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14 January 2026
Prior felon sentenced on new child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Marcobrien S. Volcy, 28, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography following a prior conviction under the laws of New York State relating to the possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who handled the case, stated that in August 2023, Volcy pleaded guilty in Monroe County Court to Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child Less Than 16 Years of Age and was sentenced to one to three years in prison. On January 19, 2024, while on New York State probation for his 2023 conviction, Volcy possessed a cell phone that contained images and videos of child pornography. In total, Volcy possessed more than 650 images and videos of child pornography, some of which depicted prepubescent children.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.
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Prior Felon Sentenced for Possessing Stolen Firearm and Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Tulsa man was sentenced today for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition and Drug Conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Kenneth Wayne Toney, 41, to 120 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Toney was indicted in 2024 after being found in possession of a stolen firearm. During a routine traffic stop, Toney claimed he was driving a borrowed car and stated that he did not have a driver's license. After further investigation, officers found that Toney had a suspended driver’s license and arrested him. After a search of the vehicle, officers found methamphetamine and a loaded firearm, which was reported stolen. While booking Toney into jail, officers found an empty holster on Toney’s waistband.
In a separate case, Toney was indicted for drug conspiracy with several others. Toney fled to California to avoid prosecution, was arrested, and brought back to the Northern District for prosecution. Court documents show that Homeland Security Investigations began investigating a group of people believed to be distributing methamphetamine in the Northern District of Oklahoma. After further investigation, the group was working with a Mexican drug trafficking organization and distributed more than 9.7 kilograms of methamphetamine in a month. Toney admitted to conspiring and working with others to distribute methamphetamine.
Court records show that Toney was previously convicted of multiple felonies, including robbery with a firearm and kidnapping. He will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshal Service, the Sapulpa Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyson McCoy prosecuted the case.
Previously Convicted Killer Indicted for Being a Felon in Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Rocky Lee Brown, 53, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was charged in an indictment returned today in U.S. District Court on one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Brown was wanted on an active warrant out of Maryland when he was arrested Dec. 29, 2025, by the United States Marshals Service on the 5200 block of Hayes Street, NE. An officer with the Metropolitan Police Department responded and allegedly recovered a SCCY CPX-1 9mm pistol from Brown’s jacket pocket. The firearm contained nine rounds of 9mm ammunition in the magazine and one round in the chamber.
Brown did not have a license to carry a firearm in the District. A criminal history check showed that Brown was previously convicted in D.C. Superior Court for second-degree Murder. On May 5, 2006, Brown was sentenced to 25 years of incarceration. As a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Liss.
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rocky_lee_brown_indictment_1_count_s_1_forfe.pdfAn indictment is only a formal accusation by a grand jury that there is enough evidence for a serious criminal case to proceed to trial.
Poplar man sentenced to prison for sexual assaultRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Poplar man who sexually abused a minor on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 40 months in prison to be followed by 6 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Chandler Duran Longtree, 19, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to one count of sexual abuse.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on January 18, 2025, Jane Doe was drinking with a group of young people. She eventually separated from her friend and went with the defendants, Chandler Longtree and Payton Montclair, both 18 at the time, to Longtree’s house. While at the house, she was sexually assaulted by Longtree and Montclair. Doe reported the assault and underwent an exam from a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), which revealed evidence consistent with a sexual assault.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice conducted the investigation.
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Oregon City Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— An Oregon City, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for selling drugs after an investigation into an overdose death led to his prosecution.
Toren Paul Flom, 32, was sentenced to 140 months in federal prison and four years of supervised release.
“Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of this crime. This defendant is a career offender with prior felony drug convictions and was on post-prison supervision when he sold drugs to the victim here,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “Drug crimes are not victimless – they tear families apart and weaken our communities as a whole, creating wounds that endure long after the crime itself.”
“Driven by greed, this drug dealer chose to put deadly drugs into our community with no regard for the lives and families harmed,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “Flom’s sentence means he can no longer contribute to overdoses or cause more heartbreak for victims and their loved ones. HSI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify, disrupt, and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that profit from this suffering and to protect the safety of our neighborhoods.”
“I’m grateful for the continued collaboration among law enforcement agencies to hold dangerous drug traffickers accountable,” said Portland Police Chief Bob Day. “Cases such as this help reduce the amount of dangerous drugs in our city and the devastating impact they have on so many lives.”
According to court documents, on June 2, 2024, law enforcement responded to an emergency call regarding a deceased victim who had overdosed on multiple controlled substances. The investigation revealed that Flom had distributed multiple controlled substances to the victim prior to his overdose death. Ultimately, investigators were not able to conclusively establish that Flom was the sole source of drugs that caused the victim’s overdose death. Nonetheless, investigators pursued a criminal investigation into Flom’s drug trafficking activities. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Flom’s residence in July 2024 and seized approximately 7.2 gross kilograms of psilocybin mushrooms, 1.29 gross kilograms of ketamine, 1.2 gross kilograms of cocaine, 607 gross grams of MDMA, and 102 grams of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).
On July 23, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a five-count indictment charging Flom with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, LSD, MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine.
On September 10, 2025, Flom pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
HSI and the Portland Police Bureau – Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassady A. Adams prosecuted the case.
The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.
Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve 55 Years in Prison Following Retrial after Shooting Woman in Metro Parking GarageRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – ROBERT LEE HARRISON JR., 52, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve the statutory maximum 660 months in federal prison for attempted kidnapping, illegal possession of ammunition, and attempted carjacking, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On April 6, 2022, a federal grand jury charged Harrison with illegal possession of ammunition, carjacking, kidnapping, and use and discharge of a firearm during the carjacking. On January 11, 2023, Harrison was tried by a federal jury and found guilty on all counts. Harrison received a life sentence on October 24, 2023.
On appeal, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the kidnapping and use and discharge of a firearm during the carjacking convictions due to changes in the law and authorized a retrial on the charge of attempted kidnapping.
On July 30, 2025, at the retrial, a federal jury convicted Harrison of attempted kidnapping. At the trials, Harrison’s ex-girlfriend testified that he forced her into her car at gunpoint as she left work at the Integris Baptist Medical Center parking garage in Oklahoma City. Evidence further showed that Harrison confined her in the car and repeatedly punched her before she escaped. Harrison then caught her in the elevator lobby of the parking garage, where he shot her approximately eight times before he fled. The following day, Oklahoma City Police Department officers arrested Harrison after a brief foot chase.
At a sentencing hearing on January 12, 2026, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones, II, sentenced Harrison to serve 660 months in federal prison and ordered Harrison to pay restitution in the amount of $13,907.41. In announcing his sentence, Judge Jones noted the defendant’s criminal history, his lack of remorse, and the fact that he was at a heightened risk of future conduct because of the “violent and horrific” offense.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department, with assistance from the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Nichols, Jr. and Jacquelyn Hutzell prosecuted the case.
This case is part of “Operation 922” and operation “Shots Fired,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. “Operation 922” prioritizes prosecution of federal firearms violations connected to domestic violence. “Shots Fired” targets cases involving individuals who discharge firearms as part of their criminal activity, such as drive-by shootings or when shots are fired during robberies, domestic disputes, or other incidents. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://justice.gov/psn.
Reference is made to court filings for further information.
Ohio Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Thousands of Child Sex Abuse FilesRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – A 52-year-old Lorain County man who trafficked a high-volume of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) has been sentenced to prison.
Robert L. Scarvelli, of Sheffield Lake, Ohio, has been sentenced to 107 months (8 years and 9 months) in prison by U.S. District Judge David A. Ruiz, after he pleaded guilty in September 2025 to receipt and distribution of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. He was also ordered to serve 15 years of supervised release after imprisonment and pay $5,000 in restitution to a victim of his crimes.
According to court documents, from about June 6 to August 31, 2024, Scarvelli was engaged in knowingly receiving and distributing, and possessing digital files of children as they were being sexually abused. During a search warrant execution of Scarvelli’s residence, federal agents seized several electronic devices containing thousands of images and videos of CSAM. Many of these files included sadistic and masochistic depictions of children under the age of 12 or the exploitation of infants and toddlers. More than 100 videos were recordings of children being sexually abused for 10 minutes or longer. One video file showed a child being sexually abused for nearly one hour.
The investigation leading to the indictment was conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division.
The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer J. King for the Northern District of Ohio.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative is led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country and marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information, about Project Safe Childhood, visit justice.gov/PSC.
To report child exploitation, please visit cybertipline.org, or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Ohio Man Arrested and Charged for Firearms Dealing, Unlawful Possession of Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Ohio man has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple sales of firearms transported from Ohio to Massachusetts.
Ruben Joel Sanchez Jr., 31, was charged with one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Sanchez made an initial appearance in federal court in Boston on Jan. 9, 2026.
According to the charging documents, beginning at least as early as June 2025 through January 2026, Sanchez engaged in the business of unlawful trafficking in firearms. In June 2025, Sanchez, who is not licensed to deal in firearms, sold three firearms to an individual in exchange for $4,000. On Jan. 8, 2026, Sanchez was recorded and observed selling four additional firearms to the same individual in return for $8,500. When Sanchez was arrested at the scene, an AR-style pistol equipped with a loaded, 100-round drum; a rifle equipped with a loaded, 100-round drum; a loaded pistol equipped with an extended magazine; and an additional loaded pistol were recovered.
The charge of felon in possession of firearms and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three of supervised release and a fine of up to $ 250,000. The charge of unlawful trafficking in firearms provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $ 250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julissa Walsh of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.Ohio Doctor Sentenced to Prison for $14M Healthcare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – A Lorain County man has been sentenced to prison for his role in a healthcare billing conspiracy scheme that was intended to fraudulently bill Medicare for more than $14.5 million.
Timothy Sutton, 44, of North Ridgeville, Ohio, was sentenced to 64 months (5 years and 4 months) in prison by U.S. District Judge David A. Ruiz, after he pleaded guilty in April 2025 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, false statements related to health care matters, and aggravated identity theft. He was also ordered to serve 3 years of supervised release and pay nearly $6 million in restitution to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Judge Ruiz imposed the sentence Jan. 12.
“Mr. Sutton deliberately lied about performing patient examinations and then used his role as a trusted medical professional to line his pockets at the expense of taxpayers. We will not tolerate those who utilize their positions of authority to defraud Medicare, or any government agency,” said United States Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio. “Thanks to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Cleveland FBI’s thorough investigations, we have put a stop to this rampant fraud and abuse of power.”
According to court documents, Sutton used his position as a licensed medical doctor in the state of Ohio to cause submission of claims on behalf of patients who did not need the medical treatment. He was employed by two telemedicine companies based in Florida which provided him with pre-completed orders for durable medical equipment (DME), such as braces, and/or cancer genetic testing (CGX) for him to approve and digitally sign. In doing so, he affirmed that he had examined each patient using a telemedicine platform and then determined that they needed DME. He also falsely affirmed that he was the treating physician of the patients who he had signed orders to receive CGX testing. However, federal investigators found that Sutton never examined any of the patients whom he claimed to have examined.
“Violating a position of trust and abusing the privilege of serving as a healthcare provider by willfully defrauding the government and other entities for personal gain is cruel and calculating,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Gregory Nelsen. “When funds from programs like Medicare are not used as intended, taxpayers and people who are entitled to those funds suffer. The FBI will continue its commitment to work with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate criminals like Mr. Sutton and ensure that federally funded healthcare programs are not abused by providers.”
Once Sutton prescribed medical equipment or ordered testing through the telemedicine companies who had hired him, the orders were then either forwarded to other medical businesses, which were part of the conspiracy, or sold to other medical entities.
“When a physician knowingly violates their oath and exploits patients for personal financial gain, it erodes the very foundation of trust in our health care system,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to safeguard taxpayer dollars and ensure that those who abuse these vital programs are held accountable.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General, and the FBI Cleveland Division.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael L. Collyer prosecuted the case.
To submit a complaint about healthcare fraud or abuse of services, visit oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud.
Oahu Man Sentenced to 6.5 Years in Prison for Trafficking Carfentanil and Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Travis Kalani Hong-Ah Nee, 36, of Oahu, was sentenced on January 12 in federal court by Senior United States District Judge J. Michael Seabright to a total of 78 months in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute carfentanil, possessing with intent to distribute carfentanil, and possessing ammunition after having been previously convicted of a felony. Hong-Ah Nee has been detained since his initial arrest in this case on November 17, 2023.
According to court records, on November 17, 2023, Hong-Ah Nee was pulled over by a Honolulu Police Officer and then fled at a high rate of speed, later collided with an unmarked police car and left the scene, and subsequently led officers on a foot pursuit. When he was apprehended by law enforcement, Hong-Ah Nee was found to be in possession of carfentanil as well as a loaded ghost gun, also known as a privately made firearm. Hong-Ah Nee later admitted he was part of a conspiracy that was acquiring controlled substances through the U.S. mail and was engaged in the distribution of carfentanil on Oahu. At sentencing, Hong-Ah Nee was held responsible for over 50 grams of carfentanil.
Carfentanil is a fentanyl analogue that is used as a tranquilizing agent for elephants and other large mammals. The lethal dose range for carfentantil in humans is unknown; however, carfentanil is approximately 100 times more potent than fentanyl, which can be lethal at the 2-milligram range, depending on route of administration and other factors.
Hong-Ah Nee is one of eleven defendants charged in three separate indictments for crimes related to the operation of a trans-Pacific drug trafficking network, nine of whom have pled guilty with the remaining awaiting trial. The overall investigation yielded seizures of more than 150 pounds of methamphetamine, several kilograms of fentanyl and carfentanil, eight firearms, ammunition, and over $150,000 in cash.
Hong-Ah Nee was charged in a standalone superseding indictment and is the fifth defendant of eleven to be sentenced. Those charged in other related indictments have been sentenced as follows:
- On April 30, 2025, Shawn Pauahi Santana was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and to distributing methamphetamine.
- On December 10, 2025, Faith Michelle Nelson was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- On December 16, 2025, Francis Anthony Abergas, Jr. was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm and ammunition after having been previously convicted of a felony.
- On January 8, 2026, Trish Leila Henderson was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Honolulu, Kauai, and Maui Police Departments, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret C. Nammar is prosecuting the case.
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New Jersey Woman and Colombian Man Charged with Wire Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jael Watts, age 44, of Bridgeton, New Jersey, and Luis Pino-Copete, age 41, of Bogota, Colombia, were indicted on December 4, 2025, on a wire fraud conspiracy charge related to their operation of a transportation company called Pearl Transit. Watts was separately charged with ten counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Brian C. Gallagher, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG), Northeastern Region, and State of New York Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli made the announcement.
According to the superseding indictment, Watts and Pino Copete operated a non-profit company called Pearl Transit Corporation that claimed to provide transportation services to elderly and disabled persons in New York and several other States. Watts applied for grant funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Section 5310 program, which was awarded and managed by New York State Department of Transportation (NYS DOT). Between September 2024 and July 2025, Watts submitted vouchers to New York State for reimbursement of operational costs associated with providing transportation to eligible riders and, with Pino-Copete’s help, provided false supporting documentation in support of their requests. Watts and Pino-Copete fraudulently sought payment of hundreds of thousands of dollars, including Section 5310 funds, by falsely representing to New York State that Pearl Transit had transported disabled and elderly residents. However, Pearl Transit never provided any transportation nor employed a single driver. The indictment further alleges that on or about March 20, 2022, Watts used the name of an attorney on an FTA grant application without that attorney's knowledge or consent.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “As alleged, Watts, working with her husband Pino-Copete, perpetrated a massive fraudulent scheme against the Department of Transportation in New York. She submitted requests for reimbursement for services that were made up out of thin air. Those funds were meant to help transport some of our most vulnerable—the elderly and disabled. These charges show that these crimes will only transport you to prison, as Watts and Pino-Copete now face the prospect of many years in prison.”
DOT-OIG Special Agent in Charge Brian C. Gallagher stated: “Today’s indictment illustrates the depth of the alleged fraud committed by Watts and Pino-Copete. The DOT-OIG takes very seriously our responsibility to investigate and pursue those who commit fraud and attempt to steal from government funds. We’re committed to working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to protect taxpayer dollars and uphold the integrity of federally funded programs.”
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli stated: “Watts and Pino-Copete allegedly conspired to scam the State of New York out of more than $1 million dollars meant to transport deserving New Yorkers for needed care and services. Thanks to the work of my office, this fraud was detected before any payment was made. My office will continue to aggressively root out fraud and partner with law enforcement to hold offenders responsible. I thank Acting United States Attorney Sarcone and the United States DOT Inspector General for their work with my office in protecting public funds.”
Watts was originally arrested on July 21, 2025, on a criminal complaint. On August 19, 2025, following several detention hearings, United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart ordered Watts detained pending a trial before United States District Judge Anthony J. Brindisi. She was previously indicted on October 16, 2025, on ten counts of wire fraud.
Pino-Copete was arrested on December 9, 2025, in New Jersey, at which time he was ordered detained pending trial. Pino-Copete was arraigned on the superseding indictment on December 29, 2025, in Albany, before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart.
Pino-Copete faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. Watts faces at least 2 years and up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
DOT-OIG, the New York State Comptroller’s office, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, and the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping is prosecuting the case.
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New Jersey Man Sentenced to 151 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Marquise Maxey, age 39, of Haledon, New Jersey, was sentenced on January 13, 2026, to 151 months’ imprisonment and a term of supervised release by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion for distribution of fentanyl.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Maxey pled guilty in 2024 to one count of distribution of fentanyl. As part of his plea, Maxey admitted that he had sold approximately 26 grams of fentanyl to a Confidential Source in exchange for $18,000. This quantity represents over 13,000 potentially fatal dosages of fentanyl.
The matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Pocono Mountain Regional Police, the Scranton Police Department, the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office, and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James M. Buchanan prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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New Haven Man Sentenced to More Than 23 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIE FRANCO, 37, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 280 months of imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release for narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2016, Franco was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 80 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine and heroin. That investigation also revealed that, in January 2015, Franco distributed heroin to an individual in East Haven who died after ingesting the drug. Franco was released from federal prison in December 2020.
In 2021, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating resumed narcotics trafficking activity by Franco and his then girlfriend, Daniella Fox. The investigation revealed that, beginning in approximately February 2021, parcels originating in Arizona and California that likely contained narcotics had been mailed to addresses associated with Franco and Fox. Investigators also determined that two overdose deaths in August 2021 in Branford and Guilford, and one overdose death in September 2021 in Milford, were connected to Franco’s drug activities.
In early March 2022, investigators intercepted a U.S. Postal Service parcel destined for an address in East Haven associated with Franco and Fox. A court-authorized search of the parcel revealed approximately one kilogram of cocaine and one kilogram of fentanyl. On March 7, 2022, investigators made a controlled delivery of the intercepted parcel to the East Haven address. Franco and Fox, who were waiting in a car that was parked on the street, were arrested after Fox retrieved the package. A subsequent search of Franco and Fox’s New Haven residence resulted in the seizure of more than one kilogram of fentanyl, a quantity of crack cocaine, digital scales and other narcotics packaging paraphernalia, a loaded Glock .40 pistol with an obliterated serial number, a drum extended magazine for a rifle, a bulletproof vest, ammunition, and more than $300,000 in cash.
Subsequent analysis of cellphones seized from Franco revealed hundreds of videos depicting Franco’s drug trafficking activity and possession of firearms. In certain cellphone recordings intended for his drug suppliers, Franco complains that the fentanyl is not strong enough and says he needs fentanyl strong enough to kill people.
Franco has been detained since his arrest. On February 26, 2025, a jury found him guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the New Haven Police Department, East Haven Police Department and Connecticut State Police. The Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut State Police, the Hartford Police Department, and the Plainville Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Hal Chen.
Murder, Drug Possession and Firearm Charges Yields Guilty Plea from D.C. ManRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Quateze Moore, 46, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to the shooting death of Martinez Robinson in Northwest D.C. on August 23, 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Moore entered a global guilty plea to voluntary manslaughter while armed. Moore also pleaded guilty to possessing a controlled substance (cocaine) with the intent to distribute it while armed, before Superior Court Associate Judge Jason Park. Judge Park ordered that Moore continue to be held without bond pending sentencing.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled to occur before Judge Park on March 27, 2026.
According to the government’s evidence, on August 23, 2024, Moore was at 14th and Girard Street Park when he and the victim, Martinez Robinson, encountered one another. After a short period of time, Robinson ran out of the park and the defendant followed, shooting him as he was running away. Moore’s gunfire struck Robinson three times, once in the right arm, once in the right thigh, and once in the torso, causing injuries from which Robinson died. The defendant’s dog, Ace, was also struck by his gunfire and killed. Moore confirmed that, in shooting Robinson, he was acting voluntarily, and that he was not acting in self-defense. Robinson was found in possession of a Glock 23 .40 caliber firearm with a laser, a giggle-switch and 19 live cartridges in a 22-capacity magazine, which he had not fired.
The defendant was arrested on January 1, 2024, while seated in the front passenger seat inside a vehicle. At the time of his arrest, members of MPD recovered a firearm from under Moore’s seat. MPD also recovered a clear plastic bag from in-between the center console and Moore’s seat. The clear plastic bag contained numerous substances that, after chemical testing, yielded positive results for cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and oxycodone.
Moore has been in custody since his arrest.
Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Dinan.
Mexican national sentenced for illegally reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Mexican national was sentenced to seven months in prison for illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. He remains subject to the prior order of removal.
“This case underscores the importance of immigration enforcement to protect our nation and our people,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Esteban De Paz Jimenez repeatedly violated our immigration laws and committed a serious assault against his then-estranged wife. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect victims and remove violent criminals who pose a threat to public safety from the United States.”
According to court documents, De Paz Jimenez, 39, has been deported from the United States on three separate occasions dating back to 2010. De Paz Jimenez illegally reentered the United States following each removal. De Paz Jimenez has six convictions for driving without a license between 2016 and 2020.
U.S. Immigration officials learned of his illegal presence in the United States following his arrest on April 7, 2025, in Caroline County on state charges of strangulation, preventing summoning of law enforcement, and malicious wounding. On March 30, 2025, De Paz Jimenez located his then-estranged-wife and followed her home where he argued with her, then choked her and shoved her to the ground. During the altercation, De Paz Jimenez pulled the victim’s hair so hard he removed a large portion of hair from her scalp. De Paz Jimenez then took the victim’s phone to prevent her from calling 911.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Day prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-82.
Mexican man sentenced for illegal reentryRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Mexican man who illegally re-entered the United States was sentenced today to time served, 97 days, and was remanded to the U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Justino Sanchez-Melo, 42, pleaded guilty in December 2025 to one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Sanchez-Melo was one of four illegal aliens encountered at a hotel in Great Falls on October 10, 2025. Prior to the apprehension and arrests, law enforcement received information regarding possible illegal aliens working in Great Falls, Montana and living at the hotel. Law enforcement conducted surveillance on the location and located numerous vehicles registered to possible illegal aliens with prior removals and without permission to be, work, or live in the United States.
At approximately 7:00 a.m. on October 10, 2025, law enforcement consensually encountered Sanchez-Melo walking near the hotel parking lot. Officers identified themselves and conducted an immigration inspection on Sanchez-Melo. Sanchez-Melo readily admitted to being a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States. At this point, Sanchez-Melo was placed under arrest and was transported to the Sweetgrass Border Patrol Station for further investigation and processing.
Sanchez-Melo was advised of his rights. He acknowledged his rights and was unwilling to answer questions without a lawyer present.
The investigation revealed Sanchez-Melo has the following immigration history:
- Originally apprehended and ordered removed by United States Border Patrol on February 24, 2011, and was removed on February 26, 2011, through Calexico, California.
- Encountered on March 14, 2011, where his order of removal was reinstated. Sanchez-Melo was then removed on March 18, 2011, through Del Rio, Texas.
- Encountered on September 2, 2013, where his order of removal was reinstated. Sanchez-Melo was then removed on December 14, 2013, through Eagle Pass, Texas.
- Encountered on May 22, 2023, where his order of removal was reinstated. Sanchez-Melo was then removed on September 19, 2023, through Nogales, Arizona.
Sanchez-Melo has 3 previous federal convictions of 8 U.S.C. § 1325, Improper entry by alien.
There is no indication in the files of Department of Homeland Security that Sanchez-Melo ever applied for or obtained the permission of the United States Attorney General or successor, or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The U.S. Border Patrol conducted the investigation.
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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Mexican Native Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Mexican citizen was sentenced on January 14, 2026, to six months in federal prison for illegally returning to the United States after being deported.
According to public court documents, Alan Hernandez Lagunas, 42, had previously been deported from the United States three times. On February 21, 2025, law enforcement encountered Hernandez Lagunas in Columbus Junction, Iowa when he was arrested for and later convicted of operating while intoxicated and interference with official acts. Hernandez Lagunas rear-ended a semi-tractor, exhibited signs of intoxication, and resisted arrest. Hernandez Lagunas had been convicted in Iowa of operating a vehicle while intoxicated in 2010 and 2012.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Hernandez Lagunas will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Mesa Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Setting Fire to Tesla DealershipRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Ian William Moses, 35, of Mesa, Arizona, was sentenced Jan. 13, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 60 months of imprisonment, the mandatory minimum, followed by 36 months of supervised release, for setting fire to a Tesla vehicle and a Tesla dealership in Mesa, Arizona, on April 28, 2025. Restitution will be determined at a hearing set for April 13, 2026.
A federal grand jury in Phoenix previously returned a five-count indictment charging Moses with maliciously damaging property and vehicles by means of fire, and Moses pleaded guilty to all charges on Oct. 27, 2025.
“Arson can never be an acceptable part of American politics. Mr. Moses’ actions endangered the public and first responders and could have easily turned deadly,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “This five-year sentence reflects the gravity of these crimes and makes clear that politically fueled attacks on Arizona’s communities and businesses will be met with full accountability.”
“This sentence sends a clear message: violence and intimidation have no place in our community,” said Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “Setting fire to a business in retaliation for political or personal grievances is not protest—it is a crime. Our community deserves to feel safe, and this sentence underscores that Maricopa County will not tolerate political violence in any form.”
According to court documents, surveillance cameras showed Moses was at the Tesla dealership in Mesa shortly before 2 a.m. on Monday, April 28, 2025, wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, tan ballcap, grey pants, black boots, and a black mask. He also carried a red plastic gas can and a black backpack. While in the Tesla dealership parking lot, Moses was captured on video as he placed fire starter logs next to the dealership building. Moses then poured gasoline onto the starter logs, the building, and three Tesla vehicles. At around 1:38 a.m., Moses ignited the starter logs, causing a fire that destroyed a silver Tesla Cybertruck. Video shows Moses leaving the dealership on a dark colored bicycle shortly thereafter.
Mesa police officers arrested Moses approximately a quarter mile from the Tesla dealership at around 3 a.m., still dressed in the same clothes as he was seen wearing at the scene. After his arrest, officers found a hand drawn map of the area in Moses’ pocket, which included a box with the letter “T” marking the dealership’s location.
“Arson is a violent crime, that not only endangers members of our community, but our first responders as well,” said ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Shawn Stallo. “Our certified fire investigators, supported by the National Fire Research Laboratory, enables ATF to work with our local, state, and federal agencies to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”
“The safety of our community is of the utmost importance to the Mesa Police Department,” said Chief Dan Butler. "We do not tolerate violence or malicious actions that can lead to injury or death to members of the public or first responders. We are pleased with the swift justice delivered in this case. We appreciate the strong work of the Maricopa County and U.S. Attorneys’ offices.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI Phoenix Field Office, Mesa Police Department, Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond K. Woo and Maricopa Deputy County Attorney Luke Coyne prosecuted the case. Coyne also acts as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney.
CASE NUMBER: CR25-0657-PHX-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-005_Moses# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Meridian Man Sentenced to 42 Months for being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – A Meridian man was sentenced on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, to 42 months of incarceration for being a felon in possession of a firearm in Neshoba County. The defendant was also ordered to pay a fine and serve 3 years of supervised release following his incarceration.
According to court documents, Elton Wayne Fairley, 40, was found by Philadelphia Police Department to be in possession of a firearm on February 24, 2025. The firearm was concealed in the vehicle during a traffic stop in Philadelphia, Mississippi, with a round loaded in the firearm’s chamber and a large capacity magazine. Fairley had a previous felony conviction for narcotics offenses and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Fairley was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 15, 2025, and pleaded guilty on September 10, 2025. Fairley will serve his term of imprisonment consecutive to a ten-year state sentence from Lauderdale County.
U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the FBI Jackson Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Philadelphia Police Department; and Meridian Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brett Grantham prosecuted the case.
This case was investigated by the ATF as part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
McAlester Resident Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Larry Douglas Martin, age 54, of McAlester, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The Indictment charged Martin with possessing a semi-automatic rifle and a semi-automatic pistol after having previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office.
The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Martin will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Staubus represented the United States.
Massachusetts Company Charged with Violating OSHA Rule Leading to Worker’s DeathRead the Press Release
BOSTON – John Oliveira & Sons Stamp Concrete, Inc., a corporation doing business in East Freetown, Mass. has been charged and has agreed to plead guilty to willfully violating Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) safety standards in a 2023 incident that led to a worker’s death.
According to court documents, the company utilized a large soil screener for purposes of processing and screening soil and similar substances. The soil screener was approximately 46 feet long and 13 feet high, and weighed approximately 35,880 lbs. The tail conveyor of the soil screener – which weighed approximately 1,500 pounds – could be placed in a vertical closed position or could be opened to an approximate 45° angle. It is alleged that at various occasions in 2022 or 2023, the tail conveyor of the soil screener closed unexpectedly, and the soil screener had suffered a ruptured hydraulic pressure line.
On Sept. 6, 2023, a company employee was working alongside a co-owner on the tail conveyer of the soil screener, which was in the open position. At the time, there was no equipment in place to prevent the tail conveyer from closing. According to the charging documents, as the employee was seeking to remove a bolt, the tail conveyor closed unexpectedly. The employee held onto the upper frame of the soil screener as the tail conveyer closed into the vertical position, crushing the employee’s head. The employee suffered massive head trauma and was pronounced dead soon thereafter.
For willfully violating an OSHA safety standard, John Oliveira & Sons Stamp Concrete, Inc. faces a term of probation of up to five years, a fine of up to $500,000 and restitution payable to the estate of the deceased victim. Sentences are imposed by a federal judge based upon statutory factors.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Jeff Erskine, Regional Administrator of the Department of Labor OSHA Boston Region; and Maia Fisher, Regional Solicitor for Department of Labor Boston Region made the announcement today. Assistance in the investigation was also provided by, OSHA Criminal Investigations Team, Boston Region. Assistant U.S. Attorney William F. Abely, Chief of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Marshall Man Admits to Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Marshall, Mo., man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to drug and gun charges arising out of a May 2025 search warrant, during which two Pettis County deputies were injured.
James Joseph Elsea, 62, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, discharging and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing firearms after a prior felony conviction. In a plea agreement filed with the court after the hearing, Elsea admitted that while Pettis County Sheriff’s Office deputies were executing a no-knock search warrant at his home on May 2, 2025, Elsea fired shots from inside the residence, hitting and injuring two deputies. Approximately nine minutes after the shots were fired, Elsea made a 911 call reporting that he believed he had shot someone. Later, after the officers arrested Elsea and made entry into his residence, they found evidence that Elsea had discarded methamphetamine down the toilet, leaving loose methamphetamine on the bathroom floor, around and underneath the toilet, on the toilet seat, and in the toilet bowl. Firearms were also found within the home. Elsea has prior felony convictions and is not permitted to possess a gun.
Under federal statutes, Elsea is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and up to 15 years for his possession of a firearm after a prior felony conviction. He is also subject to a sentence of not less than 10 years for possession and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, which must be consecutive to any other sentence imposed in the case. These maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes, but Elsea’s ultimate sentence will be determined by the court based on advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Kummerer. It was investigated by the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Maplewood Man Admits Selling Machine Gun Conversion DevicesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from Maplewood, Missouri on Wednesday admitted selling nine machine gun conversion devices to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Tanario Darden, 23, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to two felony counts: transporting prohibited weapons without a license and transferring machine guns. He admitted using his Instagram account to offer machine gun conversion devices (MCDs) for sale. MCDs, also known as switches or auto sears, convert a semi-automatic firearm into fully automatic weapon. MCDs are defined as a machine gun under federal law.
ATF agents learned of the Instagram account in the spring of 2024 and an undercover agent contacted Darden. After arranging the sale via Darden, an intermediary delivered two MCDs on April 29, 2024. A different man delivered seven more on May 29, 2024.
Darden is scheduled to be sentenced on April 15.The transporting prohibited weapons charge carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison. The machine gun charge carries a penalty of 10 years in prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Szczucinski is prosecuting the case.
Marianna Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Lionel Mitchel Crawford, 54, of Marianna, Florida was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to Distribution of 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine and 50 Grams or More of a Mixture and Substance Containing Methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Methamphetamine has a devastating impact on our communities, but our state and federal law enforcement partners remain relentless in their execution of operations like this one to rid our streets of this deadly drug and the criminals who peddle it. My office will continue to deliver on the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi through Operation Take Back America to use the full force of the law to protect our communities from drug traffickers like this defendant.”
According to court records, on December 12, 2024, the defendant sold over 50 grams of methamphetamine during a law enforcement undercover operation. The sale occurred at the defendant’s property in Jackson County, Florida. The defendant has a previous conviction for a serious drug felony.
“This joint effort brought a methamphetamine trafficker to justice,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Bobbitt of DEA Miami Field Division. “Methamphetamine destroys families and DEA will not stop until the flow of this poison is stopped.”
The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Welch and Jessica Etherton.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, human and drug trafficking.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Large-Scale Counterfeit Pill Manufacturer Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Cambridge, Mass. man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with an ongoing investigation of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. Over the course of the past four years, the defendant is alleged to have been responsible for the manufacturing of over 200 kilograms of counterfeit pills.
Schuyler Oppenheimer, a/k/a “SK,” a/k/a “Michael Sylvain,” 35, of Cambridge pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and two counts of wire fraud. U.S. Senior District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for April 17, 2026. In July 2025, Oppenheimer was arrested and charged. He was subsequently was indicted in August 2025.
According to court documents, Oppenheimer is known to be technically skilled in the chemical processes used in the synthesis of fentanyl, the compounding of controlled substances for distribution and the manufacturing of counterfeit pills. Recipes, pill press molds used in the manufacturing process, documents and invoices demonstrating that Oppenheimer purchased numerous pill presses and parts for pill presses from online vendors were seized. Multiple packages shipped from China to Oppenheimer, and various female associates of Oppenheimer, that contained pill press parts, were also seized.
Based on the review of orders and invoices from companies selling powders and other substances used in the pill manufacturing process, since 2019, Oppenheimer obtained over 200 kilograms of these filler powders. According to the recipes recovered during the investigation, when manufactured into counterfeit pills, 200 kilograms of filler powder equates to millions of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Additionally, Oppenheimer communicated directly with an illegal chemical supplier based in China. During this conversation, Oppenheimer inquired about the availability of controlled substances and fentanyl precursor chemicals and sought to purchase kilogram quantities of these substances. Fentanyl precursor chemicals are substances that can be used to synthesize raw fentanyl in a laboratory setting. Oppenheimer sought to synthesize his own fentanyl through the importation of these fentanyl precursor chemicals into the United States.
Lastly, Oppenheimer obtained over $40,000 through two fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loan applications that were submitted in April 2021. Oppenheimer submitted false statements concerning his income through self-employment for the 2019 tax years and provided false tax return documents substantiating that income.
During the execution of a search warrant on Parker Street in Cambridge on July 18, 2024, over five kilograms of suspected counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine and a loaded firearm were recovered. Based on prior felony convictions, Oppenheimer is prohibited from possessing firearms.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, five years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $10,000,000. The charge of wire fraud provides for a maximum penalty of up to 20 years, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Jennifer B. De La O, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Cambridge Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
Lackawanna County Man Sentenced to 48 Months’ Imprisonment for Conspiracy and Theft and Concealment of Major ArtworkRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Joseph Atsus, age 51, of Covington Township, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on January 13, 2026, to 48 months’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release, and to pay restitution in the amount of $1,071,150, by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion for conspiracy, theft of major artwork and concealment/disposal of major artwork.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, a jury found Atsus guilty of four counts following a nearly month-long trial earlier this year. The jury found that, along with his co-defendants and other co-conspirators, Atsus was responsible for the theft of following:
- “Le Grande Passion” by Andy Warhol and “Springs Winter” purportedly by Jackson Pollock stolen in 2005 from the Everhart Museum in Scranton, Pennsylvania;
- Three antique firearms stolen in 2006 from Space Farms: Zoo & Museum in Wantage, New Jersey.
- “Upper Hudson” by Jasper Crospey, worth approximately $120,000, stolen in 2011 from Ringwood Manor in Ringwood, New Jersey.
- Antique firearms worth over $150,000, stolen in 2011 from Ringwood Manor in Ringwood, New Jersey.
- Memorabilia belonging to Christy Matthewson, stolen in 1999 from Keystone College in Factoryville, Pennsylvania.
- Golf trophies and memorabilia belonging to Art Wall, Jr., stolen in 2011 from the Scranton Country Club located in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania.
- Over $100,000 worth of gold nuggets stolen in 2011 from the Sterling Hill Mining Museum located in Ogdensburg, New Jersey; and
- Nine World Series rings, seven championship and other rings, and two MVP plaques all belonging to Yogi Berra stolen in 2014 from the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center located in Little Falls, New Jersey.
Atsus committed the above thefts as part of a larger, eight-person conspiracy. Co-conspirators Nicholas Dombek, age 55, of Thornhurst, Pennsylvania, and Damien Boland, age 50, of Covington Township, Pennsylvania, were also convicted alongside Atsus of conspiracy to commit theft of major artwork, concealment and disposal of major artwork, and interstate transportation of stolen property, as well as multiple related substantive offenses. Boland was sentenced last month to 108 months’ imprisonment. Dombek is presently awaiting sentencing.
Three additional co-conspirators pled guilty pursuant to felony informations and were sentenced by Judge Mannion earlier this year. They include:
- Thomas Trotta, age 50, of Dunmore, Pennsylvania, who was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment for theft of major artwork;
- Dawn Trotta, age 53, of Dunmore, Pennsylvania, who was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit theft of major artwork, concealment and disposal of major artwork, and interstate transportation of stolen property;
- Frank Tassiello, age 52, of Taylor, Pennsylvania, who was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit theft of major artwork, concealment and disposal of major artwork, and interstate transportation of stolen property; and
- Ralph Parry, age 47, of Springbrook Township, Pennsylvania, who was sentenced to three years of probation as well as a period of home-confinement for conspiracy to commit theft of major artwork, concealment and disposal of major artwork, and interstate transportation of stolen property.
After stealing the above-described items, the conspirators would transport the stolen goods back to Northeastern Pennsylvania, often to the residence of Dombek, and melt the memorabilia down into easily transportable metal discs or bars. The conspirators would then sell the raw metal to fences in the New York City area for hundreds or a few thousands of dollars, significantly less than the sports memorabilia would be worth at fair market value.
Dombek burnt the painting “Upper Hudson” by Jasper Crospey, valued at approximately $125,000, to avoid the painting being recovered by investigators and used as evidence against the members of the conspiracy. The whereabouts of many of the other paintings and stolen objects are currently unknown, however, several antique firearms stolen from the Space Farms: Zoo and Museum and the Ringwood Manor Museum, both in New Jersey, were recovered by investigators, including an antique gun which Boland had earlier hidden at a relative’s house in a different state.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Pennsylvania State Police, the New Jersey State Police, the New York State Police, the New Jersey State Park Police, the Newport Police Department (Rhode Island), the Fargo Police Department (North Dakota), the Chester Police Department (New York), the Exeter Borough Police Department (Pennsylvania), the Scranton Police Department, the Franklin Police Department (New Jersey), the Village of Goshen Police Department (New York), the Metropolitan Police Department (Washington, D.C.), the West Milord Township Police Department (New Jersey), the Montclair Police Department (New Jersey), the Saratoga Springs Police Department (New York), the Canastota Police Department (New York), the South Abington Police Department (Pennsylvania), the Bernards Township Police Department (New Jersey), the Salisbury Township Police Department (Pennsylvania), the Montclair State University Police Department (New Jersey) the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office (Pennsylvania), the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office (New Jersey), the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office (New Jersey), the Orange County District Attorney’s Office (New York), and multiple other local law enforcement agencies from across the country. Assistant United States Attorneys James M. Buchanan and Jenny Roberts prosecuted the case.
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Kemper County Man Sentenced to 37 Months for being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – A Preston man was sentenced on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, to 37 months of incarceration for being a felon in possession of a firearm in Kemper County. The defendant was also ordered to pay a fine and serve 3 years of supervised release following his incarceration.
According to court documents, Joshua Ryan Burns, 41, was found by Kemper County Sheriff’s Department to be in possession of a sawed-off shotgun and a pistol during a probation home visit in Preston, Mississippi. Burns had previous felony convictions for burglary and aggravated assault which prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
Burns was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 19, 2025, and pleaded guilty on September 10, 2025. Burns will serve his term of imprisonment consecutive to a 16-year state sentence from Neshoba County.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, J.E. Baxter Kruger and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement.
The ATF investigated this case with assistance from the Kemper County Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brett Grantham prosecuted the case.
This case was investigated by the ATF as part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Kansas City Man Indicted for Distribution of Controlled Substances and Illegal Sales of FirearmsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – German Alvarez-Rubio, 28, of Kansas City, Mo., was indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy and distribution of cocaine, methamphetamine, and psilocybin as well as firearms offenses.
Alvarez-Rubio made his first appearance in federal court after his arrest on January 12, 2026.
The indictment alleges that on July 22, 2025, the Alvarez-Rubio distributed cocaine. On July 29, 2025, Alvarez-Rubio distributed cocaine and methamphetamine and illegally sold ten firearms. On August 19, 2025, Alvarez-Rubio distributed methamphetamine, cocaine, and psilocybin (mushrooms) and illegally possessed a machinegun.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Siegele. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Kaiser Permanente Affiliates Pay $556m to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO — Affiliates of Kaiser Permanente, an integrated healthcare consortium headquartered in Oakland, California, have agreed to pay $556 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting invalid diagnosis codes for their Medicare Advantage Plan enrollees in order to receive higher payments from the government.
The settling Kaiser Permanente affiliates are Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc.; Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado; The Permanente Medical Group Inc.; Southern California Permanente Medical Group; and Colorado Permanente Medical Group P.C. (collectively Kaiser).
Under the Medicare Advantage (MA) Program, also known as Medicare Part C, Medicare beneficiaries may opt out of traditional Medicare and enroll in private health plans offered by insurance companies known as Medicare Advantage Organizations, or MAOs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) pays the MAOs a fixed monthly amount for each Medicare beneficiary enrolled in their plans. CMS adjusts these monthly payments to account for various “risk” factors that affect expected health expenditures for the beneficiary. In general, CMS pays MAOs more for sicker beneficiaries expected to incur higher healthcare costs and less for healthier beneficiaries expected to incur lower costs. To make these “risk adjustments,” CMS collects medical diagnosis codes from the MAOs. The diagnoses must be supported by the medical record of a face-to-face visit between a patient and a provider, and for outpatient visits, must have required or affected patient care, treatment, or management at the visit.
Kaiser owns and operates MAOs that offer MA plans to beneficiaries across the country. In a complaint filed in the Northern District of California in October 2021, the United States alleged that Kaiser engaged in a scheme in California and Colorado to improperly increase its risk adjustment payments. Specifically, the United States alleged that Kaiser systematically pressured its physicians to alter medical records after patient visits to add diagnoses that the physicians had not considered or addressed at those visits, in violation of CMS rules.
“More than half of our nation’s Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, and the government expects those who participate in the program to provide truthful and accurate information,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s resolution sends the clear message that the United States holds healthcare providers and plans accountable when they knowingly submit or cause to be submitted false information to CMS to obtain inflated Medicare payments.”
“Medicare Advantage is a vital program that must serve patients’ needs, not corporate profits,” said U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California. “Fraud on Medicare costs the public billions annually, so when a health plan knowingly submits false information to obtain higher payments, everyone — from beneficiaries to taxpayers — loses. We have an obligation to protect the American taxpayer from waste, fraud, and abuse and we will relentlessly pursue individuals and organizations that compromise the integrity of the Medicare program.”
“The federal government supports the health care of millions of beneficiaries by paying hundreds of billions of dollars every year to Medicare Advantage Plans,” said U.S. Attorney Peter McNeilly for the District of Colorado. “Medicare relies on the accuracy of the information submitted by those plans. This resolution sends a clear message that we will hold health care plans accountable if they seek to game the system and pad their profits by submitting false information.”
“Deliberately inflating diagnosis codes to boost profits is a serious violation of public trust and undermines the integrity of the Medicare Advantage program,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This outcome demonstrates HHS-OIG’s commitment to protecting Medicare through a unified approach — leveraging the expertise of our investigators, auditors, and counsel, alongside our law enforcement partners. We will continue to hold accountable any entity that seeks to compromise the integrity of the risk adjustment program.”
“Healthcare programs funded by the public are meant to support patients, not pad corporate bottom lines. False claims and the submission of fraudulent information weaken the Medicare system and place an unfair cost on American taxpayers who expect honesty and accountability,” said Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani of the FBI San Francisco Field Office. “This settlement reflects the FBI's continued commitment to holding accountable those who put profits over patients and abuse federal healthcare programs.”
The settlement announced today resolves allegations that, from 2009 to 2018, Kaiser engaged in a scheme to increase its Medicare reimbursements by pressuring physicians to add diagnoses after patient visits through “addenda” to patients’ medical records. The United States alleged that Kaiser developed various mechanisms to mine a patient’s past medical history to identify potential diagnoses that had not been submitted to CMS for risk adjustment. Kaiser then sent “queries” to its providers urging them to add these diagnoses to medical records via addenda, often months and sometimes over a year after visits. In many instances, the United States alleged, the diagnoses added by the providers had nothing to do with the patient visit in question, in violation of CMS requirements.
The United States further alleged that Kaiser set aggressive physician- and facility-specific goals for adding risk adjustment diagnoses. It alleged that Kaiser singled out underperforming physicians and facilities and emphasized that the failure to add diagnoses cost money for Kaiser, the facilities, and the physicians themselves. It also alleged that Kaiser linked physician and facility financial bonuses and incentives to meeting risk adjustment diagnosis goals.
The United States alleged that Kaiser knew that its addenda practices were widespread and unlawful. Kaiser ignored numerous red flags and internal warnings that it was violating CMS rules, including concerns raised by its own physicians that these were false claims and audits by its own compliance office identifying the issue of inappropriate addenda.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of certain claims brought in lawsuits under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Ronda Osinek and James M. Taylor, M.D., former employees of Kaiser. Under those provisions, private parties are permitted to sue on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam cases are captioned United States ex rel. Osinek v. Kaiser Permanente, et al., No. 3:13-cv-03891 (N.D. Cal.) and United States ex rel. Taylor v. Kaiser Permanente, et al., No. 3:21-cv-03894 (N.D. Cal.). The relator share of the recovery will be $95 million.
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 Offices for the Northern District of California and the District of Colorado, with assistance from HHS-OIG, HHS-Office of Audit Services, and the FBI.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrate the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at www.oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/ or 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The matter was handled by Fraud Section Attorneys Braden Civins, Edward Crooke, Gary Dyal, Michael R. Fishman, Martha Glover, Seth W. Greene, Rachel Karpoff, Laurie Oberembt, and Jonathan Thrope, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Lo for the Northern District of California, with the assistance of Jonathan Birch and Alan Lopez, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Traskos for the District of Colorado.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Kaiser Permanente Affiliates Pay $556M to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
Affiliates of Kaiser Permanente, an integrated healthcare consortium headquartered in Oakland, California, have agreed to pay $556 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting invalid diagnosis codes for their Medicare Advantage Plan enrollees in order to receive higher payments from the government.
The settling Kaiser Permanente affiliates are Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc.; Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado; The Permanente Medical Group Inc.; Southern California Permanente Medical Group; and Colorado Permanente Medical Group P.C. (collectively Kaiser).
Under the Medicare Advantage (MA) Program, also known as Medicare Part C, Medicare beneficiaries may opt out of traditional Medicare and enroll in private health plans offered by insurance companies known as Medicare Advantage Organizations, or MAOs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) pays the MAOs a fixed monthly amount for each Medicare beneficiary enrolled in their plans. CMS adjusts these monthly payments to account for various “risk” factors that affect expected health expenditures for the beneficiary. In general, CMS pays MAOs more for sicker beneficiaries expected to incur higher healthcare costs and less for healthier beneficiaries expected to incur lower costs. To make these “risk adjustments,” CMS collects medical diagnosis codes from the MAOs. The diagnoses must be supported by the medical record of a face-to-face visit between a patient and a provider, and for outpatient visits, must have required or affected patient care, treatment, or management at the visit.
Kaiser owns and operates MAOs that offer MA plans to beneficiaries across the country. In a complaint filed in the Northern District of California in October 2021, the United States alleged that Kaiser engaged in a scheme in California and Colorado to improperly increase its risk adjustment payments. Specifically, the United States alleged that Kaiser systematically pressured its physicians to alter medical records after patient visits to add diagnoses that the physicians had not considered or addressed at those visits, in violation of CMS rules.
“More than half of our nation’s Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, and the government expects those who participate in the program to provide truthful and accurate information,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s resolution sends the clear message that the United States holds healthcare providers and plans accountable when they knowingly submit or cause to be submitted false information to CMS to obtain inflated Medicare payments.”
“Medicare Advantage is a vital program that must serve patients’ needs, not corporate profits,” said U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California. “Fraud on Medicare costs the public billions annually, so when a health plan knowingly submits false information to obtain higher payments, everyone — from beneficiaries to taxpayers — loses. We have an obligation to protect the American taxpayer from waste, fraud, and abuse and we will relentlessly pursue individuals and organizations that compromise the integrity of the Medicare program.”
“The federal government supports the health care of millions of beneficiaries by paying hundreds of billions of dollars every year to Medicare Advantage Plans,” said U.S. Attorney Peter McNeilly for the District of Colorado. “Medicare relies on the accuracy of the information submitted by those plans. This resolution sends a clear message that we will hold health care plans accountable if they seek to game the system and pad their profits by submitting false information.”
“Deliberately inflating diagnosis codes to boost profits is a serious violation of public trust and undermines the integrity of the Medicare Advantage program,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This outcome demonstrates HHS-OIG’s commitment to protecting Medicare through a unified approach — leveraging the expertise of our investigators, auditors, and counsel, alongside our law enforcement partners. We will continue to hold accountable any entity that seeks to compromise the integrity of the risk adjustment program.”
“Healthcare programs funded by the public are meant to support patients, not pad corporate bottom lines. False claims and the submission of fraudulent information weaken the Medicare system and place an unfair cost on American taxpayers who expect honesty and accountability,” said Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani of the FBI San Francisco Field Office. “This settlement reflects the FBI's continued commitment to holding accountable those who put profits over patients and abuse federal healthcare programs.”
The settlement announced today resolves allegations that, from 2009 to 2018, Kaiser engaged in a scheme to increase its Medicare reimbursements by pressuring physicians to add diagnoses after patient visits through “addenda” to patients’ medical records. The United States alleged that Kaiser developed various mechanisms to mine a patient’s past medical history to identify potential diagnoses that had not been submitted to CMS for risk adjustment. Kaiser then sent “queries” to its providers urging them to add these diagnoses to medical records via addenda, often months and sometimes over a year after visits. In many instances, the United States alleged, the diagnoses added by the providers had nothing to do with the patient visit in question, in violation of CMS requirements.
The United States further alleged that Kaiser set aggressive physician- and facility-specific goals for adding risk adjustment diagnoses. It alleged that Kaiser singled out underperforming physicians and facilities and emphasized that the failure to add diagnoses cost money for Kaiser, the facilities, and the physicians themselves. It also alleged that Kaiser linked physician and facility financial bonuses and incentives to meeting risk adjustment diagnosis goals.
The United States alleged that Kaiser knew that its addenda practices were widespread and unlawful. Kaiser ignored numerous red flags and internal warnings that it was violating CMS rules, including concerns raised by its own physicians that these were false claims and audits by its own compliance office identifying the issue of inappropriate addenda.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of certain claims brought in lawsuits under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Ronda Osinek and James M. Taylor, M.D., former employees of Kaiser. Under those provisions, private parties are permitted to sue on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam cases are captioned United States ex rel. Osinek v. Kaiser Permanente, et al., No. 3:13-cv-03891 (N.D. Cal.) and United States ex rel. Taylor v. Kaiser Permanente, et al., No. 3:21-cv-03894 (N.D. Cal.). The relator share of the recovery will be $95 million.
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. Attorneys’ Offices for the Northern District of California and the District of Colorado, with assistance from HHS-OIG, HHS-Office of Audit Services, and the FBI.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrate the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at www.oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/ or 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The matter was handled by Fraud Section Attorneys Braden Civins, Edward Crooke, Gary Dyal, Michael R. Fishman, Martha Glover, Seth W. Greene, Rachel Karpoff, Laurie Oberembt, and Jonathan Thrope, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Lo for the Northern District of California, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Traskos for the District of Colorado.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Kaiser Permanente Affiliates Pay $556M to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
DENVER — Affiliates of Kaiser Permanente, an integrated healthcare consortium headquartered in Oakland, California, have agreed to pay $556 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting invalid diagnosis codes for their Medicare Advantage Plan enrollees in order to receive higher payments from the government.
The settling Kaiser Permanente affiliates are Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc.; Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado; The Permanente Medical Group Inc.; Southern California Permanente Medical Group; and Colorado Permanente Medical Group P.C. (collectively Kaiser).
Under the Medicare Advantage (MA) Program, also known as Medicare Part C, Medicare beneficiaries may opt out of traditional Medicare and enroll in private health plans offered by insurance companies known as Medicare Advantage Organizations, or MAOs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) pays the MAOs a fixed monthly amount for each Medicare beneficiary enrolled in their plans. CMS adjusts these monthly payments to account for various “risk” factors that affect expected health expenditures for the beneficiary. In general, CMS pays MAOs more for sicker beneficiaries expected to incur higher healthcare costs and less for healthier beneficiaries expected to incur lower costs. To make these “risk adjustments,” CMS collects medical diagnosis codes from the MAOs. The diagnoses must be supported by the medical record of a face-to-face visit between a patient and a provider, and for outpatient visits, must have required or affected patient care, treatment, or management at the visit.
Kaiser owns and operates MAOs that offer MA plans to beneficiaries across the country. In a complaint filed in the Northern District of California in October 2021, the United States alleged that Kaiser engaged in a scheme in California and Colorado to improperly increase its risk adjustment payments. Specifically, the United States alleged that Kaiser systematically pressured its physicians to alter medical records after patient visits to add diagnoses that the physicians had not considered or addressed at those visits, in violation of CMS rules.
“More than half of our nation’s Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, and the government expects those who participate in the program to provide truthful and accurate information,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s resolution sends the clear message that the United States holds healthcare providers and plans accountable when they knowingly submit or cause to be submitted false information to CMS to obtain inflated Medicare payments.”
“Medicare Advantage is a vital program that must serve patients’ needs, not corporate profits,” said U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California. “Fraud on Medicare costs the public billions annually, so when a health plan knowingly submits false information to obtain higher payments, everyone — from beneficiaries to taxpayers — loses. We have an obligation to protect the American taxpayer from waste, fraud, and abuse and we will relentlessly pursue individuals and organizations that compromise the integrity of the Medicare program.”
“The federal government supports the health care of millions of beneficiaries by paying hundreds of billions of dollars every year to Medicare Advantage Plans,” said U.S. Attorney Peter McNeilly for the District of Colorado. “Medicare relies on the accuracy of the information submitted by those plans. This resolution sends a clear message that we will hold health care plans accountable if they seek to game the system and pad their profits by submitting false information.”
“Deliberately inflating diagnosis codes to boost profits is a serious violation of public trust and undermines the integrity of the Medicare Advantage program,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This outcome demonstrates HHS-OIG’s commitment to protecting Medicare through a unified approach — leveraging the expertise of our investigators, auditors, and counsel, alongside our law enforcement partners. We will continue to hold accountable any entity that seeks to compromise the integrity of the risk adjustment program.”
“Healthcare programs funded by the public are meant to support patients, not pad corporate bottom lines. False claims and the submission of fraudulent information weaken the Medicare system and place an unfair cost on American taxpayers who expect honesty and accountability,” said Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani of the FBI San Francisco Field Office. “This settlement reflects the FBI's continued commitment to holding accountable those who put profits over patients and abuse federal healthcare programs.”
The settlement announced today resolves allegations that, from 2009 to 2018, Kaiser engaged in a scheme to increase its Medicare reimbursements by pressuring physicians to add diagnoses after patient visits through “addenda” to patients’ medical records. The United States alleged that Kaiser developed various mechanisms to mine a patient’s past medical history to identify potential diagnoses that had not been submitted to CMS for risk adjustment. Kaiser then sent “queries” to its providers urging them to add these diagnoses to medical records via addenda, often months and sometimes over a year after visits. In many instances, the United States alleged, the diagnoses added by the providers had nothing to do with the patient visit in question, in violation of CMS requirements.
The United States further alleged that Kaiser set aggressive physician- and facility-specific goals for adding risk adjustment diagnoses. It alleged that Kaiser singled out underperforming physicians and facilities and emphasized that the failure to add diagnoses cost money for Kaiser, the facilities, and the physicians themselves. It also alleged that Kaiser linked physician and facility financial bonuses and incentives to meeting risk adjustment diagnosis goals.
The United States alleged that Kaiser knew that its addenda practices were widespread and unlawful. Kaiser ignored numerous red flags and internal warnings that it was violating CMS rules, including concerns raised by its own physicians that these were false claims and audits by its own compliance office identifying the issue of inappropriate addenda.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of certain claims brought in lawsuits under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Ronda Osinek and James M. Taylor, M.D., former employees of Kaiser. Under those provisions, private parties are permitted to sue on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam cases are captioned United States ex rel. Osinek v. Kaiser Permanente, et al., No. 3:13-cv-03891 (N.D. Cal.) and United States ex rel. Taylor v. Kaiser Permanente, et al., No. 3:21-cv-03894 (N.D. Cal.). The relator share of the recovery will be $95 million.
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. Attorneys’ Offices for the Northern District of California and the District of Colorado, with assistance from HHS-OIG, HHS-Office of Audit Services, and the FBI.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrate the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at www.oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/ or 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The matter was handled by Fraud Section Attorneys Braden Civins, Edward Crooke, Gary Dyal, Michael R. Fishman, Martha Glover, Seth W. Greene, Rachel Karpoff, Laurie Oberembt, and Jonathan Thrope, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Lo for the Northern District of California, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Traskos for the District of Colorado.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Kinston Woman Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison and Ordered to Repay over $15 Million in Restitution for Healthcare FraudRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced a Kinston woman to 6 years in federal prison and ordered her to pay restitution in the amount of $15,286,912.91 to North Carolina Medicaid and $373,810.00 to Internal Revenue Service. On August 14, 2025, Francine Sims Super, age 64, pleaded guilty to a healthcare fraud conspiracy which included making and receiving illegal payments, making and using materially false documents, and failing to file a tax return.
“This Defendant and others submitted to their own greed, enriching themselves by stealing straight from the pockets of American taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Some folks call this “white-collar crime, but U.S. Attorney’s Office calls all crime, pure and simple. If you illegally line your pockets with stolen American tax dollars, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law and scrape back every penny we find. Cheaters never win.”
"Healthcare fraud not only imposes a financial burden on American taxpayers, but also undermines the integrity of programs designed to support those in genuine need.” said FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. "The FBI and our federal and state partners are committed to a coordinated approach to prevent and address fraud against the government, which ultimately harms taxpayers and the public at large."
“Healthcare fraud schemes cheat the taxpayers while also undermining trust in healthcare agencies,” said Charlotte Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Trey Eakins. “IRS-CI special agents will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to pursue individuals who try to exploit federal relief programs for their personal gain.”
“Kickback arrangements distort health care decisions by introducing hidden financial motives, misleading patients, driving unnecessary services, and exploiting taxpayer-funded programs for personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly Blackmon of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, remains committed to investigating improper billing and kickback schemes to safeguard Medicaid and its beneficiaries.”
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Super worked as an office manager of Life Touch LLC, a substance abuse treatment company based in Kinston and Goldsboro. Super and others paid more than $1 million in kickbacks to patients in the form of gift cards to induce patients to register for services. Over four years, Super and other Life Touch LLC employees and agents, paid patients based on the number of days per week that the patients showed up to receive services. To try and hide her scheme, Super created false documents intended to deceive Medicaid auditors. The gift card inducements resulted in more than $12 million in payments from Medicaid to Life Touch LLC.
Super and others also received kickbacks from 1st Choice Healthcare Services, LLC, a lab company hired to perform drug testing services for Life Touch LLC patients. Super also failed to file a tax return that accounted for this income.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The FBI, IRS, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - OIG, and the North Carolina AG’s Office – Medicaid Investigations Division investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Gilmore and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tasha Gardner prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the EDNC USAO website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:25-CR-00028-FL-1.
Justice Department Files Complaint Against California over Unconstitutional State Regulation of Federal LandsRead the Press Release
Today, the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) filed a complaint in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California challenging California Senate Bill 1137 (SB 1137), which prevents oil and gas development activities within 3,200 feet of a so-called “sensitive receptor.” SB 1137 would knock out about one-third of all federally authorized oil and gas leases in California. This lawsuit argues that federal law — specifically, the Mineral Leasing Act and the Federal Land and Policy Management Act — preempts SB 1137.
President Trump directed the Department of Justice to stop the enforcement of state laws that unreasonably burden domestic energy development so that energy will once again be reliable and affordable for all Americans. This lawsuit advances President Trump’s directive in Executive Order 14260, Protecting American Energy from State Overreach.
“This is yet another unconstitutional and radical policy from Gavin Newsom that threatens our country’s energy independence and makes energy more expensive for the American people,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “In accordance with President Trump’s executive orders, this Department of Justice will continue to fight burdensome regulations that violate federal law and hamper domestic energy production — especially in California, where Newsom is clearly intent on subverting federal law at every opportunity.”
“The Constitution forbids states from obstructing federal energy policies,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of ENRD. “California’s SB 1137 violates federal law and threatens our nation’s energy independence. In challenging it, we seek to protect the security and wellbeing of all Americans from California’s unlawful overreach.”
“Rolling back this law strengthens America’s energy security and protects hardworking American families from higher costs,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “This administration is pushing back against every burdensome, unlawful rule that tries to stand in the way of U.S. energy production. Americans deserve reliable, affordable energy, and Interior is committed to fighting for it every step of the way. Thanks to President Trump’s executive orders, we have the tools to do so.”
The lawsuit seeks a declaration that SB 1137 is unconstitutional and an injunction against its enforcement. The Department plans to move for a preliminary injunction in the coming days.
Jamestown man going to prison for his role in narcotics conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jacob Snow, 39, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of narcotics conspiracy, was sentenced to serve 46 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that between January and May 24, 2021, Snow conspired with Alisha A. Klinger and others to sell heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine in the Jamestown area. Snow sold drugs and collected payments on behalf of Klinger. On May 24, 2021, an individual was kidnapped at gunpoint and driven to a wooded area, where the individual was then hit multiple times, including by Snow. This incident involved approximately $10,000 worth of heroin/fentanyl and methamphetamine that the individual had taken from Snow a day prior. Asked if the individual should be killed, Snow responded, “no, I think we should give her the opportunity to pay that back.”
Charges remain pending against Klinger.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.
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Jamaican National Pleads Guilty to Sweepstakes Fraud Scheme Targeting Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A citizen of Jamaica and resident of Georgia has pleaded guilty in federal court in Rhode Island to charges related to his role in a nationwide sweepstakes fraud scheme that targeted elderly victims, announced United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda.
Owen Demoy Byfield, age 33, pleaded guilty on January 13, 2026, to mail fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy, and will be sentenced on April 16, 2026. The sentences imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Byfield will be subject to immigration removal proceedings following any sentence imposed.
According to court documents, from approximately March 2022 through October 2024, Byfield and his co-conspirators operated a “sweepstakes scam” that falsely informed victims that they had randomly been entered into a raffle and subsequently won millions of dollars. Victims throughout the United States, including Rhode Island, were contacted through the mail, carriers such as UPS and FedEx, phone calls, text messages, and other wire communications and directed to call a purported “prize representative.” The scammers then used fictitious names to induce victims to send money, valuable property or provide access to their financial accounts. The alleged purpose of these payments was for various fraudulent reasons, including to pay taxes on their winnings, shipping costs, or even to refuse the winnings and be removed from the so-called list of winners of the sweepstakes scam. In one instance, Byfield used approximately $171,635.00 of the fraudulent proceeds to make a down payment on a residence in Georgia.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John P. McAdams.
The matter was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Warwick Police Department.
More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov .
Indianapolis Woman Charged with Threatening to Kill United States RepresentativeRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS—Shayla Addison, 28, of Indianapolis, has been charged with two counts of Influencing a Federal Official by Threat.
According to court documents, on January 15, 2025, beginning at approximately 8:53 a.m., Addison sent five text messages to the campaign phone number of Victim 1, a member of the United States House of Representatives. The messages included explicit threats to kill Victim 1, including statements such as “Come outside b**** we’ll kill you” and “Tread lightly,” among other variations.
Minutes later, Addison sent additional messages to Victim 1’s campaign email address, again threatening to kill Victim 1 and stating, “We will kill you and blow that whole building up b**** come outside.”
That same day, Addison also posted threatening comments on Victim 1’s Instagram account, including: “Shut up h** I’ll kill you” and “I hope you got mace… cause you gone need it.”
By sending the messages, Addison intended to retaliate against Victim 1 on account of Victim 1’s performance of official duties.
The FBI and United States Capitol Police investigated this case. Addison faces up to ten years in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Olivier, who is prosecuting this case.
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Heber Springs Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Charles David Agnew, who has two previous convictions for crimes involving children, will spend 15 years in federal prison for attempted distribution of child pornography. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge D.P. Marshall, Jr.
On April 5, 2023, Agnew, 42, of Heber Springs, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of attempted enticement of a minor, one count of attempted distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. On August 19, 2025, Agnew pleaded guilty to attempted distribution of child pornography. Judge Marshall also sentenced Agnew to 10 years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
An investigation revealed that on September 15, 2022, Agnew asked an online an undercover law enforcement officer (UC) what the UC’s minor daughters looked like and asked for a photograph. When asked by the officer if he traded photographs, Agnew stated no but that he “…[has] nudes of myself.” The officer then asked Agnew if he watched “teen incest” online to which Agnew replied, “Oh yes.” Agnew then inquired of the ages of the minor daughters, and when told they were 7 and 9 years old, he replied that they were the “perfect age.” The UC asked Agnew if that was too young and Agnew stated, “Nope,” and asked the officer to send the photographs to him through the online platform.
Agnew continued the conversation with the UC stating his favorite video was that of “A dad daughter. She was 11.” Agnew then attempted to send the UC a link and commented that it contained “Good incest videos.” Agnew asked the UC again if the UC wanted a nude photograph of Agnew’s private parts and sent a photograph to the UC. Agnew also told the UC that he was serious about being physically touching the minor daughters and that he would travel across the country to see them.
Agnew has two previous state convictions for internet stalking of a child and pandering or possessing medium depicting sexual conduct involving a child. He received a sentence of 72 months’ imprisonment for each of those convictions.
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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it 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.projectsafechildhood.gov. Parents are encouraged to always monitor your children’s online activity.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Bryant.
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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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Grand jury indicts owners of real estate investment group, closing & title company employees in more than $50 million bank fraud conspiracyRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A federal grand jury has indicted two Israeli real estate investment entrepreneurs, their company, and two other co-conspirators for allegedly double-pledging properties to obtain multiple loans and for conspiring to conceal information from lenders and investors.
Those charged include the business Vision & Beyond Group LLC (V&B), its co-owners Stanislav Grinberg and Peter Gizunterman, and real estate closing and title company employees Keya Hamilton and Kelly West.
According to the indictment, Grinberg and Gizunterman formed the real estate business V&B in approximately 2019 to purchase 100 multi-unit apartments and family properties, including in the greater Cincinnati area, for renovation and rental income.
Grinberg and Gizunterman, with the help of Hamilton and West, then allegedly obtained refinancing for the properties but did not use the funds to pay off the existing loans and mortgages. The defendants also allegedly falsified financial documents, altered closing documents and removed mortgages from title commitments.
For example, in December 2022, the indictment details that Grinberg and Gizunterman received two loans totaling more than $36 million for approximately 60 multi-family properties in the Cincinnati area that were owned by the defendants. The closing of the two loans was supposed to pay off 30 specific prior mortgages.
It is alleged that 20 of the prior mortgages worth $17.2 million were not paid off at closing. Instead, more than $273,000 was allegedly paid directly to Hamilton; nearly $7 million was paid to a title company controlled by Hamilton and used by V&B; more than $6.2 million was paid directly to V&B’s account and approximately $2.7 million was paid to another bank.
The co-conspirators allegedly engaged in a similar scheme in 2023 involving four apartment complexes in Lexington, Kentucky, involving loans totaling $24.6 million.
The defendants are each charged with conspiring to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, making false statements and money laundering. Grinberg was originally charged by criminal complaint in March 2025.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Pittsburgh Division; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Korey Brinkman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General; Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigations; and Shawn Rice, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General; announced the charges. Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief Timothy S. Mangan and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rob Painter are representing the United States in this case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Georgia Woman Sentenced for Defrauding Missouri, Kansas Victims with Law Enforcement Spoofing ScamRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Wednesday sentenced a woman who aided scammers pretending to be law enforcement officers to 24 months in prison.
Ariel Burden, 33, was part of a group that called victims from phone numbers that appeared to be associated with local law enforcement. The “spoofers” claimed to be law enforcement officers or affiliated with law enforcement and told victims that they had outstanding warrants for missing court appearances. They threatened to arrest the victims if they didn’t pay thousands of dollars to a bondswoman. The scammers stayed in contact with the victims until they met with the supposed bondswoman, Burden. Burden was calling herself “Jennifer Davis.” She collected the money and provided victims with a receipt that contained fake citation numbers and other false information.
One Jefferson County, Missouri resident paid $12,000 to avoid arrest when the scammers claimed to be with the Crystal City police. In all, Burden admitted defrauding three victims out of a total of $28,000. Judge Autrey on Wednesday ordered her to repay the money.
Burden, from the Atlanta area, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in September to one count of wire fraud. She will now be transferred to Georgia to face potential revocation of her probation in an aggravated battery case there.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, in conjunction with the Jefferson County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office and the McPherson, Kansas Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Ladendorf prosecuted the case.
Former S.C. Lawmaker Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Robert John “RJ” May, III, 39, of West Columbia, has been sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distributing child sexual abuse material.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in May 2024 the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tip indicated that on March 31, 2024, 50 videos containing child sexual abuse material were uploaded using Kik, a mobile file sharing application, from a West Columbia IP address. LCSD executed search warrants to determine where the videos originated and discovered the IP address was registered to Robert John May. Furthermore, they discovered the Kik account, “joebidennnn69”, contained 220 unique videos and distributed 479 videos to over 100 Kik users over five days. The account user also communicated explicitly with other users about child sexual abuse material by sending and receiving over 1,100 messages.
Because May was a sitting member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, the case was referred to Homeland Security Investigations. HSI executed a search warrant on May’s home in August 2024 and seized 35 electronic devices, including May’s phone. A forensic analysis of May’s phone revealed the phone contained a Kik app in March and April 2024 that was subsequently deleted. May’s user dictionary, a feature that stores commonly typed phrases on a cellphone, contained the term “joebidennnn” along with an email address that connected him to the joebidennnn69 account. Analysis of May’s phone and the Kik records revealed the 479 videos were sent using either May’s home IP address or IP addresses associated with his cellphone.
Over the five-day period for which data was available, May distributed 220 unique videos, which he sent to 100 different users in 18 states and six countries. The videos included toddlers depicted in physical pain and extreme and humiliating sexual abuse. At sentencing, the court heard from victims through written victim impact statements on the lasting harm caused by their abuse and the continued distributions.
May was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 10, 2025, for 10 counts of distributing child sexual abuse material and arrested the following day. On Sept. 29, 2025, May pleaded guilty to five counts of distributing child sexual abuse material.
“He was elected to make a positive impact on his community, but instead he exploited the most innocent and vulnerable in our society. This is simply inexcusable,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate and prosecute those who harm children.”
“Those who exploit and abuse children are among the most reprehensible offenders in our society, and today’s sentencing sends a clear message: no one is above the law, regardless of their position or title,” said Kyle D. Burns, Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI in North Carolina and South Carolina. “HSI is unwavering in our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and will relentlessly pursue anyone who preys on children. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who commit these horrific crimes are brought to justice and held fully accountable for their actions.”
United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced May to 210 months imprisonment, to be followed by a 20-year term of court-ordered supervision. At sentencing, Judge Currie noted that the sentence was higher than the average for similar charges because May’s content was the most severe the court had seen. There is no parole in the federal system. He was also ordered to pay $58,500 in restitution to eight identified victims and will be required to register as a sex offender for life.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice 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, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Matthews, Elliott B. Daniels, and Dean Secor prosecuted the case along with Department of Justice Trial Attorney Austin Berry.
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* The term “child pornography” is currently used in federal statutes and is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a person less than 18 years old. While this phrase still appears in federal law, “child sexual abuse material” is preferred, as it better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the child. The Associated Press Stylebook also discourages the use of the phrase “child pornography.”
Former Dental Assistant Sentenced for Tampering with Fentanyl Vials from Littleton Oral Surgery PracticeRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Amber June Hyatt, 47, Evergreen, was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison in addition to two years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to one count of tampering with a consumer product.
According to the plea agreement, in June of 2023, Hyatt was a surgical assistant for an oral surgery practice in Littleton. During that timeframe, Hyatt’s roommate found several fentanyl vials and safety caps from the tops of fentanyl vials in a plastic bag in her purse in their home. The roommate reported the findings to the oral surgery practice who reported a possible theft to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. A subsequent investigation discovered that boxes of fentanyl citrate in the practice’s controlled substance safe had been tampered with. Upon testing the substance in a subset of the tampered vials, a laboratory determined seven of the vials contained a replacement liquid and one of those vials was also contaminated with bacteria.
“Unsuspecting patients are put at serious risk when crimes like this are committed in healthcare practices,” said United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Peter McNeilly. “Would-be fentanyl thieves should take note that this behavior gets you a ticket to federal prison.”
“Medical professionals must serve as a bulwark against prescription drug abuse. When surgical assistants violate the trust of the physicians they work for and the patients they serve, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its state and local partners along with the United States Attorney’s Office will step in and use every tool available to protect the public,” said DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division Diversion Program Manager George Taylor. “DEA will relentlessly pursue those who divert controlled substances and hold them accountable. There is no excuse for medical professionals to break the law in pursuit of their own gratification.”
“People depend on their healthcare providers to provide safe and effective medication when needed for pain relief,” said Acting Special Agent In Charge Jonathan Lamb, Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, Kansas City Field Office. “The FDA will continue to hold accountable anyone who violates this trust by tampering with patients’ medication and compromising their care.”
United States District Judge S. Kato Crews presided over the sentencing.
The investigation was handled by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Food & Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Anna Edgar handled the prosecution.
Case Number: 1-25-cr-00092-SKC
Florida-Based Veterinary Supply Company Pleads Guilty to Illegal Distribution of Xylazine; Sentenced to Forfeiture of More Than $748,000Read the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that All Veterinary Supply, Inc. (AVS) of Doral, Florida, pleaded guilty to one count of introduction and delivery of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce and was sentenced by United States District Judge Mark A. Kearney to three years of probation, an $18,000 fine, and forfeiture of $748,507.25, the company’s approximate gross profit from the illicit sales.
AVS was charged by information in August of last year, arising from its illegal distribution of xylazine outside the scope of its state permit, which did not permit the company to sell drugs to other wholesalers.
While xylazine was only approved for veterinary use in the United States, it was increasingly found in the illegal drug supply and linked to overdose deaths. The drug, colloquially known as “tranq,” is particularly dangerous when combined with fentanyl, but even on its own has harmful side effects, including soft tissue necrosis for users who inject the drug.
As detailed in the government’s court filings, AVS sold approximately 180,993 bottles to its two primary wholesaling customers in Puerto Rico, in violation of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, including xylazine that ultimately ended up in the illicit drug supply in Philadelphia.
This case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony D. Scicchitano and Bryan C. Hughes, with Department of Justice Trial Attorneys Steven R. Scott and Brett Ruff of the Civil Division’s Enforcement & Affirmative Litigation Branch, former DOJ Trial Attorney Michael Wadden, and EDPA contract investigator Michael Sullivan.
Florida Man Admits Defrauding Zelle UsersRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KUTTINO JAMAL SCOTT, 24, of Miami, Florida, pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to an offense stemming from his role in a scheme that defrauded individuals who use the electronic payments system Zelle.
According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement has been investigating crimes against users of digital payment applications, including Zelle. Typically, a scheme victim receives a fraudulent text message, purporting to be from the victim’s bank, asking the victim to confirm whether a Zelle transaction was authorized. When the victim denies the transaction, the victim receives a response that a bank representative will be in contact. The victim then receives a phone call from an individual impersonating a bank representative, who informs the victim that an unauthorized transaction has occurred and that they need to work together to reverse the transaction. Without the victim’s knowledge, the fraudsters will link the victim’s actual phone number or email address via Zelle to a bank account that does not belong to the victim. The victim is then instructed to “reverse” the fictional fraudulent transaction by making a Zelle payment to what they believe is their own account, but is, in fact, an account controlled by the fraudsters.
From approximately February 2021 through August 2023, Scott and others, including Kader Gahmaal Biwaki Edmond, defrauded numerous victims, including victims in Connecticut, of a total of more than $250,000 through this Zelle scheme and other fraud schemes.
Scott was arrested on August 31, 2023.
Scott pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 13. He is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
Edmond pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on August 19, 2024, was sentenced to three years of imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Chang.
Victims can report Zelle fraud to their bank or credit union, or to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), which is run by the FBI and serves as the country’s hub for reporting cybercrime, at www.ic3.gov.
Fentanyl, Heroin, & PCP Trafficker Sentenced to 13½ Years for Role in Massive Regional Narcotics EnterpriseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Wayne Glymph, 59, of Port Tobacco, Maryland, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 13½ years in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking organization that imported and distributed large quantities of high-purity fentanyl, heroin, PCP and cocaine in the Washington metropolitan area and elsewhere, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Glymph pleaded guilty Sept. 15, 2025, before Judge Trevor N. McFadden to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of fentanyl analogue, 100 grams or more of heroin, and one kilogram or more of phencyclidine (PCP). In addition to the 162 month prison term, Judge McFadden ordered Glymph to serve seven years of supervised release.
According to court documents, the drug trafficking organization operated from at least July 2021 and August 2022, until November 2023. Glymph participated in the distribution of 12 kilos of fentanyl including carfentanil, almost two kilograms of a fentanyl analog (p-flourofentanyl), more than 236 grams of heroin, and more than two gallons of PCP.
Co-conspirator Michael Stewart, 61, of the District, was sentenced Dec. 22, 2025, to 71 months in prison for acquiring wholesale quantities of cocaine and fentanyl which he in turn cut, repackaged, and then sold in smaller quantities to other drug traffickers for redistribution.
On July 22, 2025, Kevin Quattlebaum pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine and more than 28 grams of crack cocaine base, and using, carrying, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. On Oct. 21, 2025, Quattlebaum was sentenced to 142 months incarceration, five years of supervised release, and ordered to forfeit $35,000 in cash, a Breitling watch valued at over $15,000, a 2019 SUV, a firearm, and ammunition.
Other co-conspirators, Samuel Braxton, 57, and Michael Owens, 38, both admitted guilt on Dec. 8, 2025, in connection with their roles in the same narcotics trafficking conspiracy.
Braxton, aka “Fatso,” of Temple Hills, Maryland, pleaded guilty December 8 before Judge McFadden to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of fentanyl analog, and 100 grams or more of heroin. Sentencing in this case for Braxton is scheduled for March 9, 2026. Owens, of St. Charles, Maryland, pleaded guilty on December 8 to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more fentanyl and to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Sentencing for Owens is scheduled for March 20, 2026.
Glymph, Braxton, and another co-defendant, Ronnie Rogers, coordinated the ordering, shipment, and receipt of, and payment for, the drugs with other members of the conspiracy. On April 2, 2025, Rogers pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of a fentanyl, 100 grams or more of any analogue of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of heroin, 500 grams or more of cocaine, and crack cocaine base, and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Rogers, whose sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 24, 2026, is facing a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years incarceration and up to life.
Communications evidence, as well as physical seizures and recoveries of many kilos of fentanyl and heroin over the course of the investigation, indicated that Glymph and others coordinated with foreign nationals and regional co-conspirators to traffic the narcotics.
Glymph has several previous convictions for conspiracy to distribute narcotics, weapons counts, and fraud. He was previously sentenced to two 10-year terms for drug trafficking for separate convictions.
Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement were DEA Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis of the Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Division, Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Washington Division, Chief Tarrick McGuire of the Alexandria Police Department, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office, and Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was investigated by the DEA Washington Division, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI Washington Field Office, the Alexandria Police Department, and the Metropolitan Police Department.
Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Washington Field Division, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, U.S. Bureau of Prisons, Montgomery County Police Department, Prince George’s County Police Interdiction Unit, Charles County Sheriff’s Office, Arlington County Police, Virginia State Police, Loudoun County Sherriff’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland (Greenbelt), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee.
The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Eliopoulos, Matthew Kinskey, and William Hart, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Stempel, for the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
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Felon and Drug Dealer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
A Waterloo man who possessed a firearm while also possessing drugs that he intended to distribute was sentenced today to more than eight years in federal prison.
Darius Caston, age 33, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 28, 2025, guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and one count of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
In a plea agreement, Caston admitted that officers found marijuana, methamphetamine, and a stolen and loaded gun in Caston’s car after stopping him on January 1, 2025. Caston admitted that he intended to distribute the marijuana and methamphetamine that was in the car. Caston also admitted that it was illegal for him to possess a gun because he had previously been convicted of a felony offense.
Caston was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Caston was sentenced to 100 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a four-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
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.
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.
Caston is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-CR-56.
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Federal grand jury indicts man who allegedly vandalized Vice President Vance’s Cincinnati home, assaulted federal officerRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – The man who allegedly vandalized Vice President JD Vance’s Cincinnati home has now been indicted by a federal grand jury on several charges related to the incident.
The three-count indictment charges William D. DeFoor, 26, with damaging government property, engaging in physical violence against any person or property in a restricted building or grounds, and assaulting, resisting or impeding federal officers.
DeFoor was originally charged by criminal complaint on Jan. 5. The U.S. District Court has ordered that the defendant remain in custody pending trial.
According to court documents, around midnight, United States Secret Service (USSS) agents observed DeFoor running along the front fence of the protected residence. DeFoor allegedly breached the property line at the driveway and attempted to break the driver’s side window of an unmarked federal law enforcement vehicle blocking the driveway entrance. DeFoor was armed with a hammer.
DeFoor allegedly refused law enforcement commands to stop and drop the weapon. Charging documents state DeFoor ignored all commands and began to use the hammer to break glass windows across the front of the protected residence. DeFoor’s hammer strikes also caused damage to the enhanced security assets on each window owned by the United States government and valued at more than $28,000.
The defendant allegedly attempted to flee on foot and was detained by USSS agents and Cincinnati police officers.
Causing more than $1,000 in damage to United States property and engaging in physical violence against any person or property in a restricted building or grounds are each federal crimes punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Assaulting, resisting or impeding federal officers carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Rees, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service, and Cincinnati Police Acting Chief Adam Hennie announced the charges. Executive Assistant United States Attorney Christy L. Muncy and Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief Timothy S. Mangan are representing the United States in this case.
An indictment contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Federal Way, Washington, man who committed kidnapping as revenge for a drug-deal-gone-wrong, sentenced to 8 years in prisonRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 25-year-old Federal Way, Washington man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to eight years in prison for using a firearm in a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Daniel Lopez was indicted by the grand jury on November 6, 2024, for the October 13, 2024, kidnapping of the spouse of someone who had cheated him in a drug deal. The Auburn, Washington woman was abducted at gunpoint from her home and ultimately was found safe in Guatemala. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour said, the sentence was merited because of “the defendant’s use of a firearm in a violent kidnapping . . . and the violent nature of the charged conduct.”
“This defendant has a lengthy and serious criminal history with many of the offenses involving firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. “Mr. Lopez has been involved in street gangs since his mid-teens and has committed several violent offenses including robbery, drive-by shooting and illegal possession of guns and drugs. This 8-year prison sentence is focused on protecting the community.”
“After losing money in a fraudulent drug deal, Lopez retaliated by violently kidnapping a person involved in the scheme, along with an innocent victim, at gunpoint,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “He held the victims against their will, directed co-conspirators to force them across the Mexico border, and fled to Texas where he was apprehended by FBI Houston. FBI Seattle is grateful to our partners in the Auburn Police Department and our FBI colleagues in Texas for their commitment to combatting violent crime alongside us, no matter how far the subject attempts to flee justice.”
According to records filed in the case, the kidnapping was retribution for a drug deal gone bad. The woman’s husband and a second victim who was also kidnapped, had taken $2500 from Lopez for cocaine, but the cocaine was never delivered. The female victim’s husband reported her missing on October 14, 2024, after arriving home and finding her belongings at their apartment. Two witnesses reported seeing the woman leaving with two men, one of whom was carrying a firearm. This man was subsequently identified as Lopez. Lopez was initially identified based on surveillance video from across the street showing vehicles in the apartment complex parking lot. Officers then reviewed traffic camera pictures to obtain license plate information and ultimately determined Lopez was a registered owner of one of the vehicles.
The investigation revealed that the victims were held in the Seattle area for two days before being transported to the southern border with Mexico. Lopez had associates drive the woman and the other victim to the border and forced them to walk across. The two were identified by immigration authorities in Mexico and were transported to Guatemala. Neither had legal status in the U.S., and so have been barred from returning to their lives in the U.S.
Lopez was ultimately traced to Houston, Texas and was arrested on October 19, 2024, at a hotel. He has remained in custody since his arrest.
The case was investigated by the Auburn Police Department and the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.
Federal Sentences Imposed in Montgomery Business RobberyRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson and Special Agent in Charge Sara Jones with the FBI Mobile Field Office announced today that two additional men have been sentenced in connection with the March 10, 2025, robbery of a Montgomery dry cleaning business.
On January 13, 2026, a federal judge sentenced 51-year-old Spirit Hooks, of Birmingham, Alabama, to 175 months in federal prison. On the same date, Spencer Thomas, 68, of Montgomery, Alabama, received a sentence of 144 months in prison. The ringleader and organizer of the robbery, 58-year-old Zedekiah Sykes, was previously sentenced to 195 months in prison on October 23, 2025. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records, on March 10, 2025, Hooks, Thomas, and Sykes, along with alleged co-defendant Clinton Thompson, 55, forcibly entered the Montgomery business located on East South Street by shattering the front door with a rock. Once inside, the men confronted the business owner and forced him into an office containing a locked safe.
During the robbery, Thomas brandished what appeared to be a handgun, pointed it at the victim’s head, and demanded that the safe be opened. The gun was later determined to be a BB gun. When the owner struggled to recall the combination, Hooks became agitated and struck the victim in the left eye, causing visible bruising and swelling. The group ultimately accessed the safe and stole approximately $8,000 in cash.
Before fleeing the scene, the assailants zip-tied the victim’s hands and feet and stole his cell phone and car keys. They then used the stolen keys to escape in the victim’s vehicle.
Hooks, Thomas, and Sykes previously pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of Hobbs Act robbery. The three were also ordered to pay $17,624.49 in restitution.
Charges of robbery and carjacking against Thompson remain pending, and his trial is scheduled for May 11, 2026. An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and Thompson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
“This was a calculated and violent robbery that left a hardworking business owner injured and traumatized,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. “The defendants planned out their actions and used threats and violence to carry them out, completely disregarding the safety and well-being of the victim. These sentences reflect the seriousness of the offense and our commitment to holding violent offenders accountable.”
"The dedication of the men and women in the Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit, ALEA, Montgomery Police Department, United States Attorney's Office and the FBI has culminated in a just result for our community,” said Special Agent in Charge Jones. “These lengthy sentences reflect the gravity of the crimes committed and our unwavering resolve to bringing justice to victims and local businesses alike. We are stronger when we work together to combat violent crime."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Montgomery Police Department, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), and the Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit investigated this case, with assistance from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Feil.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Federal Grand Juries Charge Three with Illegal Reentry in Northwestern OhioRead the Press Release
TOLEDO, Ohio – Federal grand juries returned indictments on Jan. 7 charging three individuals with illegal reentry of a previously removed alien, in violation of Title 8 U.S. Code 1326. They were found in the Northern District of Ohio without the consent of the U.S. Attorney General or the Secretary for Homeland Security for readmission. These are separate cases and not related.
- Francisco Constancio-Mariscal, 37, a citizen of Mexico, was previously removed from the United States on at least two occasions with the most recent being April 28, 2011. He was found in Port Clinton (Ottawa County) on Jan. 4.
- Guillermo Gutierrez-Rivas, 35, a citizen of Mexico, was previously removed from the United States on at least one occasion with the most recent being June 29, 2024. He was found in Benton Township (Ottawa County) on Dec. 19, 2025.
- Alvaro Veliz-Gonzalez, 34, a citizen of Guatemala, was previously removed from the United States on at least four occasions with the most recent being Oct. 11, 2021. He was found in Toledo (Lucas County) on Dec. 8, 2025.
The investigations in these cases were conducted by U.S. Border Patrol-Sandusky Bay Station and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sara Al-Sorghali, Robert N. Melching, and Alissa M. Sterling for Northern District of Ohio.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
These cases are 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 communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Eleven Charged in Bristol Area Drug Trafficking Ring; Several Overdose Deaths ConnectedRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Bristol Police Chief Mark Morello today announced that the following 11 individuals have been charged with federal offenses stemming from a long-term investigation into narcotics trafficking in Bristol and elsewhere in central Connecticut:
JOSHUA OCASIO, also known as “J” and “Jim,” 30, of Middletown
JOSE ROSADO-ORTIZ, 29, of Manchester
RYAN JASSOR, 30, of Phoenix, Arizona
DEBRA JANKOWSKI, 44, of Avon
TONI RISUCCI, 29, of Watertown
JAMES WARKOSKI, 58, of Plymouth
RYAN RIBACK, 24, of Plainville
KYLE MASTROIANNI, 32, of Bristol
ROBERT PINETTE, 39, of Bristol
GRIFFIN DEPREY, 28, of Plainville
QURAN MUHAMMAD, 30, of East WindsorAs alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and Bristol Police Department have been investigating a narcotics trafficking enterprise headed by Ocasio. The investigation revealed that Ocasio, with the assistance of Rosado-Ortiz and Jassor, who formerly resided in Connecticut, acquired and distributed fentanyl, cocaine, crack-cocaine, counterfeit pills pressed with fentanyl, and pharmaceuticals including oxycodone, Adderall, and Xanax. Ocasio employed, and frequently rented vehicles for, Jankowski, Risucci, Warkoski, Riback, Mastroianni, Pinette, and Deprey as “drug runners” to conduct drug transactions on his behalf. Muhammad helped facilitate narcotics transactions for Ocasio and also distributed drugs that he acquired from Ocasio to his own customer base.
It is alleged that the investigation has connected five overdose deaths in Bristol and one overdose death in Berlin, which occurred between April 2024 and May 2025, to Ocasio’s drug trafficking network.
Ocasio and Rosado-Ortiz were arrested on a federal criminal complaints on December 4, 2025. On that date, a search of Ocasio’s residence revealed approximately $440,000 in cash and watches and jewelry valued at approximately $270,000. A search of Rosado-Ortiz’s residence revealed approximately two kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of crack cocaine, 250 grams of fentanyl, 200 grams of methamphetamine, 2,500 oxycodone pills, 500 Xanax and Adderall pills, tabs of LSD, one ounce of ketamine, 25 empty kilogram wrappers that field tested positive for the presence of cocaine, an AR-15 style rifle, a ghost gun, $10,000 in jewelry, and $7,260 in cash.
On January 7, 2026, a federal grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment charging each of the defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances. If convicted of this charge, based on the type and quantity of drug attributed to each defendant, Ocasio, Rosado-Ortiz, Risucci, Riback, and Mastroianni face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life; Jankowski, Pinette, and Deprey face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years; and Jassor, Warkoski, and Muhammad face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
In addition, the indictment charges Ocasio with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl and cocaine resulting in death and serious bodily injury, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life. This charge stems from the overdose death of a 20-year-old woman in Bristol on October 26, 2024.
The indictment also charges Rosado-Ortiz with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.
The indictment seeks the forfeiture of the cash and jewelry seized on December 4, 2025, $30,338 that was seized from Ocasio in February 2025, and multiple vehicles.
“As alleged, Joshua Ocasio operated a sophisticated drug trafficking network that, quite literally, destroyed lives in Bristol and surrounding communities in central Connecticut,” said U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan. “I thank the members of the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, the Bristol Police Department, and the many other police departments that have worked on this long-term investigation which resulted in dismantling this drug network and bringing Mr. Ocasio and his associates to justice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners continue to target those who profit from the illegal distribution of fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics. This investigation clearly established an indisputable connection to a drug-related death that necessitates the charging of this 20-year mandatory minimum offense.”
“DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling large-scale poly drug trafficking organizations like this one operating throughout central Connecticut,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget. “This organization was allegedly responsible for the distribution of fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl and pharmaceuticals which can be linked to several overdose deaths in the state. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, state and federal law enforcement efforts in Connecticut and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to seek and bring to justice anyone who engages in these crimes.”
“The Bristol Police Department commends the DEA, every member of this Task Force, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their relentless pursuit of justice and their unwavering commitment to dismantling illicit drug trafficking networks,” said Bristol Police Chief Mark Morello. “These efforts hold accountable those whose actions poison our communities and contribute directly to loss of life. Because of this work, the City of Bristol and the State of Connecticut are safer. The Bristol Police Department remains resolute in its mission to protect and serve the community with integrity and professionalism, and we will continue these enforcement efforts every day to protect our community and save lives.”
U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, the Bristol Police Department, the Middletown Police Department, the Manchester Police Department, the Fairfield Police Department, the Connecticut State Police, and the East Central Narcotics Task Force. The Connecticut Forensic Laboratory and the New Britain, Berlin, Newington, Canton, Hamden, and Glastonbury Police Departments have assisted the investigation. The DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad is composed of personnel from the DEA, and the Bristol, West Haven, Fairfield, Glastonbury, Seymour, and Torrington Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan Keefe and Natasha Freismuth.
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.