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Friday 27 March 2026
Los Angeles Man Sentenced to over 4 Years in Prison for Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Tracy Arnett, 40, of Los Angeles, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins to four years and three months in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, from May 2023 through March 2024, Arnett, Daniel Hooker, and two additional co-conspirators conducted more than 20 financial transactions that they believed involved laundering the proceeds of cocaine trafficking. Their belief as to the nature of the funds was based on representations of an individual working at the direction of law enforcement. On one occasion in October 2023, Arnett met the individual in a hotel parking lot in Rancho Cordova to obtain $100,000 in cash to launder. In total, Arnett and his co-conspirators received approximately $940,000 in purported drug trafficking proceeds. Of that amount, the conspirators laundered approximately $811,000.
Hooker, 37, of Studio City, California, pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy and was sentenced on April 18, 2025, to 27 months in prison. Arnett pleaded guilty on Dec. 13, 2024.
IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Thuesen prosecuted the case.
Local Physician Sentenced to 1 Year Imprisonment, a $60,000 fine, and Restitution of $349,272.79 for Adulterating and Misbranding Medical Devices with the Intent to DefraudRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington — On March 25, United States District Court Judge Rebecca L. Pennell sentenced Dr. Eric Edward Haeger, age 57, of Brewster, Washington, to one year and a day in federal prison followed by a one-year term of supervised release after Haeger pleaded guilty to adulterating and misbranding medical devices with the intent to defraud or mislead. Judge Pennell also sentenced Haeger to pay a $60,000 fine and $349,272.79 in restitution. The Plea Agreement can be found here.
In June 2021, Philips Respironics initiated a recall for certain CPAP and BiPAP devices due to potential health risks associated with the foam used in the devices for sound abatement. The recall was classified as a Class I recall because there was a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, the devices would cause serious adverse health consequences or death. The potential health risks identified at the time included inflammatory response, asthma, nausea or vomiting, and toxic or cancer-causing effects.
Based on court documents, between July 2021 and July 2023, Haeger purchased over 500 used and recalled CPAP and BiPAP devices through online resellers, which were shipped to the Eastern District of Washington. Haeger, and others at his direction, including his own children, would then open the devices, attempt to remove the foam using screw drivers, hooks, and other tools, and then put the devices back together. This conduct occurred in locations that were not designed or operated as clean rooms for the purpose of manufacturing medical devices.
Haeger and staff at his sleep clinic, Central Washington Medical Associates, under his control and supervision would then provide the used, recalled, and adulterated devices to Washington State Medicaid patients. Staff at the sleep clinic under Haeger’s direction and control would then bill the used, recalled devices to Medicaid with the false and fraudulent representation that they were new devices that were in good working order.
At sentencing, the Court concluded that Defendant had adulterated and provided to patients 440 devices that were then billed to Medicaid for over $600,000, of which $439,272.79 was paid to Defendant. The United States contended that the number of devices and loss was even more extensive. The United States argued that each of these devices presented potential harm to the patients in the way they were adulterated, both because the adulteration exasperated the risk of inhaling harmful particulates and because the devices were altered from the carefully engineered and FDA approved design, which could cause additional problems with the devices such as overheating.In sentencing Haeger to just over 12 months imprisonment, Judge Pennell acknowledged Haeger’s conduct was ongoing and extensive and that he continued to blame others for his own decisions. Judge Pennell recognized Haeger’s conduct created potential harm for his patients by creating a significant concern of contamination. Judge Pennell also stressed how Haeger’s conduct served to undermine confidence in medical professionals and medical institutions, which can cause further anxiety and stress for those seeking medical treatment when they are not sure they can trust their own doctors.
“Dr. Haeger violated the trust of his patients who were misled into believing Dr. Haeger was providing them with safe and reliable medical equipment,” stated First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano. “Instead, Dr. Haeger devised an extensive scheme to defraud his patients and Medicaid, prioritizing profit over patient health and safety. Conduct that puts profits over patients is egregious, and my office will continue to prosecute such cases.”
“The FDA is committed to protecting patients from adulterated and misbranded medical devices that may compromise health and safety,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Iwanicki, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Los Angeles Field Office. “This case demonstrates the serious consequences of altering recalled medical devices and misrepresenting them to patients and healthcare programs.”
“Putting recalled and unsafe medical devices into the hands of vulnerable patients is an egregious violation of the trust our healthcare system relies on,” said Robb Breeden, Special Agent in Charge of the Pacific Area Regional Office for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Patients deserve to know that the equipment they depend on is safe and effective—not secretly refurbished, adulterated, or contaminated. Our investigation underscores a simple truth: when providers put profits ahead of patient safety, we will hold them accountable.”
“The adulterations by Dr Haeger show a dangerous disregard for the safety of his patients,” Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said. “This is a win for patient safety, for protecting public dollars from fraud, and for ensuring citizens of Washington get necessary healthcare. This case exemplifies the great work our team is doing in collaboration with our federal partners to fight fraud and protect Washingtonians.”
“As a physician, Dr. Haeger knew he had a responsibility to act in the best interest of patients who trusted him with their health,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Instead, he risked the safety of hundreds of Medicaid patients by issuing them recalled medical devices he had tampered with, then fraudulently billing Medicaid representing the machines as new. Even worse, these Medicaid patients had limited treatment options, and he took advantage of their vulnerability for his own gain. Together with our state and federal partners, the FBI will hold accountable fraudsters who choose greed over their patients’ health.”
The case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, the Washington State Medicaid Fraud Control Division, the Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy J. Kelley.
Las Cruces Man Charged with Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man is facing federal charges after allegedly selling cocaine and a machinegun conversion device to undercover agents.
According to court documents, on August 19, 2025, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of a machinegun conversion device from Victor Andrew Pardo Jr., 26, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, for $300. The device was later analyzed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and determined to meet the legal definition of a machinegun. A records check confirmed that Pardo did not have any firearms registered to him under the National Firearms Act.
On January 27, 2026, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of approximately 249.6 grams of cocaine from Pardo in El Paso, Texas. Surveillance agents observed Pardo travel from his residence in Las Cruces to the meeting location, where he sold the cocaine to an undercover agent in exchange for $5,000. Laboratory testing later confirmed the substance was cocaine.
On February 19, 2026, investigators conducted a second controlled purchase of approximately 251.6 grams of cocaine from Pardo at his residence in Las Cruces. During the transaction, Pardo weighed the substance in front of the informant before exchanging it for $5,000. Laboratory analysis again confirmed the substance was cocaine.
Pardo is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, and unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charge, Pardo faces up to 20 years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, Omar Arellano, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Sarah Mauricio, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement today.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Department of Army’s Criminal Investigations Division, the New Mexico State Police, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Aragon Martinez is prosecuting the case.
View the Criminal Complaint (Pardo).pdfA criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Jamestown man going to prison on meth chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Aaron Miller, 32, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that Miller bought and sold methamphetamine and cocaine for profit and for his own use. He received large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine from co-defendant Jun Martinez, a Jamestown drug dealer, and from others. Miller then distributed the drugs to other individuals in the Jamestown area, for profit.
Co-defendants Jun Martinez, La Huynh, and Antasia Babcock were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing.
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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Scott Forster.
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Individual Arrested for Child Exploitation and Weapons ChargesRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On March 25, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Rafael Ángel Méndez-Nieves, a 51-year-old man from Bayamón, Puerto Rico, for child exploitation and weapons charges, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. On March 26, 2026, Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested Méndez-Nieves.
According to court documents, from on or around May 2025 to on or around March 2026, Rafael Ángel Méndez-Nieves knowingly received and distributed child exploitation material using his cellular phone. Méndez-Nieves was in possession of and transported child images of child exploitation material, including child exploitation material depicting a prepubescent minor or a minor who had not attained 12 years of age, using his cellular device. In addition to the child exploitation charges, the defendant was charged with illegally possessing a Taurus Caliber .380 Model PT738 firearm, and 13 rounds of ammunition, after he had been convicted of a crime punishable for a term of imprisonment exceeding one year.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to continuing our joint efforts with our state, local and federal partners to identify these offenders and ensure that they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “I thank the dedicated HSI agents and prosecutors who investigated and charged this case for their tireless efforts to protect the most vulnerable in our community.”
“This arrest demonstrates the dedication and expertise of HSI agents and forensic analysts, whose meticulous investigative work was vital in identifying and gathering crucial evidence. Their advanced skills in digital forensics enabled us to uncover and document nearly 2,000 files of child sexual abuse material, including disturbing images and videos of minors, some as young as infants. The gravity of this case highlights the significance of our mission and our unwavering commitment to securing the evidence necessary to bring offenders to justice. We remain steadfast in our efforts to protect children and ensure those responsible are held fully accountable,” said HSI San Juan Acting Special Agent in Charge Yariel Ramos.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emelina Agrait Barreto of the Crimes Against Children, Human Trafficking and Immigration Unit, is prosecuting the case. The Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force led by HSI is in charge of the investigation.If convicted for the charges the defendant faces the following penalties: (1) distribution/receipt of child exploitation material - a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; (2) transportation of child exploitation material - a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; (3) possession of child exploitation material - a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and (4) possession of a firearm by a prohibited person – a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years. All charges of conviction for the child exploitation offenses are to be followed by a term of supervised release after imprisonment of no less than 5 years up to life. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
For more information about HSI’s efforts to protect children from sexual predators, visit Know2Protect.gov. To report suspicious activities, call 787-729-6969.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Indictment Returned Against D.C. Man Who Assaulted Police OfficersRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ian Zephyrin, 46, of Washington, D.C., was indicted this week on charges related to an attack on multiple Metropolitan Police Officers which occurred on June 24, 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Zephyrin was indicted on nine counts, including one count assault with intent to kill while armed, one count of aggravated assault while armed, and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. A felony status conference is set for May 13, 2026.
“Law enforcement officers put themselves on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “We stand firmly behind the blue and will not hesitate to act when those sworn to protect our communities are targeted.”
According to the government’s evidence, on June 24, 2025, Zephyrin entered a CVS store located at 2009 8th Street NW and began to fill a reusable bag with merchandise. Zephyrin took the bag, walked past all points of sale with the unpaid merchandise and left the store heading towards V Street NW. Before leaving, the defendant attempted to take the CVS manager’s cellphone from her hand. When the defendant left, the CVS manager contacted the Metropolitan Police Department to report the theft of the merchandise.
After leaving the CVS, the defendant headed to the 600 block of Florida Avenue NW, when an MPD officers spotted the defendant and attempted to make contact with him. However, the defendant fled from officers, leading them on a brief foot chase. As officers attempted to detain the defendant, Zephyrin he pulled out a knife from his person and stabbed at one of the officers, striking him in the elbow and the forehead. The Officer suffered a large laceration to his forehead, requiring over 50 stitches. The defendant then brandished the knife at another officer who arrived later on scene before throwing the knife at a third officer. The defendant remains in custody pending trial.
Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Scholz.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
2025 CF1 007135
Indiana Man Charged for Coercing Minor to Engage in Self-Harm and Possession of Images of Child Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Indiana man was charged with stalking a minor child in the District of New Jersey over the internet and enticing her to harm herself, and possessing images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
Billy Joe Holman, a/k/a “William Holman,” 26, of West Lebanon, Indiana, was charged in a two-count complaint with cyber stalking and possession of child pornography. He had an initial appearance yesterday, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott J. Frankel in federal court in the Northern District of Indiana and was ordered detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Holman met the minor female victim (“Victim 1”) in or around October 2025 on a social media platform. Holman systematically targeted Victim 1—whom he knew to be 12 years old—by grooming, coercing, and otherwise compelling her to carry out his orders. Holman used coercive control, a pattern of behavior used to dominate another person through manipulation, including the weaponization of affection followed by verbal abuse or threats, to direct Victim 1’s actions. Over the course of approximately a month, Holman coerced Victim 1 to harm herself by, among other things, carving Holman’s initials into her skin and punching herself in the stomach on video and sending that video to Holman. Holman also demanded Victim 1 to take photographs of herself that constituted images of child sexual abuse materials and sending them to Holman.
The charge of stalking carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and possession of child pornography carries a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Holman is also facing a fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited the Newark and Indianapolis Joint Terrorism Task Forces of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark, New Jersey, and Special Agent in Charge Timothy O’Malley in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James M. Gannon, and the Dover Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jonathan Delaney, with the investigation leading to the charge. He also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana, under the direction of United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.
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 Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sammi Malek of the National Security Unit in Newark, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and James Donnelly of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Indian National Guilty of Transportation and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On March 18, 2026, ASHISH KAPOOR, a/k/a “Romy Kapoor,” (“KAPOOR”) age 28, a national of India, pled guilty on March 18, 2026 to Transportation of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(1), (a)(4)(B), (b)(1), and (b)(2), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the factual basis, KAPOOR traveled from Bombay, India to New Orleans, Louisiana on or about February 21, 2024, with a cellular phone containing digital videos and computer images containing visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. In addition, on April 11, 2024, KAPOOR downloaded a video depicting the sexual abuse of a child from an Internet Protocol address at his residence in New Orleans. On December 20, 2024, Special Agents with the United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations and officers with the New Orleans Police Department arrested KAPOOR. In a recorded statement, KAPOOR confessed that he had seen and received child pornography using WhatsApp on his cellular phone.
In his factual basis, KAPOOR admitted that he possessed more than 600 images depicting the sexual abuse of minors and further admitted that these items contained sadistic or masochistic conduct and sexual abuse infants and toddlers.
As to Count One, KAPOOR faces a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison, and as to Count Two, KAPOOR faces a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of 20 years. As to each count, KAPOOR also faces a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release for up to life, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. KAPOOR will also be required to register pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry presided over and set KAPOOR’s sentencing for June 17, 2026.
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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Customs and Border Protection, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni of the Public Integrity Unit.
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Illegal Alien Federally Charged with Identity Theft, Voter Fraud, and Passport Fraud After Allegedly Using American Citizen's Identity to VoteRead the Press Release
An illegal alien from Mexico was federally charged with identity theft, voter fraud, and passport fraud for allegedly assuming the identity of an American citizen, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.
Eliseo Morales-Tapia, 58, a citizen of Mexico residing illegally in the United States, was charged by federal complaint on March 20, 2026. According to the complaint, Morales-Tapia obtained a Texas driver’s license, a Texas identification card, a social security card, and a United States passport, using the identity of another individual who resides in Chicago, Illinois. Morales-Tapia is alleged to have presented the victim’s birth certificate, social security number, and other documents to obtain these identification documents. Most recently, according to the complaint, in October 2025, Morales-Tapia checked “yes” to questions asking if he was a U.S. citizen and if he wanted to vote when he updated his address for the Texas driver’s license that he had obtained years earlier in the victim’s name. As the complaint alleges, in 2025, Morales-Tapia also renewed the passport he had obtained in the victim’s name in 2015. Additionally, according to the complaint, Morales-Tapia voted in an election in Tarrant County on November 5, 2024, utilizing the victim’s identity.Morales-Tapia appeared before a United States Magistrate Judge on March 25, 2026, for an initial appearance on the charges. He remains in federal custody pending further court proceedings. If convicted, Morales-Tapia faces a maximum sentence of twenty years’ imprisonment, with up to five years’ imprisonment on each of the identity theft and voter fraud counts and up to ten years’ imprisonment on the passport fraud count.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation Dallas Field Office investigated the case with assistance from the Diplomatic Security Service, the IRS, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Frisco Police Department, and the Richardson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Capoccia is handling the prosecution.
A complaint 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.
Illegal Alien Admits Possessing Firearms, CocaineRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – An illegal immigrant from Honduras on Friday admitted being caught with guns and cocaine after nearly hitting a family in a crosswalk in St. Ann, Missouri.
Esmin Guzman-Euceda, 21, of Woodson Terrace, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of possessing a firearm as an illegal alien. He admitted that on July 7, 2024, St. Ann Police officers spotted him speeding and driving through a pedestrian crossing zone, nearly striking a family pushing a stroller with an infant inside. After officers stopped Guzman-Euceda, they discovered that he did not have a valid drivers license and arrested him. They found $1,208 on Guzman-Euceda and two baggies of cocaine, a rifle and a pistol in the vehicle. The guns had been reported stolen, but Guzman-Euceda told officers that he did not know they were stolen when he bought them. He also admitted that he knew he could not lawfully possess firearms due to his immigration status.
The charge is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine. Guzman-Euceda is scheduled to be sentenced on July 2.
The St. Ann Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip Voss is prosecuting the case.
Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal Re-Entry of a Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OSCAR FRANCISCO AVILA-NORALES (“AVILA-NORALES”), age 47, was sentenced on March 24, 2026, after previously pleading guilty to Illegal Re-entry of a Removed Alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326 (a), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the charging document, AVILA-NORALES was found in Texas in 2012, having reentered the United States, without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States, after being previously deported on October 3, 2012.
United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced AVILA-NORALES to time served, one (1) year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. AVILA-NORALES was also ordered removed back to Honduras.
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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Special Assistant United States Attorney Frederick W. Veters Jr., of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.
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Hoboken, New Jersey Man Charged with Possession and Making of Molotov CocktailsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Hoboken, New Jersey man was charged with unlawful possession and making of destructive devices, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
Alexander Heifler, 26, was charged by a two-count complaint with one count of unlawful possession of destructive devices and one count of making destructive devices. Heifler’s initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Stacey D. Adams is scheduled in Newark federal court at 2:00 pm.
As alleged in a criminal complaint, a Hudson County man has been charged in connection with a plot to construct and use improvised incendiary devices targeting another individual’s residence. This is an ongoing investigation. There is no current threat to the community. We thank our law enforcement partners for their work in identifying and removing this potential threat to the citizens of New Jersey.
The charges of unlawful possession of destructive devices and making of destructive devices each carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited the New York and Newark Field Offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle in New York, New York and Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark, New Jersey, the New York Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, and the Hoboken Police Department, under the direction of Chief Steven Aguiar with the investigation leading to the charge. He also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, under the direction of United States Attorney Jay Clayton.
The government is represented by Timothy M. Lanni, Acting Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, with assistance from the Office’s National Security Unit.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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heifler.complaint.pdfGainesville Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of a Homemade SilencerRead the Press Release
Gainesville, Florida – Dean Allen Harper, 55, of Gainesville, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of an unmarked and unregistered silencer, which qualifies as a firearm under federal law. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I deeply appreciate the excellent investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners to remove dangerous, armed criminals from our streets. My office will continue to back up their hard work on the front lines with aggressive prosecutions under the Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America initiative to keep our communities safe from violent criminals.”
Court documents reflect that on November 21, 2025, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle Harper was driving. The vehicle that contained numerous firearms, ammunition, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. In total, Harper was in possession of two rifles, two pistols, multiple magazines, and numerous rounds of ammunition, including armor-piercing ammunition. One of the pistols also had an automotive oil filter converted into a homemade suppressor/silencer attached to its barrel:
The threaded barrel had an aftermarket attachment which allowed the oil filter to be attached. The homemade silencer did not have a serial number and was not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
At sentencing, the defendant faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $10,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for June 16, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.
The case involved an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Four Illegal Aliens Face Federal Charges After Drug BustsRead the Press Release
Atlanta – Pablo Soria-Porras, Sergio Solano-Sanchez, Eduardo Benitez-Jacinto, and Jesus Diaz Iniguez, who are all illegal aliens from Mexico, face federal charges after law enforcement seized approximately 44 pounds of methamphetamine and two firearms in drug trafficking operations in and around Douglasville and South Fayetteville, Georgia this week.
“The swift prosecutions of these illegal aliens send the strong message that we will work together with law enforcement partners to take deadly drugs off the street and prosecute drug traffickers who are illegally present in our country to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg.
“These arrests are the result of coordinated and collaborative law enforcement efforts aimed at disrupting the flow of methamphetamine and illegal firearms,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “We remain committed to protecting our communities and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On February 25, 2026, Porras and Jacinto allegedly sold over two pounds of methamphetamine to an undercover DEA agent in a Lithia Springs, Georgia parking lot. Agents then identified a residence in Douglasville, Georgia where Porras, Jacinto, and Sanchez allegedly received methamphetamine from Mexico and processed the narcotics for distribution in the Atlanta area. During a search of the residence on March 24, 2026, agents arrested Jacinto and Sanchez and seized approximately 33 pounds of methamphetamine and a large sum of U.S. currency.
One day before the seizure in Douglasville, agents observed Iniguez drive off after allegedly attempting to conduct a suspected drug transaction with an individual in South Fayetteville, Georgia. Shortly thereafter, a Georgia State Patrol trooper stopped Iniguez’s vehicle and found approximately 11 pounds of methamphetamine inside. After taking Iniguez into custody, DEA agents searched a residence in McDonough, Georgia and seized two firearms that Iniguez allegedly possessed there.
Sergio Solano-Sanchez, 26, of Mexico, and Eduardo Benitez-Jacinto, 25, of Mexico, appeared in federal court on March 25, 2026, on a criminal complaint charging them with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jesus Diaz Iniguez, 29, of Mexico, appeared in federal court yesterday on a criminal complaint charging him with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. The three men remain in federal custody pending further proceedings. Pablo Soria-Porras, 23, of Mexico, is currently a fugitive. If you have any information on the whereabouts of Porras, please contact your local law enforcement agency.
Members of the public are reminded that the criminal complaints only contain charges. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The cases are being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with valuable assistance provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia State Patrol.
Assistant United States Attorneys Johnny Baer and Daniel Grill are prosecuting the cases.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
These prosecutions are also part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The Atlanta Wilhelm HSTF comprises agents and officers from ATF, CGIS, DEA, FBI, ICE-HSI, IRS-CI, DOL-OIG, DSS, USMS, USPIS, and USSS, as well as numerous state and local agencies, with the prosecution being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.gov.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Fort Worth Man Sentenced to 60 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child Sex Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
A Fort Worth man who produced sexually explicit videos of two children was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison yesterday, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.
Keith Plaskonos, 68, pled guilty on December 10, 2025, to an indictment charging him with two counts of using a child for the purpose of creating sexually explicit images. According to court documents, in November 2023, DPS officers were dispatched to the Dallas Fort Worth Airport regarding a report that an adult male was looking at animated child sex abuse material on his cell phone. The male was identified as Plaskonos. After agents seized his cell phone and completed a forensic extraction of the contents, they found that Plaskonos used cellular phones in 2021 and 2022 to create sexually explicit videos of a female child approximately one years old and a second female child who was approximately four years old. On March 26, 2026, United States District Judge Mark T. Pittman sentenced Plaskonos to 360 months per count to run consecutively, for a total of 720 months.The Federal Bureau of Investigation Dallas Field Office (Fort Worth Resident Agency) and the DFW Airport Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aisha Saleem prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative, which was launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Former Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority Executive Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison for Fraud, Conflict of Interest, False Statements, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI –United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that former Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (“VIHFA”) Chief Operating Officer Darin Richardson was sentenced today to 36 months of imprisonment by United States District Judge Mark A. Kearney following his convictions for criminal conflict of interest, bank fraud, making false statements to a federal agent, making false statements on a loan and credit application, and money laundering.
According to evidence presented at trial, Richardson used his position as a senior executive at VIHFA to engage in a series of fraudulent and self-dealing transactions for his personal financial gain. While serving as Chief Operating Officer, Richardson participated in the award of a multi-million-dollar contract to a company whose owner later provided him with $107,000 under the guise of a business investment. Richardson failed to disclose this financial relationship in a timely or truthful manner and continued to take official actions affecting that company, including approving payments under the contract.
The evidence further established that Richardson used those funds—along with additional money obtained through a fraudulently secured construction loan—to purchase a property in the Fortuna area of St. Thomas through a United States Marshals Service auction. Rather than using the funds for their stated purpose, Richardson diverted the money to finance his personal real estate venture.
The evidence also showed that Richardson made materially false statements to federal investigators in order to conceal the true nature of his financial dealings. In addition, he defrauded a financial institution by submitting fraudulent documents in support of a construction loan application, including an estimate that he falsely represented as having been prepared by a licensed contractor. After obtaining the loan, Richardson further misrepresented how the funds would be used.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General (HUD-OIG), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cherrisse R. Amaro and former Assistant United States Attorney Dan Huston.
Former Utah School Bus Driver Admits to Setting a School Bus on FireRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A former Utah school bus driver admitted to setting a bus on fire with a cigarette lighter while driving it. The bus was owned by a local school district receiving federal funds.
Michael Austin Ford, 60, of West Valley City, was indicted on February 21, 2024.
According to court documents and admissions made at Ford’s change of plea hearing, he intentionally set a Granite School District school bus on fire with a cigarette lighter on April 7, 2023. Ford was captured on video igniting the bus and continued to drive the bus with smoke billowing past his face. In other court documents, prosecutors described evidence of Ford as having attempted to tamper with the bus’s video surveillance system in the days preceding the April 2023 arson.
On a separate occasion in February 2022, Ford was also accused of setting a Granite School District school bus on fire that had 42 children inside and did so while driving in traffic. See prior press release: Former School Bus Driver Accused of Igniting a Bus Full of Children is Indicted and Detained.
“It is our hope Ford is sentenced to the term of imprisonment that will protect our community from his careless disregard for safety and the law,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah.
“Children are among our most vulnerable population. When someone intentionally threatens their safety through violent crimes involving fire, it is especially disturbing and such cases will always remain a top priority for our agency,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Chris Ashbridge. “Our agents worked tirelessly on this investigation, utilizing all available resources to ensure those who commit such callous acts are held fully accountable and our community is protected from further violence.”
Ford is scheduled to be sentenced June 1, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in courtroom 8.3 before a U.S. District Court Judge at the United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case.
Assistant United States Michael J. Thorpe of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
Former State Senator Convicted of Scheming to Obtain Public Election FundsRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found former Connecticut State Senator DENNIS A. BRADLEY, JR., 43, of Bridgeport, guilty of defrauding Connecticut’s program for publicly funding political campaigns during his 2018 run for State Senate.
According to the evidence presented during the trial, in his 2018 campaign for State Senate representing the 23rd District, Bradley and others conspired to defraud the Connecticut State Election Enforcement Commission (“SEEC”), the Citizens’ Election Fund, and the State of Connecticut by making material misrepresentations concerning Bradley’s compliance with state election law and the requirements and restrictions of the Citizens’ Election Program (“CEP”), a voluntary public election-financing program under which candidates can apply to SEEC for grants to fund their primary and general election campaigns. Bradley and his co-conspirators violated CEP rules, then engaged in a scheme to trick SEEC into awarding his campaign undeserved CEP grants by making misrepresentations and omissions to disguise the nature of a March 15, 2018, campaign launch event at Dolphin’s Cove restaurant in Bridgeport.
Although CEP rules imposed a $2,000 limit on Bradley’s expenditure of personal funds, Bradley used more than $7,000 in personal funds to pay for the Dolphin’s Cove campaign event, including an open bar, food, printed invitations, a band, a DJ, and a videographer. In an attempt to hide the Dolphin’s Cove campaign event from SEEC, Bradley and his co-conspirators claimed it was a “Thank You Party” for Bradley’s law firm. At least eight donors gave to Bradley’s campaign at the Dolphin’s Cove event, but Bradley and his co-conspirators altered and falsified the contribution cards so that none were dated March 15, 2018.
CEP rules required complete and truthful disclosures of Bradley’s campaign contributions and expenditures. In April, May, and June 2018, Bradley’s campaign filed disclosure statements with SEEC that fraudulently omitted that Bradley had held the Dolphin’s Cove campaign event, omitted that Bradley had incurred or paid more than $7,000 in expenses for that event, omitted that Bradley’s campaign had accepted contributions at the event, and misrepresented the dates of those contributions.
On May 24, 2018, Bradley applied for a CEP grant to fund his Democratic primary campaign. On July 10, 2018, relying on the false and misleading information contained in Bradley’s filings, SEEC issued the campaign $84,140 in public funds. On August 14, 2018, Bradley won the Democratic primary with approximately 55 percent of the vote.
After issuing a CEP primary grant to Bradley, SEEC began investigating a citizen complaint regarding Bradley’s campaign, including the Dolphin’s Cove campaign event. On August 21, 2018, Bradley emailed a letter to SEEC in which he denied all the allegations in the citizen complaint as “frivolous and manipulative” and falsely stated, “This was in no shape or form a political event. … In fact, we did not collect any donations at this event and have no donations dated 03/15/2018.”
On October 12, 2018, after Bradley attempted to obtain an additional $95,710 CEP grant to fund his general election campaign, his campaign treasurer, Jessica Martinez, repeated similar false statements under oath to SEEC. Bradley then once again repeated those lies at a SEEC meeting considering whether to award his campaign the general election grant. SEEC eventually denied Bradley that grant. On November 6, 2018, Bradley won the general election.
The jury found Bradley guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and five counts of wire fraud. Each offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Bradley is released on a $300,000 bond pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled.
Martinez pleaded guilty to a related charge and has been sentenced. A cooperating campaign volunteer also pleaded guilty to a charge stemming from her role in the offense and awaits sentencing.
This case has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan N. Francis and David E. Novick.
Former Rosemead Resident Who Fled U.S. on Eve of Methamphetamine Trafficking Trial Extradited from SingaporeRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A former San Gabriel Valley resident who fled the United States on the eve of her May 2022 methamphetamine trafficking trial has been extradited from Singapore, the Justice Department announced today.
Demi Pham, 44, a.k.a. “Diem Thi Ly,” a dual U.S.-Vietnamese citizen formerly of Rosemead, arrived Thursday evening at Los Angeles International Airport on a flight from Singapore.
She is expected to make her initial appearance this afternoon in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana.
Pham is charged with one count of conspiracy to export controlled substances, two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of attempted exportation of methamphetamine. She pleaded not guilty to these charges in October 2021.
According to a four-count indictment, from November 2018 to May 2019, Pham and a co-conspirator enlisted couriers to transport methamphetamine and cocaine in luggage from the United States to Australia, concealing the drugs inside candles and toy boxes. In total, law enforcement seized more than 20 kilograms (44.1 pounds) of methamphetamine from couriers and found more than 10 kilograms (22.1 pounds) of methamphetamine at Pham’s then-residence in Rosemead.
In May 2022, Pham failed to appear for a hearing the day before her trial was to begin, and United States District Judge Stephen V. Wilson issued a bench warrant for her arrest. Pham was arrested in Singapore in November 2025 at the request of the United States. Singaporean authorities transferred her to the custody of the United States Marshals Service, who escorted her to the United States today.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted, Pham would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating this matter. The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks U.S. law enforcement partners at the U.S. Embassy in Singapore, including the HSI Attaché Office and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service for their assistance in this matter. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, working with the Singapore Police Force and Attorney-General’s Chambers, provided critical assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Pham to the United States.
Assistant United States Attorneys David Y. Pi of the Major Frauds Section and David C. Lachman of the National Security Division are prosecuting this case.
- Former Riverside School Paraeducator Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Multiple Minor Victims
Federal Law Enforcement Seizes Eleven Firearms, Ammunition, and Twenty Machine Gun Conversion Devices from Chicago Residence; Two Suspected Gang Members ArrestedRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — Federal law enforcement this week arrested two suspected gang members and seized eleven firearms, ammunition, and twenty machine gun conversion devices from their Chicago residence.
Criminal complaints filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago charge JULIAN TORRES, 19, and BRANDON OSORIO, 29, with possession of a machine gun. Torres and Osorio were arrested on Monday. Today, U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez granted the government’s motion for both defendants to remain detained pending trial.
Law enforcement on Monday of this week conducted a court-authorized search of Torres’s and Osorio’s residence in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood on Chicago’s Southwest Side. During the search, agents discovered a short-barrel rifle and ten handguns, one of which was equipped with an extended magazine, the charge alleges. Agents also discovered 20 machine gun conversion devices, which when affixed to a firearm allow it to operate like a machine gun, meaning the gun would be able to fire multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger. The search also turned up assorted ammunition and firearm accessories, the complaints state.
During the detention hearing in federal court today, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirsten Moran advised the Court that Torres and Osorio are members of the 31st and Morgan Satan’s Disciples, a Chicago street gang that allegedly engages in illegal firearms trafficking, drug trafficking, and other criminal offenses. The Court was also advised that the gang used Torres’s and Osorio’s residence as a hub for its illegal activities.
The complaints and arrests were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI Chicago Field Office, and Larry Snelling, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the Illinois Secretary of State Police and the Illinois Army National Guard Counterdrug Program. The officials noted that the investigation remains ongoing.
The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
osorio_complaint.pdf torres_complaint.pdfFederal Jury Convicts Illegal Alien for Multiple Counts of Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A federal jury in Del Rio convicted a Mexican national on four counts of trafficking cocaine into the U.S. from Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on March 16, 2025, Eli Alejandro Hernandez Ledezma, 25, of Piedras Negras, was referred to secondary inspection at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered approximately eight kgs of cocaine in an aftermarket compartment in Ledezma's vehicle. Testimony during the trial revealed Ledezma was in contact with an unindicted coconspirator who offered him “fast money” if he had a valid visa. Additionally, testimony and evidence in the trial noted Ledezma shared his GPS location with an unindicted coconspirator before he approached the Eagle Pass POE.
In a trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Ernest Gonzalez, a federal jury found Hernandez Ledezma guilty of one count of conspiracy to posses with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of conspiracy to import cocaine, and one count of importation of cocaine. Each count carries a penalty of 10 years to life in federal prison and up to a $10 million fine. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
ICE Homeland Security Investigations and CBP investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Warsame Galaydh, Nallely Duarte and William Golden are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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FCI Allenwood Inmate Indicted for Possessing Contraband in PrisonRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Josue Franco, age 30, an inmate at FCI Allenwood, was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 26, 2026, on a charge of possessing contraband in prison.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that on September 10, 2025, Franco possessed methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Robin Zenzinger is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the offense is 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Extradited Kenyan National Sentenced for Role in Business Email Compromise SchemeRead the Press Release
JOHN MURIUKU WAMUIGAH, 36, a citizen of Kenya, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to approximately 23 months of imprisonment, time already served, for his participation in a business email compromise scheme that operated out of multiple countries, including the United States.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Wamuigah participated in a business email compromise scheme masterminded by his co-conspirator, Okechuckwu Valentine Osuji, a Nigerian national. Osuji and his co-conspirators targeted specific individuals and businesses by masquerading as trustworthy entities in electronic communications to obtain money. They used unwitting and witting “money mules,” including victims of romance scams, to receive fraud proceeds in their bank accounts and then either transferred those funds from the money mule accounts to accounts under the co-conspirators’ control or converted the stolen proceeds to cash for further transfer. Over the years-long operation of the scheme, numerous victims were tricked into transferring funds into bank accounts the victims believed were under the control of legitimate recipients as part of normal business operations. In reality, the bank accounts were controlled by Osuji and his co-conspirators. The victims included a Connecticut-based financial company, a Colorado-based lending company, an Alaska-based nonprofit performing arts organization, a New York-based food and beverage company, and many others.
As a result of the scheme, losses and intended losses totaled more than $12 million.
Wamuigah’s role in the scheme involved his altering or forging invoices, contracts, and wire transfer instructions at Osuji’s direction. Osuji used the forged documents to trick victims into sending money to bank accounts he and others controlled.
Wamuigah was arrested in Malaysia in 2022 at the request of the United States and extradited to the United States in 2025. On October 17, 2025, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Wamuigah will be transferred to ICE custody and removed to Kenya.
On May 1, 2024, a jury in New Haven found Osuji guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. On December 4, 2024, he was sentenced to 96 months of imprisonment. On October 15, 2024, co-conspirator Tolulope Bodunde, a citizen of Nigeria was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the FBI New Haven Field Office and the Stamford Police Department. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, Royal Malaysia Police, and Malaysian Attorney General’s Chambers provided valuable assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Wamuigah from Malaysia.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel and the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.
Eau Claire Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years for Illegally Possessing Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Leo Lacey, 48, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was sentenced last week by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 64 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Lacey pleaded guilty to this charge on January 5, 2026. The prison term will be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release.
Lacey is prohibited from legally possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior felony convictions. On May 21, 2025, Lacey arranged for codefendant Garrett Waldinger to illegally straw purchase a Taurus 9mm handgun for Lacey. The next day, an individual reported that Lacey had threatened him with a handgun.
Based on the reported gun offense, on May 23, 2025, an Eau Claire police officer attempted a traffic stop on Lacey. Lacey initially pulled over but then fled. Lacey led police on a high-speed chase before ultimately crashing into another vehicle and fleeing from the vehicle on foot. Officers eventually located Haney and recovered the handgun Waldinger had purchased for him.
At the sentencing, Judge Peterson said that Lacey is dangerous, and that the primary goal of the sentence in this case was to protect the public.
Codefendant Garrett Waldinger pleaded guilty to straw purchasing the firearm and is scheduled for sentencing on April 1, 2026.
The charges against Lacey and Waldinger were the result of an investigation conducted by the Eau Claire Police Department and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force, which is comprised of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted this case.
Federal prosecutions by the U.S. Department of Justice involving drugs and guns are part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Dominican National Charged in Homeland Security Task Force Investigation Extradited to U.S.Read the Press Release
ANGEL DELAROSA, 40, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, has been extradited to the United States to face narcotics and firearms trafficking charges.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the FBI and the Homeland Security Task Force New Haven (HSTF New Haven) have been investigating a narcotics and firearms trafficking organization led by Delarosa while he resided in the Dominican Republic. Delarosa, a former resident of Waterbury, coordinated the distribution of narcotics and firearms in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey through multiple redistributors in those locations. During the investigation, investigators made more than 30 controlled purchases from redistributors totaling more than one kilogram of fentanyl, more than 200 grams of methamphetamine, and 17 firearms. Laboratory analysis of the purchased fentanyl revealed that some of it was mixed with bromazolam, which is a relatively new synthetic benzodiazepine that was unscheduled at the time it was sold, and which is increasingly found as a component in mixtures of drugs resulting in overdoses.
It is alleged that the Delarosa made statements to sources suggesting that he had the ability to direct violence against individuals in the U.S.
On July 8, 2025, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment under seal charging Delarosa with one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of methamphetamine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and one count of engaging in a firearms trafficking conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.
On December 9, 2025, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a 15-count indictment charging six of Delarosa’s alleged co-conspirators with related offenses.
On January 30, 2026, Delarosa was arrested in the Dominican Republic at the request of the United States. He appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven, pleaded not guilty to the charges in the indictment, and was ordered detained pending trial.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
HSTF New Haven comprises agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor, and Connecticut State Police, with prosecutions led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.
This investigation was assisted by FBI New York, FBI Newark, FBI Tampa, FBI Orlando Resident Agency, FBI Legal Attaché (LEGAT) Office in Santo Domingo, and the New Haven, East Haven, North Haven, Milford, and Waterbury Police Departments.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and Dominican authorities provided significant assistance in securing Delarosa’s arrest and extradition.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan J. Guevremont.
District of Arizona Charges 256 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct this WeekRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – During the week of enforcement operations from March 21 through March 27, 2026, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 256 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 155 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 86 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 12 cases against 15 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Recent matters of interest include:
United States v. Pedro Martinez-Ruiz. Pedro Martinez-Ruiz was charged by criminal complaint on March 23, 2026, with Transportation of Illegal Aliens for Profit. On March 21, 2026, a Border Patrol camera operator observed a group of subjects walking north in the Santa Cruz River area, east of Nogales, Arizona. Camera operators then watched as a Chevrolet Silverado pulled into the same area and the subjects got into the truck. Border Patrol Agents (BPAs) nearby initiated a traffic stop to conduct an immigration inspection. In the truck, BPAs found 16 subjects wearing camouflage clothing who were sweating and breathing heavily. The subjects were determined to be citizens of Mexico, unlawfully present in the United States. The driver, the only individual not wearing camouflage clothing, was identified as Pedro Martinez-Ruiz, a Mexican citizen who was also in the United States illegally. [Case Number: 26-MJ-00171]
United States v. Thompson, et al. Tyler Daniels Thompson and Yasmine Desire Marie Matthews were charged by criminal complaint on March 27, 2026, with Transportation of Illegal Aliens for Profit, Placing in Jeopardy the Life of Any Person. On March 25, 2026, National Park Service (NPS) law enforcement officers requested a Border Patrol canine handler for a vehicle sniff at the campground road inside Organ Pipe National Monument. When BPAs arrived, NPS officers notified them that they had seen fresh footprints coming from the mountain pass and going directly to a black Volkswagen Jetta nearby. The temperature outside was approximately 100 degrees. The Jetta was occupied by Tyler Daniels Thompson, the driver, and Yasmine Desire Marie Matthews, the front seat passenger. After the BPA canine alerted to the vehicle, BPAs opened the trunk and discovered two people hiding inside, drenched in sweat. BPAs pulled out one subject who was passing out, carried him to a shaded area, and cut off his clothes to begin cooling him. BPA EMTs then arrived and administered aid. Initially the EMTs reported that the man was unconscious and they could not detect a pulse, but they were eventually able to cool him off. The subject regained a pulse and was transported to a hospital for further care. The other subject in the trunk required water to revive him. Both subjects were determined to be citizens of Mexico, unlawfully present in the United States. [Case Number: 26-MJ-00354]
United States v. Kristie Elizabeth Pablo. On March 23, 2026, Kristie Elizabeth Pablo was charged by criminal complaint with Transportation of an Illegal Alien. On March 22, 2026, a deputy with the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office observed Pablo driving a black Chevrolet Tahoe below the speed limit on I-10 Westbound in Eloy, Arizona. The deputy matched speed with the Tahoe, observed the vehicle’s tires cross into his lane, and initiated a traffic stop. The deputy learned that Pablo was engaged in human smuggling, and called BPAs to the scene. Immigration checks confirmed that one of the passengers in Pablo’s car was a citizen of Mexico and another passenger was a citizen of Guatemala, both unlawfully present in the United States. [Case Number: 26-MJ-9091]
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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-052_March 27, 2026 Immigration Enforcement
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.District Man Pleads Guilty to Strangling His Romantic PartnerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ramon Leonard, 28, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to strangling his former romantic partner in April 2025 and October 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Leonard was previously convicted of strangling the victim in October 2024. Leonard pleaded guilty to two counts of strangulation in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Sentencing is scheduled for May 28, 2026, before the Honorable Judge Robert Salerno.
“This guilty plea reflects our office’s staunch commitment to holding repeat offenders accountable and protecting victims of domestic violence,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “This defendant had already been convicted of strangling the victim once before, and yet he chose to commit this heinous act not once, but twice more. That pattern of predatory behavior will not be tolerated in this community. We will continue to pursue justice on behalf of every victim with the full force of this office.”
According to the government’s evidence, on April 8, 2025, Leonard got into a verbal altercation that turned physical with the victim at her residence. During the altercation, Leonard choked the victim by putting both of his hands around her neck. She felt like she couldn’t breathe and was going to lose consciousness. The victim was able to flee to her leasing manager’s office and called 911.
On October 31, 2025, the defendant strangled the victim in front of his residence after trick-or-treating with their children. During the assault, he choked her by placing both of his hands around the front of her neck. The victim felt like she was fighting for air and could not breathe. This assault was captured on surveillance footage.
Leonard was arrested on November 11, 2025, and has remained in custody since.
Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department and U.S. Marshal Robert Anthony Dixon.
The case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and Special Agent Greg Nagurka of the USAO-DC Criminal Investigations Unit. U.S. Marshals Service provided valuable assistance in executing the arrest warrant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olivia Hinerfeld is prosecuting the case.
Cleveland Man Indicted After Federal Drug BustRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – A 57-year-old man has been charged with committing several violations of drug trafficking laws after a nearly year-long federal investigation.
A grand jury returned an indictment charging Marcus Hopper, of Cleveland, with Possession with the Intent to Distribute cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), and cocaine base (crack).
According to court documents, federal agents executed search warrants in February 2026 at two residences after an intensive, multi-state investigation that was conducted over several months. Locations on Edgehill Road in Cleveland Heights, and Penrose Avenue in East Cleveland, were identified and suspected of being used to facilitate large-scale drug trafficking operations throughout Greater Cleveland.
Among the items that federal agents seized were:
- More than 15 pounds of MDMA (ecstasy)
- Nearly 12 pounds of cocaine
- 21 grams of cocaine base (crack)
- 10 grams of fentanyl
- Bulk amounts of marijuana
- More than $211,000 in cash
- 1 cocaine brick press and several smaller presses
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to the case, including his prior criminal record, if any, his role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.
The investigation leading to the indictment was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Assistant United States Attorney Payum Doroodian is leading the prosecution for the Northern District of Ohio.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Clearfield County Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Westover, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
James Gill, 40, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines to Count One of the Superseding Indictment on March 26, 2026.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, in and around February 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Gill distributed fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury and death.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for July 23, 2026. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gill.
Camden Woman Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing MethRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Angela Peterson Black, 53, of Camden, has been sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Black distributed methamphetamine to undercover law enforcement officers in November 2022 with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On two occasions, she sold almost 200 grams of “ice” to officers. In June 2023, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department located additional narcotics in her vehicle during a traffic stop and in her home during a search warrant at her residence. Black was arrested on these charges in December 2023 and was granted a bond. While on bond, Black attempted to use a fraudulent urine sample by concealing a bottle containing a yellow substance on her person. Her bond was revoked.
Black has prior convictions for pointing and presenting a firearm at a person, first degree criminal domestic violence, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Black to 160 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, West Columbia Police Department, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle E. Klein prosecuted the case.###
Burlington, Vermont Man Sentenced to 15 Years of Imprisonment for Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Rutland, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on March 27, 2026, Brendan Sullivan, 29, of Burlington, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier to a 15- year term of imprisonment to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, and ordered to pay $20,000 of restitution to victims of his offenses. Sullivan previously pleaded guilty to using a facility of interstate commerce to attempt to entice a child and possession of child sexual abuse materials.
According to court records, Sullivan was previously convicted in federal court for possession of child sexual abuse materials, and received a time served sentence in 2020. Sullivan had numerous violations of his post-release supervision, ultimately leading to a revocation of his supervised release and an additional 9 months of imprisonment. Sullivan was released from the Bureau of Prisons on December 3, 2024. On December 12, 2024, Sullivan uploaded child sexual abuse materials to a website, in hopes of finding and viewing similar materials. This upload triggered a CyberTip, which was routed to the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, who began an investigation. On June 24, 2025, a search warrant was executed at Sullivan’s residence, and investigators seized Sullivan’s laptop. A forensic review of the laptop revealed over 2,600 unique images and 131 unique videos of child sexual abuse. The examination also revealed a messaging thread between Sullivan and a person who claimed to be a 13-year-old child. During the messaging, Sullivan proposed meeting up with the boy, offered the boy marijuana, provided detailed descriptions of sexual fantasies to the boy, provided the boy images of Sullivan’s genitalia, and attempted to arrange an in-person meeting. Investigators with Homeland Security Investigations attempted to locate the 13-year-old boy, and discovered that the messaging was instead sent by a 17-year-old minor in California, who was mimicking “catch a predator” social media posts.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations. “State and local law enforcement are crucial partners in our efforts to protect children. I am extremely grateful for their assistance in this case.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corinne M. Smith and First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. Sullivan was represented by Brooks McArthur, Esq.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Brooklyn Park Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Adam B. Abelson sentenced a Brooklyn Park man to prison in connection with a federal investigation that led to a drugs and firearms seizure.
Steven Keith Staggers Jr., 31, received a 79-month prison sentence, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. As a result of the investigation, law enforcement seized two firearms, at least 180 rounds of ammunition, and cocaine.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Police Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).
Beginning in mid-2023, BPD started investigating Staggers after law enforcement observed him posting public videos of himself with a firearm on social media. Staggers, who is a convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
In September 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Staggers’ Brooklyn Park residence that yielded two Glock pistols, approximately 96 rounds of ammunition, an extended firearm magazine, approximately 28 grams of cocaine, a digital scale, and cutting agents used to prepare controlled substances for distribution. Additionally, investigators seized a cell phone, the contents of which revealed that Staggers was also attempting to sell firearms to other individuals.
Then in November 2024, investigators seized a second cell phone that belonged to Staggers. A court authorized search of this cell phone revealed that Staggers continued attempting to transfer firearms to other individuals. It is believed that he knew these individuals were prohibited from possessing firearms.
On February 4, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at the new residence where Staggers lived in Curtis Bay, Maryland. During this search warrant, investigators seized approximately 98 rounds of ammunition.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and BPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. O’Donohue III, who prosecuted the 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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Border Patrol Agent Charged with Civil Rights Violation and Evidence TamperingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A federal grand jury has indicted a U.S. Border Patrol agent for allegedly assaulting a handcuffed detainee and later concealing evidence to obstruct an investigation.
According to court records, on May 22, 2023, Eduardo Prat, 40, allegedly strangled John Doe while performing his official duties as a Border Patrol agent in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. John Doe was handcuffed at the time of the alleged assault. Subsequently, between May 22 and June 12, 2023, Prat allegedly concealed and covered up a body camera recording of the assault.
Prat is charged in federal court with deprivation of rights under color of law and destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in a federal investigation. He is on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Prat faces up to 20 years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Professional Responsibility investigated this case with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, the Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, and the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector. The Las Cruces Branch Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.
View the Indictment (Prat).pdfAn indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Armed Felon Who Pointed Gun at Police Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Lee Milton Reeves, a multi-convicted felon who threatened employees and police officers at gunpoint in the bathroom of a Riverdale, Georgia restaurant, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison.
“This case shows precisely why convicted felons are prohibited from possessing guns,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Had Reeves pulled the trigger, this case could have ended in tragedy. My office will never stop working towards making Georgia safe by removing armed felons from the community.”
“The sentence imposed today sends a clear message to convicted felons prohibited from possessing firearms: ATF’s top priority remains keeping our communities safe,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ryan Todd. “ATF will continue working with our law enforcement partners to target individuals who unlawfully possess firearms.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On March 17, 2024, officers from the Riverdale Police Department responded to an emergency call about a man with a gun at a fast-food restaurant. Once there, officers found Reeves holed up in a bathroom, where Reeves pointed at gun at them. Subsequent investigation revealed that, the day before, Reeves had fired that same gun inside a trailer where a mother and daughter lived.
On March 26, 2026, Lee Milton Reeves, 40, of Mechanicsville, Georgia, was sentenced to seven years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Reeves pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person on December 17, 2025.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Riverdale Police Department and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney James Hwang prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Armed Felon Convicted of Carmel CVS Robbery; Accomplice Sentenced to Nine YearsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- A federal jury has convicted Mikhal Hamilton, 25, of Indianapolis, of interference with commerce by robbery, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Co‑defendant David Washington, 23, of Arcadia, Indiana, was previously sentenced in October 2024 to nine years in federal prison after pleading guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, on June 25, 2023, Hamilton and Washington robbed the CVS Pharmacy on Rangeline Road in Carmel, Indiana. During the robbery, both men used firearms to threaten an employee and stole prescription medications, including Oxycontin, Oxycodone, and various amphetamine stimulants. They fled the scene in a blue Chevrolet Impala. Carmel Police Department officers conducted a high‑risk traffic stop shortly afterward, arresting both men and recovering the stolen pills, pill bottles, a Glock handgun with an extended magazine and obliterated serial number, and a Polymer80 homemade firearm, otherwise known as a “ghost gun.”
Hamilton’s criminal history includes felony convictions for carrying a handgun without a license and synthetic identity deception, which prohibits him from legally possessing a firearm.
The Carmel Police Department and FBI Indianapolis Field Office investigated this case. U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the trial and will sentence Hamilton at a later date.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Kelsey L. Massa and Nate Walter, who are prosecuting this case, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Sarah Helbig and Victim Witness Coordinator Johnna Preidt.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Alleged murderer and multiple repeat felons among those prosecuted as part of Operation Take Back America effortsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A total of 439 new cases have been filed against 440 individuals in immigration and border security matters from March 20-26, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
The Southern District of Texas filed 187 criminal complaints for illegal entry, while another 236 people face charges of felony reentry after prior removal. Most of those individuals have prior felony convictions, including narcotics, violent crime, immigration offenses and more. The cases also include charges against 12 people allegedly involved in human smuggling. The remaining cases involve other immigration crimes and firearms.
Six of those charged were allegedly found in and around the McAllen area this week. According to one criminal complaint, authorities discovered Honduran national Jose Roberto Serrano-Miranda near Relampago even though he had been removed from the United States in September 2025. The charges allege he has prior convictions for domestic assault bodily injury and aggravated assault strangulation.
Five others are all allegedly from Mexico. The criminal complaint alleges Ruben Davila-Trujillo and Daniel Eduardo Munoz-Najar were just removed in January and February, respectively, while Jose Manuel Gomez-Jimenez and Loreto Hernandez De Loera had both been ordered removed from the country in June 2025. With the exception of De Loera, who has multiple convictions for driving under the influence and a felony driving while intoxicated, each has prior convictions for various drug offenses, according to the allegations. Ricardo Josue Gutierrez had also allegedly been previously removed. His charges allege he has a prior conviction for transportation or harboring of illegal aliens.
If convicted of illegal reentry, all six face up to 20 years in federal prison.
In addition to the new cases, a man known as “Two-Face” was ordered to serve 180 months for being an illegal alien in possession of a weapon linked to the shooting death of a local woman. Savin Seng is an admitted gang member from Cambodia and illegally resided in Victoria.
On Oct. 3, 2025, an incident occurred at a residence in the Telferner community outside Victoria, where authorities found a female victim deceased from a gunshot wound to the head. The shooter had left his cell phone and fled the scene.
An image on the phone showed Seng holding a Glock pistol with an extended magazine. A witness had also identified him as the murder suspect.
Law enforcement located Seng less than a mile from the scene of the shooting and took him into custody. At the time of his arrest, he had a loaded Glock 17, 9mm pistol in his shorts along with a loaded 31-round extended magazine.
Seng had illegally entered the United States as a child from Cambodia and never held lawful immigration status in the country. Court documents allege he had been ordered removed as an aggravated felon in April 2016 but had not been physically removed. He has been in custody in California, Georgia and Louisiana, according to court records, and had an active arrest warrant from 2022 for another homicide in Los Angeles, California.
Seng admitted he possessed many guns while remaining in the United States illegally.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, ICE - Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The cases are all part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for this district. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal histories, including convictions for human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes.
An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Albuquerque Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man was sentenced to 220 months in prison for his role in a drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of narcotics in Albuquerque.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, beginning in August 2024, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Albuquerque Police Department Narcotics Unit investigated Quontez Kuvinka, 26, and his fentanyl trafficking organization. The investigation identified Kuvinka as a source of supply who provided fentanyl and methamphetamine to a courier who, on multiple occasions in September 2024, sold the drugs to an undercover law enforcement officer. Kuvinka also personally sold fentanyl and cocaine to an undercover law enforcement officer during controlled purchases.
On October 8, 2024, agents conducting surveillance observed Kuvinka leave his residence and drive to a pre-arranged drug transaction location, where he was expected to supply narcotics for distribution. Law enforcement approached Kuvinka while he was seated in his vehicle, and he attempted to flee on foot before being taken into custody.
A subsequent search of Kuvinka’s vehicle revealed approximately 442.6 grams of fentanyl (equivalent to roughly 4,400 pills), approximately 267.5 grams of methamphetamine, and approximately 7 grams of cocaine, along with drug trafficking paraphernalia. Officers also recovered eight firearms and ammunition from the vehicle, including multiple weapons equipped with machinegun conversion devices capable of converting semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons.
As a previously convicted felon, Kuvinka is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Kuvinka pleaded guilty to conspiracy, distribution of cocaine, two counts of distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Upon his release from prison, he will be subject to five years of supervised release.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, Special Agent in Charge Omar Arellano of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Chief of Police Cecily Barker of the Albuquerque Police Department made the announcement today. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico prosecuted the case.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Albuquerque Police Department.
Thursday 26 March 2026
“The Monkey Whisperer” Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Primates While on Probation for the Same CrimeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Jimmy Wayne Hammonds (62, Parrish), a/k/a “The Monkey Whisperer,” has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven to nine months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to violate the Lacey Act and Lacey Act trafficking. Hammonds pleaded guilty on October 23, 2025. The court also ordered Hammonds to pay a $60,000 fine to benefit the Lacey Act Reward Fund and placed a ban on Hammonds from possessing, breeding, selling, transporting, or exhibiting any wildlife. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Hammonds, despite being a convicted Lacey Act trafficker and on federal probation, ran a business called, “The Monkey Whisperer, LLC,” that specialized in selling primates and other exotic animals. Through his business’s social media account, Hammonds connected with an individual who was an undercover agent. At Hammonds’s request, the conversations moved to an encrypted texting app to discuss potential wildlife sales. Hammonds agreed to sell the undercover agent two common marmosets for $7,400. Hammonds arranged for the transaction to occur in Georgia to avoid law enforcement oversight. The two common marmosets are pictured below.
As a result of this prosecution, Hammonds surrendered his ownership of 67 animals to include numerous primate species, muntjac deer, lemurs, kangaroos, wallabies, and otters.
Hammonds’ violation of probation hearing will take place on April 2, 2026.
This case was investigated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service with substantial assistance from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Claire Favorit and Abigail K. King.
West Virginia U.S. Attorney’s Offices Partner to Further Elder Justice Work with Local StakeholdersRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey and U.S. Attorney Moore Capito, in collaboration with Modell Consulting, have partnered to offer a two-day training to further the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative.
West Virginia SAFE (Safe and Accessible Forensic Interviewing with Elders) is being held at the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) facility in Clarksburg, West Virginia. The training, conducted by Karen Hill, Ed.D., LCPA, with Modell Consulting Group, is designed for elder justice professionals seeking to gain additional information on communicating with older adults who are alleged victims of crime. Centered in skills development, this training strengthens forensic interviewing with considerations for age related declines in cognition, underlying neuropathology, like dementia and Alzheimer’s, language capacity and cultural background.
“Those who target older Americans for financial gain should be on notice: we will use every tool available to investigate and prosecute these crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew Harvey. “By investing in this training, we are standing up for our seniors and making clear that exploitation of the elderly will not be tolerated in our communities.”
“Elder abuse is a coward’s crime — preying on those least able to fight back,” said U.S. Attorney Moore Capito. “Here in West Virginia, our seniors are the best of the best. They should be able to retire knowing they are both physically and financially safe. That’s why this training matters — it sharpens our ability to spot it, stop it, and hold offenders accountable. We will not overlook it, we will not excuse it — we will prosecute it, every time.”
Law enforcement partners from across the state, along with federal and state prosecutors, and social workers who work with the elderly population will be in attendance. Each participant will gain education credits within their field. AARP is a limited sponsor of the event.
For more information about the DOJ Elder Justice Initiative contact Elder Justice Coordinators Kimberley Crockett (NDWV) and Jonathan Storage (SDWV) at their respective United States Attorney’s Offices.
Legal education credits are provided by the West Virginia State Bar. Law enforcement education credits are provided by the West Virginia Division Law Enforcement Professional Standards Program (LEPS). Social work education credits are provided by Crittenton Services, Inc. in Wheeling, West Virginia.
Violent International Fugitive Indicted on Federal Firearm and Immigration ChargesRead the Press Release
OXFORD – United States Attorney Scott F. Leary announced today that the international fugitive, arrested earlier this week in Lee County, has been indicted on federal firearms and immigration charges brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi.
Adrian Walker, 28, a Canadian national, was indicted for an illegal entry offense and for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. These charges follow Walker’s arrest earlier this week. Walker was wanted by the Toronto Police Services on a Canada-wide arrest warrant for first degree murder and attempted murder, following a May 7, 2024, violent shooting in Toronto, Canada. For that offense, he has been named as a “Most Wanted Person” by the Toronto Police Services.
Walker was captured in Tupelo, Mississippi, on Monday, March 23, 2026, by law enforcement agents including the United States Marshals Service (USMS) and their Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). He was initially arrested on an arrest warrant for an immigration violation.
U.S. Attorney Leary stated, “As previously stated, this was a serious case. A Canadian national, wanted for murder, entered our country illegally and was living in our midst. This case highlights the danger our law enforcement agents face while doing their job. Our agents and officers work for you and are more than willing to place themselves in harm’s way to protect our citizens. Working together, we can make Mississippi a safer place. A special shout out goes to our partners at United States Marshals Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Good job! Please know that the United States Attorney’s Office has your back.”
This case is being prosecuted by Clyde McGee and John Herzog Jr.
This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal 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.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Violent Ecuadorian Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-Entry ChargesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – An Ecuadorian alien pled guilty in federal court today to illegally re-entering the United States after her prior removal.
Vanessa Yalixa Munoz-Baque, 31, pled guilty to the re-entry charges after she was previously removed from the U.S. in August 2023. Munoz-Baque illegally re-entered the U.S., again, on November 3, 2023, and began residing in Frederick, Maryland. Law enforcement discovered her illegally present in the U.S. upon her arrest for attempted murder.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Acting Field Office Director Vernon Liggins, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE-ERO) – Baltimore Field Office.
According to the guilty plea, on September 11, 2024, local law enforcement apprehended Munoz-Baque in Frederick. Authorities charged her with attempted murder and assault after she placed a knife to her victim’s neck and stabbed him in the leg. Then in March 2025, Munoz-Baque pled guilty to first-degree assault and received a 25-year sentence, with all but three years suspended.
Munoz-Baque was originally deported after law enforcement apprehended her at the border in Eagle Pass, Texas, on June 17, 2023. Authorities subsequently charged Munoz-Baque with unlawfully attempting to enter the U.S. without inspection.
Law enforcement placed her in expedited removal proceedings, and an immigration judge ordered Munoz-Baque’s removal to Ecuador. After her removal, Munoz-Baque never obtained consent from the Attorney General of the United States, or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, for readmission into the country.
Munoz-Baque faces a maximum sentence of two years in federal prison for the re-entry offense. Sentencing is set for Thursday, June 25, at 2:30 p.m.
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.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ICE-ERO for its work in this investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason D. Medinger and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Shea who are prosecuting this 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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U.S. Attorney’s Office and South Dakota Attorney General’s Office Hold Joint Press Conference on Combating Government FraudRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons and South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley held a joint press conference at the Sioux Falls Police Department on Thursday, March 26, 2026, to highlight new federal and state initiatives to combat the serious problem of fraud committed against state and federal governments and government programs.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and South Dakota Attorney General’s Office are working together toward the same goals: protecting taxpayer dollars, ensuring government program funding goes to the people in need of assistance, and prosecuting those who steal from state, federal, or tribal governments. Alongside law enforcement and agency partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and South Dakota Attorney General’s Office work together to detect, root out, and prosecute fraudulent conduct. Tips and leads from employees, contractors, and concerned citizens are often how fraud is first discovered.
“Fraud is not a mistake. It is not a technicality. It is not just ‘gaming the system.’ And it is not victimless. It is stealing. And those who steal from the American taxpayer will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.
“South Dakotans deserve a state government that is transparent and free from corruption,” said Attorney General Jackley. “I have and will hold offenders accountable.”
NATIONAL CONTEXT: THE SCALE OF THE PROBLEM
According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the federal government loses an estimated $233 billion to $521 billion every year to fraud — representing 3% to 7% of total federal spending. Since 2003, cumulative improper payments have totaled approximately $2.8 trillion. In fiscal year 2024 alone, 16 federal agencies reported $162 billion in improper payments across 68 programs.
The federal multi-agency crackdown on benefit fraud in Minnesota—which resulted in charges against 98 defendants and 64 convictions to date—demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated enforcement across multiple agencies. The new national DOJ Fraud Enforcement Division created under the Trump Administration is modeled on that effort and dedicated to combating fraud—both criminal and civil—in every federal program, in every state. On March 24, 2026, Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald was confirmed by the United States Senate to lead that division.
THE USAO’S NEW GOVERNMENT FRAUD UNIT
Recently, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota established a Government Fraud Unit to integrate civil and criminal prosecutors from the outset of every case involving government fraud. This unit facilitates the simultaneous pursuit of criminal charges and civil remedies, including recovery under the False Claims Act, which allows the government to seek treble damages for fraud against federal programs. The Unit’s focus areas include:
• Healthcare fraud (Medicare, Medicaid, and federal health programs)
• Procurement and grant fraud
• False Claims Act violations
• Theft from tribal programs and organizations
• Financial fraud against federal programs of every kind
The USAO Government Fraud Unit in South Dakota will work closely and coordinate with the new Fraud Enforcement Division at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
SOUTH DAKOTA ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE PROGRAMS
Attorney General Marty Jackley has three programs that promote government accountability within South Dakota: the Public Integrity Unit, Medicaid Fraud Abuse and Neglect Services, and Cooperative Disability Investigations.
South Dakota’s Public Integrity Unit was established through Senate Bill 62, which was proposed by Attorney General Jackley, passed by the 2025 Legislature, and signed by Governor Larry Rhoden. The legislation created mandatory reporting requirements for state employee misconduct and provided protection for employees who make good faith reports to authorities.
In its first year, the unit received 58 reports that resulted in 16 investigations, nine substantiated allegations, and four individuals charged. A yearly report will be presented to the legislative Government Operations and Audit Committee. This year’s Public Integrity Report can be found at: https://atg.sd.gov/docs/January%202026%20Public%20Integrity%20Report%20to%20GOAC.pdf
Medicaid Fraud, Abuse and Neglect Services recovered $942,248.56 in 2025, while the office’s Cooperative Disability Investigations program was ranked the sixth most productive unit in the country for Fiscal Year 2025. The program recorded $4.5 million in Social Security Program Savings and $2.9 million in Medicaid/Medicare Program Savings.
“We will not tolerate fraud that steals from taxpayers,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Every dollar recovered is a dollar returned to the public.”
RECENT FEDERAL CASES IN SOUTH DAKOTA
Crop Insurance Fraud—Sully County (Criminal Convictions and Civil Judgment: $4,019,820)
Two Sully County farmers falsely certified to a federal crop insurance company that they had planted approximately 2,200 acres of sunflowers and corn that were never planted, then collected over $1.3 million in insurance payments. After criminal convictions in 2022, the government pursued civil remedies under the False Claims Act. In September 2025, a federal judge entered a civil judgment of $4,019,820 against the defendants. The case, which was investigated by the USDA Office of Inspector General and the USDA Risk Management Agency, demonstrates the USAO Fraud Unit’s integrated civil and criminal enforcement model.
Theft from Tribal Employment Office—Pine Ridge (Indicted: $4.7 Million+)
Two defendants were federally indicted for conspiring to divert over $4.7 million in employment fee checks from the Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) on the Pine Ridge Reservation into a private bank account over a seven-year period. The funds—meant to support tribal employment programs—were allegedly split between the two defendants and used for personal purchases including homes and vehicles. Both face charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 22 counts of wire fraud, and 7 counts of money laundering, each carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. One defendant has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. The other has pleaded not guilty. The case was investigated by the FBI and HHS Office of Inspector General.
False Claims Act: Telecommunications contractors sued for defrauding Indian Tribe—Rosebud, SD ($2.1 Million+)
The owners and agents of a telecommunications company have been sued under the False Claims Act for allegedly making false claims for payment to the federal government to enrich themselves. A tribal government was awarded a federal grant to expand internet access on the reservation. The Tribe awarded the contract to complete the work to defendants, who then conspired to invoice the Tribe for equipment never purchased and to create fraudulent, inflated invoices for vehicles that were then charged to the federal grant. The claim is subject to treble damages under federal law. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Inspector General.
Tax Preparer Scheme for Submitting Fraudulent Tax Returns—Sioux Falls (Indicted: $685,437)
Working out of her Sioux Falls home, the defendant allegedly submitted fraudulent income tax returns on behalf of dozens of unwitting clients from approximately 2020 through 2023. The tax returns included a variety of falsely claimed items, such as Schedule A deductions and childcare tax credits, thereby inflating individual tax refunds. Defendant was indicted in January 2026 on 45 counts of Aiding and Assisting in the Preparation and Presentation of a False and Fraudulent Tax Return and faces a maximum penalty of three years on each count. The defendant has pleaded not guilty. The case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Superintendent Embezzlement, Bureau of Indian Education School—Pine Ridge (Indicted: $700,000)
The superintendent of a federally funded Bureau of Indian Education school on the Pine Ridge Reservation was indicted on charges of embezzlement and theft from a tribal organization, larceny, and theft of government property for allegedly stealing approximately $700,000 through multiple schemes. The school receives most of its operating budget from the federal government. The defendant has pleaded not guilty. Trial is scheduled for June 2026. Forfeiture proceedings are underway to recover stolen funds for the school and community. The case was investigated by the Department of Interior, Office of Inspector General.
RECENT STATE CASES IN SOUTH DAKOTA
Stealing from Children: Lonna Carroll, former DSS administrative assistant, was sentenced to seven years and ordered to repay $1.78 million for stealing from Child Protection Services between 2010 and 2023.
Exploiting Trust: Mark Rathbun, former state driver’s license examiner, faces an 85-count indictment for possession of child pornography and unlawful access of computer systems. Charges include using confidential driver’s license data and creating or sharing computer-generated pornographic images of minors. Rathbun’s case is pending. He is presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.
Falsifying Inspections: Renee Strong, former Department of Public Safety employee, was convicted for forging food service inspections.
Concealing Fraud: Danielle Degenstein, former Department of Revenue employee, was sentenced and fined for failing to report a colleague’s creation of fake vehicle titles.
Medicaid Fraud: Sharon Monson of Pierre was indicted on five felony charges for allegedly defrauding the South Dakota Medicaid Program of approximately $588,000. Monson, owner of At Home Nursing, faces charges including unlawful receipt of medical benefits, aggravated grand theft, perjury, and failure to maintain necessary records. The case is pending, and Monson is presumed innocent.
HOW TO REPORT FRAUD
Members of the public who have information about fraud against federal programs are encouraged to come forward. Reports can be made confidentially.
• U.S. Attorney's Office, District of South Dakota: (605) 330-4400 (Sioux Falls); (605) 224-5402 (Pierre); (605) 342-7822 (Rapid City) | www.justice.gov/usao-sd
• South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation: (605) 773-3331
• FBI: tips.fbi.gov | 1-800-CALL-FBI
• USDA OIG (crop/food programs): 1-800-424-9121
• HHS OIG (Medicare/Medicaid): 1-800-HHS-TIPS
• GAO FraudNet: gao.gov/fraudnet | [email protected] | (800) 424-5454
Individuals with inside knowledge of fraud against the government may also be eligible to file a qui tam lawsuit under the False Claims Act and may receive between 15% and 30% of any government recovery. Federal law prohibits retaliation against whistleblowers.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley Announces Fraud Coordinators and Benefit & Voter Fraud TeamRead the Press Release
BOSTON – United States Attorney Leah B. Foley has named two federal prosecutors to lead the newly formed Benefit and Voter Fraud Team in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered in Massachusetts. The Team’s mission will be to actively and aggressively root out benefit fraud in Massachusetts, including SNAP fraud, MassHealth fraud, childcare subsidy fraud and voter fraud, just to name a few. In support of this effort, a new hotline has been established for members of the public to report suspicion of benefit fraud: 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
The District of Massachusetts is committed to assisting the Administration’s war on fraud and will support the work of the Vice President’s Anti-Fraud Task Force and the Department of Justice’s National Fraud Enforcement Division through independent investigations brought by the Benefit and Voter Fraud Team.
The Benefit and Voter Fraud Team will be led by two Fraud Coordinators, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip Mallard and Mark Grady. AUSA Mallard will be responsible for overseeing the district-wide effort, coordinating with multiple federal agencies to identify benefit fraud and develop a plan of action. AUSA Mark Grady will supervise the federal investigations and prosecutions for the office, working closely with partner agencies.
“Both Phil and Mark are seasoned federal prosecutors who each bring tremendous assets to the Fraud Team. With a combined 40+ years of prosecutorial experience, they will hit the ground running and make a lasting impact on the widespread and prolific benefit fraud we are seeing across the state,” said Foley.
AUSA Mallard is a longtime state and federal prosecutor, first serving as an Assistant District Attorney in Essex County where he investigated and prosecuted gangs, murders and numerous types of fraud. He has extensive experience prosecuting SNAP fraud, procurement fraud, identity theft and embezzlement, among others. AUSA Mallard joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit in 2018 where he is responsible for investigating violent crime, including complex gang and murder cases such as the Latin Kings and Trinitarios.
AUSA Mark Grady is Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes Unit where he manages and prosecutes a range of immigration, child exploitation, violent crime and fraud cases. He has deep prosecutorial experience in the fraud space, including fraud cases against the Massachusetts State and Boston Police, SNAP, housing, Social Security and employment fraud. He previously served in the Public Corruption Unit, Worcester Branch Office and the Civil Division. AUSA Grady has been a federal prosecutor for nearly 25 years and previously served as an Assistant District Attorney in Suffolk County.
Since December 2025, Foley’s office has charged 15 individuals with nearly $9 million in fraud including SNAP benefit fraud and MassHealth fraud.
“It has become apparent that there are insufficient guardrails in place in Massachusetts to address the rampant benefit fraud across the state. It is time to hold criminals stealing taxpayer benefits accountable. This has gone on far too long and the buck stops with me,” said Foley.
Earlier today, Foley’s office announced charges against nine individuals, including a Dominican national for allegedly stealing nearly $300,000 in SNAP, Social Security and MassHealth benefits in Massachusetts using a stolen identity. The charges in these cases were brought after an analysis of recipient data showed the same identity was receiving benefits at the same time in two or more states post COVID. According to the charging documents, in December 2024, Massachusetts DTA issued SNAP benefits to approximately 495 identities simultaneously receiving SNAP benefits in Puerto Rico.
“This is the tip of the iceberg,” said Foley. “We have dozens of investigations in the pipeline that will come to fruition in the coming weeks. My office is committed to stepping up and taking benefit fraud seriously.”
The Benefit and Voter Fraud Team will employ resources from Homeland Security Investigations in New England; U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations; U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Two Illegal Aliens from Romania Sentenced for Credit Card Skimmer Scheme in Alabama and MississippiRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced today that two Romanian nationals unlawfully present in the United States have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a scheme to install credit card “skimming” devices on grocery store point-of-sale terminals across Alabama and Mississippi.
On March 26, 2026, a federal judge sentenced 24-year-old Denis Adelin Ionescu, of Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Romania, to 46 months in prison, and 33-year-old Ioan Victor Stanciu, also of Drobeta-Turnu Severin, to 24 months in prison. Ionescu previously pleaded guilty to possession of device-making equipment, while Stanciu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit access device fraud. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to plea agreements and other court records, in March 2025, law enforcement began investigating the installation of a “skimmer” device on a point-of-sale terminal at a grocery store in Ozark, Alabama. Investigators quickly identified Ionescu and Stanciu, along with others, as suspects in the scheme.
A “skimmer” is an electronic device used to capture and store information from credit, debit, or Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards when they are swiped or inserted. After installing these devices, members of the conspiracy, including Ionescu and Stanciu, retrieved the skimmers and extracted stolen account information. The conspirators then used the compromised data to conduct fraudulent transactions, including unauthorized withdrawals and purchases.
Further investigation revealed that Ionescu and Stanciu were linked to additional skimming devices installed at retail locations in Dothan, Alexander City, Eufaula, Bessemer, Tuscaloosa, Gadsden, Mobile, Talladega, and Gulfport, Mississippi. In total, the conspirators placed 23 skimming devices at 12 separate locations.
Based on the volume of compromised card data, the intended loss was calculated at $1,794,978.36. The actual loss attributable to known fraudulent transactions was $50,978.36. The court ordered restitution in that amount.
A co-conspirator, Marian Catalin Matei, 24, also a Romanian national, previously pleaded guilty to possession of device-making equipment and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 21, 2026.
The United States Secret Service, Bessemer Police Department, and Ozark Police Department investigated the case, with Assistant United States Attorney Joel Feil prosecuting.
Three Western Pennsylvania Residents Charged with Robbery, Carjacking, Kidnapping, Firearms, Postal, and Narcotics Violations in Connection with Winter Crime SpreeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Three individuals from Greensburg, Pittsburgh, and West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of federal robbery, carjacking, robbery, and violations of firearms, postal, and other laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The 14-count Indictment named Armoni Burton, 25, of Greensburg; Ausaun Porter, 22, of Pittsburgh; and Lawrence Strothers Jr., 21, of West Mifflin as defendants. Burton was arrested by agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in downtown Pittsburgh on March 25, 2026, while the other defendants are currently detained on state charges.
According to the Indictment, the defendants committed a series of crimes from late-December 2025 through January 2026. On or about January 7, 2026, Burton and Porter are alleged to have carjacked a vehicle at gunpoint in White Oak and kidnapped its occupant, striking the victim several times, binding the victim’s wrists and ankles, threatening the victim, stealing marijuana from the victim, and using the victim’s cell phone to place at least one call to demand ransom for the victim’s release before they attempted to place the victim, bound, in a dumpster located in the Greenfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The Indictment charges Burton and Porter with kidnapping, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, carjacking, robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in relation to this incident.
Burton is additionally charged with the robbery of a postal delivery person on December 31, 2025, as well as possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of stolen mail, and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana on January 21, 2026. The Indictment further charges Porter with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and conspiracy to distribute marijuana on January 21, 2026. Strothers is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on January 21, 2026.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both for Burton; up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both for Porter; and up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both for Strothers. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine C. Jordan and V. Joseph Sonson are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Postal Inspection Service, Allegheny County Police Department, and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Three Men Sentenced to Prison in Multimillion Dollar Tax Refund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Three family members were sentenced today to prison following a jury trial that resulted in convictions for their roles in a multimillion-dollar tax refund fraud scheme. David Hunt was sentenced to 92 months in prison, his son Baylon Hunt was sentenced to 38 months in prison, and Baylon’s half-brother Corey Burt was sentenced to 94 months in prison for orchestrating a scheme to file tax returns in the names of purported trusts they controlled. A fourth family member who was also convicted at trial is scheduled to be sentenced in May.
According to statements made in court and evidence presented at trial, the Hunts, of Arlington, Texas, Burt, formerly of Long Beach, Mississippi, and another family member orchestrated a scheme to file tax returns in the names of purported trusts they controlled. In total, they sought more than $8.5 million in tax refunds that the trusts were not entitled to receive. As part of their scheme, Baylon Hunt and the other family member submitted additional fake documents to the IRS including falsified financial instruments and altered money orders. Even after receiving warning letters to discontinue their fraudulent submissions, they continued filing false returns and other documents with the IRS.
As a result of the scheme, the co-conspirators received over $1.7 million in fraudulent proceeds from the IRS, which they shared and used to purchase luxury goods, furniture, cryptocurrency, a Cadillac Escalade and a house in Mississippi.
All four defendants were convicted at trial of conspiracy to defraud the United States. David Hunt, Burt, and the other family member were also convicted of multiple counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. Baylon Hunt was acquitted of two counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns.
In addition to the terms of imprisonment, the defendants were jointly ordered to pay $1,774,864 in restitution to the United States.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould for the Northern District of Texas made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Melissa Siskind and Daniel Lipkowitz of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark McDonald of the Northern District of Texas prosecuted the case.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in Online Neo-Nazi Group that Exploited Children into Producing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Texas man and convicted rapist pleaded guilty today to leading a child exploitation enterprise connected to an internet-based extremist group that entices and targets children into producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and images of self-harm.
Kaleb Christopher Merritt, 26, a.k.a. “eTerror,” of Spring, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a child exploitation enterprise.
Merritt is in federal custody in Los Angeles but also is serving a 33-year prison sentence in Virginia.
“Going after dangerous pedophiles is one of the top priorities of our office,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “This sick, perverted criminal led an effort to prey on vulnerable children through the internet. The only way to keep the public safe is to lock him up in prison for as long as possible, and that’s exactly what we will fight for at sentencing.”
“This guilty plea exposes the depravity of CVLT, a criminal enterprise that systematically targeted vulnerable children, coerced them into producing abuse material, and threatened to destroy their lives if they resisted,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Merritt was one of the online administrators who made CVLT's monstruous machinery of child exploitation run. NSD thanks our law enforcement partners here and around the world whose work enabled the Department to bring these charges.”
“This guilty plea marks a significant step toward accountability for the actions of this network of predators,” said HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang. “HSI special agents uncovered this scheme through extensive investigation, analysis of electronic communication, and victim reporting to ultimately identify those responsible for this deplorable conduct.”
According to his plea agreement, Merritt was a member and leader of CVLT – pronounced “cult” – which was a group of individuals dedicated to the online sexual exploitation of children, primarily vulnerable girls. CVLT members, including Merritt, worked together online to entice and coerce children into self-producing CSAM and to engage in self-harm. CVLT members – Merritt included – hurt at least five minor victims.
CVLT consisted of multiple individuals, including Merritt and co-defendants Clint Jordan Lopaka Nahooikaika Borge, 42, a.k.a. “Whoops,” of Pahoa, Hawaii, Rohan Rane, 29, and Collin John Thomas Walker, 24, a.k.a. “Wrath,” of Bridgeton, New Jersey.
The purpose of CVLT’s child exploitation was to create an army of sadist followers. CVLT espoused neo-Nazism, nihilism, and pedophilia as its core principles, among others, and exposed children to material depicting and promoting these principles. This included repeated uses of Nazi symbols and language and the distribution of bondage, discipline, sadist, and masochistic (BDSM) and gore CSAM.
The defendants each joined the CVLT as early as 2020 and served as leaders of the group, including hosting servers, controlling membership and access, and directing and instructing victims during the creation of CVLT extortion videos and other materials.
Together, the defendants groomed and coerced numerous minors into self-harm by exposing them to violent and extremist content and extreme philosophies, such as neo-Nazism, nihilism, pedophilia, and anarchy.
Having degraded and groomed the children, the defendants would then knowingly employ, use, persuade, induce, entice, and coerce children to self-produce CSAM and self-harm.
United States District Judge Hernán D. Vera scheduled a January 7, 2027, sentencing hearing, at which time Merritt will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Rane is in custody in France on CSAM-related charges pending extradition to the United States. Walker and Borge pleaded guilty in October 2025 and December 2025, respectively, to one count of engaging in a child exploitation enterprise and are expected to be sentenced in the coming months. They remain in federal custody.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Los Angeles Police Department, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office (Virginia), the Iowa State University Police, Police Nationale (France), the National Crime Agency (United Kingdom), the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs, and EUROPOL are investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Kellye Ng of the Major Crimes Section and Justice Department Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and James Donnelly of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting this case.
This case is a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
St. Petersburg Man Who Called in Threat to MacDill Air Force Base ChargedRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Jonathan James Elder (35, St. Petersburg) has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with using the telephone to make a threat to kill, injure, intimidate, or damage a building. If convicted, Elder faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the complaint, Elder called MacDill Air Force Base on March 18, 2026, in the wake of the discovery of a suspicious package at MacDill Visitor Control Center earlier that week. When an operator at MacDill Air Force Base picked up the phone, Elder stated, “How did you like the surprise at the MacDill Visitor Center?” and then yelled “tick tick boom, it’s gonna be between your eyes.” He then hung up. This threat led to the closure of MacDill’s gates and required on-base personnel to shelter in place for approximately four hours.
Law enforcement later learned that just before this call, Elder called another phone number not affiliated with MacDill and stated:
Did you enjoy your pipe bombs at the front gate of MacDill...oh...is there anything else I can do for you...(unintelligible)...that’s why I said that you entitled little f*cking brat, now I told you if you try to f*ck with my meds again, I told you this last year, if you try to f*ck with my meds I will f*cking torture you, well you tried it again, so here you, you don’t learn, I will beat you in the face 10,000 times harder, you will get a pipe bomb that actually explodes in your f*cking face next time, f*ck you pigs.
Agents later located Elder in St. Petersburg and arrested him. He remains in federal custody.
A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force Tampa, which includes the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Buchanan.
Criminal ComplaintSpringfield Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield, Mass. man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield to possessing a firearm and cocaine possession and distribution.
Joshua Garcia, 26, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm if furtherance of drug distribution. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for June 15, 2026. Garcia was charged in March 2025.
Garcia possessed with the intent to distribute drugs and a firearm on Oct. 3, 2024.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of possessing a firearm if furtherance of drug distribution provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New England; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announced today. The case is being prosecuted by Todd E. Newhouse of the Springfield Branch Office.