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Saturday 15 August 2026
Madison Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years for Illegally Possessing Firearm While on Supervision for Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Johnell L. Britt, 28, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced last week by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to a total of 62 months in prison. Judge Conley sentenced Britt to 48 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and to 18 months in prison, to be served consecutively, for violating the terms of his supervised release. Britt pleaded guilty to the firearms charge on April 27, 2026.
On December 11, 2025, law enforcement searched Britt’s apartment and found a firearm concealed in a bag. An analyst with the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory confirmed Britt’s DNA was on the firearm. Britt later admitted that he picked up the firearm and put it in the bag. At the time of the offense, Britt was on federal supervision for an armed robbery conviction.
At sentencing, Judge Conley considered Britt’s history of endangering people, having been convicted of armed robbery on two separate occasions. Judge Conley noted that Britt presents a danger to society and that his willingness to possess a firearm despite his prior convictions and supervision status was a reckless decision.
The charge against Britt was the result of an investigation conducted by the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force and the Madison Police Department. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the State of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lennon prosecuted this 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.
Federal prosecutions by the U.S. Department of Justice involving drugs and guns are part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Honduran National Indicted for Being Illegal Alien in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LUIS FELIPE POSAS-VILLAFRANCA (“POSAS-VILLAFRANCA”), age 27, a Honduran national, was indicted on August 13, 2026, for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(5)(A) and 924(a)(8), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the indictment, on or about June 22, 2026, POSAS-VILLAFRANCA, an alien who is illegally and unlawfully present in the United States, possessed a Taurus Model G3XL nine-millimeter caliber handgun.
If convicted, POSAS-VILLAFRANCA faces a maximum penalty of up to 15 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shannon Kippers and Lorcan Connick of the General Crimes Unit are handling the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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Escapee Sentenced to Additional Prison TimeRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Joseph Hoult, 39, Urbana, Illinois, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 10 months in federal prison for escaping from a community corrections facility. Hoult’s sentence will run consecutive to his remaining undischarged sentence. Hoult plead guilty to this charge on July 8, 2026.
On December 20, 2013, Hoult was sentenced to federal prison by a judge in the Central District of Illinois. Hoult was transferred to a community corrections facility in the Western District of Wisconsin on October 24, 2025. On November 30, 2025, Hoult removed his GPS monitoring device and escaped from the community corrections facility. Hoult remained undetected until his arrest on March 18, 2026.
At sentencing Judge Conley explained that a period of additional incarceration was warranted given Hoult’s troubling decision to escape.
The charge against Hoult was the result of an investigation conducted by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Reinhard prosecuted this case.
August term of the Federal Grand Jury returns indictments for firearms and immigration chargesRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, Georgia: Multiple defendants have been indicted by the August term of the federal Grand Jury in the Southern District of Georgia for firearms offenses and immigration violations.
Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, announced the indictments. Those facing federal charges include:
- David Griffin, 34, of Guyton, Georgia, indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- Alton Vincent, 25, of Augusta, indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and for False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm.
- Kadeem Amir Wicker, 35, of Wrightsville, Georgia, indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- Jordin Alonso-Romero, 25, of Mexico, indicted for being an Illegal Alien in Possession of a Firearm.
In addition, 10 men are charged with Re-entry After Removal or Deportation, a charge applied to an illegal alien present in the United States after at least one prior removal:
- Wilfredo Portillo-Aguirre, 32, a citizen of El Salvador illegally in the U.S., arrested in Wayne County.
- Patricio Perez Barrera, 40, a citizen of Mexico illegally in the U.S., arrested in Chatham County.
- Oscar Cardoza-Reyes, 41, a citizen of Honduras illegally in the U.S., arrested in Camden County.
- Alexander Cortez-Sanchez, 35, a citizen of Mexico illegally in the U.S., arrested in Wayne County.
- Victor Cruz-Anaya, 40, a citizen of Mexico illegally in the U.S., arrested in Liberty County.
- Melzar Oved Gomes-Maradiaga, 35, a citizen of Honduras illegally in the U.S., arrested in Chatham County.
- Jair Gomez-Torres, 30, a citizen of Mexico illegally in the U.S., arrested in Effingham County.
- Jose Ricardo Rodriguez-Carillo, 44, a citizen of Mexico illegally in the U.S., arrested in Camden County.
- Oscar Silvano Toga, 37, a citizen of Mexico illegally in the U.S., arrested in Glynn County.
- Eustaquio Tolentino-Ramirez, 34, a citizen of Mexico illegally in the U.S., arrested in Camden County.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The cases listed above have been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, and local law enforcement agencies. These cases are being prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olivia C. Brame, L. Alexander Hamner, Matthew A. Breedon, Lyle J. Burnham II, Joshua Kyle Davis, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Olsen.
Friday 14 August 2026
Yellowstone County trio sentenced to prison for trafficking fentanylRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A trio of Yellowstone County residents who were dealing fentanyl were sentenced to prison this week, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Heather Ostler, 39, who pleaded guilty in March 2026 to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, was sentenced Thursday to five months prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release.
Louis Lester Parker, 36, who pleaded guilty in April 2026 to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, was sentenced Thursday to two years and eight months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release.
Steven Craig Lance, 41, who pleaded guilty in April 2026 to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, was sentenced Friday to a year and three months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer presided.
The government alleged in court documents that an investigation into fentanyl distribution in Montana found that Ostler, Parker, and Lance were dealing in the Billings area. Ostler and Parker were stopped by law enforcement on June 3, 2025, where investigators found 178 fentanyl pills in Ostler’s purse. This led to a search warrant for the pair’s residence where investigators found 540 more fentanyl pills in their bedroom.
Lance sold 88 fentanyl pills to a confidential informant on May 15, 2025. Law enforcement watched Lance meet with Ostler prior to making the sale to the informant. After the buy, the informant told investigators that Lance had purchased the pills from Ostler and Parker.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Godfrey prosecuted the case. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force conducted the investigation.
Woman Sentenced to Two Years for Embezzling from Jackson County School DistrictRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Danielle Mittermeyer, 47, Conrath, Wisconsin, has been sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to two years in federal prison for embezzling money from a federally funded organization. The prison term will be followed by three years of supervised release. As part of her sentence, Mittermeyer was ordered to pay $261,690 in restitution. Mittermeyer pleaded guilty to the charge on May 7, 2026, and paid restitution before sentencing.
Mittermeyer previously worked as the business official for the School District of Alma Center-Humbird-Merrillan, also known as the Lincoln School District. In that role, she was responsible for making payments for the district, collecting and depositing cash, and tracking finances. Between 2021 and 2025, she embezzled more than a quarter million dollars through a variety of means, including skimming cash and using district funds to pay the balance on her personal credit card. She concealed her criminal conduct from the district and its auditors by duplicating invoices from legitimate vendors, altering check reports presented to the school board, setting herself and her credit card company up as vendors in the district’s accounting software, and keeping a second (fraudulent) cash receipt book.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson explained that Mittermeyer’s conduct was not the result of a one-time mistake or lapse of judgment. She embezzled money over multiple years, even as she attended meetings where the district’s resulting financial difficulties were discussed. Judge Peterson did not accept Mittermeyer’s assertion that she did not realize the scope or impact of her crime while she was committing it, noting that Mittermeyer is an accountant and knows how to track money. Her conduct, according to the judge, rose to the level of “almost cruelty.”
The charge against Mittermeyer was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan R. Stelljes prosecuted this case.
Wausau Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Sher Khang, 41, Wausau, Wisconsin, has been sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 5 years in federal prison for possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine intended for distribution. The prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Khang pleaded guilty to this charge on May 27, 2026.
On October 2, 2025, a confidential informant purchased 27 grams of methamphetamine from Khang in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. Following the purchase, investigators stopped Khang’s vehicle and recovered 320 grams of methamphetamine, $400 in cash, drug packaging, and an item that appeared to be a homemade weapon.
In imposing a sentence, Judge Peterson noted that Khang’s criminal history and prior performance on supervision were troubling.
The charge against Khang was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force comprised of agents from the FBI, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Marquette County Sheriff’s Office, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Wood County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Bay Police Department, Stevens Point Police Department, Waupaca Police Department, Wausau Police Department and Wisconsin National Guard Counter Drug Program. The Wood County District Attorney’s Office also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed 116 Border-Related Cases This WeekRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed 116 border-related cases this week, including charges of bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and importation of controlled substances.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is the fourth-busiest federal district, largely due to a high volume of border-related crimes. This district, encompassing San Diego and Imperial counties, shares a 140-mile border with Mexico. It includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing, connecting San Diego (America’s eighth largest city) and Tijuana (Mexico’s second largest city).
In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecutes a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here.
A sample of border-related arrests this week:
- On August 7, Apolinar Diaz Lopez, a Mexican citizen, was arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, Customs and Border Protection officers discovered 180 pounds of methamphetamine concealed throughout the vehicle he was driving as he applied for entry to the U.S. at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.
- On August 10, Lino Vega-Martinez, a Mexican citizen, was arrested and charged with Deported Alien Found in the United States. According to a complaint, Border Patrol agents found Vega-Martinez hiding in large bushes approximately four and a half miles east of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry and three miles north of the United States/Mexico International Boundary.
- On August 11, Carmen Ivette Hernandez-Vergara, a Mexican citizen, was arrested and charged with Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain. According to a complaint, Customs and Border Protection officers found a Chinese national hiding under a blanket in the trunk of the vehicle Hernandez-Vergara was driving as she applied for entry into the United States at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.
The immigration cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the support and assistance of state and local law enforcement partners.
Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Adds Nearly 300 New Immigration Cases in Western District of TexasRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Federal prosecutors in the Western District of Texas filed 292 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from August 7 through August 13, announced U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons. Charges were brought against alien smugglers and illegal aliens with past convictions for numerous DWIs, violent crimes, thefts, and multiple prior removals.
Among the new cases, illegal alien from Mexico Marco Antonio Dominguez-Barranco aka Isaias Salvador Gonzalez Jr., allegedly presented himself to U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry using a U.S. passport baring his photo but another individual’s name and date of birth. A criminal complaint affidavit alleges that Dominguez-Barranco stated he was looking for his godchildren, causing CBP officers to suspect he may have been associated with a recent smuggling event involving two minors. According to the allegations in the affidavit, Dominguez-Barranco admitted that he had participated in the smuggling event, crossed back into Mexico, and was returning illegally to the U.S. in order to transport the children to Denver, Colorado. Dominguez-Barranco is now charged with alien smuggling.
Erick Manuel Martinez-Mendez, an illegal alien from Cuba, allegedly made misrepresentations to gain entry to the United States through the Paso Del Norte POE. A criminal complaint affidavit alleges Martinez-Mendez presented a State of Texas birth certificate and a copy of a Texas identification card with the name and date of birth of another individual. Martinez-Mendez allegedly claimed that he lived in El Paso and had been in Mexico to visit his hospitalized mother. A fingerprint scan revealed Martinez-Mendez’s identity and that he had been removed from the United States in November 2025. Furthermore, his criminal record includes convictions for robbery/home invasion/armed kidnapping, for which he was sentenced to 17 years in prison; third-degree grand theft and dealing in stolen property, for which he was sentenced to five years in prison; aggravated battery of a person detained in prison, which earned him a six-year prison sentence; and, most recently, smuggling contraband into prison and resisting an officer/battery on law enforcement, for which he was sentenced to four years and eight months.
U.S. citizen Magdalena Lachica was charged with harboring illegal aliens after U.S. Border Patrol agents discovered 14 illegal aliens inside a residence Lachica was allegedly renting. A criminal complaint affidavit alleges that Lachica’s cell phone contained communications involving alien smuggling, including alien dropoff locations, multiple stash house addresses, and co-conspirator information. Agents also allegedly discovered proof of life videos on her phone.
USBP agents conducted a traffic stop for suspected alien smuggling on Highway 277 near Brackettville. A criminal complaint alleges that several occupants fled the vehicle. One of the fleeing occupants, Yunior Omar Arita-Trimino, an illegal alien from Honduras, allegedly shoved an agent in the upper chest and arms, resisted arrest, and struck the agent multiple times with a black bag before breaking free into oncoming highway traffic. Arita-Trimino was ultimately arrested and charged with assaulting and resisting a federal officer engaged in performance of official duties.
An illegal alien from Brazil was arrested near Eagle Pass and charged with illegal re-entry. Fabio De Carvalho Fernandes has been deported from the U.S. three times, the last being in December 2014, following a felony conviction for bringing in and harboring aliens.
Francisco Gallegos-Garza, an illegal alien from Mexico, was arrested near Del Rio. Gallegos-Garza also has three prior deportations, the last being in June 2019. His criminal record includes two DWI convictions, assault causing bodily injury, and a felony for injury to a child with intent to inflict bodily injury.
In Austin, illegal alien from Mexico Ranferie Monroy Escuadra is charged with illegal re-entry after being found in the Travis County Jail, where he was booked for unlawfully carrying a weapon. Escuadra has been removed from the U.S. twice, the last being in November 2020, and he has three DWI convictions on his criminal record.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including ICE, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Two Men Indicted for Distributing Pounds of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Benjamin Omar Pearson, IV (31, Wildwood) and Cordell Brown (39, Belleview) have been charged by federal indictment with distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Pearson is charged with five counts, and Brown is charged with seven counts. Each faces an enhanced minimum penalty of 25 years, up to life, in federal prison on each of the counts due to each having two or more qualifying prior convictions for serious drug felony offenses. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment and court records, over the course of five meetings between December 2025 and June 2026, Brown and Pearson, aiding and abetting each other, distributed approximately 9 pounds of methamphetamine to an undercover source working with law enforcement. Additionally, Brown is charged with distribution of methamphetamine in two other transactions from September 16, 2025, and January 7, 2026.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
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.
Three Las Cruces Men Plead Guilty to Federal Firearms Charges Following Young Park ShootingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Three local men have pleaded guilty to federal firearm charges following a September 2025 shooting investigation near Young Park and Hermosa Heights Elementary School.
According to court records, Las Cruces Police Department officers responded to reports of shots fired at Young Park on September 6, 2025, and recovered numerous shell casings from the parking lot. Shortly afterward, officers encountered John Anthony Orta, 24, and Steven Mendoza, 22, walking near Hermosa Heights Elementary School while carrying loaded firearms. Orta was carrying a handgun, and Mendoza was carrying a partially disassembled pistol loaded with two rounds of ammunition. Both men later pleaded guilty to possessing firearms in a school zone after admitting they knowingly possessed the firearms within 540 feet of school property. Both men were intoxicated and were initially arrested for Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon under state law.
During the subsequent investigation, law enforcement executed search warrants for Orta's and Mendoza's cell phones and reviewed social media messages discussing the shooting. Those messages identified Luis Angel Ruiz, 23, as the individual who fired the shots at Young Park and claimed ownership of the pistol found on Mendoza. Investigators corroborated that information through eyewitness statements, social media posts depicting Ruiz with the firearm, and ballistic evidence.
On September 24, 2025, Las Cruces police stopped Ruiz for traffic violations and arrested him for driving under the influence. During the stop, officers recovered four firearms from the vehicle, including a handgun with an obliterated serial number. Ruiz admitted the firearms belonged to him and later admitted he knew the serial number on the handgun had been obliterated. Investigators also recovered social media messages in which Ruiz attempted to sell the firearm.
Orta and Mendoza pled guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm in a school zone. Orta was sentenced to six months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. At sentencing, which has not been scheduled, Mendoza faces up to five years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
Ruiz pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm in school zone and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. At sentencing, he faces up to five years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office's Southern New Mexico Safe Streets Gang Task Force investigated this case with assistance from the Las Cruces Police Department's Street Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Y. Armijo is prosecuting the cases.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material by Secretly Recording ChildrenRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A federal judge accepted the guilty plea of a Texas man who secretly recorded two minor children with hidden cameras installed in the bedroom and bathroom of his Florida condominium.
According to court documents, Michael Joseph Branham, 38, of Katy, Texas, lived in a one-bedroom condominium in Okeechobee from approximately February 2023 through August 2025. During that time, Branham installed concealed cameras in the condominium’s bathroom and bedroom to secretly record two minor children who visited the residence.
“Michael Joseph Branham secretly placed cameras in a bathroom and bedroom to record children as young as 11 during their most private moments,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “This was the deliberate creation of child sexual abuse material through a calculated betrayal of children who trusted they were safe. His guilty plea is an important measure of accountability for these deeply disturbing crimes.”
Investigators discovered more than 30 videos depicting the children dressing, showering, and engaging in other private activities. One victim was 13 years old when secretly recorded. The second victim was 11 and 12 years old during the period of the recordings. The videos were created between June and December 2024. Additional images and videos of other minors that involved child sexual abuse material (CSAM) were discovered on Branham’s phone.
The investigation began on January 10, when Branham arrived at Port Everglades aboard a cruise ship from Turks and Caicos. During a secondary inspection, law enforcement searched Branham’s cellular telephone and discovered CSAM depicting minor children.
Branham pleaded guilty to seven counts of production of child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography, and one count of transportation of child pornography. He faces up to 30 years in federal prison for each production count and 20 years in prison for each possession and transportation count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones and Special Agent in Charge José R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
HSI Miami is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deric Zacca and Catherine Koontz 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. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 26-cr-60012.
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Suspended Broker Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Defrauding Social Media FollowersRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, announced that KENNETH THOM, a/k/a “K$,” a/k/a “K Money,” was sentenced Tuesday, August 11, by U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos to two years in prison for investment adviser fraud.
“Kenneth Thom sold his social media followers the image of a successful trader when, in reality, he was a suspended broker,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “He took nearly $800,000 from investors who believed he would invest their money and instead spent it on luxury goods for himself. That deception ends with this federal prison sentence.”
According to the Indictment and other information in the public record:
In 2011, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) suspended THOM’s broker registration after he failed to pay an arbitration award to an investor. THOM then reinvented himself online as a successful Wall Street trader. Using the monikers “K$” and “K Money,” THOM described himself as a financial “luminary” and “beacon of knowledge.” Through various social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitch, THOM built an online following, to whom he sold trading lessons and daily text message alerts containing his trade suggestions.
Beginning in late 2023, THOM invited members of his Facebook group to participate in “shared accounts” that THOM would manage in exchange for half of the trading profits. THOM eventually raised nearly $800,000 from approximately 66 clients. Of this sum, THOM invested only approximately $350,000, diverting most of the remainder for his own personal use, including international travel, dining, and luxury goods. Of the $350,000 that THOM invested, he lost approximately 73% between approximately March 2024 and March 2025. Despite these massive losses, THOM regularly published updates in his Facebook group purporting to show dramatic gains in the shared accounts.
In January 2025, THOM changed the name of the Facebook group to “AYBABTU”—an acronym for the Internet meme “all your base are belong to us”—and stopped responding to his clients. At the time of his sentencing, THOM still maintained three luxury vehicles: a Maserati and two Porsches.
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In addition to the prison term, THOM, 42, of Belleville, New Jersey, was sentenced to two years of supervised release. THOM was also ordered to pay forfeiture and restitution to his victims, each in the amount of $724,756.09.
Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mr. McDonald also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for its assistance in the investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Li is in charge of the prosecution.
Summerville Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Straw Purchasing Firearms for Her Felon SonRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Sheree Michelle Alexander, 50, of Summerville, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to making a false statement on a firearm purchase form.
Evidence presented in court showed that between January 2020 and September 2023, Sheree Alexander purchased at least 11 firearms for her son, Jaidan Latrell Alexander, who had a prior felony conviction and was prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms. Law enforcement later recovered 10 of those firearms from Jaidan Alexander. An eleventh firearm was recovered from another prohibited person associated with him.
Court records established that Sheree Alexander knew Jaidan Alexander was prohibited from possessing firearms but continued to buy them for him. Over a four-year period, law enforcement repeatedly recovered firearms purchased by Sheree Alexander from Jaidan Alexander’s possession. Sheree Alexander was present during some of these encounters and later retrieved firearms from law enforcement after they had been seized.
Social media messages and recorded jail calls also showed that Sheree Alexander knew Jaidan Alexander was distributing drugs and engaging in violent conduct. On April 13, 2023, Jaidan Alexander was involved in a shooting outside his Ladson apartment complex. Law enforcement later recovered firearms purchased by Sheree Alexander from the apartment, along with drugs, a money counter, digital scales, and cash. About five months after the shooting, Sheree Alexander purchased another firearm for him.
On Aug. 30, 2024, ATF agents arrested Sheree and Jaidan Alexander at their residence. Agents obtained a search warrant and found a stolen pistol and a loaded rifle in Sheree Alexander's bedroom.
Jaidan Latrell Alexander, 26, of Ladson, was previously sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his role in the offense conduct.United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks sentenced Sheree Alexander to 46 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Lietzow prosecuted the case.###
Stamford Mayor indicted for diverting more than $300,000 in community and estate fundsRead the Press Release
ABILENE, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould, announced that on Aug. 12, a federal grand jury indicted James Michael Decker, the elected Mayor of Stamford, Texas, on five counts of wire fraud for diverting more than $300,000 from multiple community, estate, trust, and livestock association accounts.
“Mr. Decker didn’t just break the public’s trust, he shattered it,” said U. S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “Stealing from charitable foundations, estates and community groups is a deliberate betrayal of the people he was elected and entrusted to serve. We will not hesitate to hold accountable any public official who uses their office as a personal funding source.”
“This indictment is a further example of the means that people will use to defraud members of our communities,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI remains committed to investigating those who abuse their positions of public trust for their own personal gain.”
According to the indictment, Decker served as Stamford’s mayor and as a licensed attorney, trustee and executor for several estates and trusts. Those positions gave him access to accounts belonging to the Community Foundation of Stamford, the F.H. Estate & Family Trust, the Estate of J.D.B., the N.W. Estate, and the T.A. Livestock Association—despite having no personal ownership in any of these funds.
Prosecutors allege Decker moved money from those accounts into his own personal and campaign accounts, then sent funds to two individuals in Oklahoma with whom he had formed a secret personal relationship. Those individuals had no legitimate business with the city or any of the estates or trusts.
The indictment alleges approximately $308,000 in losses, including:
- $133,000 from the Community Foundation of Stamford
- $84,000 from the F.H. Estate & Family Trust
- $52,000 from the Estate of J.D.B.
- $27,000 from the N.W. Estate
- $12,000 from the T.A. Livestock Association
If convicted, Decker faces up to 20 years in federal prison per count. The indictment also includes a forfeiture notice seeking any property derived from the offenses.
The FBI Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation.
An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
South Philadelphia Man Charged with Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Mark Misiano, 37, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt and attempted receipt of child pornography. The defendant has been ordered detained in federal custody pending indictment and trial.
The criminal complaint alleges that Misiano was a member of group chats in which child pornography was shared, including one that he joined on July 19, 2026, in which group members exchanged numerous images and videos depicting pre-pubescent infant boys being sexually abused and raped by adult males.
On July 22, the FBI executed a federal search warrant at Misiano’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices. As alleged, in reviewing one of the defendant’s messaging apps, investigators identified child pornography, including videos of pre-pubescent boys, most appearing to be under the age of seven years old, being sexually abused and exploited. Some of the victims depicted in those clips and other images on the device were infants.
As further detailed in the complaint, the defendant is a previously convicted sex offender. In 2016, he was convicted in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia of possession of child pornography, for which he was sentenced to nine months in prison and 10 years of supervised release. In 2024, the District of Columbia terminated Misiano’s supervised release early.
If convicted, the defendant faces enhanced penalties based on his prior child sex conviction: a maximum possible penalty of 40 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum term of 15 years’ imprisonment, and a minimum five years up to a lifetime of supervised release.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sima Kazmir and Branwen McNabb O’Donnell.
The charges and allegations contained in the criminal complaint are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
School Security Guard Sentenced to 30 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Ryan Dookhan contacted a minor on Roblox and solicited explicit photographs and videos
LANSING, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Ryan Dookhan, 31, of Jamaica NY, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for sexual exploitation of a minor and he remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshal. During the sentencing hearing, Chief U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou emphasized the serious nature of Dookhan’s crimes and the need to protect the public as reasons for the lengthy sentence.
Dookhan, while working as a security guard in an elementary school in New York, targeted an eleven-year-old victim online, first by meeting her on Roblox (an online gaming platform), then moving the conversation to a messaging application designed to delete messages. Dookhan coerced the victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct so that he could produce photographs and videos of her. Over the course of the investigation, investigators determined that Dookhan solicited many sexually explicit photographs and videos from his eleven-year-old victim, with his criminal conduct spanning multiple weeks.
U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey said he was satisfied with the sentence. “Dookhan deserved this sentence from Chief Judge Jarbou. Anyone who sexually exploits children deserves a lengthy sentence. I hope this sentence shows that if someone exploits children in the Western District of Michigan, we will respond decisively and argue for the maximum sentence possible, which Dookhan received.”
“Children deserve to be safe online, including when playing games and connecting with others. Online predators exploit trust, anonymity and access to target children, and we all must stay vigilant, report suspicious behavior, and teach children safe digital habits,” said HSI Detroit Acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge Jeremy Pierczynski. “It is appalling when someone trusted to protect students abuses that position to prey on them. That betrayal is unacceptable, and we remain committed to protecting children and holding offenders accountable.”
Homeland Security Investigations and the Michigan State Police investigated 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 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.
Richland County Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing GunRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Carlos Antwon Lewis, 46, of Columbia, has been sentenced to more than four years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on March 4, 2025, a Richland County Sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on an SUV and contacted the driver. Lewis was the front passenger. The deputy smelled the odor of marijuana, which the occupants admitted to smoking before leaving their residence. The deputy asked both occupants to step out and asked Lewis if he had any firearms or narcotics on his person. Lewis admitted that he had a firearm, and the deputy recovered a loaded 9mm pistol from his waistband.
Lewis is prohibited from possessing a firearm based upon prior convictions for arson, burglary, criminal domestic violence, unlawful carrying of a firearm, possession of less than one gram of methamphetamine or cocaine base, possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance near a school, and distribution of methamphetamine or cocaine base.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Lewis to 57 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
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.
This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case.###
Repeat Federal Drug Trafficker and Girlfriend Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Two fentanyl and methamphetamine traffickers were sentenced to prison yesterday, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Jason Mills, 47, of Hendersonville, N.C., was sentenced to 135 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Mills pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Mills was on federal probation for a federal cocaine trafficking conviction in Florida when he reoffended. His 10-year sentence will run at the expiration of his federal probation sentence for violating his probation.
Stephanie Hope Lindsey, 40, of East Flat Rock, N.C., was ordered to serve 46 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Lindsey pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl.
“Fentanyl is a highly addictive and deadly drug, and today’s sentences reflect our commitment to protecting lives and combating this scourge across communities in the western district,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson.
According to court documents and the sentencing hearing, law enforcement initiated an investigation into Mills for supplying fentanyl and methamphetamine in Henderson and Buncombe Counties. His girlfriend, Lindsey, was also involved in Mills’s drug trafficking activities. Between January and February 2024, Mills and Lindsey were involved in multiple drug transactions, selling fentanyl and methamphetamine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. At times, Lindsey executed the drug transactions coordinated by Mills. Other times, Mills sold the drugs while Lindsey drove him to the agreed locations. Mills also handled some of the drug transactions on his own.
On February 12, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at Mills’s residence in Asheville, seizing 86.38 grams of fentanyl, 87 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and $2,000 in U.S. currency. On the same day, law enforcement also searched Mills’s vehicle, where they found two magnetic boxes in the engine compartment containing 69 multi-colored pills containing methamphetamine, and two baggies that contained fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Both defendants are in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Asheville Police Department for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Prior Felon on Federal Probation Sentenced to Prison for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A previously convicted felon was sentenced to prison yesterday for distributing fentanyl, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Sadiq Mafia Devoe Jones, 24, of Asheville, was sentenced to 135 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Jones’s 10-year sentence will run at the expiration of his federal probation sentence for violating his probation.
“Shortly after Jones was released from federal prison he returned to a life of crime and drug dealing,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “Fentanyl kills, and we are committed to eliminating this deadly drug that ravages communities and destroys families.”
According to court documents and proceedings, in August 2025, law enforcement learned that Jones was part of a drug ring that distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine, and firearms in Buncombe County. Law enforcement also learned that Jones was on federal supervised release for a prior conviction for illegally possessing a firearm. On multiple occasions during the investigation, an undercover agent purchased over 139 grams of fentanyl and over 26 grams of methamphetamine from Jones or other individuals working for Jones. During at least one drug transaction, Jones used a juvenile to sell fentanyl to the undercover agent.
Jones is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Asheville Police Department, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Previously Deported Illegal Alien Faces Federal Methamphetamine and Immigration Charges after Gainesville BustRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE – Pedro Guadarrama Loza, a convicted felon and previously deported illegal alien from Mexico, faces federal drug trafficking and immigration charges after the seizure of more than 275 pounds of methamphetamine shipped from Mexico.
“This illegal alien, convicted felon, and drug dealer allegedly attempted to coordinate the trafficking of a massive amount of methamphetamine in North Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Due to the skilled coordination of our law enforcement partners, a load of deadly drugs concealed in industrial powder was seized, and Loza now faces serious charges in federal court.”
“This seizure represents a significant victory in our ongoing efforts to disrupt the flow of dangerous narcotics into our communities. By working closely with our local and federal partners, HSI agents successfully intercepted over 275 pounds of methamphetamine and apprehended an individual who had already been removed from the United States,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “HSI and its partners will continue to utilize all available resources to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those who threaten the safety of our communities by trafficking illicit drugs.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On July 29, 2026, law enforcement identified a suspicious shipment of five boxes from Mexico en route to the Gainesville, Georgia area. Inside the boxes, law enforcement discovered plastic bags, each of which contained a black industrial powder that tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine-laden powder in the boxes weighed a total of 277 pounds.
On August 12, 2026, agents delivered the boxes to the recipient address, a residence in Gainesville, Georgia, in an undercover operation. Shortly thereafter, Loza allegedly emerged from the residence, took possession of the boxes, and went inside. Agents executed a federal search warrant on the residence, seized the boxes, and arrested Loza, who was attempting to flee out of the back door.
The investigation further revealed that Loza was convicted in 2014 of trafficking in controlled substances in DeKalb County, Georgia and was removed to Mexico in 2017, after completing his prison sentence. Sometime thereafter, Loza allegedly re-entered the United States without legal authority.
Yesterday, Pedro Guadarrama Loza, 38, of Michoacán, Mexico, appeared in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and illegal reentry by a previously removed alien. Loza was ordered to be detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending further proceedings.
Members of the public are reminded that the criminal complaint contains only charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with valuable assistance provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.
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.
Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Herskowitz and Drew Waldbeser are prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Laundering Health Care Fraud Proceeds for Transnational Criminal OrganizationRead the Press Release
An Ohio man pleaded guilty yesterday to laundering approximately $3.4 million in illicit health care fraud proceeds through multiple regional banks on behalf of a transnational criminal organization (Organization).
According to court documents, Eldar Zarbavel, 45, of Pepper Pike, Ohio, was a money launderer for the foreign-based Organization that spearheaded the largest health care fraud case ever prosecuted by the Department of Justice, as uncovered by Operation Gold Rush. The Organization, based in Russia and elsewhere, orchestrated a multi-billion-dollar health care fraud and money laundering scheme to target, exploit, and steal from Medicare and private health insurance companies.
To date, 35 individuals have been charged as part of Operation Gold Rush. Zarbavel is the 16th individual to be convicted for his role in the scheme.
As alleged in charging documents, the Organization exploited the United States’ financial system by depositing insurance reimbursement checks from the fraud. The health care fraud proceeds were particularly susceptible to laundering because they originated from legitimate sources — Medicare and established private insurance carriers — giving the funds the initial appearance of legitimacy. To gain access to the United States’ financial system, the Organization deployed a range of tactics to circumvent internal controls at multiple banks and in some cases coordinated directly with associates employed at the banks.
As further alleged, to open financial accounts, the Organization armed its nominee owners with false sale documentation and false corporate registration documents. This documentation falsely reflected that the nominee owners maintained beneficial ownership and control of various fraudulent durable medical equipment (DME) companies. This disguised the true beneficial ownership and control of the companies and the financial accounts. Upon opening the financial accounts, the Organization funneled fraud proceeds from Medicare and other legitimate health care insurers into the accounts as seemingly “clean” money. From there, the Organization siphoned off the funds to shell companies and various banks overseas.
Zarbavel facilitated a critical element of the transnational scheme by opening bank accounts in Northeast Ohio for Royce Medical Supply LLC, a Florida-based DME company. Between July 2022 and July 2024, the Organization submitted $1.42 billion in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare and other health insurers through this DME company. While the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services suspended reimbursement on nearly all of these claims, some claims were paid. Between June and July of 2024, Zarbavel, at the direction of members of the Organization, facilitated the deposit, transfer, and withdrawal of approximately $3.4 million in fraud proceeds for the benefit of the Organization.
Zarbavel pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 16. He faces 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.
Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division; Miranda L. Bennett, Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan of the FBI Detroit Field Office made the announcement.
HHS-OIG and FBI are investigating the case.
Assistant Chief Shankar Ramamurthy, Acting Assistant Chief Sara E. Porter, and Trial Attorneys Brant Cook and Leonid Sandlar of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion since 2007. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Ocala Mental Health Counselor Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Identity Theft and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Michelle Forsythe (62, Ocala) has pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of wire fraud. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the wire fraud offense and a minimum sentence of two years for the aggravated identity theft offense. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Forsythe is a licensed mental health counselor. Between January 2016 and December 2022, Forsythe used the names and insurance policy information of 22 individuals without their knowledge or consent to overbill two health insurance companies. Forsythe falsely claimed that she had provided counseling services to these individuals when she had not. As a result of the false billing, the health insurance companies electronically transferred payments to Forsythe for her services.
In one instance, Forsythe used the name and health insurance information for an individual whom she had never seen as a patient to fraudulently bill for her counseling services. Forsythe has agreed to make full restitution of $483,321.44 to the victims of the offense.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William S. Hamilton and Hannah Nowalk Watson. Assistant United States Attorney Julie A. Simonsen is handling the forfeiture.
Oakdale Man Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison for Impersonating DEA AgentRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES – On August 4, 2026, United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr., sentenced John Gueringer, 51, of Oakdale, to 36 months in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release after pleading guilty to Impersonating a Federal Officer.
“Impersonating a federal agent is a serious crime. It undermines public trust, confuses citizens, and endangers both the public and law enforcement,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “This sentence reflects our commitment to protecting the integrity of federal agencies and holding accountable those who illegally and recklessly assume the identify of a United States federal agent.”
According to court documents, on July 22, 2024, officers with the Oakdale Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence in Oakdale. As officers arrived, they encountered a visibly upset woman who had multiple scratch marks on her body. When officers approached the residence, Gueringer met them under the carport wearing a lanyard containing what appeared to be an authentic Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) badge. Gueringer repeatedly identified himself as a federal agent, and instructed officers to call the DEA, attempting to block their investigation and avoid arrest.
Investigators later confirmed that Gueringer had no affiliation with the DEA and that he used the impersonation in an effort to deceive responding officers and interfere with their investigation. Gueringer admitted he acted with intent to mislead law enforcement.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.
The Oakdale Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Nickel with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Joanne Henry-Mills.
A copy of this press release (and any updates) may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 2:25-cr-00362.
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Public Affairs
United States Attorney’s Office
Western District of Louisiana
[email protected]
www.justice.gov/usao-wdla
Facebook: USAO_WDLA
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(337) 262-6704
Northern Nevada Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking 140 Firearms to Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations, Money Laundering, and Harboring Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – An Elko man pleaded guilty today to purchasing 140 firearms for drug trafficking organizations in Mexico, laundering proceeds from the firearms sales, and employing illegal aliens at a mining company in Nevada.
“Firearms trafficking networks feed the violent cartels that terrorize border communities and pump illicit drugs into our neighborhoods,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “By cutting off this supply chain and holding this defendant accountable, we are directly disrupting the operational capabilities of these dangerous criminal organizations.”
“Trafficking military-style firearms and ammunition to drug trafficking organizations in Mexico fuels violence, strengthens criminal networks and threatens communities on both sides of the border,” said Jonathan Sherwin, Deputy Special Agent in Charge for HSI Las Vegas. “This guilty plea is the result of relentless work by HSI and the Homeland Security Task Force and our federal, state and local partners to disrupt the flow of weapons, money and criminal support that allows these organizations to operate.”
“This case serves as an example of the effectiveness of the Homeland Security Task Force’s (HSTF) coordinated efforts in the region,” said Special Agent in Charge John Wester, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “Through our participation in HSTF, ATF is working to disrupt major gun and drug trafficking organizations alongside DEA, FBI, HSI, and local partners. We are removing a significant cache of firearms, dangerous narcotics, and illicit proceeds from our neighborhoods. We are dedicated to our commitment of ensuring public safety. ATF and our partners will continue to honor our pledge by targeting violent offenders, trafficking organizations, and the criminal infrastructure that is the foundation for violence in the region.”
According to court documents, from April 1, 2020, to September 17, 2025, Luis Alberto Osorio conspired with his co-defendants to purchase firearms, magazines, and ammunition on behalf of and at the request of others affiliated with drug trafficking organizations operating in Mexico, and to sell these items in Mexico for profit. Osorio and others purchased ammunition and 140 firearms, including multiples of large caliber and long-range firearms such as the Ohio Ordnance Works M2-SLR .50 BMG, the Barrett M82A1 and M107A1 .50 BMG antimaterial rifles, the FN Herstal M249S 5.56x45mm and the FH Herstal SCAR 17S 7.62x51mm rifles. Additionally, Osorio admitted that he harbored persons unlawfully residing in the United States.
“In the world of organized crime and drug trafficking, guns and drugs go hand-in-hand,” said David S. Olesky, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division, which covers Nevada. “As a member of the Homeland Security Task Force, DEA and our partners will bring to bear all resources and draw on the full scope of our agencies’ expertise to hold accountable those individuals and organizations which pose a public health and safety threat to our communities through the trafficking of drugs and firearms.”
Osorio pleaded guilty to one count of straw purchasing of firearms; one count of trafficking in firearms; one count of harboring certain aliens; and one count of conspiracy to money launder.
The total statutory maximum penalty is 70 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for February 11, 2027. Any sentence would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Task Force consisting of special agents with the FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, IRS-CI, the Las Vegas Metro Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, and Nevada Gaming Commission. The case is being prosecuted by the District of Nevada.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of 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 Las Vegas HSTF comprises agents and officers from federal, state, and local law enforcement, with the prosecution being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.
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North Syracuse Sex Offender Charged with Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Matthew Flandera, age 43, of North Syracuse, New York, appeared in federal court August 6, 2026, on charges of receiving child pornography. At an August 11, 2026, detention hearing in Syracuse, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Carla B. Freedman, Flandera was detained pending further proceedings.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Anthony Patrone, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.
The complaint filed against Flandera alleges that on or about February 12, 2025, Flandera received a video of child pornography over the internet. A forensic review of devices recovered in the defendant’s residence contained numerous cached images of child pornography. Flandera admitted to using chat messaging services to receive child pornography files. He also acknowledged that he recognized and received one of the files from a user on the Omegle platform in 2025 and later uploaded the files to another account.
The complaint also states that Flandera was convicted on June 14, 2013, of possessing a sexual performance by a child less than 16 years old and was sentenced to 10 years probation and required to register as a level 1 sex offender.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone said, “As alleged, this defendant’s conduct is utterly indefensible. What is particularly troubling is that despite a prior conviction, New York’s increasingly soft‑on‑crime approach resulted in a probationary sentence that failed to deter him from allegedly reoffending. My office, together with our partners at HSI, remains steadfast in our commitment to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting alleged child predators to the fullest extent of the law. Flandera now faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in federal prison for his alleged actions and will answer for these allegations in federal court.”
HSI Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone said, “Matthew Flandera’s alleged crimes represent far more than possession or receipt of illegal images; they reflect the continued exploitation of vulnerable children and a direct threat to the trust and safety of the community. The gravity of these allegations is heightened by what every parent fears most: an active member of the community frequently interacting with children while allegedly concealing conduct rooted in depravity and exploitation. This case is personal to HSI Syracuse, and we will stop at nothing to identify predators, bring them to justice, and protect our children from those who seek to exploit them.”The receipt charge filed against Flandera carries a mandatory minimum term of 15 years in prison and a statutory maximum prison term of 40 years based on Flandera’s previous conviction. The charge also carries a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. Flandera will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. The charges presented are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Individuals with additional information regarding Flandera, who also used the name Matthew Flanders, are encouraged to contact HSI at 1-866-347-2423.
This case was investigated by HSI and the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle and Michael J. Whalen are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
North Fort Myers Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing and Manufacturing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – Frederick Kutchinsky (54, North Fort Myers) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kyle C. Dudek to five years and three months in federal prison possessing firearms as a convicted felon. Kutchinsky pleaded guilty on February 25, 2026. The court also ordered Kutchinsky to forfeit the firearms and ammunition possessed during the offense. U.S Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded to Kutchinsky’s home in North Fort Myers because he had an active felony arrest warrant. After serving the arrest warrant and obtaining a search warrant for Kutchinsky’s residence, deputies located more than 50 firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. They also located a work bench with firearm parts and tools for modifying firearms. Kutchinsky is a convicted felon, and therefore, prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Morgan and Patrick Darcey.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.
Murder and Sexual Assault Charges Yields Guilty Plea from D.C. ManRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Javier Montgomery, 18, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today, for charges related to the murder of 17-year-old, Jermaine Durbin, in October 2025, and for sexual assault charges from May 2025 through September 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“Javier Montgomery carried out a pattern of violence that terrorized multiple victims over several months and ultimately took the life of 17‑year‑old Jermaine Durbin,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “His actions were predatory, deliberate, and devastating for every person he targeted. Today’s conviction ensures that Montgomery will be held fully accountable for the harm he inflicted”
In one case (2025 CF1 016197), Montgomery pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count of second-degree murder while armed pursuant to a plea agreement calling for a sentence in the range of 12 to 18 years in prison for this offense. In another case (2025 CF1 016196), Montgomery pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree sexual abuse while armed pursuant to a plea agreement calling for a consecutive sentencing range of 12 to 15 years in prison for that offense. He also pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree sexual abuse and robbery sentenced concurrently to each other and consecutively to the other counts with sentencing ranges of 1 to 3 years in prison and 1.5 to 5 years in prison respectively; and one count of attempted third-degree sexual abuse with a consecutive sentencing range of 0.5 to 2 years in prison. The combined sentencing range under the plea agreement is a sentence in the range of 26 to 40 years in prison.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 15, 2027.
According to the government’s evidence, with respect to case number 2025 CF1 016196, the defendant admitted to slapping one victim on the buttocks and demanding further sexual contact at gunpoint on May 23, 2025; to groping another victim’s chest and crotch at gunpoint on September 6, 2025; and to forcing another victim to perform oral sex on him at gunpoint on September 28, 2025.
According to the government’s evidence, with respect to case number 2025 CF1 016197, on October 3, 2025, at approximately 7:20 pm, Montgomery approached the victim, Jermaine Durbin, near the entrance to the Rhode Island Avenue metro station and robbed him of his backpack at gunpoint. Mr. Durbin followed the defendant in an effort to get his backpack back, and the defendant ultimately shot Mr. Durbin, causing his death. MPD Fifth District officers responded to 600 Rhode Island Avenue, NE, to investigate the report of a shooting. Upon arriving, the officers located Mr. Durbin – unconscious, unresponsive, and suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. DC Fire & EMS personnel responded to the scene, and after finding no signs consistent with life, Mr. Durbin was pronounced deceased at 7:36 pm.
On November 28, 2025, Montgomery was arrested on a warrant and has remained in custody since that date.
Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Roberts and Katherine Ballou.
2025 CF1 016196; 2025 CF1 016197
Multiple Individuals Indicted in Federal and State Court for Roles in Multi-State Theft RingRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office (PGCSAO) jointly announced, today, that multiple individuals face federal and state indictments in connection with a multi-state organized retail-theft ring that impacted Prince George’s County and other areas in Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.
Cyan Simone Rocke, 25, of Washington, D.C.; Marco Pernell Morgan, 37, of Washington, D.C.; and Daryl Michael-Lashon Jackson, 30, of Laurel, Maryland, are charged in federal court with conspiracy to violate federal law, namely, the interstate transportation of stolen goods. Additionally, Rocke; Tia Courtney, 31, of Capitol Heights, Maryland; Chyna Parker, 26, of Capitol Heights, Maryland; and Quasaan Parker, 22, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, are further charged in the Prince George’s County Circuit Court with offenses associated with organized retail theft.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, and State’s Attorney Tara H. Jackson, PGCSAO, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Akil Baldwin, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent, Maryland State Police (MSP) and Chief George Nader, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).
“Organized-retail theft is an assault on the sanctity and security of our communities, and a real threat to our local businesses,” Hayes said. “This prosecution should send a clear message: our office takes these organized-theft rings seriously, and we will not hesitate to investigate and federally prosecute these crimes.”
“Last week, a grand jury in Prince George’s County returned indictments for multiple individuals with charges related to this organized retail theft scheme,” State’s Attorney Jackson said. “Addressing commercial and business crime is a priority for my office. We want businesses to choose Prince George’s County as a place to invest, create jobs, and thrive. Furthermore, I am always pleased when we are able to work with our partners across the region to keep our communities safe.”
According to the federal indictment, between October 2025, and April 2026, Rocke, Morgan, and Jackson conspired to engage in the interstate transportation of stolen property. Through the scheme, the co-conspirators sought to enrich themselves and others by stealing items from Victim Business 1 — a nationwide retail corporation operating in interstate commerce — and other businesses selling goods, and then subsequently offered the products for sale on Instagram and other sites. Customers then paid for the stolen items by cash, bank transfers, or money transfer applications, including CashApp.
Between October 2025, and April 2026, the co-conspirators stole more than $48,000 in merchandise from Victim Business 1 stores, located in Columbia, Maryland; Rockville, Maryland; Timonium, Maryland; Newark, Delaware; and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. The co-conspirators engaged in serial, coordinated thefts from Victim Business 1 locations throughout the Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, DC region.
The State’s indictment charges several defendants with participating in a criminal organization, organizing retail theft $1500 to $25,000, theft $1,500 to $25,000, theft scheme $1,500 to $25,000, and conspiracy to participate in a criminal organization.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.
If convicted on the federal charges, Rocke, Morgan, and Jackson each face up to five years in federal prison for the conspiracy. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Hayes and State’s Attorney Jackson commended the HSI, MSP, PGCSAO, and PGPD for their work in the investigation, along with the Arlington County Police Department (Virginia) and Metropolitan Police Department (Washington, DC), for their valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason D. Medinger, Deputy Criminal Chief Gerald Collins, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dawn Williams who are prosecuting the federal case. Ms. Jackson thanked Assistant State’s Attorney Timothy Hatfield who is prosecuting the state case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.
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Law-Enforcement Agency Quotes
Special Agent in Charge Akil Baldwin, Homeland Security Investigations – Maryland“As alleged, these defendants moved tens of thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise across state lines and converted social media into a marketplace for illicit profit. Organized retail theft is not a nuisance crime; it is a deliberate criminal enterprise that harms businesses, raises costs for consumers, and threatens our communities,” Baldwin said. “This indictment reflects the power of partnership, and HSI Maryland, as a co-leader of the Homeland Security Task Force, will continue working with our local, state, federal and retail partners to disrupt organized theft networks and hold those responsible accountable.”
Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent, Maryland State Police
“This collaborative multi-agency effort highlights our commitment to dismantling an organized retail theft enterprise and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice,” Jackson said. “Along with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, we will continue to work in coordination to keep our communities safe.”
Chief George Nader, Prince George’s County Police Department
“I commend our investigators and partner agencies for their professionalism and dedication. This case sends a clear message that local law enforcement and our federal partners will work with our retail community to hold accountable people who commit retail theft,” Nader said. “I want to thank U.S. Attorney Kelly Hayes and her team for their steadfast commitment to protecting the District of Maryland. Their commitment has not gone unnoticed and is making a difference in our communities.”
Multiple Convicted Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Zephanial Flynn, 43, of Memphis, has been sentenced to 77 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.
According to evidence introduced at trial and court documents, officers with the Memphis Police Department Fugitive Task Force were attempting to arrest Flynn on a pending state warrant when they saw him walking through the Orange Mound neighborhood carrying an assault rifle.
When officers approached, Flynn discarded the rifle in bushes nearby and fled on foot. Flynn was arrested at his grandmother’s house minutes later. Following his arrest, Flynn made a recorded jail call admitting to possessing the assault rifle. At trial he also committed perjury and obstructed justice by providing false testimony under oath that he never in fact possessed the rifle.
Flynn has a long criminal conviction history of significant felonies, including attempted robbery, possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, felon in possession of a firearm, theft of property, and domestic violence – all of which prohibit his possession of a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
On May 5, 2026, a jury returned a verdict of guilty of one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On August 12, 2026, Flynn was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman to 77 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Convicted felons who possess firearms pose an inherent and imminent danger to the community, and are up to no good. This defendant’s extensive history of criminal conduct makes him a prime candidate for removal from our community BEFORE he pulls the trigger. This sentence does exactly that, making us all safer.”
“This sentence sends a clear message: convicted felons who illegally possess firearms will be held accountable," said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. "The FBI and our partners will remain relentless in our efforts to identify violent offenders, seize illegal firearms, and protect the communities we serve.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Memphis Police Department (MPD).
Assistant United States Attorney William Bateman III and Special Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Cohenmeyer, of the United States Navy Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
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For more information, please contact the media relations team at [email protected]. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Michigan Man Indicted for Obtaining Child Sexual Abuse Material from Minor Victim in New HampshireRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Michigan man was indicted for inducing a minor victim in New Hampshire to send him child sexual abuse material (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
Mason Zimmer, 20, was arrested in July in Michigan. He was arraigned in District Court in Concord today after being indicted by a federal Grand Jury for production and receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). He is currently detained in federal custody.
According to the charging documents and statements made in court, Zimmer targeted a minor in New Hampshire, communicating with the victim online and persuading the victim to create and send him CSAM.
The charging statutes provide a sentence of up to 30 years, with a mandatory minimum of 15 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Hudson Police Department, the Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Michigan State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo 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 better 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/ .
Massachusetts Mayor Charged with Pandemic Loan Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The Mayor of Lawrence, Mass. was arrested and charged today with fraudulently obtaining over $1.5 million in COVID small-business loans and using the proceeds to fund his campaign account, pay personal taxes, and pay off over $880,000 in high-interest, hard-money mortgages that encumbered various properties he owned in Lawrence.
Brian Depena, 61, is charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. Depena will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston later today. Depena was elected as Mayor of Lawrence in November 2021 and was reelected in November 2025. He previously served on the Lawrence City Council from 2016 until 2021.
“Mayor DePena was elected to be a leader for the City of Lawrence. He was looked up to and trusted by his constituents, but he betrayed that trust through his alleged corruption and lies,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Today’s arrest is just another example of our determination to root out fraud by anyone, even public officials and holding elected officials accountable.”
“Today’s arrest highlights IRS CI’s continued commitment to safeguarding emergency relief programs and holding accountable those who abuse them,” said Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office. “CARES Act funds were created to help small businesses survive an unprecedented national crisis — not to bankroll personal debts, political ambitions, or real estate ventures. IRS Criminal Investigation remains committed to protecting taxpayer dollars, pursuing those who exploit federal relief funds, and ensuring that financial integrity is upheld at every step.”
“Today, the FBI arrested Mayor Brian Depena for allegedly cashing in on a public health crisis and blatantly defrauding a government program meant to keep businesses afloat during the pandemic. It’s alleged the Mayor fraudulently obtained over $1.5 million in small business loans which he then used as his own slush fund to pay his personal taxes, fund his mayoral campaign, and pay off $883,000 in high-interest mortgages on several properties he owned. This was emergency financial assistance meant to be a safety net for struggling businesses, not Mr. Depena’s own personal ATM,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “When elected officials misuse federal funds for personal gain, they’re breaking the trust of their constituents – and breaking the law. Together, with our partners, the FBI will continue to doggedly pursue anyone who defrauds the federal government. You’ll be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and that ‘easy money’ won’t seem so easy after all.”
According to the charging documents, in 2020 and 2021, Depena applied for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”) for Tenares Tire Services Inc., a tire sales and automotive services business he owned in Lawrence. During COVID, the U.S. Small Business Administration offered taxpayer-funded EIDLs to eligible small businesses experiencing substantial financial disruptions due to the pandemic. The interest rate on EIDLs was 3.75%, and the loan use was limited. A business could only use EIDL proceeds as working capital to alleviate economic injury caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Working capital did not include funding a political campaign, paying personal taxes, or paying off mortgages.
Depena allegedly caused Tenares Tire to apply for and obtain an EIDL in the amount of $150,000 in June 2020 and then used the majority of those funds as working capital for the business. However, according to the charging documents, Depena needed cash by early 2021. It is alleged that his mayoral campaign was struggling to pay bills, he owed the IRS for back taxes and he owed almost $900,000 to two private, hard money lenders who were charging Depena 12% and 8% interest – significantly more than the EIDL rate of 3.75% – on loans that encumbered various properties Depena owned in Lawrence.
In April 2021, Depena allegedly caused a request for an increase of the Tenares Tire EIDL. On July 14, 2021, the SBA approved an increase of the loan by $350,000, bringing the total Tenares Tire EIDL to $500,000. However, the SBA did not release the funds for another month. While waiting, Depena allegedly sent the following texts (originally in Spanish, here translated to English) to his accountant and financial advisor, who had been assisting Depena with the EIDL application and modification:
According to the charging documents, the $350,000 in EIDL funds were electronically deposited into the Tenares Tire bank account on Aug. 16, 2021. The pre-deposit balance in the account was only $20.23. Shortly thereafter, Depena allegedly paid $85,000 of the EIDL funds to the IRS to pay off personal tax debts. He also allegedly transferred $120,000 of the EIDL funds to a personal account and used that money to write checks totaling $90,000 to “The Committee to Elect Brian Depena.” It is alleged that these checks were deposited in the Depena mayoral campaign account, and characterized as loans to the campaign, in September and October 2021.
While the hard money, high-interest loans were still outstanding, and while his campaign continued to struggle financially, Depena allegedly caused a request for a second EIDL modification in October 2021. On Oct. 27, 2021, the SBA approved a modification that would increase the loan by $1,154,400, bringing the total Tenares Tire EIDL to $1,654,400.
On Nov. 30, 2021, $1,154,188 in EIDL funds were electronically deposited in the Tenares Tire account and Depena allegedly transferred the entire amount to one of his personal accounts – which had a balance of only $1,401 – the same day. It is alleged that Depena allegedly used $42,112.96 of the EIDL funds for his mayoral campaign, writing checks to the campaign for $10,000 and $32,112.96. The first check was deposited in the campaign account on Dec. 2, 2021, when the account allegedly had been overdrawn for approximately 20 days.
Finally, it is alleged that Depena used $883,293 of the EIDL funds to pay off his debts to the hard money lenders. On Dec. 9, 2021, Depena bought a $538,109.03 treasurer’s check and used it to pay off one of the loans. On Dec. 18, 2021, he bought a $345,184.13 treasurer’s check and used it to pay off the other loan.
According to the charging documents, as of Aug. 5, 2026, Depena had made only 16 payments on the Tenares Tire EIDL. The outstanding principal balance was approximately $1,654,420.
The charges of wire fraud each provide 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 charges of money laundering each provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Tom Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; and Jeffrey S. Shapiro, Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General, Commonwealth of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristina E. Barclay and Christine Wichers of the Public Corruption Unit are prosecuting the case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
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.
depena_complaint.pdf
Marion County Man Indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Pattreon Stokes (35, Summerfield) has been charged by indictment with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, Stokes faces an enhanced minimum penalty of 25 years, up to life, in federal prison due to having two or more qualifying prior convictions for serious drug felony offenses. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment, on July 14, 2026, Stokes possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The offense occurred while Stokes was on federal supervised release from a prior 2018 possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine conviction.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
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.
Marion County Man Indicted for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Corbit Sterling Earvin (47, Ocala) has been charged by indictment with six counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, Earvin faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison on each count. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment and court records, between April and May 2026, Earvin sold methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement officer on six occasions. In total, Earvin distributed approximately 1,290 grams (or 2.8 pounds) of methamphetamine.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
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.
Man pleads guilty after leaving bag of fentanyl in daycare centerRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges after leaving behind a bag of fentanyl at a daycare center.
According to court documents, Courtney McGee Cannon, 43, of Topeka pleaded guilty to three counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
On February 5, 2026, Cannon walked into the restroom at a childcare center in Topeka. While he used the restroom, Cannon dropped a baggie with a distribution amount of fentanyl on the floor. Cannon left without realizing he no longer had the baggie. An employee went into the restroom, found the fentanyl, and turned it over to security. Surveillance video showed Cannon as the only person to enter the restroom between the time it was cleaned and the employee found the baggie.
On February 12, 2026, while executing a search warrant, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office discovered a distribution amount of fentanyl on Cannon’s person. He confessed to law enforcement that he sells fentanyl.
On March 4, 2026, a federal grand jury indicted Cannon and subsequently a warrant was issued for his arrest. When law enforcement arrested Cannon two days later, they again found distribution quantities of a fentanyl on him.
“It’s shocking that someone could be so uncaring and negligent as to take a substance as toxic as fentanyl into a childcare center,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Thank goodness an adult found the baggie instead of innocent children who might have mistaken it for candy, or this could have turned into a horrific tragedy.”
Cannon is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16, 2026. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough is prosecuting the case.
Man Wanted for Two Separate Texas Murders Arrested in Belleville by USMS Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task ForceRead the Press Release
BELLEVILLE, Ill. – Yesterday, the U.S. Marshals Service Southern District of Illinois Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force (USMS-GLTF) located and apprehended a wanted fugitive residing in Belleville.
Eric Wayne Hubert, 23, had active felony arrest warrants in Dallas County, Texas for two separate murders. His charges stem from two shooting incidents. In September 2024, Hubert was charged in Dallas County, Texas for the murder of an individual who died following a firearm shooting. Hubert was then released on bond. According to court documents, in April 2026, Hubert allegedly removed his ankle monitor in violation of his bond conditions.
Hubert is also suspected to have engaged in a deadly shooting on North Masters Drive in Dallas, Texas on June 9, 2026. During the incident, Hubert and two other masked individuals allegedly shot semi-automatic rifles at numerous individuals in front of a store. One individual was killed. Hubert then fled Texas to Illinois.
On August 13, members of the USMS-GLTF responded to Hubert’s residence in Belleville and arrested Hubert without incident. Hubert was transported to St. Clair County Jail for booking, pending his extradition to Texas.
“This case drives home two hard truths. First, soft-on-crime bail laws that turn murder defendants loose so they can kill again and run to other states can only be described as insane. They are an invitation to continued violence,” said United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Second, the men and women of the U.S. Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force did exceptional work locating Eric Hubert in Belleville and taking him into custody without a single shot fired. I give my strongest thanks to U.S. Marshal Dave Davis and his team, who confront incredible danger every single day. Southern Illinois is fortunate to be served by these law enforcement professionals.”
“This arrest was a joint effort between the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Southern District of Illinois and the Northern District of Texas," said U.S. Marshal David C. Davis. "The USMS and its 94 districts continue to apprehend the most violent offenders, including those wanted for homicide, drug offenses, and weapons charges. This operation highlights the vast reach and capabilities of our dedicated task forces around the country.”
The charges against the defendant are allegations. An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, defendants are presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
Madison Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Drug Trafficking in Homeland Security Task Force CaseRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Noah A. Hodges, 44, Madison, Wisconsin, has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 5 years in federal prison for possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine intended for distribution. The prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Hodges pleaded guilty to this charge on May 5, 2026.
In early 2024, law enforcement began investigating members of a drug trafficking organization operating in Dane County. During the investigation, officers worked with confidential informants to purchase significant quantities of drugs. Officers seized drugs, firearms, and cash during search warrants executed at residences and vehicles associated with the organization.
Hodges was identified as a distributor for the drug trafficking organization. After observing likely drug activity by Hodges on February 6, 2025, police contacted Hodges in a vehicle. Law enforcement ultimately searched Hodges and the vehicle and seized a total of 355 grams of methamphetamine and 12 grams of heroin/fentanyl. At the time, Hodges was on state supervision for two felony intoxicated driving offenses. His supervision in those cases was later revoked, and he served a revocation sentence in state prison.
In determining an appropriate federal sentence, Judge Conley weighed the significant quantity of methamphetamine involved and the fact that Hodges committed the new crimes while on state supervision against Hodges’s progress on pretrial release.
The charge against Hodges was the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force, Dane County Narcotics Task Force, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group, Wisconsin State Patrol, and Madison Police Department. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven P. Anderson and Kathryn Ginsberg prosecuted this case.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) Program 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 federal 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.
Luigi Mangione Pleads Guilty in Connection with His Murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian ThompsonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced that LUIGI NICHOLAS MANGIONE pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Margaret M. Garnett in connection with the December 4, 2024, murder of UnitedHealthcare Chief Executive Officer Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan. MANGIONE is scheduled to be sentenced on December 18, 2026.
“Today, Luigi Mangione admitted to stalking and murdering Brian Thompson on a Manhattan street in broad daylight,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “No grievance, political belief, or ideological cause can justify murder. With today’s guilty plea, Mangione is being held accountable for a heinous crime that claimed an innocent life and drew national attention. I commend the FBI, the NYPD, our law enforcement partners, and the dedicated prosecutors of this Office for their tireless work in securing this result.”
“Violence driven by such hostility toward opportunity and progress stands in sharp contrast to the values many Americans hold dear,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “Rest assured, the FBI and our partners never stopped working to bring a killer to justice. While a plea has been entered in this case, we know the crime has not been erased. While nothing can ease the family's grief, we hope this brings them one step closer to closure.”
“Luigi Mangione carried out a ruthless act of violence that shocked this city, and today’s guilty plea is an important moment of accountability for this heinous crime,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “This case demonstrated the extraordinary work of NYPD detectives, who relentlessly pursued every lead, pairing sophisticated technology with painstaking, old-fashioned police work to identify the suspect and build the case that brought us to this day. I want to thank all the members of the NYPD who worked tirelessly on this case, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI for their partnership. And to those who idolize Mangione—violence is not a cause, murder is not a message, and a killer is not a hero.”
As alleged in the Indictment and other public filings in this case:
In the months leading up to December 4, 2024, MANGIONE developed and executed a plan to kill Brian Thompson. MANGIONE targeted Thompson because of his role as Chief Executive Officer of UnitedHealthcare. He traveled from outside New York to New York City specifically to carry out the attack. After arriving in the city more than a week before the murder, MANGIONE conducted surveillance on locations Thompson frequented, including the area surrounding the hotel where Thompson was staying and the venue hosting UnitedHealthcare’s investor conference.
On the morning of December 4, 2024, MANGIONE positioned himself near the conference venue in Midtown Manhattan and waited for Thompson to arrive. At approximately 6:45 a.m., MANGIONE approached Thompson from behind and shot him multiple times, causing Thompson’s death. MANGIONE then fled the scene.
Five days later, on December 9, 2024, law enforcement officers arrested MANGIONE in Altoona, Pennsylvania. At the time of his arrest, MANGIONE possessed a false driver’s license that he had previously used while in New York City. Law enforcement also recovered a firearm and other evidence linking him to the murder.
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MANGIONE, 28, of Maryland, pled guilty to one count of interstate stalking resulting in death, which carries a maximum potential sentence of life in prison, and one count of cyberstalking through use of interstate facilities resulting in death, which carries a maximum potential sentence of life in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Violent Crime Task Force, the NYPD, the Altoona Police Department in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dominic A. Gentile, Jun Xiang, Alexandra Messiter, and Thomas John Wright are in charge of the prosecution.
Louisville Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges for CARES Act FraudRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville woman pled guilty on August 11, 2026, to knowingly making false statements to a Federally Insured Financial Institution and a Federal Credit Union.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Kelly Moening of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) Great Lakes Field Division made the announcement.
Between April 14, 2020, and August 11, 2022, Rachel Finley a/k/a Rachel Adams, 57, of Louisville, Kentucky, knowingly filed two applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans containing materially false and misleading statements to a Federally Insured Financial Institution and a Federal Credit Union, resulting in the theft of $117,990. Finley utilized the entity Private Label Vintage & Spirits, a Kentucky Limited Liability Company. Finley falsified the number of employees and payroll expenses of the entity in the applications. Finley further submitted applications for forgiveness for each of the loans containing materially false and misleading statements regarding the number of employees the entity had at the time of the application and at the time of forgiveness, the amount that had been spent on payroll costs, and falsely certified that she had complied with all requirements in the PPP Rules.
Finley pled guilty to two counts of making false statements to a federally insured financial institution and two counts of making false statements to a federal credit union in a four-count Superseding Information. She is scheduled to be sentenced on December 2, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. A federal district court judge will determine her sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Additionally, Finley will be required to pay not less than $134,241 in restitution.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“Through her conduct, Finley demonstrated zero regard for the hard-working taxpayers who funded this vital benefit program,” said United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner. “No matter the size of the amount stolen, the Department of Justice and this Office will remain committed to identifying and prosecuting those individuals who defraud benefits programs. The taxpayers deserve as much out of the Department.”
This case is being investigated by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole Elver and David Weiser, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Aaron Cooper.
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.
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Louisville Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced on August 7, 2026, to 15 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, as well possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and illegal possession of a machinegun.
U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
Charles Mills, 33, of Louisville, Kentucky, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, as well as possession of firearm by a prohibited person and illegal possession of a machinegun. Additionally, Mills was sentenced to an enhancement for being an Armed Career Criminal, and an enhancement for having previously been convicted of a serious drug felony offense.
On November 12, 2024, detectives with Louisville Metro Police Department attempted to arrest Mills on a warrant for trafficking methamphetamine and marijuana. Mills fled on foot and, after a short foot chase, was arrested. Detectives located a loaded Glock pistol concealed in his waistband. Additionally, Mills was found to be in possession of over 50 grams of methamphetamine, a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.
After arresting Mills, detectives executed a search warrant at his residence and located three firearms, one of which was equipped with a machinegun conversion device.
At the time of this arrest, Mills had previously been convicted of multiple felonies that prohibited him from being in possession of a firearm, including complicity to robbery in the first degree (nine counts), complicity to burglary in the first degree (four counts), possession of a firearm by convicted felon, illegal possession of a controlled substance, marijuana, while in possession of a firearm, and complicity to trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, schedule II, methamphetamine, over two grams.
United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “With nine prior armed robbery convictions and four prior burglary convictions, Mills had absolutely no business being in possession of a firearm. And still, after serving previous sentences for those crimes, Mills chose to return to the streets of Louisville and sell methamphetamine, all while armed with a Glock pistol in his waistband. Mills’ conduct and criminal history earned him every day of the 15-year sentence he will now serve.”
“Drug dealers with guns are violent criminals who pose an increased threat to the safety of our communities,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the Louisville Field Division. “It’s apparent that Mills did not learn from his past arrests and convictions so he will now serve the next 15 years in federal prison. ATF will continue to work alongside our local law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate, arrest and pursue prosecution of these offenders.”
Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department stated, “This sentence reflects the serious consequences that come with trafficking drugs while illegally possessing firearms. I’m proud of the work by our LMPD detectives and grateful for our partnership with ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Working together, we will continue holding dangerous criminals accountable."
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the ATF Louisville Field Division and the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Lantz 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.
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Large-Scale Costa Rican Cocaine Trafficker Extradited to the United StatesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, and Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), Terrance C. Cole, announced today the unsealing of a Complaint and Indictment charging Gilbert Bell Fernandez, a/k/a “Macho Coca,” with conspiring to import cocaine into the United States. BELL FERNANDEZ was extradited from Costa Rica to the United States on the charges contained in the Indictment on August 13, 2026. BELL FERNANDEZ was presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo and ordered detained pending trial. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho.
“Our Office will not stop in our efforts to disrupt international drug operations like this one,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “For years, Gilbert Bell Fernandez allegedly sourced ton-quantities of cocaine from Colombia and transported this cocaine through Costa Rica for ultimate distribution in the United States and elsewhere. Bell Fernandez’s drug organization has lost its leader. Now, one of Costa Rica’s most notorious drug kingpins will face justice in an American courtroom for the harm he caused and sought to cause to this country. That is because of the dedicated efforts of our prosecutors and the Drug Enforcement Administration.”
“The extradition of Gilbert Bell Fernandez to the United States demonstrates DEA’s global reach and our commitment to holding drug traffickers accountable,” said DEA Administrator Terrance C. Cole. “Known as ‘Macho Coca,’ Bell Fernandez allegedly built a vast criminal network to move massive quantities of cocaine through Costa Rica for distribution in American communities, including New York City. DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to pursue those who traffic poison into our country. We will not stop working to save American lives and we will not allow borders to shield criminals from justice.”
According to the charging documents and other public statements and records:(1)
Until his arrest, BELL FERNANDEZ was a major international narcotics trafficker and one of the most prolific cocaine traffickers in Costa Rica, which he helped develop into a major narcotics transshipment hub. BELL FERNANDEZ, who also owned and operated commercial fishing businesses in Costa Rica, controlled the distribution of ton-quantities of cocaine imported into and transiting through the Port of Limón, a seaport in the Limón Province of Costa Rica that has served as a major transshipment point for U.S.-bound cocaine.
In or about March 2022, members of BELL FERNANDEZ’s drug organization began discussions with a DEA confidential source (“CS-1”) about the purchase of large shipments of cocaine for CS-1’s purported customers in New York and elsewhere. During these initial conversations, BELL FERNANDEZ’s co-conspirators confirmed that BELL FERNANDEZ was the leader of the organization and could facilitate ton-quantity shipments of cocaine.
In the months that followed, CS-1 spoke directly with BELL FERNANDEZ on multiple occasions, in person and telephonically, to negotiate the terms of their cocaine distribution partnership. During those conversations, BELL FERNANDEZ confirmed, among other things, that he had the means to export ton-quantities of cocaine out of Costa Rica and that his organization could arrange for CS-1 to purchase a sample of the cocaine in advance of potential larger deals in the future.
After negotiating the purchase of this sample, in or around February 2023, with BELL FERNANDEZ’s approval, a member of BELL FERNANDEZ’s organization provided CS-1 with a sample of one kilogram of cocaine in Costa Rica in exchange for approximately $6,000 in United States currency. Following CS-1’s acquisition of the one-kilogram sample, CS-1 continued conversations with BELL FERNANDEZ and other members of BELL FERNANDEZ’s organization about the large-scale distribution partnership they had been negotiating. In early August 2023, CS-1 met again with BELL FERNANDEZ in Costa Rica to continue discussions about a potential cocaine deal. During that meeting, BELL FERNANDEZ discussed providing CS-1 with approximately 700 kilograms of cocaine and eventually transporting that cocaine to New York City.
In November 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) sanctioned BELL FERNANDEZ. In announcing its sanctions, OFAC described BELL FERNANDEZ as being “known not only for the volume of drugs he moves but the violence with which he operates,” noting that BELL FERNANDEZ “has played a significant role in Costa Rica’s recent transformation into a major narcotics transit hub.” OFAC also noted that BELL FERNANDEZ was one of the “most prolific” and “most violent” traffickers in Limón.
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BELL FERNANDEZ, 63, of Costa Rica, is charged with conspiring to import over five kilograms of cocaine into the United States, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding efforts of the DEA’s Special Operations Division Bilateral Investigations Unit. Mr. McDonald also thanked the DEA’s Costa Rica Country Office, the Office of International Affairs of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, and Costa Rica’s Organismo de Investigación Judicial for their assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of BELL FERNANDEZ.
This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Cheng, Kaylan E. Lasky, and David J. Robles are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint and Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
^
As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and Indictment and the descriptions of the Complaint and Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.
Kentucky Woman Charged with Vandalizing World War II Memorial on D.C.’s National MallRead the Press Release
farris_mellisa_-_complaint.pdfWASHINGTON – Melissa Farris, 41, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, was charged by criminal complaint this morning in connection with vandalizing the Atlantic Theatre Pavilion of the World War II Memorial on the National Mall, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“Defacing the World War II Memorial is a disgusting act and an insult to the Americans who fought and died for our country,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “This memorial stands in honor of the 16 million veterans who served, the millions who supported the war effort, and the more than 400,000 heroes who never came home. Vandalizing a monument dedicated to their sacrifice is a shameful attack on the legacy of our nation. We will not tolerate this kind of criminal activism, and we will ensure that anyone who desecrates a veterans’ memorial is held fully accountable.”
Farris, aka “Melissa Lovewell,” is charged with Willfully Injuring or Committing a Depredation against Property of the United States and with Destruction of a Veterans’ Memorial.
According to the criminal complaint, U.S. Park Police were called about 2 p.m. on August 13 for a report of a disorderly person. A witness told officers that they had observed a woman spray painting graffiti on portions of the Atlantic Theatre Pavilion of the World War II Memorial at the eastern end of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
A United States Park Ranger arrived at the scene and observed foam in the fountain area of the Atlantic pavilion. Multiple people were gathered around the balcony watching a woman shooting video of herself. The woman fled when she became aware of the Ranger’s presence.
Orange-colored paint had been sprayed onto the wall with the words: “Clean Hands Dirty $.” Additionally, green-colored paint was also sprayed onto the wall just under the orange spray paint, and pink-colored paint was splattered on the ground. In a trash can near the north entrance of the balcony, law enforcement recovered a white sign with painted letters. The paint used on the sign appeared to match the paint that was used to vandalize the northern entrance balcony.
A witness had taken a photo of the woman defacing the Memorial. One U.S. Park Police officer recognized her as someone police had arrested on August 10 for unlawfully camping on federal property near 18th Street NW and Virginia Ave. NW, just a few blocks away from the World War II Memorial.
On August 10, as she was arrested by Park Police, she had live streamed the event over her Facebook and Instagram social media accounts on which she identified herself as “Melissa Lovewell.”
In a review of Farris’s public social media accounts, investigators discovered that she had recorded multiple livestream videos on August 13. In one recorded video, she allegedly admitted to damaging the World War II Memorial.
Before Farris defaced the World War II Memorial, she had allegedly recorded and posted a video in which she stated, “I am cognitively aware and executively (sic) of the choices I am making and I am doing so to push my whistleblower case into the courtroom . . . someone has to make choices that are different and I am accountable for my actions. I am going to make these choices today and I will step foot into the courtroom, and I will wait to be arrested . . . I am accountable for the things that I do and the choices that I make and our government needs to be accountable for their choices too.”
The Memorial honors the 16 million American service members who served during World War II, the millions more who supported the war effort from the home front, and the more than 400,000 Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war. The Memorial contains two main pavilions, the Atlantic and Pacific pavilions, named for the two main theaters of the war. Over four million tourists pay their respect at the memorial annually.
A witness took this photograph of a woman defacing the World War II Memorial on August 13, 2026.
The vandalized World War II Memorial on August 13, 2026.
Foam in the fountain of the World War II Memorial.
Charges in a complaint are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Justice served in bulk meth attempt: Casper resident sentenced to more than 12 yearsRead the Press Release
CASPER, Wyo. — A Casper woman will serve more than 12 years in federal prison for her role as a distributor in a multi-county drug trafficking ring, federal officials said.
Alysha Ann Dahl, 33, of Casper, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence Aug. 11 in Casper.
According to federal court documents, the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI), with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and multiple state and local agencies, investigated a drug trafficking organization operating in Wyoming and Colorado.
Law enforcement intercepted and arrested Dahl Nov. 10, 2025, near Casper. After a search of the vehicle she was traveling in, investigators found scales, syringes and nearly half a pound, or about 205 grams, of methamphetamine. Agents determined Dahl distributed more than 11 pounds of methamphetamine during the conspiracy.
A federal complaint was filed Jan. 23, and she was taken into federal custody Jan. 28. Dahl waived indictment and pleaded guilty to information May 19. Dahl provided a factual basis in support of her guilty plea in which she admitted that on or about October 17, 2025, she was within the District of Wyoming when she knowingly and intentionally possessed 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine. She knew the substance was methamphetamine, and she intended to unlawfully distribute it to others. DCI, DEA and HSI investigated the crime and Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney Darin Smith said, "This operation proves that we will not let illegal drugs tear apart our communities. By working closely with local and state police, we are taking dealers off the streets and protecting Wyoming families. Our combined forces will continue to track down and punish anyone who brings these dangers into our neighborhoods."
Jamaican Citizen Charged with Sexual Abuse of 19-Year-Old Woman in Yosemite National ParkRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury has indicted Danavon Caine, 36, a citizen of Jamaica who was working in Yosemite National Park on a seasonal visa, charging him with two counts of sexual abuse against a 19-year-old co-worker, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, at the time of the assault, Caine was employed as a chef in Yosemite National Park and working on a seasonal H-2B Visa. During this time, Caine allegedly sexually abused his 19-year-old female co-worker in the late evening hours of Friday, July 17, 2026. The woman reported the assault to both a neighbor and a friend that night, and then to law enforcement the next day. Caine was arrested on July 31, 2026, and has been ordered detained pending trial.
This case was the product of an investigation by the National Park Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Calvin Lee and Eric Catto are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Caine faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Jacksonville Woman Charged with Fraudulently Seeking over $130 Million in Tax RefundsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Candia V. Williams, a/k/a “Wisdom Shield El,” has been charged by indictment with one count of conspiring to submit false claims and three counts of submitting false claims to the United States government. If convicted on all counts, Williams faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Williams caused at least four fraudulent tax returns to be submitted to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) seeking, in total, over $130 million in tax refunds. To substantiate the false claims for refunds, various false documents were submitted, including fictious IRS Form 1099-As and W-4s. In one instance, a refund check was issued but the IRS levied bank accounts to recover the proceeds of the fraud.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.
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.
IndictmentIowa Man Sentenced for Distribution of Methamphetamine Resulting in Death of Omaha WomanRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Tyler Foreman, 32, formerly of Honey Creek, Iowa, was sentenced on August 10, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for Distribution of Methamphetamine Resulting in Death. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Foreman to 240 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Foreman’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
On September 10, 2024, at the Court Apartments in Omaha, Nebraska, the defendant provided a combination of methamphetamine and Alka-Seltzer known as a “meth bomb” to the Victim. The Victim ingested the drug causing an overdose. First responders took the Victim to the hospital and attempted life-saving measures. The Victim died of acute methamphetamine intoxication at the hospital. As part of the investigation, Omaha Police Officers contacted the defendant and located in his backpack 12 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and six Alka-Seltzer packages.
“Anyone who gives a dangerous controlled substance to another human being is taking a chance that person will lose his or her life due to a drug overdose,” said United States Attorney Lesley Woods. “If you take that chance in Nebraska, you can expect the same result that the defendant got in this case because the mandatory minimum penalty applies in every case.”
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Illegal aliens face immediate deportation for immigration violationsRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, Georgia: Multiple defendants illegally inside the United States were sentenced in federal court and transferred to immigration authorities for immediate deportation.
The sentences were imposed in U.S. District Court and announced by Margaret E. ‘Meg’ Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
- Martin De La Torre Coronado, 35, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to time served followed by immediate deportation after pleading guilty to Illegal Re-entry after Removal or Deportation. Coronado was identified as an illegal alien in May 2026 during a traffic stop by Savannah Police in Chatham County and transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- Oscar Barrios-Garcia, 38, a citizen of Guatemala, was sentenced to time served followed by immediate deportation after pleading guilty to Illegal Re-entry after Removal or Deportation. Barrios-Garcia was identified as an illegal alien in February 2026 during an encounter with the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office in Chatham County and transferred to ICE custody.
- Juan Miguel Osorio Rojas, 40, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to time served followed by immediate deportation after pleading guilty to Illegal Re-entry after Removal or Deportation. Rojas was identified as an illegal alien in June 2026 in Glynn County and transferred to ICE custody.
Illegal Re-entry after Removal or Deportation is a charge applied to an illegal alien present in the United States after at least one prior removal.
“These defendants had been previously removed from the United States yet chose to disregard federal law by unlawfully returning to the U.S.,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “Working closely with our law enforcement partners, we will hold criminal defendants accountable in an effort to protect our communities and ensure public safety.”
These cases were investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, Savannah Police Department and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Makeia R. Jonese, Ryan Bondura, Matthew A. Breedon, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Olsen.
Husband and Wife Sentenced to Life in Prison for Charges Related to 2020 Murder of Wife’s Ex-HusbandRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., and Superintendent of the New York State Police, Steven G. James, announced that on August 11 and August 13, 2026, JAMIE AND NICHOLAS ORSINI, respectively, were each sentenced to life in prison by U.S. District Judge Philip M. Halpern for one count of carjacking resulting in death and one count of participating in a conspiracy to commit carjacking in connection with the murder of JAMIE ORSINI’s ex-husband, Steven Kraft. The ORSINIs were convicted following a two-week trial in 2024 before Judge Halpern.
“Justice has now been served in this tragic case,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “In 2020, Jamie and Nicholas Orisini orchestrated a sophisticated scheme to kill Jamie Orsini’s ex-husband, Steven Kraft, and cover up their crime. Their actions took a life, devastated a family, and left behind years of unanswered questions. Kraft’s body has never been found, and for years, his family has been forced to live with the unimaginable pain and uncertainty of not knowing what happened to their loved one. While no sentence can undo the loss of a life or erase the suffering endured by Kraft’s family, these sentences bring the Kraft family a measure of finality and hold Jamie and Nicholas Orsini accountable for their horrific crimes. Our prosecutors and law enforcement partners will not stop seeking justice for victims, their families, and our communities.”
“The actions taken by Jamie and Nicholas Orsini that resulted in the death of Steven Kraft are a tragic and senseless crime,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “Our hearts remain with the victims and their families as they confront this profound loss. The FBI is steadfast in its commitment to pursuing violent crime investigations and will continue working closely with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. This investigation was the result of the dedicated work of the FBI Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, whose local and state law enforcement partners play an essential role in bringing violent offenders to justice and ensuring the safety of our communities.
“This week’s sentencings send a strong message that prison is the only future for those who take the lives of others,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “We hope these sentencings bring a sense of closure that the defendants will never commit a heinous crime like this again. I commend the dedication of our members, partners at the US Attorney’s Office, and law enforcement colleagues for the justice served in this case.”
According to the Indictment, public court filings, and evidence presented at trial:
In 2020, JAMIE and NICHOLAS ORSINI plotted and executed the murder of JAMIE ORSINI’s ex-husband and the father to two of her children, Steven Kraft, as well as a sophisticated cover-up of their crime. The murder and cover-up involved, among other things, the use of burner phones, the movement of Kraft’s car to a different city, and the destruction and disposal of all physical evidence. Before the murder, the ORSINIs purchased items—such as a 1,000-square-foot tarp and a full-body coverall—to allow them to commit the murder and dispose of evidence, repeatedly practiced “dry runs” for how they would move Kraft’s car, and purchased a “burner phone” to use without law enforcement being able to trace the phone to them. On April 28, 2020, Kraft dropped his children off at the ORSINIs’ home in Beacon, New York. The ORSINIs killed Kraft in their home, taking his car and one of his cellphones. In order to make it look as if Kraft left their home in Beacon alive and was killed elsewhere, NICHOLAS ORSINI drove Kraft’s car into Newburgh, New York, leaving it in a high-crime neighborhood, got rid of Kraft’s cellphone, and used the burner phone to call a taxi to bring him back to Beacon, throwing the burner phone out before getting into the taxi, while JAMIE ORSINI sent text messages to and from NICHOLAS ORSINI’s phone—which he had left at home—to pretend that NICHOLAS ORSINI never left the house that night.
After the murder, the ORSINIs destroyed evidence of their crimes—including Kraft’s body—buying a new burner phone to use while repeatedly driving to and from upstate New York, as well as creating large homemade incinerators. JAMIE ORSINI sent multiple text messages to make it look like she believed that Kraft was still alive, and, having dumped Kraft’s car in Newburgh, when speaking with the police, professed ignorance, while hinting that perhaps something might have happened to Kraft had he gone to Newburgh after leaving her home.
If you believe you have information related to the location of Steven Kraft’s body, please consider reporting using the following link: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/report-crime.
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JAMIE ORSINI, 38, and NICHOLAS ORSINI, 36, both of Amsterdam, New York, were sentenced to life in prison to be followed by five year of supervised release on count one (carjacking resulting in death, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2119(3)) to run concurrently with five years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on count two (conspiracy to commit carjacking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371).
Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding work of the FBI and the New York State Police, which also supported the prosecution through trial. He also thanked the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office, the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office, the City of Beacon Police Department, the Town of Marlborough Police Department, and the City of Newburgh Police Department.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaiya Arroyo, Michael D. Maimin, and Kathryn P. Wheelock are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Shannon Becker.
Green County Cheese Manufacturer Sentenced to Probation and $237,500 Fine for Criminally Violating Clean Water ActRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Wisconsin Cheese Group, LLC, a company headquartered in Monroe, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. Magistrate Judge Anita M. Boor to one-year of probation for violating the Clean Water Act. The company was also ordered to pay a $237,500 fine, to make improvements to its facility, and to engage with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on future permitting issues. The company pleaded guilty to this charge on June 4, 2026.
It is a crime under the Clean Water Act for an industrial user of a publicly owned treatment works to negligently discharge pollutants in a manner that causes a municipality to violate a federally enforceable wastewater permit. Between June 6, 2022, and November 5, 2022, Wisconsin Cheese Group disrupted the Village of Monticello’s treatment works on 19 days due to releases of untreated wastewater from its cheese manufacturing plant into the municipal sewer. The company exceeded the biological oxygen demand (BOD) limit in its own permit by high margins, including multiple discharges that exceeded the limit by more than 1500%. At the time of the discharges, the company did not have specific controls to ensure compliance with its permit and did not adequately train employees on wastewater management.
“The defendant’s criminally negligent discharges of untreated industrial wastewater into the publicly owned sewer system disrupted the system on multiple occasions,” said Allison Landsman, Special Agent in Charge of the Environmental Protection Administration’s (EPA) criminal enforcement program in Wisconsin. “Violations of the Clean Water Act can endanger human health, wildlife, and the environment by causing untreated industrial waste and sewage to flow into our rivers and streams. The guilty plea in this case reflects the seriousness of these actions and EPA’s commitment to protecting our natural resources and the communities that rely upon them.”
Explaining why she found the offense so serious, Judge Boor observed that the violations were “entirely avoidable” with better planning as the company ramped up production at its Monticello plant. Instead, the company “overwhelmed” the local wastewater treatment plant and became a “neighborhood polluter.” The judge also faulted the company for a “lackluster” response to its early violations, which allowed the criminal conduct to continue for months. She did commend the company for cooperating with the government’s investigation and committing to facility improvements, which will be enforced as conditions of probation.
The charge against Wisconsin Cheese Group was the result of an investigation conducted by the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Stelljes prosecuted this case.
Fremont Man Sentenced to 29 Years for Production/Attempted Production of Child Pornography and Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Brian L. Garges, 63, of Fremont, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 13, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for production or attempted production of child pornography and receipt of child pornography. United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Garges to 348 months’ imprisonment on the production count and 240 months’ imprisonment on the receipt count. The sentences will be served concurrently. There is no parole in the federal system. After Garges’s release from prison, he will begin a ten-year term of supervised release. Judge Rossiter ordered Garges to pay a total of $8,000 in special assessments that support the Defined Monetary Assistance Victims Reserve to provide compensation for victims of child sexual abuse material.
In June 2025, while checking Minor Victim 1’s (MV1) cell phone device to monitor MV1’s blood sugar, counselors at a summer camp found concerning communications between MV1 and an adult male. The camp director reported these communications to the FBI. After obtaining consent to search the MV1’s cell phone, an FBI investigator observed MV1 communicating with Garges. At the time, MV1 was 15 years old. In their conversations, Garges directs MV1 to send him sexually explicit photos of herself, which she does. When federal agents executed a search warrant at Garges’s residence in July 2025, Garges admitted to engaging in sexually explicit conversations with MV1 via WhatsApp and Signal. The investigation revealed Garges began sexually abusing MV1 when she was 10 years old. The abuse continued and escalated until the communications on MV1’s phone were discovered in June 2025.
“It is unthinkable that someone the defendant’s age would prey on a minor in this manner. This sentence fits the crime, and now it is certain that no other children will endure sexual abuse by this predator,” said United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods. “Finding and stopping the sexual offenders that target Nebraska’s children is and will be a top priority of the United States Attorney’s Office and no resource or effort will be spared in holding them appropriately accountable in federal court.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.