worked relentlessly with our law enforcement partners to bring this defendant to justice. We will continue to pursue those who put greed above public health.”
Done providers including Decker then prescribed addictive stimulants to paying subscribers in order to keep them as members of the Done platform, even when warned that members were suffering from Adderall psychosis, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions that were worsened by stimulant prescriptions. For instance, Decker prescribed methamphetamine to a patient with an active substance use disorder. This patient actively sought the methamphetamine prescription from him, and after she received the prescription she described for Decker that pharmacy after pharmacy had refused to fill the prescription. Decker also prescribed Adderall to a patient he knew to have been diagnosed with schizophrenia. After the patient’s mother messaged Decker and Done informing them of the schizophrenia diagnosis and explaining that Adderall exacerbated her psychotic symptoms, Decker still prescribed Adderall.
When pharmacies began refusing to fill any of Decker’s stimulant prescriptions, Decker speculated that “running a meth lab seems like a pretty good idea.”
Decker recruited other medical professionals to the conspiracy through text messages in which he described his prescribing practices:
Text messages from Jonathan Decker describing his prescribing practicesDecker earned thousands of dollars in referral bonuses for luring other medical professionals into the scheme.
The jury convicted Decker of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and six counts of distribution of controlled substances. A sentencing date has not been set. Decker faces a maximum penalty of 140 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Sara D. Woodward and Ryan K. Elsey of the Fraud Division’s Health Care Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The Fraud Division’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion since 2007. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
District of Arizona Charges 374 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct this WeekRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – During the week of enforcement operations from Sep. 26 through Oct. 2, 2026, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 374 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 189 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 155 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 27 cases against 29 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona. Protecting law enforcement officers is a key part of border vigilance, and federal prosecutors also charged one defendant for assaulting a Border Patrol Agent (BPA).
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), ICE- Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Recent matters of interest include:
United States of America v. Anita Lynn Torres. On Oct. 1, 2026, Anita Lynn Torres was charged by criminal complaint with Transportation of an Illegal Alien. On Sept. 29, 2026, a Pinal County Deputy observed a Ford Escape speeding on Interstate 10 and initiated a traffic stop. Torres was driving the vehicle and transporting two passengers. As the deputy and Torres walked to the deputy’s patrol vehicle, both passengers fled the Ford Escape. They were later apprehended. BPAs determined that one passenger is a citizen of El Salvador and the other a citizen of Mexico, and that both were unlawfully present in the United States. BPAs also learned that Torres recruited drivers to transport illegal aliens and knew her passengers were illegal aliens. [Case Number 26-MJ-6382]
United States of America v. Fred Jacob Lopez Jr. On Oct. 1, 2026, Fred Jacob Lopez Jr., was charged by criminal complaint with Transportation of an Illegal Alien. On Sept. 30, 2026, an Arizona Department of Public Safety Trooper stopped Lopez for speeding on Interstate 10. Lopez was transporting one passenger at the time. The Trooper learned that Lopez had an active federal arrest warrant for violating the supervised release conditions of his 2023 conviction for Transportation of Illegal Aliens for Profit. BPAs responded and determined that Lopez’s passenger was a citizen of Mexico, unlawfully present in the United States. [Case Number: 26-MJ-6388]
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: 2026-168_October 2, 2026 Immigration Enforcement
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.District Man Sentenced to 20-Year Prison Term for Killing Man in SoutheastRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Kenneth Coleman, 37, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 240 months in prison for the murder of 24-year-old Jireh Martinez in November 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Coleman pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed on July 13, 2026, before D.C. Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson. In addition to the 20-year prison sentence, Judge Dayson ordered Coleman to serve five years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on November 17, 2023, Coleman attempted to rob Mr. Martinez as Mr. Martinez returned home from a convenience store. Coleman pressed a gun into Mr. Martinez’s head and repeatedly demanded “give it to me.” Mr. Martinez dropped the store bag he was holding but otherwise just stood in place. After the eighth “give it to me,” Coleman pulled the trigger. Mr. Martinez crumpled to the ground, and Coleman walked away. When law enforcement reached Mr. Martinez, his only possession was a single dime.
Coleman was arrested on separate charges on February 9, 2024, and has been in custody ever since.
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 U.S. Attorneys Jessica Keefer and William Lawrence, who prosecuted the case.
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Depew man going to prison for 30 years for production and possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Dustin Coffelt, 37, of Depew, NY, who was convicted of production and possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 30 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
In July 2022, the Depew Police Department received a report that Coffelt sexually abused a 13-year-old girl (minor victim). Subsequent investigation determined that the alleged abuse may have been ongoing for several years and included communication over various social media applications and text messaging. On July 29, 2022, Coffelt provided a voluntary statement to detectives from the Depew and Cheektowaga Police Departments admitting to the sexual abuse and producing sexually explicit photographs of the minor victim. Coffelt also voluntarily provided his phone to the detectives and subsequent extraction of the device revealed numerous sexually explicit images of the minor victim, which constitute child pornography. Members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation subsequently arrested Coffelt on August 11, 2022.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maeve E. Huggins and Sasha Mascarenhas. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Depew Police Department, under the direction of Chief James McNamara, the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Coons, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II.
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D.C. Felon Sentenced for Possession of a P90 ‘Ghost Gun’Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Dayvon Darius Marson, 31, a previously convicted felon residing in the District, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 24 months in federal prison in connection with his possession of a loaded pistol -- an unbranded, non-descript P90 ghost gun -- and attempting to flee from a police traffic stop with it at a crowded gas station, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“This conviction is part of our ongoing mission to crack down on gun violence and protect residents and visitors in the nation’s capital,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Through Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful, which supports President Trump’s Executive Order, our continued efforts have removed more than 2,000 firearms from the hands of criminals.”
Marson pleaded guilty on April 30, 2026, before Chief Judge James E. Boasberg to a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. In addition to the 24-month prison term, Chief Judge Boasberg ordered Marson to serve 3 years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had requested a 24-month prison sentence.
According to court documents, on Feb. 26, 2026, about 6:15 p.m., Metropolitan Police Department officers were patrolling the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue NE, with members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the FBI.
While patrolling, members noticed a Toyota Avalon sedan with heavily tinted windows at the Citgo gas station. Marson was in the driver’s seat and a young child in the rear-passenger seat. Officers questioned Marson, who could not provide a driver’s license. Speaking with Marson, an MPD officer spotted a half-empty bottle of tequila on the floor behind the driver’s seat.
The MPD officer ordered Marson to step out of the vehicle. Marson refused to do so. An ATF special agent opened the driver’s door and also ordered Marson to step out of the vehicle. Marson again refused to comply. Marson then put the transmission in “drive” and stepped on the accelerator, causing the vehicle to jolt forward as the ATF agent held onto the door. The vehicle dragged the ATF agent several feet before it collided with another parked vehicle.
After a brief struggle, members restrained Marson. As they did so, members spotted a brown P90 handgun with no serial number laying on the driver’s seat on which Marson had been sitting. The firearm was loaded with one round of .40 caliber ammunition in the chamber and 12 rounds in the magazine. During a search of Marson members recovered 11 multi-colored pills in a clear plastic bag from his socks. The pills were field-tested and yielded a positive indication for amphetamines.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the FBI Washington Field Office.
The matter was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Levy.
Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful supports President Trump's Executive Order that cracks down on gun violence, prioritizes federal firearms violations, pursues tougher penalties, and seeks detention for federal firearms violators.
Evidence photo of Marson’s unbranded, non-descript P90 ghost gun.
In this body-worn camera photo, officers struggle to take Marson into custody at the gas station.
The half-empty bottle of tequila found in Marson’s car at the time of his arrest.
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Coordinated Arrests and Charges Dismantle Hamas Terror Finance Network Raising Funds from the United StatesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL — The Justice Department announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging Saleem Alzaq, as well as the arrests of Omar Adhami, Abdel Adhami, and Raed Yousef, for their involvement in paying, soliciting and collecting funds for Hamas. In a coordinated law enforcement operation in France, three of Alzaq’s associates, Faouzi Barika, Amel Oualid, and Nordine Barika were arrested by the French General Directorate for Internal Security.
“Providing financial assistance and support to terrorist organizations like Hamas place the safety and security of everyone, anywhere in the world, at risk,” said U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Gregory W. Kehoe. “The diligence and cooperation exhibited by our domestic and international law enforcement partners during this investigation demonstrates our collective resolve to relentlessly pursue, disrupt, and prosecute those who engage in these illegal activities.”
“Anyone who finances or assists terrorist organizations responsible for the deaths of American citizens should expect to be prosecuted by the Department of Justice,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “For decades, members of Hamas have raised funding to carry out brutal terrorist attacks. Under the leadership of President Trump, the Department of Justice will continue pursuing terrorists who kill Americans, dismantling terrorist finance networks, and delivering justice for the families of victims.”
“The FBI will never forget the horrific attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023 – and we will never stop our efforts to cut off funding to Hamas terrorists,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “These subjects allegedly engaged in a conspiracy that extended beyond national borders to funnel money to Hamas and fuel violent attacks, using cryptocurrency to try to hide their criminal activity. Today's announcement shows the abilities of this FBI and our interagency partners to follow the money and shut down resources going to terrorists under the guise of charitable giving - disrupting over 4,000 Foreign Terrorist organizations and stopping 1,100 alleged terrorist actors here at home and around the world since last year. Special thanks to our FBI New York, New Orleans, and Tampa Field Offices, our Counterterrorism Division, as well as the Paris Legal Attaché's Office and French authorities for their outstanding work with us in this case.”
“Money is the lifeblood of terrorist organizations, and the arrests announced today disrupted a global financing network that was supplying Hamas with the funds needed to continue its campaign of destroying innocent lives,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, “These coordinated investigations and arrests spanned multiple jurisdictions in the United States and across international borders, and demonstrate that we will use all of our capabilities to eradicate terrorism. I want to thank the FBI agents and federal prosecutors who worked together to dismantle this network, and I also want to thank Joint Task Force 10-7 for its leadership in seeking justice for the victims of the Hamas-led attack in Israel on October 7, 2023, that killed more than 1,200 men, women, and children. My thoughts are with all who are still suffering from the losses of that terrible day, and the National Security Division will never stop working to hold the perpetrators, and those who enabled them, accountable for their atrocities.”
According to the Alzaq indictment unsealed in the Southern District of New York, the Adhami complaints filed in the Eastern District of Louisiana, and the Yousef indictment filed in the Middle District of Florida:
Alzaq, 45, of Gaza, is a Hamas member in the Gaza Strip and a battalion deputy in the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades (the Al-Qassam Brigades), Hamas’s armed wing responsible for planning and executing terrorist attacks. Alzaq serves in the Photography Department of the Al-Qassam Brigades’ Shujaiyya Brigade Media Office, a Hamas propaganda office. In this role, he has photographed Hamas events, including events led by senior Hamas leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar. He distributes these photographs and descriptions of Hamas events to others involved in the Hamas propaganda apparatus. He has also posted Hamas propaganda across multiple social media platforms, including posts glorifying deceased leaders of Hamas (such as Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Haniyeh, and Sinwar); supporting Al-Qassam Brigades terrorists and glorifying Al-Qassam Brigades “martyrs;” and promoting and celebrating Hamas’s October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks against Southern Israel, in which more than 1,200 victims were murdered and more than 250 were taken hostage, including 46 American citizens.
Since at least about January 2020, Alzaq has operated an international Hamas fundraising network that collects donations from individuals around the world, including from individuals in the United States. Alzaq promotes this fundraising through social media campaigns purportedly providing humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, while the money is funneled to Hamas. Since January 2020, Alzaq has collected more than $1.7 million through purported charitable campaigns. Alzaq’s associates in France, Barika, Amel Oualid, and others assisted Alzaq in collecting and transferring money raised for Hamas.
Raed Yousef, a 56-year-old resident of Lutz, Florida, provided almost $50,000 to Alzaq’s Hamas financing network. He is charged with one count of conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Five counts of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count. One count of providing funds, goods, and services to a specially designated terrorist, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Five counts of attempting to provide funds, goods, and services to a specially designated terrorist, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in person on each count. One count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Five counts of money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. And, one count of passport fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison.
Abdel Adhami, 35, and Omar Adhami, 33, both of Covington, Louisiana, donated funds to Alzaq’s Hamas financing network. Beginning in approximately February 2021, and continuing through approximately September 2026, Abdel Adhami allegedly contributed approximately $94,000 and Omar Adhami allegedly contributed approximately $11,000 to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, knowing that the organization engaged in terrorist activities, and attempted to conceal their contributions to Hamas through wire transfers, and the use of intermediaries.
Alzaq is charged with conspiring to provide material support to Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and conspiring to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Omar Adhami is charged with providing material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to provide material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Abdel Adhami is charged with providing material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to provide material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
The Yousef case is being handled by the National Security and International Narcotics Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Schmidt and Michael Buchanan are prosecuting the case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case.
The Alzaq case is being investigated by the FBI with the assistance of the New York Police Department (NYPD). Assistant U.S. Attorneys David A. Markewitz, Ben Arad, Sarah L. Kushner, Juliana N. Murray, and Keith Savino for the Southern District of New York are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Rob MacDonald and A.J. Dixon of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance.
The Adhami case is being investigated by the FBI New Orleans Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Kennedy for the Eastern District of Louisiana is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Coordinated Arrests and Charges Dismantle Hamas Terror Finance Network Raising Funds from the United StatesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging Saleem Alzaq, as well as the arrests of Omar Adhami, Abdel Adhami, and Raed Yousef, for their involvement in paying, soliciting and collecting funds for Hamas. In a coordinated law enforcement operation in France, three of Alzaq’s associates, Faouzi Barika, Amel Oualid, and Nordine Barika were arrested by the French General Directorate for Internal Security.
“Anyone who finances or assists terrorist organizations responsible for the deaths of American citizens should expect to be prosecuted by the Department of Justice,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “For decades, members of Hamas have raised funding to carry out brutal terrorist attacks. Under the leadership of President Trump, the Department of Justice will continue pursuing terrorists who kill Americans, dismantling terrorist finance networks, and delivering justice for the families of victims.”
"The FBI will never forget the horrific attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023 – and we will never stop our efforts to cut off funding to Hamas terrorists," said FBI Director Kash Patel. "These subjects allegedly engaged in a conspiracy that extended beyond national borders to funnel money to Hamas and fuel violent attacks, using cryptocurrency, to try to hide their criminal activity. Today's announcement shows the abilities of this FBI and our interagency partners to follow the money and shut down resources going to terrorists under the guise of charitable giving – with 4,000 Foreign Terrorist organization related disruptions and stopping 1,100 alleged terrorist actors here at home and around the world since last year. Special thanks to our FBI New York, New Orleans, and Tampa Field Offices, our Counterterrorism Division, as well as the Paris Legal Attaché's Office and French authorities for their outstanding work with us in this case.”
“Money is the lifeblood of terrorist organizations, and the arrests announced today disrupted a global financing network that was supplying Hamas with the funds needed to continue its campaign of destroying innocent lives,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, “These coordinated investigations and arrests spanned multiple jurisdictions in the United States and across international borders, and demonstrate that we will use all of our capabilities to eradicate terrorism. I want to thank the FBI agents and federal prosecutors who worked together to dismantle this network, and I also want to thank Joint Task Force 10-7 for its leadership in seeking justice for the victims of the Hamas-led attack in Israel on October 7, 2023, that killed more than 1,200 men, women, and children. My thoughts are with all who are still suffering from the losses of that terrible day, and the National Security Division will never stop working to hold the perpetrators, and those who enabled them, accountable for their atrocities.”
“This Office and our law enforcement partners will root out and prosecute those who finance Hamas, no matter where they are located,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald for the Southern District of New York. “As alleged, Saleem Alzaq was the center of a Hamas financing network that operated around the globe, soliciting more than a million dollars from individual donors including here in the United States. The close cooperation of law enforcement and prosecutors’ offices to dismantle Alzaq’s alleged Hamas financing network demonstrates our commitment to depriving Hamas of the funding it relies on in Gaza and to commit terror attacks like the brutal October 7, 2023, massacre of more than a thousand innocent victims, including dozens of Americans.”
“According to the indictment and complaint filed in the Eastern District of Louisiana, Saleem Alzaq solicited financial donations on behalf of Hamas, a terrorist organization responsible for the commission of heinous attacks worldwide,” said U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Omar Adhami and Abdel Adhami are accused of providing Alzaq with resources intended to fund Hamas’ relentless reign of terror. The Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana are laser focused on the identification, prosecution, and eradication of terrorist networks, and the individuals who financially support these networks.”
“Providing financial assistance and support to terrorist organizations like Hamas place the safety and security of everyone, anywhere in the world, at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “The diligence and cooperation exhibited by our domestic and international law enforcement partners during this investigation demonstrates our collective resolve to relentlessly pursue, disrupt, and prosecute those who engage in these illegal activities.”
“The NYPD’s counterterrorism work knows no borders,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Our intelligence analysts uncovered this international finance network and built the case that exposed more than $2 million being funneled to Hamas. Saleem Alzaq, a leader in Hamas’ military arm responsible for planning and carrying out terrorist attacks, and the other defendants allegedly solicited donations under the guise of humanitarian aid and then directed that money to Hamas. This is the kind of extraordinary counterterrorism work the NYPD does every day to disrupt threats before they reach New Yorkers, and I thank our law enforcement partners for helping us dismantle this network.”
According to the Alzaq indictment unsealed in the Southern District of New York, the Adhami complaints filed in the Eastern District of Louisiana, and the Yousef indictment filed in the Middle District of Florida:
Alzaq, 45, of Gaza, is a Hamas member in the Gaza Strip and a battalion deputy in the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades (the Al-Qassam Brigades), Hamas’s armed wing responsible for planning and executing terrorist attacks. Alzaq serves in the Photography Department of the Al-Qassam Brigades’ Shujaiyya Brigade Media Office, a Hamas propaganda office. In this role, he has photographed Hamas events, including events led by senior Hamas leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar. He distributes these photographs and descriptions of Hamas events to others involved in the Hamas propaganda apparatus. He has also posted Hamas propaganda across multiple social media platforms, including posts glorifying deceased leaders of Hamas (such as Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Haniyeh, and Sinwar); supporting Al-Qassam Brigades terrorists and glorifying Al-Qassam Brigades “martyrs;” and promoting and celebrating Hamas’s October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks against Southern Israel, in which more than 1,200 victims were murdered and more than 250 were taken hostage, including 46 American citizens.
Since at least about January 2020, Alzaq has operated an international Hamas fundraising network that collects donations from individuals around the world, including from individuals in the United States. Alzaq promotes this fundraising through social media campaigns purportedly providing humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, while the money is funneled to Hamas. Since January 2020, Alzaq has collected more than $1.7 million through purported charitable campaigns. Alzaq’s associates in France, Barika, Amel Oualid, and others assisted Alzaq in collecting and transferring money raised for Hamas.
Abdel Adhami, 35, and Omar Adhami, 33, both of Covington, Louisiana, donated funds to Alzaq’s Hamas financing network. Beginning in approximately February 2021, and continuing through approximately September 2026, Abdel Adhami allegedly contributed approximately $94,000 and Omar Adhami allegedly contributed approximately $11,000 to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, knowing that the organization engaged in terrorist activities, and attempted to conceal their contributions to Hamas through wire transfers, and the use of intermediaries. Yousef, a resident of Lutz, Florida, provided almost $50,000 to Alzaq’s Hamas financing network.
Alzaq is charged with conspiring to provide material support to Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and conspiring to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Omar Adhami is charged with providing material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to provide material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Abdel Adhami is charged with providing material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to provide material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Raed Yousef, 56, of Lutz, Florida, is charged with one count of conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; five counts of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count; one count of providing funds, goods, and services to a specially designated terrorist, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison; five counts of attempting to provide funds, goods, and services to a specially designated terrorist, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in person on each count; one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison; five counts of money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count; and one count of passport fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison.
The Alzaq case is being investigated by the FBI with the assistance of the New York Police Department (NYPD). Assistant U.S. Attorneys David A. Markewitz, Ben Arad, Sarah L. Kushner, Juliana N. Murray, and Keith Savino for the Southern District of New York are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Rob MacDonald and A.J. Dixon of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance.
The Adhami case is being investigated by the FBI New Orleans Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Kennedy for the Eastern District of Louisiana is prosecuting the case.
The Yousef case is being investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Schmidt and Michael Buchanan for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Coordinated Arrests and Charges Dismantle Hamas Terror Finance Network Raising Funds from the United StatesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging Saleem Alzaq, as well as the arrests of Omar Adhami, Abdel Adhami, and Raed Yousef, for their involvement in paying, soliciting and collecting funds for Hamas. In a coordinated law enforcement operation in France, three of Alzaq’s associates, Faouzi Barika, Amel Oualid, and Nordine Barika were arrested by the French General Directorate for Internal Security.
“Anyone who finances or assists terrorist organizations responsible for the deaths of American citizens should expect to be prosecuted by the Department of Justice,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “For decades, members of Hamas have raised funding to carry out brutal terrorist attacks. Under the leadership of President Trump, the Department of Justice will continue pursuing terrorists who kill Americans, dismantling terrorist finance networks, and delivering justice for the families of victims.”
“The FBI will never forget the horrific attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023 – and we will never stop our efforts to cut off funding to Hamas terrorists,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “These subjects allegedly engaged in a conspiracy that extended beyond national borders to funnel money to Hamas and fuel violent attacks, using cryptocurrency to try to hide their criminal activity. Today's announcement shows the abilities of this FBI and our interagency partners to follow the money and shut down resources going to terrorists under the guise of charitable giving - disrupting over 4,000 Foreign Terrorist organizations and stopping 1,100 alleged terrorist actors here at home and around the world since last year. Special thanks to our FBI New York, New Orleans, and Tampa Field Offices, our Counterterrorism Division, as well as the Paris Legal Attaché's Office and French authorities for their outstanding work with us in this case.”
“Money is the lifeblood of terrorist organizations, and the arrests announced today disrupted a global financing network that was supplying Hamas with the funds needed to continue its campaign of destroying innocent lives,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, “These coordinated investigations and arrests spanned multiple jurisdictions in the United States and across international borders, and demonstrate that we will use all of our capabilities to eradicate terrorism. I want to thank the FBI agents and federal prosecutors who worked together to dismantle this network, and I also want to thank Joint Task Force 10-7 for its leadership in seeking justice for the victims of the Hamas-led attack in Israel on October 7, 2023, that killed more than 1,200 men, women, and children. My thoughts are with all who are still suffering from the losses of that terrible day, and the National Security Division will never stop working to hold the perpetrators, and those who enabled them, accountable for their atrocities.”
“This Office and our law enforcement partners will root out and prosecute those who finance Hamas, no matter where they are located,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald for the Southern District of New York. “As alleged, Saleem Alzaq was the center of a Hamas financing network that operated around the globe, soliciting more than a million dollars from individual donors including here in the United States. The close cooperation of law enforcement and prosecutors’ offices to dismantle Alzaq’s alleged Hamas financing network demonstrates our commitment to depriving Hamas of the funding it relies on in Gaza and to commit terror attacks like the brutal October 7, 2023, massacre of more than a thousand innocent victims, including dozens of Americans.”
“According to the indictment and complaint filed in the Eastern District of Louisiana, Saleem Alzaq solicited financial donations on behalf of Hamas, a terrorist organization responsible for the commission of heinous attacks worldwide,” said U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Omar Adhami and Abdel Adhami are accused of providing Alzaq with resources intended to fund Hamas’ relentless reign of terror. The Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana are laser focused on the identification, prosecution, and eradication of terrorist networks, and the individuals who financially support these networks.”
“Providing financial assistance and support to terrorist organizations like Hamas place the safety and security of everyone, anywhere in the world, at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “The diligence and cooperation exhibited by our domestic and international law enforcement partners during this investigation demonstrates our collective resolve to relentlessly pursue, disrupt, and prosecute those who engage in these illegal activities.”
“The NYPD’s counterterrorism work knows no borders,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Our intelligence analysts uncovered this international finance network and built the case that exposed more than $2 million being funneled to Hamas. Saleem Alzaq, a leader in Hamas’ military arm responsible for planning and carrying out terrorist attacks, and the other defendants allegedly solicited donations under the guise of humanitarian aid and then directed that money to Hamas. This is the kind of extraordinary counterterrorism work the NYPD does every day to disrupt threats before they reach New Yorkers, and I thank our law enforcement partners for helping us dismantle this network.”
According to the Alzaq indictment unsealed in the Southern District of New York, the Adhami complaints filed in the Eastern District of Louisiana, and the Yousef indictment filed in the Middle District of Florida:
Alzaq, 45, of Gaza, is a Hamas member in the Gaza Strip and a battalion deputy in the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades (the Al-Qassam Brigades), Hamas’s armed wing responsible for planning and executing terrorist attacks. Alzaq serves in the Photography Department of the Al-Qassam Brigades’ Shujaiyya Brigade Media Office, a Hamas propaganda office. In this role, he has photographed Hamas events, including events led by senior Hamas leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar. He distributes these photographs and descriptions of Hamas events to others involved in the Hamas propaganda apparatus. He has also posted Hamas propaganda across multiple social media platforms, including posts glorifying deceased leaders of Hamas (such as Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Haniyeh, and Sinwar); supporting Al-Qassam Brigades terrorists and glorifying Al-Qassam Brigades “martyrs;” and promoting and celebrating Hamas’s October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks against Southern Israel, in which more than 1,200 victims were murdered and more than 250 were taken hostage, including 46 American citizens.
Since at least about January 2020, Alzaq has operated an international Hamas fundraising network that collects donations from individuals around the world, including from individuals in the United States. Alzaq promotes this fundraising through social media campaigns purportedly providing humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, while the money is funneled to Hamas. Since January 2020, Alzaq has collected more than $1.7 million through purported charitable campaigns. Alzaq’s associates in France, Barika, Amel Oualid, and others assisted Alzaq in collecting and transferring money raised for Hamas.
Abdel Adhami, 35, and Omar Adhami, 33, both of Covington, Louisiana, donated funds to Alzaq’s Hamas financing network. Beginning in approximately February 2021, and continuing through approximately September 2026, Abdel Adhami allegedly contributed approximately $94,000 and Omar Adhami allegedly contributed approximately $11,000 to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, knowing that the organization engaged in terrorist activities, and attempted to conceal their contributions to Hamas through wire transfers, and the use of intermediaries. Yousef, a resident of Lutz, Florida, provided almost $50,000 to Alzaq’s Hamas financing network.
Alzaq is charged with conspiring to provide material support to Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and conspiring to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Omar Adhami is charged with providing material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to provide material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Abdel Adhami is charged with providing material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to provide material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Raed Yousef, 56, of Lutz, Florida, is charged with one count of conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; five counts of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count; one count of providing funds, goods, and services to a specially designated terrorist, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison; five counts of attempting to provide funds, goods, and services to a specially designated terrorist, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in person on each count; one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison; five counts of money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count; and one count of passport fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison.
The Alzaq case is being investigated by the FBI with the assistance of the New York Police Department (NYPD). Assistant U.S. Attorneys David A. Markewitz, Ben Arad, Sarah L. Kushner, Juliana N. Murray, and Keith Savino for the Southern District of New York are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Rob MacDonald and A.J. Dixon of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance.
The Adhami case is being investigated by the FBI New Orleans Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Kennedy for the Eastern District of Louisiana is prosecuting the case.
The Yousef case is being investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Schmidt and Michael Buchanan for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Coordinated Arrests and Charges Dismantle Hamas Terror Finance Network Raising Funds from the United StatesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, Attorney General for the United States, Todd Blanche, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, David I. Courcelle, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, Gregory W. Kehoe, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging SALEEM ALZAQ, as well as the arrests of OMAR ADHAMI, ABDEL ADHAMI, and RAED YOUSEF, for their involvement in paying, soliciting and collecting funds for Hamas. In a coordinated law enforcement operation in France, three of ALZAQ’s associates, FAOUZI BARIKA, AMEL OUALID, and NORDINE BARIKA, were arrested by the French General Directorate for Internal Security.
“This Office and our law enforcement partners will root out and prosecute those who finance Hamas, no matter where they are located,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “As alleged, Saleem Alzaq was the center of a Hamas financing network that operated around the globe, soliciting more than a million dollars from individual donors including here in the United States. The close cooperation of law enforcement and prosecutors’ offices to dismantle Alzaq’s alleged Hamas financing network demonstrates our commitment to depriving Hamas of the funding it relies on in Gaza and to commit terror attacks like the brutal October 7, 2023, massacre of more than a thousand innocent victims, including dozens of Americans.”
“Anyone who finances or assists terrorist organizations responsible for the deaths of American citizens should expect to be prosecuted by the Department of Justice,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “For decades, members of Hamas have raised funding to carry out brutal terrorist attacks. Under the leadership of President Trump, the Department of Justice will continue pursuing terrorists who kill Americans, dismantling terrorist finance networks, and delivering justice for the families of victims.”
“According to the indictment and complaint filed in the Eastern District of Louisiana, Saleem Alzaq solicited financial donations on behalf of Hamas, a terrorist organization responsible for the commission of heinous attacks worldwide,” said U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Omar Adhami and Abdel Adhami are accused of providing Alzaq with resources intended to fund Hamas’ relentless reign of terror. The Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana are laser focused on the identification, prosecution, and eradication of terrorist networks, and the individuals who financially support these networks.”
“Providing financial assistance and support to terrorist organizations like Hamas place the safety and security of everyone, anywhere in the world, at risk,” said U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Gregory W. Kehoe. “The diligence and cooperation exhibited by our domestic and international law enforcement partners during this investigation demonstrates our collective resolve to relentlessly pursue, disrupt, and prosecute those who engage in these illegal activities.”
"Saleem Alzaq allegedly raised funds for Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, under the guise of collecting humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “The FBI and our partners will stop at nothing to dismantle the funding networks of terrorist organizations.”
"The NYPD’s counterterrorism work knows no borders,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Our intelligence analysts uncovered this international finance network and built the case that exposed more than $2 million being funneled to Hamas. Saleem Alzaq, a leader in Hamas’ military arm responsible for planning and carrying out terrorist attacks, and the other defendants allegedly solicited donations under the guise of humanitarian aid and then directed that money to Hamas. This is the kind of extraordinary counterterrorism work the NYPD does every day to disrupt threats before they reach New Yorkers, and I thank our law enforcement partners for helping us dismantle this network.”
According to the Alzaq Indictment unsealed in the Southern District of New York, the Adhami Complaints filed in the Eastern District of Louisiana, and the Yousef Indictment filed in the Middle District of Florida:(1)
ALZAQ is a Hamas member in the Gaza Strip and a battalion deputy in the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades (the “Al-Qassam Brigades”), Hamas’s armed wing responsible for planning and executing terrorist attacks. ALZAQ serves in the Photography Department of the Al-Qassam Brigades’ Shujaiyya Brigade Media Office, a Hamas propaganda office. In this role, ALZAQ has photographed Hamas events, including events led by senior Hamas leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar. ALZAQ distributes these photographs and descriptions of Hamas events to others involved in the Hamas propaganda apparatus. ALZAQ also has posted Hamas propaganda across multiple social media platforms, including posts glorifying deceased leaders of Hamas (such as Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Haniyeh, and Sinwar); supporting Al-Qassam Brigades terrorists and glorifying Al-Qassam Brigades “martyrs;” and promoting and celebrating Hamas’s October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks against Southern Israel, in which more than 1,200 victims were murdered and more than 250 were taken hostage, including 46 American citizens.
Since at least in or about January 2020, ALZAQ has operated an international Hamas fundraising network that collects donations from individuals around the world, including from individuals in the United States. ALZAQ promotes his Hamas fundraising through social media campaigns as purportedly providing humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, but in fact raises funds for Hamas. Since January 2020, ALZAQ has collected more than $1.7 million through purported charitable campaigns. ALZAQ’s associates in France, BARIKA, AMEL OUALID, and others assisted ALZAQ in collecting and transferring money raised for Hamas.
ABDEL ADHAMI and OMAR ADHAMI donated funds to ALZAQ’s Hamas financing network. Beginning in approximately February 2021, and continuing through approximately September 2026, ABDEL ADHAMI allegedly contributed approximately $94,000 and OMAR ADHAMI allegedly contributed approximately $11,000 to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, knowing that the organization engaged in terrorist activities, and attempted to conceal their contributions to Hamas through wire transfers, and the use of intermediaries.
YOUSEF provided almost $50,000 to ALZAQ’s Hamas financing network.
* * *
ALZAQ, 45, of Gaza, is charged with (i) one count of conspiring to provide material support to Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; (ii) one count of conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; (iii) one count of conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and (iv) one count of conspiring to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
OMAR ADHAMI, 33, of Covington, Louisiana, is charged with (i) one count of providing material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (ii) one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (iii) one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (iv) one count of and conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
ABDEL ADHAMI, 35, of Covington, Louisiana, is charged with (i) one count of providing material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (ii) one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (iii) one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and (iv) one count of conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
YOUSEF, 56, of Lutz, Florida, is charged with (i) one count of conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; (ii) five counts of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; (iii) one count of providing funds, goods, and services to a specially designated terrorist, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; (iv) five counts of attempting to provide funds, goods, and services to a specially designated terrorist, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; (v) one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; (vi) five counts of money laundering, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and (vii) one count of passport fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.
Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force and the NYPD Intelligence Division. Mr. McDonald also thanked the Counterterrorism Section and the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division for their assistance with this investigation, the FBI’s New Orleans and Tampa Field Offices, and the French General Directorate for Internal Security and National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office.
The ALZAQ case is being handled by the Illicit Finance & Money Laundering Unit and National Security and International Narcotics Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David A. Markewitz, Ben Arad, Sarah L. Kushner, Juliana N. Murray, and Keith Savino are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance provided by Trial Attorney Rob MacDonald of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
The ADHAMI case is being investigated by the FBI New Orleans Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Kennedy for the Eastern District of Louisiana is prosecuting the case.
The YOUSEF case is being handled by the National Security and International Narcotics Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Schmidt and Michael Buchanan are prosecuting the case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case.
The charges contained in the Indictments and Complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
^
As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the charging documents and the description of the charging documents set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.
Chautauqua County man going to prison for possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jose Perez, 42, of Celoron, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, was sentenced to serve 78 months in prison and 30 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
On December 15, 2022, a search warrant was executed at Perez’s residence after he uploaded a child pornography file to Dropbox, an electronic service provider that offers internet-based file storage services. During the search, Perez’s cell phone was seized. A subsequent examination of the phone revealed approximately three images and one video of child pornography. Some of the images depicted prepubescent minors less than 12 years old engaging in sexually explicit conduct. In addition, Perez admits that, on two or more occasions, he engaged in the sexual abuse, exploitation, and attempted sexual abuse and exploitation of a minor.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster.
# # # #
Carjacking and use of a firearm results in more than 13 years in prison for Savannah manRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, Georgia: A Savannah man has been sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to carjacking and to using a firearm during a crime of violence.
The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge R. Stan Baker and announced by Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
Donald Palmer, 42, of Savannah, was sentenced to 162 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Carjacking and Using and Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.
There is no parole in the federal system.
As described in court documents and testimony, in December 2025, Palmer carjacked a victim at gunpoint in the parking lot of the Nancy’s Seafood restaurant located on West Bay St. Savannah Police officers responded to the scene and the victim provided a description of Palmer and her vehicle information.
While the investigation was still ongoing, an additional call to police reported that the vehicle had crashed and Palmer attempted to flee prior to the arrival of law enforcement. A good Samaritan at the crash location assisted arriving officers in apprehending Palmer a short distance from the crashed vehicle. The firearm that Palmer used during the crime was discovered in the vehicle.
Video surveillance at the restaurant provided the visual identity of the suspect and shows Palmer using the firearm to carjack the victim before speeding away in the vehicle.
“Violent crime has no place in our communities, and this sentence ensures a dangerous individual is removed from our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “Thanks to the swift action of the Savannah Police Department and the commendable bravery of a good Samaritan, this armed carjacker was quickly apprehended before he could inflict further harm. We will continue to work together with our law enforcement partners and vigilant citizens to hold violent offenders accountable."
This case was investigated by the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Savannah Police Department.
“Carjackings are a senseless but serious and violent crime that threaten the lives of unsuspecting victims,” said Brad Snider, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Savannah office. “Residents along coastal Georgia can be assured the FBI, along with our state and local partners, work together to protect the innocent and bring justice to those who commit violent acts like this.”
This case was prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney Makeia R. Jonese.
Canadian Citizen Sentenced for Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Shneur Gurkow, age 25, of Montreal, Canada, was sentenced September 15, 2026, to six and a half years in federal prison for transportation of child pornography. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Anthony Patrone, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.
As part of his plea, Gurkow admitted that in August 2025, he crossed the U.S.–Canada border at the Alexandria Bay, New York, Port of Entry with over 700 files of child pornography on his cell phone. Gurkow had utilized social media platforms and foreign-based filesharing applications to obtain child pornography for years before entering the U.S. with it on his device.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone said: “Without the diligent efforts of our hardworking customs officials, the defendant would have been able to cross into the U.S. with a shocking number of illegal files on his cell phone. I thank CBP and HSI for identifying and investigating this despicable conduct.”
“The more than 700 files carried across our border were not merely digital contraband; they depicted the sexual abuse of children whose trauma is compounded each time that material is shared,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone. “This sentence holds the defendant accountable and helps prevent further circulation of material that inflicts lasting harm on victims and communities. HSI Syracuse will continue working with our law enforcement partners to identify offenders, protect children, and pursue justice for victims of exploitation.”
HSI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the New York State Police Computer Crimes Unit (NYSP CCU) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis prosecuted the case 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.
Broome County Man Pleads Guilty to Sending Threats to Kill and Injure Federal OfficialsRead the Press Release
Jeffrey Scott Hamm, Jr., age 33, of Binghamton, New York, pleaded guilty Wednesday, September 16, 2026, to transmitting threats to injure another in interstate commerce. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Hamm admitted that on multiple dates in early 2026 he used his cellphone to access the Internet and post comments to an online video sharing platform threatening to kill or injure President Trump and ICE agents. In one of his online posts, Hamm stated that he intended to kill the President “the first chance I **** get.” Hamm was arrested by FBI agents after security staff at the online video sharing company alerted the FBI to Hamm’s threats.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Threats to kill or injure President Trump or any federal law enforcement officers in my District will not be tolerated. As soon as we learned that the defendant had posted these violent threats on the internet, FBI agents working with my Office quickly located Hamm and arrested him.”
"The American public needs to know online threats of violence are illegal and will not be tolerated," said Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Albany Field Office. "Online platforms provide a space for sharing information and ideas, but when those ideas cross over into threats of violence, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) will find you and hold you accountable."
At sentencing before United States District Judge Elizabeth C. Coombe on January 20, 2027, Hamm will face a maximum term of 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen C. Green is prosecuting the case.
Bristol Man Sentenced for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A Bristol, Virginia man was sentenced to 78 months in prison for distributing more than 130 grams of fentanyl in Southwest Virginia and possessing a firearm during his drug trafficking activities.
Brandon Lee Booher, 28, previously pleaded guilty to one count of fentanyl distribution and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
“Fentanyl presents a clear and present danger to our citizens, and this office will continue to seek maximum accountability for those who traffic this poison for profit in the Western District of Virginia,” First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today.
According to court records, law enforcement officers stopped Booher in Bristol, Virginia, in January 2026 and searched his truck, leading to the discovery of the fentanyl and firearm.
At the time of the traffic stop, Booher possessed 136.8 grams of fentanyl and a loaded, Glock 22 .40 pistol that officers found between the driver’s seat and the center console. Inside the locked console, officers found an electric vacuum sealer.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood for the ATF Washington Field Division made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Bristol, Virginia Police Department, Drug Enforcement Agency, Holston River Drug Task Force, Virginia State Police, Lebanon, Virginia Police Department, Washington County Virginia Sheriff’s Office, and Virginia Department of Corrections investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Stone is prosecuting the case.
Billings man sentenced to 3 years in prison for unlawfully possessing a handgunRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man who was found in his parked car unlawfully carrying a firearm was sentenced Wednesday to three years and one month in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.
William Thomas Fischer, 65, pleaded guilty in May 2026 to unlawfully possessing a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Fischer was asleep in a car in the middle of an empty parking lot when police approached to investigate. Startled awake, Fischer immediately began to talk to the officer, who asked Fischer for identification. As Fischer searched the car for documentation, the officer saw the bottom plate of a Glock magazine and ordered him out of the car. After detaining him, officers searched the car and found a handgun, two BB guns, and assorted ammunition. Fischer is a convicted felon and barred from possessing a firearm.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Billings Police Department and ATF conducted the investigation.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty in Cross-Country Drug-Trafficking HSTF CaseRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man pled guilty in federal court to drug-trafficking crimes stemming from his role in a cross-country drug operation.
David Carroll, 35, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. The charges are in connection with a Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) drug investigation.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Cindy Marx, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division; Special Agent in Charge Akil Baldwin, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; and Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) – Washington, D.C. Field Office; Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD); Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS).
According to the guilty plea, in 2023, federal and local law enforcement agencies began investigating a Baltimore-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) distributing large quantities of cocaine. The DTO transported bulk quantities of cocaine from California to Maryland and then stored them in various Maryland stash houses. Carroll then distributed the cocaine in Baltimore.
Through surveillance, investigators observed Carroll frequenting one of the DTO’s stash houses in a Baltimore apartment. Then in October 2023, investigators watched as Carroll left the Baltimore Apartment with suspected drugs concealed under his clothes. Two days later, investigators seized a duffle bag with 19 kilograms of cocaine that another DTO member left the Baltimore Apartment with.
Following that drug seizure, investigators continued monitoring Carroll’s activities, including his Baltimore residence where he conducted drug transactions. In January 2024, investigators observed Carroll conducting a hand-to-hand transaction with a drug customer on the front porch of his home. Investigators also witnessed suspected drugs carried into the residence in November 2023 and March 2024.
Then in May 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at Carroll’s residence where they recovered three loaded firearms, 20 boxes of ammunition, more than 100 grams of fentanyl pressed pills, and more than 300 grams of cocaine.
Carroll faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances along with a minimum of five years and a maximum of life in prison for possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar set sentencing for Tuesday, Jan. 26, at 10 a.m.
Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
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 Baltimore comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of Maryland; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); the United States Marshals Service (USMS); the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA (W/B HIDTA); the Maryland State Police (MSP); the Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DEA, HSI, IRS-CI, BCPD, BPD, and DPSCS for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Calvin Miner and Stanton Lawyer who are prosecuting this federal case.
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.
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Apprehended Venezuelan Tren de Aragua Leader on FBI’s Top 10 Most Wanted List Appears in Nebraska Court Following Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — The Justice Department announced the apprehension of Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre also known as “Prometheus” and “The Engineer,” 50, of Venezuela. Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre was added to the FBI’s “Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives” list in March of 2026. Canelon Aguirre was the first cyber criminal and the 540th individual to be added to the Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list.
“Since President Trump designated Tren de Aragua a foreign terrorist organization, the Department of Justice has charged nearly 350 of its members and associates with brutal violent crimes,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The capture and arrest of Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre marks yet another success for the Homeland Security Task Force and Joint Task Force Vulcan. We will continue to break up narcoterrorist finance networks, prosecute violent criminals, and keep American neighborhoods safe.”
“There is nowhere that a terrorist indicted in the District of Nebraska can safely hide from justice,” said U.S. Attorney Lesley A. Woods for the District of Nebraska. “We will never stop pursuing those who do harm to the United States for the financial benefit of criminal organizations that are in the full-time business of torture, murder, and trafficking human beings.”
“Anibal Canelon Aguirre served as a key architect of sophisticated malware used to drain ATMs of cash across the United States — technology that helped fuel the criminal operations of the violent transnational organization Tren de Aragua,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “His apprehension sends a clear message: the Criminal Division and our partners will pursue those who attack our financial institutions to support foreign terrorist organizations, wherever they reside across the world.”
“Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre is the 10th member of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List captured by this FBI since the beginning of the Trump administration – more than 2.5 times the total captured during the previous four years combined, and the first ever Cyber fugitive,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Now Aguirre is back in the United States to face justice, thanks to brilliant work from the FBI’s Cyber Division and Critical Incident Response Group. This fugitive’s return to the United States is the latest in the FBI’s record success manhunting fugitives across the globe, with 107 foreign transfers of custody from 43 countries the last 18 months – an over 90% increase – showing this FBI is using super charged horsepower to chase down violent criminals no matter where they try to hide.”
“This case underscores the serious and evolving threat posed by transnational criminal organizations that use sophisticated financial and cyber-enabled schemes to fund violence and destabilize communities,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Executive Associate Director John A. Condon. “Canelon Aguirre is alleged to have developed technology that enabled criminals to target American financial institutions and generate illicit proceeds for a violent transnational organization. Through the Homeland Security Task Force, HSI and our federal, state, local, and international partners are combining capabilities to pursue the networks, facilitators, and leaders behind these crimes. No border, false identity, or digital disguise will shield those who threaten the safety and security of the American people.”
“The capture of Aguirre demonstrates our relentless focus on bringing to justice those who target Americans. FBI Omaha will continue working side-by-side with our local, state, and federal partners to dismantle and disrupt the activities of TdA in our communities,” said FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel. “We are going after the entire jackpotting network, from ringleaders and malware developers to crews in the U.S. We will continue to follow the money and surge resources to arrest and apprehend TdA members and leadership.”
Canelon Aguirre was indicted by a federal grand jury in the District of Nebraska in December 2025, and is charged with the following counts:
CountChargeMaximum Possible PenaltyIConspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud30 years in prison, $1 million fine, and a five-year term of supervised release IIConspiracy to Commit Bank Burglary and Fraud in Connection with ComputersFive years in prison, $250,000 fine, and a three-year term of supervised releaseIIIConspiracy to Commit Money Laundering20 years in prison, a $500,000 fine or 2x the value of the property/funds involved in the transactions, and a three-year term of supervised release IVConspiracy to Provide Material Support to Terrorists15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a three-year term of supervised releaseCanelon Aguirre made his initial appearance on October 2, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson and entered not guilty pleas to the counts charged. He will remain detained in the District of Nebraska while pending trial. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher and U.S. Magistrate Judge Ryan C. Carson are presiding over Canelon Aguirre’s case.
An ATM jackpotting attack is a type of cyberattack where criminals exploit vulnerabilities in an ATM by using malware to force the ATMs to dispense cash without debiting an account. Malware is an abbreviated term for “malicious software” and refers to software programs designed to damage or do other unwanted actions on a computer system. “Ploutus” is a specific type of malware designed to be used in ATM jackpotting to force an ATM to dispense cash.
Canelon Aguirre is alleged to be the developer of the Ploutus malware and one of the principal leaders of ATM jackpotting conspiracy. Ploutus malware consisted of, among other things, files that contained anti-analysis measures to hinder forensic review, specifically software protection utilities to prevent reverse-engineering and debugging. The malware also contained other files that served the function of deleting the malware from the system in an effort to conceal, create a false impression, mislead, or otherwise deceive employees of the financial institution from learning about the deployment of the malware on the ATM.
Canelon Aguirre’s indictment is part of a coordinated investigation and prosecution by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska in conjunction with the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) of the Department’s Criminal Division and Joint Task Force Vulcan along with the lead investigative agencies the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). This investigation and prosecution are focused on a widespread ATM Jackpotting conspiracy that has been tied to the designated foreign terrorist organization TdA. To date, 120 defendants have been charged in the District of Nebraska for their role in this conspiracy. Three of these defendants have been sentenced in the District of Nebraska:
DefendantSentenceOddry Arnoldo Cabrera Torrealba78 months in prisonCarlos Javier Padron78 months in prisonJuan Manuel Gouveia Aguilera96 months in prisonThe investigation has established extensive direct and indirect links between the indicted co-conspirators and TdA. According to court documents, TdA is a violent transnational criminal organization that originated as a prison gang in Venezuela in the mid-2000s. TdA has expanded its criminal network throughout the Western Hemisphere and established a presence in the United States. TdA’s criminal activities range from drug trafficking and firearms trafficking to commercial sex trafficking, kidnapping, robbery, theft, fraud, and extortion. TdA members also commit murder, assault, and other violent acts to advance the organization’s criminal activities. TdA has also developed an additional source of revenue stream through financial crimes that target financial institutions throughout the United States, including using ATM jackpotting to steal millions of dollars in cash. The investigation has revealed that the conspiracy has targeted or carried out ATM jackpotting attacks in 47 states, the District of Columbia, and several foreign nations.
The Justice Department’s Judicial Attaché in Bogotá and Office of International Affairs, along with the United States Secret Service, have provided significant assistance in this matter.
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 Omaha comprises agents and officers from HSI, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV) was created in 2019 to eradicate MS-13 and has now expanded to target TdA. JTFV is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, including Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; Eastern and Western Districts of North Carolina; Western District of Virginia; Middle and Southern Districts of Florida; Eastern District of Texas; Western District of Oklahoma; Northern District of Indiana; District of Nevada; and the District of Arizona, as well as the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, and the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Criminal Division, and the Office of Judicial Attaché and DEA partners in Bogotá, Colombia. Additionally, the FBI, HSI, ATF, USMS, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons are essential law enforcement partners with JTFV.
CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime and intellectual property (IP) crime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cyber and IP criminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Apprehended Venezuelan Tren de Aragua Leader on FBI’s 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List Appears in Nebraska Court Following Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced the apprehension of Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre also known as “Prometheus” and “The Engineer,” 50, of Venezuela. Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre was added to the FBI’s “Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives” list in March of 2026. Canelon Aguirre was the first cyber criminal and the 540th individual to be added to the Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list.
“Since President Trump designated Tren de Aragua a foreign terrorist organization, the Department of Justice has charged nearly 350 of its members and associates with brutal violent crimes,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The capture and arrest of Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre marks yet another success for the Homeland Security Task Force and Joint Task Force Vulcan. We will continue to break up narcoterrorist finance networks, prosecute violent criminals, and keep American neighborhoods safe.”
“Anibal Canelon Aguirre served as a key architect of sophisticated malware used to drain ATMs of cash across the United States — technology that helped fuel the criminal operations of the violent transnational organization Tren de Aragua (TdA),” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “His apprehension sends a clear message: the Criminal Division and our partners will pursue those who attack our financial institutions to support foreign terrorist organizations, wherever they reside across the world.”
“Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre is the 10th member of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List captured by this FBI since the beginning of the Trump administration – more than 2.5 times the total captured during the previous four years combined, and the first ever Cyber fugitive,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Now Aguirre is back in the United States to face justice, thanks to brilliant work from the FBI’s Cyber Division and Critical Incident Response Group. This fugitive’s return to the United States is the latest in the FBI’s record success manhunting fugitives across the globe, with 107 foreign transfers of custody from 43 countries the last 18 months – an over 90% increase – showing this FBI is using super charged horsepower to chase down violent criminals no matter where they try to hide.”
“There is nowhere that a terrorist indicted in the District of Nebraska can safely hide from justice,” said U.S. Attorney Lesley A. Woods for the District of Nebraska. “We will never stop pursuing those who do harm to the United States for the financial benefit of criminal organizations that are in the full-time business of torture, murder, and trafficking human beings.”
“This case underscores the serious and evolving threat posed by transnational criminal organizations that use sophisticated financial and cyber-enabled schemes to fund violence and destabilize communities,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Executive Associate Director John A. Condon. “Canelon Aguirre is alleged to have developed technology that enabled criminals to target American financial institutions and generate illicit proceeds for a violent transnational organization. Through the Homeland Security Task Force, HSI and our federal, state, local, and international partners are combining capabilities to pursue the networks, facilitators, and leaders behind these crimes. No border, false identity, or digital disguise will shield those who threaten the safety and security of the American people.”
Canelon Aguirre was indicted by a federal grand jury in the District of Nebraska in December 2025, and is charged with the following counts:
CountChargeMaximum Possible PenaltyIConspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud30 years in prison, $1 million fine, and a five-year term of supervised releaseIIConspiracy to Commit Bank Burglary and Fraud in Connection with ComputersFive years in prison, $250,000 fine, and a three-year term of supervised releaseIIIConspiracy to Commit Money Laundering20 years in prison, a $500,000 fine or 2x the value of the property/funds involved in the transactions, and a three-year term of supervised releaseIVConspiracy to Provide Material Support to Terrorists15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a three-year term of supervised releaseCanelon Aguirre made his initial appearance on Oct. 2 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson and entered not guilty pleas to the counts charged. He will remain detained in the District of Nebraska while pending trial. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher and U.S. Magistrate Judge Ryan C. Carson are presiding over Canelon Aguirre’s case.
An ATM jackpotting attack is a type of cyberattack where criminals exploit vulnerabilities in an ATM by using malware to force the ATMs to dispense cash without debiting an account. Malware is an abbreviated term for “malicious software” and refers to software programs designed to damage or do other unwanted actions on a computer system. “Ploutus” is a specific type of malware designed to be used in ATM jackpotting to force an ATM to dispense cash.
Canelon Aguirre is alleged to be the developer of the Ploutus malware and one of the principal leaders of ATM jackpotting conspiracy. Ploutus malware consisted of, among other things, files that contained anti-analysis measures to hinder forensic review, specifically software protection utilities to prevent reverse-engineering and debugging. The malware also contained other files that served the function of deleting the malware from the system in an effort to conceal, create a false impression, mislead, or otherwise deceive employees of the financial institution from learning about the deployment of the malware on the ATM.
Canelon Aguirre’s indictment is part of a coordinated investigation and prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska in conjunction with the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) of the Department’s Criminal Division and Joint Task Force Vulcan along with the lead investigative agencies the FBI and HSI. This investigation and prosecution are focused on a widespread ATM Jackpotting conspiracy that has been tied to the designated foreign terrorist organization TdA. To date, 120 defendants have been charged in the District of Nebraska for their role in this conspiracy. Three of these defendants have been sentenced in the District of Nebraska:
DefendantSentenceOddry Arnoldo Cabrera Torrealba78 months in prisonCarlos Javier Padron78 months in prisonJuan Manuel Gouveia Aguilera96 months in prisonThe investigation has established extensive direct and indirect links between the indicted co-conspirators and TdA. According to court documents, TdA is a violent transnational criminal organization that originated as a prison gang in Venezuela in the mid-2000s. TdA has expanded its criminal network throughout the Western Hemisphere and established a presence in the United States. TdA’s criminal activities range from drug trafficking and firearms trafficking to commercial sex trafficking, kidnapping, robbery, theft, fraud, and extortion. TdA members also commit murder, assault, and other violent acts to advance the organization’s criminal activities. TdA has also developed an additional source of revenue stream through financial crimes that target financial institutions throughout the United States, including using ATM jackpotting to steal millions of dollars in cash. The investigation has revealed that the conspiracy has targeted or carried out ATM jackpotting attacks in 47 states, the District of Columbia, and several foreign nations.
On Sept. 30, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Canelon Aguirre.
The Justice Department’s Judicial Attaché in Bogotá and Office of International Affairs, along with the U.S. Secret Service, have provided significant assistance in this matter.
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 Omaha comprises agents and officers from HSI, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and the IRS Criminal Investigation.
Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV) was created in 2019 to eradicate MS-13 and has now expanded to target TdA. JTFV is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, including Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; Eastern and Western Districts of North Carolina; Western District of Virginia; Middle and Southern Districts of Florida; Eastern District of Texas; Western District of Oklahoma; Northern District of Indiana; District of Nevada; and the District of Arizona, as well as the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, and the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Criminal Division, and the Office of Judicial Attaché and DEA partners in Bogotá, Colombia. Additionally, the FBI, HSI, ATF, USMS, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons are essential law enforcement partners with JTFV.
CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime and intellectual property (IP) crime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cyber and IP criminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
American Plastics, LLC Agrees to Pay $2.25M Following Improper Receipt of PPP LoanRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – America Plastics, LLC (“America Plastics”) has agreed to pay $2,249,459.79 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by applying for, receiving, and obtaining forgiveness of a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) for which it was not eligible.
Congress created the PPP in March 2020, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, to provide relief to small businesses experiencing economic hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. On December 27, 2020, the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act (“Economic Aid Act”), enacted on December 27, 2020, subsequently authorized the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) to guarantee second-draw PPP loans. To be eligible for second-draw PPP loans, borrowers were required to have no more than 300 employees, among other requirements. On May 21, 2020, the SBA published an Interim Final Rule clarifying that affiliated foreign employees were to be included when a borrower calculated their total number of employees for purposes of determining PPP loan eligibility.
The United States contends that America Plastics failed to include employees of its foreign parent and foreign affiliates when it applied for a second-draw PPP loan and forgiveness thereof. Had America Plastics included the employees of its foreign parent and foreign affiliates, as required, it would have exceeded the 300-employee size limitation applicable to second-draw PPP loans and would not have been eligible to receive the loan.
This Settlement resolves a lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and receive a share of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Daniel Foster v. America Plastics, LLC (Case No. 3:25-CV-145) (E.D. Tenn.).
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexa Ortiz Hadley and Ben D. Cunningham represented the United States, with assistance from the SBA’s Office of General Counsel.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
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1 October 2026
York County Man Sentenced to 78 Months’ Imprisonment for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tyler Daugherty, age 32, of York County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on September 29, 2026, to 78 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for receiving child pornography. The court also ordered Daugherty to serve a five-year term of supervised release following his release from prison and required him to pay victims $9,000 in restitution.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Daugherty obtained child pornography by using the “Tor” browser to access the “dark” web and was discovered to be in possession of hundreds of images and videos of child pornography when the FBI searched his Mount Wolf home in 2025.
When imposing the 78-month sentence, Judge Wilson highlighted that Daugherty had acquired child pornography over more than six years and that some of the images he possessed depicted the sexual abuse of toddlers. Judge Wilson also referred to victim impact statements that had been submitted prior to sentencing, which she noted attested to the lasting harms caused by those who possess and view child pornography.
The FBI Philadelphia’s Capital Area Resident Agency investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Christian T. Haugsby prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
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Yonkers Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty After Causing Nearly $6 Million in Tax LossRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, and Executive Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), Harry T. Chavis, Jr., announced today that JOSEPH CLAY pled guilty to an Information charging him with one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false and fraudulent U.S. individual income tax return. The charge arises from CLAY’s orchestration of a nearly $6 million tax fraud scheme, from 2019 to 2024, involving the filing of thousands of individual income tax returns that included false information designed to fraudulently reduce taxpayers’ federal and state tax burdens. As part of today’s guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel, CLAY agreed to pay the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) more than $5 million in restitution.
“Tax preparers are entrusted with helping their clients follow the law—not systematically falsifying returns to manufacture deductions and refunds,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “Joseph Clay turned tax preparation into a years-long fraud scheme, filing thousands of false returns that deprived federal and state governments of nearly $6 million in tax revenue. Even a guilty plea to state tax fraud did not stop him: as he admitted today, Clay continued filing fraudulent returns for his customers.”
“This case is a stark reminder that tax fraud is not a victimless crime,” said IRS-CI Executive Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr. “By orchestrating a scheme that manipulated thousands of tax returns and deprived both the IRS and New York state of millions in revenue, Joseph Clay abused the trust placed in tax professionals and harmed honest taxpayers across our community. Today’s guilty plea sends a clear message: we will aggressively pursue those who exploit the tax system for personal gain. Our commitment to protecting taxpayers and upholding the integrity of our nation’s tax laws remains unwavering.”
According to the Information and statements made in public filings and court proceedings:
From 2019 through 2024, covering tax years 2018 through 2023, CLAY—who operated tax preparation businesses in Yonkers going by the names Premier Tax and Professional Services LLC and Prime Tax & Professional Services LLC—filed over 3,500 tax returns with the IRS and New York state authorities. During this period, CLAY repeatedly and routinely submitted false information in customers’ tax returns, including, among other things, inflated and fictitious itemized tax deductions and fraudulent claims for residential energy credits, to reduce his customers’ tax liability and increase his customers’ tax refunds. In total, CLAY’s conduct deprived the IRS of more than $5 million in tax revenue, and deprived New York state tax authorities of close to $900,000.
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CLAY, 52, of Lodi, New Jersey, pled guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false and fraudulent U.S. individual income tax return, which carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison.
The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. McDonald thanked IRS-CI for their outstanding work in this case.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmi Schickler is in charge of the prosecution.