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Wednesday 17 December 2025
Franklin CPA Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Stealing Clients’ Funds and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – A Tennessee man was sentenced yesterday to nine years in prison for stealing money from his clients’ bank accounts, preparing false tax returns that fraudulently increased their refunds, and stealing some or all of those refunds, announced Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
"Jerkins’ clients did not know that he was filing tax returns with the IRS that were different than the copy provided to them,” said Acting U.S. Attorney McGuire. “Jerkins had an obligation to file accurate income tax returns for his clients, but instead, he betrayed them by not only stealing from his clients, but also the American taxpayers in order to line his own pockets and finance his opulent lifestyle.”
Jason Alexander Jerkins of Franklin pleaded guilty on July 30, 2025. According to court documents and statements made in court, Jerkins, owner of Jerkins Business Solutions, provided bookkeeping, payroll, tax-return preparation, and similar accounting and tax services. To pay his clients’ expenses, Jerkins had online access to their bank accounts. Between March 2020 and April 2025, Jerkins stole over $4.6 million from 45 clients by wiring money from their bank accounts to accounts he controlled or could access. He hid these fraudulent wires by recording them with innocuous descriptions like “Jerkins Business Sol” or “Jerkins Business Sale” and timing them close to legitimate transfers. When clients became suspicious, Jerkins created false documents to deceive them into believing the stolen funds were used to pay valid expenses, or he repaid those clients by stealing from other clients.
Jerkins also prepared at least 80 false tax returns to fraudulently inflate his clients’ tax refunds. He then directed the IRS to deposit some or all of each tax refund into an account Jerkins controlled. Jerkins hid this fraud from his clients by printing them a different return than the one he filed. In pursuit of this tax fraud, Jerkins attempted to steal about $380,010, and successfully stole about $280,970, from his clients and the U.S. Treasury.
Jerkins used the nearly $5 million he stole from his clients and the taxpaying public to pay off personal credit cards, take vacations, lease vehicles, purchase real estate, and buy luxuries for himself and his family.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Aleta A. Trauger for the Middle District of Tennessee ordered Jerkins to pay approximately $4.5 million in restitution to his victims and the United States.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Matthew Hicks of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Levine of the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.
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Four Individuals Convicted of Insider Trading SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Newark, New Jersey convicted four individuals today for their participation in a scheme to trade securities on the basis of material nonpublic information about the $3.2 billion merger of two companies, which resulted in illicit profits of over $600,000.
“Haghighat abused his role as a senior corporate executive, breaching the trust and confidence placed in him by shareholders, to enrich himself and his friends and family,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti. “He schemed together with his co-defendants to illegally profit from non-public, insider trading information. Today’s verdict underscores the Criminal Division’s commitment to aggressively prosecuting those who use deception to earn illicit gains at the expense of investors and undermine fairness in the economy.”
“This is a classic example of greed overcoming honest business practices,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Criminal Investigations Group. “These defendants took advantage of insider information when they conspired to devise a scheme to provide protected information to co-conspirators for the purpose of enriching their lifestyles and padding their pockets. Their undoing came when they underestimated the resolve and tenacity of postal inspectors to bring to justice anyone who commits a crime against the public and the rule of law.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Rouzbeh “Ross” Haghighat, 61, of West Newbury, Massachusetts; Kirstyn Pearl, 35, of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico; Seyedfarbod “Fabio” Sabzevari, 31, of North Hollywood, California; and James Roberge, 70, of Westford, Massachusetts, unlawfully purchased the securities of a biopharmaceutical company in Seattle, Washington (Company-1), where Haghighat served on the board of directors. In his position as a director in May 2023, Haghighat obtained material nonpublic inside information about another pharmaceutical company’s (Company-2) proposed acquisition of Company-1, including sensitive deal terms. He then purchased securities, and tipped others — including Pearl, Sabzevari, and Roberge — for personal benefit with the expectation that they would purchase securities of Company-1, which the other defendants did. In May 2023, Company-2 made a confidential proposal to acquire Company-1 at a price per share above the then-current market value. The two companies then negotiated an agreement for the acquisition, which was announced in June 2023, causing the share price of Company-1 to spike. Collectively, the defendants profited more than $600,000 from their purchases of Company-1 securities based on material nonpublic information.
Haghighat was convicted of one count of securities fraud, 16 counts of insider trading, and two counts of conspiracy. Pearl was convicted of one count of securities fraud, one count of insider trading, and one count of conspiracy. Sabzevari was convicted of one count of securities fraud and seven counts of insider trading. Roberge was convicted of one count of securities fraud and seven counts of insider trading. They are scheduled to be sentenced on May 4, 2026 . Haghighat faces a maximum penalty of 380 years in prison. Pearl faces a maximum penalty of 60 years in prison. Sabzavari faces a maximum penalty of 160 years in prison. Roberge faces a maximum penalty of 160 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys John J. Liolos and Tamara Livshiz of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 120 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE –Jamarkis J. Carter, 31 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to distributing a controlled substance, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor.
Carter was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on September 25, 2024, Carter and a co-defendant distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes the FBI, the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. The Drug Enforcement Administration Laboratory also assisted with this investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Former jailer sentenced for sexually assaulting female inmatesRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 29-year-old Laredo man has been ordered to federal prison for sexually assaulting two women while working as a corrections officer, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Hector Humberto Rodriguez Jr. pleaded guilty Dec. 30, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña has now ordered Rodriguez to serve 240 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court described Rodriguez’s predatory conduct, the danger he posed to the community and how he abused a system meant to protect victims by exploiting his position of authority to commit the offenses. Rodriguez will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Rodriguez was a correctional officer with the Webb County Sheriff’s Office during the commission of the offenses.
On two separate occasions in Jan. 2022, while working in his law enforcement capacity, he used force to sexually assault the two women while they were housed as inmates at the Webb County jail.
During each instance, Rodriguez removed the victims from their cell and isolated them in a secluded area where he then used force, threats and coercion to sexually assault them.
Rodriguez will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI and Department of Justice - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Scott Bowling and Leslie Ann Cortez prosecuted the case.
Former TSA Security Officer Charged with Fraudulently Obtaining Pandemic Unemployment AssistanceRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man has been charged with fraudulently obtaining tens of thousands of dollars in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) while employed as a TSA Security Officer full-time.
Ismael Rosado Jr., 40, was charged with one count of wire fraud. The defendant will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging documents, Rosado was employed full-time as a TSA Security Officer at Boston Logan International Airport from November 2018 through October 2021. It is alleged that, between May 2020 and September 2021, Rosado submitted an application seeking PUA and weekly certifications claiming he was unemployed and making no income. Based on the misrepresentations in the application and weekly certifications, Rosado received $47,526 in unemployment benefits to which he was not entitled.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Joseph V. Cuffari, Ph.D., Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Sullivan of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Former T&A Crips gang defendant pleads guilty to illegally possessing firearmRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A defendant in a former gang racketeering case pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Eric Henderson, Jr., 26, of Columbus, was sentenced in 2019 to 78 months in prison for his role in the Trevitt and Atcheson Crips (T&A) gang-related racketeering conspiracy. Henderson sold gram quantities of crack cocaine in Columbus and Chillicothe on behalf of the racketeering conspiracy, which also included five murders, multiple attempted murders, drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, witness tampering, robbery, assault and other crimes.
In this case, Henderson was stopped by Columbus police officers for a traffic violation in June 2025. According to court documents, before the vehicle was completely stopped, Henderson fled on foot, gripping the waist of his pants while reaching under his shirt.
Henderson threw a firearm over a privacy fence before he was apprehended. Officers discovered a loaded pistol with an extended magazine. The firearm also had a machine gun conversion device, or switch, attached.
Henderson was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2025.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the guilty plea offered today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Norah McCann King. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin W. Kelley is representing the United States in this case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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Former Subcontractor Supporting U.S. Army in Afghanistan Agrees to Forfeit Nearly $3.5 MillionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The United States Attorney for the District of Columbia announced today that it reached a civil settlement agreement with FedSys, Inc. to resolve the Government’s lawsuit alleging the subcontractor committed fraud in its recruitment and training of linguists to translate languages native to Afghanistan. Pursuant to the settlement, FedSys agreed to forfeit $3,469,882.50 to the United States.
In September 2007, Mission Essential Personnel, LLC was awarded a prime contract by the United States Army for translation and linguistic services to support military operations in Afghanistan. In December 2008, Mission Essential subcontracted with FedSys to recruit and train linguists in support of the prime contract. On Aug. 23, 2024, the United States filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia claiming that actions of FedSys, its chief executive officer, and its director of recruiting under the FedSys subcontract violated the False Claims Act (United States v. FedSys, Inc., et al., Civ. A. No. 24-2450).
Specifically, the Government alleged that FedSys personnel created fictitious linguist candidates that did not meet the minimum language proficiency standards in Dari, Pashto, or English, and then engaged a third party to impersonate the candidate during the initial translation proficiency testing. The alleged goal of the scheme was to create candidates who would pass the initial proficiency test so that FedSys managers and recruiters could collect recruitment fees and bonuses through the subcontract. In all, fourteen FedSys recruiters, forty-three candidates, and two FedSys managing officials were identified as part of the fraudulent scheme. Five individuals later pled guilty to their roles in the conspiracy.
“Properly trained linguists in a combat zone are vital to military operations, significantly reducing risks and safeguarding the lives of our Soldiers,” said Special Agent in Charge Keith Kelly, Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Fraud Field Office. “This settlement underscores the importance of businesses contracted by the U.S. Army honoring their commitments; no amount of money can ever justify putting a Soldier's life at risk.”
“The professionals of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, along with our partner agencies, are dedicated to maintaining the integrity of U.S. defense procurement processes,” said Stanley A. Newell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Transnational Operations Field Office for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. “Those who enrich themselves through fraud and deception at the expense of American taxpayers will be vigorously investigated and brought to justice.”
The Government’s lawsuit further alleged that internal warnings of improper recruiting activity were effectively ignored by FedSys senior management until Mission Essential raised questions about the number of candidates who failed subsequent proficiency testing even though those candidates were presented as having passed the initial proficiency testing.
The subcontract between Mission Essential and FedSys was terminated during the summer of 2012 and funds being processed by Mission Essential under the subcontract to pay FedSys were withheld. Pursuant to the settlement, those funds held by Mission Essential are forfeited by FedSys and will be paid to the United States.
The civil settlement was completed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean M. Tepe, based on the efforts of former AUSA Darrell Valdez and Auditor Timothy C. Hurley. The United States Attorney further wishes to commend the special agents of Defense Criminal Investigative Service and Army Criminal Investigation Division for their important assistance.
The claims resolved by the civil settlements are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Former Lafayette Assistant District Attorney Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE– On December 12, 2025, Gary Haynes, 67, of Lafayette, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison after his September conviction for conspiracy to engage in bribery, bribery, use of a facility interstate commerce in aid of bribery, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and obstruction of justice.
“Prosecutors bear among the most consequential public trusts in our society, determining matters of liberty, accountability, and the pursuit of justice. Gary Haynes betrayed that system of trust to satisfy his own greed,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “This prosecution, which resulted from amazing work by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation, shows the commitment our Office and the Department of Justice has to safeguarding the rule of law and ensuring that those who undermine it are held accountable.”
“Mr. Haynes betrayed the trust of the people of Louisiana when he traded his sacred honor for bribes,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field office. “The FBI and the US Attorney’s Office are committed to protecting the public from bribery schemes like this one that undermine faith in our great Republic.”
“As an Assistant District Attorney, Gary Haynes was entrusted to faithfully perform his duties on behalf of the public,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Instead of putting his public interest above personal gain, he misused his office to enrich himself through bribes and kickbacks from vendors. IRS Criminal Investigation special agents and our law enforcement partners will continue investigating and forwarding for prosecution those who fail to uphold ethics in the public trust.”
Evidence presented at the trial revealed that Haynes conspired with Dusty Guidry and Leonard Franques to solicit bribes and kickbacks and to accept things of value while working as an Assistant District Attorney at the 15th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Haynes oversaw the D.A.’s Office’s Pretrial Intervention (PTI) program which was a program set up to provide an alternative to criminal prosecution for certain criminal offenders. Haynes approved defendants to participate in the program and then directed them to take classes from Franques’s companies. Those defendants paid money to take classes through Franques’s companies to complete the program and obtain dismissal of the criminal charges against them from Haynes. Haynes, Guidry, and Franques agreed that Haynes would receive kickbacks in exchange for accepting people into the PTI program, directing those people to Franques’s companies, and then dismissing the charges against the people who enrolled in and paid for the courses that Franques’s companies provided.
Haynes and his co-conspirators discussed several ways to conceal the nature of the money that Haynes would receive from the kickback scheme, including having Haynes reactivate a defunct company during the conspiracy to hide the proceeds from the kickbacks or potentially providing him with a new truck rather than funnel the kickbacks directly to him. Haynes directed a coconspirator to alter, destroy, and conceal documents and records to prevent their availability in a future proceeding.
The case was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation. The prosecution team included Assistant United States Attorneys John Luke Walker and John W. Nickel, and Steven Loew of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section.
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 24-cr-00206.
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Former Financial Advisory Group Executive Pleads Guilty to $4 Million Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – David Bradford, the former Chief Operating Officer of the Georgia-based financial advisory group Drive Planning LLC (“Drive Planning”), pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy to commit wire fraud arising from a multi-year Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors out of millions of dollars.
“Bradford betrayed the trust of his clients, family, and friends by encouraging them to make millions in bogus investments,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and aggressively prosecute all forms of investment fraud.”
“Justice is served in this latest reminder of the significant impact white collar crime continues to have on everyday Americans,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is aggressively pursuing fraud and will continue to ensure crime does not pay in the end. If you steal from others, you are gambling with your freedom.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: from late 2021 until in or about June 2024, Drive Planning marketed several investments, including the “Cash Out Real Estate Fund,” or “CORE Fund,” as “easy and simple,” advising prospective investors that the fund provided “100% Passive Income from Tax Liens.” Drive Planning guaranteed investors a return of 10% every six months or a 22% return per year for up to three years. Drive Planning further materially misrepresented that investors’ contributions to the CORE Fund were pooled together, government-protected, and fully collateralized. As part of the scheme, Bradford created a marketing brochure to promote the CORE Fund, which was shared with Drive Planning’s sales agents to solicit investors.
In actuality, the investors’ monies were being used for other purposes, including to pay off other Drive Planning investors, make commission payments to Drive Planning’s agents, and pay for personal expenditures. Bradford and others at Drive Planning further concealed the scheme to defraud by failing to disclose that Drive Planning did not invest any funds in the CORE Fund after approximately December 9, 2022. To the contrary, even after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) began investigating Drive Planning in approximately March 2024, Bradford and others continued to solicit investments for the CORE Fund. In total, Drive Planning received at least $4.1 million from CORE Fund investors.
In August 2024, the SEC obtained a temporary restraining order against Drive Planning and filed separate civil enforcement actions against Drive Planning and others in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia related to the above-described scheme.
Sentencing for David Bradford, 53, of Peachtree Corners, Georgia, is scheduled for March 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Tiffany R. Johnson. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Assistant United States Attorney Alex R. Sistla is 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.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Travel with Intent to Engage in Unlawful Sex and Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Michael Fegley Jr., 31, of Tampa, Florida pled guilty yesterday to travel with intent to engage in unlawful sexual conduct and transportation of child pornography. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Fegley admitted that he traveled from Florida to the Northern District of New York intending to engage in unlawful sexual conduct with a purported 13-year-old child. He also admitted that he brought with him about 1,000 images and videos depicting child pornography that he had obtained on the internet.
At sentencing on April 27, 2026, Fegley faces a mandatory minimum imprisonment term of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years on the child pornography charge and a maximum of 30 years on the travel charge, a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life, restitution to victims, court-ordered destruction of property used to commit the offenses, special assessments, fines, and registration as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone said: “The defendant’s admitted conduct is deeply disturbing. He not only traveled across multiple states to meet a purported child for unlawful sexual conduct, but he brought with him vile depictions of the sexual abuse of children. Let the defendant’s case be a warning to all predators: If you come into the Northern District of New York with the goal of harming a child, you will be prosecuted.”
“This individual’s calculated decision to cross multiple state lines in pursuit of exploiting someone who he believed was a child demonstrates a disturbing level of predatory intent,” said Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Buffalo. “HSI will stop at nothing to track down and bring to justice those who target children, regardless of where their crimes take them. HSI Albany, together with our partners, is unwavering in their resolve to shield children from harm and see that those who prey on them are held to account.”
This case was investigated by HSI in coordination with the New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Gadarian is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Farrell Resident Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Farrell, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for committing drug trafficking and firearm crimes, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Daniel George, age 37, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak for committing two crimes on July 7, 2022: (1) possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, a quantity of fentanyl, and a quantity of cocaine; and (2) possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Judge Hornak ordered George to serve five years of supervised release following his prison term.
Prior to sentencing, the Court was informed that, in 2022, George engaged in armed fentanyl and cocaine trafficking in Farrell, Mercer County. He did so despite his prior convictions, and years of incarceration, for drug trafficking, firearm, and domestic violence crimes. He also did so from a location where his girlfriend and an infant child resided.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Mercer County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the convictions and sentence in this case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
FBI Disrupts Virtual Money Laundering Service Used to Facilitate Criminal ActivityRead the Press Release
DETROIT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan announced today a coordinated action with international partners and the Michigan State Police to disrupt and take down the online infrastructure used to operate E-Note, a cryptocurrency exchange that allegedly facilitated money laundering by transnational cyber-criminal organizations, including those targeting U.S. healthcare and critical infrastructure. Since 2017, the FBI identified more than $70,000,000 of illicit proceeds of ransomware attacks and account takeovers transferred via E-Note payment service and money mule network, including laundered funds stolen or extorted from U.S. victims.
In conjunction with the operation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office also announced the unsealing of an indictment in the Eastern District of Michigan against Mykhalio Petrovich Chudnovets, 39, a Russian national, which charges him with one count of money laundering conspiracy.
According to court documents, Chudnovets began offering money laundering services to cyber criminals in 2010. Until this seizure by law enforcement, Chudnovets offered money laundering services via the E-Note payment processing service, which he controlled and operated. Chudnovets worked with financially motivated cyber criminals to transfer criminal proceeds across international borders and to convert those proceeds from cryptocurrency into various cash currencies.
As part of the coordinated actions, U.S. and international law enforcement seized servers hosting Chudnovets’ operations, mobile applications, and the websites “e-note.com,” “e-note.ws,” and “jabb.mn.” U.S. law enforcement separately obtained earlier copies of Chudnovets’ servers, including customer databases and transaction records.
Chudnovets is charged with one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division, made the announcement.
The FBI Detroit Cyber Task Force is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Wyse is prosecuting this case.
The Justice Department also recognizes the critical cooperation of the German Federal Criminal Police Office, the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation, and Michigan State Police Michigan Cyber Command Center (MC3).
Any individual who believes he/she is a victim whose funds were laundered through Chudnovets should reach out to law enforcement via email address [email protected].
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Executive of North Carolina Construction Company Pleads Guilty to Multi-Million Dollar Bid-Rigging ConspiracyRead the Press Release
The president of a North Carolina construction company pleaded guilty to conspiring to rig bids for maintenance, repair, and operations procurements for military installations in the United States.
According to court documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in Rockford, Illinois, Brett Sanborn, of Pinehurst, North Carolina, was the president of a construction company that provided goods and services to military bases through procurements administered by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Between at least 2017 and 2021, Sanborn conspired with other individuals and companies to suppress and eliminate competition by rigging bids for the procurements, which were awarded to subcontractors through a competitive bidding process.
“For $6 million, the defendant defrauded his own government and deprived the U.S. Army of the benefits of open and honest competition.” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division and its Procurement Collusion Strike Force partners will continue to relentlessly pursue bad actors — like the defendant and his co-conspirators — for their assault on taxpayer money dedicated to public projects.”
“Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that we will relentlessly pursue those who attempt to undermine the integrity of the Department of Defense procurement process,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard, Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service. “Collusion, bid-rigging, and other anti-competitive conduct schemes erode fair competition, waste taxpayer dollars, and jeopardize trust in acquisition systems. DCIS, alongside our prosecutorial partners, will continue to safeguard the Department’s contracting operations and hold accountable anyone who seeks to corrupt them.”
Sanborn and his co-conspirators exchanged emails, calls, and text messages in which they coordinated their bids and agreed in advance on the pricing that they would submit, then submitted those bids to create the illusion of competition. Sanborn and his co-conspirators referred to these artificial, intentionally losing bids as “comp” bids.
In the plea agreement filed today, Sanborn admitted that the volume of commerce attributable to him and related to the conspiracy was approximately $6 million.
Sanborn pleaded guilty to one felony count of restraining trade by conspiring to rig bids, in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act. The maximum penalty for individuals is 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine. The maximum penalty for corporations is a $100 million criminal fine. The fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine.
A sentencing hearing has not been scheduled in this case. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) is investigating this case. The Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal Section is prosecuting the case.
In November 2019, the Justice Department created the Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF), a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government — federal, state and local. To learn more about the PCSF, or to report information on bid rigging, price fixing, market allocation and other anticompetitive conduct related to government spending, go to www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force. Anyone with information in connection with this investigation can contact the PCSF at the link listed above. Whistleblowers who voluntarily report original information about antitrust and related offenses that result in criminal fines or other recoveries of at least $1 million may be eligible to receive a whistleblower reward. For more information on the Antitrust Whistleblower Rewards Program, visit www.justice.gov/atr/whistleblower-rewards.
Engineer Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Bombings of PG&E Transformers, Causing Property Damage and Widespread Power OutagesRead the Press Release
Peter Karasev, 39, of San Jose, California, was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in federal prison for two counts of willful destruction of an energy facility related to two separate bombings of PG&E electrical transformers in late 2022 and early 2023. U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman handed down the sentence.
“Karasev’s specialized knowledge in explosives, the vast quantity of bombmaking materials discovered in his home, and his readiness to deploy both against our Nation’s energy infrastructure made him a very dangerous individual who posed a significant risk to public safety,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “The National Security Division is committed to prosecuting attacks on critical infrastructure to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Karasev’s attacks on critical infrastructure were direct threats to public safety and national security,” said U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California. “He aimed to inflict widespread disruption and harm, but we remain steadfast in our commitment to holding accountable those who threaten the safety and well-being of the residents of San Jose. We and our law enforcement partners will leverage every available resource to ensure that violent extremists like the defendant face the full force of justice.”
“This defendant admitted to attacking critical infrastructure which could have harmed people in the San Jose, California community and he will now face the consequences of his actions,” said Assistant Director Donald Holstead of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “This individual conducted research and prepared homemade explosives which knocked out power to multiple homes and caused more than $200,000 in property damage to local businesses. The FBI will work with our partners to identify and hold accountable those who engage in such dangerous and illegal acts.”
Karasev pleaded guilty on April 29 to two counts of willful destruction of an energy facility. Karasev admitted that on Dec. 8, 2022, and Jan. 5, 2023, he willfully damaged energy facilities involved in the production, storage, transmission, and distribution of electricity. The Jan. 5, 2023, explosion was captured on nearby surveillance footage:
Case 5:23-cr-00364-BLF, N.D. Calif. Document 46; Filed 12/10/25. Explosion of transformer located near Plaza Del Ray shopping center on Snell Avenue captured by nearby surveillance footage.In both attacks, Karasev used homemade explosive devices to cause significant destruction and widespread power outages in the San Jose area. According to the government’s sentencing memorandum, the bombings caused over $200,000 in damages to affected businesses and disrupted service to over 1,500 households in the San Jose area. Of those affected included 15 households enrolled in PG&E’s Medical Baseline Program that required continued electrical service for life-sustaining medical needs.
Karasev admitted that the attacks were premeditated and deliberate, and that he had conducted extensive internet searches regarding explosive materials, infrastructure attacks, and geopolitical conflicts.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Freeman also sentenced the defendant to a three-year period of supervised release and ordered $214,880.67 in restitution and $200 special assessment. The defendant was immediately remanded into custody to begin serving his sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne C. Hsieh for the Northern District of California prosecuted the case with the assistance the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and San Jose Police Department.
Easley Man Arrested for Threatening Mass Violence OnlineRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, S.C. — Lucas Brandon Rousso, 30, of Easley, has been arrested by federal agents and charged with making threatening communications online.
Investigators were alerted to a YouTube account posting threatening comments alluding to violence and harm, including the Jewish community. The comments were posted to videos the account uploaded and escalated over the last few months. Most recently, the defendant posted, “I’m going to commit a mass shooting.”
Investigators traced the account to an IP address, email address and device belonging to Rousso. When interviewed by law enforcement, Rousso stated he posted the comments to YouTube.
If convicted, Rousso faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Rousso made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge William S. Brown on Dec. 17 and will have a detention hearing on Dec. 19.
The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, and the Easley Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Max Cauthen is prosecuting the case.
All charges in the complaint are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Duncan Man Sentenced to Serve 20 Years in Federal Prison Following Fatal Shooting in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – JESSE WAYNE JAMES KEENAN, 19, of Duncan, has been sentenced to serve a total of 240 months in federal prison for voluntary manslaughter and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to public record, on July 19, 2024, officers with the Duncan Police Department (DPD) responded to an apartment complex on a reported shooting. At the apartment, DPD located a male victim who had been shot. DPD attempted to provide medical care, but the victim died at the scene. Witnesses at the complex identified Keenan as the person who fired the weapon. Law enforcement located and arrested him a short time later. After speaking with Keenan, FBI agents learned Keenan went to the apartment complex after an argument between him and his girlfriend. Following his arrival, a fight ensued between him and the victim. During the altercation, Keenan shot the victim with a pistol and fled from the scene. The pistol was later recovered by the FBI.
On April 7, 2025, Keenan was charged by Superseding Information with one count of voluntary manslaughter and one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Keenan pleaded guilty on May 1, 2025, and admitted that during a quarrel, he intentionally and unlawfully shot the victim, while intending to cause serious bodily injury, which resulted in the victim’s death.
At a sentencing hearing on December 12, 2025, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Keenan to serve 120 months in federal prison for each count, to run consecutively, followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered Keenan to pay $7,500 in restitution. In announcing his sentence, Judge Wyrick noted the nature and circumstances of the offense and the need to protect the public from future crimes of Keenan.
This case is in federal court because Keenan is a member of the Choctaw Nation, and the crime occurred within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Duncan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany Edgmon and Bow Bottomly prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials Results in 100-Month Prison Term for Southeast District ManRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Stevenson Allen, 21, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 100 months in federal prison for distributing, soliciting, and receiving numerous images of young children being sexually abused, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Allen pleaded guilty on Sept. 17, 2025, to one count of distribution of child pornography. In addition to the 100-month prison term, Judge Trevor N. McFadden also ordered Allen to serve 10 years of supervised release and to pay restitution of $31,500 to the victims.
Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement were FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Allen, aka “prettyboi,” came to the attention of the FBI on July 17, 2024, after he messaged another user on a messaging platform, who stated he was the father of a young child. Allen encouraged the other user to abuse their minor child.
Between July 17, 2024, and Aug. 5, 2024, Allen repeatedly asked the other user to provide images of the purported daughter being sexually abused. Allen also sent the other user multiple images depicting the rape of infants and toddlers.
On Sept. 12, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Allen’s residence in Southeast Washington D.C. During the search, officers recovered Allen’s iPhone. On the iPhone were 17 chat strings with different users that revealed that Allen exchanged more than 300 explicit images, including child sexual abuse materials, and depictions of child erotica, adult pornography, and bestiality between December 2023 and August 2024.
This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which is composed of FBI agents, along with other federal agents and detectives from northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. The task force is charged with investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in the exploitation of children and those engaged in human trafficking.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca G. Ross prosecuted this case for the District of Columbia.
The case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Digital Health Company and Medical Practice Indicted in $100M Adderall Distribution SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in San Francisco returned an indictment yesterday charging a California company for its participation in a years-long scheme to illegally distribute Adderall over the internet, conspire to commit health care fraud in connection with the submission of false and fraudulent claims for reimbursement for Adderall and other stimulants, and conspire to obstruct justice. A Florida medical practice was also charged in connection with its alleged participation in the scheme to illegally distribute Adderall.
“As alleged, Done Global used lies and deceit to carry out a sophisticated and wide-ranging telehealth fraud scheme, obtaining over $100 million in the process,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “From feeding addiction to stealing public funds, rampant health care fraud victimizes our citizens and must be stopped. The Criminal Division will not hesitate to hold health care companies that defraud Americans accountable for their crimes.”
“Done Global betrayed the public trust by allegedly exploiting a subscription-based program to flood the country with Adderall, a powerful and highly regulated controlled substance,” said Assistant Administrator Cheri Oz of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Diversion Control Division. “By distributing over 40 million Adderall pills for non-legitimate medical purposes, they prioritized profit over patient safety and public health. Controlled substances are not commodities to be marketed through memberships — they are medications that require careful oversight to prevent misuse and diversion. DEA remains steadfast in its commitment to hold registrants accountable.”
“Yesterday, we charged defendants with exploiting telehealth to provide unfettered access to over 40 million Adderall pills. Instead of leveraging technology to improve patient access to care and enhance communications, Done Global saw it as a way to boost profit. We will vigorously pursue companies that engage in this kind of fraud and put patients at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California.
“Prescribing controlled substances without proper medical oversight, as alleged, endangers patients and erodes trust in our health care system,” said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Running a sham operation to exploit federal programs and funnel taxpayer dollars into unlawful stimulant distribution is a blatant abuse. HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to expose and dismantle schemes that threaten public safety and defraud the American people.”
“IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are specially equipped to follow the complex financial trail left by criminals, and we are dedicated to holding those accountable for crimes committed,” said Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis of IRS Criminal Investigation New York. “This was a brazen scheme of staggering proportions while also putting individual lives at risk. Yesterday’s indictment sends a clear message that we remain vigilant and will vigorously pursue those who attempt to enrich themselves through fraudulent means.”
According to court documents, Done Global Inc., a California company, allegedly identified itself as a “digital health company,” which operated on a subscription-based model where individuals paid a monthly fee. Done Global advertised that it provided online diagnosis, treatment, and refills of medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As alleged, Done Global and Mindful Mental Wellness P.A. (MMW), a Florida company, allegedly conspired with others to provide easy access to over 40 million pills of Adderall and other stimulants in exchange for payment of the monthly subscription fee. The indictment alleges that the conspiracy’s purpose was for the defendants to unlawfully enrich themselves by, among other things, instructing Done prescribers to prescribe Adderall and other stimulants without any legitimate medical purpose, thereby increasing monthly subscription revenue and increasing the value of Done Global. Done Global allegedly arranged for the prescription of over 40 million pills of Adderall and other stimulants and obtained over $100 million in revenue.
The founder and CEO of Done Global, Ruthia He, and Done Global’s former clinical president, David Brody, were previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, four counts of distribution of controlled substances and conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Ruthia He was also convicted of conspiracy to obstruct justice.
According to court documents, Done Global identified itself as a “digital health company,” which operated on a subscription-based model where individuals paid a monthly fee. Done Global advertised that it provided online diagnosis, treatment and refills of medication for ADHD. Done Global and MMW allegedly conspired to provide Done members with prescriptions for Adderall and other stimulants that were not issued for a legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice. Done Global and MMW allegedly ordered Adderall and other stimulants for Done members, including Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and commercial insurers members, with whom they lacked a pre-existing practitioner-patient relationship, without an examination, and sometimes based solely on a short video or audio communication and limited patient intake documents, or without any video or audio communication at all. Done Global, MMW, and others, allegedly agreed to provide few, if any, medical treatment options besides prescribing Adderall and other stimulants. In some cases, Done members: (a) did not meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-V criteria for diagnosing ADHD; (b) posed a risk of diversion; and (c) in the event such medications were necessary, were provided dosages, directions, combinations or quantities of medications beyond any legitimate medical purpose, and without following the usual course of professional practice for prescribing them.
Done Global and MMW also allegedly enabled Done members to obtain Adderall and other stimulants from pharmacies by defrauding pharmacies and Medicare, Medicaid, and the commercial insurers, concealing and disguising the unlawful prescription of Adderall and other stimulants. Done Global also allegedly conspired to submit false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and the commercial insurers.
By 2023, certain pharmacies allegedly refused to fill prescriptions written by prescribers retained by Done Health, a California Company that was affiliated with Done Global and purportedly owned by Brody. According to the indictment, Done Global incorporated MMW to circumvent the pharmacies that had blocked the filling of Done Global-affiliated prescriptions.
Done Global also allegedly conspired to alter, destroy, and conceal records after receiving a grand jury subpoena.
Done Global is charged with one count of conspiracy to illegally distribute Adderall, four counts of illegal distribution of Adderall, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and conspiracy to obstruct justice. If convicted, Done Global faces a maximum penalty for conspiracy and illegal distribution of Adderall of twice the gross profits or other proceeds; and twice the gain or twice the gross loss for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and obstruction. If convicted, MMW faces a maximum penalty for conspiracy to illegally distribute Adderall of twice the gross profits or other proceeds.
Acting Deputy Chief Jacob Foster, Assistant Chief Emily Gurskis and Trial Attorney Jil Simon of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina Green for the Northern District of California are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Finding a New Provider
Patients receiving treatment at this practice may contact their insurance carrier for assistance in identifying a new provider for continued care. Individuals seeking access to a new primary care provider or other services can also find a provider through https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/.
Crisis Support
Patients experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 support. Trained counselors provide confidential, judgment-free assistance.
Additional Information
The Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners are working with public health and behavioral health partners to communicate where patients can find appropriate care and to alert them of potential risks associated with obtaining medications outside legal channels. Patients seeking further information on where to obtain care can refer to the CDC Health Advisory on a related action from June 13, 2024. Health Alert Network (HAN) - 00510 | Disrupted Access to Prescription Stimulant Medications Could Increase Risk of Injury and Overdose.
Digital Health Company and Medical Practice Indicted in $100M Adderall Distribution SchemeRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO—A federal grand jury in San Francisco returned an indictment yesterday charging a California company for its participation in a years-long scheme to illegally distribute Adderall over the internet, conspire to commit health care fraud in connection with the submission of false and fraudulent claims for reimbursement for Adderall and other stimulants, and conspire to obstruct justice. A Florida medical practice was also charged in connection with its alleged participation in the scheme to illegally distribute Adderall.
“Yesterday, we charged defendants with exploiting telehealth to provide unfettered access to over 40 million Adderall pills. Instead of leveraging technology to improve patient access to care and enhance communications, Done Global saw it as a way to boost profit. We will vigorously pursue companies that engage in this kind of fraud and put patients at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California.
“As alleged, Done Global used lies and deceit to carry out a sophisticated and wide-ranging telehealth fraud scheme, obtaining over $100 million in the process,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “From feeding addiction to stealing public funds, rampant health care fraud victimizes our citizens and must be stopped. The Criminal Division will not hesitate to hold health care companies that defraud Americans accountable for their crimes.”
“Done Global betrayed the public trust by allegedly exploiting a subscription-based program to flood the country with Adderall, a powerful and highly regulated controlled substance,” said Assistant Administrator Cheri Oz of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Diversion Control Division. “By distributing over 40 million Adderall pills for non-legitimate medical purposes, they prioritized profit over patient safety and public health. Controlled substances are not commodities to be marketed through memberships — they are medications that require careful oversight to prevent misuse and diversion. DEA remains steadfast in its commitment to hold registrants accountable.”
“Prescribing controlled substances without proper medical oversight, as alleged, endangers patients and erodes trust in our health care system,” said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Running a sham operation to exploit federal programs and funnel taxpayer dollars into unlawful stimulant distribution is a blatant abuse. HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to expose and dismantle schemes that threaten public safety and defraud the American people.”
“IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are specially equipped to follow the complex financial trail left by criminals, and we are dedicated to holding those accountable for crimes committed,” said Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis of IRS Criminal Investigation New York. “This was a brazen scheme of staggering proportions while also putting individual lives at risk. Yesterday’s indictment sends a clear message that we remain vigilant and will vigorously pursue those who attempt to enrich themselves through fraudulent means.”
According to court documents, Done Global Inc., a California company, allegedly identified itself as a “digital health company,” which operated on a subscription-based model where individuals paid a monthly fee. Done Global advertised that it provided online diagnosis, treatment, and refills of medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As alleged, Done Global and Mindful Mental Wellness P.A. (MMW), a Florida company, allegedly conspired with others to provide easy access to over 40 million pills of Adderall and other stimulants in exchange for payment of the monthly subscription fee. The indictment alleges that the conspiracy’s purpose was for the defendants to unlawfully enrich themselves by, among other things, instructing Done prescribers to prescribe Adderall and other stimulants without any legitimate medical purpose, thereby increasing monthly subscription revenue and increasing the value of Done Global. Done Global allegedly arranged for the prescription of over 40 million pills of Adderall and other stimulants and obtained over $100 million in revenue.
The founder and CEO of Done Global, Ruthia He, and Done Global’s former clinical president, David Brody, were previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, four counts of distribution of controlled substances and conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Ruthia He was also convicted of conspiracy to obstruct justice.
According to court documents, Done Global identified itself as a “digital health company,” which operated on a subscription-based model where individuals paid a monthly fee. Done Global advertised that it provided online diagnosis, treatment and refills of medication for ADHD. Done Global and MMW allegedly conspired to provide Done members with prescriptions for Adderall and other stimulants that were not issued for a legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice. Done Global and MMW allegedly ordered Adderall and other stimulants for Done members, including Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and commercial insurers members, with whom they lacked a pre-existing practitioner-patient relationship, without an examination, and sometimes based solely on a short video or audio communication and limited patient intake documents, or without any video or audio communication at all. Done Global, MMW, and others, allegedly agreed to provide few, if any, medical treatment options besides prescribing Adderall and other stimulants. In some cases, Done members: (a) did not meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-V criteria for diagnosing ADHD; (b) posed a risk of diversion; and (c) in the event such medications were necessary, were provided dosages, directions, combinations or quantities of medications beyond any legitimate medical purpose, and without following the usual course of professional practice for prescribing them.
Done Global and MMW also allegedly enabled Done members to obtain Adderall and other stimulants from pharmacies by defrauding pharmacies and Medicare, Medicaid, and the commercial insurers, concealing and disguising the unlawful prescription of Adderall and other stimulants. Done Global also allegedly conspired to submit false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and the commercial insurers.
By 2023, certain pharmacies allegedly refused to fill prescriptions written by prescribers retained by Done Health, a California Company that was affiliated with Done Global and purportedly owned by Brody. According to the indictment, Done Global incorporated MMW to circumvent the pharmacies that had blocked the filling of Done Global-affiliated prescriptions.
Done Global also allegedly conspired to alter, destroy, and conceal records after receiving a grand jury subpoena.
Done Global is charged with one count of conspiracy to illegally distribute Adderall, four counts of illegal distribution of Adderall, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and conspiracy to obstruct justice. If convicted, Done Global faces a maximum penalty for conspiracy and illegal distribution of Adderall of twice the gross profits or other proceeds; and twice the gain or twice the gross loss for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and obstruction. If convicted, MMW faces a maximum penalty for conspiracy to illegally distribute Adderall of twice the gross profits or other proceeds.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina Green for the Northern District of California and Acting Deputy Chief Jacob Foster, Assistant Chief Emily Gurskis and Trial Attorney Jil Simon of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Finding a New Provider
Patients receiving treatment at this practice may contact their insurance carrier for assistance in identifying a new provider for continued care. Individuals seeking access to a new primary care provider or other services can also find a provider through https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/.
Crisis Support
Patients experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 support. Trained counselors provide confidential, judgment-free assistance.
Additional Information
The Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners are working with public health and behavioral health partners to communicate where patients can find appropriate care and to alert them of potential risks associated with obtaining medications outside legal channels. Patients seeking further information on where to obtain care can refer to the CDC Health Advisory on a related action from June 13, 2024. Health Alert Network (HAN) - 00510 | Disrupted Access to Prescription Stimulant Medications Could Increase Risk of Injury and Overdose.
December Federal Grand Jury 2025-B Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the December Federal Grand Jury 2025-B Indictments.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Edyn Aguilar Lara. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Aguilar Lara, 33, a Honduran national, is charged with knowingly possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Additionally, Aguilar Lara is charged with maintaining a residence to distribute methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the Tulsa Police Department, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-464
Antonio Alfonso Chavez Dominguez. Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Chavez Dominguez, 41, a Mexican national, is charged with knowingly possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. Further, he is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Dec. 2009, May 2014, and Apr. 2015. Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-465
Keith Dwayne Cochran. Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography. Cochran, 47, a transient, is charged with attempting to receive visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children after being convicted of a felony child pornography offense. Further, he is charged with possessing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of minor children after being convicted of a felony child pornography offense. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Scaife is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-466
Kevin Dale Coyle. Escape from Federal Custody. Coyle, 52, is charged with escaping federal custody and knowingly departing the Turley Residential Center without permission. The U.S. Marshal Service is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Greenough is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-470
Daniel Christopher Edwards. Possession of an Unregistered Destructive Device. Edwards, 37, of Broken Arrow, is charged with possessing a destructive device that was not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Bailey is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-471
Stephen Matthew Kite. Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute. Kite, 53, of Broken Arrow, is charged with knowingly possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyson McCoy is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-467
Garrett Lee Monroe*. Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force in Indian Country; Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Threat and Fear in Indian Country; Assault with Intent to Commit Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country. Monroe, 37, of Vinta and a member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe of Wyoming, is charged with engaging in sexual activity by force. He is further charged with engaging in sex with the victim by threat and fear. Lastly, Monroe allegedly assaulted the victim with the intent to commit aggravated sexual abuse. The FBI and the Vinita Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Weems is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-468
Ronaldo Ramos Quintero. Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; Alien Unlawfully in the United States in Possession of Firearm. Quintero, 21, a Mexican national is charged with knowingly possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. He is additionally charged with possessing a firearm, knowing he was unlawfully residing in the United States. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, Homeland Security Investigation, the Tulsa Police Department, and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-469
Devin Charles Staller. Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. Stalled, 38, of Tulsa and a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, is charged with assaulting the victim, resulting in serious bodily injury. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey Todd is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-472
*Garrett Lee Monroe was tried by a federal jury in April 2026. He was acquitted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Threat and Fear in Indian Country and Assault with Intent to Commit Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country. Monroe was found guilty of Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force in Indian Country.
Dallas County man sentenced to over 11 years in federal prison for trafficking fentanylRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas –A Mesquite man has been sentenced to over 11 years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Arob Kolnyang, 31, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on December 17, 2025.
According to information presented in court, beginning in 2021, Kolnyang was involved in a conspiracy with others to distribute at least 40 grams of fentanyl in the Eastern District of Texas.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service-Office of Inspector General, Mesquite Police Department, and Phoenix, Arizona, Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Plano office.
Dacula Man Sentenced to Twenty Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting MinorsRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Johann Rainer Nix has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for production of child sexual abuse material. Nix used social media platforms to entice minors to send him sexually explicit images of themselves.
“Nix used popular social media platforms to lure and exploit minors,” said Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Parents should monitor their children’s social media use because predators like Nix are lurking online. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue, arrest, and prosecute child sex offenders like Nix.”
“Nix exploited vulnerable minors on social media for his depraved desires, and the FBI will relentlessly use every tool at our disposal to put predators like him behind bars,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “We urge parents to closely monitor their children’s social media use and have open conversations about online safety to protect them from predators.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: throughout 2022 and 2023, Nix used popular social media applications to groom four children who he met online. Nix coerced and enticed all four minors to create and send him sexually explicit images and/or videos. He also sent several minors photographs of his genitalia.
Johann Rainer Nix, 36, of Dacula, Ga., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee to 20 years in federal prison to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release. On November 18, 2025, Nix pled guilty to one count of production of child sexual abuse material.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren E. Renaud and L. Skye Davis prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Convicted drug dealer and Mexican national sentenced for illegal reentry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Darin Smith announced today that Jorge Saavedra-Delgado, 42, of Zamora, Michoacán, Mexico, was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment with one year of supervised release for illegal reentry into the U.S.
According to court documents, on June 28, 2025, the defendant, a citizen of Mexico, was contacted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while he was in the Lincoln County Jail after being arrested on state charges for interference with a peace officer and other offenses. In April 2011, the defendant was convicted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming for the distribution of methamphetamine and for illegal reentry of a previously deported alien into the U.S. The defendant was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment for the drug offense and 24 months of imprisonment for the illegal reentry offense.
ICE agents determined that the defendant had not applied for permission to reenter the U.S. after being formally removed in March 2015. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Dec. 16 in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-CR-00106
“We fully support ICE’s efforts to identify, locate, prosecute, and remove convicted felons who are in the United States illegally,” said U.S. Attorney Darin Smith.
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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods.
Congolese national sentenced to over two years in prison after impersonating his brother throughout his arrest and trialRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Congolese national was sentenced today to two years and two months in prison for aggravated identity theft and perjury.
According to court documents, on Sept. 29, 2019, in response to a reported hit-and-run, U.S. Park Police stopped Daniel Likala Emony, 33, on the George Washington Memorial Parkway and asked Emony for his identification. Emony responded that he did not have his driver's license and provided the name and date of birth of his brother, Gregory Emony. Officers arrested Emony and issued violation notices to him under his brother’s name for driving under the influence (DUI), refusal, and hit and run.
On Nov. 12, 2020, Emony appeared in the United States District Court for a bench trial where he identified himself under oath as “Gregory Emony.” The Court convicted Emony, still under his brother’s name, of DUI and refusal. Emony failed to comply with the terms of his probation and the Court issued an arrest warrant in Gregory Emony’s name.
In April 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Court, and Probation Office learned of Emony’s deception, and a grand jury returned an indictment against him on Nov. 1, 2022. Emony was extradited from Canada on July 31 and pled guilty on Sept. 26.
“By allowing his brother to take the blame for his crimes, Daniel Emony deliberately obstructed justice and wasted crucial law enforcement resources,” Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “His deception falsely implicated an innocent person and necessitated an international extradition. This office will aggressively investigate and prosecute those who seek to evade justice through fraud and obstruction.”
The FBI investigated this case. The Justic Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Emony.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Birnbaum and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Madison Mumma prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:22-cr-201.
This release was revised on 17 DEC 25 to reflect a revised sentence from the Court.Chicago Man Sentenced for Role in Schemes to Transport Contraband into FCI McDowell with DroneRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Arturo Joel Gallegos, 27, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced today to three years of federal probation, for conspiracy to introduce or attempt to introduce contraband into a federal prison.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 1, 2024, Gallegos traveled to Welch, West Virginia, with two other Chicago men, co-defendants Miguel Angel Aleman-Piceno and Francisco Alejandro Gonzalez. Later that day, law enforcement officers caught Aleman-Piceno and Gonzalez with a drone and camouflaged packages containing tobacco, four cell phones, chargers, phone cards and marijuana next to the prison fence. Also that day, officers encountered Gallegos at a Welch motel where they seized packaging materials, tobacco, and marijuana.
As part of his guilty plea, Gallegos admitted that he conspired with Aleman-Piceno and Gonzalez to fly the contraband onto the grounds of FCI McDowell, and that he expected to be paid for his participation in the conspiracy.
Aleman-Piceno, 23, pleaded guilty on June 2, 2025, and Gonzalez, 25, pleaded guilty on July 7, 2025, each to conspiracy to commit the felony crime of attempting to introduce contraband into a federal prison. Each was sentenced to three years of federal probation.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), and the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons 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-126.
Chester County Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting Numerous Minor Girls Online, Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Valentin Lubinski, 26, of Malvern, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment, to be followed by 20 years of supervised release, a $3,600 special assessment, and a total of $28,000 in restitution and other assessments by United States District Judge Timothy J. Savage for the online sexual exploitation of numerous minor girls and child pornography offenses.
In February 2023, the defendant was charged by indictment with 18 counts of use of an interstate commerce facility to entice a minor, and attempt to entice a minor, to engage in sexual conduct, and 18 counts of manufacture, attempted manufacture, and willfully causing the manufacture of child pornography. He pleaded guilty to all 36 charges in December of last year.
As detailed in court documents and statements, throughout June of 2022, Lubinski, operating with the handle “Leo_32149,” used a social media application to sexually exploit and extort 18 identified minor victims to self-produce sexually explicit images and videos of themselves and send them to him. The defendant’s victims ranged in age from nine to 16 years old and lived primarily in rural areas throughout the United States.
Lubinski engaged in a common communication style with each victim. He quickly asked the victims how old they were and then lied about his own age, identifying himself as a male between the ages of 13 and 17 years old. He then asked for an image to see what the victim looked like, and upon receipt, responded with a compliment. Lubinski often sent the victims a photo of a teen boy he purported to be himself.
After the initial exchange, the defendant commonly told the victim that he had a question for her, and asked some variation of “R u freaky?” Regardless of the victim’s response, he then asked her to make a deal with him – the victim would send him a picture of his choice, and, in exchange, Lubinski promised to send a combination of pictures and videos of himself to the victim.
Depending on the victim’s level of resistance at this point, the defendant would explain that the photo he wanted “wasn’t bad” and would then ask for a photo of the victim in her bra or underwear, followed by a topless photo. Upon receipt of these images, he took screenshots and asked the victim for more sexually explicit images, and sexually explicit photos with her face included.
Typically, the victim declined to send these images, at which point Lubinski began his sextortion of the victim, threatening to post her topless photo/bra photo/underwear photo on various social media platforms and often sending the screenshot back to her with a banner of text such as, “follow [the victim’s social media handle] she sends nudes.”
Lubinski continued to ask for more explicit and humiliating photos and videos of the girls, often employing a countdown, giving the victims “one minute” to pose in a certain way and send him a photo or video or he would post their other images. Many of the defendant’s victims begged him to stop, as he extorted them.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by FBI Philadelphia’s Newtown Square Resident Agency and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly Harrell and Amanda McCool.
Chantilly man convicted of sexually exploiting minors he targeted onlineRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal judge convicted a Chantilly man today on charges of sexual exploitation of children and coercion and enticement of minors to engage in illegal sexual activity.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, between Feb. 9, 2022, and April 18, 2023, Michael Logan Bourne, 55, sexually exploited and enticed four minor girls between the ages of 13 and 17, as well as two other unidentified individuals who purported to be 14 and 16 years old, online. Bourne engaged in graphic sexual chats with the victims and enticed them to participate in sexual activity during live video calls that he conducted from his home. He also sent sexually explicit images and videos of himself to his victims and received child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from a 13-year-old victim.
“Michael Bourne knowingly targeted children, exploiting their vulnerability for his own gratification,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Crimes like these inflict lasting harm, and this office is unwavering in its commitment to bringing child predators to justice. We will always prioritize cases involving the abuse of minors and pursue offenders like Bourne with the full force of federal law.”
“Bourne sexually exploited his victims online, knowing full well that they were vulnerable minors,” said Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal Division. “His conviction is a testament to the work that our Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and our law enforcement partners do day in and day out to apprehend child predators and secure justice for victims of online child sexual exploitation.”
Bourne faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison when sentenced on March 18, 2026. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Halper and Vanessa Strobbe are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. 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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-218.
Career Offender from West Memphis Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Alreico Wiley, a multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 144 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on December 16, 2025, by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky. Wiley had seven previous felony convictions for controlled substance offenses.
On April 1, 2025, Wiley, 50, of West Memphis, pleaded guilty to count two of an Indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The two-count Indictment filed on November 2, 2023, also charged Wiley with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Judge Rudofsky also sentenced Wiley to three years’ supervised release.
An investigation revealed that after receiving complaints of Wiley distributing methamphetamine from his residence in West Memphis, on July 27, 2023, a special agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration made contact with Wiley, who was on active parole and had a search waiver on file. During a search of Wiley’s, residence officers located approximately 27 grams of methamphetamine in Wiley’s bedroom. Law enforcement officers also located on the dresser a bag containing 2.5 grams of powder fentanyl and 6.6 grams of fentanyl tablets. In the kitchen of Wiley’s residence, law enforcement officers located two digital scales. After being transported to the West Memphis Police Department, Wiley waived his Miranda rights and admitted to selling methamphetamine.
Because Wiley’s criminal history includes felony convictions that include three convictions for possession with intent to deliver cocaine, a conviction for possession with intent to deliver marijuana, two convictions for the sale or delivery of cocaine, and a conviction for the sale or delivery of marijuana, he is classified as a career offender and received an enhanced sentence. There is no parole in the federal system.
The investigation was conducted by the West Memphis Police Department with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shelby Shelton.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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@USAO_EDAR
CEO, CFO, COO Charged in Connection with Billion-Dollar Collapse of Tricolor AutoRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Christopher G. Raia, and Special Agent in Charge of the New York Regional Office of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Office of Inspector General (“FDIC-OIG”), Patricia Tarasca, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging DANIEL CHU, the founder and former CEO of Tricolor Holdings LLC, with orchestrating a years-long financial crimes enterprise that defrauded multiple banks and other private credit providers. CHU and DAVID GOODGAME, Tricolor’s former COO, are also charged with bank fraud and wire fraud offenses in connection with schemes to fraudulently double-pledge collateral to multiple lenders and manipulate the characteristics of collateral to make ineligible, near-worthless assets appear to meet lender requirements. Both defendants were arrested today. CHU will be presented later today in the Southern District of Florida, and GOODGAME will be presented tomorrow in the Northern District of Texas.
Also unsealed today are the guilty pleas of JEROME KOLLAR, Tricolor’s former CFO, and AMERYN SEIBOLD, a former finance executive at Tricolor, in connection with their participation in the conspiracy. KOLLAR and SEIBOLD pled guilty to fraud charges before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman on December 16, 2025. Both are cooperating with the Government.
“As alleged in the indictment, CEO Daniel Chu was the leader of an elaborate scheme to defraud creditors of Tricolor,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “At his direction, Tricolor repeatedly lied to banks and other credit providers, including by falsifying auto-loan data and ‘double pledging’ collateral. Fraud became an integral component of Tricolor’s business strategy. The resulting billion-dollar collapse harmed banks, investors, employees and customers. It also undermines confidence in our financial system. New Yorkers and all Americans want continuing criminal enterprises shut down and their leaders brought to justice whether they are on our streets or in our markets.”
“These four executives allegedly conspired to defraud lenders based on bogus collateral,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. “The defendants’ alleged manipulation not only ripped off multiple banks but also violated the integrity of our credit markets. The FBI will never tolerate any company that makes fraud part of its business.”
“As alleged, the defendants in this case participated in a years-long fraudulent scheme that deceived the lenders of Tricolor,” said FDIC-OIG Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca. “The FDIC-OIG stands firm in its commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate all allegations of fraud that target financial institutions, as we seek to preserve the integrity of our Nation’s financial system.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]
From in or about 2018 through in or about 2025, CHU, GOODGAME, KOLLAR, and SEIBOLD conspired to defraud the lenders and asset-backed securities investors of Tricolor Holdings, LLC and its affiliates (“Tricolor”), a subprime auto retailer and financing company. CHU, Tricolor’s founder and chief executive officer; GOODGAME, Tricolor’s chief operating officer; and others operated Tricolor through systematic fraud. At CHU’s direction, multiple Tricolor executives repeatedly double-pledged collateral to multiple lenders and manipulated the characteristics of collateral to make ineligible, near-worthless assets appear to meet lender requirements. By in or about August 2025, Tricolor had pledged approximately $2.2 billion of collateral to lenders and investors, but Tricolor had only approximately $1.4 billion of real collateral. The difference—consisting of approximately $800 million in bogus collateral—resulted from the series of schemes and the conspiracy in which CHU, GOODGAME, KOLLAR, SEIBOLD, and others participated. Over time, this series of fraudulent schemes had a profound effect on Tricolor, which obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in cash advances; on CHU, who used a portion of the funds to enrich himself; and on Tricolor’s lenders, who extended billions in loans based on fabricated data and false statements.
In or about the summer of 2025, lenders confronted CHU and others at Tricolor about problems with Tricolor’s collateral. In a series of secretly recorded phone calls, CHU and his conspirators concocted plans to conceal or explain away the fraud. For example, on or about August 17, 2025, CHU proposed blaming certain loan data discrepancies on fictitious deferment policies. CHU acknowledged, however, that “where we would have an issue is if, if they sent an auditor and they said, pull this up on your screen, right, that would be a problem.” KOLLAR agreed, stating, “Yes. That would be bad.” These efforts to conceal failed.
Unable to explain or excuse Tricolor’s fraud, CHU turned his sights on blaming others. On another recorded phone call, CHU compared Tricolor’s circumstances to the circumstances of Enron, the energy trading firm that collapsed into bankruptcy following the discovery of accounting fraud and other misconduct. Specifically, CHU and others discussed the possibility that they could blame the banks for ignoring red flags and use that threat as leverage to extract a favorable settlement. CHU proposed using artificial intelligence tools to search for key words that GOODGAME could use in a discussion with a lender. After another participant described an Enron-related litigation, CHU stated: “Enron obviously has a nice ring to it, right? <laugh>, I mean, Enron, Enron raises the blood pressure of the lender when they see that <laugh>. It, it has to, right? I’m not— […] Cause who wants to be thrown in the category?” CHU later said, “That Enron case is fucking perfect, I think.”
CHU, recognizing that Tricolor was, in his words, “basically history,” turned his attention to extracting millions of dollars from the company. As Tricolor approached collapse, and after CHU observed that the company was “definitely insolvent,” he directed KOLLAR to pay him the final installments of a $15 million bonus. On or about August 19 and 20, 2025—roughly three weeks before Tricolor placed more than 1,000 employees on unpaid leaves of absence and before the company filed for bankruptcy—CHU received two payments from Tricolor totaling $6.25 million. CHU used some of this money to purchase a multimillion-dollar property in Beverly Hills, California on or about August 27, 2025.
Unable to maintain its access to loans, and unable to sustain its business without substantial cash, Tricolor filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on September 10, 2025. By that time, the company’s largest lenders had advanced and were owed more than $900 million as a result of the fraudulent double-pledging and collateral manipulation schemes that CHU had orchestrated, and in which GOODGAME had knowingly participated as the company’s chief operating officer, for years.
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A chart containing the names, ages, residences, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants is attached.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI and the FDIC-OIG. Mr. Clayton also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for its assistance and cooperation in the investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Micah F. Fergenson and Justin V. Rodriguez are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defendant,
Age, and
Residence
ChargesMaximum Potential Sentence(s)United States v. Daniel Chu and David GoodgameCHU,
62,
Miami,
FL
Continuing Financial Crimes Enterprise, 18 U.S.C. § 225 (Count One)
Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Wire Fraud Affecting a Financial Institution, 18 U.S.C. § 1349 (Count Two)
Bank Fraud, 18 U.S.C. § 1344 (Count Three)
Wire Fraud Affecting a Financial Institution, 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Count Four)
Life in prison
Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison
30 years in prison
30 years in prison
30 years in prison
GOODGAME,
49,
Waxahachie,
TX
Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Wire Fraud Affecting a Financial Institution, 18 U.S.C. § 1349 (Count Two)
Bank Fraud, 18 U.S.C. § 1344 (Count Three)
Wire Fraud Affecting a Financial Institution, 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Count Four)
30 years in prison
30 years in prison
30 years in prison
United States v. Jerome KollarKOLLAR,
62,
Shady Shores,
TX
Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Wire Fraud Affecting a Financial Institution, 18 U.S.C. § 1349 (Count One)
Bank Fraud, 18 U.S.C. § 1344 (Count Two)
Wire Fraud Affecting a Financial Institution, 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Count Three)
False Statements to Financial Institutions, 18 U.S.C. § 1014 (Count Four)
Conspiracy to Commit Securities Fraud, 18 U.S.C. § 371 (Count Five)
Securities Fraud, 15 U.S.C. §§ 78j(b) & 78ff (Count Six)
Destruction of Records, 18 U.S.C. § 1519 (Count Seven)
30 years in prison
30 years in prison
30 years in prison
30 years in prison
Five years in prison
20 years in prison
20 years in prison
United States v. Ameryn SeiboldSEIBOLD,
31,
Princeton,
TX
Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Wire Fraud Affecting a Financial Institution, 18 U.S.C. § 1349 (Count One)
Bank Fraud, 18 U.S.C. § 1344 (Count Two)
Wire Fraud Affecting a Financial Institution, 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Count Three)
False Statements to Financial Institutions, 18 U.S.C. § 1014 (Count Four)
Conspiracy to Commit Securities Fraud, 18 U.S.C. § 371 (Count Five)
Securities Fraud, 15 U.S.C. §§ 78j(b) & 78ff (Count Six)
Destruction of Records, 18 U.S.C. § 1519 (Count Seven)
30 years in prison
30 years in prison
30 years in prison
30 years in prison
Five years in prison
20 years in prison
20 years in prison
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the descriptions of the Indictment constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Byrd Gang Leader Pleads Guilty Mid-Trial to Rico Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, and Conspiracy to Possess FirearmsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson announced that TIM JACKSON(“JACKSON”), a/k/a T-Maf,” “Maf,” of New Orleans, pled guilty last week to RICO conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, and firearms conspiracy. after three days of jury trial before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo.
JACKSON was a leader of the Byrd Gang, also known as M3RE, MagFischer, 315 and Piff Gang, which operated primarily out of the former Magnolia Housing Development in New Orleans. Its members distributed heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine and marijuana daily, while possessing multiple firearms. JACKSON participated in numerous drug trafficking activities and violent crimes for the Byrd Gang.
Members of the enterprise, including JACKSON, participated in acts of violence, to include, but not limited to the July 18, 2016, murder of Kent Franklin; the September 3, 2016, murder of Javon Johnigan; the October 29, 2016, shooting of a rival; the November 25, 2016, shooting of a Ghost Gang member; the December 20, 2016, shooting of a rival; the December 30, 2016, shooting of a Ghost Gang member; the January 31, 2017, double murder of Ghost Gang members Wynston Jackson and Lawrence Williams, IV; the May 3, 2017, shooting at a victim; and, the August 25, 2017, shooting of another Ghost Gang member.
The government’s evidence regarding the existence and nature of this criminal enterprise came from the testimony of witnesses and cooperating informants, cooperating defendants, police searches and seizures, Title III wiretaps, historical arrests of members of the enterprise, including of JACKSON, among other things. Collectively, the evidence showed that JACKSON, was a leader of the Byrd Gang and the principal supplier of heroin for the enterprise. He also distributed controlled substances and acted as a gunman for the enterprise. JACKSONunlawfully and knowingly conspired with other members of the Byrd Gang to participate in the affairs of the enterprise through racketeering activities such as murders, in violation of Title 14, Louisiana Revised Statutes, Sections 24 (Principals), 26 (Criminal Conspiracy), 27 (Attempt) and 30.1 (Second Degree Murder); as well as heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and marijuana trafficking, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846.
As part of the conspiracy JACKSON and his co-defendants agreed that each would commit at least two acts of racketeering as Byrd gang members. JACKSON himself participated in numerous such acts. Specifically, between 2014 and January 2017, when JACKSON was arrested on federal charges for which he is still serving a sentence, JACKSON regularly purchased large quantities of heroin from a supplier. During this period, JACKSON was the leader of the Byrd Gang and its most prolific drug dealer.
During the trial, the evidence showed a slew of back-and-forth retaliatory shootings between the Byrd Gang and the Ghost Gang, much of which was fueled by social media posts and rap music and videos. Additionally, dozens of firearms, most with large-capacity magazines, as well as hundreds of rounds of ammunition, were recovered from Byrd Gang members, including from JACKSON.
JACKSON agreed to accept a 30-year sentence. Sentencing will be held before Judge Milazzo on January 14, 2026.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Privitera and Sarah Dawkins are in charge of the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Bluefield Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Landon Joseph Cartwright, 22, of Bluefield, pleaded guilty today to aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 13, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Cartwright’s residence in Bluefield and seized approximately 443 grams of methamphetamine. As part of his guilty plea, Cartwright admitted that he possessed the seized methamphetamine and intended to distribute it.
Cartwright is scheduled to be sentenced on April 13, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, which consists of members of the West Virginia State Police, the Bluefield Police Department, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-115.
Billings woman sentenced to 10 years in prison on methamphetamine and fentanyl chargesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings woman who distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl was sentenced today to 120 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Tori Lee Hutzenbieler, 46, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in May 2023, law enforcements officers learned from a source of information that Tori Hutzenbieler was selling drugs in the Billings area. The source said Hutzenbieler concealed drugs in a trap compartment inside her Toyota Camry. Law enforcement learned through electronic surveillance that Hutzenbieler, using the Camry, frequented a storage unit at odd hours and then drove around town making several stops.
A search warrant was executed on Hutzenbieler’s residence where fentanyl pills were located under her mattress and $3,919 in cash was found in the bedroom. Four vehicles at Hutzenbieler’s residence were also searched and a trap compartment was located inside the Camry. Law enforcement searched a Buick used by Hutzenbieler and located and seized a bag of methamphetamine and several fentanyl pills from the trunk.
Additionally, law enforcement executed a search of Hutzenbieler’s storage unit where methamphetamine and fentanyl pills were located inside a red cooler.
Hutzenbieler’s cell phone had several text messages related to drug transactions and a photograph of her holding a plastic bag containing a large amount of methamphetamine.
In total, Hutzenbieler was found in possession of 393.5 grams of methamphetamine and 1,007 fentanyl pills.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Patten prosecuted the case. The DEA and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.
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Barrio Azteca Gang Leader Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy and Murder Charges Related to 2010 U.S. Consulate Murders in JuarezRead the Press Release
A former FBI “Ten Most Wanted Fugitive” and leader of the El Paso/Juarez-based Bario Azteca gang pleaded guilty today in federal court in El Paso, Texas, for his role in the March 2010 U.S. Consulate murders in Juarez, Mexico, in which three people associated with the U.S. Consulate were murdered when gunmen shot into the vehicle in which they and their children were riding.
Eduardo Ravelo, also known as Tablas, 57, of Juarez, Mexico, pleaded guilty today in the Western District of Texas to racketeering conspiracy (RICO), conspiracy to distribute and import drugs, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country, and murder in aid of racketeering. A sentencing date has not yet been set by the court. At sentencing, Ravelo faces a mandatory penalty of life in prison.
“Eduardo Ravelo was responsible for Barrio Azteca brazenly orchestrating the murders of three individuals associated with the U.S. Consulate in Juarez, Mexico,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today, after years of evading capture, he is finally being held accountable for heinous crimes that Barrio Azteca committed during the course of cartel wars in Juarez, including attacks on U.S. employees. The Criminal Division will not tolerate violent attacks on those who support our embassies and consulates abroad, and we will work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.”
“Ravelo’s admission of guilt today ensures accountability for his role in the murder of U.S. Consulate employees,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “Today’s plea also ensures he is held responsible for his leadership of a vicious criminal enterprise that terrorized the city of Juarez and contributed to the poisoning of our communities on this side of the border. This case has spanned decades, and this latest development reflects our commitment to pursuing and prosecuting violent criminals like Ravelo regardless of how long it takes for the long arm of justice to grab hold.”
“This case is a tragic reminder of the inseparable link between drug trafficking and violence,” said Special Agent in Charge Omar Arellano of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) El Paso Field Division. “The dedicated men and women of the DEA remain steadfast in their mission to bring violent drug traffickers to justice for their heinous crimes.”
According to court documents and information presented in court throughout this case, Ravelo is one of 35 Barrio Azteca members and associates based in the United States and Mexico who were charged in the third superseding indictment in 2011 for committing various criminal acts, including racketeering, narcotics distribution and importation, retaliation against persons providing information to U.S. law enforcement, extortion, money laundering, obstruction of justice, and murder. Of the 35 defendants, 10 Mexican nationals, including Ravelo, were charged for their role in the March 13, 2010 murders in Juarez, Mexico, of U.S. Consulate employee Leslie Ann Enriquez Catton, her husband Arthur Redelfs, and Jorge Alberto Salcido Ceniceros, the husband of a U.S. Consulate employee.
All of the defendants have been apprehended, and 28, including Ravelo, have pleaded guilty. Three defendants have been convicted at trial, one committed suicide before the conclusion of his trial, and one is awaiting extradition from Mexico. Two defendants await trial in the United States.
Ravelo was the leader of the Barrio Azteca gang in Mexico beginning in around 2004. In 2009, Ravelo was placed on the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives” list and remained there until his arrest in 2018 in Mexico. He was extradited to the United States on Feb. 20, 2025.
The Barrio Azteca (BA) is a violent street and prison gang that began in the late 1980s and expanded into a transnational criminal organization. In the 2000s, the BA formed an alliance in Mexico with “La Linea,” which is part of the Juarez Drug Cartel (also known as the Vincente Carrillo Fuentes Drug Cartel or VCF). The purpose of the BA-La Linea alliance was to battle the Chapo Guzman Cartel and its allies for control of the drug trafficking routes through Juarez and Chihuahua. The drug routes through Juarez, known as the Juarez Plaza, are important to drug trafficking organizations because they are a principal illicit drug trafficking conduit into the United States. The gang has a militaristic command structure and includes captains, lieutenants, sergeants, and soldiers — all with the purpose of maintaining power and enriching its members and associates through drug trafficking, money laundering, extortion, intimidation, violence, threats of violence, and murder.
As a BA Captain in Juarez, Ravelo directed and controlled the BA’s drug trafficking activities, and he was ultimately responsible for and in some cases directly controlled multiple “hit” or “sicario” squads, which consisted of multiple BA members armed with automatic and semi-automatic firearms who committed numerous kidnappings and murders in support of the BA against rival cartel members. On the day of the Consulate murders, Ravelo monitored radio communications and directed BA members who targeted and murdered Leslie Ann Enriquez Catton; her husband Arthur Redelfs, and Jorge Alberto Salcido Ceniceros. Enriquez Catton was four months pregnant, and her fetus was also killed.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s El Paso and Albuquerque Field Offices (Las Cruces Resident Agency); DEA Juarez; and DEA El Paso. Special assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations; the U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; the Texas Department of Public Safety; the Texas Department of Criminal Justice; El Paso Police Department; El Paso County Sheriff’s Office; El Paso Independent School District Police Department; Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission; New Mexico State Police; Dona Ana County, New Mexico Sheriff’s Office; Las Cruces, (New Mexico) Police Department; Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility and Otero County Prison Facility New Mexico.
This case is being prosecuted by Deputy Chief Jay Bauer of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, Trial Attorney Amy Schwartz of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Spitzer for the Western District of Texas. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico and the Criminal Division’s Offices of International Affairs and Enforcement Operations provided significant assistance in this case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the extradition of Ravelo.
Baltimore Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting a MinorRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher sentenced Zachary Anthony Campbell, 34, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 30 years in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for two counts of sexually exploiting a minor.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office; Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD), and Chief Charles J. Herring, Towson University Police Department (TUPD).
According to his guilty plea, Campbell sexually abused an 11-year-old victim. On two occasions, in October 2023 and February 2024, Campbell recorded a video of himself sexually abusing the victim who appeared to be sleeping. Additionally, on five occasions in 2023 and 2024, Campbell placed a hidden camera in a bathroom and recorded videos of the victim in various stages of undressing. Campbell saved the sexual-exploitation videos on his phone.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, BPD, and TUPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow who is prosecuting the federal case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-childhood and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Arizona Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion sentenced Shane Burns, age 26, of Scottsdale, Arizona, to 168 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by 5 years’ supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Burns was one of fifteen individuals indicted in February 2023 for conspiring to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl in Northeastern Pennsylvania and elsewhere. Burns was the leader and organizer of the conspiracy, having established connections with Mexican cartels to obtain fentanyl pills, and distributing those pills in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, and other locations in Northeastern Pennsylvania, as well as other states.
The charges stem from a joint investigation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Scranton, the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard T. Donahue prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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Anthony Man Sentenced to Life Following Trial Conviction for Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Anthony man was sentenced to life in prison after a jury found him guilty of multiple child exploitation offenses following a federal trial.
There is no parole in the federal system. As a result, a sentence of lifetime incarceration is served without parole.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, from 2018 through 2022, Othon Jorge Zamarripa, 35, abused his position of trust as a caregiver by coercing minors to engage in illegal sexual activity through manipulation, threats, physical abuse, and the use of online pornography to exert control and maintain secrecy.
On July 28, 2025, following a multi-day trial, Zamarripa was convicted of two counts of coercion and enticement of a minor. Based on the nature of the offenses, the length of time over which they occurred, and the harm caused, the court imposed a sentence of life imprisonment.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Ryan G. McRae, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations - El Paso, made the announcement today.
Homeland Security Investigations - El Paso investigated this case with assistance from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office and Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joni Autrey Stahl and Jackson K. Dering V prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
16 Arrested on Complaints Alleging Shootings, Kidnapping, and Illegal Sales of Firearms and Narcotics by Puente-13 GangRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Sixteen members and associates of the San Gabriel Valley-based, Mexican Mafia-linked, Puente-13 street gang were arrested today on federal criminal complaints alleging their involvement in one kidnapping, two shootings, illegal firearms sales, and trafficking of narcotics, including methamphetamine cocaine, fentanyl, and carfentanil, a synthetic opioid 100 times more powerful than fentanyl.
The defendants arrested today include:
- Victor Sanchez, 24, a.k.a. “Pollo” and “Chicken,” of San Bernardino;
- Isaiah Castro, 24, a.k.a. “Boy,” of Azusa;
- Isaac Estrada-Frost, 21, a.k.a. “Ghost,” of Rosemead;
- Heather Covarrubias, 40, a.k.a. “Snowbella,” of Diamond Bar;
- Dominic Ornelas, 23, a.k.a. “Dom” and “Lil Speedy,” of Rancho Cucamonga; and
- Adrian Lopez, 25, a.k.a. “Tapped In” and “Monkey,” of La Puente.
There are 20 total defendants charged with various offenses, including distribution of methamphetamine, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a machine gun, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Nine of the defendants are expected to make their initial appearances this afternoon in United States District Court in Los Angeles. The remaining seven defendants are expected to make their initial appearances tomorrow in Los Angeles federal court.
Law enforcement is looking for three defendants who remain at large:
- Larry Castillo, 42, a.k.a. “Lil Dee,” of Victorville;
- Soo Kang, 31, a.k.a. “Easy,” of Koreatown; and
- Bryan Gordian-Padilla, 24, a.k.a. “Goon,” of West Covina.
Another defendant, Heather Johnson, 38, of Victorville, is in state custody.
During the course of this investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) of methamphetamine, thousands of pills containing fentanyl and carfentanil, fentanyl power, 71 firearms, including 14 rifles, one machine-gun conversion device, four short-barreled rifles, three firearms with obliterated serial numbers, three pieces of body armor, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and today seized approximately $9,500 in cash.
According to affidavits filed with the complaints, Puente-13 is a street gang based in La Puente that enriches itself and the Mexican Mafia prison gang by controlling the distribution of narcotics within its “territory,” maintaining and expanding that control through violence and threats of violence and punishing those in its territory who cooperate with law enforcement.
The affidavits outline a series of criminal acts, including the December 2022 shooting of rival gangsters at a Covina residence in which one of the shooters, Ornelas, tripped and left behind his left shoe, which later helped law enforcement link him to the shooting.
In July 2023, Lopez, Covarrubias, and others kidnapped two victims to retrieve items they believed had been stolen during a burglary at Lopez’s residence earlier that month. One of the victims eventually was allowed to leave, but the other victim fled after being severely beaten.
Another Puente-13-linked shooting occurred in May 2025 outside a La Puente liquor store in which Estrada-Frost, mistaking a victim for being a member of a rival gang, yelled racial slurs at the victim and shot at the victim’s car when the victim drove away from the scene, striking one of the car’s doors.
Other criminal acts outlined in the affidavits include illegal sales of dozens of firearms, and the trafficking of pound quantities of methamphetamine and thousands of fentanyl and carfentanil pills.
Complaints contain allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
If convicted, nine of the defendants arrested today would face statutory maximum sentences of life in federal prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating this matter, with assistance from the Covina Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the West Covina Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, and the Baldwin Park Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kenneth R. Carbajal and Clifford D. Mpare of the Major Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.
12 Members of East Harlem Narcotics Crew Charged with Narcotics and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Christopher G. Raia, announced the unsealing of an Indictment today charging 12 members of an East Harlem-based narcotics trafficking organization with conspiring to distribute narcotics and with possessing firearms in furtherance of the narcotics trafficking conspiracy stemming from their conduct in and around the “Johnson Houses”—a colloquial name for the James Weldon Johnson Residential Community, a public housing development under the control of the New York City Housing Authority (“NYCHA”). BRIAN GONZALEZ, a/k/a “Bmakk,” BRIAN NIN, a/k/a “BDot,” IRA BOYCE, a/k/a “Zaza,” JOSE HERNANDEZ, JAHDEEN WILLIAMS, PERCY CARRION, CAESAR HERNANDEZ, and QUADIR DAVONISH, a/k/a “Skii Dotty” were arrested today and will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary Stein. BRYAN COWAN, a/k/a “Chapo,” was previously in custody. JAFFARI HOPWAH, a/k/a “Baby Wuu,” DANIEL JONES, a/k/a “D Cash,” and RICHARD FARQUHARSON, a/k/a “Smooth” remain at large. This case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Sideny H. Stein.
“As alleged in the Indictment, these defendants distributed substantial quantities of narcotics into the community, putting lives in danger,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “These defendants degraded the quality of life for Johnson Houses residents and the surrounding community by selling drugs in common areas including lobbies, courtyards, and a children’s playground. New York City residents should be able to live in NYCHA complexes, free from the dangers of drugs and guns. Thanks to the extraordinary work of our partners at the FBI and NYPD, the defendants now face federal charges for their crimes and the Johnson Houses are safer.”
“For years, these 12 defendants allegedly utilized the Johnson Houses to facilitate their open-air drug market and generate an illicit revenue stream,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. “This joint investigation with NYPD Manhattan North Narcotics dismantled an alleged trafficking conspiracy disrupting the safety of a public housing development with a continual revolving door of drugs and firearms. During the nationwide initiative, Coast to Coast, our local Operation Empire Heat takedown reflects the FBI’s steadfast commitment to coordinating with our local law enforcement partners to protect innocent New Yorkers from the unlawful activities of any criminal organization.”
As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court and other court papers and proceedings:[1]
From at least in or about 2022 up to and including December 2025 in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere, GONZALEZ, NIN, COWAN, HOPWAH, BOYCE, JOSE HERNANDEZ, JONES, WILLIAMS, FARQUHARSON, CARRION, CAESAR HERNANDEZ, and DAVONISH, used a building within the Johnson Houses—and that building’s adjoining courtyard—as an open drug market in which they sold a variety of controlled substances, including crack cocaine and fentanyl, to customers who streamed into the building to buy the drugs. They did this by occupying the building’s lobby at all hours of the day and night, often holding cross-body bags or fanny packs where drug products would be stored. At times, the drug products were also kept in a building mailbox. Members of the conspiracy also exploited other parts of the building to facilitate their business. They used specific apartments to package and store drugs, and they used utility boxes throughout the building stairwells to stash their drug products, drug paraphernalia (such as syringes), and firearms.
In addition to possessing and storing firearms in communal locations, such as building utility boxes, some members of the conspiracy also carried firearms at and around the building, and on several occasions, a member of the conspiracy brandished and discharged a firearm within, or in the vicinity of, the Johnson Houses.
Several members of the conspiracy have been arrested at least once in recent years on state charges based on their possession of narcotics that were packaged for sale and/or possession of a firearm. The drug business in and around the building nevertheless continued unabated.
During simultaneous arrests and searches conducted today law enforcement agents seized the following items, among other things:
- a Building “stash” apartment: five firearms, two of which were “long” guns, capsules, bags, and baggies of suspected narcotics, and various drug paraphernalia and mixing material.
- NIN’s apartment: one firearm, one magazine, and two boxes of ammunition.
- CAESAR HERNANDEZ’s apartment: a large bag of suspected cocaine, a gun-cleaning kit, and a .40-caliber shell casing.
Below is a picture of the “long” guns that were seized.
* * *
All defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”), 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and quantities of heroin and cocaine, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The defendants are also charged with possessing firearms in furtherance of the narcotics trafficking offense, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed, and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
A chart containing the names of the defendants, their ages, and places of residence is set forth below.
The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank J. Balsamello and Diarra Guthrie are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Name
Age
Place of Residence
BRIAN GONZALEZ, a/k/a “Bmakk”33 years oldNew York, NYBRIAN NIN, a/k/a “BDot”33 years oldBronx, NYJAFFARI HOPWAH, a/k/a “Baby Wuu”19 years oldNew York, NYIRA BOYCE, a/k/a “Zaza”20 years oldNew York, NYJOSE HERNANDEZ31 years oldNew York, NYDANIEL JONES, a/k/a “D Cash”31 years oldNew York, NYJAHDEEN WILLIAMS34 years oldNew York, NYRICHARD FARQUHARSON, a/k/a “Smooth”35 years oldNew York, NYPERCY CARRION26 years oldNew York, NYCAESAR HERNANDEZ34 years oldNew York, NYQUADIR DAVONISH, a/k/a “Skii Dotty”23 years oldNew York, NYBRYAN COWAN, a/k/a “Chapo”31 years oldNew York, NY
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Tuesday 16 December 2025
Woman Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TASHIA BRIDGES, also known as “Cheena,” 35, of Torrington and Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 84 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for her role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that operated out of New Britain car dealership.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2024, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and New Britain Police Department conducted an investigation into a drug trafficking organization, headed by Wilfredo Ortiz and Michael Luisi, that was operating out of Supreme Automotive, a car dealership located at 494 Main Street in New Britain. The investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical and electronic surveillance, and controlled purchases of narcotics, primarily cocaine.
The investigation revealed that Bridges regularly purchased approximately 400 to 500 grams of cocaine from Luisi and then sold crack and powder cocaine to her own customers.
Bridges, Ortiz, Luisi, and several other co-conspirators were arrested on November 14, 2024. On that date, investigators conducted court authorized searches of Supreme Automotive and other locations connected to the drug trafficking organization and seized more than five kilograms of cocaine, more than 200 grams of fentanyl, approximately 30 grams of heroin, a kilogram press, seven firearms, ammunition, approximately $75,000 in cash, and 26 vehicles. Searches of Bridges’ residences in Torrington and Waterbury revealed nearly 250 grams of crack cocaine, a small quantity of powder cocaine, a digital scale, a 9mm firearm with an obliterated serial number, and more than $14,000 in cash.
On March 6, 2025, Bridges pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. She has been detained since September 11, 2025, when her federal bond was revoked after she was arrested by the Connecticut State Police and charged with drug distribution and related offenses.
Ortiz and Luisi have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Marshal Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Police, and the New Britain, Hartford, West Hartford, Waterbury, Naugatuck, East Hartford, Brookfield, Milford, Norwich, Orange, North Haven, Meriden, Berlin, and Manchester Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth, Reed Durham, and David Nelson.
West Des Moines Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting Minors on Snapchat and Instagram and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa – A West Des Moines man was sentenced on December 16, 2025, to 35 years in federal prison for exploiting numerous minors on social media and possessing child pornography.
According to public court records, Nicklas Ray Stanley, 28, exploited multiple minors on Snapchat and Instagram over several years. Stanley falsely told the minors that he was a similar age to them. Stanley later requested and received sexually explicit images or videos from many minor victims. Stanley’s conduct included threatening to disseminate the minors’ imagery if they did not continue to send images to him. Stanley also encouraged some minor victims to sexually exploit their younger siblings and to engage in bestiality with their dogs and send him videos of the abuse. Stanley’s minor victims were located across the United States and in several foreign countries.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Stanley will be required to serve a 10‑year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Stanley was also ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution, $35,300 in special assessments, and a fine of $12,000.
In response to the conviction and sentence, United States Attorney David C. Waterman said, “Real and serious dangers exist online. Predators—like Stanley—intentionally manipulate and exploit young people while attempting to hide behind screens and false identities. While the Internet may create the illusion of anonymity, it does not provide immunity. Those who target children online will be identified, thoroughly investigated, and held fully accountable through the coordinated efforts of our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office.”
This case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force, with assistance from the Urbandale Police Department and Michigan State Police.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
For more information about Internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc/publications-resources.
Waterbury Drug Trafficker Who Carried Firearm Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MALIK WRIGHT, 22, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised for a firearm possession offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in July and August 2024, Waterbury Police made a controlled purchase of narcotics from Wright and observed him conducting additional hand-to-hand drug sales. On August 29, 2024, investigators saw Wright stash a satchel in the tire area of an abandoned car in a vacant lot near Coe Street and High Street, and then conduct another apparent drug sale. Officers took Wright into custody and located the satchel, which contained fentanyl and cocaine, a scale, and a loaded .40 caliber handgun with a 23-round magazine.
Wright has been detained since his arrest. On August 6, 2025, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Waterbury Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Freismuth through Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Warwick Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Warwick man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Rhode Island for production and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Jeremy Giguere, 38, pleaded guilty on December 11, 2025, to four counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of prepubescent child pornography. Giguere will be sentenced on February 26, 2026. The sentences imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, in September 2024, the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received a report regarding disturbing CSAM videos uploaded to Giguere’s online photo storage account, linked to devices belonging to the defendant. A state search warrant was executed at his residence on October 16, 2024. As a result of the search and through their investigation, almost five hundred CSAM videos and images were found on the defendant’s personal devices.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie M. White.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Rhode Island State Police, and the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc
To report suspected online child sexual exploitation and/or abuse, call the Know2Project Tipline at 1-833-591-KNOW (5669) or visit the NCMEC CyberTipline® at https://report.cybertip.org/.
Union City “Ghost Preparer” Sentenced to Prison for Fraudulently Seeking over $4 Million in COVID-19 Employment Tax CreditsRead the Press Release
Scheme caused IRS to issue over $1.5 million in fraudulent tax refund
AUGUSTA, GA: On December 15, 2025, a truckdriver who operated a “ghost” tax preparation business on the side was sentenced to federal prison for making claims for refunds of false COVID-19 related employment tax credits.
Dantavious Jackson, 39, Union City, Georgia, was sentenced to 84 months in prison for executing a mail fraud scheme to defraud the United States by making claims for refunds of false COVID-19 related employment tax credits announced Margaret E. Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Jackson was also ordered to pay over $1.5 million in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service by U.S. District Court Judge Dudley H. Bowen Jr. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Tax preparers have a responsibility to accurately prepare tax returns on behalf of their clients. Jackson not only undermined the American tax system and the trust of taxpayers relying on his expertise,” said U.S. Attorney Heap, “but he also took advantage of pandemic relief funds that were intended to help individuals harmed by the pandemic. The sentence imposed by the Court reflects the serious nature of Jackson’s conduct. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia works closely with our partners at IRS Criminal Investigation to protect the law-abiding American public and the treasury by stopping this fraud.”
According to court documents, Jackson owned and operated a trucking business in Union City, Georgia. He also had a side business preparing tax forms for a fee. By law, any individual who assists in preparing federal tax returns for a fee is required to obtain a preparer identification number (“PTIN”) from the IRS. Jackson prepared and filed tax returns as a “ghost preparer,” omitting his identity by PTIN or by any other means on the returns he filed for clients.
In addition, Jackson applied for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (also known as the CARES Act), enacted on March 27, 2020. This Act provided for an employee retention credit (“ERC”), designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jackson executed a scheme to defraud the United States by preparing and filing thirty-five IRS Forms 941 for himself and two clients that falsely claimed they were entitled to receive $4,112,297 in tax refunds based on fraudulently claimed ERCs. Jackson fabricated wages and employees to claim ERCs inducing the U.S. Treasury to mail $1,567,855 in fraudulent tax refunds to himself and his clients.
“IRS Criminal Investigation special agents and our law enforcement partners will continue investigating and forwarding for prosecution, individuals like Dantavious Jackson, who defrauded American taxpayers at a time when businesses needed funds to help keep employees on their payrolls,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “During FY25, IRS Criminal Investigation initiated 588 investigations involving more than $5.6 billion of potentially fraudulent Employee Retention Credits related to tax years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.”
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney George J.C. Jacobs, III.
United States Department of Justice Sues the Virgin Islands Police Department for Unconstitutional Practices Resulting in Effective Denials of Gun PermitsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI –United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that the United States Department of Justice filed a complaint against the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) alleging that the territory’s unreasonable delays and conditions on lawful gun owners’ rights create an unconstitutional permitting process in violation of the Second Amendment. Numerous applicants complained that VIPD is unreasonably delaying their gun permit application decisions and adding unreasonable conditions, including bolted-in gun safes, prior to issuing gun licenses. Finally, VIPD continues to enforce a proper cause requirement nearly identical to the law that the U.S. Supreme Court previously struck down in another case years ago.
“This Civil Rights Division will protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the United States Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. “The newly-established Second Amendment Section filed this lawsuit to bring the Virgin Islands Police Department back into legal compliance by ensuring that applicants receive timely decisions without unconstitutional obstruction.”
“The territory’s firearms licensing laws and practices are inconsistent with the Second Amendment,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Sleeper for the District of the U.S. Virgin Islands. “This lawsuit seeks to uphold the rights of law-abiding citizens to bear arms in the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a regulation it labeled “proper cause,” which New York law enforcement used to deny gun permits if the applicant did not show “proper cause” for the gun permit. That case, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, is the established law of the land, including in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Today, the Virgin Islands maintains and enforces a law nearly identical to the overturned law. Additionally, complaints have poured in from residents showing unconstitutional delays and requirements, including police conducting unconstitutional and unreasonable home searches—the very type of requirements the U.S. Supreme Court finds abusive in permitting schemes. The lawsuit is filed in the U.S. District Court of the Virgin Islands.
If you are a current or prospective gun owner and believe your gun permit application is subject to unconstitutional delays or practices, please submit a complaint through justice.gov/crt/second-amendment-section.U.S. Attorney’s Office and 24-Hour Fitness resolve allegations it violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)Read the Press Release
Seattle – The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington and 24-Hour Fitness, a nine-state exercise facility business, this week resolved allegations it failed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, announced U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. The chain will embark on new training and policies to ensure compliance with the ADA and will pay the complainant $2,000. The fitness chain denies any wrongdoing.
According to the settlement agreement, the complainant was a member at the Vancouver, Washington, Mill Plain Boulevard, 24-Hour Fitness. She complained that the accessible shower in the women’s locker room had not been available for months. An investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed the accessible shower was unusable for several months due to ongoing repairs and maintenance.
While not agreeing that it violated the ADA, 24-Hour Fitness will make new draft policies regarding ADA compliance at all 24-Hour Fitness locations and submit them to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for review. The new policies will require surveys every six months of all 24-Hour Fitness facilities, with an eye to ADA compliance. The policies will also establish a protocol to conduct daily observations of accessible features to ensure usability and address maintenance and repair issues. The company agrees to post its ADA compliance commitment at all Washington locations and will maintain a complaint process for all facilities to address concerns or allegations of discrimination based on disability. If the U.S. Attorney’s Office receives any additional complaints it will provide them to attorneys for the company with the expectation that the company will respond in five business days.
The clubs will train all its employees on ADA compliance and will keep records of facility repairs related to ADA compliance. The clubs will report on compliance regarding the Washington facilities to the U.S. Attorney’s Office every twelve months for a two-year period.
In addition to paying $2,000 to the complainant, 24-Hour Fitness agrees to pay $10,000 to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. However, that payment will be suspended if 24-Hour Fitness successfully meets all the requirements of the settlement over a two-year period.
The settlement was negotiated by Assistant United States Attorney Susan Kas, Civil Rights Coordinator in the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Twenty-Four Defendants Charged in Major Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy in South FloridaRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A federal grand jury in Miami has returned a superseding indictment unsealed today charging 24 defendants with conspiring to traffic large quantities of cocaine in and around Miami-Dade County and elsewhere in the Southern District of Florida.
The eight-count superseding indictment charges the following defendants—each a resident of Miami unless otherwise indicated—with drug trafficking conspiracy and related offenses: Bienvenido Leo Rodriguez, 73; Roberto Rodriguez, 52; Alberto Leandro Curiel, 72; Pedro Gonzalez Alvarez, 48; Claudio Alberto Barrios, 55, of Miami Beach; Raimundo Antonio Roca-Naranjo, 72, of Miami Lakes; Roberto Jimenez, 53; Luis Alejandro Salcedo Rey, 54; Rolando Rodriguez Lugo, 57; Diego Diaz De La Cruz, 47; Lucia Cuadrado, 65, of Hialeah; Jorge Mahique Pareta, 64, of Hialeah; Miguel Marquez Romero, 29, of Naples; Heinrich Castillo Diaz, 47; Jose Arnaldo Bermudez, Jr., 42; Paulo Sabon Montero, 54, of Naples; Valerio Alvarez Abreu, 73, of Hialeah; Santos Saavedra, 81; Eustaquio Luis Cardoso Veliz, 63; Glenis Perez Martinez, 54; Yovanis Fernandez, 51, of Hialeah; Manuel Nuez, 55; Livan Padron Duque, 49; and Jorge Falla, 50.
“This indictment reflects months of coordinated investigative work by federal agents and the City of Miami Police Department, under Chief Morales’s leadership, targeting a large-scale cocaine trafficking conspiracy operating in South Florida,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “Through close, sustained collaboration, investigators disrupted a network that moved multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, trafficked in cash and firearms, and posed a real threat to public safety. The seizures in this case and the early intervention to prevent further violence demonstrate the effectiveness of focused, partnership-driven enforcement and our shared commitment to protecting this community.”
“This takedown sends a clear and unmistakable message: drug trafficking and the violence that follows it will not be tolerated in Miami,” said Chief of Police Manuel A. Morales of the Miami Police Department. “I am extremely proud of our narcotics detectives from the Special Investigations Section and grateful for the hundreds of hours of tireless, often undercover work that led to today’s safe and successful operation. Their dedication, combined with outstanding collaboration with our partners at the FBI, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, and State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle and her team at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, made these results possible.”
According to court records, including previously filed criminal complaints, the defendants conspired to distribute multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine throughout South Florida. During the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately seven kilograms of cocaine on April 1 and an additional 10 kilograms of cocaine on May 27.
The investigation also resulted in the seizure of significant proceeds and firearms. From Bienvenido Rodriguez’s residence, law enforcement recovered $58,214 in cash and two firearms. From Roca-Naranjo’s residence, agents seized $62,520 in cash, two firearms, and more than 100 rounds of assorted ammunition.
Roca-Naranjo, a previously convicted felon, is additionally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
The superseding indictment also contains a general forfeiture allegation seeking the forfeiture of proceeds and property traceable to the charged offenses.
If convicted, Bienvenido Rodriguez, Roberto Rodriguez, Curiel, Gonzalez Alvarez, Barrios, Jimenez, Marquez Romero, Castillo Diaz, Bermudez, Jr., Cardoso Veliz, Perez Martinez, and Fernandez face up to life imprisonment. If convicted, Salcedo Rey, Rodriguez Lugo, Diaz De La Cruz, Cuadrado, Mahique Pareta, Alvarez Abreu, and Nuez face up to 40 years in prison. If convicted, Roca-Naranjo, Sabon Montero, Saavedra, Padron Duque, and Falla face up to 20 years in prison.
The investigation also disrupted a murder-for-hire plot in Fort Myers. According to court documents filed in the Middle District of Florida, between April 16 and 17, Marquez Romero and Sabon Montero discussed killing an individual identified by a co-conspirator in exchange for up to $30,000. Investigators learned that the co-conspirator had been hired by the intended victim’s brother to carry out the plot. Marquez Romero, Sabon Montero, and the co-conspirator exchanged multiple phone calls and arranged an in-person meeting to discuss the plan. On April 17, the conspirators met in a grocery store parking lot in Naples, where they were apprehended by the FBI with the assistance of law enforcement partners.
U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones, Acting Assistant Attorney General Galeotti, Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of FBI, Miami Field Office, and Chief of Police Manuel A. Morales of the Miami Police Department made the announcement.
FBI Miami is investigating the case in conjunction with the City of Miami Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Emery for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Jessica A. Massey and Alieu Kargbo of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney G. Raemy Charest-Turken is handling asset forfeiture.
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 Miami comprises agents and officers from the FBI and the City of Miami Police Department with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
This case is also part of DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Miami. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida have partnered, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, to confront violent crimes committed by gang members and associates through the enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources to prosecute offenders and prevent violence.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-20253.
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Tulsa Drug Dealer Sentenced to 25 Years After Being Convicted for Fentanyl Related Death of a 29-Year-OldRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – Today, a judge ordered Brandon Jerome Silas to 25 years imprisonment after a federal jury convicted him in May, for the fentanyl related death of 29-year-old Haley Nicole Scruggs.
In May, a federal jury convicted Silas, 45, of Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death; four counts of Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony; and Money Laundering.
U.S. District Judge John D. Russell sentenced Silas to 300 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
“Silas will be close to 70 years old when he is released from federal prison after killing Haley Scruggs,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “I am grateful for our federal and state partners who worked together to stop Silas from dealing deadly drugs in the Northern District of Oklahoma.”
“This sentence sends a message to those who distribute and profit from the distribution of poison in our communities,” said Joseph B. Tucker, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Dallas Division, which covers the State of Oklahoma. “The men and women of DEA and their law enforcement partners work tirelessly hold accountable those praying on the addictions of others, never wavering in the pursuit of justice.”
In February 2022, Haley Scruggs fought with her boyfriend about wanting to purchase opioids. After completing drug rehabilitation, her boyfriend discovered that she was relapsing and told her that he would help her stay clean. But if she relapsed, they could not stay together.
While her boyfriend was at work the following day, Haley called her friend, Silas, several times, and sent him more than 90 text messages. A DEA agent testified that through texts, Haley explained to Silas how to get to her house. When Silas arrived, he texted Haley that he was there. Shortly after that, Haley stopped responding to her phone.
Concerned, her boyfriend left work and discovered Haley at home, unresponsive. He immediately called 911, and she was pronounced deceased.
During the trial, two witnesses took the stand and explained to the jury how they originally started purchasing pills from Silas in 2019. When they went to Silas for fentanyl, he warned both of them to “be careful.”
Silas’ bank records presented to the jury showed that money was being digitally transferred from various peer-to-peer cash applications into his accounts. Bank records indicated that Silas deposited or transferred more than $450,000 into his accounts over 14 months.
Court records show that Silas knew of Haley’s death and continued to sell drugs. He will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
DEA fentanyl seizures represent over 133 million deadly doses in 2025. Click here to find additional resources or learn more about the OnePillCanKill campaign.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Oklahoma City District Office and the Broken Arrow Police Department investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Bailey and Charles Greenough prosecuted the case.
Three Chinese-Owned Companies to Pay More Than $7.3M to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Paycheck Protection Program LoansRead the Press Release
Greenland LA Metropolis Hotel Development LLC, Greenland US Management LLC, and Greenland LA Metropolis Development III (together, the Greenland USA Entities), have agreed to pay $7,312,283.36 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims to obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for which they were not eligible.
“Congress created the PPP to help American small businesses during the pandemic, not to fund large Chinese-owned corporations. Here, however, the defendants are alleged to have provided false information to the SBA to obtain government funds to which they were not entitled,” said U.S. Attorney Brad D. Schimel for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. “This settlement demonstrates that the U.S. Attorney’s Office takes seriously its obligation to combat fraud and protect American taxpayers.”
Congress created the PPP in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the PPP, eligible businesses could receive forgivable loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Regulations provide various eligibility requirements for the PPP, including limitations on the number of individuals the borrower and its affiliated entities employed. In January 2021, SBA announced that certain parties that had previously received PPP loans were eligible to apply for a second loan. In their loan applications for both PPP rounds, borrowers were required to certify that they were eligible for the PPP and that the information they provided was accurate.
The Greenland USA Entities own and develop real estate projects and are part of a large multinational corporation ultimately owned by the Greenland Holding Group Company Limited, a Chinese company with tens of thousands of employees worldwide.
In applying for their PPP loans, the Greenland USA Entities certified that they were eligible for the PPP. The United States alleges that the Greenland USA Entities were not eligible for their first- or second-round PPP loans because they were affiliated with other companies in the United States and China, and together with their affiliates across the globe, the Greenland USA Entities employed more individuals than permitted by SBA’s size standard for their industry. Additionally, the United States alleges that the Greenland USA Entities were not eligible for their second-round PPP loans because they are more than 20 percent owned by entities created and organized in the People’s Republic of China.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. This settlement resolves claims in two related qui tam lawsuits filed by GNGH2 Inc. and Aidan Forsyth. In connection with the settlement, GNGH2 Inc. will receive $697,757.80 and Forsyth will receive $33,470.53.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, with assistance from the SBA’s Office of General Counsel and Office of the Inspector General.
Trial Attorney Lindsey Roberts of the Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Carter for the Eastern District of Wisconsin handled the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
Three Chinese-Owned Companies to Pay More Than $7.3 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Paycheck Protection Program LoansRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Greenland LA Metropolis Hotel Development LLC, Greenland US Management LLC, and Greenland LA Metropolis Development III (together, the Greenland USA Entities), have agreed to pay $7,312,283.36 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims to obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for which they were not eligible.
Congress created the PPP in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the PPP, eligible businesses could receive forgivable loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Regulations provide various eligibility requirements for the PPP, including limitations on the number of individuals the borrower and its affiliated entities employed. In January 2021, SBA announced that certain parties that had previously received PPP loans were eligible to apply for a second loan. In their loan applications for both PPP rounds, borrowers were required to certify that they were eligible for the PPP and that the information they provided was accurate.
The Greenland USA Entities own and develop real estate projects and are part of a large multinational corporation ultimately owned by the Greenland Holding Group Company Limited, a Chinese company with tens of thousands of employees worldwide.
In applying for their PPP loans, the Greenland USA Entities certified that they were eligible for the PPP. The United States alleges that the Greenland USA Entities were not eligible for their first- or second-round PPP loans because they were affiliated with other companies in the United States and China, and together with their affiliates across the globe, the Greenland USA Entities employed more individuals than permitted by SBA’s size standard for their industry. Additionally, the United States alleges that the Greenland USA Entities were not eligible for their second-round PPP loans because they are more than 20 percent owned by entities created and organized in the People’s Republic of China.
“Congress created the PPP to help American small businesses during the pandemic, not to fund large Chinese-owned corporations. Here, however, the defendants are alleged to have provided false information to the SBA to obtain government funds to which they were not entitled,” said U.S. Attorney Brad D. Schimel. “This settlement demonstrates that the U.S. Attorney’s Office takes seriously its obligation to combat fraud and protect American taxpayers.”
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. This settlement resolves claims in two related qui tam lawsuits filed by GNGH2 Inc. and Aidan Forsyth. In connection with the settlement, GNGH2 Inc. will receive $697,757.80 and Forsyth will receive $33,470.53.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, with assistance from the SBA’s Office of General Counsel and Office of the Inspector General.
Trial Attorney Lindsey Roberts of the Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Carter for the Eastern District of Wisconsin handled the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
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Tampa Sex Offender Indicted for Distribution and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material and EscapeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Richard Plummer (44, Tampa) with distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material and escape. If convicted on all counts, Plummer faces a maximum penalty of 65 years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, in 2018, Plummer was convicted of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. He was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. Between October 29 and 31, 2025, Plummer distributed and possessed a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. On November 1, 2025, Plummer escaped from the Bureau of Prisons and the Tampa Residential Re-Entry Center, a facility where he was serving his sentence.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.