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Wednesday 25 March 2026
Tulsan Sentenced for Receiving and Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man was sentenced today for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Raul M. Arias-Marxuach sentenced Cameron David Joshua Cox, 26, to 87 months imprisonment, followed by 15 years of supervised release. Upon his release, Cox will also be required to register as a sex offender. Judge Arias-Marxuach further ordered Cox to pay $3,000 in restitution.
The Tulsa Police Department received three separate cyber tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The social media application, Kik, submitted the tips indicating that child sexual abuse material was uploaded by Cox using multiple accounts. While investigating Cox, officers discovered that he worked at a children’s museum in Tulsa. Officers served a search warrant on Cox’s home while he was present and seized several electronic devices. When Cox spoke with officers, he admitted to using Kik to receive and distribute child sexual abuse material. Further, Cox admitted to viewing child sexual abuse material of newborns up to fourteen years old.
Images and videos recovered by law enforcement were sent to the NCMEC’s Child Victim Identification Program. They identified at least five known victims, and victim impact statements were provided to the court. Restitution paid by Cox will go directly to the victims who requested restitution.
Cox will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Tulsa Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Ihler and Christopher J. Nassar prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, local, and tribal 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.
Texas Man Sentenced for COVID-19 Unemployment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Texas man was sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to pay $154,744 in restitution for defrauding the government by obtaining COVID-19 pandemic-related unemployment benefits through false claims.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records, between July 2020 and February 2021, Marc Long, while residing in Texas, carried out a scheme to fraudulently obtain federally funded unemployment insurance benefits through the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. Long submitted online unemployment claims and weekly certifications using the names and personal identifying information of other individuals, even though neither he nor those individuals were eligible for the benefits.
Court records show Long used the stolen identities of multiple victims to obtain or attempt to obtain COVID-19-related unemployment benefits. His fraudulent applications caused benefits to be deposited into bank accounts accessible by him and caused debit cards loaded with benefits to be mailed to addresses in Texas associated with Long. The fraud resulted in the theft of over $150,000 of federal unemployment relief funds intended for New Mexico residents impacted by COVID-19.
Long pleaded guilty to two counts each of wire fraud, mail fraud and theft of government property. Upon his release from prison, Long will be subject to three years of supervised release.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.
The FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office and Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General investigated this case with assistance from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.
Team Rehab Physical Therapy agrees to pay nearly $5 Million to resolve False Claims Act allegations related to fraudulent billing schemeRead the Press Release
DETROIT - United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced today that Team Rehabilitation Services, LLC (“Team Rehab”), which operates approximately 140 physical therapy clinics in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Georgia, has agreed to pay $4,969,494 to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims for payment for physical therapy services to several federal healthcare programs.
Healthcare providers charge services to federal healthcare programs using Current Procedural Terminology (“CPT”) codes. Some CPT codes are time-based, whereby the provider bills based on the amount of time spent delivering a service to the patient. Additionally, some CPT codes are only appropriate where the provider is administering care on a one-to-one basis. Healthcare providers certify that the CPT codes they charge to the federal healthcare programs are accurate.
The settlement resolves allegations that, from January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2024, Team Rehab knowingly and improperly submitted false claims to Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for time-based CPT codes for one-to-one physical therapy services even though those services occurred in a group setting where the provider did not maintain sufficient direct patient contact throughout the service to appropriately bill for those time-based CPT codes.
“Improperly billing federal healthcare programs depletes valuable resources and erodes public trust,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon. “This case is further proof that this office will continue to aggressively root out fraud, waste, and abuse in our healthcare system.”
“Protecting the integrity of the TRICARE program and ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars are top priorities for the Defense Health Agency. This settlement sends a clear message that we will not tolerate practices that exploit the program and inflate costs at the expense of our service members, veterans, and their families,” said Dr. David Krulak, director, TRICARE Health Plan, Defense Health Agency.
“Taxpayers pay the price when medical services under federal health care programs are improperly billed,” said Derek M. Holt, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Office of the Inspector General. “We are grateful to our colleagues at the Department of Justice for continuing to pursue accountability for these actions and protecting the integrity of programs like the FEHBP.”
After learning of the United States’ investigation in this case, Team Rehab cooperated with the United States by self-identifying improper claims for payment and implementing additional compliance controls to prevent future overbilling.
This civil settlement resolved a sealed lawsuit originally filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Thornton v. Team Rehabilitation Physical Therapy, No. 2:23-cv-11592 (E.D. Mich.). The whistleblower will receive $919,356 of the settlement proceeds.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort among the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of the Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, and the Michigan Attorney General Health Care Fraud Division. Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Gentner from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan handled this matter for the United States.
Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - Jeffrey Hennig (60, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of firearms with altered or removed serial numbers. Hennig faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The sentencing date has not yet been set. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents and proceedings, in March 2024, officers with the St. Petersburg Police Department coordinated the purchase of methamphetamine and a firearm from Hennig. An undercover officer purchased a .22 H&R Model 929 revolver from Hennig. The firearm had an obliterated serial number. Hennig also sold the officer 50 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition. Hennig also sold 28 grams of methamphetamine to the undercover officer for $200.
Agents searched Hennig’s apartment on March 20, 2024, and seized two additional firearms, a Taurus .357 Magnum revolver and a Hi-Point JCP .40 S&W with a loaded extended magazine. Both firearms were loaded and the Hi Point had an obliterated serial number. Small amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl were also found in the apartment.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.
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 Neighborhoods (PSN).
Syrian National Extradited to the United StatesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Syrian national was extradited from Costa Rica to face federal human smuggling charges in New Mexico.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment on August 26, 2025, charging Jalal Makland Adeeb, 39, with conspiracy to bring in illegal aliens for financial gain. On March 4, 2026, federal authorities assumed custody of Adeeb from Costa Rican authorities. On March 6, 2026, Adeeb made his initial appearance in New Mexico and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Adeeb faces a minimum of three years and up to 10 years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement on behalf of the Homeland Security Task Force.
The Las Cruces Branch Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and March 4 extradition from Costa Rica. The investigation and charges are supported and prosecuted by JTFA, the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean, and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant United States Attorney-detailees from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including ICE/HSI and CBP/BP and OFO, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies.
To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 450 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 395 U.S. convictions; more than 340 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative was established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Region II CORE 7 is comprised of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Customs and Border Protection – Office of Field Operations (OFO), U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) and Air and Marine (AMO), Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), United States Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Joint Task Force North (JTF-N), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), United States Marshal Service (USMS), Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DSS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS), El Paso Police Department (EPPD), New Mexico State Police (NMSP), West Texas / New Mexico High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA), Albuquerque Police Department, New Mexico Sixth Judicial District, Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics Agency, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Districts of Western Texas and New Mexico.
View the Indictment (Adeeb).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.
Stigler Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that William Herr, a/k/a Yangyee Her, age 41, of Stigler, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to an Information of one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and one count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, punishable by not less than five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The Information alleged that on December 16, 2024, Herr knowingly and intentionally possessed less than 50 kilograms of marijuana, a Schedule I controlled substance, with intent to distribute it. The Information further alleged that on December 16, 2024, Herr knowingly possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, that being Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana as charged in Count One of the Information.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Haskell County Sheriff’s Department, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Honorable Judge Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Herr was remanded into the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Staubus and Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States.
San Jose Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison Following His Second Federal Child Exploitation ConvictionRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – Christopher Schuette was sentenced yesterday to 30 years in federal prison following his conviction at trial on charges of possession of child pornography and attempted enticement of a minor. U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman handed down the sentence.
Schuette, 42, of San Jose, was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 22, 2022, on one count of possession of child pornography. The government obtained a superseding indictment on October 12, 2022, that added a charge of attempted enticement of a minor. On January 25, 2023, a jury found Schuette guilty of both charges.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Schuette—who had been released from prison in December 2021 following a previous federal conviction for, among other crimes, distribution of child pornography—was arrested in February 2022 in possession of a smartphone that contained more than 1,200 images of child pornography. Subsequent investigation revealed that Schuette had been using multiple Instagram profiles to communicate with others about child pornography. For example, Schuette enticed one Instagram user who said she was an 11-year-old girl to create and send him sexually explicit videos of herself and others. And he told another Instagram user that he was particularly attracted to girls 7-12 years old.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Cobo made the announcement.
Schuette has been in custody since he was arrested in February 2022. He will begin serving his prison term immediately. In addition to the prison term, Judge Freeman ordered Schuette to serve a lifetime of supervised release following his prison term and to pay restitution in an amount to be determined at a later date to the victims of his crimes.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Parker is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Laurie Worthen. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
Richmond postal employee sentenced to four years in prison for $1.5M stolen check fraud schemeRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A North Chesterfield man was sentenced today to four years in prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
According to court documents, from Oct. 24, 2021, to May 5, 2025, Joshua Lee, 28, was employed as a mail processing clerk at the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Richmond Processing and Distribution Center (RPDC). From around July 2023 to May 2025, Lee searched for mail likely to contain gift cards, checks, or cash, and secretly moved that mail to other parts of the RPDC to hide it with his personal belongings. He would then remove the stolen mail from the RPDC during his breaks and at the end of his shifts. Lee would then notify his co-conspirators that he had stolen checks available for sale, knowing that his co-conspirators intended to fraudulently cash or deposit them.
During the conspiracy, Lee stole at least $1,581,953.59 in checks transiting through the RPDC.
The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla Jordan-Detamore prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-157.
Richland County Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a Gun During a Traffic StopRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Davante Jamar Moore, 34, of Richland County, has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm found in his car during a traffic stop.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on March 29, 2024, officers with the Columbia Police Department (CPD) conducted a lawful traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Moore. Moore was the driver and sole occupant. During the stop, a CPD K9 alerted to the scent of narcotics.
When officers searched the vehicle, they located a yellow backpack with a plastic bag containing marijuana, various bags, a scale, container with white powder inside, and a loaded firearm.
Moore is prohibited from possessing firearms based upon previous convictions for strong arm robbery and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature.
Moore faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Moore after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case.
###Providence Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Possession with Intent to Distribute ChargeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence man involved in a drug trafficking investigation pleaded guilty today in federal court to a cocaine possession with intent to distribute charge, announced United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda.
Charles Lassiter, 32, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25, 2026. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The charge carries a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000.
According to court documents, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force conducted an investigation into narcotics trafficking that identified Lassiter as involved in cocaine distribution.
On December 7, 2023, agents executed a court-authorized search warrant at Lassiter’s residence and seized approximately 47 grams of cocaine.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey A. Erickson and Peter I. Roklan.
The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island FBI Safe Streets Task Force.
The Safe Streets Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, Rhode Island State Police, the Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, West Warwick, and Central Falls Police Departments, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.
Parrish Man Pleads Guilty to Setting Rental Van on Fire at Bradenton MotelRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Kendarius Devonta Stitten (26, Parrish) pleaded guilty today to a violation of the federal Anti-Arson Act. Stitten faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, on March 20, 2025, Stitten used a lighter and a t-shirt to set a van on fire in a motel parking lot in Bradenton. A couple from Oregon had rented the van from Tampa International Airport. The fire damaged the van, as shown in the picture below:
Stitten admitted to federal and state investigators that he had set the van on fire because he thought it belonged to a female acquaintance who failed to show up to a planned meeting at a room at the motel.
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).
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations, and Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam W. McCall.
Orlando Woman Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Obtaining Disaster Benefits After Hurricane IanRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Shardae Jackson (40, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits. Jackson faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the plea agreement, Jackson submitted a false and fraudulent application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) for disaster assistance following Hurricane Ian in September 2022. In her application, Jackson falsely claimed that her residence had been damaged by Hurricane Ian and included a falsified utilities bill and lease agreement. In reality, Jackson had not lived at that residence since 2021, and a fire in 2021—not Hurricane Ian—had damaged the residence and rendered it uninhabitable. Based on Jackson’s misrepresentations, FEMA granted Jackson’s application and provided her with assistance funds and paid for her stay at two hotels in Orlando for 250 nights.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane S. Hu.
Orangeburg Man Indicted for Robbing, Pointing a Firearm at an FBI Confidential SourceRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Florence returned a three-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging Demondre Laquari Wright, 26, of Orangeburg, for robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and felon in possession of ammunition.
According to the allegations supporting the federal arrest, in early March, the FBI set up an undercover gun buy operation in St. George, whereby Wright would sell three firearms, including one equipped with a machine gun conversion device, to an FBI confidential human source. The FBI gave the source $4,000 to purchase the firearms.During the transaction inside the source’s vehicle, Wright allowed the source to examine the only gun that Wright brought with him. While examining the gun, the source discovered that the gun was loaded and proceeded to empty the magazine. Wright then took the gun, reloaded it, and pointed it at the source’s chest and head. Wright demanded that the source give him all the money. The source complied with Wright’s commands and gave him $4,000 in FBI buy money.
Wright then exited the source’s vehicle and returned to his car. FBI agents then approached the vehicle with their lights and sirens activated. Wright quickly ran from the vehicle but after a brief chase, was apprehended and arrested.
The indictment alleges that, on March 3, 2026, Wright robbed the source of money and put the source’s life in jeopardy by using a firearm. The indictment further alleges that Wright brandished a firearm in furtherance of the crime of violence and unlawfully possessed ammunition.
Wright was prohibited from possessing ammunition under federal law due to his prior felony convictions of assault and battery first degree and discharging firearms into a dwelling.
Wright faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Wright is currently detained.
The case was investigated by FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kim Hamlett and Cole Shannon are prosecuting the case.
All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###New Port Richey Man Sentenced to Prison for Interstate Threats to Kill Federal OfficialsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Benjamin Rubin (79, New Port Richey) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Charlene Honeywell to one year in federal prison for interstate transmission of threats to kill multiple federal officials. Rubin pleaded guilty on December 22, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, during the month of February 2025, Rubin began posting about his frustrations on social media. As his frustrations grew, the tenor of his postings became more violent, and he began threatening to injure and kill United States officials and political figures.
On February 20, 2025, Rubin posted that the head of a federal law enforcement agency “will be assassinated.” Two days later, Rubin posted “I shot my TV when [U.S. Cabinet Member] appeared in an ad on illegals. Next time I see her in person the shots will be for her.”
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Arson of Property in Interstate CommerceRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KYLE THOMSEN (“THOMSEN”), from New Orleans, was indicted on March 19, 2026 for arson of property used in interstate commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(i), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the indictment, on or about January 19, 2026, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, THOMSEN, damaged and destroyed by means of fire, a vehicle used by a commercial business in interstate commerce.
THOMSEN faces from five to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
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 reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is a part of the NOLA Safe initiative and was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tabacco and Firearms and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime Unit.
New Hampshire Man Charged with CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Londonderry, N.H. man was arrested today for allegedly cyberstalking a Massachusetts victim through social media, text messages; and various online platforms. Among numerous other things, the defendant allegedly posted sexually provocative statements, including a post that indicated the victim wanted to be sexually assaulted. The defendant also allegedly directed others on social media to produce, post and repost sexually explicit material of the victim.
Brad Cerullo, 46, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of cyberstalking. Cerullo was arrested this morning and, following an initial appearance today, was ordered detained pending a hearing scheduled for March 27, 2026 at 2 p.m. in federal court in Boston.
According to the charging documents, between March 2021 and May 2025, the victim received approximately 72 text messages to her cell phone from at least 26 unknown senders, many from VoIP numbers. Several of the text messages referenced her photos or personal information on impersonation Twitter accounts. It is alleged that two of the unknown VoIP numbers were traced to Cerullo.
Over 340 of the victim’s images, including sexually explicit images and videos stolen from a secure device in the victim’s possession, and at least 10 accounts, including four accounts containing the victim’s name, were allegedly used to impersonate and/or further a campaign to shame, defame, harass, or otherwise cause the victim substantial emotional distress.
The charge of stalking by electronic means provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Wayne Tracy, Acting Chief of the Haverhill Police Department made the announcement today. The Andover and Londonderry (N.H.) Police Departments provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and member of the Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.Missouri Woman Admits Serving as Money Mule for $2 Million Lottery ScamRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A Missouri woman on Wednesday admitted acting as a money mule and receiving more than $2 million from elderly fraud victims around the country, despite repeatedly being warned by investigators and bank officials.
Sharon Dolisi, 79, of Phelps County near St. James, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. She admitted depositing cashier’s checks and personal checks from 28 victims into her personal bank accounts from about April 21, 2023, to June 11, 2025. Less than a week after her first deposit, one bank closed her account. On Oct. 28, 2024, Dolisi lied when she told law enforcement officials that she was not receiving money from or sending money to other people. Four days later, in response to an inquiry by bank representatives about three large cash withdrawals totaling $64,500, Dolisi falsely claimed that she buys and sells gold. On June 27, 2025, Dolisi told a bank representative that she immediately needed $54,000 in cash to buy gold and collectibles.
All the while, Dolisi was opening bank accounts and supplying debit cards to co-conspirators in Jamaica, who used those debit cards to withdraw money obtained through lottery frauds. Victims were contacted by phone or text and told that they had won a lottery but needed to prepay “taxes” and “fees” to “intermediates” and “merchant bankers.” If victims didn’t have enough liquid assets to pay the taxes and fees, conspirators told them to obtain reverse mortgages and home equity loans.
Dolisi admitted receiving more than $2 million from victims and moving more than $1.9 million in fraud proceeds through her account.
Dolisi is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25. The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or both. She will also be ordered to pay restitution.The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll is prosecuting the case.
Milwaukee Man Indicted for Domestic Violence Related Arson and CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
Brad D. Schimel, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on March 24, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging that Dante D. Bracey, Jr. (age: 35) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, committed three federal felonies: (1) Count One: arson, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(i); (2) Count Two: cyberstalking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2261A(2); and (3) Count Three: use of fire to commit a federal felony, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(h).
Bracey is alleged to have intentionally set fire to a multi-unit residential apartment building in Milwaukee on January 10, 2026. He is also charged with engaging in a course of conduct via telephone that caused the adult victim to fear death or serious bodily injury and to suffer substantial emotional distress.If convicted of Count One, Bracey faces a mandatory minimum of five years’ imprisonment and a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment. If convicted of Count Two, he faces up to five years’ imprisonment. If convicted of Count Three, Bracey faces a mandatory 10 years’ imprisonment, up to life imprisonment, consecutive to any sentence on Count Two.
This case was investigated by the Milwaukee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abbey M. Marzick.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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For further information contact:
Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero
(414) 297-1700
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Manchester Man Sentenced to Five Years for Trafficking Pounds of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Manchester Man Sentenced to Five Years for Trafficking Pounds of Methamphetamine
CONCORD – A Manchester man was sentenced today in federal court for drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
Michael Raiche, 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven McAuliffe to 60 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. In July 2025, Raiche pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, specifically methamphetamine.
“The defendant conspired with others to distribute dangerous drugs in our state,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “Today’s sentence reflects the serious threat posed by those who deal in drugs like methamphetamine. Our office will continue to pursue individuals and organizations who profit from drug trafficking in our communities.”
“Michael Raiche pushed massive amounts of meth onto New Hampshire’s streets and was caught red-handed selling this poison on six separate occasions,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “While he sits behind bars contemplating the consequences of his criminal conduct, the FBI and our partners will continue to target those fueling the Granite State’s drug epidemic and callously profiting from people’s pain and addiction.”
“This case highlights the strength of our partnership with federal and state agencies,” said Colonel Mark B. Hall, Director, New Hampshire State Police. “The Collaboration between the FBI, our Local Law Enforcement partners, and New Hampshire State Police Narcotics Investigations Unit has led to the successful disruption of the illegal distribution of narcotics that is threatening our communities. We remain committed to holding those responsible, accountable and protecting public safety.”
According to the court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2022 the FBI, New Hampshire Major Offender Task Force, and the New Hampshire State Police (“NHSP”) began investigating a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy in New Hampshire. On multiple occasions, a confidential source (or “CS”) sought to purchase methamphetamine from Thomas Conway who told the CS that “Mike,” the defendant, would take care of him. In December 2022, Conway told the CS about the defendant taking over his drug distribution business. Phone calls and text messages intercepted during the investigation confirmed that the defendant worked as a mid-level methamphetamine distributor for Conway and the two discussed the need to restructure their drug trafficking organization to ensure a sufficient drug supply. In one call on March 20, 2023, Conway told the defendant he had bought a pound of methamphetamine. Thereafter, on March 22, 2023, NHSP pulled over another of the defendant’s co-conspirators and found about one pound of methamphetamine in a briefcase in the car. In a call with Conway, they discussed how they anticipated the police search of the vehicle and finding one pound of methamphetamine.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation Major Offender Task Force in partnership with the New Hampshire State Police led the investigation. The Concord Police Department, Franklin Police Department, and New Hampton Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherniske prosecuted the case.
Lead Defendant in Multi-State SNAP and PUA Fraud Conspiracy Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fitchburg, Mass. man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to his role in a fraud scheme that used the stolen identities of more than 100 individuals to obtain $440,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The defendant and his alleged co-conspirators also fraudulently obtained over $700,000 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits from Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio Washington and Nevada.
Raul Fernandez Vicioso, 37, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit SNAP Fraud, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, SNAP benefit Fraud, Aiding and Abetting and Money Laundering. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for July 9, 2026.
The defendant was charged on Feb. 3, 2026. Three alleged co-conspirators – Joel Vicioso Fernandez, 42, of Fitchburg, Mass.; Roman Vequiz Fernandez, 32, a Venezuelan national living in Leominster, Mass.; and Coralba Albarracin Siniva, 24, a Venezuelan national living in Leominster, Mass., were charged by criminal complaint.
Raul Fernandez Vicioso and his alleged co-conspirators purchased and used the stolen personal information of over 100 real people from multiple states to fraudulently obtain SNAP benefits. The stolen identities were used to create 24 “households” in SNAP applications. All of these applications, submitted in the names of over 100 people, were listed as living in two single-family apartments in Providence, R.I.
A number of the stolen identities from Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico were used to fraudulently obtain SNAP benefits in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Raul Fernandez Vicioso used his own personal information to create fraudulent SNAP benefit accounts that were found commingled among the victim identities in the applications. In support of the fraudulently submitted SNAP applications, the defendants and their co-conspirators allegedly provided images of counterfeit passports and passport cards, with metadata that indicated the images were taken inside or within the immediate vicinity of El Primo Restaurant – a restaurant operated by Raul Fernandez Vicioso in Leominster, Mass.
The defendants and their co-conspirators allegedly used the fraudulent SNAP benefits cards to purchase large quantities of expensive bulk food items (such as multiple-pound packages of chicken, beef and pork) at various local wholesalers and food markets to stock El Primo Restaurant at no expense. With their supplies obtained for free through fraudulent SNAP benefits, they sold menu items at El Primo Restaurant at a complete profit, later wiring the fraud proceeds to individuals living in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, among other places.
According to the charging documents, between April 2020 and December 2021, the defendants and their co-conspirators further enriched themselves by over $700,000 by submitting fraudulent applications and supporting documents for PUA in Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Nevada. The fraudulent PUA benefits were issued in the names of Raul Fernandez Vicioso and allegedly Joel Vicioso Fernandez and in the names of suspected identity theft victims, including identities common to the related the SNAP benefit fraud. At least 29 different identities were allegedly used in PUA applications in six different states – all of which listed the address for El Primo Restaurant as the residential address. Bank records obtained during the investigation detail approximately $276,021 in fraudulent PUA benefits deposited into bank accounts held in the names of the El Primo Restaurant, Raul Fernandez Vicioso and allegedly Joel Vicioso Fernandez and other co-conspirators. Other fraudulent PUA benefits were allegedly issued to prepaid cards in the identities of the various individuals which were applied for using known addresses and telephone numbers of the subjects.
During searches of Raul Fernandez Vicioso’s residence and the El Primo Restaurant, fraudulently obtained Massachusetts and Rhode Island EBT cards, fraudulent documents bearing a Providence address involved in the alleged scheme, printed ledgers and handwritten lists of more than 100 identities and SNAP-related mailings were recovered.
Fraud, waste or abuse can be reported to the Council of the Inspectors General for Integrity and Efficiency: https://www.oversight.gov/where-report-fraud-waste-abuse-or-retaliation.
The charge of Conspiracy to Commit SNAP Fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 The charge of illegal acquisition or use of SNAP benefits provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount involved in the transaction, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region; Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Department of State - Diplomatic Security Service; Rhode Island Office of Internal Audit - Fraud Detection & Prevention Unit; Massachusetts State Police; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island; and the Fitchburg and Leominster Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danial Bennett of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Las Vegas Woman Indicted for Fraudulently Obtaining over $365,000 in Social Security PaymentsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas woman made her initial appearance in court on Tuesday before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts for allegedly fraudulently obtaining more than $365,000 in payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
According to allegations contained in court documents, beginning in April 2009 through February 2026, Narda Yvonne Locklear improperly received and converted the SSA benefit payments of her deceased grandmother for her own use. Because the SSA was unaware of the death, the SSA continued to deposit Social Security Retirement Insurance Benefits payments in the bank account. Locklear possessed a debit card issued in her grandmother’s name that allowed her access to the bank account. Additionally, she made false representations to the SSA in her application for Supplemental Security Income benefits and during redeterminations. As a result of the fraud scheme, Locklear obtained over $365,000 in SSA payments.
Locklear is charged with three counts of bank fraud, two counts of theft of government money, and one count of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty is 112 years in custody. A jury trial has been scheduled for May 18, 2026, before United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon.
First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent-in-Charge Christian Assaad of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, San Francisco Field Division, made the announcement.
The SSA OIG investigated the case. Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Weidhaas is prosecuting the case.
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Justice Department Settles Lawsuits Challenging Biden Administration’s Alleged Social Media Coercion and DeplatformingRead the Press Release
The Justice Department this week announced the settlement of litigation alleging that the Biden administration induced social media companies to suppress disfavored speech by American citizens. The lawsuits alleged that inducing social media companies to suppress disfavored speech violated the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
The settlements implement President Trump’s Executive Order, entitled “Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship,” acknowledging that “the previous administration trampled free speech rights by censoring Americans’ speech on online platforms, often by exerting substantial coercive pressure on third parties, such as social media companies, to moderate, deplatform, or otherwise suppress speech that the Federal Government did not approve.” 90 Fed. Reg. 8243 (Jan. 28, 2025).
“The Biden administration coerced social media companies to stifle free speech that they disapproved of,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “These Department of Justice settlements are key steps in undoing those abuses of the First Amendment, especially against conservative media. We will never waver on protecting Americans’ right to speak freely.”
“This Department is committed to upholding the First Amendment rights of all Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, of the Civil Division. “No one should have their right to engage in constitutionally protected speech online infringed by unlawful government coercion of social media companies.”
The United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana found that U.S. Government actors likely had caused certain plaintiffs to be deplatformed by major social media companies. Now, the Department’s agreements with plaintiffs avoid the need for continued litigation in these cases. Missouri v. Biden, No. 3:22-cv-1213 (W.D. La.); Children’s Health Defense v. Biden, No. 23-cv-0381 (W.D. La.).
Securing the right of the American people to engage in constitutionally protected speech is a priority of the Department of Justice. Additional information about the Civil Division is available at www.justice.gov/civil.
Jury finds Browning man guilty of assault on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Browning man who shot an individual on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was found guilty by a federal jury today, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said.
Following a one-and-a-half-day trial, Kevin James Trombley, 28, was found guilty of one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, and one count of use of a firearm during a crime of violence. Trombley faces mandatory minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for April 23, 2026. Trombley remained detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents and at trial that John Doe was drinking with friends and family in the late hours of March 22, 2024, and early hours of March 23. Early in the morning on March 23, Trombley and some friends entered the same residence without permission.
Once inside, a fight ensued among Doe, Trombley, and others. After the fight caused damage, the homeowner declared everyone needed to leave, and grabbed a pellet gun to make her point.
The fight migrated outside into the driveway that abuts the house. Doe, meanwhile, stood in the driveway. According to witnesses, Doe was unarmed and had his hands up, saying something to the effect of, “What are we going to do?”
At that point, Trombley—who was seated in the driver’s seat of his truck—leaned across the passenger seat—and fired a gun through the truck’s window. The shot hit Doe in the abdomen, and he fell to the ground. Trombley then fled in his truck. Doe was taken to Blackfeet Community Hospital before he was transferred to Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, where he underwent surgery for injuries to his internal organs. Law enforcement spoke with several witnesses who identified Trombley as the shooter.
Law enforcement went to a residence in search of Trombley. They found him sleeping in a back bedroom, and they found a Smith & Wesson 40 caliber pistol—later confirmed to have been purchased by Trombley—between the box spring and the mattress on which he slept. When Trombley’s truck was later searched, officers found a spent shell casing on the passenger side floorboard. When law enforcement interviewed Trombley, he did not deny being at the party but denied knowing how Doe was shot.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.
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Jury Convicts Melbourne Man of Transporting Four Kilograms of Cocaine to BrevardRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – A federal jury has found Leonard Ronald Nile, Jr. (53, Melbourne) guilty of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Nile faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison on each count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 23, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to testimony presented at trial, Nile drove a co-conspirator from Melbourne to south Florida to assist that individual (a known drug distributor) with picking up almost 30 pounds of marijuana and 4 kilograms (nearly $60,000 worth) of cocaine which were destined to be distributed in and around Brevard County. DEA surveilled the men as they picked up the drugs. After attempting a traffic stop, Nile led troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol on a high-speed chase at speeds exceeding 140 mph. The chase ended when troopers successfully executed a precision immobilization technique (PIT maneuver).
After the vehicle was disabled, Nile fled on foot and was quickly apprehended by a police K9 and several law enforcement officers. Agents recovered the marijuana and the 4 kilograms of cocaine from the vehicle Niles was driving.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the West Melbourne Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Jerry M. Harre and Matthew Del Mastro.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Jackson man pleaded guilty on Wednesday, March 25th in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement officers stopped Eugene Cooper, Jr., 50, on March 13, 2024, while he was in possession of a handgun in his vehicle in the metro Jackson area. At the time of the stop, Cooper, Jr. had previously been convicted of burglary and fondling of a child.
Eugene Cooper, Jr. is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case with assistance from the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.
Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brett Grantham is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) 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).
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Celso Martinez-Mata, a/k/a Celso Mata Martinez, a/k/a Celso Martinez, age 60, a Mexican national unlawfully present in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien.
The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
On December 22, 2025, Martinez-Mata pleaded guilty to the charge in federal district court. According to investigators, on October 29, 2025, Martinez-Mata, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on July 2, 2002.
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 Honorable Raúl M. Arias-Marxuach, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Staubus represented the United States.
Houma Man Guilty of Possessing Methamphetamine for DistributionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – VAN VESSEL, (“VESSEL”), age 50, of Houma, pled guilty on March 18, 2026 before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. Sentencing is scheduled for June 24, 2026.
At sentencing, VESSEL faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, at least five years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
According to the indictment, during the early morning hours of May 18, 2025, Houma Police Department officers attempted to stop a vehicle driven by VESSEL for lacking operational headlights and taillights. VESSEL attempted to flee but ultimately crashed his vehicle and was arrested. A search of the vehicle VESSEL crashed revealed over seven (7) pounds of methamphetamine on the passenger floorboard packaged in a large, vacuum sealed bag. VESSEL later admitted to law enforcement that he knew the methamphetamine was in the vehicle and he possessed the methamphetamine for distribution purposes.
United States Attorney Courcelle praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, the Houma Police Department, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.
Gun Store Owner Indicted for Conspiracy and Attempting to Provide Material Support to Designated Foreign Terrorist OrganizationsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – The owner of Grips By Larry, a former federal firearms licensee (FFL) was indicted last week on charges related to providing material support to Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (“CJNG”) and Cartel de Sinaloa (“CDS”), Mexican cartels that were designated as foreign terrorist organizations in 2025.
On March 17, 2026, a federal grand jury in Phoenix returned a superseding indictment against Laurence Gray, 65, of Hereford, Arizona, for Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Conspiracy to Provide Support to a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. Gray was arraigned on the indictment in federal court today.
Gray, the owner of Grips by Larry, a federally licensed firearms dealer in Arizona, was previously indicted for firearms trafficking offenses in 2025, alongside a second individual, Barrett Weinberger, 73, of Tucson, Arizona. The original charges against both men included trafficking in firearms, aiding and abetting the straw purchasing of firearms, and aiding and abetting material false statements during the purchase of a firearm. In addition to more firearms charges, last week’s superseding indictment added material support to terrorism charges against Gray.
The indictment alleges that Gray knowingly attempted to provide firearms to CJNG in May of 2025, and knowingly conspired to provide firearms to both CJNG and CDS that same year. Both cartels were designated by the U.S. Secretary of State as foreign terrorist organizations pursuant to Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act on Feb. 20, 2025.
Convictions for Conspiracy to and Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Designated Terrorist Organization each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. A conviction for Trafficking in Firearms carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. A conviction for Aiding and Abetting the Straw Purchase of Firearms carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. A conviction for Aiding and Abetting a Material False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcus Shand, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
CASE NUMBER: CR-25-00835-PHX-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-051_Weinberger, et al.# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Guatemalan National Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Guatemalan national pleaded guilty on March 24, 2026 in federal court in Rhode Island to illegally reentering the United States after having been removed, announced United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda.
Victor Lemus Davida, 44, admitted that he returned to the United States after having been previously removed. Lemus Davida is scheduled to be sentenced on April 23, 2026. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. He faces a sentence of up to 2 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to one year of supervised release.
According to court documents, Lemus Davida, a citizen of Guatemala, was previously removed from the United States on June 8, 2022, pursuant to an order of removal. He later entered the United States without obtaining permission from the Attorney General to reapply for admission.
Lemus Davida was arrested on February 5, 2026 in Pawtucket, RI.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sandra R. Hebert.
The matter was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Guatemalan Illegal Alien Indicted for Illegal Re-Entry of Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – EMNER ISAIAS NAJERA-NAJERA (“NAJERA-NAJERA”), age 41, a native of Guatemala, was indicted on March 19, 2026, for illegal re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the charging document, the defendant was found in the United States on March 12, 2026, having reentered the United States without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States after being previously deported on June 22, 2017.
NAJERA-NAJERA faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 for re-entry of a removed alien.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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 U.S. Border Patrol in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Grand Jury charges additional Chinese nationals & pharmaceutical companies with drug trafficking & money laundering conspiracies, attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organizationRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – A federal grand jury in Dayton returned charges against six Chinese nationals and two Chinese pharmaceutical companies in narcotics and money laundering conspiracies involving chemical agents used to manufacture and cut fentanyl. Three defendants are also charged with attempting to provide material support to a Mexican drug cartel.
“This new indictment marks the first time in the Southern District of Ohio that we have brought charges for providing material support to a Mexican drug cartel designated as a foreign terrorist organization by way of President Trump’s Executive Order of January 20, 2025, and Secretary Rubio’s February 20, 2025 designation,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “We are going after the entire chain of supply for these deadly drugs, from Mexican cartels and Chinese pharmaceutical companies to the high-level distributors on our streets in the Southern District of Ohio.”
“The FBI is aggressively pursuing individuals and companies in China that are selling dangerous narcotics and working with terrorist organizations,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie. “We will continue to use innovative approaches to investigate those peddling lethal drugs as we work to protect our communities.”
In September 2025, dozens of defendants were charged in the Southern District of Ohio in similar narcotics and money laundering conspiracies, including at least two defendants from the greater Dayton area.
According to the indictment returned today, the defendants openly marketed, sold and delivered various chemical precursors that they intended for domestic and foreign drug traffickers to use in the manufacture and production of fentanyl for ultimate distribution in the United States.
Drug traffickers use chemical precursors to manufacture fentanyl and other substances known as “cut” to increase the quantity of retail doses available for sale. For example, drug traffickers often “cut” fentanyl with medetomidine, an animal tranquilizer that is up to 200 times more powerful than morphine. Medetomidine has the potential to increase the yield of a single kilogram of fentanyl at least twenty-fold, producing millions of dosages for street level sales.
Three defendants also allegedly attempted to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization by selling chemical precursors and medetomidine to an individual who claimed to be a member of the Cártel del Golfo (also known as the Gulf Cartel), a violent transnational organization based in Mexico involved in drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, human smuggling and other crimes. purported
Those charged in the indictment include Chinese companies Shandong Believe Chemical Company Pte Ltd. and Shandong Ranhang Biotechnology Co. Ltd., as well as individuals Hanson Zhao, Gao Yanpeng, Xia Yi, Zhang Jian, Wang Zhoalan and Zhang Chunhai.
The companies allegedly used Zhao, Yanpeng, Yi, Jian, Zhoalan and Chunhai to solicit, negotiate, and secure payments for illegal cutting agents from U.S. customers. It is alleged the foreign nationals generally directed U.S. customers to pay for the cutting agents using cryptocurrency transferred to crypto wallets under the foreign national’s control for ultimate deposit into financial institutions located overseas.
The defendants are charged with conspiring to manufacture, to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl mixture, which is a federal crime punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison. Attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization and international money laundering are crimes punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the charges. Deputy Criminal Chief Brent G. Tabacchi and Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth L. McCormick are representing the United States in this case.
China’s Ministry of Public Security provided the FBI with critical intelligence that helped advance its understanding and investigation of Shandong Believe Chemical Company and its criminal network.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of 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.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Georgia Thief Pleaded Guilty to Identity Theft and Wire Fraud for Stealing from Sampson CountyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Georgia man, Roderick Michael Bates, 55, pleaded guilty to identity theft and wire fraud for stealing from a local farm machinery and equipment business in Salemburg.
According to court documents, Bates used stolen identities with fake driver’s licenses to secure financing for farm machinery and equipment from a local Sampson County business. Using these identities, he fraudulently purchased high-value items totaling more than $65,000, including a zero-turn mower, an Evolution D5 Ranger golf cart, and 12-foot and 16-foot dump trailers. He then had the business ship the items to him hundreds of miles away, outside the state of North Carolina.
“Criminals need to think twice before stealing from the good and hardworking people in Eastern NC.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Our office will prosecute you and stick you behind prison bars. Cheaters.Never.Win.”
“I would like to thank our federal partners that helped bring this individual to justice. The citizens of Sampson County should know that our offices will work tirelessly to protect the property and livelihoods of every citizen. Regardless of distance, we will find them.” said Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton.
Bates faces a mandatory minimum of 2 years and a maximum penalty of 42 years in prison when sentenced in a few months.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers, II accepted the plea. The FBI and the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Petracca is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:25-CR-00117-D-BM
Former fugitive charged with attempted murder of federal officers, firearms crimesRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – Federal charges were filed here against a Dayton man who had been a fugitive in Missouri for approximately five years. The defendant fired shots at fugitive apprehension officers when they arrived at his Dayton home to take him into custody.
Terrence Gay, 41, had been a fugitive since September 2021, when he failed to appear to begin serving a federal prison sentence for fentanyl crimes.
According to court documents, on March 19, the Southern District of Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) developed new information regarding Gay’s whereabouts and began surveillance on his residence.
On March 23, law enforcement officials surrounded Gay’s home, announcing their presence and purpose.
Gay allegedly failed to comply with agents to come out of his home and eventually fired approximately 12 rounds at officers, striking an unmarked Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office vehicle with deputies inside.
Dayton Police SWAT and Montgomery County SWAT teams arrived to provide assistance.
During this time, United States Marshals received a phone call from Gay’s attorney, and a three-way call was made to arrange Gay’s peaceful surrender.
Gay is charged with assaulting federal officers with a deadly weapon, attempted murder of a federal officer, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and illegally possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon.
Besides his prior convictions in Missouri, Gay has prior convictions in Montgomery County for aggravated robbery, theft and kidnapping.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; United States Marshal Michael D. Black; Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck and Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Erica D. Lunderman is representing the United States in this case.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Former Office Manager Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A former office manager was sentenced today for Bank Fraud and stealing more than $700k from her employers, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Raul M Arias-Marxuach sentenced Toni Lee Mesh, 40, of Vinita, to 46 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. She is further ordered to pay $703,938.41 in restitution.
In 2023, Mesh was hired as the office manager and accountant for two privately owned manufacturing businesses in Pryor. She was responsible for the business’s accounting system, processing revenues and expenses, and handling payroll. Mesh admitted to abusing her position of trust to embezzle funds for unauthorized transactions that solely benefited her. Prior to being fired, Mesh embezzled nearly $580k. After Mesh was fired in June 2024, she continued to falsify business checks.
Mesh was hired two months later as an office manager by a business in Broken Arrow. She was employed there for less than 90 days and stole more than $100k from that business.
Court dockets show that Mesh has been convicted in state court for embezzlement, unauthorized use of a credit card, and uttering a forged instrument.
Mesh was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David D. Whipple prosecuted the case.
Former Milwaukee Police Officer Sentenced to Five Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Brad D. Schimel, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on March 24, 2026, Juwon Madlock (age: 30) was sentenced to five years of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, by United States District Judge Brett H. Ludwig.
Publicly filed documents reflect that Madlock, while serving as a Milwaukee Police Officer, provided ammunition to a felon; possessed an automatic weapon; helped a street gang hide its stolen vehicles; and lied to the FBI. He pled guilty to offenses related to that misconduct in December 2025.
Beyond the offenses of conviction, Madlock also sent pictures of his fellow officers to a gang member and offered to sell rifles to that same gang member. Madlock counseled wanted criminals on how to flee from law enforcement. Most egregiously, Madlock told a violent gang where to find its rivals, knowing those gang members would use his information to shoot and kill those same rivals.
In its sentencing commentary, the government emphasized the need for a serious sentence to promote respect for the law. The government noted that Madlock “knew what he was doing, and he knew it was wrong. He nevertheless chose to imperil the public, betray his colleagues, and violate his oath. His crimes were novel, aggravated, and brazen.”
While imposing sentence, Judge Ludwig described the case as “tragic” and “sad,” given both the defendant’s crimes and the advantages Madlock enjoyed relative to other defendants. Judge Ludwig emphasized that the defendant was “sworn to uphold the law,” but instead he “violated it.” Judge Ludwig also noted that Madlock’s crime was not a “mistake”; instead, he had “opportunities” to “come to” his “senses and stop,” which he ignored. Judge Ludwig explained that Madlock was “lucky” the men whose information he shared were not hurt, because if they had been, Madlock could have been “party to a murder.”
“The defendant used his position as a police officer to provide information to gang members to assist them in perpetrating crimes against the very community he swore to protect and serve,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Schimel. “For a sworn officer to traffic in law enforcement sensitive information, weapons and drugs while on duty is simply unconscionable, and he belongs in prison.”
"Juwon Madlock's betrayal of the trust he held as a police officer was reprehensible. The FBI will continue to work tirelessly to hold accountable those who deceive the public’s trust and assist criminal organizations,” said FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Alan Karr. “The FBI and our partners will aggressively investigate those who violate the public trust and their duty to serve.”
“The Milwaukee Police Department appreciates the work of our partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation on this case," said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman. “As a department, we firmly believe that it is our duty to enforce laws when individuals decide to cause harm to others, and that includes enforcing those laws even when it is our members causing that harm. No one is above the law.”This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Milwaukee Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Knight and Patricia Daugherty.
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(414) 297-1700
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Former Immigration Officer Pleads Guilty to Accepting BribeRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Amara Dukuly, 44, of Woodlyn, Pennsylvania, a former immigration officer employed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”), pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge John M. Younge to aiding and abetting the bribery of a public official in exchange for an official act.
As detailed in court filings, from approximately 2015 to his arrest in June 2025, Dukuly used his status as a USCIS employee to solicit bribes from individuals, in exchange for promises to help them obtain assistance with their immigration status.
On April 4, 2025, Dukuly received a $6,000 bribe from an individual to help with the removal of “terrorist” references from the individual's immigration file. Dukuly promised the individual that after the “terrorist” references were removed, his file would be “clean.”
The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on July 14 and faces a maximum possible term of 15 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anita Eve and Robert Livermore.
Former Director of a Brooklyn Daycare Indicted for Stealing More Than $2.75 Million in Tuition PaymentsRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging Murielle Misczak with wire fraud and money laundering in connection with her employment at a Brooklyn daycare (the Daycare). Misczak was the director of the Daycare, which provided childcare and preschool to children. Over the course of approximately four years, Misczak embezzled more than $2.75 million by directing parents to send tuition payments to unapproved accounts she controlled and transferring the funds to her personal bank accounts. Misczak was arrested today and will be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrest and charges.
“As alleged, Misczak abused her position of authority and betrayed the trust of her employer and daycare families by stealing millions in tuition to fund her own extravagant personal lifestyle,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office will vigorously prosecute corrupt individuals like the defendant who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of services for children.”
“Murielle Misczak allegedly stole millions of dollars from parents whose tuition payments were unknowingly funding personal lavish purchases. As the daycare’s former director, Misczak’s alleged embezzlement violated the trust placed in her by her employer and clients. The FBI is dedicated to disrupting corrupt schemes that defraud our city’s families for selfish gain, especially those exploiting childcare services,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
As set forth in court filings, Misczak was hired by the Daycare in 2013 as Program Coordinator and was later promoted to Director in 2020. Starting in January 2022 and continuing through October 2025, Misczak stole more than $2.75 million in tuition payments by directing them to be paid into accounts she controlled and then transferring those payments into her own accounts. Misczak hid her theft from the Daycare by deleting and altering information in the Daycare’s accounting systems. Misczak spent over $600,000 in stolen funds on travel and entertainment, including over $350,000 on tickets to professional wrestling events, as well as hundreds of thousands of dollars on luxury goods and various personal expenses such as food delivery and ride sharing services.
The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the charges, Misczak faces up to 20 years in prison.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Shannon C. Jones and Sophia M. Suarez are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Melina Piatti-Chayan.
The Defendant:
MURIELLE MISCZAK
Age: 43
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-65 (NGG)
murielle_misczak_indictment.pdfFormer Department of Energy Employee Pleads Guilty to Bribery of a Public OfficialRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Security Specialist with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to trying to bribe another DOE employee in order to secure government contracts for a private company.
Edward Doherty, 35, of Washington, D.C. and Weymouth, Mass., pleaded guilty to honest services fraud, payment of illegal gratuities and bribery of a public official. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for July 8, 2026. In July 2025, Doherty was indicted by a federal grand jury.
Doherty worked for the DOE as Security Specialist until he agreed to participate in the deferred resignation program in February 2025. Just before he started working with the DOE, in November 2024, Doherty started a company in Massachusetts called MAE Systems, LLC (MAE). In February 2025, Doherty offered a DOE employee money in exchange for the DOE employee ensuring that MAE received DOE contracts. The DOE employee reported the incident to law enforcement. Between February and June 2025, Doherty was recorded offering to pay the DOE employee at least $10,000 in exchange for the DOE employee awarding a DOE contract to MAE. In June 2025, Doherty made two downpayments on the bribe, totaling $2,500, to the DOE employee.
The charge of honest services wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of payment of illegal gratuities provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of bribery of a public official provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and said Department of Energy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Lewe Sessions made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.
Foreign National from the Congo Sentenced for Role in Email Fraud and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson and Special Agent in Charge Sara J. Jones with the FBI Mobile, Alabama Field Office announced the sentencing of a foreign national from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who was residing in Hockley, Texas for his role in an email compromise scheme that defrauded a business of more than $200,000.
On March 24, 2026, a federal judge sentenced 27-year-old Chris Kasimbo Kalwahali to 33 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering. Following his prison term, Kalwahali will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Business email compromise schemes are a growing threat to companies across our district and the nation,” said Acting United States Attorney Davidson. “Those who seek to exploit trusted business relationships for personal gain must be pursued and held accountable.”
“The FBI is working every day to disrupt and dismantle cybercriminals who prey on victims in southern Alabama,” said Special Agent in Charge Jones. “Today’s outcome is another example of our commitment to protecting victims and imposing consequences on the criminals who perpetrate cyber intrusions in our area. We encourage anyone who has been the victim of cybercrime to report it immediately at www.ic3.gov. Quick reporting gives us the best chance to work with victims and our partners to recover stolen funds and bring criminals to justice.”
According to his plea agreement and other court records, in March 2023, Kalwahali’s co-conspirators targeted a business in Auburn, Alabama, by gaining unauthorized access to a business email account. Such access is commonly obtained through methods including hacking or social engineering to acquire login credentials.
Once access is obtained, perpetrators often impersonate the legitimate account holder and send fraudulent messages directing business partners to update payment information. Victims are then instructed to send payments to bank accounts controlled by members of the scheme.
In this case, the compromised email account was used to request wire transfers from two companies that conducted business with the Auburn company. One transfer, totaling $209,308.45, was deposited into a bank account controlled by Kalwahali. He then transferred the proceeds to other participants in the scheme.
As part of his plea agreement, Kalwahali admitted that he received and redistributed fraud proceeds, including transferring more than $83,000 to a Houston, Texas car dealership to purchase a vehicle.
During the sentencing hearing, the court also ordered Kalwahali to pay a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $185,667.20. Additional restitution amounts are also pending.
The FBI Mobile Field Office investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle R. Turner and Eric M. Counts prosecuted for the Middle District of Alabama.
Eleven Defendants Charged in Takedown of Alleged Gang-Associated Drug DealingRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Five indictments and one complaint were unsealed in federal court this week charging 11 individuals with distributing methamphetamine throughout San Diego County.
The charges are the result of a 16-month investigation by the FBI San Diego Violent Crime Task Force – Gang Group and Homeland Security Investigations that targeted Asian Crips-affiliated drug dealers in Mira Mesa and elsewhere. The investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, undercover agents and confidential sources.
In a coordinated takedown this morning, more than 200 federal, state, and local law enforcement officials executed four search warrants in Escondido, National City, Ramona and San Diego and arrested seven defendants. Four defendants were arrested on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.
Including seizures today and throughout this investigation, authorities have confiscated more than 11 pounds of methamphetamine and two firearms.
“We allege that these defendants turned neighborhoods into a marketplace for drugs and crime,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “By dismantling this network, we’re helping give the community back its streets—and its peace of mind.”
“The success of this joint Homeland Security Task Force operation is a testament to the dedication, collaboration, and professionalism of all our law enforcement partners,” said Kevin Murphy, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego. “Together, we have made significant strides in disrupting gang-associated drug trafficking and protecting our communities. HSI remains committed to prioritizing public safety.”
“Today’s multiple arrests of alleged violent gang members resulted from FBI San Diego and our law enforcement partners at HSI, SDCSO, SDPD, CVPD, and CDCR working together to stop the flow of drugs into our neighborhoods,” said TJ Holland, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Diego Field Office. “The FBI will continue to coordinate complex joint investigations to ensure justice is served and our communities are safe.”
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Keith D. Ellison and Daniel Casillas.
DEFENDANTS
Case Number 26CR0903-DMS
Muriel Burless (Age: 43)
Eric Rose (Age: 45)
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine (Actual), in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 846
Maximum Penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 10 years in prison; $10 million fine.
Case Number 26CR0904-DMS
Roy Elazgui (Age: 50)
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine (Actual), in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
Maximum Penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 10 years; $10 million fine
Case Number 26CR0905-DMS
Rex Hernandez (Age: 57)
Antonio Gregorio Amposta (Age: 52)
Jesus Rodriguez (Age: 49)
Clyde Johnson (Age: 64)
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine (Actual), in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 846
Maximum Penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 10 years; $10 million fine
Case Number 26CR0906-DMS
Jeremy Espiritu (Age: 36)
Albert Mora (Age: 54)
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Distribute more than 5 Grams of Methamphetamine (Actual), in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 846
Maximum Penalty: Forty years in prison, mandatory minimum five years; $5 million fine
Case Number 26CR0907-JLS
Jason Quila (Age: 45)
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Distribution of more than 5 Grams of Methamphetamine (Actual), in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
Maximum Penalty: Forty years in prison, mandatory minimum five years; $5 million fine.
Case Number 26MJ01036
Priscilla Violante (Age: 38)
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine (Actual) and 40 Grams of Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
Maximum Penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 10 years; $10 million fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Violent Crimes Task Force – Gang Group (VCTF-GG), which included investigators from the following agencies:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Homeland Security Investigations
- San Diego Police Department
- California Department of Corrections
- San Diego County Sheriff’s Office
- Chula Vista Police Department
- National City Police Department
- San Diego County District Attorney’s Office Investigations
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This investigation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF San Diego comprises agents and officers from FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, Department of Defense, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and INTERPOL, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, provides assistance to Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. This grant program is administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). There are currently 33 HIDTAs, and HIDTA-designated counties are located in 50 states, as well as in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.
Dunkirk man pleads guilty to theft of government funds involving COVID-19 fraudRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jesus Ramos aka Manny, 42, of Dunkirk, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to theft of government funds, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, co-defendant Lamont Brown recruited others to apply for unemployment assistance compensation through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program for which they were not entitled. In July 2020, Ramos provided his identification information and social security number to Lamont Brown, knowing that it would be used to obtain money that he was not entitled to. After he provided his personal information to Brown, Ramos received a check totaling $11,454 from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources, which he deposited into a checking account at a Lake Shore Savings Bank, owned by Lamont Brown. These funds were later withdrawn and spent. Ramos did not reside in, nor had he resided or worked in Puerto Rico and was therefore legally ineligible to receive the PUA funds from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources. The total loss amount to the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources due to the actions of Ramos and others involved in the scheme was $67,524.
Brown was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone, Northeast Region.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 24, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.
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Drug Dealer with Tenderloin Ties Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Andy Cruz was sentenced today to 96 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and failure to appear in court as required by conditions of release. Senior U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer handed down the sentence.
Cruz, 40, who previously resided in Oakland, was initially charged by complaint on Oct. 11, 2023, and by indictment on October 25, 2023, on drug charges. On November 6, 2023, Cruz was released on bond. Around February 2024, Cruz absconded. As a result, he was separately indicted by a federal grand jury on April 2, 2024, for failure to appear in court and contempt of court. On May 6, 2025, Cruz was located and arrested. On January 29, 2026, Cruz was charged by a superseding information on drug charges.
On March 25, 2026, Cruz pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of failure to appear before a court as required by conditions of release. According to court documents and proceedings, Cruz has been selling drugs in San Francisco and elsewhere since 2008. In 2023, officers observed Cruz engage in a suspected drug transaction in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco, which led to his arrest and a search of his person. That search uncovered multiple suspected controlled substances. Officers have also observed Cruz conduct several additional suspected drug transactions from his car, as well as suspected drug transports throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. On October 5, 2023, officers executed a search warrant at Cruz’s residence, and searched his car and person, recovering nearly one kilogram of fentanyl, 76 grams of heroin, and 25 grams of methamphetamine, as well as drug paraphernalia.
Cruz has remained in custody since his most recent arrest and was remanded into custody following sentencing. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Breyer ordered Cruz to serve four years of supervised release to begin after his prison term is completed.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris made the announcement.
Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Yeh prosecuted the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the DEA.
Dothan Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Meth Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
On March 24, 2026, a federal judge sentenced 38-year-old Larenta Deshawn Dawkins, of Dothan, Alabama, to 360 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson and Special Agent in Charge Steven L. Hofer of the Drug Enforcement Administration's New Orleans Division. Following his term of imprisonment, Dawkins will serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Drug traffickers who bring dangerous narcotics into our communities will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. “This sentence reflects our commitment to holding accountable those who profit from the distribution of methamphetamine.”
“Thirty years in federal prison, without the possibility of parole, is a definitive message to those who think they can use Alabama as a hub for their illicit trade,” said Special Agent in Charge Hofer. “By working side-by-side with the Dothan and Eufaula Police Departments, we successfully intercepted five pounds of methamphetamine before it could destroy more lives in our neighborhoods. Whether the poison is shipped from out of state or hidden in a local storage unit, we will find it, and we will ensure those responsible face the full weight of federal justice.”
According to court records and evidence presented at Dawkins’s December 2025 trial, law enforcement began investigating suspected drug trafficking activity in Houston County in July 2024. Investigators determined that Dawkins was receiving packages in Dothan containing methamphetamine shipped to Alabama from out of state. Further investigation revealed that Dawkins used a storage unit in Dothan to store the drugs after receiving them.
During the execution of a search warrant at the storage unit, investigators recovered two boxes containing approximately five pounds of methamphetamine, along with three bags of marijuana. Agents later obtained and executed a search warrant at Dawkins’s residence, where they seized numerous items linking him to the storage unit and the narcotics.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Dothan Police Department, and Eufaula Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Chelsea Wilson and Joel Feil prosecuted the case.
Dauphin County Man Pleads Guilty to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance SchemeRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Ardavan Alamoutinia, 33, of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Judge Juan R. Sánchez on one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, 10 counts of mail fraud, one count of theft of government money, and one count of aggravated identity theft, arising from a scheme to fraudulently obtain emergency funds meant for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The defendant and co-defendant Aryanah Davison, 26, of Harrisburg, Pa., were charged by indictment in May 2023, with Davison pleading guilty to her role in the scheme in January of last year.
As detailed in court filings, Alamoutinia and Davison used stolen identities to file over 500 fraudulent applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (“PUA”). These 500-plus fraudulent applications were filed using at least 375 identities of current or former employees of Company 1, Personally Identifiable Information (“PII”) which a co-conspirator had stolen and transferred to Davison.
After receiving the PII, Alamoutinia and Davison filed, or caused to be filed, the fraudulent PUA applications in 27 different states, resulting in a loss to the government of at least $2,886,876.
The two co-defendants converted at least $2,500,000 of the fraudulent proceeds in this case, spending them, in part, on a luxury sports vehicle and hundreds of thousands of dollars of cryptocurrency.
Alamoutinia is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9 and faces a maximum possible term of 232 years’ imprisonment. Davison will be sentenced at a later date; she also faces a maximum possible term of 232 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of Inspector General, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney S. Chandler Harris.
Danbury Man Admits Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that MARK EDWARDS, 61, of Danbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in New Haven to an offense related to the filing of false tax returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, since approximately 1998 Edwards has owned and operated “Mark Edwards Roofing and Siding, LLC,” a roofing and construction business. Beginning at least as early as 2018, Edwards failed to keep accurate records or perform bookkeeping for his business, and during the preparation of his income tax returns he provided his tax preparer with handwritten income and expense figures that substantially underreported his income. On his federal income tax returns for the 2019 through 2023 tax years, Edwards underreported his gross receipts by at least $1.3 million, resulting in a tax loss to the IRS of $368,334.
Edwards pleaded guilty to aiding in the preparation of a false tax return, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.
Edwards is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.
This investigation has been conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
DOJ Sues California Towing Company for Illegally Auctioning Servicemembers’ VehiclesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today filed a lawsuit against S & K Towing, Inc., which is based in San Clemente, California, alleging that the company violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by illegally auctioning motor vehicles owned by members of the military.
The Department’s lawsuit alleges that, from August 28, 2020, through April 15, 2025, S & K illegally sold or disposed of as many as 148 vehicles owned by servicemembers, many of which were towed from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Even though S & K’s contract with Camp Pendleton required it to comply with all applicable federal and state laws, the company made no effort to comply with the SCRA, which requires tow companies to obtain a court order before selling or disposing of a vehicle owned by an SCRA-protected servicemember.
“Towing companies must respect and abide by the federal laws that protect members of our Armed Forces,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Servicemembers are often absent for extended periods due to training and deployments and may not know that their vehicle has been towed. The SCRA plays an important role in providing these servicemembers with adequate legal protections, including notice and the opportunity to have towing and storage fees adjusted in light of their military service.”
“Servicemembers deserve peace of mind in knowing that their legal rights will be protected at home while they are away serving the United States,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bilal A. Essayli for the Central District of California. “It is unacceptable for a business to sell or dispose of servicemembers’ vehicles without abiding by the laws that protect servicemembers.”
In May 2024, a Military Legal Assistance attorney contacted S & K Towing and explained that the company was violating the SCRA. In response, a manager at S & K Towing told the attorney that “We do this all the time.” After this exchange, S & K Towing continued to sell and dispose of vehicles owned by SCRA-protected servicemembers without obtaining court orders. Some of the vehicles S & K sold or disposed of were registered to addresses on Camp Pendleton. In other cases, S & K auctioned vehicles even after they were told that the owner was in the military.
This case is being handled by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. Since 2011, the Department has obtained over $484 million in monetary relief for over 149,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the Department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov.
Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA may have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Gainesville, Florida – DeShawn Russ, 35, of Jacksonville, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to prohibited person in possession of ammunition. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the outstanding investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners, this dangerous serial felon has been taken off our streets and he will face an extended federal prison sentence. This successful prosecution by my office is yet another win for the safety of our communities under Operation Take Back America, and we will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases to deliver the safe streets our citizens deserve.”
Court documents reflect that the Gainesville Police Department responded to a shooting within a vehicle where officers found a bullet hole in the driver’s window. Russ, who was known to the driver, was located nearby. Although no firearm was recovered, a .380 bullet was located in his pocket. Russ is multi-time convicted felon, and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The defendant faces imprisonment for up to 15 years at sentencing. Sentencing is scheduled for June 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.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 Gainesville Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt.
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.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Gas Station RobberyRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A convicted felon has pleaded guilty to the robbery of a gas station in Attala, Alabama, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine L. Crosby.
Joseph Lee Rainey, 34, of Munford, Alabama, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Liles C. Burke to Hobbs Act Robbery, carrying and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on August 20, 2025, Rainey entered the Marathon gas station in Attala, Alabama, took a drink from the cooler, and approached the cashier as if he were going to pay for the beverage. Rainey then robbed the cashier at gunpoint. The cashier complied with Rainey’s demand and gave him approximately $500. On August 25, 2025, members of the 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit were looking for Rainey in Ohatchee, Alabama, when they attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Rainey was a passenger. The driver made an abrupt stop and got out of the vehicle. Rainey moved into the driver’s seat and sped away. The officers pursued Rainey in a high-speed chase that ended when Rainey jumped out of the vehicle and ran. A short time later, officers found Rainey hiding in a wooded area. The search of the vehicle revealed a Taurus 9mm pistol, matching the gun used during the Marathon gas station robbery, and a cell phone.
Rainey is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his six prior felony convictions that span from 2016 to 2024, in the Circuit Court of Calhoun County, Circuit Court of Talladega County, and Circuit Court of St. Clair County.
The ATF investigated the case along with the 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittney L. Plyler is prosecuting the case.
Chinese national and two U.S. citizens charged with conspiring to smuggle artificial intelligence technology to ChinaRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Stanley Yi Zheng, Matthew Kelly, and Tommy Shad English have been charged with conspiring to commit smuggling and export control violations. The three defendants are alleged to have sought millions of dollars’ worth of export-controlled computer chips from a California-based computer hardware company for illegal shipment to China through Thailand.
“Keeping sensitive tech from falling into the wrong hands is a matter of utmost importance to our national security and U.S. competitiveness,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “My office is proud to ensure that any bad actor who seeks to profit from endangering our security will face justice in an American courtroom.”
“Protecting sensitive defense technology from diversion to foreign adversaries is a top priority,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Jason J. Sargenski of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. “Advanced computing technologies, like Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), play a critical role in military artificial intelligence and national defense capabilities. When individuals attempt to illegally acquire or export this technology for profit, they are putting national security and our warfighters at risk. DCIS will continue working with our U.S. and international partners to identify these networks, disrupt their operations, and hold those responsible accountable.”
“The smuggling of advanced technology like these computer chips represents a direct threat to U.S. national security,” said Peter Ellis, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Georgia. “The individuals charged in this case attempted to bypass U.S. export laws to send sensitive technology to adversaries. The FBI will continue working with our partners to prevent the illegal diversion of critical technologies and hold those responsible accountable.”
“Safeguarding America’s advanced technology is critical to our national security and public safety,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “This case highlights the importance of strong partnerships between federal law enforcement, industry, and our international counterparts. By working together, we were able to disrupt a sophisticated scheme to illegally export sensitive U.S. artificial intelligence technology. HSI remains committed to protecting the integrity of our supply chains and ensuring that critical innovations do not fall into the hands of those who would threaten our security.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the criminal complaints, and other information presented in court: In or about May 2023, Zheng, Kelly, and English began conspiring together to obtain computer servers with export-controlled computer chips from a California-based computer hardware company (“Company-1”) and ship them to Thailand with an ultimate destination of China, in violation of U.S. law. In doing so, the three defendants used the names of Thailand-based companies as the purported purchasers of the computer servers when in fact the co-conspirators intended for the U.S.-origin AI chips to be diverted to China.
In October 2023, English, purporting to act on behalf of a Thailand-based company, ordered 750 computer servers for approximately $170 million from Company-1. Of the 750 computer servers, 600 contained a computer chip that was controlled on the U.S. Commerce Control List and required a license for export to China. In placing that order, English signed an “Advanced Computing Certification,” certifying that the computer servers were not destined for China or any other country subject to heightened export requirements.
In January 2024, English transferred over $20 million to Company-1 as partial payment for the October 2023 order. In January 2024, when discussing via email an upcoming compliance review for the October 2023 order, English asked Company-1 to add Zheng and Kelly to the email thread, which prompted a response from Company-1 noting, among other things, that Zheng’s company was based in China and that it was “odd” that no one from the Thailand-based company was in the list of carbon copy recipients. Company-1 also commented that “China is an embargoed country restricted by the US government. US companies are restricted from selling to businesses or end users headquartered in China.”
In early February 2024, additional review of the October 2023 order was conducted by the California-based manufacturer of the computer chips that would be inside 600 of the servers English had ordered (“Company-2”). Company-2’s efforts to verify the end user of the computer chips in Thailand were unsuccessful. Ultimately, the October 2023 purchase was not completed.
While the October 2023 deal lost momentum, in April 2024, English, purporting to act on behalf of a second Thailand-based company, sought to order from Company-1 another 500 computer servers that contained an export-controlled computer chip. In doing so, English signed an End User Certification stating that the Thailand-based company was the end user for the purchase. This deal, like the October 2023 deal, ultimately was unsuccessful.
Text messages obtained through the investigation illustrated aspects of the conspiracy and revealed that Zheng, English, and Kelly discussed, among other things, “fake” corporate niceties to help complete the computer chip purchases, the value of the computer chips in China, and recruitment of others to participate in the scheme.
For example, in June 2023, in a group chat with Zheng and English titled “GPU Partnership,” Kelly stated: “They just need more details about your company, customers, revenue, etc.” and “I know you mention you [English] are better than CDW but they have a nice website, company decks, quarterly earning reports, etc that are all public information.” English replied: “I’m not breaking my back. I fake these weeks ago.”
Later, in July 2023, in the same group chat, Zheng sent a message discussing the market value of Company-2’s computer chips in China, showing that Zheng, English, and Kelly were all aware that the ultimate destination for the computer chips would be China.
Subsequently, in March 2024, Kelly messaged Zheng a draft solicitation message for Kelly to send to others. The message stated, among other things: “[I am] [c]urrently working on distributing GPU systems with [Company-2] chips for supercomputing[.] . . . We . . . have a few customers in China but it’s a banned country for distribution. It’s a lucrative business right now – millions of dollars in profits per order – so we are looking for partners. One you can find customers that need GPUs for their supercomputer solutions or two they act as a pass through partner for customers in China. Let me know if you are interested in discussing?”
Approximately 28 minutes after sending the draft solicitation message to Zheng, Kelly received feedback from Zheng. Zheng stated, among other things: “DO NOT MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT CHINA.” Zheng explained that the portions of Kelly’s message that referenced China needed to be removed because: “We will draw attention[] from US government for embargo[] violation.” In response, Kelly noted that similar information had been told to other individuals. Zheng replied: “We just talk about it, no one can hold it as evidence[] against us.”
Stanley Yi Zheng, 56, of Hong Kong, China, was arrested on March 22, 2026, and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa J. Cisneros, of the Northern District of California, on March 23, 2026, for his initial appearance. The Government has moved for Zheng to be remanded to federal custody and held without bail pending trial.
Matthew Kelly, 49, of Hopewell Junction, New York, and Tommy Shad English, 53, of Atlanta, Georgia, surrendered to federal authorities on March 25, 2026. Their initial appearances will be held in the District of New Jersey and Northern District of Georgia later today.
The criminal complaints were issued in the Northern District of Georgia on March 20, 2026. The charges contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry & Security, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Samir Kaushal of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Brett Ruff of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
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.
Chinese National and Two U.S. Citizens Charged with Conspiring to Smuggle Artificial Intelligence Technology to ChinaRead the Press Release
Stanley Yi Zheng, Matthew Kelly, and Tommy Shad English have been charged with conspiring to commit smuggling and export control violations. The three defendants are alleged to have sought millions of dollars’ worth of export-controlled computer chips from a California-based computer hardware company for illegal shipment to China through Thailand.
“The cutting-edge AI chips the defendants allegedly schemed to export to China represent the best of American ingenuity and years of strategic investment in maintaining our technological leadership,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “NSD is committed to protecting U.S. innovation and ensuring that those who violate U.S. export controls face serious consequences.”
“Zheng, Kelly, and English allegedly conspired to sell millions of dollars’ worth of American-made AI computer chips to buyers in China, in clear violation of U.S. export controls,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “As our foreign adversaries escalate their efforts to dominate the field of artificial intelligence, we are seeing them employ increasingly brazen schemes to illegally acquire valuable U.S. technology. Enforcing export controls is critical to our work safeguarding America’s economic and national security, and the FBI will continue working with our partners to protect our nation’s innovation and hold accountable those seeking to profit by supplying hostile nation states.”
“Keeping sensitive tech from falling into the wrong hands is a matter of utmost importance to our national security and U.S. competitiveness,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg of the Northern District of Georgia. “My office is proud to ensure that any bad actor who seeks to profit from endangering our security will face justice in an American courtroom.”
“Protecting sensitive defense technology from diversion to foreign adversaries is a top priority,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Jason J. Sargenski of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. “Advanced computing technologies, like Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), play a critical role in military artificial intelligence and national defense capabilities. When individuals attempt to illegally acquire or export this technology for profit, they are putting national security and our warfighters at risk. DCIS will continue working with our U.S. and international partners to identify these networks, disrupt their operations, and hold those responsible accountable.”
“Safeguarding America’s advanced technology is critical to our national security and public safety,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “This case highlights the importance of strong partnerships between federal law enforcement, industry, and our international counterparts. By working together, we were able to disrupt a sophisticated scheme to illegally export sensitive U.S. artificial intelligence technology. HSI remains committed to protecting the integrity of our supply chains and ensuring that critical innovations do not fall into the hands of those who would threaten our security.”
According to the criminal complaints and other information presented in court: In or about May 2023, Zheng, Kelly, and English began conspiring together to obtain computer servers with export-controlled computer chips from a California-based computer hardware company (Company-1) and ship them to Thailand with an ultimate destination of China, in violation of U.S. law. In doing so, the three defendants used the names of Thailand-based companies as the purported purchasers of the computer servers when in fact the co-conspirators intended for the U.S.-origin AI chips to be diverted to China.
In Oct. 2023, English, purporting to act on behalf of a Thailand-based company, ordered 750 computer servers for approximately $170 million from Company-1. Of the 750 computer servers, 600 contained a computer chip that was controlled on the U.S. Commerce Control List and required a license for export to China. In placing that order, English signed an “Advanced Computing Certification,” certifying that the computer servers were not destined for China or any other country subject to heightened export requirements.
In Jan. 2024, English transferred over $20 million to Company-1 as partial payment for the Oct. 2023 order. In Jan. 2024, when discussing via email an upcoming compliance review for the Oct. 2023 order, English asked Company-1 to add Zheng and Kelly to the email thread, which prompted a response from Company-1 noting, among other things, that Zheng’s company was based in China and that it was “odd” that no one from the Thailand-based company was in the list of carbon copy recipients. Company-1 also commented that “China is an embargoed country restricted by the US government. US companies are restricted from selling to businesses or end users headquartered in China.”
In early Feb. 2024, additional review of the Oct. 2023 order was conducted by the California-based manufacturer of the computer chips that would be inside 600 of the servers English had ordered (Company-2). Company-2’s efforts to verify the end user of the computer chips in Thailand were unsuccessful. Ultimately, the Oct. 2023 purchase was not completed.
While the Oct. 2023 deal lost momentum, in April 2024, English, purporting to act on behalf of a second Thailand-based company, sought to order from Company-1 another 500 computer servers that contained an export-controlled computer chip. In doing so, English signed an End User Certification stating that the Thailand-based company was the end user for the purchase. This deal, like the Oct. 2023 deal, ultimately was unsuccessful.
Text messages obtained through the investigation illustrated aspects of the conspiracy and revealed that Zheng, English, and Kelly discussed, among other things, “fake” corporate niceties to help complete the computer chip purchases, the value of the computer chips in China, and recruitment of others to participate in the scheme.
For example, in June 2023, in a group chat with Zheng and English titled “GPU Partnership,” Kelly stated: “They just need more details about your company, customers, revenue, etc.” and “I know you mention you [English] are better than CDW but they have a nice website, company decks, quarterly earning reports, etc that are all public information.” English replied: “I’m not breaking my back. I fake these weeks ago.”
Later, in July 2023, in the same group chat, Zheng sent a message discussing the market value of Company-2’s computer chips in China, showing that Zheng, English, and Kelly were all aware that the ultimate destination for the computer chips would be China.
Subsequently, in March 2024, Kelly messaged Zheng a draft solicitation message for Kelly to send to others. The message stated, among other things: “[I am] [c]urrently working on distributing GPU systems with [Company-2] chips for supercomputing[.] . . . We . . . have a few customers in China but it’s a banned country for distribution. It’s a lucrative business right now – millions of dollars in profits per order – so we are looking for partners. One you can find customers that need GPUs for their supercomputer solutions or two they act as a pass through partner for customers in China. Let me know if you are interested in discussing?”
Approximately 28 minutes after sending the draft solicitation message to Zheng, Kelly received feedback from Zheng. Zheng stated, among other things: “DO NOT MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT CHINA.” Zheng explained that the portions of Kelly’s message that referenced China needed to be removed because: “We will draw attention[] from US government for embargo[] violation.” In response, Kelly noted that similar information had been told to other individuals. Zheng replied: “We just talk about it, no one can hold it as evidence[] against us.”
Stanley Yi Zheng, 56, of Hong Kong, China, was arrested on March 22, 2026, and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa J. Cisneros, of the Northern District of California, on March 23, 2026, for his initial appearance. The Government has moved for Zheng to be remanded to federal custody and held without bail pending trial.
Matthew Kelly, 49, of Hopewell Junction, New York, and Tommy Shad English, 53, of Atlanta, Georgia, surrendered to federal authorities on March 25, 2026. Their initial appearances will be held in the District of New Jersey and Northern District of Georgia today.
The criminal complaints were issued in the Northern District of Georgia on March 20, 2026. The charges contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry & Security, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Samir Kaushal of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Brett Ruff of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.