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Tuesday 10 February 2026
Suburban Chicago Tax Preparer Indicted for Allegedly Preparing More Than 25 Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A woman has been indicted in federal court for allegedly preparing more than 25 fraudulent tax returns for clients of her suburban Chicago tax preparation business.
From 2020 to 2024, JAYDINE BROWN prepared and assisted in the preparation of 26 false and fraudulent tax returns on behalf of clients of her business, Hall Tax & Services Corp. of Flossmoor, Ill., according to an indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Brown helped prepare federal tax returns that fraudulently overstated and misrepresented tax credits, deductions, income, and expenses in order to fraudulently reduce the taxpayers’ tax liability and claim refund amounts to which they were not entitled, the indictment states. Brown also filed an individual tax return for herself in 2021 that substantially underreported her income, the indictment states. She also failed to file a corporate tax return for her business for the tax year 2022, the indictment alleges.
Brown, 43, of Chicago Heights, Ill., is charged with 26 counts of willfully aiding and assisting in the preparation of false or fraudulent tax returns, one count of making false or fraudulent statements on a tax return, and one count of willful failure to file a tax return. Brown pleaded not guilty to the charges during her arraignment on Friday in federal court in Chicago. A status hearing is scheduled for Feb. 24, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly.
The indictment was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Adam Jobes, Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Asheeka Desai.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
brown_indictment_filed.pdfSouth Bend Man Sentenced to 72 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Jaron Williams, 44 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, and a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.
Williams was sentenced to 72 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, Williams sold fentanyl to another person on two occasions in the fall of 2024. In December 2024, officers executed a search warrant at his home and recovered cocaine, fentanyl powder, and methamphetamine. Officers also recovered four handguns, a shotgun, and over $64,000 in cash.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the St. Joseph County Police Department, the South Bend Police Department, the Michigan City Police Department, and the Indiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius.
Saratoga County Felon Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Drug Distribution and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jason Brundige, age 51, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced on February 5, 2026 to 84 months’ imprisonment for distributing and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and using a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Sheriff Jeffrey R. Brown of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) made the announcement.
Brundige previously admitted to distributing cocaine on multiple occasions and, during one of those drug sales, displaying a loaded firearm to his drug customer. Brundige also admitted to possessing cocaine with intent to distribute it from a hotel in Malta, New York.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “This sentence reflects the seriousness of combining drug trafficking with firearms. Individuals who distribute dangerous drugs while armed put entire communities at risk, and our Office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold such offenders fully accountable.”
Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo stated: “Firearms in the hands of drug traffickers escalate violence and endanger the public. This case demonstrates ATF’s continued commitment to working with our federal, state, and local partners to aggressively target armed drug traffickers and remove them from our communities.”
Sheriff Jeffrey Brown stated: “This sentence sends a clear message that drug trafficking and gun violence will not be tolerated in Saratoga County. I commend the collaborative efforts of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, ATF, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in bringing this case to a successful resolution.”
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also sentenced Brundige to serve a 4-year term of supervised release to begin after Brundige is released from prison.
The case was investigated by the ATF and SCSO and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.
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Rochester woman sentenced for entering restricted area at Rochester airportRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Takesha Rogers, 40, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of entering an airport area in violation of security requirements, was sentenced to serve 12 months in prison by U.S. Magistrate Judge Colleen D. Holland.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who handled the case, stated that on November 27, 2024, just after 11:30 p.m., Rogers climbed the perimeter fence of the Greater Rochester International Airport and entered the secured Aircraft Operations Area (a.k.a. the tarmac). She entered the secure area of the airport willfully, in violation of established security measures.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter.
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Rochester man pleads guilty to possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Zachary Guthrie, 32, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that in October 2024, the New York State Police (NYSP) executed a search warrant at Guthrie’s residence after receiving CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that Guthrie uploaded child pornography to Instagram and Discord. During the search, investigators seized his cell phone. A forensic review of the phone recovered more than 200 videos, and more than 320 images of child pornography. Some of the images depicted the sexual exploitation of children as well as violence against children.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.
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Rensselaer Man Sentenced for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Mark Tremblay, 35, of Rensselaer, New York, was sentenced on February 6, 2026 to 10 years in federal prison for distribution of child pornography. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Tremblay admitted that on or about November 13, 2024, he produced and sent two child pornography videos involving a child to another person with whom he was corresponding on the internet.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Offenders who prey on children will face swift, aggressive prosecution and severe consequences. This office, alongside HSI and all our federal and state law enforcement partners, will use the full weight of federal law to protect every child in this District.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan said: “The disturbing nature of these crimes underscores the urgent need to protect our most vulnerable community members. HSI Albany is unwavering in our commitment to uncovering these heinous acts and ensuring those responsible are held fully accountable. Together with our partners, we are leveraging every investigative resource and partnership available to shine a light on these crimes and pursue justice for victims.”
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also sentenced Tremblay to serve a 15-year term of supervised release to begin after he is released from prison. Tremblay will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release.
HSI investigated the case with assistance from the New York State Police (NYSP) and the NYSP Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney A.J. Vickey prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Portland Man Found Guilty of Failing to Obey a Lawful Order and Creating a Disturbance at the ICE Building in South PortlandRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland, Oregon, man was found guilty today for failing to obey a lawful order and creating a disturbance at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.
David Pearl, 35, was found guilty on two counts following a bench trial today – count one for failing to obey a lawful order and count two for creating a disturbance.
According to court documents, on the evening of June 21, 2025, law enforcement vehicles were prevented from leaving the ICE facility by a line of people. While most of the crowd dispersed, Pearl and others refused to move and were taken into custody.
Eight days later, on June 29, 2025, Pearl returned to the facility. As federal law enforcement officers attempted to arrest another individual, Pearl interfered by attempting to physically separate the individual from the officers. Pearl was taken into custody and cited for impeding or disrupting the performance of official duties by a government employee.
On June 30, 2025, Pearl was charged with two counts by information for failing to obey a lawful order and creating a disturbance.
The Federal Protective Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah Bolstad and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Bodell prosecuted the case.
Political Operative Sentenced to 48 Months in Federal Prison for Acting as Covert Agent of People’s Republic of ChinaRead the Press Release
Yesterday, a San Bernardino County man, Yaoning “Mike” Sun, 65, of Chino Hills, California, was sentenced by United States District Judge R. Gary Klausner for the Central District of California to 48 months in federal prison for acting as an illegal agent of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including while serving as the campaign advisor for a political candidate who was elected to the city council of a Southern California city. Sun pleaded guilty in October 2025 to one count of acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government.
“For years, Sun received and executed taskings from Chinese government officials, distorted our public discourse by disseminating Chinese propaganda, and surveilled groups in the United States that China viewed as threatening its interests as part of a campaign of intimidation,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “His conduct represents a brazen violation of our national sovereignty. This sentence reflects our commitment to prosecuting those who would extend the authoritarian reach of the Chinese government on U.S. soil."
“When Americans vote for elected officials, they expect them to represent the interests of their constituents – not those of a foreign adversary like the Chinese government,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “By exploiting his position as a campaign advisor, Yaoning Sun attempted to undermine our political processes and democratic institutions for the benefit of the Chinese Communist Party. This sentencing underscores the unwavering commitment of the FBI and our partners to defending the homeland and holding accountable anyone who tries to subvert the will of American voters at the behest of our adversaries.”
“Federal law enforcement will not allow hostile foreign nations to infiltrate the governance of our nation’s political bodies,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “The relentlessness of PRC intelligence operations in our country must be met by equal relentlessness on our part to secure, protect, and defend the United States.”
According to court documents, from at least 2022 to January 2024, Sun knowingly acted within the United States as an agent of the PRC and officials of its government – without notifying the Attorney General, as required by U.S. law.
At the direction and control of PRC government officials, Sun coordinated with U.S.-based individuals to promote the PRC’s interests by, among other things, “orchestrat[ing]” a team to help elect a politician identified in court documents as “Individual 1” to political office and promoting pro-PRC propaganda in the United States.
Sun also closely surveilled the then-President of Taiwan during her April 2023 visit to Southern California, reporting directly to PRC officials on her movements.
At the direction of PRC officials, from 2020 through 2023, Sun and Individual 1 worked together to operate a purported news website for the local Chinese American community. Sun and Individual 1 received and executed directives from PRC government officials to post pro-PRC content.
Throughout 2022, Sun also worked as the campaign advisor for Individual 1 who was running for a city council seat in a Southern California city. Individual 1 was elected to that city council in November 2022.
In December 2022, Sun attended a meeting in Southern California with a group of other people, including Individual 1, whom PRC officials were told was a “team dedicated” to PRC interests, according to Sun’s plea agreement.
In February 2023, Sun drafted a report for PRC officials to solicit additional money and taskings from the PRC government. Sun’s report summarized his personal experience, including his past service in the People’s Liberation Army, China’s military. In the report, Sun stated that he had worked in the United States to lead “delegations of U.S. dignitaries and cultural workers to China,” “persist in resisting any hostile forces that undermine the friendship of U.S.-China relations, and Chinese secessionist forces,” and, “most of all, during the 2022 U.S. midterm elections, I orchestrated and organized my team to win the election for city council” for Individual 1, whom Sun called a “new political star,” Sun’s plea agreement states.
Sun’s report described various issues concerning “anti-China forces” overseas, including opposition to independence for Taiwan, Tibet, and Xinjiang as well as issues involving Falun Gong, a spiritual movement banned in China. The report further proposed “using part of our Los Angeles organization’s professional core team,” to seek to counteract those forces, according to court documents. To that end, Sun’s report requested $80,000 from the PRC government to fund a pro-PRC demonstration at a Fourth of July parade in Washington, D.C.
Throughout 2023 and 2024, Sun communicated with an official at the consulate general of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles regarding activities in Southern California related to Taiwan.
In April 2023, President Tsai Ing-Wen of Taiwan visited Southern California. Sun sent real-time updates on President Tsai’s movements to a Los Angeles-based PRC consular official and sought approval from this official to publish an article about President Tsai’s visit on the website he operated with Individual 1. Sun also took photographs of individuals protesting in support of and opposition to President Tsai and sent those photographs to the consular official.
“As an agent for the PRC, [Sun] worked covertly in the United States with his primary co-conspirator John Chen, a/k/a ‘Chen Jun,’” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “Chen was a high-level member of the PRC intelligence apparatus, who regularly attended elite [Chinese Communist Party] functions, including military parades…[and] met personally with PRC President Xi Jinping . . . . Per his own report, and other communications between Chen and PRC officials, [Sun] served as Chen’s right-hand man in the United States for decades.”
Chen was sentenced in November 2024 to 20 months in federal prison after pleading guilty in the Southern District of New York to acting as an illegal agent of the PRC and conspiracy to bribe a public official.
The FBI investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Amanda B. Elbogen of the National Security Division prosecuted this case with assistance from Trial Attorney Garrett Coyle of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section in the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 180 Months’ Imprisonment for Receiving Child Pornography and Transferring Obscene Images to MinorRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, man was sentenced today to 180 months’ imprisonment for having a minor victim create and send him sexually explicit images and videos, and sending the victim obscene images of himself, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced.
Francisco Andres-Medina, 35, previously pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb to two counts of an indictment charging him with receipt of child pornography and transfer of obscene material to a minor.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In March and April 2020, Medina communicated over the internet with a 15-year-old victim located in Camden County, New Jersey. After learning the victim was 15, Medina sent her obscene photographs. Medina also had the victim produce videos and images of her engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Medina then caused the victim to send him the sexually explicit images and videos. Medina also directed the victim to send him a video of the victim having sex with another individual.
Senior Counsel Lamparello credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy, and the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes and Special Victims Units, under the direction of Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay, with the investigation leading to today’s sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Bender and Josephine Park of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.
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Defense counsel: Ikram Ally, Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender
Philadelphia Man Sentenced for Possession with the Intent to Distribute over 50 Grams of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Philadelphia man was sentenced today to 210 months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi, and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to court documents, Billy Thomas Pike, Jr., 67, possessed with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
In July of 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Pike for his role in the distribution of methamphetamine. On October 15, 2025, Pike entered a plea of guilty to the charge of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
The conviction was a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Trails Task Force which is comprised of officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Choctaw Police Department, Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department, and various state and local law enforcement agencies.
United States Attorney Kruger commended the work of the Safe Trails Task Force, the Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department, and the Choctaw Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Payne, Brian K. Burns, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kalleigh McCoy.
Pennsylvania Woman Sentenced to 90 Months for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jamie Greer Spies, 24, of Reading, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 90 months in prison in connection with distributing multiple videos of child sexual abuse material to an undercover FBI agent, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Spies pleaded guilty July 22, 2025, before Judge Timothy J. Kelly to one count of distribution of child pornography. In addition to the prison term, Judge Kelly ordered Spies to serve ten years of supervised release and to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, an undercover officer working with the MPD-FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force was monitoring an online group where people meet to discuss and trade original images and videos of underage children. While in the group, an individual calling themselves “babygirl484” and later identified as Spies messaged the undercover officer indicating that she was interested in images that portrayed the sexual abuse of young children.
Spies, who was the mother of a then 16-month-old son, subsequently distributed multiple images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, including the abuse of infants and toddlers.
Following her arrest on May 2, 2025, investigators discovered 43 videos and 51 images of child sexual abuse materials on her phone.
Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement were FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office and Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was investigated by the MPD-FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office, Allentown Resident Agency. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Shinskie.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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North Texas men receive lengthy federal prison sentences for trafficking fentanylRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas –Two North Texas men have been sentenced to lengthy federal prison sentences for trafficking fentanyl in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Nathan Jesse Garcia, 24, of Dallas, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to manufacture and distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on February 9, 2026.
Lino Hernandez, 25, of Arlington, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to manufacture and distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 156 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on February 9, 2026.
According to information presented in court, from at least 2022, Garcia and Hernandez conspired with others to distribute fentanyl in the Eastern District of Texas.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement 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.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Dallas Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather H. Rattan.
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North Carolina Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Justin Isiah Hawkins, 35, and Emmanuel Lee Baldwin, 35, both of Gastonia, North Carolina have been sentenced to more than three years in federal prison for a money laundering conspiracy involving theft from the United States Treasury.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Hawkins and Baldwin conspired with each other to fraudulently alter a legitimate U.S. Treasury check intended for a business based in New Hampshire. Hawkins and Baldwin altered the $191,456.30 check by making it payable to Baldwin. Baldwin previously opened a bank account in Rock Hill using a forged check from another institution. The pair deposited the Treasury check into Baldwin’s account and then laundered the money by sending it to a New York-based LLC controlled by Hawkins. The pair used the money for personal expenses, including a vehicle Baldwin purchased with the stolen funds.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Hawkins to 37 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. Judge Lydon sentenced Baldwin to 41 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Although a potential fine was waived, they were ordered to pay $194,075.01 in restitution to the U.S. Treasury and Bank of America. Hawkins and Baldwin are joint and severally liable for the restitution.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Rock Hill Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Matthews prosecuted the case.
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Nicaraguan national sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment for production of child pornographyRead the Press Release
An illegal alien from Nicaragua, living in Laramie, Wyoming, was sentenced on Feb. 6 for producing child pornography.
Maycon Stiven Molina Perez, 23, of Nueva Segovia, Nicaragua, was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment with 10 years of supervised release to follow. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence in Cheyenne and ordered the defendant to pay restitution of no less than $3,000 per requesting victim, held open for 90 days.
According to court documents, on July 8, 2025, the mother of a victim found a video of the defendant sexually assaulting a child on his phone. She immediately called the Laramie County Police Department and gave officers Perez’s Samsung Galaxy phone. They obtained a search warrant and seized the child’s clothing and other devices. Law enforcement attempted to locate the defendant but learned he had fled to Colorado. He was subsequently located in Colorado later that same day. When he was located, he had an iPhone in his possession, which was also seized. Agents with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children task force located over 1,400 files of child pornography on the Samsung Galaxy phone including bestiality, infant/toddler sexual assault and sadomasochistic files. They also found the video of the assault on the child which took place in the defendant’s home. Over 1,280 image files and several videos, including two additional videos involving the victim, were located on the iPhone. Additionally, the defendant was sharing files of child pornography though multiple apps including Telegram and Whatsapp.
“The pain caused by these crimes is immeasurable, and no sentence can undo the trauma inflicted on the victim and their family. Today’s judgment sends a clear message that no matter where you are from, if you commit the heinous crimes of sexually abusing children, you will be held fully accountable. We are deeply grateful to the victim’s family for their courage and to law enforcement for their relentless work in pursuing justice,” said U.S. Attorney Darin Smith.
Laramie County Police Department and DCI-ICAC Task Force investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie Morrison prosecuted the crime.
Case No. CR-25-0031
New York Resident Sentenced for Child Exploitation OffenseRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that SASHA MAY, formerly known as Owen May, 24, of Pelham, New York, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to one day of imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release, the first nine months of which May must serve in home detention with electronic monitoring, for a child exploitation offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between December 2023 and May 2024, May engaged in online conversations with an undercover law enforcement officer on the messaging platforms Kik and Whisper. In those conversations, May detailed her sexual interest in children and distributed child pornography.
May was arrested on August 26, 2024. On July 24, 2025, she pleaded guilty to possession and access with intent to view child pornography.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, the Greenwich Police Department, and the Pelham (N.Y.) Police Department. The Task Force includes federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Lembo.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Mexican National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Charged with Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican national unlawfully residing in the United States made his first appearance in federal court last Thursday after being removed to Mexico in June 2018.
Manuel Cruz-Ramirez, 38, has been charged by criminal complaint with illegal reentry. He was detained in this federal case, pending further court proceedings.
Cruz-Ramirez was released on bail after being charged in Marion County, Oregon, in an amended indictment that includes rape in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, and purchasing sex with a minor.
According to court documents, on February 3, 2026, Cruz-Ramirez was apprehended when a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer encountered him at a Portland International Airport terminal checkpoint. Cruz-Ramirez presented a Mexico passport in the name of an alias. The TSA officer notified Customs and Border Protection after the passport did not return full data. Customs and Border Protection used fingerprints to identify Cruz-Ramirez. A review of his immigration file and relevant electronic databases indicated that Cruz-Ramirez entered the United States on June 25, 2018, was placed in expedited removal proceedings on June 26, 2018, and was removed to Mexico on June 28, 2018.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Members of Conspiracy to Steal More Than $2.5 Million from DoorDash Sentenced to A Combined Total of over Six Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – All five members of a conspiracy to steal more than $2,500,000 from DoorDash, Inc., by placing phantom delivery orders have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in the fraud scheme, with the final defendant sentenced today. U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman handed down all five sentences.
According to court documents, from November 2020 to February 2021, Matheus Duarte, 30, a Brazilian national residing in Hayward, Calif.; Hari Vamsi Anne, 31, of Cypress, Texas; Sayee Chaitanya Reddy Devagiri, 31, of Newport Beach, Calif.; Manaswi Mandadapu, 31, of Irvine, Calif.; and Tyler Thomas Bottenhorn, 30, of Dixon, Calif., worked together to cause DoorDash to pay for deliveries that never occurred.
DoorDash’s business includes providing delivery services to customers in response to orders placed using the entity’s platform, which would then be fulfilled by drivers. In furtherance of the scheme, defendants created fraudulent customer accounts and driver accounts on DoorDash’s platform and used the fictitious customer accounts to place orders for delivery. Using insider access to DoorDash’s computer systems, defendants assigned those orders to fraudulent driver accounts, then manipulated DoorDash’s computer systems to cause DoorDash to pay the fraudulent driver accounts as if individual orders had been delivered hundreds of times.
The scheme resulted in fraudulent payments exceeding $2,500,000.
All five defendants pleaded guilty and admitted to their involvement in the scheme to defraud, and have been sentenced as follows:
- Duarte was sentenced to 25 months in prison and a three-year period of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,590,195 in restitution, and to forfeit $336,712. Duarte will begin serving the sentence on March 4, 2026;
- Anne was sentenced to 22 months in prison and a three-year period of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,590,195 in restitution. Anne will begin serving the sentence on March 4, 2026;
- Devagiri was sentenced to 21 months in prison and a three-year period of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,590,195 in restitution, and to forfeit $356,732. Devagiri will begin serving the sentence on March 17, 2026;
- Mandadapu was sentenced to 12 months in prison and a three-year period of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,590,195 in restitution. Mandadapu will begin serving the sentence on March 26, 2026; and
- Bottenhorn received a time-served sentence with a three-year period of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $2,127,216 in restitution, and to forfeit $244,247.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael G. Pitman prosecuted this case with assistance from Sahib Kaur. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
Maryland Man Sentenced for Enticing Production of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A Clinton, Maryland, man is headed to federal prison for nearly three decades in connection with child sex abuse crimes.
U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis sentenced Juan Carlos Puente, 48, of Clinton, Maryland, to more than 27 years in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for producing and possessing child sexual abuse material. Additionally, as part of his plea agreement, Puente must register as a sex offender in places where he resides, is an employee, and is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva, Department of Justice (DOJ) – Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office.
As detailed in court documents, between approximately October 1, 2021, and April 22, 2022, Puente enticed a minor victim, who resided in the Dominican Republic, to engage in unlawful sexual activity and produce child pornography. Specifically, through Facebook messages, Puente enticed the minor victim to perform sexual acts on herself and to send videos of her engaging in the requested sexually explicit conduct in exchange for money. The messages also show Puente sending money transfer ID numbers to the minor victim and saying he sent money to her on multiple occasions.
On January 9, 2024, the FBI executed a federal search warrant at Puente’s Clinton residence. Law enforcement seized electronic devices and other evidence from his residence pursuant to the search warrant. Forensic review of the devices uncovered visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
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, visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI – Baltimore, FBI – Santo Domingo, and Dominican National Police for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy and Trial Attorney Jessica L. Urban, Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, who prosecuted the case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Man Who Drove from Columbus to Toledo to Sexually Exploit a Child Sentenced to 14 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
TOLEDO, Ohio – A 27-year-old man who drove from Columbus to Toledo to engage in the sexual exploitation of a child has been sentenced to federal prison.
Jermaine Taylor, Jr., of Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been sentenced to 168 months (14 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge James R. Knepp after pleading guilty in October to Coercion and Enticement. He was also ordered to serve 20 years of supervised release after imprisonment and pay a $3,000 fine.
According to court documents, from about May 19 to June 6, 2025, Taylor communicated with an individual, namely, an undercover agent with a purported 9-year-old daughter, through a social media application. Throughout his communications, he expressed his interest in committing sexual acts with children and provided explicit examples of his desires. Taylor arranged to meet with the purported 9-year-old in Toledo and proceeded to drive there from Columbus where he was located at the time. Upon arrival at the pre-arranged location to sexually exploit the girl, he was promptly arrested by FBI agents and taken into custody.
This case was investigated by the FBI Toledo Resident Agency’s Violent Crimes Against Children Taskforce.
The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorneys Sara Al-Sorghali and Alissa M. Sterling for the Northern District of Ohio.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative is led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country and marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit justice.gov/PSC.
To report child exploitation, please visit cybertipline.org, or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Man Charged with Murder, Racketeering in Drugging and Robbing SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Task Force Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), Christopher Roberts, and the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced today the unsealing of a Superseding Indictment charging JALEN TEAGUE, a/k/a “Bizzle,” a/k/a “Too Official,” and CHELEIA COUNCIL SANDERS, a/k/a “Mercedes,” with racketeering conspiracy and TEAGUE with murder in aid of racketeering in connection with the August 16, 2023, poisoning death of a robbery victim in midtown Manhattan (“Victim-1”). The Superseding Indictment also charges TEAGUE, SANDERS, and MEGAN STERNGAST, a/k/a “Megan - E Village,” with conspiring to distribute Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (“GHB”), resulting in death, in connection with Victim-1’s murder. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick.
“As alleged, Jalen Teague directed a group of workers to locate, drug, and then rob men in New York City and across the country,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “These defendants displayed a startling indifference for New Yorkers, resulting in the death of an innocent man. We deeply appreciate our agency partners at DEA and NYPD for ensuring these charges and ending this deadly scheme.”
“The charges filed today against Jalen Teague for allegedly masterminding a scheme to target, rob, and poison unsuspecting victims, including one which resulted in death, reflect the devastating consequences when individuals use controlled substances as weapons,” said DEA New York Task Force Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Roberts. “GHB is a powerful and dangerous illicit drug, and in this case its misuse proved fatal. These crimes represent a profound violation of trust and a complete disregard for human life. The DEA remains committed to protecting the public and working with our law enforcement partners to ensure justice is delivered for the victims and their families.”
As alleged in the Superseding Indictment, other court filings, and statements made during court proceedings:[1]
From at least in or about November 2022 through at least in or about June 2024, JALEN TEAGUE led a criminal enterprise and provided female workers with GHB, a rape drug that can cause users to lose consciousness. The women then went to bars, restaurants, and clubs in several locations around the United States, including New York City, carrying GHB, often hidden inside small energy drink bottles. There, at TEAGUE’s direction, the female workers looked for men wearing expensive watches or displaying other signs of wealth. After identifying victims, the women would travel with the victims to their homes or hotel rooms. Once alone with their victims, the women dosed—or “dropped”—the men by putting GHB into the victims’ drinks without the victims’ knowledge. The victims would often lose consciousness or otherwise become vulnerable to robbery. At TEAGUE’s direction, the women then frequently stole whatever they could, including luxury watches, wallets, credit cards, smartphones, gaming consoles, and identification documents for TEAGUE’s benefit.
After the robberies, TEAGUE typically retrieved the women and would often attempt to use the stolen credit cards and cellphones to enrich themselves by transferring money using banking applications and buying gift cards and expensive electronics, among other things, before the owner of the credit cards woke up and could begin freezing accounts. Between at least in or about November 2022 and in or about June 2024, the Teague Enterprise perpetrated approximately more than 100 GHB-assisted robberies in various locations around the United States.
Several victims of the Teague Enterprise’s GHB distribution scheme were hospitalized, and on August 16, 2023, TEAGUE caused the death of Victim-1 through this scheme.
If you believe you are a victim of the Teague Enterprise, please contact the Victim & Witness Services at the United States Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of New York at 866-874-8900.
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A chart containing the names, ages, charges, and minimum and maximum penalties for the defendants is set forth below.
The statutory minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA, the NYPD and Southern District of New York Digital Forensic Unit, the Complex Analytics and Social Media Enhancement Team at the New York/ New jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. Mr. Clayton also thanked the New York County District Attorney’s Office for their invaluable assistance.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca R. Delfiner and Joseph H. Rosenberg are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Count
Defendant(s)
Min. and Max. Penalties
1Racketeering ConspiracyJALEN TEAGUE (32), and
CHELEIA COUNCIL SANDERS (31)
Maximum sentence of life in prison.2Murder in Aid of RacketeeringJALEN TEAGUE (32)Mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison or death.3Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in DeathJALEN TEAGUE (32),
CHELEIA COUNCIL SANDERS (31), and
MEGAN STERNGAST (42)
Mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison; maximum sentence of life in prison.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the Superseding Indictment, and the description of the Superseding Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Milton Felon Indicted for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Darin Leroy Vanness, 32, of Milton, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charge today.
Vanness appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for March 16, 2026 at 8:30 am, before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
If convicted, Vanness faces up to ten years’ imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Milton Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton.
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, human and drug trafficking.
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.
Las Cruces man charged in federal drug trafficking and firearms caseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man has been federally charged following an FBI led drug trafficking investigation that resulted in the seizure of cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and multiple firearms.
According to court documents, beginning in late 2025, the FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force and the Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics Agency began investigating David De La Paz, 59, and other members of a drug trafficking organization involved in narcotics distribution, illegal firearm possession, and related criminal activity in Las Cruces. On February 3, 2026, investigators obtained a federal search warrant for De La Paz’s residence in Las Cruces. The warrant was executed on February 5, 2026, with assistance from the FBI Albuquerque SWAT team. During the initial entry, De La Paz was observed standing in his bedroom next to a loaded AR-15 style rifle on the bed.
During the search, agents recovered multiple loaded firearms, most of which were located in De La Paz’s bedroom. Agents also recovered drug paraphernalia and suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine, and 30 grams cocaine, all of which field tested presumptively positive.
Firearms and drugs seized from De La Paz's home.De La Paz is charged with possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. He will remain detained pending a detention hearing, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, De La Paz faces 25 years in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today on behalf of the Homeland Security Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Aragon Martinez is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Region II CORE 7 is comprised of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Customs and Border Protection – Office of Field Operations (OFO), U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) and Air and Marine (AMO), Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), United States Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Joint Task Force North (JTF-N), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), United States Marshal Service (USMS), Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DSS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS), El Paso Police Department (EPPD), New Mexico State Police (NMSP), West Texas / New Mexico High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA), Albuquerque Police Department, New Mexico Sixth Judicial District, Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics Agency, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Districts of Western Texas and New Mexico.
View the Criminal complaint (de la Paz).pdfAn indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Kenduskeag Man Sentenced to 27 Years for Producing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Kenduskeag man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for two counts of producing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Stacy D. Neumann sentenced Justin Leonard, 24, to 27 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $20,000 each to the two minor victims.
According to court records, in February 2024, investigators with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a search warrant at Leonard’s home based on a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Leonard was home during the warrant’s execution and provided the password and Face ID to a hidden folder on his cellular telephone. In this hidden folder, investigators located multiple sexually explicit images and videos of two very young children. Leonard admitted that he had taken these images and videos. The parents of the children confirmed Leonard’s statements and identified their children in the images and videos. A subsequent forensic review of Leonard’s phone uncovered Facebook chats where he expressed an interest in children and a desire to acquire children. In addition, in the Safari history of Leonard’s phone, artifacts were found indicating an interest in Rohypnol or “roofies,” a powerful sedative. His queries included, “youngest age you can safely give a roofie” and “Is there any drug that can make a person unconscious for 2 hours?”
In imposing sentence, Judge Neumann observed that Leonard’s conduct constituted the “most heinous offense than can be committed,” noting that “not only did [Leonard] commit the act, [he] documented it.”
HSI and the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit investigated the case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child sexual abuse material: Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.
Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc.
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Justice Department Sues to Shut Down Miami Gardens-Based Return Preparer and BusinessRead the Press Release
Yesterday, the Justice Department filed a complaint seeking to bar a Miami Gardens-based return preparer, Christopher Brown, and his business, Superior Taxes LLC, from owning or operating a tax return preparation business and preparing tax returns for others.
The United States filed its civil complaint against Brown and Superior Taxes in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The complaint alleges that Brown and Superior Taxes prepare federal income tax returns on which he claims fraudulent credits and deductions to purposely underreport the tax his customers owe and claim inflated refunds. Specifically, the complaint alleges that Brown prepared returns that claimed incorrect “head of household” filing status, false or inflated business expenses and losses, as well as false residential energy credits and education credits. Brown also, according to the complaint, claimed the false filing status, expenses, and credits to maximize his customers’ earned income tax credit (EITC), and he failed to follow the IRS’s EITC due diligence requirements.
The government alleges in the complaint that Brown and Superior Taxes caused a tax loss of more than $5 million in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Deputy Assistant Attorney General Joshua Wu of the Civil Division’s Tax Litigation made the announcement. Tax Litigation Branch attorneys Elizabeth Duncan and Rachel Iacangelo are handling the case.
Taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant against unscrupulous tax preparers. The IRS has information on its website for choosing a tax return preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers.
In the past decade, the Department of Justice has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Civil Division, Tax Litigation Branch with details.
Justice Department Files Action to Protect National Security by Enforcing President’s Order of Chinese Company’s Divestment from U.S. CompanyRead the Press Release
Yesterday, the United States filed a complaint under section 721 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to enforce a presidential order prohibiting Suirui Group’s acquisition, through Suirui International, of California-based Jupiter Systems and compelling Suirui to divest from Jupiter Systems. On July 8, 2025, the President issued the Order based on his findings that the transaction “threatens to impair the national security of the United States.” This is the first such action ever filed in federal district court.
While foreign direct investment is important to the United States’ economy, foreign investment in certain companies and certain industries, particularly those involved in defense or critical infrastructure, can pose national security concerns. To address these concerns, the President has the authority to take such action for such time as the President considers appropriate to suspend or prohibit such a transaction that threatens to impair the national security of the United States. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) is empowered to review and investigate such transactions.
According to the Complaint, in 2020, Suirui Group, a Chinese company, through its Hong Kong subsidiary Suirui International, acquired all of Jupiter Systems, which provides video communications hardware and software to commercial and U.S. Government customers. On July 8, 2025, the President issued an Order prohibiting the transaction and, among other things, requiring Suirui to divest all its interests in Jupiter Systems within 120 days. According to the Complaint, despite CFIUS granting two extensions of the divestment deadline, to Feb. 3, Suirui and Jupiter Systems have failed to comply with the Order. The United States thus filed this action to protect the country’s national security interests.
The Justice Department’s Civil Division, Federal Programs Branch is handling the matter. The case is captioned United States v. Suirui Group Co., Ltd., et al., No. 26-cv-00369 (D.D.C.).
This case is being handled by Trial Attorney Sam Bean of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.
The claims asserted in the complaint are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Illinois Man Convicted in Burger King Armed Robbery that Sparked Multi-County Vehicle ChaseRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- A federal jury has convicted Cameron Love, 28, of Rockford, Illinois, of interference with commerce by robbery, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Evidence presented at trial showed that on January 16, 2025, Love robbed the Burger King located at 7620 North Shadeland Avenue in Indianapolis. Armed with a 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun, Love entered the restaurant and paced in front of the counter. When an employee approached to assist him, Love drew the firearm from his coat pocket, pointed it at her, and demanded she open the register. The employee fled to the kitchen. Love then vaulted over the counter, pointing the gun at additional employees and customers, threatening to kill anyone who resisted, and demanding money. He stole $459 and fled in a Chevy Cruze driven by Michael Scott.
The employee immediately called 911. IMPD officers attempted a traffic stop on the Cruze near 86th Street and Keystone Avenue, but the vehicle fled, initiating a high‑speed pursuit across multiple counties. Dash‑camera footage captured Love throwing both the stolen cash and the handgun out of the vehicle during the chase. The pursuit ended in Carmel. Four days later, IMPD officers recovered the loaded firearm—frozen in ice and protruding from the snow—near a bike path on 106th Street.
Love is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions for aggravated robbery and armed robbery in Illinois.
U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon presided over the trial and will sentence Love at a later date. Love’s co-defendant, Michael Scott, was sentenced in October 2025 to four years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to acting as an accessory after the fact.
The FBI and IMPD investigated this case. U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela Domash and Brendan J. Sullivan, who are prosecuting this case, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist, Shané Penney, Systems Manager Kathy Wells, Victim Witness Specialist Stephanie Lloyd and Victim Witness Contractor, Maurine Bwambok.
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Illegal Alien Sentenced for Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Gustavo Olivares-Ramirez, a/k/a Rogelio Madrigal, a/k/a Gustavo Olivares, Gustavo Ramirez Olivares, a Mexican national unlawfully present in LeFlore County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to eight months in prison for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien.
The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Heavener Police Department.
On September 4, 2025, Olivares-Ramirez pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on June 3, 2025, Olivares-Ramirez, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on November 12, 1997.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Olivares-Ramirez will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States at sentencing.
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Unlawful EntryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Rodolfo Guardado Palma, a/k/a Rodolfo Guardado-Palma, a/k/a Rodolfo Guardado, a Mexican national unlawfully present/residing in Bryan County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien.
The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
On December 15, 2025, Guardado-Palma pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on November 17, 2025, Guardado Palma, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on September 12, 2019, and December 12, 2019.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-Entry ChargeRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – An El Salvadorian citizen pled guilty to an illegal re-entry charge in federal court. Willians Elenilson Beltran-Quintanilla, 39, is charged with illegally re-entering the United States after removal.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Acting Field Office Director Vernon Liggins, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE-ERO) – Baltimore Field Office.According to court documents, in December 2023, law enforcement found Beltran-Quintanilla in Prince George’s County, Maryland, after he was previously removed from the U.S.
On June 13, 2005, Beltran-Quintanilla illegally entered the United States near Eagle Pass, Texas. Then on September 16, 2005, after United States Border Patrol (“USBP”) apprehended him, an immigration judge ordered his removal from the U.S. to El Salvador. On April 10, 2007, Beltran-Quintanilla was then removed from the United States.
Beltran-Quintanilla re-entered the U.S. at an unknown place, date, and time. On June 16, 2007, law enforcement encountered Beltran-Quintanilla, resulting in removal orders for a second time from the U.S.
Then, Beltran-Quintanilla again re-entered the U.S. at an unknown place, date, and time. On December 21, 2023, law enforcement arrested Beltran-Quintanilla in Prince George’s County, Maryland, charging him with multiple drug-related offenses.
Before his arrest, Beltran-Quintanilla did not obtain consent from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security for readmission into the country at any time.
Beltran-Quintanilla faces a maximum sentence of two years in federal prison for illegal re-entry. Sentencing is set for Friday, May 29, at 9:30 a.m.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended ICE-ERO for its work in this matter. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooke Oki 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, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Federal Agent Making Arrest Under Laken Riley ActRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Michel Manuel Garcia Rojas, age 39, a citizen of Nicaragua, pled guilty yesterday to an indictment charging him with resisting, impeding, and assaulting a federal officer engaged in official duties and inflicting bodily injury. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.
According to the plea and documents previously filed in the case, Garcia Rojas entered the United States illegally in 2023 and had been engaged in removal proceedings since that date while living freely in the United States. In March 2025, HSI learned that Garcia Rojas and another illegal alien had been charged with the New York State misdemeanor offenses of Petit Larceny and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Given the nature of the state charges, both aliens were subject to immediate detention under the then-newly enacted Laken Riley Act. HSI promptly went to effectuate the arrests before the subjects were released on the state charges.
Upon his arrest by federal authorities, Garcia Rojas was handcuffed and placed inside the backseat of a federal law enforcement vehicle. He then got out of the vehicle and attempted to walk away. An HSI Special Agent confronted Garcia Rojas and attempted to place him back under arrest. Garcia Rojas fought back, striking the agent in the face and throwing him into a door as the Special Agent wrestled to subdue Garcia Rojas. It ultimately took numerous law enforcement officers and the use of a taser to subdue and rearrest Garcia Rojas. Garcia Rojas inflicted numerous injuries on the agent, including numerous abrasions and bruises, including to the agent’s jaw, and a back injury that kept the agent out of work for months.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone said: “Thanks to the Laken Riley Act, we have taken a violent illegal alien off the streets here in the Northern District of New York. Garcia Rojas’ assault on a federal agent faithfully doing his job should be a stark reminder to everyone of the danger these criminals pose. I commend my prosecutors and HSI for their exceptional work in bringing swift justice to this defendant.”
Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan stated: “The brazen and violent actions of Michel Manuel Garcia Rojas, a Nicaraguan national with a prior criminal history, represent a direct threat to the safety of our agents, officers and the communities we serve, and reflect the danger law enforcement face each day. Assaulting a federal agent in the line of duty is an egregious and unacceptable crime that will not be tolerated. This case underscores the critical importance of strong enforcement measures like the Laken Riley Act, which empower law enforcement to protect our nation from those who disregard our laws. HSI remains steadfast in pursuing justice for those who endanger our personnel, our partners, and the public alike.”
Garcia Rojas is scheduled for sentencing before U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino on June 16, 2026. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, a term of supervised release of up to three years, and deportation following any term of imprisonment. Garcia Rojas will also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim of his offense. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute(s) the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
HSI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin S. Clark is prosecuting the case.
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Huntington Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Tyron Charles Kimbro, also known as “T-Mow,” 42, of Huntington, was sentenced on Monday, February 9, 2026, to five years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base, also known as “crack.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 28, 2025, Kimbro sold approximately 55.6 grams of crack to a confidential informant. As part of his guilty plea, Kimbo admitted to the transaction, to arranging it beforehand, and to conducting it at his Huntington residence.
Kimbo also admitted to additional criminal conduct. On April 8, 2025, Kimbro sold approximately 27.4 grams of crack to a confidential informant. Kimbro admitted to the transaction and to conducting it at his residence.
On April 22, 2025, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Kimbro’s residence and seized approximately 36 grams of crack, a quantity of fentanyl, five firearms, and approximately $2,200. Kimbro admitted that the seized cash was drug proceeds.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-102.
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Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Matthew Robert Hudson, 40, of Huntington, pleaded guilty on Monday, February 9, 2026, to distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 23, 2025, a law enforcement officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Hudson in Huntington. Officers searched the vehicle and seized approximately 120 grams of methamphetamine found in the handbag of Hudson’s passenger. As part of his guilty plea, Hudson admitted that he possessed the seized methamphetamine, asked his passenger to hold the methamphetamine for him, and intended to sell the methamphetamine in exchange for money.
Hudson is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-195.
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Honduran national sentenced to six years in prison for repeated arrests for possession and distribution of fentanylRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 37-year-old man who was living in a Des Moines, Washington, hotel, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to six years in prison and three years of supervised release for drug and gun crimes, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Dennis Aguilar Huisa was arrested three times over 15 months for possession of fentanyl pills and/or powder, methamphetamine, cocaine, and a firearm. After the third arrest Huisa was federally indicted and has been in custody since November 1, 2024.
At today’s sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge John C. Chun said fentanyl “is so dangerous and has destroyed so many lives…. He must have known that he was putting himself and his family at risk.”
According to records filed in the case, Puyallup Police first contacted Huisa on the side of the road in the early hours of August 15, 2023. Huisa said his car had overheated and he and a passenger were waiting for the engine to cool down. The police officer noticed that the license plate on the car did not match the type of vehicle listed in the registration. Huisa was removed from the car while law enforcement determined whether the car or the license plates were stolen. A second officer noticed blue pills in the car. Ultimately the car was impounded. A search revealed that there were about 1,000 fentanyl pills as well as some suspected fentanyl powder. There was also a scale with drug residue in the car.
On September 7, 2024, Puyallup Police responded to a report of a nine-month-old infant who had stopped breathing. Huisa and a woman met the officers outside a box truck the infant in their arms. Law enforcement worked to get the child to respond and breathe, Central Pierce Fire and Rescue responded and continued to work on providing aid to the child.
The law enforcement investigation found evidence that Huisa had given the infant two doses of Narcan suspecting that the child had been exposed to fentanyl or other drugs. Huisa gave permission to search the box truck. Law enforcement located approximately 115 blue fentanyl pills. On Huisa they found fentanyl powder and over $16,000 in cash.
The infant was taken to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. The child was given additional doses of Narcan, and the child’s blood tested positive for fentanyl, amphetamine, and oxycodone. The child survived.
Finally, on November 1, 2024, Auburn Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit served a search warrant on the Des Moines motel where Huisa had been living. In the hotel room they found small packages of fentanyl powder packaged for sale. Huisa had been attempting to flush it down the toilet when he heard law enforcement arrive. Officers found additional fentanyl powder, methamphetamine, and cocaine in other places around the room. Officers once again searched the box truck Huisa had been driving and found two kilograms of fentanyl powder and a Polymer 80 ‘ghost gun’ – a gun made without a serial number.
Huisa was charged by criminal complaint on March 12, 2025. He was indicted by the grand jury on March 26, 2025. On November 12, 2025, Huisa pleaded guilty to possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and money laundering. The financial investigation revealed that between July 2022 and September 2024, Huisa had made about $370,000 in cash deposits to his bank account – the proceeds of drug dealing.
Today, Huisa told the court he was “very ashamed and cannot forgive myself for what I have done to my daughter… I did not come here to deal drugs.”
In asking for an eight-and-a-half-year sentence prosecutors wrote to the court, “Huisa was contacted by law enforcement on three different occasions and continued to engage in his drug trafficking activities, to the detriment of his infant daughter. Huisa appeared to be undeterred following the overdose of his child and continued to engage in the distribution of controlled substances.”
Huisa will likely be deported to Honduras following his prison sentence.
The case was investigated by the Puyallup Police Department, the Auburn Police Department, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation (CI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Casey Conzatti.
High-Speed Chase, Collisions with Two U.S. Marshal’s Vehicles, Yield an 8-Month SentenceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Joshua Rosser, 28, residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to eight months in prison in connection with purposely ramming a U.S. Marshal’s vehicle and then leading officers on a 10-minute high-speed chase, crashing into a second law enforcement vehicle, as he attempted to evade arrest, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Rosser pleaded guilty on Oct. 7, 2025, before Judge Loren L. AliKhan to federal misdemeanor assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers and to D.C. Code felony fleeing from law enforcement. In addition to the eight-month sentence, Judge AliKhan ordered Rosser to serve 12 months of supervised release on the federal count and three years of supervised release on the D.C. count as well as to pay $4,528.92 in restitution for damage to the law enforcement vehicles.
According to court documents, on Sept. 2, 2025, law enforcement officers were in unmarked police cruisers when they spotted an SUV with heavily tinted windows and a counterfeit Texas Buyer’s Tag. After officers confirmed that the tag was counterfeit, they attempted to conduct a traffic stop. An unmarked U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) vehicle occupied by four Deputy U.S. Marshals (DUSMs) activated its emergency lights and pulled in front of the SUV. Simultaneously, an unmarked U.S. Park Police (USPP) vehicle occupied by two USPP officers located behind the SUV activated its emergency equipment. As a USPP officer got out of his vehicle, Rosser rapidly accelerated forward and fled from law enforcement, striking a USMS vehicle in the process.
After colliding with the USMS vehicle, Rosser sped away in his SUV. Officers pursued Rosser in their vehicle with both their lights and sirens on. During the pursuit, Rosser reached speeds in excess of 80 miles per hour and drove the wrong way up one-way streets. During the chase, Rosser’s SUV collided with a second USMS vehicle occupied by three DUSMs. The impact caused injuries to one of the DUSMs. Rosser pulled away after the collision and continued to flee. After about 10 minutes of trying to evade law enforcement Rosser’s SUV came to a stop and he was arrested.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshal’s Service, U.S. Park Police, FBI Washington Field Office, and the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared English.
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Rosser collided with this USMS vehicle in which three Deputy U.S. Marshals were riding.
Green Cove Springs Man Sentenced to Nearly 17 Years in Federal Prison for Transporting a Child from North Carolina to Florida to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Christopher Allen Hawkins (40, Green Cove Springs) was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard to 16 years and 8 months in federal prison for transporting a 15-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. He pleaded guilty on August 18, 2025. Hawkins was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervised release and to register as a sex offender. Hawkins was arrested on May 30, 2025.
According to court documents, during the early morning hours of May 30, 2025, GCSPD officers encountered a 15-year-old child skateboarding alone down a street in Green Cove Springs after the town curfew. Concerned for her safety, the officers approached the child and spoke with her. The child stated that she was visiting from North Carolina and had been staying with “Chris,” who was subsequently identified as Hawkins, in a tent behind a house in Green Cove Springs.
The GCSPD officers made contact with Hawkins a short time later. During an interview, Hawkins advised that he had met the child on the Snapchat app and had been in a relationship with her for several months. He also knew that the child was 15 years old. Hawkins said that he had originally traveled to North Carolina to do handyman work for the child’s parent. While staying at the child’s home in North Carolina, Hawkins engaged in sexual activity with her on several occasions. Approximately two weeks later, Hawkins returned to Florida.
In May 2025, Hawkins purchased bus tickets from North Carolina to Jacksonville for him and the child, with the intent to engage in sexual activity with the child after they arrived in Florida. Hawkins and the child boarded a bus and travelled to Jacksonville together on May 25, 2025. From Jacksonville, Hawkins and the child traveled to Green Cove Springs to stay together in Hawkins’s tent. Thereafter, Hawkins engaged in sexual activity with the child until he was arrested on May 30, 2025.
“This investigation started because of the great proactive work conducted by our Patrol Officers. This enabled our Detectives to conduct a rigorous investigation and quickly make an arrest,” stated Chief Shawn Hines of the Green Cove Springs Police Department. “Due to the unwavering dedication from our Officers and Detectives, the Green Cove Springs Police Department was able to arrest Christopher Hawkins for the crimes he had committed within our City. We were able to rescue a child from ongoing sexual exploitation. The safety of our children and our community remains our highest priority. As Chief of Police for the City of Green Cove Springs, I want our residents to know that we take our responsibility to protect this community seriously. We will continue to work diligently and collaboratively to investigate crimes thoroughly, hold offenders accountable, and ensure that victims and their families receive justice and support.”
This case was investigated by the Green Cove Springs Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Jacksonville. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Galax Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A convicted felon from Galax, Va., who was prohibited from possessing firearms, was sentenced Friday to 36 months in federal prison following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office.
Michael Shane Mathis, 30, pled guilty in November 2025 to one count of being a felon illegally in possession of a firearm while also being a user and addict of any controlled substance.
According to court documents, on February 18, 2025, deputies with the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call for a welfare check involving the vehicle Mathis was occupying. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and located a Hi Point 995 9mm rifle, a Hi Point CF380 .380 caliber pistol, and more than 100 rounds of ammunition.
Deputies also found a plastic baggie containing over nine grams of methamphetamine, a glass smoking device with residue, scales, a loaded hypodermic needle, a large knife, and body armor. Mathis admitted to law enforcement he was a violent offender for a previous conviction of unlawful wounding and the substance found was methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office.
Robert N. Tracci, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement
Assistant United States Attorney Corey Hall prosecuted the case for the United States.
Fugitive Sex Offender Arrested in Mexico Sentenced for Failing to RegisterRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A Bristol, Virginia man, who spent two years on the run as a fugitive in Mexico before being arrested in March, was sentenced recently to 18 months in prison for failing to register as a convicted sex offender.
Corey Richard Parton, 36, pled guilty in September 2025 to failing to register and update a registration under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”) and failing to provide information required by SORNA relating to intended travel in foreign commerce.
According to court documents, in December 2018 Parton was convicted in Russell County, Virginia for proposing a sex act by a communications system and soliciting child pornography, both felonies. Based on these convictions, Parton was a sex offender who was required to register under SORNA. Records indicate that Parton completed his initial registration as a sex offender with the Commonwealth of Virginia on April 16, 2019. Parton was required to re-register every 90 days.
On August 8, 2023, the Virginia State Police (“VSP”) began an investigation into Parton’s SORNA registration information. The VSP investigation determined that Parton had failed to update his home address, vehicle registration information, place of employment, and use of social media - which he was prohibited from using - and place of employment. As a result, re-registration forms were sent to Parton with instructions for Parton to update this information.
However, these forms were never returned.
As a result, Parton was charged with three SORNA violations in Bristol, Virginia General District Cour, arrested on August 16, 2023, and given a bond. Further investigation revealed that following his release, Parton had traveled to Galveston, Texas where he boarded a cruise ship that stopped in Cancun, Mexico. Parton got off the cruise ship in Cancun and never boarded the ship when it left port.
Authorities located Parton living at the Ocean Dream Hotel in Coco Bongo Beach, Cancun, Mexico living under the name Dominque Garcia. He was arrested on May 25, 2025.
“This office will vigorously prosecute those who fail to register as sex offenders in the Western District of Virginia. I commend the U.S. Marshal’s Service and Virginia State Police for their outstanding work on this case,” said Robert N. Tracci, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia.
The United States Marshals Service and the Virginia State Police are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Stone is prosecuting the case.
Fresno Man Sentenced to a Year and a Day in Prison for Assault on a Veterans Affairs EmployeeRead the Press Release
On Feb. 9, 2026, U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston sentenced Joseph Luis Alamo, 43, of Madera, to one year and a day in prison for assaulting a Veterans Affairs employee, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, on Nov. 10, 2025, Alamo encountered the victim, a Veterans Affairs (VA) employee, on the sidewalk outside the VA Hospital in Fresno. He then punched the employee, causing injury, and then swung a knife at the employee but missed. On Dec. 15, 2025, Alamo pleaded guilty to the charge.
The VA Police Department conducted the investigation with assistance from the Madera County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes prosecuted the case.
Fresno Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a Loaded Firearm While Fighting with PoliceRead the Press Release
On Feb. 9, 2026, Joseph Rocha, 27, of Fresno, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, on March 21, 2024, law enforcement officers performed a traffic stop on Rocha’s vehicle. When he told them his license was in the trunk, officers asked him to step out of the vehicle, at which point Rocha turned the vehicle on and placed it in drive. Officers struggled with him to regain control of the vehicle through a half-open door. Rocha continued to fight as officers removed him from the vehicle, at one point trying to spring away from officers and grab an officer’s taser. Eventually, officers subdued Rocha, at which point they found him in possession of a loaded firearm. Rocha is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of multiple prior felony convictions in Fresno County including evading a peace officer, firearms offenses, assault, car theft, and drug trafficking.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Fresno Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes is prosecuting the case.
Rocha is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff on May 26, 2026. Rocha faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 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.
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.
Fraud Tourists Plead Guilty to Minneapolis Medicaid FraudRead the Press Release
Two Pennsylvania men pleaded guilty yesterday to repeatedly traveling from Philadelphia to Minneapolis to defraud Minnesota’s Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) program of approximately $3.5 million and concealing the scheme by using artificial intelligence to create fake records when questioned by insurance companies.
This case is part of a collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota and the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section to combat prolific fraud on government programs in Minnesota. It also represents the first charges involving the use of artificial intelligence to further a fraud scheme targeting health care programs in Minnesota.
“Criminal fraud not only robs taxpayers — it shatters trust in our institutions. Under President Trump’s leadership, yesterday’s convictions are just the beginning,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our prosecutors will work tirelessly to unravel criminal fraud schemes and charge their perpetrators in Minnesota and across the country.”
“Minnesota will no longer be a haven for fraud under our watch,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The Justice Department has been investigating billions in taxpayer fraud across the country and has already successfully convicted 66 individuals and counting in Minnesota. The collaboration between the Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office is a prime example of how we restore justice and public trust, while holding criminal fraudsters accountable.”
“Defrauding those who rely on government programs takes away critical resources, and the use of artificial intelligence to carry out these crimes is dangerous and will not be tolerated,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Yesterday’s convictions demonstrate the FBI’s dedication to investigating and holding accountable criminals that target and take advantage of vulnerable members of our communities.”
“These defendants had no connection to Minnesota or its communities. They traveled across the country for one purpose: to prey upon and steal millions in taxpayer dollars meant for people struggling with homelessness, addiction and disabilities,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Although programs like HSS are run by the states, they are funded with federal tax dollars. The Criminal Division will not stand by while fraudsters put all Americans’ tax dollars at risk.”
“The defendants brazenly siphoned millions from a program created to provide vulnerable individuals with stable housing — a deliberate betrayal of public trust that will not be tolerated,” said Inspector General T. March Bell of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This scheme diverted critical resources from those who need them most and eroded confidence in programs intended to support people with disabilities and mental health challenges. HHS-OIG remains steadfast in its commitment to protect taxpayer-funded programs and will continue working with our law enforcement partners to hold perpetrators fully accountable.”
“Anthony Jefferson and Lester Brown tried to hide fraud behind artificial intelligence, but technology doesn’t replace math — or accountability;” said IRS Criminal Investigation Chief Guy Ficco. “Our special agents followed the money, broke down the data, and exposed a scheme that siphoned public assistance dollars from a program meant to support vulnerable Minnesotans. When people steal from safety net programs, they don’t just take money — they weaken public trust. IRS-CI will continue to identify, unravel, and stop fraud, no matter how sophisticated the tools behind it.”
“Criminals who target the most vulnerable members of our communities will become the target of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “We pursue them without pause, making sure they are held accountable and feel the full weight of justice. Yesterday’s sentencing emphasizes our unwavering commitment to those we serve and protect.”
According to court documents, Anthony Waddell Jefferson, 37, and Lester Brown, 53, both of Philadelphia, set up businesses in Minneapolis and enrolled as HSS program providers, purportedly to help people with disabilities – including seniors and people with mental illnesses and substance use disorders – find and maintain housing.
Rather than provide those services, Jefferson and Brown – who marketed themselves as “The Housing Guys” – repeatedly traveled from Philadelphia to Minneapolis to recruit Medicaid beneficiaries at homeless shelters and Section 8 housing facilities. The defendants signed those individuals up for HSS and then billed the program for services that were not provided. When asked to provide supporting documentation for their claims, Jefferson and Brown fabricated e-mails discussing their purported “clients” and used ChatGPT to create fake client notes. In total, from February 2022 through June 2025, Jefferson and Brown stole approximately $3.5 million from HSS for services they fraudulently claimed to have provided to approximately 230 Medicaid beneficiaries.
Jefferson and Brown each pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI, IRS-CI, HHS-OIG, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating the case.
Assistant Chief Shankar Ramamurthy of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Minnesota Rebecca Kline and Matthew Murphy are prosecuting 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 have 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.
Fort Mill Man Indicted for Straw Purchase of a FirearmRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury has indicted Gregory L. Tischuk, 65, of Fort Mill, for the straw purchase of a firearm.
The indictment alleges that in April 2024, when Tischuk purchased a firearm from a large retailer, he lied about who the firearm was for, in violation the Firearms Transaction Record Form 4473. The Form requires buyers to affirm they are purchasing the firearm for themselves.
Tischuk faces a maximum penalty of 10 years, a fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of no more than three years in addition to any term of imprisonment, plus a special assessment of $100. Tischuk has been released on bond.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case.
All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Former President and Vice President of Jacksonville Teachers Union Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzling Millions in Union FundsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Teresa Brady (70, Jacksonville) to 27 months in federal prison, and Ruby George (82, Jacksonville) to one year and one day in federal prison followed by six months of home confinement, both in connection with their guilty pleas to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, aiding and abetting wire fraud, and aiding and abetting mail fraud. Brady also pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering. As part of their sentences, the court ordered the forfeiture of the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct, which cumulatively totaled $2,600,235.99. Further, the court ordered Brady and George to pay the same amount in restitution to the victim of their offenses, Duval Teachers United (DTU). United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Brady and George were the President and Executive Vice President of DTU, a labor union that represents Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) teachers, paraprofessionals, and office personnel. DTU has approximately 6,500 members and represents approximately 80% of eligible DCPS employees. DTU’s annual revenue is approximately $5 million, which is comprised of funds paid by dues-paying members.
From 2013 to 2022, Brady and George engaged in a conspiracy to steal more than $1.2 million apiece from DTU by selling back to DTU leave time that they had not accrued or earned, and by paying themselves unauthorized bonuses and fake reimbursements. They concealed their scheme by providing false information to DTU’s auditor, and by signing each other’s checks when distributing the unaccrued and unearned payments, hiding those distributions from the DTU Secretary/Treasurer and its board of directors. Brady and George also hid their embezzlement from the State of Florida’s Public Employee Relations Commission (PERC), in legally required annual financial statement filings, some of which were mailed to PERC.
“This sentencing demonstrates that individuals who abuse positions of trust for personal gain will be held accountable,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “Brady and George engaged in a prolonged scheme that harmed the members and integrity of the organization she was entrusted to lead. The FBI is committed to working with our partners to detect and disrupt complex financial fraud crimes.”
“Individuals who exploit their authority for personal gain and betray the trust placed in them will face justice,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “This case sends a clear message: IRS Criminal Investigation stands firm with our federal partners in relentlessly pursuing those who engage in fraud and corruption, no matter how long the scheme lasts. Our mission is to protect the integrity of our institutions and ensure justice for the victims.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael J. Coolican and Kelly S. Milliron, and former Assistant United States Attorney A. Tysen Duva. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Harrington and Julie Simonsen handled the forfeiture and restitution matters.
Former New York State correctional officer going to prison for 30 years for production of child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Michael Regan, 43, of Amherst, NY, who was convicted of two counts of production of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 30 years in prison, lifetime supervised release, and was ordered to register as a sex offender by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Regan was a New York State Correctional Officer from 2007 until his arrest by the FBI in 2020.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Gestring, who handled the case, stated that in August 2020, Regan took multiple sexually explicit photos of Minor Victim 1, an infant, using his cellular telephone. Also in August 2020, during communications over the social media application TextNow, Regan solicited, enticed, and directed a 13-year-old girl to produce sexually explicit images for him. Regan then met Minor Victim 2 to engage in sexual contact. After the sexual contact, Regan instructed Minor Victim 2 not to tell anyone, or he would come to her house. Minor Victim 2 felt threatened by Regan’s statement.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Craig Macy, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.
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Former Federal Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Obstructing Justice in Assault InvestigationRead the Press Release
Sandra Munagay, 44, of Atwater, a former Senior Correctional Officer at the U.S. Penitentiary in Atwater, pleaded guilty today to obstructing justice during the investigation of her alleged assault of an inmate, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, in 2023, while working as a correctional officer, Munagay had a verbal dispute with an inmate housed at the prison. The inmate turned and tried to walk away from Munagay, but she pursued him. When the inmate stopped and turned back towards Munagay, she punched him in the face.
The same day, Munagay falsified a report about the incident. In the report, Munagay stated that the inmate had walked towards her in an aggressive manner and that she had panicked due to his size and aggressive behavior. Munagay further stated that she tried to place her hand on the inmate’s shoulder to gain distance from him and that her hand inadvertently landed on his cheek.
The video surveillance of the incident showed that the statements Munagay made in the report were false and that she was the aggressor. As part of Munagay’s plea agreement, she admitted to making the statements with the intent to impede, obstruct, and influence an official investigation of the incident by the Department of Justice.
The Department of Justice Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case.
Munagay is scheduled to be sentenced on June 15, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd. Munagay faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 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.
Former DOJ Contractor Pleads to Mail Fraud in Theft of Cell Phones Valued at More Than $1.3 MillionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Javan King, 42, of Laurel, Maryland, pleaded guilty today in connection with stealing thousands of government cell phones when he worked for the Department of Justice, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
King pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. Judge Jia M. Cobb accepted King’s plea and scheduled sentencing for May 26, 2026.
According to court documents, between approximately 2021 and 2025 King worked as an information technology contractor for the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice (DOJ). During that period, he defrauded DOJ out of more than $1.3 million by successfully requesting that DOJ order thousands of mobile devices that the Department did not need.
After the phones were shipped to King at DOJ, he sent them to phone reselling businesses. In total, the businesses paid him more than $1.3 million for the phones. King acknowledged that his scheme caused the Department of Justice to suffer an actual loss of more than $1.3 million because of fees that it paid AT&T for the unnecessary phone lines and phones.
This case was investigated by the Department of Justice’s Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kondi Kleinman.
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Former Bank Employee Found Guilty of Targeting Elderly Victims in Identity Theft and Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – A federal jury has convicted a Chinese national of using his role as a bank employee to access confidential client information to target elderly customers and create a scheme to steal their money and then use it for his personal benefit.
After a five-day trial in front of U.S. District Judge J. Philip Calabrese, Yue Cao, 36, was found guilty on 10 counts of Bank Fraud, four counts of Aggravated Identity Theft, and one count of Money Laundering.
According to court documents and evidence presented before the jury, Cao was a quant analytics manager at an Ohio-based bank who was hired to help protect customers from fraud. Instead, from approximately 2022 to 2023, he used his access to steal the identities and money of elderly customers who had not enrolled in the bank’s online services. He did this by first utilizing an offshore service to create email addresses in the names of more than 100 victims. Then, he used these emails to enroll the victims in online banking—all without their knowledge or authorization. Additionally, Cao directed the victims’ bank statements and other notifications to the email addresses he created. Because he controlled their online banking, he transferred the victims’ money directly to his personal bank and credit card accounts.
He also used the victims’ identities to open accounts in their names without their knowledge and transferred their money into them. Some of these were brokerage accounts, where he then engaged in options trading using their money. He even arranged trades between the unauthorized accounts he set up and his own brokerage account.
Victims resided in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Washington, and Ohio (Canton) and ranged in age from 90-103 years old at the time that Cao secretly enrolled them in online banking. In total, he conducted approximately $2 million in unauthorized transfers using his control of the victims’ accounts.
Sentencing is yet to be scheduled. The defendant faces a minimum, mandatory term of two years, and maximum penalty of up to 30 years in prison.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division. The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorneys Edward D. Brydle and Michael L. Collyer for the Northern District of Ohio.
Five Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Fraud Offenses and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an Indictment on February 4, 2026, charging five Louisville residents with fraud and money laundering offenses.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky made the announcement.
According to the Indictment, Donnita Wilson, 32; Aariel Matthews, 27; Raul Tellez Ojeda, 32; Lazaro Alejandro Castello Rojas, 37; and Robert Danger Correa, 41; were charged with Mail Fraud (14 counts), Mail Fraud Conspiracy (one count), Honest Services Mail Fraud (14 counts), Honest Services Mail Fraud Conspiracy (one count), Unlawful Production of Identification Documents (14 Counts), and Money Laundering Conspiracy (one count).
The indictment alleges the defendants devised and executed a scheme that solicited illegal fees between $200 and $1,500 from legally present, non-U.S. citizens who were applying for driver’s licenses on the promise that they would be expedited through the process without undergoing testing requirements. In furtherance of the scheme, the indictment alleges that certain conspirators altered information in government databases to bypass important steps in the application process and, thereby, issue invalid licenses to the non-U.S. citizens. The indictment alleges the defendants perpetrated this scheme for their own financial gain, and betrayed the trust placed in them by Kentucky’s Transportation Cabinet.
United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “This indictment represents the culmination of an investigation into a scheme by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet employees and others to illegally circumvent Kentucky’s process for issuing driver’s licenses, thereby issuing invalid licenses to lawfully present, non-U.S. citizens who had not first demonstrated their qualifications to drive on our roads. Proper vetting of individuals seeking a driver’s license is a prerequisite to ensuring the safety of Kentucky’s roadways and ensuring the legitimacy of state-issued identification. As alleged in the indictment, this fraudulent scheme involved kickbacks and bribes leading to numerous legally present, non-U.S. citizens obtaining unlawfully issued drivers licenses.”
Several defendants were arraigned on February 9, 2026, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years for each count of mail fraud, mail fraud conspiracy, honest services mail fraud, and money laundering. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, the Kentucky State Police, the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Owensboro Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin McKenzie is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Indictment
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Federal Charges Filed in Two Separate Cases Involving Non-Emergent Medical Transportation FraudRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado and the Colorado Attorney General’s Office announce that Ashley Marie Stevens, 40, of Mesa County, and Wesam Yassin, 42, of Douglas County, have been separately charged with defrauding Medicaid’s non-emergent medical transportation program. Stevens faces six counts of wire fraud, 11 counts of health care fraud, and six counts of money laundering. Yassin faces six counts of wire fraud, 11 counts of health care fraud, and eight counts of money laundering.
Colorado Medicaid is a federal health care program that is funded through taxpayer dollars that are distributed by the state. Colorado Medicaid provides Non-Emergent Medical Transportation (NEMT) to qualified Medicaid beneficiaries who do not have access to transportation when transportation is required to obtain medically necessary non-emergency services.
According to the indictment filed against Stevens, from approximately July 2022 to February 2023, Stevens billed Colorado Medicaid under the business name Armistead Twin Rides, LLC., for over one million dollars of non-emergent medical transportation rides for Medicaid beneficiaries. Of those one million dollars, Stevens billed Colorado Medicaid for more than $400,000 for rides for herself and family members, most of which did not have corresponding medical appointments. The indictment alleges that Stevens also billed Colorado Medicaid for over $150,000 for rides for four beneficiaries for whom the rides either did not occur at all or involved a destination unrelated to any medical provider or service. Additionally, the indictment alleges that Stevens billed Colorado Medicaid for more than $450,000 for rides that were 400 or more miles long per patient, per day. Only a handful of those rides corresponded to medical appointments or services, and those destinations were less than 400 miles away. Proceeds from the scheme were allegedly used for personal gain including travel and the purchase of a luxury vehicle.
According to the indictment filed against Yassin, from approximately March 2022 to October 2023, Yassin billed Colorado Medicaid under the business name Sama Limo for approximately $3.3 million in non-emergent medical transportation rides. Alleged in the scheme is one instance where Yassin billed Colorado Medicaid for approximately $283,000 for 64 rides for a beneficiary of which approximately $165,000 represented billing for rides after the date of the beneficiary’s death. Additionally, the balance of those rides do not correspond to any medical appointments in Colorado. In other instances, Yassin billed Colorado Medicaid for hundreds of thousands of dollars for rides that beneficiaries say never occurred. Proceeds from this scheme were allegedly used for personal gain including the purchase of a home, furnishings, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and cosmetic surgery.
The charges contained in the indictments are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Colorado First Assistant Attorney General and Director of the Medicaid Fraud, Abuse & Neglect Unit Rebecca Weber serving as a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Colorado.
The Colorado Medicaid Fraud Abuse and Neglect Unit receives 75% of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $4,026,641.50 for federal fiscal year 2026. The remaining 25%, totaling $1,342,213.83, is funded by the state of Colorado for the federal fiscal year.”
Case Numbers: Stevens – 25-CR-0344-PAB; Yassin – 26-CR-34-PAB
Executive Pleads Guilty to Multi-Million Dollar Bid-Rigging ConspiracyRead the Press Release
The president of a metal fabrication and manufacturing company pleaded guilty on Feb. 5, to a conspiracy to rig bids for maintenance, repair, and operations contracts affecting United States military installations, earning his company more than $8.5 million dollars in rigged procurements.
According to court documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Thomas C. Rollins, of Wilmington, North Carolina, was the president of a company that provided goods and services to military bases through procurements administered by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Between at least 2015 and 2022, Rollins conspired with other individuals and companies to suppress and eliminate competition by rigging bids for the procurements administered by the DLA, which were awarded to subcontractors through a competitive bidding process. Rollins and his co-conspirators coordinated their submission of rigged bids by agreeing in advance which co-conspirator would submit the lowest pricing and instructing each other how to price “comp” or “cover” bids. In the plea agreement, Rollins admitted that the volume of commerce attributable to him and related to the conspiracy was approximately $8.47 million.
“For seven years, this defendant deliberately chose to cheat instead of compete, harming the Department of War and the American people in the process,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division and its partners in the Procurement Collusion Strike Force are laser focused on detecting and prosecuting those who seek to tilt the scales in their favor at the expense of American taxpayers and warfighters.”
“As the criminal investigative arm of the Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the Department’s acquisition process,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard of DCIS’s Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “When individuals conspire to rig bids and eliminate fair competition, they erode taxpayer trust and jeopardize the readiness of our armed forces. Today’s outcome makes clear that this conduct will not be tolerated. DoD contracts must be awarded based on merit, consistent with the best interests of national defense.”
Rollins pleaded guilty to one felony count of restraining trade by conspiring to rig bids, in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act. The maximum penalty for individuals is 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine.
A sentencing hearing has not been scheduled in this case. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DoD-OIG) is investigating this case. The Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal Section is prosecuting the case.
The Justice Department’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF) is a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government — federal, state and local. To learn more about the PCSF, or to report information on bid rigging, price fixing, market allocation and other anticompetitive conduct related to government spending, go to www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force.
Whistleblowers who voluntarily report original information about antitrust and related offenses that result in criminal fines or other recoveries of at least $1 million may be eligible to receive a whistleblower reward. Whistleblower awards can range from 15 to 30 percent of the money collected. For more information on the Antitrust Whistleblower Rewards Program, including a link to submit reports, visit www.justice.gov/atr/whistleblower-rewards.
Eleven Members of Drug Trafficking Organization Linked to Gulf Cartel Indicted for Drug Trafficking in Central LouisianaRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE – On January 21, 2025, a federal grand jury in Lafayette, Louisiana returned a 12-count indictment charging eleven alleged members of a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine in the Western District of Louisiana. On January 29, 2026, all eleven defendants were taken into custody by federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
“Drug traffickers working with transnational criminal organizations like the Gulf Cartel endanger urban and rural communities alike, and this case shows that rural communities like Vernon Parish will not tolerate these groups peddling the poisons of fentanyl, meth, and other hard drugs in their community,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “This case shows our Office’s commitment alongside our federal and state partners to disrupt these groups attempting to gain a foothold in our District’s many rural communities, and we will remain vigilant in identifying and prosecuting the criminals who would push these drugs into the lives of our District’s citizens.”
The investigation began when FBI New Orleans, Alexandria RA, opened an investigation into a neighborhood-based gang in early 2025. The local gang is alleged to import large amounts of illegal drugs from Gulf Cartel sources of supply in Mexico. During the first week of November, FBI seized approximately 25 pounds of methamphetamine, one kilogram of cocaine, 2,000 fentanyl pills, one pill press, $125,000 in U.S. currency, $28,000 in gold bars, and other contraband.
According to the indictment, beginning at a time unknown but from at least on or about July 11, 2024, to November 2, 2025, the defendants intentionally conspired with each other to unlawfully possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, or 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. The indictment also alleges seven of the defendants conspired with each other to unlawfully possess with the intent to distribute cocaine. Six alleged DTO members face separated possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances charges including one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. The indictment also charges two individuals with the Illegal Use of a Communication Facility to further a Drug Transaction in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b).
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Louisiana State Police (LSP); Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office (SPSO); and Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office (VPSO). Assistant United States Attorney LaDonte A. Murphy and Legal Assistant Christy Angelle are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
This operation 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, 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 drug trafficking. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 24-CR-00249.
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Public Affairs
United States Attorney’s Office
Western District of Louisiana
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