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25 March 2026
Former fugitive charged with attempted murder of federal officers, firearms crimesRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – Federal charges were filed here against a Dayton man who had been a fugitive in Missouri for approximately five years. The defendant fired shots at fugitive apprehension officers when they arrived at his Dayton home to take him into custody.
Terrence Gay, 41, had been a fugitive since September 2021, when he failed to appear to begin serving a federal prison sentence for fentanyl crimes.
According to court documents, on March 19, the Southern District of Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) developed new information regarding Gay’s whereabouts and began surveillance on his residence.
On March 23, law enforcement officials surrounded Gay’s home, announcing their presence and purpose.
Gay allegedly failed to comply with agents to come out of his home and eventually fired approximately 12 rounds at officers, striking an unmarked Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office vehicle with deputies inside.
Dayton Police SWAT and Montgomery County SWAT teams arrived to provide assistance.
During this time, United States Marshals received a phone call from Gay’s attorney, and a three-way call was made to arrange Gay’s peaceful surrender.
Gay is charged with assaulting federal officers with a deadly weapon, attempted murder of a federal officer, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and illegally possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon.
Besides his prior convictions in Missouri, Gay has prior convictions in Montgomery County for aggravated robbery, theft and kidnapping.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; United States Marshal Michael D. Black; Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck and Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Erica D. Lunderman is representing the United States in this case.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Former Office Manager Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A former office manager was sentenced today for Bank Fraud and stealing more than $700k from her employers, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Raul M Arias-Marxuach sentenced Toni Lee Mesh, 40, of Vinita, to 46 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. She is further ordered to pay $703,938.41 in restitution.
In 2023, Mesh was hired as the office manager and accountant for two privately owned manufacturing businesses in Pryor. She was responsible for the business’s accounting system, processing revenues and expenses, and handling payroll. Mesh admitted to abusing her position of trust to embezzle funds for unauthorized transactions that solely benefited her. Prior to being fired, Mesh embezzled nearly $580k. After Mesh was fired in June 2024, she continued to falsify business checks.
Mesh was hired two months later as an office manager by a business in Broken Arrow. She was employed there for less than 90 days and stole more than $100k from that business.
Court dockets show that Mesh has been convicted in state court for embezzlement, unauthorized use of a credit card, and uttering a forged instrument.
Mesh was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David D. Whipple prosecuted the case.
Former Milwaukee Police Officer Sentenced to Five Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Brad D. Schimel, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on March 24, 2026, Juwon Madlock (age: 30) was sentenced to five years of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, by United States District Judge Brett H. Ludwig.
Publicly filed documents reflect that Madlock, while serving as a Milwaukee Police Officer, provided ammunition to a felon; possessed an automatic weapon; helped a street gang hide its stolen vehicles; and lied to the FBI. He pled guilty to offenses related to that misconduct in December 2025.
Beyond the offenses of conviction, Madlock also sent pictures of his fellow officers to a gang member and offered to sell rifles to that same gang member. Madlock counseled wanted criminals on how to flee from law enforcement. Most egregiously, Madlock told a violent gang where to find its rivals, knowing those gang members would use his information to shoot and kill those same rivals.
In its sentencing commentary, the government emphasized the need for a serious sentence to promote respect for the law. The government noted that Madlock “knew what he was doing, and he knew it was wrong. He nevertheless chose to imperil the public, betray his colleagues, and violate his oath. His crimes were novel, aggravated, and brazen.”
While imposing sentence, Judge Ludwig described the case as “tragic” and “sad,” given both the defendant’s crimes and the advantages Madlock enjoyed relative to other defendants. Judge Ludwig emphasized that the defendant was “sworn to uphold the law,” but instead he “violated it.” Judge Ludwig also noted that Madlock’s crime was not a “mistake”; instead, he had “opportunities” to “come to” his “senses and stop,” which he ignored. Judge Ludwig explained that Madlock was “lucky” the men whose information he shared were not hurt, because if they had been, Madlock could have been “party to a murder.”
“The defendant used his position as a police officer to provide information to gang members to assist them in perpetrating crimes against the very community he swore to protect and serve,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Schimel. “For a sworn officer to traffic in law enforcement sensitive information, weapons and drugs while on duty is simply unconscionable, and he belongs in prison.”
"Juwon Madlock's betrayal of the trust he held as a police officer was reprehensible. The FBI will continue to work tirelessly to hold accountable those who deceive the public’s trust and assist criminal organizations,” said FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Alan Karr. “The FBI and our partners will aggressively investigate those who violate the public trust and their duty to serve.”
“The Milwaukee Police Department appreciates the work of our partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation on this case," said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman. “As a department, we firmly believe that it is our duty to enforce laws when individuals decide to cause harm to others, and that includes enforcing those laws even when it is our members causing that harm. No one is above the law.”This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Milwaukee Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Knight and Patricia Daugherty.
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Former Immigration Officer Pleads Guilty to Accepting BribeRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Amara Dukuly, 44, of Woodlyn, Pennsylvania, a former immigration officer employed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”), pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge John M. Younge to aiding and abetting the bribery of a public official in exchange for an official act.
As detailed in court filings, from approximately 2015 to his arrest in June 2025, Dukuly used his status as a USCIS employee to solicit bribes from individuals, in exchange for promises to help them obtain assistance with their immigration status.
On April 4, 2025, Dukuly received a $6,000 bribe from an individual to help with the removal of “terrorist” references from the individual's immigration file. Dukuly promised the individual that after the “terrorist” references were removed, his file would be “clean.”
The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on July 14 and faces a maximum possible term of 15 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anita Eve and Robert Livermore.
Former Director of a Brooklyn Daycare Indicted for Stealing More Than $2.75 Million in Tuition PaymentsRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging Murielle Misczak with wire fraud and money laundering in connection with her employment at a Brooklyn daycare (the Daycare). Misczak was the director of the Daycare, which provided childcare and preschool to children. Over the course of approximately four years, Misczak embezzled more than $2.75 million by directing parents to send tuition payments to unapproved accounts she controlled and transferring the funds to her personal bank accounts. Misczak was arrested today and will be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrest and charges.
“As alleged, Misczak abused her position of authority and betrayed the trust of her employer and daycare families by stealing millions in tuition to fund her own extravagant personal lifestyle,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office will vigorously prosecute corrupt individuals like the defendant who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of services for children.”
“Murielle Misczak allegedly stole millions of dollars from parents whose tuition payments were unknowingly funding personal lavish purchases. As the daycare’s former director, Misczak’s alleged embezzlement violated the trust placed in her by her employer and clients. The FBI is dedicated to disrupting corrupt schemes that defraud our city’s families for selfish gain, especially those exploiting childcare services,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
As set forth in court filings, Misczak was hired by the Daycare in 2013 as Program Coordinator and was later promoted to Director in 2020. Starting in January 2022 and continuing through October 2025, Misczak stole more than $2.75 million in tuition payments by directing them to be paid into accounts she controlled and then transferring those payments into her own accounts. Misczak hid her theft from the Daycare by deleting and altering information in the Daycare’s accounting systems. Misczak spent over $600,000 in stolen funds on travel and entertainment, including over $350,000 on tickets to professional wrestling events, as well as hundreds of thousands of dollars on luxury goods and various personal expenses such as food delivery and ride sharing services.
The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the charges, Misczak faces up to 20 years in prison.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Shannon C. Jones and Sophia M. Suarez are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Melina Piatti-Chayan.
The Defendant:
MURIELLE MISCZAK
Age: 43
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-65 (NGG)
murielle_misczak_indictment.pdfFormer Department of Energy Employee Pleads Guilty to Bribery of a Public OfficialRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Security Specialist with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to trying to bribe another DOE employee in order to secure government contracts for a private company.
Edward Doherty, 35, of Washington, D.C. and Weymouth, Mass., pleaded guilty to honest services fraud, payment of illegal gratuities and bribery of a public official. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for July 8, 2026. In July 2025, Doherty was indicted by a federal grand jury.
Doherty worked for the DOE as Security Specialist until he agreed to participate in the deferred resignation program in February 2025. Just before he started working with the DOE, in November 2024, Doherty started a company in Massachusetts called MAE Systems, LLC (MAE). In February 2025, Doherty offered a DOE employee money in exchange for the DOE employee ensuring that MAE received DOE contracts. The DOE employee reported the incident to law enforcement. Between February and June 2025, Doherty was recorded offering to pay the DOE employee at least $10,000 in exchange for the DOE employee awarding a DOE contract to MAE. In June 2025, Doherty made two downpayments on the bribe, totaling $2,500, to the DOE employee.
The charge of honest services wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of payment of illegal gratuities provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of bribery of a public official provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and said Department of Energy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Lewe Sessions made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.
Foreign National from the Congo Sentenced for Role in Email Fraud and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson and Special Agent in Charge Sara J. Jones with the FBI Mobile, Alabama Field Office announced the sentencing of a foreign national from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who was residing in Hockley, Texas for his role in an email compromise scheme that defrauded a business of more than $200,000.
On March 24, 2026, a federal judge sentenced 27-year-old Chris Kasimbo Kalwahali to 33 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering. Following his prison term, Kalwahali will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Business email compromise schemes are a growing threat to companies across our district and the nation,” said Acting United States Attorney Davidson. “Those who seek to exploit trusted business relationships for personal gain must be pursued and held accountable.”
“The FBI is working every day to disrupt and dismantle cybercriminals who prey on victims in southern Alabama,” said Special Agent in Charge Jones. “Today’s outcome is another example of our commitment to protecting victims and imposing consequences on the criminals who perpetrate cyber intrusions in our area. We encourage anyone who has been the victim of cybercrime to report it immediately at www.ic3.gov. Quick reporting gives us the best chance to work with victims and our partners to recover stolen funds and bring criminals to justice.”
According to his plea agreement and other court records, in March 2023, Kalwahali’s co-conspirators targeted a business in Auburn, Alabama, by gaining unauthorized access to a business email account. Such access is commonly obtained through methods including hacking or social engineering to acquire login credentials.
Once access is obtained, perpetrators often impersonate the legitimate account holder and send fraudulent messages directing business partners to update payment information. Victims are then instructed to send payments to bank accounts controlled by members of the scheme.
In this case, the compromised email account was used to request wire transfers from two companies that conducted business with the Auburn company. One transfer, totaling $209,308.45, was deposited into a bank account controlled by Kalwahali. He then transferred the proceeds to other participants in the scheme.
As part of his plea agreement, Kalwahali admitted that he received and redistributed fraud proceeds, including transferring more than $83,000 to a Houston, Texas car dealership to purchase a vehicle.
During the sentencing hearing, the court also ordered Kalwahali to pay a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $185,667.20. Additional restitution amounts are also pending.
The FBI Mobile Field Office investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle R. Turner and Eric M. Counts prosecuted for the Middle District of Alabama.
Eleven Defendants Charged in Takedown of Alleged Gang-Associated Drug DealingRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Five indictments and one complaint were unsealed in federal court this week charging 11 individuals with distributing methamphetamine throughout San Diego County.
The charges are the result of a 16-month investigation by the FBI San Diego Violent Crime Task Force – Gang Group and Homeland Security Investigations that targeted Asian Crips-affiliated drug dealers in Mira Mesa and elsewhere. The investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, undercover agents and confidential sources.
In a coordinated takedown this morning, more than 200 federal, state, and local law enforcement officials executed four search warrants in Escondido, National City, Ramona and San Diego and arrested seven defendants. Four defendants were arrested on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.
Including seizures today and throughout this investigation, authorities have confiscated more than 11 pounds of methamphetamine and two firearms.
“We allege that these defendants turned neighborhoods into a marketplace for drugs and crime,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “By dismantling this network, we’re helping give the community back its streets—and its peace of mind.”
“The success of this joint Homeland Security Task Force operation is a testament to the dedication, collaboration, and professionalism of all our law enforcement partners,” said Kevin Murphy, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego. “Together, we have made significant strides in disrupting gang-associated drug trafficking and protecting our communities. HSI remains committed to prioritizing public safety.”
“Today’s multiple arrests of alleged violent gang members resulted from FBI San Diego and our law enforcement partners at HSI, SDCSO, SDPD, CVPD, and CDCR working together to stop the flow of drugs into our neighborhoods,” said TJ Holland, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Diego Field Office. “The FBI will continue to coordinate complex joint investigations to ensure justice is served and our communities are safe.”
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Keith D. Ellison and Daniel Casillas.
DEFENDANTS
Case Number 26CR0903-DMS
Muriel Burless (Age: 43)
Eric Rose (Age: 45)
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine (Actual), in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 846
Maximum Penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 10 years in prison; $10 million fine.
Case Number 26CR0904-DMS
Roy Elazgui (Age: 50)
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine (Actual), in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
Maximum Penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 10 years; $10 million fine
Case Number 26CR0905-DMS
Rex Hernandez (Age: 57)
Antonio Gregorio Amposta (Age: 52)
Jesus Rodriguez (Age: 49)
Clyde Johnson (Age: 64)
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine (Actual), in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 846
Maximum Penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 10 years; $10 million fine
Case Number 26CR0906-DMS
Jeremy Espiritu (Age: 36)
Albert Mora (Age: 54)
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Distribute more than 5 Grams of Methamphetamine (Actual), in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 846
Maximum Penalty: Forty years in prison, mandatory minimum five years; $5 million fine
Case Number 26CR0907-JLS
Jason Quila (Age: 45)
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Distribution of more than 5 Grams of Methamphetamine (Actual), in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
Maximum Penalty: Forty years in prison, mandatory minimum five years; $5 million fine.
Case Number 26MJ01036
Priscilla Violante (Age: 38)
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine (Actual) and 40 Grams of Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
Maximum Penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 10 years; $10 million fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Violent Crimes Task Force – Gang Group (VCTF-GG), which included investigators from the following agencies:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Homeland Security Investigations
- San Diego Police Department
- California Department of Corrections
- San Diego County Sheriff’s Office
- Chula Vista Police Department
- National City Police Department
- San Diego County District Attorney’s Office Investigations
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This investigation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF San Diego comprises agents and officers from FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, Department of Defense, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and INTERPOL, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, provides assistance to Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. This grant program is administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). There are currently 33 HIDTAs, and HIDTA-designated counties are located in 50 states, as well as in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.
Dunkirk man pleads guilty to theft of government funds involving COVID-19 fraudRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jesus Ramos aka Manny, 42, of Dunkirk, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to theft of government funds, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, co-defendant Lamont Brown recruited others to apply for unemployment assistance compensation through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program for which they were not entitled. In July 2020, Ramos provided his identification information and social security number to Lamont Brown, knowing that it would be used to obtain money that he was not entitled to. After he provided his personal information to Brown, Ramos received a check totaling $11,454 from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources, which he deposited into a checking account at a Lake Shore Savings Bank, owned by Lamont Brown. These funds were later withdrawn and spent. Ramos did not reside in, nor had he resided or worked in Puerto Rico and was therefore legally ineligible to receive the PUA funds from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources. The total loss amount to the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources due to the actions of Ramos and others involved in the scheme was $67,524.
Brown was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone, Northeast Region.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 24, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.
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Drug Dealer with Tenderloin Ties Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Andy Cruz was sentenced today to 96 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and failure to appear in court as required by conditions of release. Senior U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer handed down the sentence.
Cruz, 40, who previously resided in Oakland, was initially charged by complaint on Oct. 11, 2023, and by indictment on October 25, 2023, on drug charges. On November 6, 2023, Cruz was released on bond. Around February 2024, Cruz absconded. As a result, he was separately indicted by a federal grand jury on April 2, 2024, for failure to appear in court and contempt of court. On May 6, 2025, Cruz was located and arrested. On January 29, 2026, Cruz was charged by a superseding information on drug charges.
On March 25, 2026, Cruz pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of failure to appear before a court as required by conditions of release. According to court documents and proceedings, Cruz has been selling drugs in San Francisco and elsewhere since 2008. In 2023, officers observed Cruz engage in a suspected drug transaction in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco, which led to his arrest and a search of his person. That search uncovered multiple suspected controlled substances. Officers have also observed Cruz conduct several additional suspected drug transactions from his car, as well as suspected drug transports throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. On October 5, 2023, officers executed a search warrant at Cruz’s residence, and searched his car and person, recovering nearly one kilogram of fentanyl, 76 grams of heroin, and 25 grams of methamphetamine, as well as drug paraphernalia.
Cruz has remained in custody since his most recent arrest and was remanded into custody following sentencing. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Breyer ordered Cruz to serve four years of supervised release to begin after his prison term is completed.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris made the announcement.
Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Yeh prosecuted the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the DEA.
Dothan Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Meth Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
On March 24, 2026, a federal judge sentenced 38-year-old Larenta Deshawn Dawkins, of Dothan, Alabama, to 360 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson and Special Agent in Charge Steven L. Hofer of the Drug Enforcement Administration's New Orleans Division. Following his term of imprisonment, Dawkins will serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Drug traffickers who bring dangerous narcotics into our communities will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. “This sentence reflects our commitment to holding accountable those who profit from the distribution of methamphetamine.”
“Thirty years in federal prison, without the possibility of parole, is a definitive message to those who think they can use Alabama as a hub for their illicit trade,” said Special Agent in Charge Hofer. “By working side-by-side with the Dothan and Eufaula Police Departments, we successfully intercepted five pounds of methamphetamine before it could destroy more lives in our neighborhoods. Whether the poison is shipped from out of state or hidden in a local storage unit, we will find it, and we will ensure those responsible face the full weight of federal justice.”
According to court records and evidence presented at Dawkins’s December 2025 trial, law enforcement began investigating suspected drug trafficking activity in Houston County in July 2024. Investigators determined that Dawkins was receiving packages in Dothan containing methamphetamine shipped to Alabama from out of state. Further investigation revealed that Dawkins used a storage unit in Dothan to store the drugs after receiving them.
During the execution of a search warrant at the storage unit, investigators recovered two boxes containing approximately five pounds of methamphetamine, along with three bags of marijuana. Agents later obtained and executed a search warrant at Dawkins’s residence, where they seized numerous items linking him to the storage unit and the narcotics.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Dothan Police Department, and Eufaula Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Chelsea Wilson and Joel Feil prosecuted the case.
Dauphin County Man Pleads Guilty to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance SchemeRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Ardavan Alamoutinia, 33, of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Judge Juan R. Sánchez on one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, 10 counts of mail fraud, one count of theft of government money, and one count of aggravated identity theft, arising from a scheme to fraudulently obtain emergency funds meant for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The defendant and co-defendant Aryanah Davison, 26, of Harrisburg, Pa., were charged by indictment in May 2023, with Davison pleading guilty to her role in the scheme in January of last year.
As detailed in court filings, Alamoutinia and Davison used stolen identities to file over 500 fraudulent applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (“PUA”). These 500-plus fraudulent applications were filed using at least 375 identities of current or former employees of Company 1, Personally Identifiable Information (“PII”) which a co-conspirator had stolen and transferred to Davison.
After receiving the PII, Alamoutinia and Davison filed, or caused to be filed, the fraudulent PUA applications in 27 different states, resulting in a loss to the government of at least $2,886,876.
The two co-defendants converted at least $2,500,000 of the fraudulent proceeds in this case, spending them, in part, on a luxury sports vehicle and hundreds of thousands of dollars of cryptocurrency.
Alamoutinia is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9 and faces a maximum possible term of 232 years’ imprisonment. Davison will be sentenced at a later date; she also faces a maximum possible term of 232 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of Inspector General, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney S. Chandler Harris.
Danbury Man Admits Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that MARK EDWARDS, 61, of Danbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in New Haven to an offense related to the filing of false tax returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, since approximately 1998 Edwards has owned and operated “Mark Edwards Roofing and Siding, LLC,” a roofing and construction business. Beginning at least as early as 2018, Edwards failed to keep accurate records or perform bookkeeping for his business, and during the preparation of his income tax returns he provided his tax preparer with handwritten income and expense figures that substantially underreported his income. On his federal income tax returns for the 2019 through 2023 tax years, Edwards underreported his gross receipts by at least $1.3 million, resulting in a tax loss to the IRS of $368,334.
Edwards pleaded guilty to aiding in the preparation of a false tax return, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.
Edwards is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.
This investigation has been conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
DOJ Sues California Towing Company for Illegally Auctioning Servicemembers’ VehiclesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today filed a lawsuit against S & K Towing, Inc., which is based in San Clemente, California, alleging that the company violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by illegally auctioning motor vehicles owned by members of the military.
The Department’s lawsuit alleges that, from August 28, 2020, through April 15, 2025, S & K illegally sold or disposed of as many as 148 vehicles owned by servicemembers, many of which were towed from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Even though S & K’s contract with Camp Pendleton required it to comply with all applicable federal and state laws, the company made no effort to comply with the SCRA, which requires tow companies to obtain a court order before selling or disposing of a vehicle owned by an SCRA-protected servicemember.
“Towing companies must respect and abide by the federal laws that protect members of our Armed Forces,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Servicemembers are often absent for extended periods due to training and deployments and may not know that their vehicle has been towed. The SCRA plays an important role in providing these servicemembers with adequate legal protections, including notice and the opportunity to have towing and storage fees adjusted in light of their military service.”
“Servicemembers deserve peace of mind in knowing that their legal rights will be protected at home while they are away serving the United States,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bilal A. Essayli for the Central District of California. “It is unacceptable for a business to sell or dispose of servicemembers’ vehicles without abiding by the laws that protect servicemembers.”
In May 2024, a Military Legal Assistance attorney contacted S & K Towing and explained that the company was violating the SCRA. In response, a manager at S & K Towing told the attorney that “We do this all the time.” After this exchange, S & K Towing continued to sell and dispose of vehicles owned by SCRA-protected servicemembers without obtaining court orders. Some of the vehicles S & K sold or disposed of were registered to addresses on Camp Pendleton. In other cases, S & K auctioned vehicles even after they were told that the owner was in the military.
This case is being handled by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. Since 2011, the Department has obtained over $484 million in monetary relief for over 149,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the Department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov.
Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA may have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Gainesville, Florida – DeShawn Russ, 35, of Jacksonville, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to prohibited person in possession of ammunition. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the outstanding investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners, this dangerous serial felon has been taken off our streets and he will face an extended federal prison sentence. This successful prosecution by my office is yet another win for the safety of our communities under Operation Take Back America, and we will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases to deliver the safe streets our citizens deserve.”
Court documents reflect that the Gainesville Police Department responded to a shooting within a vehicle where officers found a bullet hole in the driver’s window. Russ, who was known to the driver, was located nearby. Although no firearm was recovered, a .380 bullet was located in his pocket. Russ is multi-time convicted felon, and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The defendant faces imprisonment for up to 15 years at sentencing. Sentencing is scheduled for June 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.
The case involved an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Gainesville Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Gas Station RobberyRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A convicted felon has pleaded guilty to the robbery of a gas station in Attala, Alabama, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine L. Crosby.
Joseph Lee Rainey, 34, of Munford, Alabama, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Liles C. Burke to Hobbs Act Robbery, carrying and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on August 20, 2025, Rainey entered the Marathon gas station in Attala, Alabama, took a drink from the cooler, and approached the cashier as if he were going to pay for the beverage. Rainey then robbed the cashier at gunpoint. The cashier complied with Rainey’s demand and gave him approximately $500. On August 25, 2025, members of the 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit were looking for Rainey in Ohatchee, Alabama, when they attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Rainey was a passenger. The driver made an abrupt stop and got out of the vehicle. Rainey moved into the driver’s seat and sped away. The officers pursued Rainey in a high-speed chase that ended when Rainey jumped out of the vehicle and ran. A short time later, officers found Rainey hiding in a wooded area. The search of the vehicle revealed a Taurus 9mm pistol, matching the gun used during the Marathon gas station robbery, and a cell phone.
Rainey is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his six prior felony convictions that span from 2016 to 2024, in the Circuit Court of Calhoun County, Circuit Court of Talladega County, and Circuit Court of St. Clair County.
The ATF investigated the case along with the 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittney L. Plyler is prosecuting the case.
Chinese national and two U.S. citizens charged with conspiring to smuggle artificial intelligence technology to ChinaRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Stanley Yi Zheng, Matthew Kelly, and Tommy Shad English have been charged with conspiring to commit smuggling and export control violations. The three defendants are alleged to have sought millions of dollars’ worth of export-controlled computer chips from a California-based computer hardware company for illegal shipment to China through Thailand.
“Keeping sensitive tech from falling into the wrong hands is a matter of utmost importance to our national security and U.S. competitiveness,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “My office is proud to ensure that any bad actor who seeks to profit from endangering our security will face justice in an American courtroom.”
“Protecting sensitive defense technology from diversion to foreign adversaries is a top priority,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Jason J. Sargenski of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. “Advanced computing technologies, like Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), play a critical role in military artificial intelligence and national defense capabilities. When individuals attempt to illegally acquire or export this technology for profit, they are putting national security and our warfighters at risk. DCIS will continue working with our U.S. and international partners to identify these networks, disrupt their operations, and hold those responsible accountable.”
“The smuggling of advanced technology like these computer chips represents a direct threat to U.S. national security,” said Peter Ellis, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Georgia. “The individuals charged in this case attempted to bypass U.S. export laws to send sensitive technology to adversaries. The FBI will continue working with our partners to prevent the illegal diversion of critical technologies and hold those responsible accountable.”
“Safeguarding America’s advanced technology is critical to our national security and public safety,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “This case highlights the importance of strong partnerships between federal law enforcement, industry, and our international counterparts. By working together, we were able to disrupt a sophisticated scheme to illegally export sensitive U.S. artificial intelligence technology. HSI remains committed to protecting the integrity of our supply chains and ensuring that critical innovations do not fall into the hands of those who would threaten our security.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the criminal complaints, and other information presented in court: In or about May 2023, Zheng, Kelly, and English began conspiring together to obtain computer servers with export-controlled computer chips from a California-based computer hardware company (“Company-1”) and ship them to Thailand with an ultimate destination of China, in violation of U.S. law. In doing so, the three defendants used the names of Thailand-based companies as the purported purchasers of the computer servers when in fact the co-conspirators intended for the U.S.-origin AI chips to be diverted to China.
In October 2023, English, purporting to act on behalf of a Thailand-based company, ordered 750 computer servers for approximately $170 million from Company-1. Of the 750 computer servers, 600 contained a computer chip that was controlled on the U.S. Commerce Control List and required a license for export to China. In placing that order, English signed an “Advanced Computing Certification,” certifying that the computer servers were not destined for China or any other country subject to heightened export requirements.
In January 2024, English transferred over $20 million to Company-1 as partial payment for the October 2023 order. In January 2024, when discussing via email an upcoming compliance review for the October 2023 order, English asked Company-1 to add Zheng and Kelly to the email thread, which prompted a response from Company-1 noting, among other things, that Zheng’s company was based in China and that it was “odd” that no one from the Thailand-based company was in the list of carbon copy recipients. Company-1 also commented that “China is an embargoed country restricted by the US government. US companies are restricted from selling to businesses or end users headquartered in China.”
In early February 2024, additional review of the October 2023 order was conducted by the California-based manufacturer of the computer chips that would be inside 600 of the servers English had ordered (“Company-2”). Company-2’s efforts to verify the end user of the computer chips in Thailand were unsuccessful. Ultimately, the October 2023 purchase was not completed.
While the October 2023 deal lost momentum, in April 2024, English, purporting to act on behalf of a second Thailand-based company, sought to order from Company-1 another 500 computer servers that contained an export-controlled computer chip. In doing so, English signed an End User Certification stating that the Thailand-based company was the end user for the purchase. This deal, like the October 2023 deal, ultimately was unsuccessful.
Text messages obtained through the investigation illustrated aspects of the conspiracy and revealed that Zheng, English, and Kelly discussed, among other things, “fake” corporate niceties to help complete the computer chip purchases, the value of the computer chips in China, and recruitment of others to participate in the scheme.
For example, in June 2023, in a group chat with Zheng and English titled “GPU Partnership,” Kelly stated: “They just need more details about your company, customers, revenue, etc.” and “I know you mention you [English] are better than CDW but they have a nice website, company decks, quarterly earning reports, etc that are all public information.” English replied: “I’m not breaking my back. I fake these weeks ago.”
Later, in July 2023, in the same group chat, Zheng sent a message discussing the market value of Company-2’s computer chips in China, showing that Zheng, English, and Kelly were all aware that the ultimate destination for the computer chips would be China.
Subsequently, in March 2024, Kelly messaged Zheng a draft solicitation message for Kelly to send to others. The message stated, among other things: “[I am] [c]urrently working on distributing GPU systems with [Company-2] chips for supercomputing[.] . . . We . . . have a few customers in China but it’s a banned country for distribution. It’s a lucrative business right now – millions of dollars in profits per order – so we are looking for partners. One you can find customers that need GPUs for their supercomputer solutions or two they act as a pass through partner for customers in China. Let me know if you are interested in discussing?”
Approximately 28 minutes after sending the draft solicitation message to Zheng, Kelly received feedback from Zheng. Zheng stated, among other things: “DO NOT MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT CHINA.” Zheng explained that the portions of Kelly’s message that referenced China needed to be removed because: “We will draw attention[] from US government for embargo[] violation.” In response, Kelly noted that similar information had been told to other individuals. Zheng replied: “We just talk about it, no one can hold it as evidence[] against us.”
Stanley Yi Zheng, 56, of Hong Kong, China, was arrested on March 22, 2026, and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa J. Cisneros, of the Northern District of California, on March 23, 2026, for his initial appearance. The Government has moved for Zheng to be remanded to federal custody and held without bail pending trial.
Matthew Kelly, 49, of Hopewell Junction, New York, and Tommy Shad English, 53, of Atlanta, Georgia, surrendered to federal authorities on March 25, 2026. Their initial appearances will be held in the District of New Jersey and Northern District of Georgia later today.
The criminal complaints were issued in the Northern District of Georgia on March 20, 2026. The charges contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry & Security, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Samir Kaushal of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Brett Ruff of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Chinese National and Two U.S. Citizens Charged with Conspiring to Smuggle Artificial Intelligence Technology to ChinaRead the Press Release
Stanley Yi Zheng, Matthew Kelly, and Tommy Shad English have been charged with conspiring to commit smuggling and export control violations. The three defendants are alleged to have sought millions of dollars’ worth of export-controlled computer chips from a California-based computer hardware company for illegal shipment to China through Thailand.
“The cutting-edge AI chips the defendants allegedly schemed to export to China represent the best of American ingenuity and years of strategic investment in maintaining our technological leadership,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “NSD is committed to protecting U.S. innovation and ensuring that those who violate U.S. export controls face serious consequences.”
“Zheng, Kelly, and English allegedly conspired to sell millions of dollars’ worth of American-made AI computer chips to buyers in China, in clear violation of U.S. export controls,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “As our foreign adversaries escalate their efforts to dominate the field of artificial intelligence, we are seeing them employ increasingly brazen schemes to illegally acquire valuable U.S. technology. Enforcing export controls is critical to our work safeguarding America’s economic and national security, and the FBI will continue working with our partners to protect our nation’s innovation and hold accountable those seeking to profit by supplying hostile nation states.”
“Keeping sensitive tech from falling into the wrong hands is a matter of utmost importance to our national security and U.S. competitiveness,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg of the Northern District of Georgia. “My office is proud to ensure that any bad actor who seeks to profit from endangering our security will face justice in an American courtroom.”
“Protecting sensitive defense technology from diversion to foreign adversaries is a top priority,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Jason J. Sargenski of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. “Advanced computing technologies, like Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), play a critical role in military artificial intelligence and national defense capabilities. When individuals attempt to illegally acquire or export this technology for profit, they are putting national security and our warfighters at risk. DCIS will continue working with our U.S. and international partners to identify these networks, disrupt their operations, and hold those responsible accountable.”
“Safeguarding America’s advanced technology is critical to our national security and public safety,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “This case highlights the importance of strong partnerships between federal law enforcement, industry, and our international counterparts. By working together, we were able to disrupt a sophisticated scheme to illegally export sensitive U.S. artificial intelligence technology. HSI remains committed to protecting the integrity of our supply chains and ensuring that critical innovations do not fall into the hands of those who would threaten our security.”
According to the criminal complaints and other information presented in court: In or about May 2023, Zheng, Kelly, and English began conspiring together to obtain computer servers with export-controlled computer chips from a California-based computer hardware company (Company-1) and ship them to Thailand with an ultimate destination of China, in violation of U.S. law. In doing so, the three defendants used the names of Thailand-based companies as the purported purchasers of the computer servers when in fact the co-conspirators intended for the U.S.-origin AI chips to be diverted to China.
In Oct. 2023, English, purporting to act on behalf of a Thailand-based company, ordered 750 computer servers for approximately $170 million from Company-1. Of the 750 computer servers, 600 contained a computer chip that was controlled on the U.S. Commerce Control List and required a license for export to China. In placing that order, English signed an “Advanced Computing Certification,” certifying that the computer servers were not destined for China or any other country subject to heightened export requirements.
In Jan. 2024, English transferred over $20 million to Company-1 as partial payment for the Oct. 2023 order. In Jan. 2024, when discussing via email an upcoming compliance review for the Oct. 2023 order, English asked Company-1 to add Zheng and Kelly to the email thread, which prompted a response from Company-1 noting, among other things, that Zheng’s company was based in China and that it was “odd” that no one from the Thailand-based company was in the list of carbon copy recipients. Company-1 also commented that “China is an embargoed country restricted by the US government. US companies are restricted from selling to businesses or end users headquartered in China.”
In early Feb. 2024, additional review of the Oct. 2023 order was conducted by the California-based manufacturer of the computer chips that would be inside 600 of the servers English had ordered (Company-2). Company-2’s efforts to verify the end user of the computer chips in Thailand were unsuccessful. Ultimately, the Oct. 2023 purchase was not completed.
While the Oct. 2023 deal lost momentum, in April 2024, English, purporting to act on behalf of a second Thailand-based company, sought to order from Company-1 another 500 computer servers that contained an export-controlled computer chip. In doing so, English signed an End User Certification stating that the Thailand-based company was the end user for the purchase. This deal, like the Oct. 2023 deal, ultimately was unsuccessful.
Text messages obtained through the investigation illustrated aspects of the conspiracy and revealed that Zheng, English, and Kelly discussed, among other things, “fake” corporate niceties to help complete the computer chip purchases, the value of the computer chips in China, and recruitment of others to participate in the scheme.
For example, in June 2023, in a group chat with Zheng and English titled “GPU Partnership,” Kelly stated: “They just need more details about your company, customers, revenue, etc.” and “I know you mention you [English] are better than CDW but they have a nice website, company decks, quarterly earning reports, etc that are all public information.” English replied: “I’m not breaking my back. I fake these weeks ago.”
Later, in July 2023, in the same group chat, Zheng sent a message discussing the market value of Company-2’s computer chips in China, showing that Zheng, English, and Kelly were all aware that the ultimate destination for the computer chips would be China.
Subsequently, in March 2024, Kelly messaged Zheng a draft solicitation message for Kelly to send to others. The message stated, among other things: “[I am] [c]urrently working on distributing GPU systems with [Company-2] chips for supercomputing[.] . . . We . . . have a few customers in China but it’s a banned country for distribution. It’s a lucrative business right now – millions of dollars in profits per order – so we are looking for partners. One you can find customers that need GPUs for their supercomputer solutions or two they act as a pass through partner for customers in China. Let me know if you are interested in discussing?”
Approximately 28 minutes after sending the draft solicitation message to Zheng, Kelly received feedback from Zheng. Zheng stated, among other things: “DO NOT MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT CHINA.” Zheng explained that the portions of Kelly’s message that referenced China needed to be removed because: “We will draw attention[] from US government for embargo[] violation.” In response, Kelly noted that similar information had been told to other individuals. Zheng replied: “We just talk about it, no one can hold it as evidence[] against us.”
Stanley Yi Zheng, 56, of Hong Kong, China, was arrested on March 22, 2026, and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa J. Cisneros, of the Northern District of California, on March 23, 2026, for his initial appearance. The Government has moved for Zheng to be remanded to federal custody and held without bail pending trial.
Matthew Kelly, 49, of Hopewell Junction, New York, and Tommy Shad English, 53, of Atlanta, Georgia, surrendered to federal authorities on March 25, 2026. Their initial appearances will be held in the District of New Jersey and Northern District of Georgia today.
The criminal complaints were issued in the Northern District of Georgia on March 20, 2026. The charges contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry & Security, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Samir Kaushal of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Brett Ruff of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
Chicago Felon Convicted of Identity Theft and Money Laundering in U.S. Treasury Check SchemeRead the Press Release
A felon who perpetrated an extensive scheme involving fraudulent U.S. Treasury checks at Eastern Iowa financial institutions in 2023 pled guilty on March 24, 2026, in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Tyrone Terrell Harris, age 34, from Chicago, Illinois, was convicted of five counts of theft of government property, five counts of aggravated identity theft, one count of money laundering, and one count of money laundering conspiracy.
Evidence presented at Harris’s detention hearings, as well as at other hearings in related cases, showed that Harris provided fraudulent U.S. Treasury checks to co-conspirators for presentation to Eastern Iowa financial institutions. The co-conspirators had fake driver’s licenses in the names of the persons to whom the U.S. Treasury had issued the checks and possessed these victims’ social security numbers and dates of birth. The co-conspirators then opened bank accounts in the victims’ names and quickly withdrew the fraud proceeds in cash to evade detection by law enforcement.
At his plea hearing, Harris admitted his involvement with five stolen U.S. Treasury checks in August and September 2023, with a combined face value of over $300,000 and in the names of five different victims. Harris also admitted that he personally withdrew $9,000 in fraud proceeds in cash to conceal the location of the fraud proceeds. Finally, Harris admitted that, between June and September 2023, he conspired with others to launder the fraud proceeds.
Harris has prior criminal convictions in Illinois, Georgia, and Oklahoma. He has prior felony convictions for attempting to elude a police officer, driving a motor vehicle under the influence, and running a roadblock in Oklahoma.
Harris is the latest defendant to plead guilty in the Northern District of Iowa as part of the fraudulent U.S. Treasury check scheme. Other individuals convicted include:
Edgar Stacey Delgado, age 32, from East Los Angeles, California, was convicted of one count of Forged Endorsement on a U.S. Treasury Check and one count of Aggravated Identity Theft. On February 26, 2025, Delgado was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release, and he was also ordered to pay $201,510.69 in restitution.
Irvin Lantern, age 68, from Chicago, Illinois, was convicted of one count of Forged Endorsement on a U.S. Treasury Check and one count of Aggravated Identity Theft. On February 4, 2025, Lantern was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release, and he was also ordered to pay $33,000 in restitution. Lantern has an extensive criminal history in Illinois.
Dale Ford, age 60, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of Forged Endorsement on a U.S. Treasury Check and one count of Aggravated Identity Theft. On March 14, 2025, Ford was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release, and he was also ordered to pay $91,916 in restitution. Ford had over 30 prior criminal convictions by the time of his federal sentencing hearing.
Tim Dale Howe, age 62, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of Forged Endorsement on a U.S. Treasury Check and one count of Money Laundering Conspiracy. On July 28, 2025, Howe was sentenced to 6 months of imprisonment, 6 months of home confinement, and three years of supervised release, and he was ordered to pay $87,851.37 in restitution. Howe previously was convicted in Florida in 2005 for committing a sex offense against a child.
Cornelius Devon Hicks, age 50, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of Forged Endorsement on a U.S. Treasury Check and one count of Money Laundering. On July 7, 2025, Hicks was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release, and he was ordered to pay $47,175.65 in restitution. Hicks has an extensive criminal history in Iowa and Tennessee.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Harris remains in the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Harris faces a mandatory minimum sentence of two years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 100 years’ imprisonment, a $3.5 million fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Cedar Rapids Police Department assisted in the investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file numbers are 25-CR-97 (Harris), 23-CR-90 (Delgado), 23-CR-49 (Ford), 23-CR-2077 (Lantern), 24-CR-63 (Howe), and 24-CR-80 (Hicks).
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Central Falls Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Distribution ChargeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Central Falls man involved in narcotics trafficking pleaded guilty today in federal court to distribution of fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda.
Christian Carrion, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of fentanyl. Carrion is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25, 2026. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, up to a $10M fine, and a mandatory minimum of four years of supervised release.
According to court documents, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force conducted an investigation that identified Carrion as involved in fentanyl distribution. As part of that investigation, Carrion sold approximately 56 grams of fentanyl to another individual in May 2025. A search warrant executed at Carrion’s residence approximately two weeks later also resulted in the seizure of cocaine.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julianne Klein and Peter I. Roklan.
The matter was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.
The Safe Streets Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, Rhode Island State Police, the Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, West Warwick, and Central Falls Police Departments, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.
Canadian Man Detained in Connection with “Grandparent Scam” Indictment After Removal from NicaraguaRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on March 24, 2026, Jimmy Ylimaki, 36, of Quebec, Canada, made his initial appearance in the United States District Court for the District of Vermont in connection with an indictment charging him with participating in a “grandparent scam.”
Ylimaki was apprehended in Nicaragua and was removed to the United States. Ylimaki entered a plea of not guilty to the charge before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that Ylimaki be detained pending trial.
According to court records, a “grandparent scam” is a telemarketing fraud scheme involving phone calls made to elderly individuals. The initial callers typically pose as a member of the elderly victim’s family (usually a grandchild) and claim – falsely – to be in legal trouble, such as a motor vehicle accident. A second person posing as an “attorney” representing the family member then states that the elderly victim of the scam needs to provide a large sum of cash – typically thousands or tens of thousands of dollars – to bail the family member out of jail. The “attorneys” involved in this scam often identify themselves by various fictitious names, which sometimes are re-used in connection with calls to multiple elderly victims. Callers utilize a script, which has been crafted over time to refine the deception that is at the heart of the scam. The elderly victim is then instructed to provide the “bail money” to a “bail bondsman” who comes to the elderly victim’s home to collect the money later the same day.
According to court records, Ylimaki played the role of the “attorney” in the “grandparent scam.” Ylimaki was initially encountered inside a call center in Quebec when Canadian law enforcement executed a search warrant on June 4, 2024. Ylimaki is alleged to have been actively placing calls in the moments before the search warrant, and multiple “call lists” containing names, addresses, phone numbers, ages, and annual incomes of elderly Americans were found on his desk.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Ylimaki is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Ylimaki faces up to 20 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, as well as Customs and Border Protection, and recognized the contributions of the United States Department of State Diplomatic Security Service in assisting with locating Ylimaki in Nicaragua.
The prosecutors are Assistant United States Attorneys Nate Burris, Michelle Arra, and Nicole Cate. Ylimaki is represented by Attorney Jessica Burke.
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 Vermont comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Diplomatic Security Service, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and state and local partner agencies, with prosecutions being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont.
Brothers from D.C. Charged with Multiple Counts in Shooting of U.S. Park Police OfficerRead the Press Release
foster_x_foster_complaint_redacted.pdfWASHINGTON – Asheile Foster, 22, and Darren Foster, 21, brothers who reside in the District of Columbia, were charged today in U.S. District Court in connection with the March 23 shooting of a U.S. Park Police Officer, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The Foster brothers face counts of Assault on a Federal Officer, Assault With Intent to Kill While Armed, Possession of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, Aggravated Assault While Armed, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Possession of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. The Fosters made their first appearances today before Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya who scheduled a detention hearing for tomorrow, March 26.
“Those who target law enforcement officers will be identified, apprehended, and held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Asheile Foster, 22, and Darren Foster, 21, fled the scene, but were quickly apprehended by law enforcement. This office will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law to ensure they face the consequences they deserve.”
According to court documents, multiple law enforcement agencies responded about 7:30 p.m. on March 23 to Queens Stroll Place SE and 51st Street SE for a report of a shot U.S. Park Police officer.
The USPP officer had been sitting in an unmarked Tesla Model Y, conducting surveillance on Asheile Foster, who had just departed the U.S. Park Police Anacostia Operations Facility after retrieving personal property stemming from his arrest the previous day.
As the USPP officer sat in his vehicle, two men approached. The men fired several shots in his direction. At least one of the bullets struck the officer in the shoulder. The officer radioed for help, calling out that he’d been hit.
Investigators arrived from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Department of Forensic Sciences. They scoured the scene and recovered 32 shell casings.
Officers canvassed the neighborhood and discovered a black backpack wedged in a fence. The bag contained a Diamondback DB-15 (marked "Cal. Multi") AR-style rifle with no stock. The DB-15 was loaded with 15 rounds of .300 blackout caliber ammunition in the magazine and one round in the chamber.
Police located Darren Foster, took him into custody, and interviewed him shortly after midnight the morning of March 24. Asheile Foster was taken into custody about 6:30 a.m. March 24 as he left a nearby residence. A search of the home’s attic revealed a Glock 19, 9mm pistol loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition in the magazine and one round in the chamber.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Park Police, the ATF Washington Field Division, The Department of Forensic Sciences, and the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Helfand.
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Bronx Man Charged with the Fatal Fentanyl Poisoning of A 12 Year Old BoyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Task Enforcement Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), Farhana Islam, and the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging ARISTIDES CABRERA, a/k/a “Buddha,” with drug crimes resulting in the fatal poisoning of a 12‑year-old child in the Bronx on June 28, 2022. The Indictment also charges CABRERA with having used, carried, and possessed firearms in connection with his drug trafficking crimes. Today, CABRERA was brought into federal custody from New York State custody, where he had been serving state sentences for other firearm and drug crimes. CABRERA will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Jennifer E. Willis. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken.
“As alleged, Aristides Cabrera was an armed drug dealer who pumped deadly drugs into the Bronx for years,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “The havoc that his alleged drug trafficking wrought did not stop at his own doorstep; it resulted in the tragic death of a vulnerable 12-year-old boy in Cabrera’s own home. But even the boy’s death did not stop Cabrera from allegedly continuing to deal drugs, exposing others to the same life-threatening poison that claimed the life of an innocent child. Fentanyl kills. It kills children. If you deal fentanyl, you are dealing death. The women and men of the SDNY, the DEA, the NYPD and all our New York law enforcement partners will hold dealers of death accountable.”
“Weapons, drugs, and violence are too often the hallmarks of drug trafficking organizations operating in our communities,” said DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “Today’s indictment of Aristides Cabera underscores that deadly reality—linking narcotics distribution, firearms, and the devastating loss of a 12-year-old child to fentanyl poisoning. No family should have to endure the pain of losing a child to this poison and the DEA New York Enforcement Division remains vigilant and unwavering in our mission to target these individuals and ensure justice is delivered.”
“Aristedes Cabrera showed a callous disregard for human life, allegedly selling fentanyl in a home where a 12-year-old boy was exposed to the drugs that killed him,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “This case is a devastating example of the danger fentanyl poses, especially when it is brought into a home where children are present. I thank the NYPD officers whose undercover work helped build this case and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their partnership.”
As alleged in the Indictment and other public filings:[1]
From at least in or about November 2017 through at least in or about January 2024, CABRERA and his co-conspirators distributed heroin, fentanyl, and para-fluorofentanyl in the Bronx. CABRERA sold large quantities of heroin and fentanyl to undercover law enforcement officers. In a covert video recording of CABRERA during one of those undercover drug sales—in which CABRERA sold an undercover officer nearly $2,000 worth of fentanyl-laced heroin—CABRERA can be heard, in substance and in part, describing how he was charging higher prices for pills because “it’s a fucking opioid epidemic out here.” At the height of his drug trafficking, CABRERA was making up to approximately $10,000 a week from dealing drugs.
On June 28, 2022, exposure to the fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl distributed by CABRERA caused the death of a twelve-year-old boy who had been residing with CABRERA and others in an apartment in the Bronx.
CABRERA kept significant quantities of his drugs in the apartment, including in a safe stored in a closet just outside of the bedroom that the twelve-year-old boy shared with at least one of his siblings. CABRERA kept two guns in the same safe. He also stored additional drugs, including pills, in the apartment’s primary bedroom, including in bags that he kept there. In the early morning of June 29, 2022, after returning from the hospital where the twelve-year-old boy had been taken and pronounced dead, CABRERA began looking for one of the bags where he stored his drug supply, texting another person he wanted “to make sure nothing is missing.”
Following the boy’s fatal overdose, CABRERA continued to sell drugs throughout New York, including from behind bars in New York state custody while detained during the pendency of the separate firearms and drug charges that resulted in his recent state court convictions.
* * *
CABRERA, 34, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death and one count of distribution of narcotics resulting in death, both of which crimes carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. CABRERA is also charged with one count of firearms use, carrying, and possession, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The statutory minimum and maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the NYPD in connection with this investigation, along with their federal partners at the DEA. Mr. Clayton also thanked the Bronx District Attorney’s Office.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin M. Burkett, Lisa Daniels, and Amanda C. Weingarten are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth in this release constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Boise Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
BOISE – Gary Stanley Williams, 49, of Boise, Idaho, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possessing child sexual abuse material, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today.
According to court records, the investigation began when a citizen reported that Williams was involved in concerning online activity. The citizen provided screenshots of Williams’ online activity that showed him interacting with several online accounts that appeared to be operated by minor females. An undercover detective with the Boise Police Department (“BPD”) later contacted Williams online purporting to be a 14-year-old female. For several days, Williams engaged in sexually explicit conversation with the purported 14-year-old and discussed his interest in child sexual abuse material. Based on the communications, BPD obtained a federal search warrant to seize and search Williams’ electronic devices. During a forensic examination of Williams’ cellphone, BPD located numerous files of child sexual abuse material, including depictions of prepubescent children and toddlers.
Chief U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered Williams to serve a lifetime period of supervised release following his prison sentence and to pay $45,000 in restitution to the victims in the images that he possessed. Williams will be required to register as a sex offender as a result of his conviction.
U.S. Attorney Davis commended the work of the Boise Police Department, which led to the charge. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kassandra McGrady prosecuted the case.
These cases were 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. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Billings man sentenced to over 3 years in prison for illegal firearm possessionRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man who was prohibited from owning firearms was sentenced today to 41 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said.
Andre Lamar Alexander, 19, pleaded guilty in November 2025 to one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. He is prohibited based on a conviction for felony escape in Montana’s Thirteenth Judicial District Court in April 2025.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on August 3, 2025, law enforcement officers responded to a Billings residence after receiving a report that a male suspect had threatened to shoot a teenage female, Jane Doe. Doe said Alexander messaged her, demanding that she return some of his belongings. When Doe arrived at her house, she saw Alexander sitting in a vehicle. He got out of the car holding a pistol and threatened her, saying “You’re so lucky I don’t just shoot you up right now” and “If the cops get involved it’s going to be way worse.” Doe showed the officers messages Alexander sent to her that night, which contained repeated threats to shoot her.
Other responding officers located the vehicle parked nearby and ordered the occupants to exit. Alexander was sitting in the front passenger seat. As he got out, the officers observed a black backpack on the floor at his feet. When they searched Alexander’s bag, the officers seized a black, privately-made Geisler model 19X .40 caliber pistol, two standard magazines, one extended .40 caliber magazine, and Alexander’s wallet.
Alexander later admitted in phone calls from the jail he owned a second gun – a “Glock 17” – that he successfully concealed from the arresting officers. Investigators identified that firearm as a Glock model 17, 9 mm semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine with 39 rounds of 9 mm ammunition.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Yerger prosecuted the case. The ATF and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Attorney General Pamela Bondi Announces Award Recipients at the U.S. Department of Justice 73rd Annual Awards CeremonyRead the Press Release
Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced award recipients at the U.S. Department of Justice Seventy-Third Annual Awards Ceremony held at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
"It is my distinct honor working alongside so many outstanding men and women," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "The commitment to justice, devotion to duty, and selfless service demonstrated each day by our colleagues deserves to be recognized and celebrated. I extend my gratitude to this year's award recipients for their remarkable service and to their families, colleagues, and partners who support them in this incredible mission."
The Department of Justice hosts the annual Attorney General’s Awards to recognize the incredible achievements of its employees and law enforcement partners. The individuals and teams being honored represent the very best of the Department—each of them selected for acts of service that are aligned with the Department of Justice's core mission: upholding the rule of law, keeping the American people safe, and protecting civil rights. The awardees include attorneys, investigators, law enforcement officers, support staff, and many others who have made extraordinary efforts.
The Attorney General Awards include recognition for:
- Excellence in Law Enforcement
- Excellence in Management
- Excellence in Technology or Privacy
- Excellence in Furthering the Interests of U.S. National Security
- Excellence in Legal Support
- Excellence in Administration Support
- K-9 Award
Additionally, the John Marshall Awards recognize outstanding professional achievements by attorneys at the U.S. Department of Justice. These awards are designed to recognize attorneys' outstanding achievements either in trial or litigation, participation in litigation or support of litigation:
- Excellence in Litigation
- Excellence in Providing Legal Advice
- Excellence in Appellate Litigation
Attorney General Awards were also presented for the following achievements:
- Award Asset Forfeiture
- Award for Fraud Prevention
- Outstanding External Contributions
- Rising Star Award
- Edward H. Levi Award for Outstanding Professionalism and Exemplary Integrity
- William French Smith Award for Outstanding Contribution to Cooperative Law Enforcement
- Commitment to Advancing Justice Award
- Outstanding Contributions by a New Employee
Finally, the Attorney General presented the following awards, considered the three highest awards at the Department of Justice.
- The Mary C. Lawton Lifetime Service Award
- Exceptional Heroism
- Distinguished Service
Below is the list of the award recipients, award citations, and summaries of achievement:
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
This award recognizes outstanding professional achievement by a law enforcement officer of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Group Name:
Michael Pratt Investigation Team
Award Citation:
Honored for the relentless pursuit in the investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of a Complex Sex Trafficking Ring Responsible for the Victimization of Over 573 victims.
Synopsis:
This team is nominated for relentlessly pursuing justice against a complex sex trafficking enterprise led by FBI Top Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Michael James Pratt circa 2010 through 2019 operating primarily in the Southern District of California and extending across the United States (U.S.) and abroad.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MANAGEMENT
This award recognizes outstanding administrative or managerial achievements which have significantly improved the operations or productivity of the Department or have reduced costs.
Group Name:
DAAGs Alvarez and Taylor
Awards Citation:
Honored for delivering transformational, enterprise level management results that strengthened the Department’s efficiency, fiscal integrity, and mission readiness during a period of sweeping administrative change.
Christopher Alvarez
Deputy Assistant Attorney General
Controller
Justice Management Division
William N. Taylor II
Deputy Assistant Attorney General
Management and Compliance
Justice Management Division
Synopsis:
Deputy Assistant Attorneys General (DAAGs) Christopher Alvarez and William Taylor delivered transformational, enterprise level management results that strengthened the Department’s efficiency, fiscal integrity, and mission readiness during a period of sweeping administrative change.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MANAGEMENT
Award Citation:
Honored for exceptional service as Acting Director of the Executive Office for Immigration Review.
Sirce E. Owen
Appellate Immigration Judge
Board of Immigration Appeals
Executive Office for Immigration Review
Synopsis:
Judge Owen is an accomplished Appellate Immigration Judge who stepped into the highest leadership role in EOIR at a pivotal time. Her dedicated service to the Department of Justice and EOIR was critical to implementing important new Administration priorities related to immigration, national security, and the rule of law. Under her leadership, EOIR’s pending caseload was reduced by 10%, or over 400,000 cases. She also restored the Agency’s mission to adjudicate cases in a fair, impartial, and expeditious manner.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TECHNOLOGY OR PRIVACY
This award recognizes outstanding contributions by U.S. Department of Justice employees in applying information technology to improve the operations or productivity of the Department, reduce or avoid costs, or solve problems, as well as recognizing outstanding achievements in privacy law, policy, and compliance.
Group Name:
Matrix Implementation Team
Award Citation:
Honored for exceptional effort and diligence in the sweeping modernization of USAO-DC's Case Management System.
Jeffrey Wojcik
Department Chief, SCGCCIU
District of Columbia
Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Petula Coon
Derek Meeks
Supervisor IT Specialist
District of Columbia
Executive Office for United States Attorney and
the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Kori Arsenault
Paralegal Specialist
District of Columbia
Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Roopa Dasari
IT Specialist
District of Columbia
Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Jessica Moffatt
Program Analyst (Chief of Staff)
District of Columbia
Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Alex Reber
Information Technology Program Manager
Office of the Chief Information Officer
Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Synopsis:
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia (USAO-DC) Matrix Implementation Team led a sweeping modernization of the office’s long-outdated case management system, culminating in the successful deployment of the Matrix platform in 2025.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TECHNOLOGY OR PRIVACY
Group Name:
Immigration Enforcement Efficiency Enhancement
Award Citation:
Honored for exceptional innovation in developing real-time mobile and case management technologies to track immigration, TCO, and FTO enforcement data for the DOJ.
Brandon J. Leach
Branch Chief/Intelligence Research Specialist Geospatial and Intelligence Systems Branch
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives
Christopher Bailey
Katherine E. Brady
Richard M. Nieto
Project Officer
Spartan Program Management Branch
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Gregory W. Dreaper
National Geospatial Program Manager
Geospatial and Intelligence Systems Branch
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Cory J. Schleyer
Intelligence Operations Specialist Geospatial and Intelligence Systems Branch
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
John Cook
Project Manager
Spartan Program Management Branch
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Synopsis:
The Immigration and TCO Enforcement Data Modernization Team is nominated for the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Technology for their transformative work in establishing a real-time data collection ecosystem supporting high-priority DOJ and Administration initiatives. To address the urgent need for accurate intelligence on immigration enforcement operations, Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs), and Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), the team developed a dual-front technological solution. The team conceptualized and deployed the ATF’s mobile application for operational reporting, allowing Special Agents to transmit real-time data on arrests, geolocations, and interagency support directly from the field. This innovation replaced labor-intensive manual reporting, significantly reducing administrative overhead and providing Executive Leadership with immediate operational visibility.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FURTHERING THE INTERESTS OF U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY
This award recognizes a special act or service that has greatly contributed to furthering the interests of national security by protecting citizens and infrastructure, contributing to successful high-profile investigations, or participating in prosecutions in the areas of foreign counterintelligence, terrorism, or espionage.
Group Name:
Miami Field Division Counternarcotic Cyber Investigations Task Force (CCITF)
Award Citation:
Excellence in furthering the interests of U.S. National Security by Assisting with the U.S. fentanyl epidemic and the DEA “One Pill Can Kill” Program.
Synopsis:
This team is nominated for its historic achievement in working to thwart the global fentanyl supply chain by targeting China and India-based chemical manufacturers who played a key role in the manufacturing, selling, and importing ton quantities of fentanyl precursor chemicals into the U.S.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN LEGAL SUPPORT
This award recognizes outstanding achievements in the field of legal support to attorneys.
Awards Citation:
Honored in Excellence in Legal Support
Tria Yang
Legal Assistant
Baltimore Immigration Court
Executive Office for Immigration Review
Synopsis:
Since 2016, Ms. Yang has been a cornerstone of both detained and non-detained dockets at the Baltimore and York Immigration Courts. As a subject matter expert, she was the cornerstone of the Immigration Court’s electronic file pilot program, Judicial Tools, translating complex court needs into functional IT updates that now benefit the entire agency.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
This award recognizes outstanding administrative or managerial achievements (e.g., human resources, financial management, information technology, and general non-legal administrative support).
Award Citation:
Exceptional administrative support in leading the reorganization of several hundred employees to the Criminal Division.
Brandon M. Morrison
Chief Administrative Director
Office of Administration
Criminal Division
Synopsis:
Brandon Morrison was integral in planning and executing a series of complex reorganizations into and within the Criminal Division in 2025.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Award Citation:
Excellence in the administrative support of efforts to combat violent crime in New Mexico.
Amanda L. Walmsley
Investigative Analyst
Albuquerque III Field Office
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Synopsis:
Investigative Analyst (IA) Amanda Walmsley is an ideal team player – humble, hungry, and smart. Since joining ATF, IA Walmsley’s work ethic and enthusiasm have been invaluable, ensuring that the work she supports is carried out efficiently, and with the necessary resources. She embraces the duties of her position and is always the first to volunteer for assignments of all shapes and sizes, including those that many would perceive to be tedious or undesirable.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Award Citation:
Honored for her unwavering commitment to the Federal Bureau of Prisons and her excellence in providing administrative support.
Amilene Wachter
Warden Secretary
Federal Correction Complex Allenwood
Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System
Synopsis:
Ms. Wachter is a dedicated government employee with over 28 years of exemplary service. As the Complex Warden’s Secretary, she manages complex-level meetings and events, executive scheduling, budget oversight, Community Relations Board coordination, Administrative Remedies, Sentence Reduction and Compassionate Release processing under the First Step Act, and ensures all documentation is accurate and ready for Warden approval.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR TOP K-9 OR K-9 TEAM
This award recognizes outstanding work done by a federal service K-9 or K-9 Team in support of the Department’s mission and every day encounters with the real world.
Award Citation:
Honored for exceptional service in linking violent crime cases through K-9 ballistic evidence recovery in Houston, TX.
Jim Osburg
Special Agent Canine Handler
Houston Field Division
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
K-9 Lady
Canine
Houston Field Division
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Synopsis:
Special Agent Jim Osburg and ATF K9 Lady have established themselves as one of the most effective K9 teams supporting violent crime investigations in the Houston area. During FY 2025, they conducted 160 evidence-related searches, recovering more than 843 pieces of ballistic and firearms evidence and generating 123 NIBIN hits.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR TOP K-9 OR K-9 TEAM
Award Citation:
Honored for actions of SACH Michael McGrath, through his training, intuition, heroism and overall courage, saved countless law enforcement officer’s lives that morning.
Michael McGrath
Special Agent Canine Handler
Kansas City Field
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
K-9 Diggs
Canine
Kansas City Field
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Synopsis:
SACH McGrath and his canine partner, “Diggs,” were responsible for assisting not only ATF, but the surrounding State, Federal and local partner agencies in the search and recovery of explosives, and ballistic and firearm related evidence at the scenes of violent crimes. SACH McGrath and his actions saved the lives of several St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Officers on the morning of May 9, 2025.
THE JOHN MARSHALL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN LITIGATION
This award recognizes outstanding professional achievement by attorneys only of the U.S. Department of Justice. The award is designed to recognize attorneys outstanding achievement either in trial or litigation, participation in litigation or support of litigation.
Group Name:
Curtailing Universal Injunctions Litigation Team
Award Citation:
Honored for exceptional service in advancing arguments at all levels of the judicial system to curtail universal injunctions.
Curtis E. Gannon
Deputy Solicitor General
Office of the Solicitor General
Harry S. Graver
Vivek Suri
Assistant to the Solicitor General
Office of the Solicitor General
Brandley A. Hinshelwood
Assistant Director
Appellate Staff
Civil Division
Kathleen C. Jacobs
Trial Attorney
Federal Programs
Civil Division
Sharon M. Swingle
Deputy Director
Appellate Staff
Civil Division
Derek L. Weiss
Trial Attorney
Appellate Staff
Civil Division
Synopsis:
In Trump v. CASA, Inc., the Supreme Court issued a landmark decision limiting the use of universal injunctions, holding that such injunctions exceed the judicial power of courts unless necessary to provide a named plaintiff with complete relief. Before this decision, plaintiffs challenging government policies could obtain nationwide injunctive relief in a single court, effectively blocking implementation of policies across the entire country on an expedited basis. This practice allowed plaintiffs to forum-shop by filing lawsuits in jurisdictions they perceived as favorable, requiring the government to prevail in every case, while plaintiffs needed to win only once. The DOJ litigation team defended multiple simultaneous lawsuits challenging the Executive Order and strategically developed arguments addressing the constitutional merits as well as the scope of injunctive relief itself.
THE JOHN MARSHALL AWARD FOR PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE
This award recognizes an attorney or group furnishing sound legal opinions and expertise, supported by appropriate documentation and research, in areas involving significant litigation or matters of importance to the Government.
Award Citation:
Honored for exceptional service in securing the expulsion of 55 High-Value Fugitives and Cartel Leaders under Mexico’s National Security Law.
Bethany A. Allen
Jorge A. Kotelanski
Trial Attorney
Office of International Affairs
Criminal Division
Rocio Zamudio
Department of Justice Attache’
Office of International Affairs
Criminal Division
Synopsis:
OIA oversaw the first two transfers of high-priority fugitives from Mexico to the United States under Mexico's National Security law. The first transfer of 29 fugitives from Mexico occurred in February 2025, followed by a second transfer of 26 fugitives in August 2025. Transferred fugitives included Rafael Caro Quintero, who organized the torture and killing of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena-Salazar and Abdual Karim Conteh, the leader of an organization responsible for smuggling migrants from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
THE JOHN MARSHALL AWARD FOR APPELLATE LITIGATION
This award recognizes the entire spectrum of legal efforts involved in presenting the Government’s major cases in appellate courts, including the presentation of oral arguments, and supervising or participating in the preparation of written briefs.
Group Name:
Global Health Council v. USAID Litigation Team
Award Citation:
Honored for Appellate Litigation to the Global Health Council v. USAID Litigation Team.
Zoe Jacoby
Assistant to the Solicitor General
Office of the Solicitor General
Christopher Edelman
Sean Janda
Joshua Schopf
Brian Springer
Indraneel Sur
Trial Attorney
Civil Division
Daniel Tenny
Senior Level Appellate Counsel
Civil Division
Synopsis:
The team is nominated for its extraordinary work on Global Health Council v. USAID. This litigation arose out of the President’s determination that certain previous foreign-aid spending does not reflect American values and interests and his direction to relevant agencies to ensure that, moving forward, those funds are disbursed to support programs that align with the President’s policy priorities.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR ASSET FORFEITURE
This award recognizes outstanding legal efforts or other actions by employees from any Component of the Department in support of the Government’s asset forfeiture programs.
Group Name:
The Venezuela Tanker Seizure Team
Award Citation:
Honored for investigating and seizing three oil tankers that were used by Venezuela, Iran, and others to Generate Revenue for Terrorist Organizations.
Margaret Moeser
Chief
Money Laundering, Narcotics, and Forfeiture Section
Criminal Division
Michael DiLorenzo
Deputy Chief
District of Columbia
Executive Office for United States Attorney
and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Sean Heiden
Acting Deputy Chief
Counterintelligence and Export Control Section National Security Division
Gene Patton
Deputy Chief
Money Laundering, Narcotics, and Forfeiture Section
Program Operations Unit
Criminal Division
Rajbir Datta
Assistant United States Attorney
District of Columbia
Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Cindy R. Burnham
Special Agent
Minneapolis Field Office
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Synopsis:
The Venezuela Tanker Seizure Team is nominated for the Attorney General’s Award for Asset Forfeiture for its extraordinarily successful investigations and seizures of three very large crude carrier (VLCC) oil tankers that were used by Venezuela, Iran, and others to generate revenue in support of rogue regimes and terrorist organizations. The team demonstrated exceptional creativity, perseverance, determination, and dedication to the pursuit of justice and in helping enforce the President’s oil quarantine imposed against the illegitimate Maduro regime in Venezuela.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR FRAUD PREVENTION
This award recognizes those who have been involved with the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud and other white-collar crimes.
Group Name:
Operation Gold Rush
Award Citation:
Honored for exceptional service in the investigation and prosecution of over $10 Billion Health Care Fraud Scheme by a Transnational Criminal Organization.
Andres Q. Almendarez
Sara E. Porter
Leonid Sandlar
Trial Attorney
Fraud Section
Criminal Division
Patrick Gifford
Data Analyst
Fraud Section
Criminal Division
Kevin P. Lowell
Shankar Ramamurthy
Assistant Deputy Chief
Fraud Section
Criminal Division
David C. Nelson
Assistant U.S. Attorney
District of Connecticut
Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Sarah Calgreen
Deputy U.S. Marshal
District of Connecticut
United States Marshals Service
Synopsis:
A nationwide investigation known as Operation Gold Rush resulted in the largest loss amount ever charged in a health care fraud case brought by the Department. These charges were announced in the Eastern District of New York, the Northern District of Illinois, the Central District of California, the Middle District of Florida, and the District of New Jersey, and included charges brought against defendants who were apprehended in Estonia as a result of international cooperation with Estonian law enforcement and defendants who were arrested at U.S. airports and the U.S. border with Mexico, cutting off their intended escape routes as they attempted to avoid capture.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING EXTERNAL CONTRIBUTIONS
This award recognizes individuals or teams who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill in fostering collaboration between government agencies and community stakeholders to enhance public safety or have rendered exceptionally helpful assistance to the Department in high-visibility litigation.
Award Citation:
Honored for outstanding external contributions in support of animal welfare.
Lauree Simmons
President and Founder
Big Dog Ranch Rescue
Synopsis:
Right before January 1, 2026, Lauree Simmons, the founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, received horrific information about animal abuse happening at a Texas breeding ranch with more than 100 dogs living in squalor. Within hours, Ms. Simmons and her team brought the matter to the attention of the Department of Justice. The FBI and USDA then executed a search warrant, deeming the dogs unsafe to remain on the property. Ms. Simmons and her organization ultimately saved more than 50 German Shepherds, placing many in loving homes and housing the rest.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S RISING STAR AWARD
The Attorney General’s Rising Star Award is designed to recognize individual attorneys who have five years or less post law school and significant professional achievements and contributions to the federal government and the Department of Justice mission.
Award Citation:
Honored for leading the office in indictments, sentencings, and jury trials, indicting 60 cases, 86 defendants, and reviewing hundreds of warrants.
Mac Caille L. Petursson
Assistant United States Attorney
District of Alaska
Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Synopsis:
In her first year as an AUSA, 2024, Ms. Petursson indicted 34 cases against 37 defendants, reviewed 131 postal drug interdiction warrants, conducted one jury trial. In her spare time, she authored an article on courtroom psychology for the October 2024 issue of the DOJ Journal of Federal Law and Practice. In 2025, she indicted 26 cases against a total of 49 defendants, including two complex white collar fraud cases, a seven-defendant OCDETF/HSTF fentanyl conspiracy, a five defendant Lacey Act conspiracy, two cartel-related drug conspiracies, and five child sexual exploitation cases. She reviewed an additional 164 postal parcel warrants, more than double the number handled by the rest of the office combined. She received a regional award from the Postal Inspection Service for her exemplary work. In 2025, she led the office in case openings, pending cases as lead counsel, and was in the top three in sentencings. She authored a second DOJ Journal article, this time on international cooperation in cybercrime prosecutions in the March 2025 issue.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S RISING STAR AWARD
Award Citation:
Honored for the Attorney General’s Award for a rising star for the Civil Division’s Appellate Staff.
Derek L. Weiss
Trial Attorney
Appellate Staff
Civil Division
Synopsis:
Derek Weiss, an attorney on the Civil Division’s Appellate Staff, is widely recognized as a rising star at the DOJ. Mr. Weiss, who attended Yale Law School after a decade-long career in private equity, joined the Department in October 2024 following clerkships with Hon. Kevin Newsom on the Eleventh Circuit and Hon. Neomi Rao on the D.C. Circuit. He immediately became an essential part of the litigation team defending some of the Department’s most significant matters to date.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S RISING STAR AWARD
Award Citation:
Honored for outsized role to protect houses of worship utilizing and pursuing the criminal investigation of a nationally significant assassination.
Orlando Sonza
Counsel
Office of the Assistant Attorney General
Civil Rights Division
Synopsis:
Counsel Orlando Sonza has rapidly distinguished himself taking on an outsized role pursuing three critical, priority matters. First, Mr. Sonza played a pivotal role in United States v. Party for Socialism and Liberation, et al., the first civil FACE Act case ever brought by DOJ to protect a house of worship, arising from an attack against a synagogue in West Orange, New Jersey. Second, Mr. Sonza continues to help lead the ongoing federal investigation into the assassination of Charlie Kirk, one of the most sensitive and consequential matters currently handled by the Civil Rights Division. Lastly and most recently, Mr. Sonza was instrumental in helping lead the investigation and indictment of Don Lemon et al. in the case involving an attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.
THE EDWARD H. LEVI AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONALISM AND EXEMPLARY INTEGRITY
This award honors the memory and achievements of former Attorney General Edward H. Levi, whose career as an attorney, law professor and dean, and public servant exemplified these qualities in the best traditions of the Department.
Award Citation:
Recognized for exceptional service in responding to violent protest in Los Angeles.
Frances S. Lewis
Chief, General Crimes
Central District of California
Executive Office for United States Attorney
and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Synopsis:
General Crimes Section Chief AUSA Frances Lewis exemplifies the best traditions of the Department of Justice in showing dedication, leadership, and courage in mobilizing the response of the United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California to the civil unrest in Los Angeles arising out of federal immigration enforcement actions. Since June 2025, Chief Lewis and the General Crimes Section have filed criminal complaints against over 100 individuals who have committed violence at protests or otherwise tried to interfere with federal immigration enforcement, including by assaulting federal officers.
THE EDWARD H. LEVI AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONALISM AND EXEMPLARY INTEGRITY
Award Citation:
Recognized for outstanding professionalism and exemplary integrity in the performance of duties.
Michael Moran
ReEntry Affairs Coordinator
FMC Devens
Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System
Synopsis:
In September 2024, Reentry Affairs Coordinator Michael Moran demonstrated exceptional professionalism, integrity, and leadership by conceptualizing and leading the development of a virtual Pre/Reentry presentation designed to educate newly sentenced individuals and their families about the federal incarceration and reentry process.
WILLIAM FRENCH SMITH AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO COOPERATIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT
This award honors the memory and achievements of former Attorney General William French Smith for his establishment of Law Enforcement Coordinating Committees and his outstanding efforts in promoting law enforcement cooperation and coordination throughout the Nation. The William French Smith award recognizes state and local law enforcement officials who, through their participation in cooperative interagency efforts, have made significant contributions to law enforcement endeavors and objectives.
Group Name:
D.C. Metropolitan Police Department D.C. Crime Emergency Leadership
Award Citation:
Honored for exceptional law enforcement cooperation by providing instrumental efforts in developing an interagency infrastructure and execution framework.
Jeffrey W. Carroll
Chief of Police
D.C. Metropolitan Police Department
Jason Bagshaw
Commander
Special Operation Division
D.C. Metropolitan Police Department
Synopsis:
The United States Marshals Service (USMS) nominated the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department D.C. Crime Emergency Leadership Team consisting of Chief of Police Jeffrey Carroll and Commander Jason Bagshaw of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) for the William French Smith Award for Outstanding Contributions to Cooperative Law Enforcement for their exceptional leadership and instrumental efforts developing the interagency operational concept, infrastructure, and execution framework.
WILLIAM FRENCH SMITH AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO COOPERATIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT
Award Citation:
Recognized for excellence in cooperative law enforcement for Spearheading Federal Surge Efforts and Securing $727M in Department of Homeland Security Funding to Support Agents and Title 8 Enforcement.
Colin M. McDonald
Assistant United States Attorney
California Southern District
Executive Office for United States
Attorney and the Office of the United States Attorneys
Synopsis:
Colin is recommended for the William French Smith Award for Outstanding Contributions to Cooperative Law Enforcement. Over the past year, Colin has made significant contributions to cooperative law enforcement endeavors by spearheading the Department's surge efforts, overseeing a portfolio of law enforcement components, participating in the DC Safe & Beautiful Law Enforcement Hiring efforts, establishing and securing $15 million in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) One Big Beautiful Bill funding for Special Act Awards process for Law Enforcement staff supporting Title 8 Immigration Enforcement, and securing $712 million in funding from DHS Homeland Security Task Forces One Big Beautiful Bill funding to support agents in the Department’s law enforcement components.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR COMMITMENT TO ADVANCING JUSTICE AWARD
This award recognizes individuals or teams who have made exceptional contributions to the investigation and resolution of long-standing cold cases. It honors the dedication, persistence, and investigative excellence required to revisit unresolved cases and pursue justice years—sometimes decades—after the original investigation.
Group Name:
US v. James Williams (Murder-for-hire)
Award Citation:
This award recognizes exceptional service in the investigation and prosecution of conspiracies to commit murder for hire in Michigan.
Mark S. Bilkovic
Tare Wigod
Assistant United States Attorneys
Criminal
Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the United States Attorneys
Synopsis:
In 2013, Clifton Page was bound with duct tape and executed in his home in Detroit, Michigan. Three years later, Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Bilkovic and A. Tare Wigod began their investigation of this murder. Through a multi-year investigation—and an immense amount of hard work— the AUSAs solved the murder of Page, five other cold-case murders, and three attempted murders.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR COMMITMENT TO ADVANCING JUSTICE AWARD
Group Name:
Bowling Green, Kentucky Cold Case
Award Citation:
This award recognizes excellence in cold case resolution for using advanced forensic DNA to solve the 1996 abduction of Morgan Violi and secure justice after thirty years.
Kyle G. Bumgarner
Assistant United States Attorney
District of Western Kentucky
Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the United States Attorneys
Brian P. Butler
First Assistant United States Attorney
District of Western Kentucky
Executive Office for United States
Attorney and the Office of the United
States Attorneys
Renee S. Chouinard
Special Agent
Louisville Field Office
Federal Bureau of Investigation
David Grimsley
Detective
Bowling Green Police Department Criminal
Investigations Division
William B. Kurtz
Supervisory Special Agent
Louisville Field Office
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Eric L. Stroud
Special Agent
Louisville Field Office
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Laura M. Stump
Intelligence Analyst
Louisville Field Office
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Synopsis:
On July 24, 1996, seven-year-old Morgan Violi was abducted while playing outside her apartment complex in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Despite an immediate and extensive search, the case remained unsolved for decades, leaving a family and community without answers. Years later, investigators revisited the evidence (one which was fiber recovered from Morgan’s hair) using advanced forensic DNA technology, uncovering new leads that ultimately identified a suspect, Robert S. Froberg.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR COMMITMENT TO ADVANCING JUSTICE AWARD
Group Name:
Operation Sombra De La Bestia (Shadow of the Beast)
Award Citation:
This award recognizes excellence in the use of multiple investigative techniques and multi-agency collaboration for the investigation of four gang cold-case murders during Operation Sombra De La Bestia (Shadow of the Beast).
Brian N. Dobbins
Chief, Special Prosecutions
Southern District of Florida
Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the United States Attorneys
Elena Smukler-Dominguez
Assistant United States Attorney
Southern District of Florida
Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Manolo Reboso Jr.
Executive Assistant United States Attorney
Southern District of Florida
Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the United States Attorneys
Hayden P. O’Byrne
Special Counsel to the
United States Attorney
Southern District of Florida
Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Nathan K. Ferguson
Supervisory Special Agent
Miami Field Office
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Robert Drake
Detective
Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office
Andrew Gianino
Detective
Broward County Sheriff’s Office
Davis Hernandez
Juan Miranda
Border Patrol Agent
Kentucky Western District
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Ashley L. Law
Paralegal
Southern District of Florida
Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Synopsis:
Awarded for their efforts in a multi-jurisdictional investigation focused on a series of four unsolved gang related murders committed by MS-13 members between November 2014 to October 2015.
THE MARY C. LAWTON LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD
This award recognizes employees who have served at least 20 years in the Department and who have demonstrated high standards of excellence and dedication throughout their careers.
Award Citation:
Honored for demonstrating exceptional creativity and legal analysis to make the best use of electronic evidence in the Department's most important cases.
Nathan Judish
Trial Attorney
Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section
Criminal Division
Synopsis:
Over the last 25 plus years, nothing has transformed the law or life more than computers. During that time, Nathan Judish has been the United States’ leading expert on the law of electronic evidence. Nathan has argued numerous cases of first impression before Magistrate Judges, District Judges, and a majority of the Courts of Appeals (3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th Circuits, including end banc arguments), in addition to preparing the Office of Solicitor General in a number of cases before the Supreme Court of the United States.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR EXCEPTIONAL HEROISM
This award recognizes exceptional heroism designed to recognize an extraordinary act of courage or voluntary risk of life during the performance of duty.
Award Citation:
Honored for bravery and selfless extraordinary act of courage or voluntary risk of life during the performance of duty.
John Thompson
Special Agent
Cleveland Field Office
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Synopsis:
On July 23, 2025, FBI SA John Thompson responded with two Lorain detectives to the scene of what was later determined to be an ambush of police by a bad actor. The shooter pulled his car into a cul-de-sac in a position perpendicular to the police cruisers, exited his vehicle and opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle, mortally wounding Officer Phillip Wagner and then retreated to his car and pulled out a cache of semi-automatic rifles in various firing positions around his vehicles. SA Thompson arrived at the scene and was met with rifle shots fired in his direction. SA Thompson observed Officer Brent Payne running toward him and away from the shooter, who was still firing at Officer Payne. SA Thompson observed Officer Payne struck by bullets and go down. SA Thompson bravely and courageously ran in the direction of the gunfire to reach the downed officer and remove him from the barrage of oncoming fire. SA Thompson applied lifesaving first aid in the form of a tourniquet to Officer Payne’s arms, and injured leg and then removed the officer to the hospital. The Captain who oversaw the investigation told the FBI Cleveland Executive Management that SA Thompson’s actions undoubtedly saved Officer Payne’s life.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
This is the second highest award granted by the Attorney General and recognizes outstanding service and commitment to the Department.
Group Name:
Southwest Border Group 1
Award Citation:
Honored for exceptional service in dismantling major cartel-linked Operating in U.S. and abroad.
Synopsis:
Southwest Border Group 1 (SWB1) of the Los Angeles Field Division (LAFD) displayed exceptional service in furtherance of the DEA’s mission by its investigations into multiple Narco Terrorist Groups operating in locations such as Mexico, Colombia, Spain, South America, France, Belgium, Canada, and the United States.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Group Name:
Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV)
Award Citation:
Honored for distinguished service in the investigation and prosecution of Foreign Terrorist Organizations MS-13 and Teren de Aragua (TdA).
Christopher A. Easton
Jacob E. Warren
Co-Director
Joint Task Force Vulcan
Office of the Deputy Attorney General
Jeremy I. Franker
David C. Smith
Deputy Director
Joint Task Force Vulcan
Office of the Deputy Attorney General
Angel L. Martinez
Chief of Intelligence
Joint Task Force Vulcan
Office of the Deputy Attorney General
Andrew K. Chan
Julie A. Childress
Katelan M. Doyle
Gilberto Guerrero Jr.
Jason M. Harley
James Keller
Kelly J. McGann
Jacob H. Operskalski
Josephine W. Thomas
Jun Xiang
Trial Attorney
Joint Task Force Vulcan
Office of the Deputy Attorney General
Synopsis:
Collectively, the nominees enabled a coordinated national takedown in December 2025 spanning the Districts of Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, the Southern District of New York, and the Southern District of Texas, charging more than 70 TdA leaders and members in a unified enforcement action.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Award Citation:
Honored for exceptional service during the DCA Midair Collision involving a commercial aircraft and a U.S. Army UH-60-L helicopter, resulting in 67 fatalities.
Timothy J. Dietz
Laura M. Janowski
Supervisory Special Agent
Laboratory Division
Federal Bureau of Investigation
John Longmire
Supervisory Special Agent
Cyber Division
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Bryan T. Johnson
Physical Scientist
Laboratory Division
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Melissa Lawrence
Joseph G. Marx
Special Agent
Washington Field Office
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Stephen T. Melson
Supervisory Forensic Operations Specialist Laboratory Division
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Gerald L. Roberts
Forensic Operations Specialist
Laboratory Division
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Synopsis:
FBI Laboratory Division’s Evidence Response Team Unit (ERTU), Technical Hazardous Response Unit (THRU), Disaster Victim Identification Squad (DVIS) as part of the Latent Print Operations Unit (LPOU), and Washington Field Office Underwater Search and Evidence Response Team (USERT), Evidence Response Team (ERT), and Hazardous Evidence Response Team (HERT) are being nominated for their demonstration of extraordinary courage, competence, and professionalism during the response to the DCA Midair Collision involving a commercial aircraft and a U.S. Army UH-60-L helicopter, which resulted in the loss of 67 lives and both aircrafts entering the Potomac River.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S DAVID MARGOLIS AWARD FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
This is the highest award granted by the Attorney General within the U.S. Department of Justice. It is named in honor of former Associate Deputy Attorney General, David Margolis, one of the senior-most career employees at the Department of Justice, who served over 50 years in many key roles.
Group Name:
Washington D.C. Safe & Beautiful Task Force - U.S. Marshals Service Leadership Team
Award Citation:
Honored for a successful operation under pressure, delivering record-setting results while leading a prominent federal violent-crime reduction operation.
Gadyaces S. Serralta
Director
United States Marshals Service
Michelle C. Hamilton
Donald Snider
Chief
Investigative Operations Division
United States Marshals Service
David R. Smith
Oscar Torres
Chief
Tactical Operations Division
United States Marshals Service
Tristan Martin
Senior Inspector
Investigative Operations Division
United States Marshals Service
Saturnina Reyes
Assistant Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal
District of Columbia Superior Court
United States Marshals Service
Synopsis:
On August 9, 2025, President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pamela Bondi appointed the U.S. Marshals Service, under the leadership of Director Gadyaces Serralta, to command the Washington D.C. Safe & Beautiful Task Force. Director Serralta established an integrated command team to lead incident, operational, and intelligence functions for this unprecedented federal public safety surge
The Attorney General expresses her appreciation to the following Department officials for their assistance in evaluating the awards nominations. The 2025 award recipients were recommended and selected from a group of highly qualified nominees.
Chairperson
- Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General, Chair or Designee
Members
- Stanley Woodward, Associate Attorney General Office of the Associate Attorney General
- Jolene Ann Lauria, Assistant Attorney General for Administration, Justice Management Division
- Catharine Cypher, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Attorney General
- Hayley Conklin, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Attorney General
- Francey Hakes, Director, Executive Office for Unites States Attorneys
- Dana Lindblad, Deputy Chief of Staff Office of the Director, United States Marshals Service
Ex Officio Member
- James McHenry, Jr., Acting Principal Associate Deputy Associate Attorney General, Office of the Deputy Attorney General
Executive Secretary
- Jacqueline D. Jones, Executive Officer, Justice Management Division
Armenian Man Extradited to U.S. Faces Charges for Role in Infostealing Malware SchemeRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – An Armenian man made his initial appearance in an Austin federal court Tuesday after being extradited to the U.S. on criminal charges related to his alleged role in an infostealer scheme, announced U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons.
According to court documents, Hambardzum Minasyan allegedly conspired with others to enrich himself by developing and administering RedLine, one of the most prevalent infostealing malware variants in the world, which has previously been used to conduct intrusions against major corporations. When executed, RedLine would steal data, including access devices, from victims’ computers.
A three-count indictment alleges the conspirators maintained digital infrastructure, including C2 servers and administrative panels to enable the deployment of the malware by affiliates, and collected payments from RedLine affiliates, allowing the affiliates to use the infostealer against victims. Additionally, they allegedly responded to questions and requests from actual and potential RedLine affiliates, conspired with each other and affiliates to steal and possess the financial information, including access devices, of victims, and laundered the proceeds of cybercrime through cryptocurrency exchanges and other means.
The indictment alleges that Minasyan registered two virtual private servers to host portions of RedLine’s infrastructure as well as two internet domains in support of the RedLine scheme. He also allegedly created repositories on an online file sharing site that were used to distribute RedLine to affiliates. In November 2021, he allegedly registered a cryptocurrency account that was used to receive payments from RedLine affiliates.
In October 2024, the Department of Justice joined the Netherlands, Belgium, Eurojust and other partners in announcing an international disruption effort against the current version of RedLine Infostealer. International authorities have created a website at www.operation-magnus.com with additional resources for the public and potential victims. At the same time, the Justice Department unsealed charges against alleged co-conspirator Maxim Rudometov, one of the developers and administrators of RedLine Infostealer.
Minasyan is charged with conspiracy to commit access device fraud, conspiracy to violate the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison for access device fraud and up to 20 years in prison for the other two counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This is a joint investigation by the FBI Austin Cyber Task Force, which consists of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, the DoD Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and Army Criminal Investigation Division, among other agencies.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Mangels is prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs secured the arrest and March 23 extradition of Minasyan and provided significant assistance throughout the investigation. The Criminal Division’s International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property (ICHIP) attorney advisor, who is based at Eurojust in The Hague, also provided assistance.
The Justice Department provides cybercrime technical assistance to foreign law enforcement, prosecutorial, and judicial partners in other countries through the ICHIP program. Learn more about the Criminal Division’s ICHIP Program, jointly administered by the Criminal Division’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) and the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section through a partnership between the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, here.
An indictment/criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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24 March 2026
Zuni Man Charged with Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man was indicted on federal sexual abuse charges related to an alleged assault.
According to court records, on June 11, 2024, Karl Devain Escobar, 33, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, engaged in a sex act with Jane Doe using force and without her consent.
Escobar is charged with sexual abuse and aggravated sexual abuse. He will remain in third party custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Escobar faces up to life in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.
An 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.
Wichita man recently released from state prison sentenced to federal prisonRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man was sentenced to 120 months in prison for selling methamphetamine to an undercover police officer.
According to court documents, Wayne F. Fleming, 41, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance.
In May 2021, Fleming sold drugs multiple times to an undercover officer with the Wichita Police Department. Testing by the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center showed the total amount Fleming sold to the officer to be more than 200 grams of pure methamphetamine.
“Mr. Fleming was federally indicted in 2021, but before a plea agreement was reached, Mr. Fleming went to state prison to serve time for offenses unrelated to the federal case,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “The Department of Justice doesn’t forget. Not long after his release from a state prison, Mr. Fleming is now an inmate in a federal prison.”
The Wichita Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak prosecuted the case.
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Uruguayan Man Pleads Guilty to Agreeing to Move Money into the U.S. to Circumvent U.S. Sanctions Relating to Venezuelan OfficialsRead the Press Release
A Uruguayan man pleaded guilty today to agreeing to use an unlicensed money services business to circumvent U.S. sanctions relating to Venezuela by transferring nearly $100,000 from the Dominican Republic into a U.S. bank account.
According to court documents, Irazmar Carbajal De Jesus, 60, agreed to transfer approximately $99,500 delivered in cash in the Dominican Republic to a specified bank account in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The agents told the defendant’s partner that the funds were from a sanctioned person from the Venezuela government who needed help moving them to the United States.
Carbajal and his partner advised that the fee would be 20 percent for this service, which included creating fake invoices to justify the transactions to the banks and the use of several accounts to transmit the funds. Carbajal referred to the funds in coded language, identifying them as a “boy who needs to be taken to school.”
Carbajal pleaded guilty to conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 12 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida, and Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Division made the announcement.
The FBI International Corruption Unit in Miami investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Barbara Levy of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nalina Sombuntham for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section’s (MNF) mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.
MNF’s International Unit investigates and prosecutes cross-border money laundering schemes involving transnational criminal organizations, cartels, foreign official corruption and related money laundering affecting the U.S. financial system and prosecutes criminal cases and civil forfeiture matters to recover the proceeds of those crimes.
United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda Announces Leadership TeamRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda today announced the appointment of Dulce Donovan to First Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island. A veteran federal prosecutor, Ms. Donovan will serve as the office’s second-in-command and oversee day-to-day operations, including criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, and administrative functions across the district.
Ms. Donovan succeeds Assistant United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom, who served as First Assistant United States Attorney and Acting United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island from February 2025 to March 2026.
“I would like to thank Sara Bloom for her outstanding service to this office and the people of Rhode Island,” said United States Attorney Calenda. “Her leadership, professionalism, and commitment to justice have had a lasting impact, and we are grateful for her many contributions.”
Ms. Donovan has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Rhode Island since 2001 and brings more than two decades of experience prosecuting complex criminal matters, including fraud and other white-collar offenses. She currently serves in the Criminal Division and has led significant investigations and prosecutions involving financial crimes, health care fraud, and public corruption. From 2023 to 2025, she served as Assistant General Counsel in the Executive Office for United States Attorneys in Washington, D.C., advising United States Attorneys offices nationwide on employment, ethics, and compliance matters.
Leadership Team
Stacey A. Erickson will continue in her role as Criminal Chief. She joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in August 2019 and has prosecuted violent crime, human trafficking, complex fraud, and narcotics trafficking cases. She has also served as the office’s Homeland Security Lead Task Force Attorney, the former Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Coordinator and Human Trafficking Coordinator. She was named Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division in 2022. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ms. Erickson served as a state prosecutor in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office for 25 years.
John P. McAdams has been appointed as Deputy Criminal Chief. He has served as a federal prosecutor since 2002 and most recently served as the Senior Litigation Counsel (SLC) for the District of Rhode Island. He has previously served in senior roles with the Department of Justice’s Tax Division. Mr. McAdams also served as a Trial Attorney and as a Special Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia.
Former Criminal Division Chief Lee Vilker will assume the role of Senior Litigation Counsel, where he will assist prosecutors with complex investigations and cases, and provide training and mentorship to attorneys within the Criminal Division. A federal prosecutor for more than two decades, Mr. Vilker has handled complex white-collar cases and prosecuted a wide range of criminal conduct. He was recognized with the Attorney General’s Director Award for his work on a high-profile multimillion dollar fraud prosecution.
Kevin M. Bolan will continue to serve in his role as Civil Division Chief, overseeing the United States’ civil litigation, including defensive matters and affirmative civil cases. Prior to joining the office in 2023, Mr. Bolan was a partner at White & Case, LLP, where he handled complex civil and criminal matters.
Lauren S. Zurier continues to serve as Chief of Appeals, a position she has held since December 2019. Ms. Zurier litigates the district’s criminal cases in the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. She previously served as an appellate prosecutor for over two decades in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office.
“This leadership team is defined by experience, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice,” said United States Attorney Calenda. “I am confident they will continue to lead this office with strength and purpose as we confront complex criminal activity, protect our communities, and carry out our mission on behalf of the people of Rhode Island.”
Two Brothers Charged with Firearm Offenses After Federal Agents Seize Cache of 40+ Firearms, Including Uzi Submachine Gun, Fully-Automatic Pistol, Short-Barreled Rifles, and Silenced AR-15 Style Pistol from Kalihi ResidenceRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that brothers Skyler Supapo, 24, and Sebastian Supapo, 20, of Kalihi, Hawaii, were arrested and charged last Friday for illegally possessing firearms.
According to the criminal complaint, following an investigation into online social media accounts and suspicious parcel shipments, federal agents obtained a search warrant for a residence in Kalihi. During the execution of that search warrant, federal agents recovered a total of 44 firearms.
Among the 44 firearms, were an Uzi Submachine gun, a pistol with an installed machinegun conversion device, at least two firearms with obliterated serial numbers, two short-barreled rifles, an AR-style pistol with an installed suppressor/silencer, and one firearm suppressor/silencer. Photographs of some of the firearms are included below:
The Supapo brothers are charged with possession of a machinegun; possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number; and possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act firearm. If convicted of the charged offenses, the defendants face up to 5 years in prison for possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number and up to 10 years in prison for the other two charges, as well as a fine of up to $250,000.
The charges in the criminal complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The FBI and the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General are investigating the case, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Honolulu Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barbara Eucker and Michael Albanese are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Trinitarios Gang Member Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Gunpoint Robberies, Including A Robbery That Resulted in A MurderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that GIBRAN GUERRERO, a/k/a “Cojito,” was sentenced yesterday to 27 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield for participating in several gunpoint robberies as part of his membership in the violent gang known as the Trinitarios, including a robbery that resulted in the murder of Johnny Gaston. GUERRERO previously pled guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of use of a firearm during and in relation to the robberies.
“For too long, the Trinitarios have used intimidation, robbery, and deadly force to terrorize communities,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “The defendant and his fellow gang members carried out a series of brazen, gunpoint robberies and, in December 2022, lured victims into an ambush that left one man dead, and another seriously wounded. He is now where New Yorkers want him—in prison for 27 years. Today’s 27-year sentence sends a clear message that gang violence will be met with significant consequences.”
As alleged in statements made in public filings and public court proceedings:
From at least in or about 2021 up to and including 2023, GUERRERO was a member of the Trinitarios gang. In order to fund the gang, protect its territory, and promote its standing, members of the Trinitarios, including GUERRERO, engaged in, among other things, robberies, frauds, narcotics trafficking, and other acts of violence, including murder.
On December 15, 2022, GUERRERO and other Trinitarios members lured two victims to a location in the Bronx and robbed them. During the robbery, one of the victims, Johnny Gaston, was shot and killed. The other victim was shot but survived.
In addition, on or about July 30, 2022, and September 26, 2022, GUERRERO and other Trinitarios members participated in gunpoint robberies of several victims located in the Bronx.
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In addition to the prison term, GUERRERO, 22, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the New York City Police Department.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Ly, with assistance from former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mathew Andrews and Rushmi Bhaskaran, is in charge of the prosecution.
Three Indicted for Involvement in Stolen Identity and Bank Fraud RingRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Donny Bernard Ross, 49, Elizabeth Ann Rogers, 39, and Vontavius Jamaal Bradley, 23, all of Pensacola, Florida, were indicted by a federal grand jury charging them with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, use of a false passport, and aggravated identity theft. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.
All three defendants appeared for their arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho on March 18, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for May 4, 2026, before United States District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to 30 years’ imprisonment on the conspiracy to commit bank fraud count; up to 10 years’ imprisonment on the use of a false passport count; and a mandatory two years’ imprisonment consecutive to any other sentence on the aggravated identity theft count.
The case was a joint investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Texas Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Tax Crime as Part of False Return SchemeRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – A Texas return preparer pleaded guilty today to filing false federal tax returns on behalf of clients.
The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: From approximately January 2019 to October 2022, Subhala Suresh worked at a tax preparation firm where she prepared false federal tax returns for clients that included false expenses designed to reduce the taxes her clients owed to the IRS. As a result of these false expenses, Suresh’s clients received refunds to which they were not entitled. Based on the false tax returns she filed, Suresh admitted to causing a tax loss to the United States between $250,000 and $550,000.
This plea follows recent guilty pleas of three other Texas return preparers. Mathews Chacko, Anish Pillai and Mou Kundu all prepared false federal tax returns as part of the same scheme. Chacko previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and admitted that the conspiracy caused a total tax loss exceeding $3.5 million but less than $9.5 million. Pillai previously pleaded guilty to filing a false tax return and admitted that he caused between $1.5 million and $3.5 million in losses to the United States. Kundu also previously pleaded guilty to filing a false tax return and admitted that she caused between $250,000 and $550,000 in losses to the United States. All four individuals will be sentenced at a later date.
Suresh pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return. She faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison as well as a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Marissa R. Brodney and Michael L. Jones of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, Tax Section, are prosecuting the case.
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Texas Man Sentenced for Damaging Bluefield Federal BuildingRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Will Adrian Samuels, 48, of Jefferson, Texas, was sentenced today to time served and ordered to pay $1,990.84 in restitution for destruction of government property.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 19, 2023, Samuels repeatedly threw objects at two glass exterior doors located at the front of the Elizabeth Kee Federal Building in Bluefield, West Virginia, causing more than $1,000 in damage.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Marshals Service (USMS) and the assistance provided by the Mercer County Sheriff's Office and the Wytheville, Virginia, Police Department.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney D. Keith Randolph 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. 1:24-cr-195.
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Sutter Facilities Agree to Pay $3.2 Million to Resolve Alleged Controlled Substances Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento, and Sutter Fairfield Surgery Center have agreed to pay $3.2 million to resolve allegations that they failed to effectively guard against theft and diversion of controlled substances, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. This settlement relates to allegations of the entities’ collective commission of at least 628 violations of recordkeeping and security requirements under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
The United States contends that these two Sutter-affiliated entities violated the CSA by, among other violations, failing to: notify the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) of theft or loss, keep accurate records of controlled substances, complete biennial inventories, maintain complete controlled substance order records, and provide effective controls against diversion. The investigation was initiated following the death of a pediatric anesthesiologist.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to hold health care providers accountable for failing to effectively guard against the diversion of potentially dangerous controlled substances,” said U.S. Attorney Grant. “Our community deserves the right to place its trust in health care providers that dispense controlled substances and to know that they adhere to and apply the right safeguards to ensure safety around those products.”
“DEA registrants play a critical role in protecting the public and that responsibility starts with strict compliance to the Code of Federal Regulations,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge, Bob P. Beris of the San Francisco Field Division. “If a company chooses to ignore these obligations, it puts communities at risk and undermines the safeguards designed to keep the public safe. DEA holds registrants accountable and in turn, expects them to keep the public safe.”
The DEA conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Thiess assisted in completing the resolution on behalf of the United States.
A copy of the settlement agreement is available here:
smcs_and_sfsc_settlement_agreement_executed.pdfThe claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Stamford Man Charged with Distributing Crack While Released on Bond in Another Federal CaseRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DANNY TURKVAN, also known as “Smooth” 54, of Stamford, has been charged with distributing crack cocaine after he had been sentenced in another federal case and prior to reporting to prison.
On August 13, 2025, Turkvan was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 46 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for his participation in a southwestern Connecticut narcotics trafficking conspiracy. Turkvan, who was released on a $150,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on October 16, 2025.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, an investigation revealed that Turkvan continued to distribute narcotics after his August 2025 sentencing. Stamford Police arrested Turkvan on state charges on October 11, 2025, and seized crack cocaine that he intended to distribute.
On March 3, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Turkvan with possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”), which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and for committing the offense while on pre-trial release, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of up to 10 years.
Turkvan has been detained since his arrest. He appeared yesterday in Bridgeport federal court and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
This investigation is being conducted by the Stamford Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.
St. Clair County tax preparer accused of submitting false returnsRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A tax return preparer who worked in St. Clair County is facing several federal charges for allegedly making intentional false statements on tax return forms to defraud the Government.
A federal grand jury returned a nine-count superseding indictment charging Dormeshia A. Haire, 38, of St. Charles, Missouri, with three counts of fraud and false statements on tax returns, three counts of wire fraud and three counts of aiding and abetting in submitting false and fraudulent return.
“The American tax system depends on everyone doing their part to follow the law. Cheating the tax system is no victimless crime because honest taxpayers are left to pay the price alone," said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Our office will make sure everyone lives up to their obligations, so the system works as intended.”
Charged originally in April 2024, Haire was accused of underreporting her personal employment income in her tax returns for 2019, 2020 and 2021.
The superseding indictment alleges Haire also committed wire fraud and submitted false information to the Government by reporting fraudulent business expenses on behalf of her tax clients.
IRS-Criminal Investigation Assistant Special Agent in Charge Melissa McFadden said, “The majority of return preparers provide great service to their clients and prepare honest, accurate returns. But there are dishonest tax preparers who file fraud-filled and false returns to steal from the government and defraud their own clients. Avoid shady tax preparers at all costs because when they get caught, you could be on the hook for the damage they cause.”
An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
If convicted, Haire faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment.
IRS Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Howard is prosecuting the case.
Southwest Ohio man sentenced to 30 years in prison for child pornography crimes including secretly recording young girls, filming sex with teenagerRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A Hamilton, Ohio, man who secretly recorded young girls nude and committed hands-on offenses of a teenager was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 360 months in prison.
Johnathan Brown, 34, hid outside bedroom windows and placed cameras inside a laundry basket to record minors after they exited from showers. He told victims he needed to see their bodies for “medical reasons.”
According to court documents, Brown also groomed a teenager, starting when she was 15 years old, eventually soliciting pictures and sexual behaviors from the victim. The defendant used emotional ploys of suicide or self-harm to manipulate the teenager. He also filmed himself having sex with the victim.
In August 2024, when he was discovered at a Dayton hotel with the teenaged victim, Brown led law enforcement on a prolonged, multi-jurisdiction, high-speed chase that required the deployment of stop sticks, the Ohio State Patrol Aviation team and SWAT. Brown drove his truck into a moving train and, even then, did not surrender to authorities but engaged in an hours’ long standoff with law enforcement until he was forced to exit his vehicle due to the deployment of tear gas and a K9 officer.
Brown pleaded guilty in October 2025 to producing and attempting to produce child pornography.
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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the 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.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Court Judge Douglas R. Cole. Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle J. Healey and Danielle E. Margeaux are representing the United States in this case.
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South Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Kanawha County Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Andre Marvin Marneal Jenkins, also known as “Meech,” 28, of South Charleston, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Jenkins admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Charleston area between June 2024 and May 2025.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Jenkins arranged to distribute fentanyl pills to a co-conspirator who intended to redistribute those pills to a customer. Jenkins also assisted a co-conspirator in the distribution of fentanyl powder to a customer. On April 10, 2025, law enforcement officers encountered Jenkins when they executed a search warrant at a Charleston apartment and seized a quantity of fentanyl and a loaded Glock 17 9mm pistol from Jenkins’ possession. Jenkins also possessed a key to a storage unit in Dunbar. Officers executed a search warrant on that storage unit and recovered over 5,300 pills containing fentanyl and other substances, along with three additional firearms.
Jenkins is scheduled to be sentenced on July 20, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $2,250,000.00
Jenkins is among 16 individuals indicted as the result of a federal investigation on charges alleging they participated in the distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Charleston area between June 2024 and May 2025. Seven defendants in the main indictment pleaded guilty including Jenkins. Four additional defendants pleaded guilty in separate cases that resulted from the investigation. The indictment against the remaining defendants is pending. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), which is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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. 2:25-cr-78.
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Sinaloa Cartel Member Sentenced for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Mexican national and member of the Sinaloa Cartel, who was involved in a major methamphetamine and cocaine distribution organization out of Monroe, Georgia, and discussed his frustration with no longer receiving “busloads” of illegal drugs and preparing for a visit by the son of Sinaloa’s leader was sentenced to serve more than 15 years in prison for his crime resulting from an Operation Take Back America investigation led by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations.
Jose Guadalupe Favela, 68, a citizen of Mexico and legally in the United States as a resident of Riverdale, Georgia, and formerly of Monroe, Georgia, was sentenced to 188 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III on March 9. Favela pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine on Sept. 22, 2025.
"Jose Favela was a significant operative in the Sinaloa Cartel, responsible for facilitating the distribution of massive quantities of deadly drugs into Georgia," said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. "Thanks to the relentless efforts of the FBI and HSI, we dismantled this cartel pipeline and brought these criminals to justice."
"Jose Favela was a key member of the Sinaloa Cartel's drug trafficking operation, responsible for bringing deadly methamphetamine and cocaine into Georgia. His actions fueled a dangerous pipeline, impacting communities across the state," said Robert Gibbs, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Georgia’s Macon office. "Thanks to the tireless efforts of the FBI and HSI, this criminal enterprise has been dismantled, and those responsible for flooding our streets with illegal drugs will face justice."
“This sentencing demonstrates the unwavering commitment of Homeland Security Investigations and our partners to protect Georgia from the dangers posed by cartels and their drug trafficking operations,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “Working alongside the FBI and local law enforcement, HSI agents dismantled a major criminal network, preventing massive quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine from reaching our communities. We remain dedicated to safeguarding Georgia’s families and neighborhoods from violent crime and illegal drugs.”
Favela’s co-conspirators have all pleaded guilty and been sentenced to prison for their crimes:
Diego Garcia, 28, of Mexico and an illegal alien, was sentenced to 188 months in prison on Jan. 17, 2024, after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Sept. 7, 2023;
Luis Mejina Pina, aka “La Perra,” 32, of Richmond, California, was sentenced to 48 months in prison on Dec. 3, 2025, after he pleaded guilty to one count of use of a communication facility to facilitate possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Sept. 18, 2025; and
Juan Pablo Torres, 32, of Mexico and an illegal alien, was sentenced to 48 months in prison on July 2, 2024, after he pleaded guilty to one count of use of a communication facility to facilitate possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on March 15, 2024.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents and statements referenced in court, FBI and HSI agents used a confidential informant to engage in consensual monitoring of conversations with Favela at Bold Springs Road in Monroe on Dec. 6, 2021, targeting Favela, who lived at the ranch. Favela was under investigation for distributing large quantities of illegal drugs through his connections with the Durango cartel, an operational arm of the larger Sinaloa cartel, a violent Mexico-based organized crime group.
During the recorded conversation, Favela claimed he had stored up to 800 kilograms of marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine between the Monroe Ranch and another location known as the Grayson Ranch, located in the Northern District of Georgia. During multiple recorded conversations, Favela discussed his many years of importing controlled substances from Mexico and shared that he was disappointed that he was no longer receiving “busloads” of illegal drugs. Agents understood that this past activity had occurred at a location in Lamar County, Georgia.
At one point in late 2021, Favela was recorded saying that he and other cartel members were not actively importing and distributing illegal drugs in his area for a few weeks because they were preparing for the arrival of Ovidio Guzman Lopez, aka “El Raton,” a prominent member of the Sinaloa Cartel and son of Juaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, who was then a fugitive. Favela suggested that he and others did not want to draw law enforcement attention that might lead to El Raton’s capture while he was visiting them in Georgia. Ultimately, Favela reported that El Raton changed his plans due to a snowstorm in Georgia.
At the request of a confidential informant working with federal agents, Favela contacted co-conspirator Pina to order kilograms of “frio,” which is slang for methamphetamine. Favela wanted $1,000 for brokering the deal and future deals between the CI and Pina. As a result, the FBI and HSI conducted three controlled purchases facilitated by Favela for methamphetamine and cocaine on Dec. 19, 2021, Sept. 29, 2022, and Oct. 6, 2022.
During the transactions involving Favela and Pina, the other co-conspirators were involved at different times, including Pina instructing the CI to meet with Garcia in January 2022 to purchase a kilogram of methamphetamine at the Grayson Ranch. During that transaction, Garcia agreed to sell the CI up to ten kilograms of methamphetamine and a kilogram of cocaine. Garcia communicated with Torres approximately 158 times between May and September 2022; Torres was taken into custody with Garcia on Oct. 26, 2022, during the controlled purchase of more than four kilograms of methamphetamine at a gas station in Flowery Branch, Georgia. At their arrest, Garcia and Torres admitted they were in the United States illegally, and that they were living and working at the Grayson Ranch. Garcia acknowledged he had a criminal record in California and Torres admitted he was deported approximately three months prior to the arrest.
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.
The FBI and HSI investigated the case.
Criminal Chief Leah McEwen prosecuted the case for the Government.
Seattle Man Sentenced for Mailing Fentanyl Pills to OmahaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Alvin Mitchell, 38, of Seattle, Washington, was sentenced on March 20, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Mitchell to 15 years in prison. There is no parole in the federal system. After Mitchell’s release from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release.
In November 2024, an FBI task force began investigating co-defendant Duane Walker Jr. as a fentanyl pill dealer in Omaha. On February 3, 2025, investigators seized a USPS package destined for an address in Omaha, which was later determined to belong to Walker’s grandmother. Investigators searched the package pursuant to a warrant and found almost 5,000 fentanyl pills inside.
A postal inspector determined the package was mailed from Seattle by Mitchell. Postal records uncovered seven earlier packages that were mailed from Seattle to the same address in Omaha dating back to October 2024. Cell phone evidence secured pursuant to search warrants uncovered text message conversations between Walker and Mitchell about the packages. At sentencing, Mitchell was held responsible for a drug weight equivalent to approximately 29,000 fentanyl pills based off the weights of the earlier packages. The cell phone evidence also showed Mitchell had mailed packages of similar weights to Utah and Missouri.
Mitchell faced a mandatory minimum sentence enhancement because of a prior federal drug trafficking conviction from 2013 involving thousands of Percocet pills.
Walker, 29, of Omaha, was sentenced on March 12, 2026, to 235 months’ imprisonment. Almost $50,000 cash seized from Walker will be forfeited to the United States as proceeds of drug trafficking.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Omaha Police Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
San Diego Man Sentenced to Three Months for Smuggling 17 Protected Parrots and ParakeetsRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Ricardo Alonzo of San Diego was sentenced in federal court to three months in prison for smuggling protected parrots and parakeets into the United States without the required quarantines designed to prevent the spread of diseases.
At a hearing yesterday, Alonzo was also ordered to pay $3,262 in restitution to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the care and quarantine of the parakeets. Three of the 17 smuggled birds died.
“This defendant used illegal smuggling practices that disregarded the laws of the United States, the lives of the birds he was smuggling, and wildlife within the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “Our office is committed to holding accountable anyone who endangers wildlife and the public.”
“This investigation highlights the critical work our law enforcement officers undertake to protect wildlife and natural resources from exploitation,” said Assistant Director Doug Ault of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “Alonzo undermined the vital conservation of vulnerable populations of Burrowing Parakeets, Yellow-Crowned Amazon Parrots, and Red-Lored Amazon Parrots by illegally removing them from their habitat and smuggling them into the U.S., circumventing controls meant to prevent the entry of zoonotic diseases and other pathogens into the U.S. This investigation demonstrates the strong collaboration between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Department of Justice in bringing wildlife traffickers to justice.
U.S. Department of JusticeAccording to court records and evidence presented in court, Alonzo crossed the border on May 4, 2025, at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. During inspection, the defendant lied and twice stated that he had nothing to declare. The defendant’s lies were uncovered in secondary inspection, when a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer noticed some lunch box-sized bags hidden under the rear seat of the car. The bags contained three chickens and 17 juvenile birds—the birds were later identified by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service inspector as 10 Burrowing Parakeets (Cyanoliseus patagonus), five Yellow-Crowned Amazon Parrots (Amazona ochrocephala), and two Red-Lored Amazon Parrots (Amazona autumnalis). The parakeets and parrots were juvenile birds of differing ages, likely between one week and a few months old, some of them appearing young enough that they could not yet fully walk.
Burrowing Parakeets (Cyanoliseus patagonus) are local to Chile and Argentina, whereas Yellow-Crowned Amazon Parrots (Amazona ochrocephala) and Red-Lored Amazon Parrots (Amazona autumnalis) are native to Mexico, the West Indies, and northern South America. All three species are protected and listed under Appendix II to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The lawful importation of these parrots and parakeets requires the importer to follow a process, and the birds must be subject to quarantine before they can be introduced into the United States. Many animals have diseases that can be transferred to humans (zoonotic diseases) or other animals, which can have disastrous health effects. For example, birds can carry and spread avian influenza (bird flu), psittacosis, and histoplasmos. Bird flu is highly contagious and can cause flu like symptoms, respiratory illness, pneumonia and death in humans and other birds including the United States poultry farms. There are many other diseases that can be transmitted from different animals and have disastrous effects, which is why it is necessary to quarantine animals entering the United States to limit and safeguard against this potential disease transmission.
One of the juvenile birds the defendant hid in his car and illegally imported
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabet F. Brown.
DEFENDANT Case Number 25CR2234-AJB
Ricardo Alonzo Age: 27 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Unlawful Importation of Wildlife – 16 U.S.C. §§ 3372(a)(2)(A) and 3373(d)(1)(A)
Maximum penalty: Five years in custody, $250,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Office of Law Enforcement
Homeland Security Investigations
Salvadoran National Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Salvadoran national has pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally reentering the United States after having been previously removed following his 2022 conviction for Aggravated Sexual Battery with a Child Under 13.
Jose Antonio Del Cid, 54, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to one count of unlawfully returning to the United States after removal subsequent to being convicted of an aggravated felony. Del Cid was previously convicted of Aggravated Sexual Battery with a Child Under 13 in Fairfax, Va., in 2022. He was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of two years and he was deported to El Salvador in 2023 upon completion of his sentence.
On Oct. 11, 2025, Del Cid was arrested in Grandview, Mo., by Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Enforcement & Removal Operations following an arrest for trespassing.
Under federal statutes, Del Cid is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole and a maximum fine of $250,000. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
Del Cid has been and will remain in custody pending his sentencing hearing.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Venneman. It was investigated by Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Enforcement & Removal Operations.
Operation Take Back America
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.
Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Francisco Castro Jr., 27, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, between March 2022 and June 2022, Castro distributed 3 pounds of methamphetamine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is conducting the investigation with assistance from the California Highway Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Haddy Abouzeid is prosecuting the case.
Castro is scheduled to be sentenced on July 28, 2026, by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez. Castro faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million 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.
Russian cybercriminal sentenced to prison for using a “botnet” to steal millions from American businessesRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A Russian national was sentenced yesterday to twenty-four months in prison after having pleaded guilty to managing the operation of a botnet (a network of computers infected by malware and controlled remotely by cybercriminals) that was used to launch ransomware attacks on the networks of dozens of U.S. corporations, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan of the FBI Detroit Field Division.
Ilya Angelov, 40, of Tolyatti, Russia was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Edmunds, who also fined Angelov $100,000 and entered a money judgment against him in the amount of $1.6 million dollars.
According to court records, between 2017 and 2021, Angelov — who used online monikers including “milan” and “okart” — co-managed the Russia-based cybercriminal group designated by the FBI as Mario Kart. Private security researchers have used other designations for this group, including TA-551, Shathak, GOLD CABIN, Monster Libra, ATK236, and G0127.
Angelov’s group built a network of compromised computers (a “botnet”) through distribution of malware-infected files attached to spam emails. Angelov and his co-manager then monetized this botnet by selling access to individual compromised computers (“bots”). This access was sold to other criminal groups, who typically engaged in ransomware extortion schemes: locking victims out of their computer networks and demanding extortion payments — commonly in cryptocurrency — to restore access.
The FBI has identified over 70 U.S. corporations that were infected with ransomware by one organization linked to Angelov’s group, resulting in over $14 million in extortion payments. Another group that distributed ransomware paid Angelov’s group over a million dollars for access to the Mario Kart botnet.
“Foreigner cybercriminals like this defendant target American citizens and corporations. Their methods grow in sophistication. But their motive remains the same — to rip-off and harm us. We are grateful to the FBI and our other partners for their continued vigilance,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon.
“May this sentencing serve as a strong message to cyber criminals who believe they can hide behind screens and false identities: you cannot escape the FBI’s reach. You will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “This successful investigation reflects the FBI’s ongoing commitment to identifying, tracking, and dismantling the criminal networks that financially exploit individuals and U.S. corporations. I would like to thank the FBI Detroit Cyber Task Force for their exceptional work in this investigation and to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for ensuring justice was achieved.”
This case was investigated by the FBI Detroit Cyber Task Force with the assistance of the Dutch and German authorities whose collaborative efforts resulted in the successful prosecution of this case. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided critical assistance in this investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Wyse.
Russian Citizen Sentenced to Federal Prison for Hacking into U.S. Companies and Enabling Major Cybercrime Groups to Extort Tens of Millions of DollarsRead the Press Release
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF INDIANA- Aleksei Volkov, 26, of St. Petersburg, Russia, has been sentenced to 81 months in federal prison for assisting major cybercrime groups, including the Yanluowang ransomware group, carry out numerous attacks against U.S. companies and other organizations. Volkov facilitated dozens of ransomware attacks throughout the United States, causing over $9 million in actual losses and over $24 million in intended losses.
Volkov was indicted for this activity in both the Southern District of Indiana and Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Police in Rome, Italy arrested Volkov and he was extradited to the United States, where he pleaded guilty to unlawful transfer of a means of identification, trafficking in access information, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft; as well as two counts from the Eastern District of Pennsylvania indictment, namely, conspiracy to commit computer fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering after the two cases were consolidated in the Southern District of Indiana.
According to court documents, Volkov was an “initial access broker,” that is, a person who specializes in gaining unauthorized access to computer networks and systems of corporations and organizations and selling that access to other cyber threat actors such as ransomware groups. Volkov scoured computer networks and systems for vulnerabilities, identified ways to access those networks and systems without authorization, and sold that illicit access to conspirators who were also cybercriminals.
Volkov’s conspirators then infected computer networks and systems to which Volkov had given them access with malware. This malware encrypted the victims’ data and prevented the victims from accessing it, damaging their business operations. The conspirators then demanded that the victims pay them a ransom in cryptocurrency—sometimes in the tens of millions of dollars—in exchange for restoring the victims’ access to the data and promising not to publicly disclose the hack or release victims’ stolen data on a “leak” website. In some cases, the victims paid the ransom and in others the conspirators posted the victims’ confidential data on the leak site. If the victims paid the ransom, Volkov received a share of the money.
As part of his plea, Volkov admitted that he and his co-conspirators hacked into numerous victims’ computer networks, stole their data, deployed ransomware, demanded payment in cryptocurrency to exchange for restoring access to the data, and divided the ransom payments among themselves. In fact, they demanded tens of millions of dollars in ransom and received millions. Volkov agreed to pay full restitution to victims including at least $9,167,198.19 to known victims to compensate them for their actual losses as well as to forfeit equipment he used for his crimes.
“This case shows the strength and determination of our federal prosecutors and partners to protect American companies from global cybercriminals. If you assist ransomware groups in targeting our businesses, we will use the vast resources of the federal government to ensure you face the full force of the United States justice system,” Tom Wheeler, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana.
“This conviction sends a strong message: the FBI will relentlessly pursue cybercriminals who target U.S. companies and consumers,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “We are taking these criminals off the streets, disrupting global extortion networks, and defending American businesses and citizens from cyber threats.”
“The defendant in this case helped set in motion cybercrime attacks targeting dozens of U.S. companies and organizations, including ones by the notorious Yanluowang ransomware group,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The defendant thought he could hide behind a keyboard and evade justice, working with others to extort tens of millions of dollars in ransom payments. The Department of Justice will continue to pursue cybercriminals like Mr. Volkov wherever they operate and ensure that they face consequences for their actions.”
The FBI investigated this case with valuable assistance provided by The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and law enforcement authorities in Italy. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge James R. Sweeney II.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys MaryAnn T. Mindrum and Matthew B. Miller, as well as Senior Counsel Matthew A. Lamberti of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS), Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut Edward Chang (on detail to CCIPS), and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Wolfe for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
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Ringleader of Fentanyl Trafficking Network Sentenced in Orchestrating Drug Imports from Federal Prison CellRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Samuel Braxton, 57, aka “Fats,” of Temple Hills, Maryland, was sentenced today to 162 months in federal prison for leading a drug trafficking organization that imported and distributed massive quantities of fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, and heroin in the Washington metropolitan area — all while he was incarcerated at FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Braxton pleaded guilty Dec. 8, 2025, before Judge Trevor N. McFadden to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, and 100 grams or more of heroin. In addition to the prison term, Judge McFadden ordered Braxton to serve five years of supervised release.
“Braxton’s criminal history spans 36 years and includes four drug trafficking convictions. In his latest offense, he orchestrated an international narcotics pipeline—all while inside a federal prison cell,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Now, Braxton will spend more than 13 additional years behind bars. Together with the DEA and our law enforcement partners, we will hold traffickers at every level of the production and distribution chain accountable.”
According to court documents, Braxton was the top and unifying member of a drug trafficking conspiracy involving at least eight individuals that operated from at least July 2021 until November 2023.
Using a contraband cell phone from his housing unit at Fort Dix where he was serving a sentence for a prior federal drug conviction, Braxton brokered connections between foreign nationals who supplied kilogram quantities of fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, and heroin, and co-conspirators Wayne Glymph and Ronnie Rogers, who received, cut, repackaged, and redistributed the drugs throughout the Washington area. Court-authorized wiretaps were placed on Braxton's contraband phone, and the phone was ultimately seized from his housing unit by law enforcement during the investigation.
Braxton introduced Glymph to foreign drug suppliers and introduced Glymph to Rogers — a former prison acquaintance — for the purpose of acquiring and redistributing the imported narcotics. Braxton coordinated shipment tracking, communicated with suppliers about drug payments, and arranged for his share of the proceeds to be paid to his daughter. Wiretap recordings captured Braxton complaining to Rogers that Glymph was interfering with his cut of the drug proceeds, asking, "when's my allowance going to get like it's supposed to be?"
Over the course of the conspiracy, law enforcement intercepted communications between Braxton, Glymph, and Rogers coordinating the shipment of kilogram quantities of fentanyl and heroin to addresses in the Washington metropolitan area. Authorities seized or recovered more than 12 kilograms of fentanyl nearly two kilograms of a fentanyl analogue known as p-Fluorofentanyl, and more than 236 grams of heroin.
Individual seizures included parcels of about one kilo of fentanyl intercepted at a UPS facility in Landover, Maryland, after investigators tracked the shipments through wiretap intercepts. The drugs traveled from foreign sources through domestic shipping hubs in California, Texas, and Florida before reaching their destinations in the Washington area.
In November 2023, law enforcement executed search warrants at residences associated with Rogers and Glymph in the District, Charles County, Maryland, and District Heights, Maryland, seizing additional kilogram quantities of fentanyl and heroin.
Braxton's criminal history spans 36 years and includes four drug trafficking convictions, two of them federal. He and Glymph previously were convicted together in the District of Maryland of conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine base, and PCP, for which Braxton received a 24-year sentence. It was while serving that sentence that Braxton organized and directed the instant conspiracy.
Co-conspirators Wayne Glymph, 59, of Port Tobacco, Maryland, was sentenced Jan. 14, 2026, to 13½ years in federal prison. Michael Stewart, 61, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced Dec. 22, 2025, to 71 months in prison. Kevin Quattlebaum, 59, was sentenced Oct. 21, 2025, to 142 months in prison.
Ronnie Rogers, 71, who is scheduled for sentencing on March 31, faces a statutory mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life. Michael Owens, 38, of St. Charles, Maryland, pleaded guilty Dec. 8, 2025; sentencing is scheduled for March 20, 2026.
Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement were DEA Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis of the Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Division, Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Washington Division, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office, Chief Tarrick McGuire of the Alexandria Police Department, and Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was investigated by the DEA Washington Division, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI Washington Field Office, the Alexandria Police Department, and the Metropolitan Police Department.
Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Washington Field Division, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, Montgomery County Police Department, Prince George's County Police Interdiction Unit, Charles County Sheriff's Office, Arlington County Police, Virginia State Police, Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland (Greenbelt), the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Tennessee.
The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Eliopoulos and Matthew Kinskey.
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Registered Sex Offender Sentenced for Receipt of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
RENO – A Reno man who is a registered sex offender was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge Anne R. Traum to 60 months in prison to be followed by 15 years of supervised release for receiving child sexual abuse material images and videos after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) forwarded a CyberTip to law enforcement. The United States Sentencing Guidelines range for this offense was 151 to 188 months. The government had recommended a 151-month sentence to be followed by Lifetime supervised release.
According to court documents, beginning about June 6, 2024, William Alan Barragan Diaz downloaded and possessed images and videos of child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence and found child sexual abuse material files on his cell phones. Some of the images and videos analyzed were of children under 12 years of age engaged in sexually explicit conduct and intercourse with adults. In total, over 6,200 images and over 400 videos of child sexual abuse material were recovered from the two electronic devices seized from Diaz.
“A registered sex offender who received thousands of child sexual abuse images and videos was sentenced to the mandatory minimum penalty,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “As part of the Justice Department’s Project Safe Childhood initiative to combat child sexual exploitation, we remain committed to working with the Northern Nevada Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force to protect young children and bring child predators to justice.”
“Mr. Diaz was a serious threat to children due to his repeated exploitation,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office. “This sentencing demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the FBI and our partners to justice for vulnerable victims. Few situations are more urgent than when a child is at risk. Those who exploit children cause lasting harm, and possessing and trading child sexual abuse material only continues the abuse.”
In addition to imprisonment, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, Diaz will be required to register as a sex offender and keep the registration current.
This case was investigated by the Northern Nevada Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force comprised of the FBI, the Nevada Attorney General’s Office, the Sparks Police Department, and the Washoe County Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorney Randolph J. St. Clair prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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 www.justice.gov/psc.
To report an online child sexual exploitation offense, call 911 or go NCMEC’s CyberTipline at report.cybertip.org.
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