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1 October 2026
Worcester Man Indicted for Snap FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – As part of the United States Attorney’s ongoing enforcement priority to investigate and prosecute benefit fraud involving federal and state assistance programs, a Worcester, Mass. man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for using the identity of a deceased U.S. citizen to obtain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, MassHealth benefits and a Massachusetts identification card.
“John Doe,” whose true identity is unknown at this time, is charged with unlawfully obtaining SNAP benefits, false representation of a Social Security number, false statements relating to health care matters and aggravated identity theft. The defendant was previously arrested in April 2026 after being charged by criminal complaint. He remains detained in federal custody.
According to the charging documents, since at least 2001, John Doe has been living in Massachusetts under the identity of a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico who died in 2006. It is alleged that under the deceased citizen’s identity, the defendant fraudulently obtained a Massachusetts identification card, as well as MassHealth benefits.
According to court documents John Doe has criminal convictions in Massachusetts under the deceased citizen’s identity, including assault and drug convictions. Specifically, in September 2012, John Doe was convicted in Worcester Superior Court of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (gun) as well as trafficking cocaine, for which he was sentenced to state prison for 8-10 years and 11-15 years in state prison, respectively.
Upon his release from prison in January 2022, the defendant allegedly used the stolen identity to apply for SNAP benefits. It is alleged that, in connection with his SNAP application, John Doe spoke with an employee of the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) in April 2022, claiming that he was the individual listed on the application, that he was a U.S. citizen and verified his purported Social Security number. According to the charging documents, the DTA employee noted in the file: “Death match ??? – reviewing with supervisor [sic]” – apparently indicating that the Social Security number that John Doe allegedly provided corresponded to a deceased person. However, the application was ultimately approved by Massachusetts DTA, and John Doe allegedly proceeded to collect SNAP benefits.
In total, from April 2022 through February 2026, John Doe allegedly applied for and obtained approximately $12,623 in SNAP benefits under the stolen deceased citizen’s identity.
The charge of unlawfully obtaining SNAP benefits provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of misrepresenting a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of false statements relating to health care matters provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a sentence of at least two years in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region; and Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Wichita business owner indicted for Covid-era loan fraudRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging a Kansas woman for allegedly submitting fictitious information to the Small Business Administration (SBA) to receive pandemic-era financial assistance.
According to court documents, Christina Marie DeLeon, 42, of Wichita was indicted on two counts of wire fraud.
During the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, the SBA provided emergency financial assistance for small businesses struggling to cover payroll and other business expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). In the PPP loan applications, business owners were required to state their average monthly payroll expenses and number of employees.
DeLeon was the owner of a company called “Wicks Before Dicks”. In April 2020 and January 2022, DeLeon is accused of knowingly submitting false information about gross sales and the number of employees in order to receive PPP loans for $9,300 and $20,832, and then allegedly submitting false information again to receive loan forgiveness.
The Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG) is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Oakley is prosecuting the case.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Victor Daniel Gomez-Hernandez, 51, an illegal alien from Mexico, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case.
Jose Carlos Moreno-Aboytes, 29, an illegal alien from Mexico, was indicted on one count of reentry of a previously removed alien. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case.
Jorge Paiva-Suarez, 33, an illegal alien from Venezuela, was indicted on one count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case.
Britney L. Smith-Stimach, 38, was indicted on count of felon in possession of a firearm. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Wayne County Man Sentenced to 51 Months’ Imprisonment for Accessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Reinaldo Gonzalez, Jr., age 32, of Wayne County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on September 30, 2026, to 51 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr. for accessing with intent to view child pornography. The court also ordered Gonzalez to serve a seven-year term of supervised release following his release from prison.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, in July 2022, Gonzalez utilized a Snapchat account to upload and view child pornography. Gonzalez’s actions generated a CyberTip which was sent from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office for further investigation. During an interview with federal law enforcement officers, Gonzalez acknowledged having a sexual attraction to children and admitted to trading child pornography with others on various internet-based platforms, including Snapchat, Kik, and Facebook.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson 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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United States Attorney’s Office Announces Creation of Interagency Fraud Task Force in the Eastern District of PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced the creation of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (“EDPA”) Interagency Fraud Task Force (“IFTF”), consisting of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department of Justice’s National Fraud Enforcement Division (“NFED”), and 14 other federal law enforcement agencies. Through expanded data-sharing and investigative cooperation, the IFTF will focus on detecting, investigating, and prosecuting those who defraud and steal from American taxpayers.
Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office (“USAO”) hosted the first meeting of the IFTF, attended by federal prosecutors and representatives of the member agencies. Topics of discussion included cultivating all available criminal intelligence, innovating methods for identifying leads, and enhancing cross-agency collaboration and information sharing.
“The great fraud of our time has been against the American taxpayer by criminals who have looted government benefits programs,” U.S. Attorney Metcalf said. “Although we have enjoyed strong partnerships with individual agencies to combat this threat, it is time to get everyone to the table and muster a total approach to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting government fraud. Safeguarding the public fisc requires nothing less than striking fear in the heart of every fraudster who would steal from the national till.”
At today’s meeting, U.S. Attorney Metcalf thanked the agencies comprising the EDPA Interagency Fraud Task Force for their collaboration and commitment to the fighting fraud on behalf of the U.S. government and the taxpayers who fund it.
The 14 federal law enforcement agencies joining the USAO and NFED on the IFTF:
► Defense Criminal Investigative Service
► Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General
► Drug Enforcement Administration
► Federal Bureau of Investigation
► Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations
► Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General
► Homeland Security Investigations
► Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General
► Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation
► Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General
► Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General
► Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration
► U.S. Postal Inspection Service
► Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector GeneralThese efforts are part of the nationwide initiative to combat fraud led by the White House and Department of Justice. On March 16, 2026, President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14395, directing federal agencies to coordinate and accelerate a comprehensive strategy to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse within federal benefit programs, to be led by the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance.
The IFTF is also an outgrowth of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Government Fraud Alliance and its overall White-Collar Justice Program. In 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office instituted the Government Fraud Alliance to formalize our “whole of government” approach to white-collar enforcement, ensuring that our criminal and civil attorneys and investigators work closely with one another and federal agency partners to maximize fraud enforcement efforts. By creating the IFTF to bring together in one room our criminal and civil leadership and the agencies to combat the problem of government fraud, this program enhances the Government Fraud Alliance even further.
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.
Pictured (L to R): U.S. Attorney David Metcalf, Health Care Fraud Chief Anthony Scicchitano, and District Fraud Counsel Meghan Claiborne Bisio at the inaugural meeting of the District's Interagency Fraud Task Force.
Federal prosecutors and representatives of the 14 federal law enforcement agencies on the EDPA Interagency Fraud Task Force attended the IFTF's first meeting.U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida Observes Domestic Violence Awareness MonthRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Pensacola, & Gainesville, Florida — The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is proud to join the U.S. Department of Justice, the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), and communities across the country in observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) this October. This month, and every month, we will continue to use every available resource and building strategic partnerships with local law enforcement, fellow prosecutors, and victim service organizations to ensure justice, safety, and healing for victims.
U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin said: “Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity for us to light the beacon of hope for victims of domestic violence to encourage those suffering in silence to come forward. My office is devoted to providing victims with the safety, dignity, and justice they deserve. We join our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to reaffirm our commitment to holding abusers accountable and ending the cycle of violence. Together we can build a future free from domestic violence.”
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.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire Launches Federal Government Pro Bono Program and Holds Fair to Highlight Volunteer Opportunities for Federal EmployeesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New HampshireCONCORD – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire launched the newest location for the Federal Government Pro Bono Program this week, bringing the 30-year institution to the Granite State during National Pro Bono Month. The New Hampshire Branch of the Federal Government Pro Bono Program will connect federal attorneys and paraprofessionals with legal service organizations in New Hamphsire to assist those in need across the Granite State. Today, those legal service organizations and interested federal employees met in the first ever New Hampshire Federal Pro Bono Program Fair.
“Public service for many at the U.S. Attorney’s Office means not only holding lawbreakers in New Hampshire accountable and recovering precious taxpayer resources illegitimately obtained through fraud or other schemes, but it also means doing what we can in our individual capacities to serve our fellow Granite Staters,” said Erin Creegan, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Hampshire. “With the launch of New Hampshire’s Federal Government Pro Bono Program, we hope to establish sustained partnerships with New Hampshire legal service organizations that can have a positive impact for our citizens faced with navigating the legal landscape and court systems on their own. We will continue to look for more opportunities for federal attorneys and paraprofessionals to volunteer for Granite Staters in need.”
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Hampshire U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan speaks with Ariel Clemmer, Executive Director of 603 Legal Aid during the federal employees pro bono program launchLegal Service Organizations participating in today’s pro bono fair included: Administer Justice Saturday Legal Clinic, Court Appointed Special Advocates New Hampshire (CASA), 603 Legal Aid, New Hampshire Bar Association, New Hampshire Legal Assistance, and Veterans Legal Justice.
Speakers at the event included U.S. Department of Justice Pro Bono Program Manager and Chair of the Federal Government Pro Bono Program Lara Eilhardt, as well as New Hampshire Supreme Court Associate Justice Melissa B. Countway. Justice Countway spoke to interested federal practitioners about the value of pro bono, and the practice in New Hampshire state courts.
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Hampshire New Hampshire Supreme Court Associate Justice Melissa B. Countway speaking at the federal employees pro bono program launchFederal government attorneys have engaged in pro bono work since the 1970s. In 1996, with the issuance of Executive Order 12988, the Department of Justice began to lead federal agencies in creating policies encouraging their staff to volunteer. The Order assigned the Attorney General to coordinate the government-wide endeavor. The U.S. Department of Justice administers today’s Federal Government Pro Bono Program. Other branches of the Program outside New Hampshire include Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Colorado, the National Capital area, Los Angeles, Maryland, New York City, Dallas, and the San Francisco Bay area. For more information about the Federal Government Pro Bono Program, generally and in New Hampshire, see https://www.justice.gov/jmd/pro-bono-program, and the New Hampshire Federal Volunteer Guide.
U.S. Attorney's Office Announces over $14 Million in Latest Award of Justice Department GrantsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine today announced $14,849,687 in Department of Justice grants to cities and organizations in the District of Arizona. The grants were awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) FY26 Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program. The purpose of this funding is to support projects to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, to prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and to assist victims of crime.
Specifically, the following organizations received funding:
- Arizona State University awarded $500,000.
- Arouet Foundation awarded $1,008,000.
- Axiom Community of Recovery awarded $580,000.
- City of Williams awarded $462,000.
- City of Safford awarded $250,000.
- City of Nogales awarded $481,000.
- Valley Metro Rail, Inc. awarded $1,000,000.
- City of Glendale awarded $1,000,000.
- Wellton Police Department awarded $324,000.
- La Paz County Sheriff’s Department awarded $579,000.
- Town of Sahuarita Police Department awarded $809,687.
- City of Douglas awarded $627,000.
- Pima County Sheriff’s Department awarded $1,400,000.
- City of Peoria awarded $2,850,000.
- City of Surprise awarded $999,000.
- Coconino Sheriff’s Department awarded $1,980,000.
The awards announced above are being made as part of the regular end-of-fiscal year cycle. These awards are on top of an additional $14 million in OJP grants that were bestowed to cities, organizations, and Indian communities in Arizona since January 2026.
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime; advance equity and fairness in the administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its program offices – the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Institute of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office for Victims of Crime, and SMART Office – can be found at www.ojp.gov.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-167_FY26 OJP Grants
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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.- Arizona State University awarded $500,000.
Two Minnesota Men Plead Guilty to Defrauding Medicaid Housing Services ProgramRead the Press Release
Two Minnesota men pleaded guilty to defrauding Minnesota’s Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) program out of more than $500,000 by submitting fraudulent claims for services that were never provided. This case is part of the ongoing collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota and the Health Care Fraud Strike Force to combat prolific fraud on government programs in Minnesota.
“This case is a stark reminder that fraud against public programs is not just a crime against government — it is a betrayal of the most vulnerable among us,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “By diverting resources meant for the elderly, mentally ill, and those suffering from substance abuse, the defendant undermined trust and jeopardized essential services. This guilty plea demonstrates our unwavering resolve to pursue justice, restore integrity, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are used to uplift — not exploit — our communities.”
“My office is committed to maintaining the integrity of public programs. The defendants’ guilty pleas bring us closer to obtaining accountability for the American taxpayer,” said U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen for the District of Minnesota.
“These guilty pleas are the result of a continued, coordinated effort to stop the fraud plaguing our social services and healthcare benefits systems,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson of the FBI Minneapolis Field Office. “These programs are meant to provide critical services to those most in need, not to line the pockets of fraudsters. The FBI and our partners remain steadfastly committed to rooting out these frauds and defending the resources of the American taxpayer.”
“I want to emphasize that protecting programs designed to support vulnerable communities is a top priority for IRS Criminal Investigation,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Kuszynski of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Chicago Field Office. “The deliberate submission of fraudulent claims undermines the trust placed in these vital services and diverts resources from those who truly need them. These guilty pleas demonstrate our unwavering resolve to pursue those who exploit public programs for personal gain. We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure accountability and safeguard taxpayer dollars.”
According to court documents, Hassan Ahmed Hussein, 29, and Ahmed Abdirashid Mohamed, 28, both of the Twin Cities area, enrolled Pristine Health LLC as a Medicaid provider, promising to help people with disabilities — including seniors and people suffering from mental illnesses and substance use disorders — find and maintain housing through the State’s now-defunct HSS program. Instead, Hussein and Mohamed submitted HSS claims to Medicaid for services that were never provided and significantly inflated the claims for higher reimbursement. Pristine Health enrolled approximately 90 Medicaid beneficiaries for HSS, including some who never agreed to receive the services. In total, Pristine Health billed Minnesota Medicaid more than $820,000.
Hussein entered a guilty plea on September 24, 2026, and Mohamed entered a guilty plea on October 1, 2026. Both pleaded to one count of wire fraud and face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing dates will be set by the Court at a later date.
Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s Fraud Division; U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen for the District of Minnesota; Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson of the FBI Minneapolis Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Thomas Ethridge of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); and Special Agent in Charge Adam Jobes of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Chicago Field Office, made the announcement
FBI, HHS-OIG, and IRS-CI investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Raymond E. Beckering III of the Fraud Division’s Health Care Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Murphy for the District of Minnesota are prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion since 2007. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Two Minnesota Men Plead Guilty to Defrauding Medicaid Housing Services ProgramRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Two Minnesota men pleaded guilty to defrauding Minnesota’s Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) program out of more than $500,000 by submitting fraudulent claims for services that were never provided. This case is part of the ongoing collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota and the Health Care Fraud Strike Force to combat prolific fraud on government programs in Minnesota.
“This case is a stark reminder that fraud against public programs is not just a crime against government — it is a betrayal of the most vulnerable among us,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “By diverting resources meant for the elderly, mentally ill, and those suffering from substance abuse, the defendant undermined trust and jeopardized essential services. This guilty plea demonstrates our unwavering resolve to pursue justice, restore integrity, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are used to uplift — not exploit — our communities.”
“My office is committed to maintaining the integrity of public programs. The defendants’ guilty pleas bring us closer to obtaining accountability for the American taxpayer,” said U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen for the District of Minnesota.
“These guilty pleas are the result of a continued, coordinated effort to stop the fraud plaguing our social services and healthcare benefits systems,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson of the FBI Minneapolis Field Office. “These programs are meant to provide critical services to those most in need, not to line the pockets of fraudsters. The FBI and our partners remain steadfastly committed to rooting out these frauds and defending the resources of the American taxpayer.”
“I want to emphasize that protecting programs designed to support vulnerable communities is a top priority for IRS Criminal Investigation,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Kuszynski of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Chicago Field Office. “The deliberate submission of fraudulent claims undermines the trust placed in these vital services and diverts resources from those who truly need them. These guilty pleas demonstrate our unwavering resolve to pursue those who exploit public programs for personal gain. We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure accountability and safeguard taxpayer dollars.”
According to court documents, Hassan Ahmed Hussein, 29, and Ahmed Abdirashid Mohamed, 28, both of the Twin Cities area, enrolled Pristine Health LLC as a Medicaid provider, promising to help people with disabilities — including seniors and people suffering from mental illnesses and substance use disorders — find and maintain housing through the State’s now-defunct HSS program. Instead, Hussein and Mohamed submitted HSS claims to Medicaid for services that were never provided and significantly inflated the claims for higher reimbursement. Pristine Health enrolled approximately 90 Medicaid beneficiaries for HSS, including some who never agreed to receive the services. In total, Pristine Health billed Minnesota Medicaid more than $820,000.
Hussein entered a guilty plea on September 24, 2026, and Mohamed entered a guilty plea on October 1, 2026. Both pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing will be set at a later date.
Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s Fraud Division; U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen for the District of Minnesota; Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson of the FBI Minneapolis Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Thomas Ethridge of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); and Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Kuszynski of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Chicago Field Office, made the announcement.
This case was the result of an investigation by the FBI, HHS-OIG, and IRS-CI.
Trial Attorney Raymond E. Beckering III of the Fraud Division’s Health Care Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Murphy for the District of Minnesota are prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion since 2007. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Note: This press release was updated on October 2, 2026, to correct the name and title of the IRS-CI Acting Special Agent in Charge.
Two Men Linked to Overdose Death Sentenced to More Than 20 Years Combined in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – Two Northwest Arkansas men were sentenced to serve a total of 246 months combined in federal prison for drug trafficking and ammunition related crimes. Tony Bonds Jr., age 25, was sentenced on September 28, 2026, to serve a total of 150 months in federal prison for using a communication device to facilitate the distribution of Fentanyl and for being a felon in possession of ammunition. Jared Haynie, age 30, his co-defendant, was sentenced on August 27, 2026, to serve 96 months in federal prison for using a communication device to facilitate conspiracy to distribute Adderall and conspiracy to distribute Fentanyl. Both men were linked to a Fentanyl overdose death that occurred in Farmington, Arkansas in 2022. The Honorable Chief Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, officers with the Farmington Police Department responded to a Fentanyl overdose resulting in death in the morning hours of June 18, 2022. The ensuing investigation linked both Bonds and Haynie to the deceased. Phone records, interviews and other evidence revealed that both Bonds and Haynie used their cellular phones to commit drug trafficking crimes. Additionally, Bonds unlawfully possessed multiple rounds of .9mm ammunition while on felony state probation in multiple cases.
United States Attorney Kevin R. Holmes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement. The Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, State of Arkansas Probation and Parole, Drug Enforcement Administration, Washington County Coroner’s Office, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly D. Harris prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov
Two Charged in Fraud Scheme to Steal Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars from Vulnerable WardsRead the Press Release
DETROIT - Two Detroit-area residents were indicted for their roles in a scheme to embezzle money from incapacitated persons, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr.
Joining in the announcement was Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Field Division.
Kijuana Evans, 54, of Clinton Township and Lonnie Griffin, 57, of Harper Woods, were charged in an indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.
According to the indictment, probate courts regularly appoint guardians and conservators to manage the personal and financial affairs of adults, known as wards, who have been found by the court to lack the capacity to do so themselves. Guardians and conservators are fiduciaries who are obligated to act in the best interests of their wards. The indictment alleges that Kijuana Evans owned TriState Guardian Services, an agency that was appointed as a fiduciary by the Oakland County Probate Court for incapacitated wards. Lonnie Griffin operated Key to Life, a non-emergency transportation service, and was employed as a manager of TriState.
The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to systematically embezzle funds from wards, and to obtain and retain money for themselves that rightly belonged to the wards and the wards’ estates. The indictment sets forth examples of the co-conspirators working together to misappropriate money belonging to wards. In one instance, Evans is alleged to have used $87,000 in a ward’s funds to purchase a transit van used by Griffin’s transportation company. In another, Evans and Griffin are alleged to have taken for themselves $180,000 in funds from the sale of a ward’s home. In yet another case, Evans and Griffin are alleged to have taken the proceeds of a ward’s lawsuit settlement and deposited it into their bank account.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Moran. The investigation is being conducted by the FBI.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. It is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Three Utah Men Charged After Credit Union is Allegedly Robbed with a Hoax Explosive DeviceRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment charging three Utah residents with robbing a credit union after one of the defendants approached a teller, handed over a threatening note demanding cash, and claimed to have an explosive device in his backpack.
Thomas Domingo Bustos, 31, of Layton, Utah; Brelyn Sanchez, 37, of Ogden, Utah; and Fidel Ybarra, 52, of Riverdale, Utah, were initially charged by complaint on September 15, 2026.
According to court documents, on September 4, 2026, officers with the South Salt Lake Police Department and members of the FBI’s Violent Crime Task Force responded to a robbery that occurred in South Salt Lake City, Utah. The credit union teller reported a male, later identified as Ybarra, entered the credit union carrying a backpack and passed a note to the teller that demanded cash and indicated he was holding an explosive device in his backpack. Ybarra then opened the backpack displaying what appeared to be an improvised explosive device. As a result, the teller handed Ybarra $1,234.00. Ybarra exited the credit union and fled in a red Dodge Durango. Sanchez was later identified as the driver. Through surveillance video, law enforcement identified a second vehicle, a red BMW, in connection with the robbery. Both vehicles were registered to Bustos. The investigation revealed that Bustos planned the robbery, created the hoax explosive device out of fireworks and duct tape, and drafted the demand note. Sanchez and Ybarra then met up at a residence and Bustos took the money.
Bustos, Ybarra, and Sanchez are charged with credit union robbery. Their initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for October 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in courtroom 8.4 at the Orrin G. Hatch United States Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated jointly by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office’s Violent Crime Task Force, and South Salt Lake City Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Carlos A. Esqueda is prosecuting 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.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Three Sentenced for Bank Fraud Conspiracy Involving Checks Stolen from the MailRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Three men who were involved in a conspiracy to steal checks from the mail and deposit them into fraudulently-opened bank accounts were sentenced to prison Thursday.
U.S. District Judge Joshua M. Divine sentenced Isaiah W. Douglas, 25, of Champaign, Ill. to 39 months in prison, Luis A. Franco-Gonzalez, 26, of Rantoul, Ill., to 34 months in prison and Isaiah B. Handford, 28, to 33 months.
Douglas and others stole checks, or caused them to be stolen, from U.S. Postal Service collection boxes in and around St. Louis. Handford and Franco-Gonzalez then posed as representatives of the victim businesses and opened or tried to open bank accounts with fraudulent documents supplied by Douglas.
On June 12, 2023, Handford entered a St. Louis bank and applied to open a business account by falsely claiming that he was an owner and registered agent of one of the victim businesses. Suspicious bank officials refused to open the account. That same day, Franco-Gonzalez was successful in opening an account at a different bank in Chesterfield and depositing a $312,677 check.
The following day, Franco-Gonzalez unsuccessfully tried to open an account at a bank in Creve Coeur before fleeing the bank on foot. Police arrested Handford in a getaway car close to the bank and then found and arrested Franco-Gonzalez in a Ford Explorer in the parking lot of a nearby hotel. The Explorer contained a handgun and fraudulent paperwork in the name of one of the victims. Officers found Douglas at the hotel, carrying a backpack and a duffel bag that contained more fraudulent paperwork, a handgun and 53 loose checks, money orders, and envelopes that had been stolen from collection boxes. In hotel rooms used by the conspirators, police found more stolen mail and an additional stolen check.
Douglas and his co-defendants admitted that they intended to cause a loss of at least $581,123, based on the value of stolen checks deposited into unauthorized business accounts and the stolen checks recovered by police. They ultimately failed to make any money from the scheme, however.
The case is the latest prosecution of those responsible for mail theft and whose conduct takes advantage of the public's reliance on a vital government service, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow wrote in sentencing memo.
“The sentencing in this case illustrates that individuals who engage in mail theft will be held accountable for their actions,” stated Inspector in Charge, Nicholas Bucciarelli, who leads the Chicago Division, which includes the St. Louis Domicile Office. “The Postal Inspection Service is proud to work with our local, state, and federal partners to bring mail theft perpetrators to justice and prevent financial crimes targeting local citizens, postal customers, and financial institutions.”
Douglas pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of possession of stolen mail matter. Franco-Gonzalez and Handford pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement to a financial institution.
The Creve Coeur Police Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow prosecuted the case.
Three Men Charged with Trafficking Nearly 100 Firearms in New York CityRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Pete Gizas, and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced today the arrests and unsealing of an Indictment charging DWIGHT FLOWERS, TERRENCE PORTER, and TALEAK HARRIS with trafficking nearly 100 firearms, including a “Glock switch,” ammunition, and approximately 700 grams of cocaine in Manhattan and the Bronx. FLOWERS and PORTER were arrested yesterday in Nassau County and FLOWERS was presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo and detained; PORTER is expected to be presented tomorrow. HARRIS was arrested yesterday in Virginia. The case has been assigned to the Honorable Lewis J. Liman.
“The illegal flow of firearms puts New Yorkers’ lives at risk, and we will not stand by and allow it,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “As alleged, Dwight Flowers, Terrence Porter, and Taleak Harris illegally trafficked dangerous drugs and almost 100 firearms—including long-arm rifles, pistols, and a machinegun—into the Southern District of New York. To anyone trafficking illegal guns in New York City: you are on notice. We are watching, we are working with our law enforcement partners to track these weapons and those who move them, and we will hold you accountable.”
“As alleged, the defendants built a steady pipeline of illegal guns into New York City, selling nearly 100 weapons across five transactions in Manhattan and the Bronx and creating a grave threat to those who live, work and go to school in these communities,” said HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Pete Gizas. “The determined efforts of HSI New York, as a co-leader of the Homeland Security Task Force, together with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the NYPD, and DEA resulted in the seizure of this cache, including a firearm equipped with a machinegun conversion device, and the dismantlement of this alleged iron pipeline. Every New Yorker deserves to move through their neighborhood without the danger created by illegal weapons trafficking, and HSI stands committed to making that expectation a reality.”
“This trio of criminals thought they could traffic nearly 100 firearms and a substantial amount of cocaine in our city without consequence, but they were wrong,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Because of the brave undercover work of our NYPD investigator, these guns and drugs will never make it onto our streets. I thank our fearless officer and law enforcement partners for their thorough work to shut down this operation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their continued commitment to holding gun traffickers accountable.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment and other public filings:(1)
From on or about June 2026 through September 2026, FLOWERS, PORTER, and HARRIS sold approximately 93 firearms to an undercover law enforcement officer with the New York City Police Department across five transactions, which took place in a commercial parking lot in the Bronx and on the street in Manhattan. HARRIS supplied PORTER and FLOWERS with the firearms that they sold to the undercover law enforcement officer. In addition, PORTER and HARRIS sold the same undercover law enforcement officer hundreds of grams of cocaine during these same five transactions.
Moreover, in September 2026, FLOWERS sold the undercover law enforcement officer a firearm with a machinegun conversion device installed. That device is a part capable of converting a semiautomatic firearm into a firearm capable of fully automatic fire. A photograph of the machinegun conversion device affixed to one of the firearms FLOWERS sold to the undercover law enforcement officer is below:
Photographs of the firearms and narcotics sold by FLOWERS, PORTER, and HARRIS across the five transactions are depicted below:
* * *
FLOWERS, 58, of Queens, New York, PORTER, 50, of Queens, New York, and HARRIS, 49, of Chester, Virgina, are each charged with one count of conspiring to commit firearms trafficking, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
In addition, FLOWERS and PORTER are together charged with one count of conspiring to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of firearms use, carrying, and possession in connection with a drug trafficking offense, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a minimum sentence of five years in prison. FLOWERS is also charged with four additional counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and three additional counts of firearms use, carrying, and possession in connection with a drug offense, as well as a count of possession of a machinegun, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
The statutory maximum and minimum 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 the judge.
Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding investigative work of HSI New York's JFK Homeland Security Task Force, the United States Marshals Service, and the NYPD.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn Wheelock and Rebecca Delfiner are in charge of the prosecution.
This prosecution is also 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 U.S. 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.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
^
As the introductory phrase signifies, the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Three Members of Violent Memphis Street Gang Sentenced for Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Three members of the Unknown Vice Lords (UVL), a violent street gang in Memphis, Tennessee, were sentenced to a total of over 42 years in prison for conspiring and attempting to commit a gang-related murder and firearms violations.
“These individuals showed a blatant disregard for public safety by engaging in a gang shooting in the middle of a residential neighborhood,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Gang violence terrorizes our communities, fosters fear, destabilizes neighborhoods, and endangers the lives of law-abiding residents. The Criminal Division is standing up for the rule of law. We will continue to dismantle these criminal organizations to zealously protect the safety and security of American citizens.”
“The days of criminal gangs controlling the streets of Memphis are over.” said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee. “Gang culture, rivalries, and beefs beget more senseless gang violence that endangers innocent citizens. If you are a member of a criminal gang committed to a lifestyle of lawlessness, no matter your rank, role, or nickname - your days are numbered - there will be a reckoning.”
“ATF’s primary mission is to ensure public safety by combating violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge James VanVliet of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Nashville Field Division. “Individuals who deliberately engage in violent activities such as retaliatory gang shootings render our communities vulnerable to great harm, instill fear, and ultimately diminish the quality of life for all citizens. The ATF will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate offenders who render our communities unsafe.”
The following individuals were sentenced:
- Antwon Brown, also known as Yayo, 33, of Memphis, was sentenced to 300 months in prison for attempting to commit murder and discharging a firearm into an occupied residence.
- Cordera Douglas, also known as Chuckie Dee, 37, of Memphis, was sentenced to 87 months in prison for conspiring to commit murder.
- Willie Merriweather, also known as Willie, 42, of Antioch, Tennessee, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for conspiring to commit murder.
According to court documents, Brown, Douglas, and Merriweather were all ranked members of UVL, also known as The Ghost Mob, which is a criminal enterprise that controlled territory throughout Memphis, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Members of UVL committed murders, assaults, and drug trafficking on behalf of the enterprise.
Court documents allege that on Sept. 6, 2020, rival gang members opened fire on UVL members and their families, injuring four people. Merriweather, who was a high-ranking UVL leader, ordered a retaliatory attack. Douglas participated in a gang meeting planning retaliation. Shortly after midnight on Sept. 7, 2020, Brown traveled to the residence of the rival gang members armed with assault style rifles and wearing masks and gloves. Brown intentionally shot approximately 40-50 bullets into the residence with the rival gang members inside. Neighborhood security cameras captured the shooting. In the video, Brown is using, carrying, and firing multiple firearms into the residence.
Co-defendant Ricky Rogers, Jr., also known as Double R, RR, 32, of Memphis, is set to be sentenced on Nov. 5.
Co-defendant Tevin Richardson, also known as Santana, 34, of Memphis, is set for trial on April 4, 2027.
The ATF and Memphis Police Department investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Lisa M. Thelwell and Dennis Robinson of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case, with substantial assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.
This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Memphis, Tennessee, and surrounding areas. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee have partnered, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, to confront violent crimes committed by gang members and associates through the enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources to prosecute the violent offenders and prevent further violence.
Three Members of Violent Memphis Street Gang Sentenced for Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Three members of the Unknown Vice Lords (UVL), a violent street gang in Memphis, Tennessee, were sentenced to a total of over 42 years in prison for conspiring and attempting to commit a gang-related murder and firearms violations.
“These individuals showed a blatant disregard for public safety by engaging in a gang shooting in the middle of a residential neighborhood,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Gang violence terrorizes our communities, fosters fear, destabilizes neighborhoods, and endangers the lives of law-abiding residents. The Criminal Division is standing up for the rule of law. We will continue to dismantle these criminal organizations to zealously protect the safety and security of American citizens.”
“The days of criminal gangs controlling the streets of Memphis are over.” said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee. “Gang culture, rivalries, and beefs beget more senseless gang violence that endangers innocent citizens. If you are a member of a criminal gang committed to a lifestyle of lawlessness, no matter your rank, role, or nickname - your days are numbered - there will be a reckoning.”
“ATF’s primary mission is to ensure public safety by combating violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge James VanVliet of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Nashville Field Division. “Individuals who deliberately engage in violent activities such as retaliatory gang shootings render our communities vulnerable to great harm, instill fear, and ultimately diminish the quality of life for all citizens. The ATF will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate offenders who render our communities unsafe.”
The following individuals were sentenced:
- Antwon Brown, also known as Yayo, 33, of Memphis, was sentenced to 300 months in prison for attempting to commit murder and discharging a firearm into an occupied residence.
- Cordera Douglas, also known as Chuckie Dee, 37, of Memphis, was sentenced to 87 months in prison for conspiring to commit murder.
- Willie Merriweather, also known as Willie, 42, of Antioch, Tennessee, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for conspiring to commit murder.
According to court documents, Brown, Douglas, and Merriweather were all ranked members of UVL, also known as The Ghost Mob, which is a criminal enterprise that controlled territory throughout Memphis, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Members of UVL committed murders, assaults, and drug trafficking on behalf of the enterprise.
Court documents allege that on Sept. 6, 2020, rival gang members opened fire on UVL members and their families, injuring four people. Merriweather, who was a high-ranking UVL leader, ordered a retaliatory attack. Douglas participated in a gang meeting planning retaliation. Shortly after midnight on Sept. 7, 2020, Brown traveled to the residence of the rival gang members armed with assault style rifles and wearing masks and gloves. Brown intentionally shot approximately 40-50 bullets into the residence with the rival gang members inside. Neighborhood security cameras captured the shooting. In the video, Brown is using, carrying, and firing multiple firearms into the residence.
Antwon Brown pictured on left
Co-defendant Ricky Rogers, Jr., also known as Double R, RR, 32, of Memphis, is set to be sentenced on Nov. 5.
Co-defendant Tevin Richardson, also known as Santana, 34, of Memphis, is set for trial on April 4, 2027.
The ATF and Memphis Police Department investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Lisa M. Thelwell and Dennis Robinson of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case, with substantial assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.
This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Memphis, Tennessee, and surrounding areas. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee have partnered, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, to confront violent crimes committed by gang members and associates through the enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources to prosecute the violent offenders and prevent further violence.
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CRM
26-1117
If you have questions, please use the contacts in the message or call the Office of Public Affairs at 202-514-2007.
Three Former Daycare Providers Charged After Allegedly Assaulting Children at Hill Air Force Base Daycare CenterRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Three women who formerly worked as daycare providers at Hill Air Force Base in Utah have been charged with simple assault against toddlers and young children who were entrusted to their care.
On September 16, 2026, Karlie Brook Rainey, 29, of Clearfield, Utah; Patricia Michelle Davis, 28, of Layton, Utah; and Allison Shea Ferdon, 32, of Carrollton, Virginia each were charged in three separate misdemeanor informations. Rainey is scheduled to be arraigned at the Orrin G. Hatch United States Courthouse on October 15, 2026 at 1 p.m. Davis is scheduled to be arraigned at the same courthouse on October 7, 2026 at 11 a.m. And Ferdon is scheduled to be arraigned at the same courthouse on October 8, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Court documents allege that, in December 2022, Rainey repeatedly covered a crying child’s face with a pillow, covered the child’s mouth with her hand, pushed the child’s face into the floor, and pinned the child in a corner for over 20 minutes.
In January and February 2023, Davis allegedly shoved, pushed, and roughly handled children in her care at the Hill Air Force Base Child Development Center.
Court documents further allege that in January and February 2023, Ferdon roughly grabbed children several times, sprayed a child in the face, hit a child using another child’s hand, and even lowered a child over a trash can as if to throw her in the garbage.
“The defendants’ alleged conduct toward these toddlers they were entrusted to care for is both disturbing and unacceptable,” said U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak for the District of Utah. “Our office will not tolerate any form of abuse against children. We remain committed to working closely with our partners to ensure justice for the parents who entrusted these daycare workers with the care and safety of their children.”
Hill Air Force Base Office of Special Investigations is investigating the case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Sachi Jepson and Todd C. Bouton are prosecuting the case.
A misdemeanor information is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The Department of Justice Files Complaint Against the University of Delaware Challenging Policies that Provide In-State Tuition to Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the University of Delaware for violating federal law by prioritizing the needs of illegal aliens over U.S. citizens in defiance of Congress’s commands. The Department is challenging the University of Delaware’s policy which grants in-state tuition for illegal aliens while denying reduced tuition to U.S. citizens. This policy unconstitutionally discriminates against U.S. citizens who are not afforded the same reduced tuition rate, which is in direct conflict with federal law.
“This Department of Justice’s efforts will not cease until we have challenged every state law or university policy that gives preferential treatment to illegal aliens over our Nation’s own citizens,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. “Congress long ago made clear that states cannot give reduced tuition to illegal aliens not available to all Americans. When a state Attorney General allows her own state to violate federal law, this department must step in to enforce it.”
“This is a simple matter of federal law: colleges cannot provide benefits to illegal aliens that they do not provide to U.S. citizens,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This Department of Justice will not tolerate American students being treated like second-class citizens in their own country.”
In the complaint, the United States seeks to enjoin the University of Delaware from enforcing its policy that provides aliens who reside in Delaware with in-state tuition rates, regardless of whether those aliens are lawfully present in the United States. Additionally, the complaint seeks to enjoin the University of Delaware from enacting any new tuition policies that favor illegal aliens over U.S. citizens.
Today’s lawsuit brings the Department’s total to 26 lawsuits challenging in-state tuition for illegal aliens. Under the leadership of Attorney General Todd Blanche, the Department’s efforts have delivered numerous wins for the American people, as six lawsuits in Texas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Illinois, and Kansas have resulted in favorable orders permanently enjoining and declaring unconstitutional similar laws which gave reduced tuition to illegal aliens including an order from the Fifth Circuit.
Lawsuits against other states that are also violating federal law by putting illegal aliens ahead of U.S. citizens are pending across the country including Minnesota, Virginia, California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maryland, Colorado, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, the District of Columbia, Arkansas, and Utah.
For more information about the Enforcement & Affirmative Litigation Branch and its affirmative litigation efforts visit www.justice.gov/civil/enforcement-affirmative-litigation-branch.
Texas Woman Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
MOLINE, Ill., - A Texas City, Texas, woman, Dorothy Barber, 54, was sentenced last week to 18 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for wire fraud. Barber also was ordered to pay $311,768.85 in restitution.
According to court documents and statements in court, Barber, along with others, recruited and assisted other individuals to fraudulently apply for Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans during the COVID-19 pandemic. PPP loans were supposed to be used for certain qualifying business expenses. Barber, who fraudulently obtained her own $20,000 PPP loan, also received kickbacks from other individuals whom she assisted in obtaining loans.
At the sentencing hearing on September 24, 2026, U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow said that Barber took advantage of a program meant to serve as a safety net for employers and to preserve peoples’ livelihoods during a vulnerable time in history. Judge Darrow stated that “these types of crimes come with real consequences.”
A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Barber in May 2025. Barber pleaded guilty in December 2025.
“Our office is committed to prosecuting individuals such as the defendant who took advantage of a program designed to help small business owners in the midst of the pandemic,” said United States Attorney for the Central District of Illinois Gregory M. Gilmore. “Stealing money from government programs is a fraud on the taxpayers and diverts these critical financial resources away from legitimate funding needs. We are grateful to our federal and local partners for their work in investigating these crimes.”
“Ms. Barber is one of many fraudsters who exploited a program created to helped legitimate small business owners crippled by the pandemic,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge William Steenson. “IRS-CI special agents are unwavering in their commitment to bringing justice on behalf of all taxpayers by exposing those who stole from CARES Act pandemic relief programs. Our work in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other federal law enforcement agencies should make pandemic era thieves nervous as we ramp up efforts to track them down.”
The statutory penalties for wire fraud are not more than 30 years’ imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine.
The Small Business Administration and the Internal Revenue Service investigated the case with assistance from the Galesburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer L. Mathew represented the government at sentencing.
Tanzanian national sentenced to 40 months in prison for conspiring to defraud a Dallas-based financial institutionRead the Press Release
DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that Athuman Farid Omar was sentenced 40 months in federal prison and two years of supervised release for defrauding a Dallas-based credit union that resulted in over $2.3 million in actual losses.
Omar, 49, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit bank fraud in April. On Sept. 23, U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade imposed the sentence and ordered him to pay $2,332,491.91 in restitution.
“This sentence and restitution order reflects the seriousness of Mr. Omar’s long‑running scheme to exploit a trusted relationship and siphon millions of dollars from a financial institution that serves our community,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “This Office will not tolerate those who exploit personal relationships and manipulate the banking system for illicit gain. We will protect the integrity of our financial institutions and relentlessly pursue anyone who attempts to defraud them.”
According to court documents and statements at the sentencing hearing, Omar exploited his years-long relationship with the former CEO of the Dallas-based credit union and coconspirator, Jonathan Salcedo. He used that relationship to defraud the financial institution out of millions of dollars by depositing insufficiently funded checks into several business accounts he had opened with the credit union that were issued from an account with a separate bank.
The eighteen-month long scheme came to an end in December 2022, when in the span of just two days, Omar attempted to deposit 56 checks totaling $1,160,780 from his account with a separate bank to an account with the credit union, despite knowing that he did not have sufficient funds to cover the amount of those checks.
Omar is a Tanzanian citizen who has resided in the Dallas area for decades without legal status in the United States. He will be transferred to ICE custody upon completion of his federal sentence.
Coconspirator Jonathan Salcedo has also entered a guilty plea, and his case is set for sentencing later this year.
The FBI Dallas conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Koos prosecuted the case.
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Tampa Sex Offender Sentenced to More Than 27 Years for Distribution and Possession of Child Sex Abuse Material and EscapeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Richard Plummer (45, Tampa) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday to more than 27 years in federal prison for distribution and possession of child sex abuse material (CSAM) and escape. Plummer pleaded guilty on May 11, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, in 2018, Plummer was convicted of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment in the Middle District of Florida. In October 2025, while serving his prison sentence at the Tampa Residential Re-Entry Center, law enforcement discovered Plummer in possession of a cellphone containing CSAM. Further examination of the phone revealed Plummer had distributed and possessed CSAM. During the investigation, on November 1, 2025, Plummer escaped from the re-entry facility where he was serving the sentence imposed in his 2018 case.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Steinhatchee Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug & Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – David Christopher Jensen, 54, of Steinhatchee, Florida, has pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the plea.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the excellent investigative work of the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and ATF, this armed drug trafficker has been taken off our streets and the successful prosecution by my office will ensure he remains behind bars where he belongs.”
The investigation revealed that on September 25, 2025, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), along with the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, executed two federal search warrants on the defendant’s primary residence and his storage unit. During the execution of the search warrants, law enforcement seized cocaine and marijuana that was intended for distribution. Law enforcement also located several firearms, including a short-barreled rifle. During an interview with law enforcement, the defendant admitted ownership over the narcotics and firearms.
Jensen faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana and up to 10 years’ imprisonment for possession of an unregistered firearm.
The case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph A. Ravelo.
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.
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.
St. Paul Man Sentenced to 33 Months’ Imprisonment for Defrauding $1.6 Million in Federal Child Nutrition Program Funds as Part of the Feeding Our Future Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced that Abdi Nur Salah, of St. Paul, Minnesota, was sentenced to 33 months in prison for his role in the $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a federally funded child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Salah was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Nancy E. Brasel on October 1, 2026.
Salah was originally charged by indictment on September 13, 2022, and he pleaded guilty on January 28, 2025. Salah is the 31st defendant sentenced in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme.
According to court documents, Salah and his co-conspirators operated a non-profit Federal Child Nutrition Program meal site called Stigma-Free International, which was sponsored by Feeding Our Future. In October 2020, shortly after the Minnesota Department of Education announced it was no longer approving food sites run by restaurants and other for-profit companies, Salah acquired a non-profit entity, Stigma-Free International, to carry out the fraudulent scheme against the Federal Child Nutrition Program.
Salah transferred ownership of Stigma-Free International to his co-conspirators who used it to open a number of new Federal Child Nutrition Program sites throughout Minnesota, including in Willmar, Mankato, St. Cloud, Waite Park, and St. Paul.
For 12 months from November 2020 to November 2021, Salah’s co-conspirators fraudulently claimed to have served nearly five million meals to children at the Stigma-Free International sites, including by submitting fraudulent attendance rosters and invoices. Based on the fraudulent claims, Feeding Our Future paid out over $10 million in Federal Child Nutrition Program reimbursements to the Stigma-Free International sites.
Salah additionally created and used multiple shell companies to receive and launder his share of the fraud proceeds. The defendant then used the funds for self-enrichment including purchasing homes, real estate, and businesses. In all, Salah received approximately $1,660,000 in Federal Child Nutrition Program funds.
“This defendant decided to steal funds meant for vulnerable children. Today’s sentence represents my office’s unwavering commitment to holding accountable those who defraud the American taxpayers,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen.
“Abdi Nur Salah and his co-conspirators used taxpayer money meant to support hungry children to buy themselves a life of luxury,” said FBI Minneapolis Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Benni Jonsson. “In defrauding the Federal Child Nutrition Program of more than $1.6 million, what this defendant bought himself is a federal prison sentence. We will continue to bring fraudsters to justice and defend the American taxpayer.”
“Abdi Nur Salah knew what that money was for. It was meant to feed children, and he helped turn it into his payday,” said Robert J. Kuszynski, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Chicago Field Office. “Families counted on that program during a hard time, while he helped take from it. You can dress a scheme up as a nonprofit, but you can’t make the money trail disappear. Our special agents followed it, and today Salah answers for where it led.”
“Mr. Salah's sentence reflects the determination of the U.S. Attorney's Office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and our law enforcement partners to hold every single defendant in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme accountable for their crimes,” said Bryan Musgrove, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Denver Division.
The case is the result of an investigation by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca E. Kline, Matthew C. Murphy, and Austin L. Bowyer prosecuted the case. Assistant United States Attorney Craig Baune is handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets.
Seneca Falls man arrested, charged with production and possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Bradley R. Orlopp, 38, of Seneca Falls, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with the production and possession of child pornography. Because of a prior conviction involving the sexual abuse of a minor, the charges carry a minimum of 25 years in prison, a maximum of 50 years, a lifetime period of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
According to the criminal complaint, in March 2026, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (EUROPOL) sent an investigative lead to the New York State Police (NYSP) identifying Orlopp as a member of an internet chat group devoted to the rape and sexual assault of incapacitated women. Based on information contained in the chat, EUROPOL determined that Orlopp was a resident of New York State. Through their investigation, the NYSP confirmed that Orlopp was a participant in the chat, and identified an adult victim, a resident of Geneva, NY, to be one of Orlopp’s victims. Investigators determined that Orlopp subjected the victim to sexual activity without her consent on more than one occasion and arrested him, charging Orlopp with Rape in the First Degree.
Subsequent investigation resulted in the execution of search warrants on Orlopp’s social media accounts and devices, which led to the discovery of images and videos of child pornography that Orlopp also produced. The videos depict Orlopp sexually abusing a nine-year-old female in Seneca County, NY.
Orlopp made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Colleen D. Holland and was detained.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher and the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Second Montgomery Man Receives 25 Year Prison Sentence for Role in Series of Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A Montgomery man has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for his role in a series of armed robberies of Montgomery businesses in August 2025.
On September 29, 2026, a federal judge sentenced 24-year-old Rayshon Frances Demonta Hall of Montgomery to 300 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Thomas Govan and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Flowers of the FBI Mobile Division made the announcement.
Hall was convicted by a federal jury on May 20, 2026, following a three-day trial. The jury found Hall guilty of three counts of robbery and three counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a federal crime of violence.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Hall and co-defendant, 21-year-old Najari Denarka Mitchell, carried out three armed robberies over a four-day period in Montgomery.
On August 1, 2025, Hall and Mitchell robbed a fast-food restaurant on Troy Highway while threatening two employees with a firearm. The following day, the defendants robbed an auto parts store on Fairview Avenue. On August 4, 2025, Hall and Mitchell robbed a gas station on Troy Highway.
Hall’s co-defendant, Mitchell, previously pleaded guilty to his role in the three robberies involving Hall, as well as an attempted robbery and additional armed robberies committed in Montgomery before the two partnered together. Mitchell was sentenced on August 26, 2026, to 300 months, or 25 years, in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
The FBI and Montgomery Police Department investigated the robberies, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Andreu and Eric M. Counts.
This case is part of DOJ’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program and the Middle District of Alabama’s Violent Offender Intervention and Deterrence (VOID) program. 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.
VOID aims to reduce violent crime by enhancing coordination, communication, and collaboration with law enforcement partners. The program focuses on working directly with local agencies and traditional federal partners to prosecute violent offenders and armed felons, dismantle drug trafficking organizations, and build proactive cases targeting gangs and repeat violent offenders. VOID prioritizes the most serious violent crime cases and fosters close working relationships with state and local prosecutors and law enforcement throughout the Montgomery River Region.
San Gabriel Man Arrested on Federal Charges Alleging He Smuggled to China More Than $300 Million in Export-Controlled Computer ServersRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The owner of a San Gabriel Valley-based technology company was arrested today on a three-count federal indictment charging him with smuggling to China more than $300 million worth of export-controlled high-end computer servers containing U.S.-manufactured graphics processing units (GPUs) commonly used for Super Intelligence (SI) applications.
Greg Lui, 38, a.k.a. “Yiu Kong Lui,” of San Gabriel, is expected to make his initial appearance and be arraigned on Friday in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
Lui is charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act and the Export Administration Regulations, one count of outbound smuggling, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
“Protecting America’s national security means keeping our advanced Super Intelligence technology from being used to strengthen our adversaries’ military capabilities,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “This defendant allegedly used false paperwork and shipments through third countries to smuggle more than $300 million in export-controlled computer servers to China. We will aggressively prosecute those who put our national security at risk for profit.”
“The indictment unsealed today details alleged efforts to evade U.S. export laws through false documents, staged dummy servers to mislead inspectors, and convoluted transshipment schemes, in order to obfuscate the true destination of restricted SI technology — China,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “These chips are the product of American ingenuity, and The National Security Division will continue to enforce our export-control laws to protect that advantage.”
“The Bureau of Industry and Security is committed to using all lawful means to protect national security and hold violators accountable,” said David A. Peters, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement.
“Preventing the illegal export of controlled technology is critical to protecting our national security,” said Special Agent in Charge John E. Helsing of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Western Field Office. “These technologies provide core advantages to U.S. forces, and ensuring they remain safeguarded prevents adversaries from exploiting them. Today’s action underscores our commitment to protecting advanced defense capabilities and enforcing the laws that keep them out of the hands of those who may threaten the United States.”
“The FBI’s investigation revealed that Lui allegedly sold the Chinese government hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of American Super Intelligence technology, in clear violation of U.S. export control laws,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “Controlling the export of advanced S.I. technology is critical to safeguarding our national security and defending the homeland, and the FBI will keep fighting for America’s businesses and economic security. We’re grateful to our partners across the U.S. government and private sector for their assistance, and we’ll continue holding accountable anyone who violates U.S. export laws to enrich themselves and help our adversaries.”
According to the indictment that a federal grand jury returned on September 29, Lui owns Earthmade Computer Inc., a City of Industry-based technology company and closely held corporation.
From 2023 to 2024, Lui and his co-conspirators used Earthmade to buy and send export-controlled items to China without the required licenses issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Instead, they shipped these items to countries such as Malaysia and Singapore, where no such license is required, then illegally re-exported them to China.
The items in question were high-end computer servers containing GPUs manufactured by companies that specialize in SI computing. Lui did so despite knowing that the true end user of the servers he purchased were in China.
As part of the scheme, Lui and his co-conspirators provided false documentation to U.S.-based manufacturers that misrepresented that the items would be going to permissible end users and end destinations that did not require an export license.
After placing these orders, Lui employed various freight forwarding companies to ship the export-controlled servers to countries such as Malaysia and Singapore. Once the servers arrived in these locations, Lui worked with his co-conspirators to reship the items to China.
From January 2024 to October 2024, Earthmade received more than $176 million from two Malaysia-based shipment companies as part of the scheme.
According to the indictment, Lui executed this scheme knowing that U.S. government regulations barred the export of such high-end technology to China to protect the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States. According to U.S. government regulations, such high-end GPUs could make significant contributions to the military potential of other nations.
For example, in January 2024, Lui emailed a conspirator indicating that a Malaysian transshipment company wished to purchase 70 servers with export-restricted GPUs. In that email correspondence, Lui attached an export compliance form that indicated that the Malaysian company was aware of U.S. export laws that restricted the sale, transshipment, or export of these specific servers.
Later that month, Lui submitted a purchase order to a U.S. manufacturer for 27 of these servers for approximately $7,614,000. He and a co-conspirator then caused the servers to be shipped from Los Angeles to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The packing list for this shipment indicated that the shipment contained 27 servers with GPUs, which were export controlled and could not be sent to China without a license.
In March 2024, a co-conspirator emailed a Malaysian government official that 27 servers had, in fact, been transshipped to a China-based buyer.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If convicted of all charges, Lui would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison on the conspiracy count, 20 years in federal prison on the money laundering count, and 10 years in federal prison on the smuggling count.
The United States Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security Office of Export Enforcement, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division are investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Colin S. Scott and Joseph S. Guzman of the National Security Division and Justice Department Trial Attorney Eli Ross of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Su of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section is handling the civil and criminal forfeitures of the seized property.
San Antonio Area Man Charged with a Firearm Offense After Allegedly Threatening State CapitolRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A Bexar County man was arrested and charged federally for possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number after he allegedly made a threat to attack the Texas State Capitol, announced U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas.
According to court documents, on Sept. 29, Benny Caldera Jr., 40, of Converse, allegedly told another individual that he was going to the Capitol and would “shoot it up,” specifically expressing his anger toward the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). A criminal complaint alleges Caldera Jr. said of AIPAC, “These people have to be exterminated.” The complaint further alleges Caldera Jr. stated in a recorded conversation that he made up his mind and said goodbye to his parents.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS) received a report of Caldera Jr.’s alleged threats on Tuesday and obtained a state arrest warrant and a search warrant for his residence. The FBI assisted by conducting surveillance. TX DPS agents arrested Caldera Jr. inside the residence on Wednesday.
During the search of Caldera Jr.’s residence, TX DPS Criminal Investigation Division (CID) agents allegedly located a .357 revolver loaded with six rounds and a 12-gauge shotgun in his master bedroom closet along with six 9mm rounds. The criminal complaint alleges that the serial number on the side of the revolver frame was obliterated and appeared to have been filed off.
Caldera Jr. is scheduled for his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Chestney of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“This defendant is in federal custody today thanks to a perceptive and concerned citizen seeing something and saying something,” said U.S. Attorney Simmons. “Had the alleged threats not been taken seriously and reported to law enforcement, we could have a very different and tragic story to tell today. I appreciate the diligent efforts of our partners at Texas DPS and at the FBI, and I again urge everyone to take threats like this seriously and report them appropriately. You never know the impact you may have and the number of lives you could save.”
The FBI is investigating the case with assistance from TX DPS.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lathrop is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint 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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Salvadoran National Pleads Guilty to Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TOMAS ALONSO VALENCIA-RUIZ, 29, a citizen of El Salvador, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to unlawful reentry of a removed alien.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2014, U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) encountered Valencia-Ruiz in Rio Grande, Texas, after Valencia-Ruiz illegally entered the U.S. USBP released Valencia-Ruiz while his immigration case was pending. On October 12, 2016, Greenwich Police arrested Valencia-Ruiz on a charge of assault third degree. In January 2017, the U.S. Immigration Court in New York, New York, ordered Valencia-Ruiz removed to El Salvador in absentia as Valencia-Ruiz failed to appear for the hearing. On November 22, 2018, Darien Police arrested Valencia-Ruiz on a charge of illegal possession of a weapon in motor vehicle. On May 31, 2019, Valencia-Ruiz was convicted and sentenced in Stamford Superior Court for the Greenwich and Darien offenses and was transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He was removed to El Salvador on June 26, 2019.
Valencia-Ruiz illegally reentered the U.S. and, on August 15, 2025, he was arrested by Stamford Police on charges of risk of injury to a child, carrying a dangerous weapon, threatening second degree, criminal mischief second degree, and disorderly conduct. He has been detained since his federal arrest on September 21, 2026.
At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Valencia-Ruiz faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
This matter has been investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justyn P. Stokely.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Registered sex offender arrested on charges involving 12-year-old victimRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Federal agents arrested a Reynoldsburg man today on charges alleging he committed new child sex crimes while already registered as a sex offender.
Justin James Jackson, 23, is charged with producing child pornography, a federal crime punishable by 15 to 30 years in prison. Registered sex offenders face a penalty enhancement of a mandatory 10 years in prison consecutive to any other sentence imposed.
Jackson appeared in federal court at 1:30pm today.
According to charging documents, in August, the FBI’s Columbus Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking task force received information regarding a 12-year-old victim in Kansas. The minor allegedly sent nude photographs and videos of herself on Discord and TikTok at Jackson’s request.
Jackson later allegedly threatened to send the explicit images and videos to the victim’s family and friends if she did not continue to meet his requests.
The defendant’s criminal history includes two convictions of attempted illegal use of a minor in nudity oriented material and of illegal use of a minor in nudity oriented material for extorting an 11-year-old victim for nude photos of themselves in July 2022. This case was investigated by the Pickerington Police Department.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Tyler J. Aagard is representing the United States in this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Recidivist Insider Trading Defendant Charged with Luxury Watch Scheme and Impersonating A Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced today that JOHN AFRIYIE has been charged with wire fraud, impersonating a federal officer, and aggravated identity theft. AFRIYIE was arrested today and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote.
“Alongside our law enforcement partners, this Office will continue working diligently to root out fraud, vindicate victims’ rights, and promote respect for the rule of law,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “As alleged in the indictment, John Afriyie took advantage of multiple victims by defrauding them of over $1 million on false promises to deliver luxury watches based on connections he never had. Afriyie’s conduct was even more brazen in that he impersonated his former probation officer to further his fraudulent goals, even after serving a sentence for insider trading in this District.”
“The charges imposed on this repeat offender reflect the severity of his alleged crimes,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “Not only did Afriyie allegedly dupe his victims into trusting them with their money, in exchange for luxury watches, he allegedly bolstered his ruse by impersonating a federal officer. The FBI takes fraud and theft violations seriously and will continue to take swift action to bring these fraudsters to justice.”
According to the Indictment and public records:(1)
Between at least in or about February 2023 and in or about November 2024, AFRIYIE falsely represented to at least five victims that he could obtain highly sought-after, luxury brand watches at retail price through his purported connections in the fashion industry. Based on those false representations, the victims identified specific models of watches and sent money to AFRIYIE so that he could obtain these watches for them at retail price, despite such watches having long waitlists based on their exclusivity.
AFRIYIE, who was previously convicted of securities fraud and wire fraud for insider trading in the Southern District of New York, further falsely claimed to the victims that, as a result of his prior conviction, a probation officer in the Southern District of New York had to review his financial transactions and had raised issues with the manner in which the victims sent funds to AFRIYIE. Based on those false representations, the victims sent additional funds to AFRIYIE with the expectation that, once the probation officer and the federal judge overseeing his case approved the transactions, AFRIYIE would return the excess funds. AFRIYIE also impersonated the probation officer by falsifying an email from the probation officer and sending a screenshot of that email to a victim in furtherance of his fraudulent scheme to demand more money from that victim.
In total, AFRIYIE received at least $1.2 million from the victims and never provided any of the victims with the watches they were promised. Instead, AFRIYIE appears to have lost substantially all of the victims’ funds through his personal trading activity.
* * *
AFRIYIE, 39, of New York, New York, is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of impersonating a federal officer, which carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison; and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison.
The mandatory and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha Fry is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.
Rapid City Man Convicted of Child Pornography Charge Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on September 28, 2026.
Kevin Davison, 49, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $570 in restitution for the examination of his digital devices.
Davison was indicted for four counts of Receipt of Child Pornography and one count of Possession of Child Pornography by a federal grand jury in September 2025. He pleaded guilty to the Possession of Child Pornography on April 21, 2026.
Between May 2022 and September 2023, Davison used an internet-based application, his laptop, and two cellular phones to upload photographs of clothed minors who were known to him. The application used artificial intelligence technology to “remove” the clothes of the minors in the photographs and replace the clothes with AI-generated nude bodies. Each of the images were then modified to appear that they were engaging in sexually explicit conduct. In addition to these images, he had several other images constituting child sexual abuse material.
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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Box Elder Police Department. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Davison was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Quincy Felon Indicted for Unlawful Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Eric Felton Cooper Jr., 36, of Quincy, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge.
Cooper appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for October 26, 2026, at 8:15 am before District Court Judge Mark E. Walker in Tallahassee, Florida.
Copper faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment if convicted.
The case is being jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Tallahassee Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph A. Ravelo.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
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.
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.
Providence Man Pleads Guilty to Transporting Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Providence man pleaded guilty on Sept. 24, 2026 in federal court in Boston to transporting child sexual abuse material.
Mark Huynh, 40, of Providence, R.I., pleaded guilty to one count of transporting child pornography. U.S. Senior District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for December 19, 2026. Huynh was arrested and charged in February 2026.
In 2025, Huynh was arrested at Boston Logan Airport entering the country with an active arrest warrant in Rhode Island for second degree molestation of a child. Searches of Huynh’s electronic devices revealed a video of a second minor victim whom Huynh had also molested, in addition to multiple files depicting child sexual abuse material involving victims as young as toddlers. Huynh has also pleaded guilty to state charges arising from his abuse of the victims.
The charge of transporting child pornography provides for a sentence of no less than five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Boston Field Office. Assistant United States Attorney Eric L. Hawkins of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting 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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Previously convicted offender returning to prison for possession child sexual abuse materialRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Chesapeake man was sentenced yesterday to 10 years and one month in prison for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
According to court documents, on July 6, 2012, William Oyster, 50, was convicted in the Eastern District of Virginia of receipt of CSAM. Oyster was released from prison in November 2020 and began a term of supervised release that included provisions making his home and electronic devices subject to search at any time and prohibiting him from using or accessing online devices without prior approval of a probation officer.
On Nov. 12, 2025, a probation officer conducted a routine search of Oyster’s residence and observed an unapproved smartphone in plain view. Within the residence, Oyster also possessed another smartphone, an external hard drive, and two thumb drives. A review of the devices revealed that Oyster possessed CSAM.
When the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Oyster on Jan. 6, 2026, he was in possession of a loaded handgun. As a previously convicted felon, Oyster cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Kai Wah Chan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis. HSI and the U.S. Marshals Service investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony C. Mozzi prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
For more information about HSI’s efforts to protect children from sexual predators, visit Know2Protect.gov.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-33.
Portsmouth drug trafficker sentenced to 10 years in prisonRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Portsmouth man was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, in September 2025, Suffolk Police conducted four controlled purchases of narcotics, including cocaine and heroin, from Moses Elijah Williams, 40, at his residence in Portsmouth. In August and September 2025, Chesapeake Police (CPD) conducted multiple controlled purchases of narcotics from Williams.
On Oct. 2, 2025, CPD searched Williams’ residence. Investigators recovered approximately a kilogram of cocaine, along with smaller quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine base, and digital scales. They also recovered a semi-automatic rifle and a handgun. As a previously convicted felon, Williams cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Cindy Marx, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division; and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Jamar K. Walker. The DEA, ATF, HIDTA Hampton Roads Regional Drug Initiative, Suffolk Police Department, and Chesapeake Police Department investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda L. Cheney prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-52.
Portland Man Sentenced for Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Portland man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for making false statements to a federal firearms licensee and possessing a stolen firearm.
U.S. District Judge Stacey D. Neumann sentenced Jeissey Khamis, 20, to two weeks imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. Khamis pleaded guilty on March 12, 2026.
According to court records, in April 2025, Khamis made false statements to a federal firearms licensee in Charleston, Maine, in connection with his attempted purchase of a Glock pistol. Khamis’s false statements concerned his identity, age, and place of birth. Later the same month, Khamis was found in possession of a different pistol that he knew had been stolen from the same licensee. Investigators seized the gun while executing a state search warrant at Khamis’s college dormitory room in Windham.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case with assistance from the South Portland and Portland police departments. The Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office, which is prosecuting Khamis for related state offenses, closely coordinated its efforts with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Philadelphia Woman Sentenced for Election Fraud OffenseRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Miya Pack, 40, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to three years of probation and 75 hours of community service by United States District Judge Joshua D. Wolson for voting more than once in a federal election.
The defendant was charged with that offense by indictment in September 2025 and pleaded guilty this June, in connection with the 2024 presidential election.
As admitted by the defendant at her change of plea hearing, Pack was registered to vote in Bergen County, New Jersey, had been registered there since in or about 2004, and until October 2024 had no history of having voted in New Jersey. In 2016, Pack registered to vote in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.
On October 26, 2024, the defendant voted in person at an early voting location in Bergen County, New Jersey, casting a vote for the office of President of the United States of America.
On Election Day, November 5, 2024, Pack went to a polling place in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, and cast another ballot in the 2024 general election, including another vote for the office of President of the United States of America.
This case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Office of the Superintendent of Elections for Bergen County, New Jersey, and the Office of Philadelphia City Commissioner Seth Bluestein, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nancy E. Potts.
Pensacola Armed Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty to Federal CrimesRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Tyronzia Roquza Levine, 45, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I applaud the excellent investigative work by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, with support from our federal law enforcement partners, which stopped this armed drug trafficker before he could continue peddling deadly drugs on our streets. My office is committed to aggressively prosecuting these cases to deliver the safe, drug-free streets that our citizens deserve.”
Court documents reflect that on September 19, 2025, deputies with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office observed the defendant asleep in the driver’s seat of a parked vehicle. Deputies could plainly see a large amount of U.S. currency along with multiple bags in the cup holder, one of which contained a crystal-like substance. During the search of the vehicle, the deputies seized methamphetamine, cocaine, and a .22-caliber revolver.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Etherton and Jeffrey Tharp are prosecuting the case.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
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.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Orleans Parish Resident Sentenced for Violating the Controlled Substances Act and Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – DIONTE DORSEY, (“DORSEY”), age 45, of New Orleans, was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment, followed by five (5) years of supervised release, by the U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier on September 24, 2026, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. DORSEY had previously pled guilty to Counts 1, 4, and 8 of the indictment pending against him. DORSEY was also ordered to pay a $300 mandatory special assessment fee.
DORSEY was charged in Count 1 with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 841(b)(1)(C).
DORSEY was charged in Count 4 with possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1). DORSEY was charged in Count 8 with maintaining a drug-involved premises, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 856(a) and Title 18 U.S.C. § 2.
According to the indictment, beginning at a time unknown but continuing until at least May 8, 2024, DORSEY and other individuals maintained three residences in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans for the purpose of packaging and distributing narcotics, including fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin. Numerous drug overdoses that occurred around one of these residences alerted law enforcement to this drug trafficking activity. After the execution of multiple search warrants at these residences, DORSEY and other individuals were arrested, and numerous firearms and large amounts of fentanyl were seized from these residences. DORSEY possessed these firearms to further this drug trafficking conspiracy.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Violent Crimes Unit.
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.
Northumberland County Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ryan Edward Mills, age 54, of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on September 29, 2026, to 121 months’ imprisonment by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Mills possessed firearms after having been convicted of multiple drug trafficking felonies. In January 2024, Mills was wanted for violating his terms of state parole and absconding. The United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, with assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police and Milton Police Department, tracked down and arrested Mills. A subsequent search of his vehicle and residence revealed he possessed three firearms as a felon, specifically, a pistol, a 12-gauge shotgun, and an AR-style rifle.
When imposing the 121-month sentence, Chief Judge Brann noted Mills’s significant criminal history and his lack of respect for the law exhibited by his absconding from state parole.
The FBI Philadelphia’s Capital Area Resident Agency, Pennsylvania State Police, and Milton Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle A. Moreno 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.
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Ninth Circuit Leaves Resolution Copper Ruling in PlaceRead the Press Release
On Tuesday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit rejected all petitions for rehearing in cases challenging a land exchange that is necessary for the Resolution Copper project in Arizona. The order leaves in place the March 13 decision by the court’s panel, which allowed the federal government to proceed with a congressionally mandated land exchange crucial to advancing development of one of the largest known copper deposits in the world.
“Copper is crucial for our nation’s electrical grid, national defense, energy technologies, and advanced manufacturing,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Energy and Natural Resource Division (ENRD). “This project will assist in developing a continuous domestic copper supply, which will support national security objectives and strengthen the U.S. economy. The exchange has resulted in federal ownership of more than 5,400 acres of ecologically and culturally significant land in Arizona.”
In rejecting the plaintiffs’ numerous claims, the Ninth Circuit has now declined to reconsider the decision of its panel. This ruling is another major step toward ensuring the United States can meet growing demand for critical minerals.
Deputy Assistant Attorney General Robert Stander of ENRD argued the appeal. ENRD’s Appellate Section handled the matter on appeal, and ENRD’s Natural Resources Section handled this matter in the District Court.
New York Man Sentenced for CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: An Oakland Gardens, New York, man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for cyberstalking.
U.S. District Judge Stacey D. Neumann sentenced Dabin Jeon, 31, to 30 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $40,181.72 in restitution to the victim. Jeon pleaded guilty on September 9, 2025.
According to court records, Jeon met the victim online in 2019 and the two began a relationship when they both lived in New York. At Jeon’s request, the victim began providing him with financial assistance until she moved back to Maine and told him she could no longer afford to give him money. In response, Jeon threatened to rape the victim’s mother, send explicit pictures he took of the victim to her employer, friends, and family, and harm her grandparents. Based on these threats, the victim continued sending money to Jeon. Jeon also demanded that the victim account for her whereabouts and gave her tasks to complete.
In December 2022, several of the victim’s friends and family received text messages containing clothed and unclothed pictures of her. The person sending the messages claimed to be the victim and offered approximately six other phone numbers with the opportunity to support her alleged OnlyFans account. Agents reviewed records provided by the service providers associated with the phone numbers and traced most of the numbers back to accounts opened by Jeon.
“Dabin Jeon was strategic in his cyber torment of his victim and her family. His targeted bullying was intended to inflict significant emotional harm and the fear of physical violence, and it did exactly that,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “We commend this young woman’s courage in coming forward because Mr. Jeon’s behavior very well could have escalated. Sending threatening communications is a crime, which is why the FBI takes threats like these so seriously.”
“Online predators and stalkers believe their illegal and abusive behavior will be anonymized through the internet,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Benson. “This federal prosecution and sentence demonstrate, however, that through the diligent work of the FBI and our other law enforcement partners, those who seek to injure, harass or intimidate others online will be held accountable for their actions and their victims will receive a measure of justice.”
The FBI investigated the case.
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New York Man Indicted for Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Queens, N.Y., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly travelling across state lines to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a 13-year-old minor in Massachusetts.
Andre Jamal Bennett, 33, was indicted on one count of sexual exploitation of children and one count of interstate travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. Bennett was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with one count of interstate travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor in August 2026. He remains in federal custody.
According to the charging documents, Bennett was employed by Delta Air Lines as a ground controller at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. In September 2025, Bennett allegedly created multiple social media accounts – including two Instagram accounts and a Snapchat account – using the fictitious name “Chris.” Using the accounts, Bennett allegedly falsely presented himself to be a 16-year-old boy in order to contact the minor victim.
In November 2025, Bennett allegedly took a flight from New York City to Boston. Upon landing in Boston, Bennett who had allegedly previously contacted the minor victim, informed her that he was in the area and coerced her into meeting him in person, sending her an Uber to her house. It is alleged that Bennett, still purporting to be a 16-year-old male boy, met the minor victim wearing a hooded sweatshirt concealing his face.
It is further alleged that Bennett brought the minor victim to a hotel and raped her. Bennett also allegedly recorded the sexual assault on his phone. Following the encounter, Bennett allegedly continued to contact the minor victim through social media over the course of several months and sought to entice her to meet with him again, including by offering to pay her. The minor victim refused.
The charge of sexual exploitation of children provides for a sentence of at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Michael Cox, Commissioner of the Boston Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s New York Field Office and United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm, of the Major Crimes Unit and Project Safe Childhood Coordinator Unit is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
New Orleans Man Indicted for being Felon in Possession of Firearm and Possession of a MachinegunRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On September 24, 2026, EVANTRELL TENNESSEE (“TENNESSEE”), 28, from New Orleans, was charged in a two-count indictment, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
In Count 1 TENNESSEE was charged for possession of a machinegun, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2). TENNESSEE faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
In Count 2 TENNESSEE was charged with felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 922(1) and 924(a)(8). TENNESSEE faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
According to the indictment, on or about June 3, 2026, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, TENNESSEE, did knowingly possess a machinegun, and knowing that that he had been previously convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, which prohibits the possession of a firearm.
U. S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Privitera of the Violent Crime Unit.
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.
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Native of Belize Indicted on Drug Trafficking and Illegal Reentry ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kennon Kelly, age 42, a Native of Belize, residing in York, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and illegal reentry charges.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that between March 24, 2025 and November 5, 2025, Kelly distributed cocaine or crack cocaine on six separate occasions and possessed with the intent to distribute over 280 grams of crack cocaine and 500 grams of cocaine in York County. The indictment also alleges that Kelly had been previously removed as an alien from the United States through Houston, Texas in 2016, and reentered without first obtaining legal permission to do so.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations and the York City Police Department investigated the case. Special Assistant United States Attorney Mark Monroe is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Montgomery Man Sentenced to over 21 Years for Federal Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A Montgomery man has been sentenced after being convicted on five federal drug trafficking charges.
On September 30, 2026, Arsenio Hall, 37, of Montgomery, Alabama, was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison following a jury’s December 2025 verdict finding him guilty of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, a synthetic cannabinoid, and marijuana. After completing his prison term, Hall will serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Thomas Govan made the announcement.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, law enforcement began investigating suspected drug-trafficking activity in Montgomery County in late 2024. On December 4, 2024, investigators with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a residence in Montgomery.
During the search, investigators recovered more than three kilograms of 99‑percent pure methamphetamine, over 200 grams of cocaine, approximately three pounds of marijuana, and 349 grams of a synthetic cannabinoid from a bedroom closet. Additional evidence, including fingerprints, directly linked Hall to the seized drugs.
Hall was initially arrested on state charges. In July 2025, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging him with federal drug trafficking offenses. A fifth count was added in November 2025.
This case was investigated by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Andreu and Christopher P. Moore prosecuted the case.
This case is part of DOJ’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. 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.
Mobile Florist Sentenced to Life in Prison for Sexually Exploiting ChildrenRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – Tyler Matthew McIlwain, age 31, was sentenced to life in prison after entering guilty pleas to Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Attempted Enticement of a Minor on March 25, 2026.
According to court documents, in October 2024 the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received a tip that McIlwain was in possession of child pornography. During the investigation, MCSO obtained McIlwain’s social media accounts and his cell phone which contained numerous incidents of McIlwain distributing child pornography, including graphic images of the abuse of infants. McIlwain also communicated with other pedophiles about their shared desire to sexually abuse children and infants. On his cell phone, investigators discovered a video of McIlwain sexually abusing a minor. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) later identified the minor in the video.
At sentencing, United States District Judge Moorer imposed a life sentence and a 15-year term of supervised release in the unlikely event that McIlwain is ever released from prison. During his term of imprisonment, McIlwain will be subject to sex offender treatment and mental health treatment. McIlwain will be required to register as a sex offender and is to have no contact with minors. McIlwain was ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution and $200 in special assessments.
“Protecting children from predators like this defendant is one of the highest priorities of the Department of Justice,” said Sean P. Costello, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama. “Today’s sentence ensures this criminal will never be free to exploit children in South Alabama or anywhere else. Working with our law enforcement partners and courageous victims, we will continue to relentlessly investigate and prosecute those who prey on children for their own sick ends. I am especially grateful for the excellent work done in this case by the FBI and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office. The are steadfast partners in our commitment to doing justice on behalf of the victims.”
“Child exploitation inflicts lasting harm, and today’s sentencing underscores the FBI’s determination to protect victims and pursue those who commit these crimes,” said Christopher R. Flowers, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Mobile Division. “Quick action and a thorough investigation by Mobile Sheriff’s Investigators led to a request for FBI assistance. Strong partnerships like this are vital to bringing offenders to justice. The FBI remains committed to rebuilding public trust, and we urge the public to report suspected child exploitation at tips.fbi.gov.”
“Our ICAC investigators did outstanding work on this case from the very beginning,” stated Mobile County Sherrif Paul Burch. “Their investigation uncovered deeply disturbing criminal activity involving the exploitation of children and ultimately led to federal charges and a guilty plea. Cases like this demonstrate the critical importance of our Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. We will continue working with our federal partners to identify those who prey on children and hold offenders accountable.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kacey Chappelear prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc/publications-resources.
Minneapolis Daycare Worker Pleads Guilty to Production and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced that Eric Phillip Allen, 41, of Minneapolis, pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography.
The change in plea hearing was before U.S. District Judge Nancy E. Brasel on October 1, 2026. Allen was originally indicted by complaint on August 14, 2024, and was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 20, 2024. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
According to court documents, between January 1, 2024, and August 2, 2024, Allen was employed as a daycare worker in Minneapolis. In his position as a daycare worker, the defendant would photograph or video record minor victims enrolled in the facility for his own sexual gratification. Allen additionally distributed other child sexual abuse material using the internet, including making lascivious comments and remarks regarding the minor victims.
“Today’s guilty plea is one step closer to holding the defendant accountable for his heinous acts against the most vulnerable. There is no higher priority for my office than safeguarding children and prosecuting those who harm them,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen.
“Protecting children is one of the BCA’s highest priorities, and we will pursue accountability for anyone who preys upon them,” said Drew Evans, Superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. “This was a vile crime against the most vulnerable members of society, in a place where they should be safe. Today’s guilty plea represents an important step toward accountability, and we will continue working to ensure that those who prey on children face the consequences of their actions.”
This case is the result of an investigation by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Assistant United States Attorneys Evan Gilead, Mary S. Riverso, and William C. Mattessich are prosecuting 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. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Member of Lummi Nation pleads guilty to illegal firearm possession and killing two bald eaglesRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 39-year-old member of the Lummi Nation pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to illegal firearms possession and two violations of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Joel David Ridley was arrested by Lummi Nation Police on February 23, 2025, after police responded to reports of gunshots and encountered Ridley with a dead bald eagle in his SUV. U.S. District Judge John H. Chun scheduled sentencing for January 25, 2027.
According to records in the case, a witness on the Lummi Reservation was walking his dog when he heard a gunshot. As he walked home, the witness heard a second shot and saw a person pick up an eagle from the ground. As the witness was on the phone with police, he saw another eagle fall from a tree on his property. The eagle was badly injured. Police captured the surviving eagle and later transported it to the Humane Society.
Shortly after meeting with the witness, police encountered an SUV in the area that matched the description provided by the reporting party. The vehicle quickly turned into a driveway. A records check revealed the vehicle belonged to Ridley. When police responded to the residence, they observed a dead eagle in the back seat of Ridley’s vehicle. Officers subsequently spoke with Ridley in the driveway and arrested him.
Police obtained a search warrant for Ridley’s vehicle. Inside, officers found a dead eagle and a .22 caliber Savage rifle concealed between the rear seats. Ridley is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2003 conviction for Assault in the First Degree in Whatcom County Superior Court.
Both bald eagles were taken to the Washington State Humane Society in Bellingham and found to have suffered gunshot wounds. Due to the nature of its injury the surviving eagle was euthanized.
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Lummi Nation Police Department and the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Celia Lee. AUSA Lee serves as a Tribal Liaison for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington.
Massachusetts Man Arrested for CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Waltham, Mass. man has been arrested and charged with stalking a former political advisor and prominent member of the Republican Party. Defendant allegedly contacted the victim using phone and text over 40 times over the course of less than two months, leaving disturbing messages about the victim and her husband. Defendant also allegedly sent the victim’s parents disturbing messages.
John Anthony Proia, III, 41, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston today with one count of cyberstalking. Proia was arrested this afternoon and will appear in federal district court in Boston at 5:00 PM today.
According to court filings, between August 2026 and continuing through September 2026, Proia allegedly made multiple calls, sent text messages and voicemails from an ever-changing series of unfamiliar phone numbers to a victim who resides in the vicinity of Washington, D.C. The victim is a former political advisor and prominent figure in the Republican Party who is married to a high-level federal government employee (“Federal Official”).
It is alleged that the victim at times received multiple communications a day, including calls late at night. The calls that were answered by the victim, as well as voicemails, were allegedly made by what appeared to be a male caller employing a menacing tone and often using expletives. The phone numbers used to make these communications were obtained through applications that provide free phone numbers for calling and messaging via Voice Over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”). According to the charging documents, these applications allow a user to obfuscate their identity and easily generate new phone numbers.
According to the indictment, Proia used multiple phone numbers to contact the victim at least 40 times between Aug. 3, 2026 and Sept. 23, 2026.
Proia also allegedly sent the following text messages to phones numbers associated with the victim’s parents:
a. “Good morning [first name of victim’s mother]. Does it disturb you that such evil as [Federal Official] is married to the creature that slithered from your Cunt?”
b. [Photo of Victim 1]
c. “My god, how can you be proud of this filth?”
d. “Hey [first name of victim’s father], how goes it? Hope your daughter marrying a Jewish Nazi/white supremacist is working out for you and [first name of victim’s mother]. Did you raise her to be trash or did that just happen naturally?”
“As alleged in the Indictment, the defendant repeatedly and relentlessly targeted the victim, her husband and her family with deeply disturbing communications that profoundly disrupted their lives. Cyberstalking can inflict real fear and harm, and we take these allegations extremely seriously. Those who use technology to harass, intimidate or torment others should understand that attempts to anonymize their criminal conduct will not shield them from prosecution. We will find you, and we will hold you accountable,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley.
“Today, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force arrested John Proia for allegedly engaging in a sustained campaign of harassment to frighten this victim and her family, inflicting significant emotional distress,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Division. “Terrorizing someone isn’t some sick game, it’s a crime, which is why the FBI and our partners take it so seriously as we work to protect and serve everyone in our communities.”
U.S. Attorney Foley and FBI SAC Docks made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea E. Porter of the National Security Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.