Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Monday 9 March 2026
Par Funding Pleads Guilty to Defrauding InvestorsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Complete Business Solutions Group, Inc., doing business as Par Funding (“Par Funding”), entered a plea of guilty before United States District Court Judge Mark A. Kearney to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and securities fraud arising from a wide‑ranging scheme that defrauded investors out of hundreds of millions of dollars. Par Funding is currently under the control of a receiver appointed by a federal judge in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s civil lawsuit against Par Funding and its principals, and that receiver appeared today to enter the plea on behalf of the corporation.
In January 2025, the Court found the Par Funding fraud scheme caused an actual fraud loss of approximately $404,737,299, which it reduced to $288,395,088 after factoring in credit for collateral that federal authorities seized from Par Funding when the investigation became public in July 2020, upon the SEC placing Par Funding in receivership.
According to court filings and statements made in court, Par Funding operated a merchant cash advance company in Center City Philadelphia that provided short‑term financing to small businesses across the country. To fund those advances, the company and its principals raised hundreds of millions of dollars from investors while making materially false and misleading representations regarding the company’s leadership, underwriting practices, financial condition, and risk profile.
As described in the indictment, the defendants concealed the identity and criminal history of company founder Joseph LaForte, misrepresented the company’s underwriting standards and portfolio performance, and misled investors about default rates, profitability, insurance coverage, and self‑dealing by company insiders. These misrepresentations were used to solicit and maintain investments used to finance the company’s merchant cash advance business, which failed to generate enough profit to sustain itself without the continued influx of new investor money.The Par Funding investigation has also resulted in guilty pleas and sentences for the company’s primary principals. Joe LaForte, the company’s founder and leader, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and related offenses, and was sentenced to approximately 15½ years in prison. His brother, James LaForte, a senior executive involved in enforcing collections, also pleaded guilty and received a sentence of roughly 11½ years. Joseph Cole Barleta, the company’s CFO, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and was sentenced to 5½ years in prison. Perry Abbonizio, Renato Gioe, and Lisa McElhone, and tax professionals Rodney Ermel and Kenneth Bacon, also pleaded guilty to felony offenses related to their involvement with Par Funding and the LaFortes, and where each received a prison sentence.
This case was investigated by the FBI, FDIC OIG, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Pennsylvania State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Newcomer, Samuel Dalke, and Eric Gill. The SEC in Florida investigated and litigated the civil securities fraud charges, which formed the basis of a portion of the criminal prosecution.
Owner of Durable Medical Equipment Company Sentenced for $59M Medicare FraudRead the Press Release
A Texas man was sentenced Friday to 90 months in prison for his role in a $59.9 million conspiracy to pay kickbacks and submit claims for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME) to Medicare.
According to court documents, Patrick Cassells, 65, of Fulshear, Texas, owned and operated three DME companies and concealed his role in one of those companies by falsely identifying another individual as the sole owner and manager in a Medicare enrollment application. Cassells paid illegal kickbacks to co-conspirators who sent him signed doctors’ orders and other paperwork necessary to bill Medicare for orthotic braces such as knee, back, shoulder and wrist braces. The kickbacks were disguised by referring to the doctors’ orders as “leads” and the services provided as “marketing.” Based on these orders, which were issued without doctors examining or treating the patients, Cassells submitted claims to Medicare that falsely represented that the braces were medically necessary. In total, through the three companies, Cassells caused over $59.9 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, for which Medicare paid over $27 million. Cassells used proceeds of the fraud to purchase personal vehicles and vehicles that he intended to export to Nigeria.
In June 2024, Cassells pleaded guilty in the Southern District of Texas to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
In addition to the prison sentence, Cassells was ordered to pay $25,402,614.97 in restitution and forfeiture, and to forfeit four vehicles and three properties in the Houston area.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei for the Southern District of Texas; Special Agent in Charge Jason Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Dallas Region; Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI’s Houston Field Office; and Chief William Marlow of the Texas Attorney General’s Office, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit made the announcement.
HHS-OIG, FBI, and the Texas Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case.
Acting Assistant Chief Catherine Wagner and Trial Attorney Adam Tisdall of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristine Rollinson for the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of eight strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Ohio Man Sentenced for Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Cincinnati, Ohio, man, Brian E. Hunter, 33, was sentenced on Friday, to 48 months in prison, by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court records, on May 26, 2025, law enforcement stopped a vehicle driven by Hunter for traffic violations. During the search of the vehicle, law enforcement located remnants of marijuana and a stolen, loaded pistol on the driver’s side floorboard. Hunter also had a large amount of cash in his pocket that was not seized. Hunter was aware at the time of the traffic stop that he had prior felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Hunter was previously convicted in 2013 of Having Weapons Under Disability for illegally possessing a firearm after his alleged involvement in a shootout at the A to Z market in Cincinnati, and in 2014 for Felonious Assault and Trafficking in Cocaine.
Under federal law, Hunter must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Paul McCaffrey, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; John Nokes, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Louisville Field Division; and Sheriff Les Hill, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by ATF and Boone County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel King is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
– END –
Ohio Man Charged with Stalking, Making Threatening Communications, and Submitting False Reports to the FBIRead the Press Release
TOLEDO, Ohio – A 44-year-old Hancock County man has been charged for allegedly harassing, intimidating, and threatening two men and their families over the course of four months.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Simon Andrew Tuck, of Findlay, with the following:
- Stalking
- False Information and Hoaxes
- Threatening Communications
According to the allegations in the indictment, beginning around November 2025 through February 2026, Tuck used several methods to carry out a course of conduct to harass and intimidate the victims. These included submitting several false reports and complaints to law enforcement, a sexual assault hotline, and the employer of one of the victims. The stalking and harassment became increasingly threatening, resulting in substantial emotional distress to the victims and their families.
The investigation in this case is being conducted by the FBI Toledo Resident Agency.
Assistant United States Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman for the Northern District of Ohio is leading the prosecution.
If convicted, the defendant faces up to five years in federal prison on each count. The sentence will be determined by the court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violations.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Northeast Georgia Man Sentenced to Prison for Possessing CSAMRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. – A Walton County man was sentenced to 11 years in prison after law enforcement discovered he was in possession of thousands of images of child sexual abuse material, also known as CSAM, including 2,754 images of previously identified victims of child exploitation and abuse from across the world.
Gerald Scott Collins, 56, of Monroe, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 132 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self on March 9, after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography on Nov. 10, 2025. Collins will have to register as a sex offender upon release from federal custody. A sentencing date will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Child sexual abuse material is evidence of real children being abused, and once online, it can be shared endlessly,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Our office will seek maximum punishment for child predators possessing CSAM. We are thankful for the efforts of our local, state and federal law enforcement and community partners who continue to do everything in their power to protect children.”
According to court documents and statements referenced in court, law enforcement became aware of Collins’s possession of CSAM in 2022. Homeland Security Investigations agents obtained and executed search warrants for the seized electronic devices, including a laptop computer, tablets, USB drives, external hard drives and SD cards. Nine of Collins’ devices contained a total of 9,996 images, 19 videos and an additional 791 documents containing CSAM.
The CSAM involved prepubescent females under the age of 12, including toddlers, who were subjected to sexual abuse and exploitation. Some of the images depicted violent and sadistic online exploitation. Law enforcement agents forwarded the images and videos to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for comparison using the organization’s Child Recognition and Identification System. This system, in partnership with national and international law enforcement, helps identify victims and perpetrators worldwide by compiling previously identified victims into distinct series. NCMEC determined that 2,754 images of previously identified victims were found across 226 named series from the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Latin America and Asia.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
For more information about HSI’s efforts to protect children from sexual predators, visit Know2Protect.gov. To report suspicious activities, call 787-729-6969.
HSI and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Nantucket Gang Associate Sentenced to Prison for Dealing Fentanyl and Cocaine in Nantucket and ElsewhereRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Nantucket man who is an associate of the transnational criminal organization 18th Street Gang, was sentenced on March 6, 2026 in federal court in Boston for drug distribution charges.
John Angel, 32, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Myong J. Joun to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In November 2025, Angel pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.
Between March 2024 and July 2024, Angel met with a cooperating witness three times to sell approximately 117 grams of fentanyl, 28 grams of cocaine and a Glock 9mm semi-automatic handgun for a combined sum of over $7,000. Specifically, on March 27, 2024, Angel directed the cooperating witness to meet him in East Boston, where he sold “a 50” (approximately 50 grams of powder fentanyl). Later, on July 10, 2024, Angel met the cooperating witness on Nantucket and sold more powder fentanyl together with a quantity of cocaine. During the drug deals, Angel flaunted his prominence as a high-level drug supplier by boasting of his connections in the 18th Street Gang and in one instance, showing the cooperating witness a backpack containing a kilogram of cocaine and a bag of orange pills and, elsewhere in his apartment, what appeared to be another kilogram of fentanyl. At the third meeting, Angel sold the Glock handgun together with a quantity of fentanyl and claimed he could also obtain Glock “switches,” machinegun conversion devices, for the cooperating witness.
The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. 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 Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations; the Suffolk County and Middlesex County District Attorney’s Offices; and the Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Falmouth, Lynn, Medford, Nantucket and Revere Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fred Wyshak and Sarah Hoefle of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
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. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Mexican national sentenced in cartel-linked smuggling resulting in deathRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 24-year-old Mexican national has been sentenced for his role in bringing illegal aliens into the United States resulting in death, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Alejandro Hernandez-Alcudia pleaded guilty Nov. 24, 2025.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana has now ordered Hernandez-Alcudia to serve 70 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Hernandez-Alcudia made the deliberate decision to leave the victim behind, resulting in his death.
The investigation revealed Hernandez-Alcudia had been involved in human smuggling for at least three months as a guide.
On Aug. 1, 2025, authorities apprehended four illegal aliens walking through the brush near El Cenizo. Hernandez-Alcudia had assisted them in crossing the Rio Grande by raft earlier that day and then continued guiding them through the brush.
According to the aliens, the group ran out of water approximately five hours earlier. When one-member became ill, Hernandez-Alcudia instructed him to sit and rest but continued leading the others, abandoning him in the brush.
When law enforcement approached, Hernandez-Alcudia ordered the group to flee and ran in the opposite direction to avoid apprehension.
Authorities later located the deceased man, who was identified as a 37-year-old Mexican national that had died as a result of heat stroke. Records show temperatures ranged from 93 to 106 degrees during the time the group traveled through the brush.
Hernandez-Alcudia admitted taking orders from an individual linked to Cartel del Noreste. He further acknowledged being paid to smuggle illegal aliens across the Rio Grande and guide them through the brush.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations
and Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer L. Day prosecuted the case.
This arrest is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes these organizations commit, 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 South Texas comprises agents and officers from ICE-HSI; FBI; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Department of Transportation/IRS; Interpol/Department of State and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas leading the prosecution.
The investigation and charges are supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha, the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking that cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations commit. A highly successful partnership between the departments of Justice and Homeland Security, 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 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, Office of International Affairs and Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorney detailees from the Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas; Southern District of California; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and Districts of Arizona, New Mexico and Vermont. JTFA also partners with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices 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 Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 440 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 390 U.S. convictions; more than 330 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.
Mexican National Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Firearms to MexicoRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A Mexican national was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 84 months in prison for conspiracy to traffic firearms, announced U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons.
According to court documents, Martin Edgar Garza Pacheco, 42, of Melchor Muzquiz, Coahuila, was arrested at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry based on an investigation into the trafficking of firearms from the U.S. into Mexico. The investigation determined Garza Pacheco used co-conspirators Shiddartha Salinas Avila and Victor Ulysses Ybarra-Daniels to purchase a total of 36 firearms at various retail stores in the San Antonio area. Once the firearms were purchased, Garza Pacheco would travel from Mexico to San Antonio via the Eagle Pass POE, then smuggle the firearms back to Mexico in his vehicle.
Garza Pacheco was arrested April 22, 2023, and charged with one count of conspiracy to traffic firearms. He pleaded guilty to the indictment on Aug. 21, 2023.
Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses presided over the case. Ybarra-Daniels was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison on Oct. 8, and Salinas Avila was sentenced to 42 months on Nov. 3, 2025.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, ICE Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nallely Duarte and Daisy Gonzalez prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
###
Mexican National Found Guilty of Being an Illegal Alien in Possession of a Firearm after Overstaying VisaRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – A Mexican national who overstayed his visa and illegally possessed a semi-automatic pistol and ammunition was convicted by a federal jury on Feb. 26, 2026.
Luis Donaldo Garcia Lopez, 31, of Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico, was found guilty of Alien in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, following a three-day trial. Sentencing is scheduled for May 21, 2026, before U.S. District Judge John J. Tuchi.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, ICE-ERO officers learned that Garcia was unlawfully present in the United States. On Feb. 21, 2025, officers pulled Garcia over. During the stop, officers asked if he had any weapons, and Garcia stated that he had a firearm in a lunchbox inside his vehicle. Officers checked the lunchbox and found a Glock semi-automatic handgun loaded with five rounds of ammunition. An agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was called and took custody of the firearm while Garcia was arrested for immigration violations.
At trial, federal prosecutors presented evidence that Garcia was knowingly present in the United States after his period of authorized stay expired. The expiration of his period of authorized stay made him unlawfully present in the United States, and due to that status, he was not permitted to possess a firearm. Record checks showed that Garcia had a B1/B2 Border Crossing Card visa that he used to enter the United States on 27 separate occasions. Garcia’s last lawful entry into the United States was July 26, 2020, when his Mexican passport was stamped with a one-year permit that expired July 24, 2021. In addition, Garcia’s visa expired in March 2023. Prosecutors showed that Garcia never renewed his entry permit, never applied for a new visa, and never lawfully entered the United States after his permit and visa expired.
A conviction for Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 and a maximum term of three years of supervised release.
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 Phoenix Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement and Removal Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations; and the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service conducted the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-25-00339
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-046_Garcia Lopez
# # #
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.
Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 7 years in Federal Prison for Traveling with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual ConductRead the Press Release
Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 7 years in Federal Prison for Traveling with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct
CONCORD – Arthur Picanco, 43, of Bradford, Massachusetts, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Samantha D. Elliott to 7 years in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Picanco previously pleaded guilty to one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
“Individuals who travel across state lines to exploit children in New Hampshire will be found, prosecuted, and held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “The defendant deliberately traveled from Massachusetts to New Hampshire intending to purchase sex from someone he believed to be a minor. Today’s significant sentence recognizes the seriousness of his conduct.”
“Picanco actively chose to pursue a child. He believed he was chatting with a trafficker offering him a chance to assault a child for a fee and he made deliberate choices to make it happen. He agreed on a price, he drove to New Hampshire, and he arrived with cash in hand. Now, after today’s sentencing, he’ll serve serious federal prison time,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “Through undercover operations like this, we can find and arrest child predators before they have a chance to prey on real children.”
On November 14, 2024, in a proactive law enforcement operation, agents posted and monitored an advertisement on a website commonly used to advertise commercial sex. The advertisement contained images of what appeared to be two minor females, and a contact phone number. Law enforcement agents monitored the phone line and used it to communicate with potential sex buyers, including Picanco. Picanco arranged to pay $100 to have sex with a person who Picanco believed to be a 14-year-old girl. The undercover agent then provided Picanco with the address of a hotel in Manchester and Picanco traveled from Massachusetts to New Hampshire to the hotel. Once at the hotel, Picanco confirmed he had the cash and wanted to go up to the hotel room to meet the 14-year-old girl. When police arrested Picanco, they found that he had a condom and over $100 in cash in his pocket.
Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Manchester Police Department, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Krasinski Matthew Vicinanzo, and Alex Chen prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Mason City Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Conspiracy and DistributionRead the Press Release
Kevin Knight, age 45, from Mason City, Iowa, was sentenced March 6, 2026, to 13 years in federal prison, after an October 8, 2025, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and three counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
Evidence in the case revealed that between January 2024 and continuing through February 2025, Knight was involved in an ongoing methamphetamine distribution conspiracy based in Mason City, Iowa, where law enforcement documented Knight actively engaged in drug trafficking. Knight has a lengthy criminal history. His prior convictions include numerous thefts, forgeries, and/or burglaries, a domestic abuse assault, and four prior methamphetamine-related convictions.
Knight was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 156 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Knight is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Department and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-3019.
Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A Brooklyn, Maryland, man pled guilty in federal court in connection with drug trafficking and firearm offenses.
Sadontae Barnett, 22, is charged with possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Christopher R. Heck, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland, and Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Secretary of State Police, Maryland State Police (MSP).
According to the guilty plea, on February 22, 2024, law enforcement conducted a controlled delivery of a package containing narcotics to Barnett’s residence. The day before, law enforcement interdicted the package and discovered it contained a large quantity of fentanyl pills. The package included approximately 40 grams of pills. Barnett put the package in a backpack and armed himself with a Glock Model 36, .45 caliber handgun. When law enforcement attempted to stop Barnett, he ran and tossed the backpack and firearm before officers quickly apprehended him.
Barnett faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of life. His sentencing date is forthcoming.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI and MSP for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stanton Lawyer and Jonathan Tsuei who are prosecuting this federal case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
# # #
Lumberton Man Sentenced to Almost 6 Years for Drug Dealing with a GunRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Kendrick Dakota Locklear, 25, to nearly six years in federal prison for selling marijuana and possessing a gun in furtherance of selling drugs. Inmate Locklear pleaded guilty to the charges.
“Some claim dealing marijuana isn’t that bad, but when you have a machinegun at your side, you inject violence into the community and place everyone’s life at risk just to feed your greed.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Stop putting the families at risk just because you want a little bit of money. We will find you and put you in federal prison to think about how you can become a productive member of society.”
According to court documents and other information presented in court, the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office investigated Locklear for selling marijuana. They executed a search warrant at his home and found over $6,000 cash, over ten pounds of marijuana, cocaine, and three guns, including a handgun equipped with a machinegun conversion device. After he pleaded guilty, an ATF task force officer found evidence that Locklear continued selling marijuana up until as recently as October of 2025.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Angier Police Department and the Homeland Security Investigations branch of the Department of Homeland Security investigated the case, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted 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. 7:24-CR-107-M-BM.
Lancaster County Felons Sentenced to Federal Prison in Separate CasesRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Two felons in Lancaster County have been sentenced to federal prison for drug and firearm offenses in two separate cases.
“Both of these defendants are convicted felons who continued to bring guns and drugs into Lancaster County,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “We’re committed to working with our state and federal law enforcement partners to identify violent offenders like McGriff and Hood and prosecute them federally.”
“These cases are a great example of the value of partnerships in law enforcement,” said Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile. “Our officers made a traffic stop and found McGriff to be in possession of substantial quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine and a handgun. On another traffic stop we found Hood, who is prohibited from having firearms and ammunition, with a pistol. From there we had the assistance of the FBI and the ATF in preparing the cases for prosecution in federal court. I am grateful for their help and the efforts of the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office in getting these cases into court quickly and sending McGriff and Hood to federal prison for their illegal narcotics and weapons activities in Lancaster County.”
Joblicenarius W’Yarian McGriff, 28, of Lancaster, has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for possession with intent of distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on March 2, 2024, a Lancaster County Sheriff’s deputy initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in which McGriff was a passenger. The deputy conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle and found McGriff’s gray bookbag on the floor of the backseat. In the backpack, officers discovered narcotics, including over 23 grams of fentanyl and over 5 grams of methamphetamine, and a handgun. Further investigation uncovered hotel surveillance video of McGriff carrying the same bookbag just before the traffic stop.
La’Jameion Vartavious Hood, 25, of Lancaster was sentenced to more than three years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.On June 24, 2024, Lancaster County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle where Hood was a passenger. During a search, officers recovered a 9mm firearm, which was loaded with 15 rounds in the magazine and one round chambered, under the passenger seat where Hood was seated. Hood has prior convictions for accessory after the fact to murder, unlawful carry, assault and battery – 3rd and discharging a firearm into a dwelling.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced McGriff to 78 total months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. sentenced Hood to 37 months imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Elizabeth Major and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Christopher Matthews of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section prosecuted the case against McGriff. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle E. Klein prosecuted the case against Hood.
###Kansas City Woman Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., woman has pleaded guilty in federal court to fraudulently receiving two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans totaling $426,600. The program that was part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Ashli Forbes, 40, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays today to a federal indictment that charged her with wire fraud and money laundering.
The purpose of the CARES Act was to provide emergency financial assistance due to the economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized the Small Business Administration to provide PPP Loans to eligible small businesses that experienced substantial financial disruption due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
By pleading guilty today, Forbes admitted she submitted false applications and supporting documents for PPP loans for Forbes Realty Company LLC and Left Lane Motors LLC. Forbes was the owner of both companies.
On April 22 and 28, 2020, Forbes submitted loan application and supporting documents stated that Forbes Reality Company, LLC, had an average monthly payroll of $82,519. As part of the application, FRC payroll records for Forbes listed 2019 Medicare wages of $240,000. In fact, Ashli Forbes’ 2019 tax return did not include any income from Forbes Reality Company LLC. Ashli Forbes did not file a 2020 tax return.
On April 30, 2020, Commerce Bank sent a wire communication, the loan application, from Kansas City to the Small Business Administration in Sterling, Virginia. On May 6, 2020, Forbes Reality Company LLC received $206,200 PPP loan in its Commerce Bank account.
On June 19, 2020, defendant Ashli Forbes created an application for a PPP loan under the CARES Act for a business, Left Lane Motors, LLC (LLM). The application and supporting documents submitted to Commerce Bank stated that Left Lane Motors, LLC, had an average monthly payroll of $79,836. As part of the application, a 2019 Schedule C for Left Lane Motors, LLC, was submitted which listed gross receipts of $1,376,541, wages of $958,032, and a net profit of $292,606. Forms 941 and 944 (Employer’s Quarterly and Annual Tax Reports) were provided to Commerce Bank as part of the PPP application process. The application requested a loan in the amount of $220,400. In fact, Forms 941 and 944 were never filed with the IRS and the payments listed on the Forms were never received by the IRS.
On June 23, 2020, Commerce Bank sent a wire communication, the loan application, from Kansas City to the Small Business Administration in Sterling, Virgina. On June 29, 2020, LLM’s Commerce Bank account received the $220,400 PPP loan.
On January 22, 2021, Ashli Forbes transferred $20,000 of the funds obtained in the fraud from the FRC Commerce Bank account to pay an insurance bill, which provided the factual basis for her guilty plea to money laundering.
As part of her plea agreement, Forbes admitted submitting or assisting in fraudulent PPP loans for four other companies, totaling $1,362,133.00 in fraudulent loans.
Under federal statutes, Forbes is subject to a sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.
Jamestown man pleads guilty to fentanyl charge and kidnappingRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a Dwayne Lowery aka Chi Chi, 31, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and kidnapping, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $5,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Donna M. Duncan, Joshua A. Violanti, and Louis A. Testani, who are handling the case, stated that on December 7, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Lowery’s West Cowden Place residence, seizing approximately 59 grams of fentanyl, $1,140 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. Prior to the search warrant, investigators conducted two controlled purchases of fentanyl from Lowery at his residence.
In mid-October 2023, Lowery invited an individual (Victim) to a North Union Street residence in Olean, NY. For the next approximately 22 days, the Victim was held by Lowery at various locations, including residences associated with Lowery in Buffalo and Olean, and a Buffalo hotel. When the Victim attempted to flee, Lowery physically prevented her from doing so. During this time, the defendant regularly provided the Victim with narcotics. On November 3, 2023, the Victim escaped Lowery’s Buffalo residence, went to Buffalo Police headquarters, and reported that she was being held against her will.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Scott Forster, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, and the Olean Police Department under the direction of Police Chief Ron Richardson.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.
# # # #
Jalen Smith Pleads Guilty to Bribery and Point-Shaving Scheme to Fix NCAA, CBA Men’s Basketball GamesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Jalen Smith, 30, of Charlotte, North Carolina, entered a plea of guilty before United States District Court Judge Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro on charges in connection with a bribery and point-shaving scheme to fix National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I men’s basketball games and Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) games and charges related to an unlawful possession of a firearm. Smith pleaded guilty to Counts One, Two, and Five of the indictment charging him with bribery in sporting contests, and aiding and abetting, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 224 and 2 (Count One); conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349 (Count Two); and wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Count Five); and to Count One of an information charging him with possession of a firearm by a felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).
In an indictment unsealed on January 15, 2026, Smith had been charged in connection with the bribery and point-shaving scheme. Smith engaged in the scheme to influence or fix NCAA and CBA men’s basketball games from at least in or about September 2022 through at least in or about February 2025. After co-schemers profited on fixed CBA games, the co-schemers turned their attention to fixing NCAA men’s basketball games and Smith was enlisted as a “fixer,” working together with others to recruit and bribe NCAA men’s basketball players to underperform and help ensure their team failed to cover the spread in games during the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 NCAA men’s basketball seasons. Then, through various sportsbooks, Smith helped to arrange for large wagers to be placed on those games, betting against the team whose player or players they had bribed to engage in this point-shaving scheme. Smith had a leadership role in the scheme, particularly in recruiting, managing, and paying players for their roles in the scheme. Smith and other fixers approached and communicated with the players, in person and through social media, text message communications, and cellular telephone calls, offering the players bribe payments, usually ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 per game.
Smith and other fixers specifically targeted college players for whom the bribe payments would meaningfully supplement, or exceed, the student-athletes’ legitimate opportunities for “Name-Image-Likeness” compensation. The fixers also generally targeted their scheme players on teams that were underdogs in games and sought to have them fail to cover the spreads in those games. Many of these players accepted the offers and agreed to help fix specific games so that the fixers would win their wagers. The bribery and point-shaving scheme involved, in total, more than 39 players on more than 17 different NCAA Division I men’s basketball teams who then fixed and attempted to fix more than 29 NCAA games.
In early March 2024, for example, Smith and other fixers recruited and offered a bribe to a player on an NCAA men’s basketball team, and the player agreed to underperform in an upcoming game. Around halftime of that game, when the score was tied, Smith texted the player, expressed his concern about the score, and urged the player to underperform in the second half, telling him that the game “need[ed] to be a blowout,” that the player was “supposed to be . . . losing” and was costing him money, and that the team needed to get “blow[n] out next half.”
To capitalize on this scheme, the fixers made wagers totaling millions of dollars, generating substantial proceeds for the fixers and the players who collectively received hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribe payments for fixing their teams’ basketball games. When the fixers were successful with their wagers on fixed games, Smith and other co-schemers traveled to NCAA campuses and made cash bribe payments to the players who had agreed to participate in the point-shaving scheme.
On March 6, 2026, Smith was charged by information with possession of a firearm by a felon. This firearms charge arose from a search of Smith’s residence in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 21, 2025, where Smith was found in unlawful possession of a loaded Khar Arms CT380 semi-automatic pistol.
The bribery in sporting contests charge carries a maximum possible sentence of five years of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Each count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud brings a maximum possible sentence of 20 years of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. The firearms charge carries a maximum possible sentence of 15 years of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Louis D. Lappen and Jerome M. Maiatico.
Anyone who believes they may have information about these crimes and would like to report the information is asked to call FBI Philadelphia at 215-418-4000 and reference “NCAA point-shaving.”
Illegal alien faces federal charges for distributing kilograms of purple fentanylRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Martin Armando Gonzalez-Martinez, an illegal alien working directly with Mexico-based drug traffickers, appeared in federal court on charges related to his alleged distribution of purple fentanyl in the Atlanta area.
“Fentanyl is so extremely dangerous that just a couple milligrams can be lethal,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “My office proudly partners with law enforcement to identify, arrest, and prosecute individuals who, while illegally present in our country, traffic this deadly drug, which is responsible for killing tens of thousands of Americans every year.”
“Fentanyl traffickers continue to push dangerous and deceptive products into our communities, and the distribution of kilograms of purple fentanyl represents a significant threat to public safety,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “These federal charges reflect our unwavering commitment to protect the public and disrupt the criminal organizations responsible for this deadly trade. As part of the DEA’s Fentanyl Free America initiative, we will continue working with our law enforcement partners to stop fentanyl at every level of distribution.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Gonzalez-Martinez is an illegal alien who entered the United States by illegally crossing the southwest border several years ago. Gonzalez-Martinez then allegedly began to distribute drugs, including fentanyl, in the Atlanta area.
On March 4, 2026, Gonzalez-Martinez allegedly attempted to sell approximately four kilograms of fentanyl in the parking lot of a business in Morrow, Georgia. When a customer arrived, Gonzalez-Martinez displayed the drugs in his backpack. As Gonzalez-Martinez returned to his car, DEA agents arrested him and searched his backpack, which was full of suspected fentanyl.
Last week, Martin Armando Gonzalez-Martinez, 22, of Oaxaca, Mexico appeared before a U.S. magistrate judge on a criminal complaint that charged him with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with valuable assistance provided by the Georgia State Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. LaGrone is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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.
Illegal Alien from Mexico Charged with Carjacking in Orange County and with Illegally Reentering the U.S. Following DeportationRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – A twice-deported illegal immigrant from Mexico has been federally charged with carjacking a restaurant employee in Orange County last month – assaulting both the victim and her coworker who rushed to help her and nearly hitting them with the stolen vehicle – and with illegally reentering the United States, the Justice Department announced today.
Miguel Abrajan-Morales, 30, of Fullerton, is charged in a federal criminal complaint with carjacking. He also is charged in a separate federal criminal complaint with being an illegal alien found in the United States following deportation or removal.
Abrajan-Morales is in state custody at the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange. He faces a criminal charge in Orange County Superior Court of assault with a deadly weapon. He is expected to make his initial appearance on the federal charges in United States District Court in Santa Ana in the coming weeks.
According to affidavits filed with the federal complaints, during the evening of February 27, two restaurant employees were leaving work in Placentia. One victim – later identified as a woman with whom Abrajan-Morales previously had a romantic relationship – walked to her 2025 Ford Bronco and sat in the driver’s seat. Unexpectedly and without her permission, Abrajan-Morales opened and entered the vehicle’s front passenger seat and struck her in the face several times. To escape, the victim left the Ford Bronco from the driver’s door and left the vehicle running.
The victim’s coworker was entering his vehicle and witnessed the assault. To defend the victim, he ran toward the Ford Bronco and began fighting Abrajan-Morales. During this fight, Abrajan-Morales and he struck each other several times.
After the fight, Abrajan-Morales walked around to the driver’s side of the Ford Bronco, sat in the driver’s seat, and drove away. He nearly struck both restaurant employees with the vehicle as he exited the parking lot – colliding with a parked Honda Civic near where they were standing. Both victims – who had visible injuries – told law enforcement they believed he intentionally tried to strike them with the Ford Bronco.
On March 1, Abrajan-Morales was arrested in Ontario.
Law enforcement reviewed his immigration status and determined that Abrajan-Morales had twice been deported from the United States to Mexico in October 2016. There is no record of any application nor permission from the Secretary of Homeland Security or the United States Attorney General granting Abrajan-Morales permission to reenter the United States.
A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
If convicted, Abrajan-Morales would face a statutory maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison on the carjacking charge and up to two years in federal prison on the illegal reentry charge.
The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Integrated Operations Group (IOG) and the Placentia Police Department are investigating the carjacking matter with assistance from the Ontario Police Department. IOG is a task force comprised of participation from HSI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the United States Marshals Service. HSI-OIG is investigating the illegal reentry matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Aylin B. Kuzucan of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting the carjacking case. Special Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth D. Bisland of the Domestic Security and Immigration Crimes Section is prosecuting the illegal reentry case.
Illegal Alien from Guatemala Sentenced to Four Years in Federal Prison for Being an Alien in Possession of a Firearm and Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Juan Carlos Contreras-Najarro will spend the next 48 months in federal prison after being convicted of being an alien in possession of a firearm and felon in possession of a firearm. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge D. P. Marshall, Jr.
On March 5, 2024, Contreras-Najarro, 32, of Guatemala, but residing in Little Rock, was indicted by a federal grand jury in a two-count Indictment on being an alien in possession of a firearm and felon in possession of a firearm. Contreras-Najarro pleaded guilty on January 21, 2025, to both counts in the Indictment. Judge Marshall also sentenced Contreras-Najarro to three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
An investigation revealed that on January 20, 2024, officers from the Little Rock Police Department observed a stolen Honda driven by Contreras-Najarro and conducted a traffic stop. Officers asked Contreras-Najarro if the stolen vehicle belonged to him and Contreras-Najarro told officers the vehicle was “given to him.” During a search of Contreras-Najarro’s person, officers located a bag containing a small amount of methamphetamine. In the vehicle officers located a defaced Lorcin .380 caliber firearm between the console and driver’s seat. Officers also located in the trunk of the vehicle a suitcase containing three glass smoking devices and located a bag of marijuana inside a jacket on the passenger seat, two credit cards belonging to two victims, and five individual checks belonging to five separate victims. A further investigation revealed that Contreras-Najarro was a convicted felon who entered the United States illegally approximately 13 or 14 years ago.
Contreras-Najarro’s criminal history includes felony convictions for possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with purpose to deliver, possession of fentanyl with purpose to deliver, possession of hydrocodone with purpose to deliver, and second-degree forgery.
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 investigation was conducted by the United States Department of Homeland Security with assistance from the Little Rock Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shelby Shelton.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
X (formerly known as Twitter):
@USAO_EDAR
Hartford Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Fraudulently Collecting Social Security, Unemployment, and Food Stamp BenefitsRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICARDO SANTIAGO, 60, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 57 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for fraudulently obtaining Social Security, unemployment, and Food Stamp benefits.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2002 and 2024, Santiago held jobs with more than 20 employers and earned income totaling more than $580,000. Santiago concealed his income from federal and state government agencies by providing to employers false identification, including a Social Security number and card belonging to another individual, and, in at least one instance, a false Social Security card.
In 2002, Santiago applied for Retirement Survivors Disability Insurance (RSDI) benefits, representing to the Social Security Administration that he was unable to work due to disability. As a result, he began receiving RSDI payments in September 2002. In 2017, Santiago completed paperwork to maintain his benefits in which he asserted that he remained disabled and had not worked for the past two years. Santiago ultimately collected more than $316,000 in RSDI payments to which he was not entitled.
In February 2017, Santiago submitted to the Connecticut Department of Social Services (CT-DSS) an application for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (“Food Stamps”), representing to the CT-DSS and the U.S. Department of Agriculture that he earned no income from employment. He began receiving SNAP benefits in March 2017 and subsequently completed forms to renew his SNAP benefits on which he again represented that he had no change in his income and that he earned no money from employment. Santiago made more than $18,000 in purchases with SNAP benefits to which he was not entitled.
In April 2020, Santiago applied to the Connecticut Department of Labor (CT-DOL) for Unemployment Insurance benefits. On the application, Santiago used a Social Security number belonging to another individual, and he represented to the CT-DOL and U.S. Department of Labor that he was unemployed but available for work and physically able to work. He subsequently completed weekly certifications making the same representations. From April 2020 through February 2021, Santiago received more than $36,000 in payments to which he was not entitled.
Judge Oliver ordered Santiago to pay $371,686 in restitution.
Santiago was arrested on May 7, 2024. On February 24, 2025, he pleaded guilty to wire fraud.
In September 2025, while released on bond and awaiting sentencing, Santiago staged his and his daughter’s drowning in the Connecticut River and attempted to flee. Hartford Police located Santiago and his daughter in Hartford on September 20, 2025. Santiago has been detained since that date.
This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan J. Guevremont.
Hagerstown Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Exploiting Ecuadorian MinorsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A 76-year-old Maryland man pled guilty in federal court today to sexually exploiting minor victims living in South America.
William Foster Alger, of Hagerstown, Maryland, is charged with coercion and enticement of a child. A federal grand jury indicted Alger on child sex-abuse charges in February 2025.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Christopher R. Heck, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Colonel Paul Joey Kifer, Chief of Police of the Hagerstown Police Department (HPD); and Washington County State’s Attorney Gina Cirincion.
According to the guilty plea, between November 2023 and December 2024, Alger used mobile phones and online applications to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce three minor victims to engage in sexual activity. Alger paid the victims’ mothers, through Western Union payments, to send him images of the minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The victims lived in Ecuador where Alger traveled to frequently. He eventually purchased land in Ecuador and built a residence. Alger’s iCloud account included numerous photos of him at his Ecuador residence with minor victims and their mothers.
Alger faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison for coercion and enticement.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.
Know2Protect is a Department of Homeland Security national public awareness campaign to educate and empower children, teens, parents, trusted adults and policymakers to prevent and combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse; explain how to report online enticement and victimization; and offer resources for victims and survivors and their supporters. Learn more about Know2Protect at www.dhs.gov/know2protect.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI, HPD, and the Washington County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow who is prosecuting the federal case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
# # #
Hattiesburg Man Pleads Guilty to Tax Offense Involving over $2 Million LossRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, MS – A Hattiesburg, Mississippi man pleaded guilty today to failing to pay over funds that were withheld from employee paychecks announced Southern District of Mississippi United States Attorney Baxter Kruger.
According to court documents and information presented to the Court, Duke Kimbrell Rodgers, 68, conducted a business under the name Rodgers Family Pharmacy. From 2013 to 2020, Rodgers withheld over $1,500,828.73 from his employees’ pay for trust fund taxes. However, he failed to remit those funds to the Government. In addition, because of those withholdings and his failure to remit withholdings from his own paycheck, Rodgers submitted fraudulent personal tax forms that resulted in additional $629,831.00 loss. As part of his plea, Rodgers agreed to pay restitution of over $2 million to the Internal Revenue Service.
Rodgers is scheduled to be sentenced on June 18, 2026. He faces a statutory maximum of 5 years imprisonment.
The Internal Revenue Service is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner is prosecuting the case.
Guatemalan National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Guatemalan national residing in Framingham was sentenced on March 4, 2026 in federal court in Boston for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation. Defendant previously deported five times to Guatemala and convicted of illegal re-entry twice.
Ariel Humberto Diaz, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper to 14 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In October 2025, Diaz pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Diaz was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2025.
Diaz was most recently deported from the United States to Guatemala in March 2022. Sometime after his March 2022 removal, Diaz illegally reentered the United States without permission. Diaz had previously been removed to Guatemala in May 2014, April 2016, October 2016 and November 2018. In addition, Diaz had previously twice been convicted of illegal re-entry in federal court.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandra W. Amrhein and Jennifer Zacks of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Georgia man going to prison for his role in fraud conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Lorenzo Jones, 38, of Atlanta, Georgia, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated ID theft, was sentenced to serve 34 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul E. Bonanno and Sasha Mascarenhas, who handled the case, stated that between January and September 2022, Jones, along with co-conspirators Ameer Clark, Quentavious Price, and Montez White, and others, conspired to defraud financial institutions. Members of the conspiracy would travel from Atlanta, Georgia, to the Western District of New York, and steal genuine checks from businesses. Using those checks, they would create fraudulent checks drawn on the bank accounts of the businesses. Members of the conspiracy then recruited individuals to cash the fraudulent checks, buy clothes for the individuals to make them appear to be construction workers or laborers, and then drive them to area financial institutions and direct them to cash the fraudulent checks. If the checks were successfully cashed, the individuals received a small payment. Specifically:
- in January 2022, Jones, Price, and two others flew from Atlanta to Buffalo and drove an individual to various KeyBank branches to cash or attempt to cash fraudulent checks drawn on the KeyBank accounts of a business based in Elma, NY, and a second business based in Tonawanda, NY.
- in March 2022, Price and two others came to Buffalo from Atlanta and drove three individuals to M&T Bank branches, Bank on Buffalo branches, and Evans Bank branches to cash, or attempt to cash, fraudulent checks drawn on the bank accounts of businesses based in Tonawanda, Clarence, NY, and Sanborn, NY.
- in September 2022, Jones, Clark, Price, and White flew from Atlanta to Rochester, NY, and drove six individuals to M&T Bank branches, KeyBank branches, Northwest Bank branches, Bank on Buffalo branches, and Evans Bank branches, to cash or attempt to cash, fraudulent checks drawn on the bank accounts of two businesses based in Rochester, and one based in Alden, NY.
The total loss amount, including actual loss and intended loss, Is $64,979.67.
Co-conspirators Ameer Clark, Quentavious Price and Montez White were all previously convicted.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special-Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie P. Feroleto.
# # # #
Georgia Man Charged with Transmitting Threat to South Florida VictimRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A Georgia man made his initial appearance in federal court today after allegedly leaving a threatening voicemail for a victim in the Southern District of Florida.
According to court documents, on Sept. 19, 2025, Henry Paul Demarco, 64, left a voicemail message threatening to “blow [the victim’s] head off.” The call was transmitted from Georgia to the Southern District of Florida.
Demarco was granted bond with a condition that he have no contact with the victim.
Demarco is charged with interstate transmission of a threat to injure. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, and Police Chief Michael Coleman of the Riviera Beach Police Department made the announcement.
FBI Miami is investigating the case with valuable assistance from the Riviera Beach Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Juan Albino is prosecuting the case.
An indictment/complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 26-cr-80050.
###
Ganjei announces intent to resign from position of United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei has announced he will resign as chief law enforcement officer for the Southern District of Texas effective upon his appointment to the federal bench.
“The American people provided our office with a mandate to secure the border, annihilate the drug trade, and crack down on violent crime in their communities—and every day the men and women of SDTX work tirelessly to deliver on that commitment. In the past year we’ve accomplished more than we ever thought possible, but there’s still no time to rest,” said Ganjei. “Ensuring that the Southern District of Texas is a safe place to live, work, and raise a family is more than just a job, it’s a promise we’ve made to our fellow citizens. In meeting this challenge, I could not have asked for greater colleagues, greater law enforcement partners, or greater support from our Southern District communities. Although I will now be hanging up my spurs as an advocate, I look forward to serving the American people in a new capacity.”
Ganjei was responsible for prosecuting and defending the interests of the United States in one of the largest districts in the country, with the Southern District of Texas stretching across 43 counties, covering 44,000 square miles, and having over nine million residents. Ganjei oversaw nearly 400 employees, including over 200 Assistant U.S. Attorneys, spread across the district’s seven offices.
Since Ganjei’s appointment in January 2025, the Southern District of Texas has prioritized border security and immigration enforcement, the aggressive prosecution of violent crime, and the dismantling of transnational criminal organizations, particularly narcoterrorists.
During his tenure, SDTX prided itself on being both aggressive and nimble, filing over 10,000 indictments and nearly 18,000 criminal complaints, while maintaining a 96 percent conviction rate. To date in fiscal year 2026, SDTX is projected to file more cases than any other district nationwide.
In 2025, SDTX delivered a record number of southern border-related enforcement actions, with over 14,000 individuals charged in cases related to immigration and smuggling, assaults on officers, firearms offenses, violent crimes, narcotics trafficking, and other matters. To date in 2026, over 2000 additional persons have already been charged in similar actions. The number of illegal crossings and encounters have plummeted to their lowest level in more than half a century.
The Southern District of Texas’s Civil Division also played a major role in the office’s efforts to secure the border, working to obtain parcels of land and easements to facilitate border wall construction, as well as handling over 1300 habeas corpus petitions brought by illegal aliens seeking immediate release from custody.
On the criminal side of border security, the Southern District secured the extradition of three Guatemalan nationals on charges arising from a fatal human smuggling event in Chiapas, Mexico in 2021. This event, in which a tractor-trailer, packed with at least 160 people, crashed, resulted in the death of more than 50 people, including unaccompanied children, and injured over 100 more. The smugglers, now in federal court in Laredo, face a potential life sentence.
Under Ganjei, the Southern District of Texas has been a national leader in the prosecution of narcoterrorist gangs and cartels. In December of 2025, SDTX charged four alleged members of Tren de Aragua (“TdA”) with material support of a terrorist organization and cocaine distribution. Two of the men charged—Yohan Jose Romero and Juan Gabriel Rivas Nunez—are believed to be two of the top three leaders of TdA. In Galveston, eight high-level Mara Salvatrucha (“MS-13”) gang members pleaded guilty to racketeering activity, including murder, extortion, and drug trafficking, and are now facing prison terms of 35-50 years. In Operation Liquid Death, the Southern District of Texas indicted a father and son on charges of conspiring to materially support a Mexican cartel and money laundering based on the duo’s alleged illegal importation of tens of millions of dollars of stolen oil.
The Southern District has also been tireless in its pursuit of U.S.-based criminal organizations and has adopted a more aggressive posture toward the use of federal racketeering (RICO) charges, which carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. In Houston, SDTX brought racketeering, murder, firearms, and drug trafficking charges against 20 suspected members and associates of the “Free Money” gang, a group accused of committing numerous high-profile violent crimes, including a brazen June 2022 daytime shootout in a shopping center parking lot. Also in 2025, the Southern District of Texas indicted 14 members of the Katy-based “Welcome to Hell” chapter of the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang on 22 counts of racketeering, assault, and murder stemming from, in part, a violent turf war with a rival motorcycle gang.
Under Ganjei’s leadership, SDTX also launched several innovative, “first of its kind” initiatives to address to address longstanding and persistent criminal threats. One such program was Operation Lighthouse, an effort to combat sexual assault of rideshare passengers. The initiative leverages federal resources and sentencing laws to secure more meaningful penalties against perpetrators, bring justice to victims, and ultimately promote a greater sense of safety within the ridesharing community.
Another initiative, Operation Pick-Off, targets criminal illegal aliens who are currently serving terms of probation following convictions for state crimes, such as murder, drug offenses, human smuggling, fraud, burglary, assault, and other crimes. The multiagency effort, launched in August 2025 in the Rio Grande Valley, will remain an ongoing enforcement priority for the Southern District.
In one quality-of-life initiative, Operation Double Down, the Southern District targeted and shut down 30 illegal gaming rooms in greater Houston, which operated openly and attracted drug dealing, prostitution and other blight. The operation, believed to be one of the largest in the Southern District’s history, resulted in the indictment of 16 defendants and the seizure of over $16 million in currency, accounts, and assets.
During Ganjei’s tenure, the Southern District of Texas also took a more aggressive approach to the threat posed by Chinese-backed espionage against the United States. The Southern District indicted Xu Zewei, an alleged China state-sponsored hacker, for his suspected involvement in U.S. computer intrusions, including that of U.S.-based universities and researchers conducting COVID-19 vaccine, treatment, and testing research. Zewei was later arrested in Italy at the United States’ request. More recently, in Operation Gatekeeper, SDTX indicted three individuals for their alleged role in the illegal smuggling of $160 million of critical AI technology destined for the PRC.
Finally, the Southern District collected a total of $148,149,674.47 in combined criminal, civil, and asset forfeiture actions in calendar year 2025. Across all criminal matters, SDTX collected $21,572,847.34 in restitution for crime victims and recovered an additional $85,932,764.13 through civil enforcement actions for the American taxpayer. Working with partner agencies and divisions, the Southern District also collected $40,644,063 through asset forfeiture. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice’s Asset Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
Then-Acting Attorney General James McHenry named Ganjei as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas Jan. 29, 2025. Ganjei later received the unanimous vote of the district judges in May 2025, re-appointing him to continue his service to the district.
Ganjei is a longtime federal prosecutor who previously served as Acting U.S. Attorney and First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas.
Ganjei joined the Department of Justice in 2008 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney on the U.S.–Mexico border. As an AUSA, Ganjei prosecuted organized crime, immigration, narcotics, and human trafficking cases, as well as fraud, public corruption and white collar matters.
Before joining the Department, Ganjei clerked for the Honorable Richard Allen Griffin of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and for then-U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson, who has since been elevated to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Ganjei has also taught on the subjects of civil, criminal, and constitutional law at both the collegiate and law school levels.
Immediately prior to his service with the Southern District of Texas, Ganjei was Chief Counsel to U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitution, where he oversaw all legal matters related to criminal justice, border security, judicial nominations, antitrust, intellectual property, and religious liberty.
On Nov. 12, 2025, President Trump nominated Ganjei to serve as a United States district court judge for the Southern District of Texas. The United States Senate confirmed Ganjei on Feb. 3, 2026. Ganjei is now set to begin his tenure as a judge in the Houston Division of the Southern District.
Ganjei was the first Persian-American to ever serve as a United States Attorney anywhere in the country, and, upon appointment to the federal bench, will become the first-ever Persian-American federal Article III judge.
Upon Ganjei’s departure, management responsibilities will be handed off to John G.E. Marck, who presently serves as the office’s First Assistant U.S. Attorney.
Four Members of D.C. Gang Sentenced in Conspiracy Case that Resulted in Two Murders and a Non-Fatal Drive-By Shooting in Southeast, Washington, D.C.Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Derrico Johnson, 21, Ronald Henderson, 19, Daveon Robinson, 18, and Demarco Robinson, 22, were sentenced Friday in connection with three different day-time shootings that occurred in Southeast Washington, D.C. between April 2022 and January 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced Derrico Johnson to 22 years of incarceration, Ronald Henderson to 22 years of incarceration, Daveon Robinson to eight years of incarceration, and Demarco Robinson to four years of incarceration on March 6, 2026. Each defendant was also sentenced to a period of supervised release at the conclusion of their sentences.
The government’s evidence indicates that on April 12, 2022, Johnson shot and killed Clayton Marshall (who does not appear to have been the intended target) and shot and injured another individual (who also does not appear to have been the intended target) during a daytime drive-by shooting at Shipley Market (a known hang-out spot associated with the “Deuce Deuce” crew). About six weeks later, on May 26, 2022, Johnson, Henderson, and a still-unidentified third individual traveled by foot to the Savannah Terrace Circle associated with the “23rd and Savannah” crew, where they shot and killed 16-year-old Justin Johnson aka “23 Rackz.” On January 2, 2023, Henderson and Daveon Robinson shot and injured two individuals who were standing outside Alabama Convenience Store (a known hang-out spot associated with the “23rd and Savannah” crew) in another daytime drive-by shooting in which the evidence indicates Dionzai Parker was also inside the suspect vehicle. The case against Dionzai Parker, the fifth defendant in this conspiracy case, is still active.
Each of the defendants, who are members of the Southeast D.C. “Get Back Gang” and/or “the Z,” previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder or armed crime of violence stemming from their involvement in a months-long conspiracy that included two murders and a non-fatal drive-by shooting that left multiple people injured. Derrico Johnson, Ronald Henderson, and Daveon Robinson also pleaded guilty to charges related to specific acts of violence. This crew is part of a broader group driving violence in Washington, D.C. over the past several years, known as “Fox 5 Gang.”
Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It was prosecuted by former Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Sellinger, Assistant United States Attorneys John Parron and Wes Faulkner, Jr.
2022 CF1 003590
Four Houston gang members guilty of conspiracy to commit bank robberies and juggingsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – Four Houston criminal street gang members have been convicted of conspiracy and bank robbery in connection with a string of ATM robberies and “juggings” in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Charles Bernard Byrd, a/k/a “Doughboy,” 34, of Houston, was found guilty by a jury of conspiracy to commit bank robbery and aiding and abetting bank robbery.
Byrd’s co-defendants, Kendrick Douglas Warren, a/k/a “Bullet,” 38, Derrick Deshaun Brooks, a/k/a “D-Brooks,” 36, and Derramy Deonita Foster, 42, all of Houston, pleaded guilty prior to trial.
The verdict against Byrd was reached on March 5, 2026, following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Truncale. Byrd faces up to 25 years in federal prison at sentencing.
According to evidence introduced at trial, the Beaumont Police Department and FBI were investigating a series of bank robberies targeting ATM repair technicians during 2024. On October 8, 2024, at approximately 4:45 p.m., two men wearing masks and gloves (later identified as Derrick Brooks and Derramy Foster) robbed an ATM repairman in the drive-through of PNC Bank located on Phelan Boulevard in Beaumont. The men pushed the technician out of the way and removed $153,000 of the bank’s cash before speeding away in a black sedan toward Interstate 10. The men completed the heist in less than 20 seconds. Security cameras videoed the robbery but there were no suspects or leads.
A similar robbery was committed around 1:15 p.m. on December 31, 2024, when two men wearing masks and gloves (later identified as Derrick Brooks and Kendrick Warren) robbed an ATM repairman in the drive-through of the Education First Federal Credit Union located on Laurel Avenue in Beaumont. The men rushed the technician, ordered him to “move,” and took $146,000 of the bank’s cash. The men completed the heist in less than twenty seconds and sped away in a stolen red SUV.
Just fifteen minutes later, BPD officer John Cross located the SUV abandoned in a nearby parking lot. Although the license plate had been removed, police were able to use license plate reader images from earlier in the day to identify the SUV. The police also found that it had caravaned from Houston to Beaumont with a black 2018 truck that was registered to Brooks. Investigators also learned that minutes after the robbery the same black truck left Beaumont travelling west on I-10 toward Houston.
BPD requested assistance from the Houston Police Department Criminal Apprehension Team and were able to locate and stop the black truck as it exited I-10 in Houston, just 84 minutes after the robbery in Beaumont. At the arrest, Byrd was the get-away driver and Warren and Brooks were passengers. The officers also found a bag containing exactly $146,000 cash, the same amount that had been taken from the credit union, as well as gloves like the ones used in the robbery and a Texas paper license plate that matched the one displayed on the red SUV earlier in the day.
Further investigation revealed that Byrd, Warren, Brooks, and Foster were members of the 100% Third Ward gang that operates from the Third Ward area of Houston to commit a variety of criminal acts, including juggings and robberies. “Juggings” are burglaries or robberies that target victims observed leaving a bank or other financial business in supposed possession of cash or other items of value. The 100% Third Ward gang is also known as the “103 gang.”
Other evidence introduced at trial showed that the men engaged in a conspiracy from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2024, during which they orchestrated multiple juggings, burglaries, auto thefts, and the two ATM bank robberies. Byrd and his coconspirators committed one of their juggings just an hour before robbing the Education First Federal Credit Union on New Year’s Eve. In that instance, the men positioned the black truck to surveil the drive-through line at Chase Bank on Dowlen Road in Beaumont. After the defendants saw a customer accept a cash pouch from the teller, they followed her truck from the bank to the HEB down the road, where the men positioned the red SUV and waited for her to enter the store before smashing her window and burgling her truck while she shopped.
Warren pleaded guilty on September 15, 2025, to conspiracy and bank robbery and faces up to 25 years in federal prison at sentencing.
Brooks pleaded guilty on September 16, 2025, to conspiracy and two counts of bank robbery, and faces up to 45 years in federal prison at sentencing.
Foster pleaded guilty on September 15, 2025, to bank robbery and faces up to 20 years federal prison as sentencing.
The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the 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 the Beaumont Police Department, the Houston Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Memorial Villages Police Department, the West University Police Department, the Shiner Police Department, and the FBI, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John B. Ross and Jonathan Lee.
Former St. Louis Lawyer Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for $379,900 Pandemic FraudRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk on Monday sentenced a former St. Louis lawyer who committed $379,900 in pandemic fraud to 21 months in prison and fined him $50,000.
John J. Diehl Jr., 60, has already repaid the loan money.
Diehl applied for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) on behalf of his law firm, the Diehl Law Group, on March 30, 2020, and obtained $94,900. In March of 2022, Diehl requested an EIDL loan modification. In both applications Diehl pledged that Diehl Law Group would use the funds “to alleviate economic injury caused by disaster.” He received $285,000 from the second loan, for a total of $379,900. The EIDL program was designed to help struggling small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing deferred, low interest loans for working capital, payroll and other fixed debts of businesses caused by the pandemic.
“This defendant’s law practice didn’t suffer at all during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith said in court, adding that Diehl did not use any of the loan for the firm. Diehl, he said, “saw a way to make some easy and cheap money.” Diehl transferred a total of about $200,000 of the EIDL proceeds to the Diehl Law Group’s retirement plan. He was the only participant in the plan. Diehl used loan proceeds for personal Tesla, Audi and Jeep vehicle payments, personal credit card bills, residential mortgage payments, fees paid to a St. Louis law firm for a personal legal matter, a family member’s college tuition, pool maintenance, country club expenses and cash withdrawals for personal expenses.
Diehl pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in September to one count of wire fraud.
“Although he legitimately obtained pandemic relief loans for his law practice, Diehl diverted those funds for personal use rather than the purposes Congress intended,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. "Relief programs like these were created to help small businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic—not to line someone’s pockets.”
Diehl formerly served as an alderman for Town and Country, Missouri, the Chairman of the St. Louis County Board of Election Commissioners and the Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives. He resigned as speaker in 2015.
In 2023, Diehl entered into a consent order with the Missouri Ethics Commission after improperly using $6,762.70 of campaign committee funds to pay for personal expenses unrelated to any political campaign and failing to report additional expenditures of campaign committee funds, including at least $28,700 of personal expenses. Diehl was fined $47,392.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith prosecuted the case.
Former Quincy Official Pleads Guilty to Embezzling City FundsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fitchburg man and former Quincy official pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to a scheme to embezzle funds from the City of Quincy, Mass.
Thomas F. Clasby, Jr., 61, pleaded guilty to embezzlement, mail and wire fraud and interstate transportation of stolen property. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for June 17, 2026. Clasby was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2025.
Clasby was the Director of the Quincy Department of Elder Services (Elder Services) between approximately 1999 and April 2024. Beginning in 2019, Clasby used the City’s purchasing process to pay personal expenses and generate cash for himself. For example, Clasby arranged for the City to pay $8,950 to a music studio to produce recordings of Clasby singing songs; $2,236 to food service vendors for 153 pounds of bourbon steak tips; $4,800 for a Toyota Prius; and $1,658 for a signature, lacquered, mounted and framed self-portrait, all of which were personal expenses.
In addition, Clasby arranged for the City to pay over $38,000 to a New York consulting company owned by Clasby’s friend. The consulting company never provided goods or services to any City department. Instead, Clasby’s friend cashed the City checks and delivered the cash to Clasby at a rest stop in Framingham, Mass., a ferry terminal in Bridgeport, Conn. and at the friend’s New York apartment. Starting in June 2021, Clasby stole the majority of cash receipts generated by Elder Services at the Kennedy Center in Quincy.
The charge of embezzlement provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of mail and wire fraud provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of interstate transportation of stolen property provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Quincy Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay of the Public Corruption and Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.
Final Defendant Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – The last of four defendants charged in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy was sentenced last week to 10 months in federal prison. Three other defendants were sentenced to federal prison previously.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
On March 5, 2026, Geramy Frederick, 45, of Louisville, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and three counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
On January 9, 2026, Scott Sabol, 61, of Louisville, was sentenced to 5 years and 10 months in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and three counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
On December 18, 2025, Michael Vaden, 37, of Louisville, was sentenced to 6 years and 7 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and three counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
On October 15, 2025, Jessica Stout, 45, of Louisville, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substance, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of distribution of methamphetamine.
According to Court documents, Frederick, Sabol, Vaden, and Stout, conspired with each other and others to possess with the intent to distribute and distributed large quantities of methamphetamine between February and March of 2024 in and around Louisville. Frederick distributed half-pound quantities of methamphetamine to another in February, March, and April of 2024. He also possessed with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine in April of 2024. In May and June of 2024, Sabol distributed 51 grams of methamphetamine, 88 grams of methamphetamine, and 330 grams of methamphetamine to another. Vaden sold pound quantities of methamphetamine to another in April and June of 2024 and two pounds of methamphetamine in July of 2024. Finally, Stout possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine in April of 2024 and distributed 51 grams of methamphetamine to another in May of 2024.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and LMPD.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Lantz and Frank Dahl are prosecuting this case, with assistance from paralegal specialist Adela Alic.
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.
###
Felon Found with Gun Fitted with Glock Switch in Hartford Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DASHAWN DWYER, 31, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 11, 2024, Hartford Police officers attempted to stop Dwyer, who had absconded from state parole and was being sought, as he drove a vehicle on Albany Avenue. Dwyer accelerated, drove recklessly down side streets, and eventually jumped from the moving vehicle and fled on foot. The vehicle came to rest against a fence on Main Street. Dwyer was apprehended a short distance away, and a search of his vehicle revealed a 9mm Glock pistol with a loaded extended magazine, and which was equipped with a machinegun conversion device (“switch”); distribution quantities of cocaine and crack; and $10,257 in cash.
Dwyer’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for robbery, assault, and narcotics offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for June 3, at which time Dwyer faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years. Dwyer has been detained since his arrest.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reed Durham and Sean P. Mahard.
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.
Federal Drug & Gun Charges for Pensacola FelonRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Travis W. Carroll, 26, of Pensacola, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges.
Carroll appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Bolitho for his initial appearance at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida. Trial is scheduled for April 6, 2026, at 8:30 am in Pensacola before District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
If convicted, Carroll faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine count; up to 15 years’ imprisonment on the possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon count; and a minimum mandatory 5 years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment, consecutive to any other sentence on the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher C. Patterson.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
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.
Eglin Air Force Base Resident Indicted for Neglect of a ChildRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Devon Mae Witryk, 28, of Pensacola, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging her with one count of neglect of a child. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charge today.
Witryk appeared for her arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho in Pensacola, Florida. Trial is scheduled for April 6, 2026, at 8:30 am in Pensacola before District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
If convicted, Witryk faces up to 5 years’ imprisonment.
The case was investigated by Eglin Security Forces Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
District Man Pleads Guilty in Kidnapping of Two Victims at GunpointRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Kaevon Sutton, 24, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty March 6 in U.S. District Court to federal kidnapping for leading an armed assault on two victims in Northeast Washington, forcing them at gunpoint into their own vehicles, and driving them across state lines into Maryland, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Sutton pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Timothy J. Kelly to one count of kidnapping which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. Judge Kelly scheduled sentencing for Sept. 17, 2026.
According to court documents, about 1:44 a.m. on May 20, 2023, Sutton arrived with other individuals in a black sedan on the 4900 block of Quarles Street NE. Armed with a firearm, Sutton and his co-conspirators ordered two victims to the ground and assaulted them. Sutton visibly held his firearm as he searched the victims and struck them.
Sutton then forced one victim into the victim’s Nissan Murano at gunpoint while co-conspirators forced the second victim into a GMC Yukon. Sutton coordinated the operation, guarding one victim with his weapon while co-conspirators controlled the other. Sutton and his co-conspirators then drove the victims’ own vehicles — in a convoy together with their black sedan — across state lines into Bladensburg, Maryland.
In Maryland, Sutton and his co-conspirators forced both victims out of the vehicles, ordered them to remove their clothes, and directed them to walk into the nearby woods. The defendant and his co-conspirators then drove away in the victims’ vehicles, leaving the victims stranded in Maryland.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the FBI Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caelainn Carney and Joshua Satter of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
25cr221
DC Solar Attorney Sentenced to over 11 Years in Prison for His Involvement in the DC Solar Billion Dollar Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
Ari J. Lauer, 61, of Lafayette, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to 11 years and five months years in prison for his role in the biggest criminal fraud scheme in the history of the Eastern District of California, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
From approximately 2009 to January 2019, Lauer, an attorney licensed to practice law in California, was outside counsel to DC Solar and provided legal and business advice concerning DC Solar’s operations. Lauer’s role gave the scheme legitimacy and diminished any suspicion the investors might have had.
On Oct. 14, 2025, one week before trial, Lauer pleaded guilty to all counts with no written plea agreement. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud, 12 counts of bank fraud, and 10 counts of wire fraud affecting a financial institution.
“Without the participation of Lauer, the DC Solar fraud scheme would never have been operational. Lauer used his skill as a corporate lawyer to execute a sophisticated tax scheme to that enabled the largest criminal fraud in the history of the Eastern District of California,” said U.S. Attorney Grant. “As the only attorney involved, he should have been the first person to recognize the fraud and stop it. Instead, he was the last person to accept responsibility, only doing so on the eve of trial. Today’s sentence demonstrates that sophisticated fraud will be met with serious consequences.”
“Ari Lauer intentionally used his position as an attorney to provide the illusion of legitimacy to DC Solar’s fraudulent scheme. He hid uncomfortable truths behind claims of confidentiality while profiting from the arrangement and mistakenly assumed that law enforcement would not catch on,” said FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message to fraudsters and their co-conspirators. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will unravel lies, seize ill-gotten gains, and dismantle Ponzi schemes like this one to deliver justice to the victims.”
“Mr. Lauer’s sentence reflects the extensive harm caused by DC Solar’s long‑running fraud scheme, which deceived investors, disrupted the clean‑energy market, and left real victims in its wake,” said Linda Nguyen, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Oakland Field Office. “White‑collar crime is not victimless. IRS‑CI used its unmatched financial‑investigative expertise and worked closely with federal law enforcement partners to follow the money, uncover the truth, and help secure justice for those harmed.”
“Mr. Lauer and his co-defendants abused the system and victimized investors to enrich themselves,” noted FDIC OIG Special Agent in Charge Ryan Korner. “We are proud to have worked alongside our law enforcement partners to hold the defendants accountable and bring justice to victims. FDIC OIG will continue to work tirelessly to help victims, keep the system uncorrupted, and ultimately protect our Nation’s Financial System.”
According to court documents, between 2011 and 2018, DC Solar manufactured mobile solar generators that were mounted on trailers. The company touted the versatility and environmental sustainability of the generators and claimed that they were used to provide emergency power to cellphone towers and lighting at sporting and other events. A significant incentive for investors was generous federal tax credits due to the solar nature of the generators. Martinez residents Jeff Carpoff, 55, his wife Paulette Carpoff, 52, and their co-conspirators solicited investors to invest in the generators in large multimillion-dollar transactions using a variety of fraudulent techniques.
A key part of the fraud was that investors would never actually take possession of the generators. Instead, DC Solar typically leased those generators back from the investors and claimed to sublease them to third parties to generate revenue. In reality there was very little actual third-party rental demand for the generators, yet when Lauer and the other co-conspirators learned this, they continued to represent to investors that the rental market for the generators was robust.
In June 2012, Lauer, Jeff Carpoff, and others met to discuss the failure to generate third-party lease revenue sufficient to meet their financial obligations to the investors. The conspirators agreed to conceal that lack of third-party lease revenue from current and prospective investors, by, among other things, making periodic transfers of investor money from one account to another and misrepresent that the flow of funds was third-party lease revenue. Lauer and other members of the conspiracy created a circular payment system they referred to as “re-rent.” In 2014, they created a “re-rent agreement,” backdating the document to 2011, and used it to explain the large sums of money being transferred from one account to another. In fact, the real source of money was new investor money, which was being used to pay obligations to existing investors. Lauer and other members of the conspiracy prepared sublease agreements with “concealed addendums” that materially altered the terms of the contracts. They used the sublease agreements to defraud investors.
Between March 2011 and Dec. 18, 2018, investors invested approximately $759.4 million, and several financial institutions and other investors transferred $152.7 million to DC Solar as part of related transactions for the purchase and lease of generators. In total, DC Solar closed transactions with investors that contributed more than $912 million to purchase generators. Those transactions were purported to involve approximately 17,000 generators, at approximately $2.5 billion in value.
During the conspiracy, approximately 94% to 95% of the lease revenue on the books was actually intercompany transfers disguised as new investor money. In truth, third-party end-user demand for generators never exceeded 5% of the revenue that was claimed.
On Dec. 19, 2025, the California State bar put Lauer on “involuntary inactive status” due to his conviction in this case.
The FBI, IRS-CI, and the FDIC OIG conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Audrey B. Hemesath and Nicholas M. Fogg prosecuted the case.
The status of the other seven defendants is as follows:
- Jeff Carpoff was sentenced on Nov. 9, 2021, to 30 years in prison and ordered to pay $790.6 million in restitution.
- Paulette Carpoff was sentenced on June 28, 2022, to 11 years and three months in prison.
- Joseph W. Bayliss, 50, of Martinez, was sentenced on Nov. 16, 2021, to three years in prison and ordered to pay $481.3 million in restitution.
- DC Solar CFO Robert A. Karmann, 59, of Clayton, was sentenced on April 12, 2022, to six years in prison and ordered to pay $624 million.
- Alan Hansen, 54, was sentenced on May 31, 2022, to eight years in prison.
- Ryan Guidry, 49, of Pleasant Hill, was sentenced on Jan. 31, 2023, to six years and six months in prison and ordered to pay $619,415,950 in restitution.
- Ronald J. Roach, 57, of Walnut Creek, pleaded guilty to criminal offenses related to the fraud scheme and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 13, 2026. Roach faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years prison. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
D.C. Man Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison for Stabbing and Killing a Man Defending a Woman and Her BabyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Stephen Herring, 26, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced Friday in the killing of Marcus Thurman in August 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Herring pleaded guilty on November 7, 2025, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count of second-degree murder while armed. On March 6, 2026, the Honorable Judge Danya Dayson sentenced Herring to the prison term to be followed by five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 5:10 am, on August 22, 2023, Metropolitan Police Department received a call for a stabbing in front of 140 M Street, NE. Upon their arrival, they found the victim, Marcus Thurman, unconscious and unresponsive, suffering from an apparent stab wound to the upper chest. Responding police and medical personnel conducted life saving measures as well as CPR on the scene. The victim was transported to Washington Hospital Center where on September 4, 2023, he died from his injuries.
On the day of the incident the defendant was involved in an altercation with a female victim that led to the defendant physically assaulting the victim. Upon seeing this, Thurman tried to intervene and protect the female victim. The female victim was also with her infant son who was in a baby stroller nearby. The defendant—obviously unhappy and enraged by Marcus’ attempt to protect the young woman—left the area and returned to the scene shortly thereafter armed with a knife. Surveillance video captured the defendant stabbing the victim and multiple eyewitnesses on the scene identified Stephen Herring as a suspect. Herring fled the scene shortly after the attack.
Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Nebiyu Feleke, who prosecuted the case.
2023 CF1 005866
Christian County Man Sentenced to 130 Months in Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Christian County man was sentenced by Chief District Court Judge Brian C. Wimes to 130 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
Lucas Paul Robertson, 42, was previously convicted of multiple felonies, including robbery in the first degree, unlawful use of a weapon, burglary in the second degree, resisting or interfering with a felony arrest, distribution of a controlled substance, domestic assault, burglary in the first degree, robbery in the first degree, armed criminal action, unlawful possession of a firearm, and burglary in the first degree. In October 2024, Robertson had an active felony warrant for unlawful possession of a firearm and domestic assault, and a second active felony warrant for trafficking drugs in the first degree. A tip allowed the United States Marshal Service’s Midwest Violent Fugitive Taskforce to locate and apprehend Robertson as he made a visit to a U.S. Post Office on Oct. 29, 2024. During a search of Robertson’s vehicle, which he drove to the post office, law enforcement located a loaded Taurus International, model G2, 9mm semi-automatic pistol, methamphetamine, alprazolam, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Christian County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Office, United States Marshal Service, and the Midwest Violent Fugitive Task Force.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Chiropractor Sentenced to 43 Months in Prison for $14.9 Million Health Care Fraud and Kickback Scheme Related to Durable Medical Equipment and Cancer Genetic TestingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Georgia chiropractor was sentenced to 43 months in prison for her role in a $14.9 million health care fraud and illegal kickback conspiracy, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced.
“This defendant built a business model around fraud—using kickbacks, sham arrangements, and medically unnecessary equipment to siphon millions from Medicare. Health care programs exist to serve patients, not to bankroll schemes like this one. Today’s sentence holds her accountable and underscores that those who abuse our federal health care system for profit will face serious consequences.”
- Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello
Teflyon Cameron, 59, of Powder Springs, Georgia, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael E. Farbiarz on March 2, 2026, in Newark federal court to an Information charging her with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and conspiracy to violate the Federal Anti-Kickback statute.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
For several years, Cameron conspired to defraud health insurers, including Medicare, by causing the submission of claims for medically unnecessary Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and Cancer Genetic Tests (CGx). In total, Cameron and her conspirators caused a loss to Medicare of more than $14.9 million, and Cameron pocketed more than $1.3 million in fraud proceeds.
Cameron and her conspirators owned, operated, and had a financial interest in DME companies through which they obtained doctors’ orders for durable medical equipment, namely orthotic braces, for Medicare beneficiaries without regard to medical necessity. Cameron and her conspirators obtained DME orders using marketing call centers and telemedicine companies, caused the submission of false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, and paid illegal kickbacks.
Cameron and her conspirators also owned, operated, and had a financial interest in a CGx company through which she agreed to provide a clinical laboratory with leads of beneficiaries who were qualified to receive federal health care benefits for cancer genetic tests. Cameron submitted invoices to the clinical laboratory seeking payment on a per-lead basis, but entered into a sham agreement to disguise kickback and bribe payments.
Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello credited the following law enforcement organizations with the investigation leading to the sentencing: the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz; and U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Silvestro.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Specht of the Health Care Fraud & Opioids Enforcement Unit.
###
Defense counsel:
Melissa L. Jampol, Esq.
Chinese Telecommunications Company Fined $50 Million for Conspiring to Steal Technology from Motorola SolutionsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal judge in Chicago has fined a Chinese telecommunications company $50 million for criminally conspiring to steal proprietary technology from Illinois-based Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Beginning in 2006, China-based HYTERA COMMUNICATIONS CORP. LTD. recruited and hired Motorola employees and directed them to take proprietary and trade secret information from Motorola without authorization. The stolen information related to Motorola’s digital mobile radio technology, which Motorola had developed through years of research and design. The engineers used the stolen information, including source code, to develop products for Hytera—at a fraction of the cost that it took Motorola to develop the exclusive technology—and competed with Motorola in the digital radio market through 2020.
Hytera pleaded guilty last year in the Northern District of Illinois to a federal charge of conspiracy to steal trade secrets. In addition to the $50 million fine, U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp, Jr. on Thursday sentenced Hytera to a five-year term of probation, which includes conditions for maintaining an effective compliance program and annual reporting of the program to the government. Judge Tharp found that Hytera caused Motorola to lose $214 million in profits, but restitution was offset in full by payments previously made by Hytera as a result of a civil judgment.
The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas P. Peabody and Wesley A. Morrissette of the Northern District of Illinois.
Seven Hytera employees were indicted in 2021 in federal court in Chicago for their alleged roles in the thefts from Motorola. One of them—GEE SIONG KOK—pleaded guilty in 2022 to a federal charge of conspiracy to steal trade secrets. As part of a plea agreement, Kok agreed to cooperate with the government in its investigation. Kok is awaiting sentencing. Warrants have been issued for the arrests of the six other defendants.
Child Predator Flagged by Kik for Sharing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A child predator living in Tulsa was sentenced today for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Terence C. Kern sentenced Walter Zachary Treat, 31, to 135 months imprisonment, followed by ten years of supervised release. Upon his release, Treat will be required to register as a sex offender and is prohibited from looking at sexually explicit materials, such as pornography. Judge Kern further ordered Treat to pay $3,000 in restitution.
In 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a CyberTip from Kik that a user was sharing videos that showed children being sexually abused. Tulsa County deputies began investigating the tip and discovered that Treat was the user. A search warrant was executed at his home, and several electronic devices were seized. While speaking with investigators, Treat admitted to receiving and sharing images and videos of children being sexually abused.
When investigators reviewed Treat’s devices, they found 18 videos and more than 60 images, including prepubescent children being sexually abused. Additionally, investigators saw that Treat was chatting with someone on Facebook about luring children into bathrooms so he could sexually assault them. The images and videos found on his devices were sent to the National Child Victim Identification System, managed by the NCMEC, for identification. Twenty-three individuals were identified and allowed to submit victim impact statements to the court.
Treat was detained in November 2025 and will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Robert 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.
Bristol Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Narcotics from New Britain Car DealershipRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILFREDO ORTIZ, also known as “Will” and “P,” 45, of Bristol, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 135 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for trafficking narcotics from a car dealership in New Britain.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2024, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and New Britain Police Department investigated a drug trafficking organization, headed by Ortiz, that was operating out of Supreme Automotive, a car dealership located on Main Street in New Britain. The investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical and electronic surveillance, and several controlled purchases of narcotics, primarily cocaine, from Ortiz and other members of the conspiracy. Three controlled purchases from Ortiz involved more than a kilogram of cocaine. Intercepted communications also revealed Oritz’s connection to firearms.
Ortiz and other members of this drug trafficking organization were arrested on November 14, 2024. In association with the arrests, investigators conducted court authorized searches of Supreme Automotive and residences and other locations connected to the drug trafficking organization and seized more than five kilograms of cocaine, more than 200 grams of fentanyl, approximately 30 grams of heroin, a kilogram press, seven firearms, ammunition, approximately $75,000 in cash, and 26 vehicles.
Ortiz has been detained since his arrest. On November 10, 2025, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
In 1999, Ortiz was sentenced in New Britain Superior Court to 27 years of imprisonment for murder and robbery offenses stemming from a convenience store robbery in August 1998 during which a codefendant shot and killed one employee and wounded another employee.
This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Police, and the New Britain, Hartford, West Hartford, Waterbury, Naugatuck, East Hartford, Brookfield, Milford, Norwich, Orange, North Haven, Meriden, Berlin, and Manchester Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth, Reed Durham, and David Nelson.
Berkshire County Man Sentenced to Prison for Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Adams, Mass. man has been sentenced for sexual exploitation of children and producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Brian Warner, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 28 years in prison, to be followed by seven years of supervised release. An amount of restitution will be determined at a hearing scheduled for June 11, 2026. In November 2025, Warner pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of children. He has remained in federal custody since his May 2024 arrest.
Over a six-year period, Warner repeatedly abused a child for the purpose of producing visual depictions of that conduct. Searches of Warner’s devices showed that he possessed hundreds of images of CSAM, including imagery of a child known to him.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Merck of the Springfield Office prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Attorney Pleads Guilty to Tax Offenses, Agrees to Pay $2.8 Million in RestitutionRead 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 MICHAEL SIMES, 50, of Newtown, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to offenses related to his failure to file tax returns, and acknowledged that he failed to pay more than $3.1 million in taxes, penalties, and interest owed.
According to court documents and statements made in court, for the 2013 tax year and the 2016 through 2022 tax years, Simes, an attorney, failed to file U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns, resulting in a tax loss to the IRS of $1,876,307 on gross income of more than $5.6 million. For the 2016 through 2020 tax years, Simes requested filing extensions until October of each year, but still failed to file and pay the taxes he owed.
In addition, Simes filed tax returns for the 2012, 2014, and 2015 tax years, but he paid only a fraction of taxes reported as due, thereby incurring substantial penalties and interest.
Simes has agreed to pay restitution of the presently outstanding balance of $2,871,676.
Simes pleaded guilty to three counts of failure to file a tax return. Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for June 8, at which time Simes faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years. Simes is released on a $40,000 bond pending sentencing.
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.
Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Shabazz Naeem Caradine, a multi-convicted felon, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a machinegun. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge D. P. Marshall, Jr.
A federal grand jury indicted Caradine, 35, of North Little Rock, in a two-count Indictment for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a machinegun. On October 16, 2025, Caradine pleaded guilty to the two counts in the Indictment. In addition to the 15-year sentence, Caradine also received a 10-year sentence for possession of a machinegun, with the two sentences to be served concurrently. Judge Marshall also sentenced Caradine to three years’ supervised release for each count. There is no parole in the federal system.
An investigation revealed that on August 16, 2024, officers with the North Little Rock Police Department observed Caradine riding a bicycle at night without a red light on the back in the middle of Highway 161 in North Little Rock. Officers conducted a stop to advise Caradine of the dangers of operating a bicycle in the roadway without proper equipment. While talking with Caradine, officers observed Caradine sweating profusely, crouching down, and becoming agitated. As officers attempted to pat down Caradine, he fled on foot and while fleeing, officers observed him drop a Glock 19 9mm firearm. The firearm had a machinegun conversion device attached to the rear of the firearm, allowing it to operate as a fully automatic weapon. Caradine was apprehended by officers and during an interview, Caradine admitted that he purchased the firearm and knew that it had a Glock machinegun conversion device attached and how it functioned.
Caradine has at least three prior convictions for a violent felony offense and is therefore classified as an armed career criminal. His criminal history includes convictions for residential burglary, theft of property, aggravated assault, first-degree terroristic threatening, aggravated assault on a family or household member, third-degree domestic battery, and fleeing.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the North Little Rock Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Reese Lancaster.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
X (formerly known as Twitter):
@USAO_EDAR
Arlington Man Pleads Guilty to Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Arlington man pleaded guilty on March 6, 2026 in federal court in Boston to a drug conspiracy. The defendant conspired with a codefendant, who is a Vice Lord gang member on parole from a state prison sentence during these offenses.
Jonathan Perry, a/k/a “Peazy,” 26, of Arlington, Mass., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for June 2, 2026.
Perry is a relative and coconspirator of Keith Harlow in the distribution of controlled substances. A review of Perry’s cellphone seized during his arrest on state charges on May 29, 2025 revealed that Perry and allegedly Harlow worked together to distribute controlled substances and sell firearms throughout Massachusetts. It is further alleged that, in text message communications with Harlow, they discussed robberies and using firearms to shoot at various individuals. At the time of the alleged offenses Perry and Harlow were prohibited from possessing firearms due to numerous prior felony convictions, including Perry’s youthful offender conviction of manslaughter. At the time of all the messages, Harlow was also still on parole following his multiple concurrent state prison sentences and Perry was on probation for a domestic violence offense.
According to the charging documents, Harlow is a member of a Vice Lords chapter known as the Four Corner Hustlers. Known by his street name “Lord Savage,” Harlow has been convicted of multiple prior armed robberies and, at the time of the alleged offenses, was on parole from multiple six to 10-year concurrent state prison sentences.
It is alleged that during a search of Harlow’s residence on May 29, 2025, multiple firearm receivers, suspected firearm suppressors, machinegun conversion devices, 3D printers and firearm manufacturing supplies were recovered. Approximately 100 grams of suspected cocaine was allegedly found in the residence as well.
The charge of conspiring to distribute controlled substances provides for a maximum penalty of up to 20 years, at least three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. 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; David E. Sullivan, Northwestern District Attorney; and Athol Police Chief Craig Lundgren made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; the United States Marshals Service; the Franklin County House of Correction; and Massachusetts Department of Correction. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Friday 6 March 2026
Wilmington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – A Wilmington man with prior felony convictions pleaded guilty on March 3, 2026, to illegally possessing a loaded firearm. Chief U.S. District Judge Colm. F. Connolly accepted the plea.
According to court records, Mustafa Darien Wescott, 24, was approached by Wilmington Police Department officers while walking in Wilmington’s Brandywine Village neighborhood on September 29, 2024. After officers instructed him to stop, Wescott fled on foot. During a brief pursuit, Wescott pulled a loaded Ruger EC9S 9mm semi-automatic handgun from his pants pocket and threw it away before surrendering to the police. At the time of the incident, Wescott was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of multiple prior felony convictions.
Wescott pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is scheduled for July 9, 2026.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wilmington Police Department are investigating the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-116.
Violent Wake County Felon Gets 15 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Christopher Antonio Gilmore, 34, to 15 years in prison for committing an armed bank robbery.
According to court records and evidence presented at sentencing, Gilmore entered a First Citizen’s Bank in Raleigh wearing sunglasses and a mask and armed with a loaded gun. Gilmore fired a bullet when he entered the bank. The bullet struck a cabinet just outside of the bank manager’s office. The manager sat in the office but, by the grace of God, the cabinet stopped the bullet before it hit her. Gilmore pointed the gun at two bank tellers and ordered them to fill his backpack with money. The tellers put over $20,000 in the backpack along with a GPS tracker. Gilmore then forced the tellers to lay down behind the teller counter, yelling, “Everybody get in the back! Heads down or I’ll start shooting again!” He then waved the gun at the manager ordering her to leave her office and join the tellers on the floor. Gilmore did not know there was another employee hid in the breakroom. That employee called 911.
Gilmore fled, but Officers with Raleigh Police Department (RPD) found Gilmore within minutes of the robbery at a nearby tire shop. When they arrested Gilmore, the officers found the gun used during the robbery, which he had stolen, the backpack filled with cash, and a high-capacity magazine for the gun.
Gilmore is a convicted felon whose criminal history spans a decade, including convictions for the following, 2015 attempted identity theft; 2019 breaking and entering and larceny; and 2023 assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, discharging a weapon into an occupied property, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
“This repeat thug should finally learn his lesson.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Thank God he didn’t kill any of these citizens, though he recklessly tried. We will continue to prosecute and remove vicious threats like this to allow our good citizens to live without fear.”
"The violent nature of Mr. Gilmore's actions are reprehensible. To barge into a bank where people are conducting business or accessing their own hard-earned money and endanger their lives is ruthless, reckless, and justifies a long federal prison sentence, said Reid Davis, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip Aubart and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Dixon, and Jaren Kelly prosecuted the case. Agencies involved in the investigation include the FBI’s Raleigh Durham Safe Streets Task Force and Raleigh Police Department.
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. 5:25-CR-00121-FL.
Venezuelan Nationals Charged with "Jackpotting" Scheme to Steal Cash from Bank ATMsRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal Grand Jury has charged ENDER ENRIQUE MUNOZ PEREZ, 30, and ANGEL RAPHAEL MEDINA-TAGUARIPANO, 24, both Venezuelan nationals, with conspiracy to commit bank theft and bank theft, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to court records, between January 19 and January 20, 2026, Perez, Medina-Taguaripano, and other coconspirators traveled to multiple Arvest Bank ATM locations in Chickasha, Moore, and Norman, Oklahoma. Court records allege that once at the banks, the coconspirators “jackpotted” the machines by gaining access to the ATMs’ computer systems and installing malware. It is alleged that the malware gave the defendants control of the ATMs, allowing them to command the machines to dispense cash. Through the jackpotting scheme, the defendants allegedly stole approximately $235,500 from the various ATMs.
On March 3, 2026, a federal Grand Jury returned a three-count indictment against Perez and Medina-Taguaripano, charging them with conspiracy to commit bank theft and two counts of bank theft. If found guilty, the defendants face up to five years in federal prison for conspiracy and up to ten years in federal prison for bank theft, and fines of up to $250,000 for each count.
The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations, and that the defendants are innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle London is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.