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Wednesday 19 November 2025
Oakmont Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
This release was published following the 43-day government shutdown during which the sentencing occurred.
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 36 months of imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and for possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.
United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Melvin Gaines, 30, of the Oakmont neighborhood of Pittsburgh, on November 12, 2025.
According to the information presented to the Court, between March 2024 and July 2024, Gaines participated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine by functioning as a redistributor of the controlled substances. In addition, Gaines was found to be in possession of two firearms, one of which was stolen; numerous magazines; and ammunition. As a previously convicted felon, Gaines is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine C. Jordan and Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gaines.
November Federal Grand Jury 2025-B Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the November Federal Grand Jury 2025-B Indictments.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Andrew Scott Hastings. Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization; Illegal Possession and Transfer of Machineguns. Hastings, 25, of Tulsa, is charged with trying to provide firearm parts and machinegun conversion devices to a foreign terrorist organization. He is further charged with knowingly possessing and transferring machinegun conversion devices. The FBI Oklahoma City – Tulsa Resident Agency Joint Terrorism Task Force, the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan E. Michel, Matthew P. Cyran, and Elliot P. Anderson for the Northern District of Oklahoma are prosecuting the case with support from Trial Attorney Elisa Poteat from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. 25-CR-442
Carolyn Ann Su Honeycutt. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Honeycutt, 43, of Tulsa, is charged with knowingly possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Flesher is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-445
Jeremy Allen Townsley. Robbery in Indian Country; Bank Fraud; Aggravated Identity Theft. Townsley, 46, of Sand Springs and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with taking keys and a truck from the victim by force and violence. He is additionally charged with fraudulently obtaining funds from the victim's bank account without permission and using the victim’s identity while committing a felony. The FBI and the Sand Springs Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Jiang is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-448
Julio Efrain Velasquez-Bravo. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Velasquez-Bravo, 38, a Guatemalan national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Feb. 2012. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Greenough is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-446
North Texas Man Convicted of Conspiracy and Wire Fraud in Cryptocurrency Mining SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Fort Worth convicted Caleb Ward, founder of Geosyn Mining, LLC, on Monday this week of a multi-million-dollar cryptocurrency mining investment fraud that victimized dozens of clients across the United States, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.
Mr. Ward, 41, was charged via indictment in May 2025. After a six-day trial before U.S. District Judge Mark T. Pittman, the jury found Ward guilty on all counts, including one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and three counts of wire fraud.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Ward solicited funds from individuals who were promised that their money would be used to purchase and host specialized cryptocurrency mining equipment. Ward and his company promised clients that he had locked in electricity rates as low as 4.5 cents per kilowatt-hour; that specific mining machines would be purchased and installed on the clients’ behalf; and that clients’ machines were “up and running” and actively mining Bitcoin at various facilities.
Witnesses testified that, despite these assurances, many clients never received the machines they paid for, and others later learned that their machines were never powered on or connected as represented. Evidence also showed that the defendant and his coconspirators sent some clients photos of mining machines that belonged to other customers, and in several instances provided serial numbers tied to completely different miners to create the false impression that their equipment had been purchased, delivered, and installed.
According to financial analysis presented at trial, clients wired more than $4.5 million to Geosyn between November 2021 and January 2023. Instead of using the funds strictly for the purchase and hosting of mining equipment as promised, Ward transferred tens of thousands of dollars to accounts in his own name and used client funds to pay prior investors in a manner consistent with a Ponzi-style scheme. He also spent investor funds on personal expenses and paid business operational costs unrelated to specific clients’ machines, even while representing that every dollar would be dedicated to that client’s hardware and hosting.
“This defendant targeted and preyed on North Texas residents who simply wanted to invest in emerging cryptocurrency technology,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “I’m proud of the trial team for this great result. Our Office will continue holding accountable those who prey on Main Street investors.”
“This conviction demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to identifying and investigating perpetrators of fraud who use investor funds for their own personal gain. We encourage the public to thoroughly research investment opportunities and to contact us immediately if they suspect fraudulent activity,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock.
Mr. Ward now faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Worth Resident Agency conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chad E. Meacham and Joshua D. Detzky prosecuted the case, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Weybrecht.
North Carolina Resident Pleads Guilty to Theft of Public MoniesRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Davoshia Tyrice Mason, age 30, of Charlotte, North Carolina, entered a guilty plea to a felony Information of one count of Theft of Public Monies, punishable by a term of up to ten years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.00.
The Information alleged that beginning in January 8, 2024, and continuing until June 2, 2025, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, Mason willfully and knowingly embezzled, stole, and converted to his own use, and the use of others, money and things of value of the United States, and a department and agency of the United States, that is, the Veterans Affairs Department, to which Mason knew he was not entitled, having a value exceeding $1,000.00.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General.
The Honorable D. Edward Snow, 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.
Mason was released on bond with conditions pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob R. Parker represented the United States.
New Orleans Man Guilty of Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –BRYAN TURNER (“TURNER”), age 20, pleaded guilty on September 24, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), 841(b)(1)(D), and 846; possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), 841(b)(1)(D), and 841(b)(2); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).
According to court documents, TURNER was selling narcotics in New Orleans since at least 2023. TURNER also conspired with his brother and co-defendant Ryan Johnson to sell narcotics. On March 28, 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at TURNER’s and Johnson’s residence. They recovered firearms belonging to TURNER and Johnson; large quantities of marijuana, tapentadol, and tramadol that TURNER and Johnson intended to sell, as well as a face mask, gloves, and burglary tools.
As to his drug-trafficking convictions, JOHNSON faces up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. As to his conviction for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life in prison, which must run consecutively to any other count, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
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.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
New Kensington Resident Sentenced for Straw Purchasing of Multiple FirearmsRead the Press Release
This release was published following the 43-day government shutdown during which the sentencing occurred.
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to time served, to be followed by one year of home detention, on her three convictions for violating federal firearms laws, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Barbara Miller, 33, on October 16, 2025.
According to information presented to the Court, on three different dates during 2020, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Miller acted as a straw purchaser when buying firearms from several federally licensed firearms dealers by stating that the firearms were being purchased for herself, when she was actually purchasing the firearms on behalf of another person.
Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Miller.
New Kensington Felon Indicted for Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
This release was published following the 43-day government shutdown during which the Indictment occurred.
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating a federal firearms law, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.
The one-count Indictment named William Jermaine Rodgers III, 28, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about July 1, 2025, Rodgers possessed a firearm and ammunition as a previously convicted felon. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
New Jersey Tax Preparer Convicted for $170 Million COVID-19 Tax Credit SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK N.J. – A New Jersey tax preparer was found guilty by a jury for his scheme seeking more than $170 million in fraudulent tax refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) by causing more than 1,900 false tax returns to be filed with the IRS claiming COVID-19-related employment tax credits, Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba announced.
Leon Haynes, 52, of Teaneck, was convicted of 15 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false tax returns, one count of mail fraud, and two counts of tax evasion. Haynes was convicted following a six-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini in Newark federal court. Sentencing is scheduled for March 12, 2026.
According to documents in this case and evidence at trial:
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact, Congress authorized an employee retention tax credit and sick and family leave credit that small businesses could use to help keep their business afloat and employees on payroll.
From November 2020 to May 2023, Haynes orchestrated a massive, multimillion dollar scam to exploit those COVID-related tax credits for his own greed. As a tax preparer, Haynes prepared and submitted, and worked with others to prepare and submit, more than 1,900 false employment tax returns to the IRS claiming COVID-related tax credits on behalf of himself and his clients. Each of these tax forms contained a number of false statements. For example, the vast majority of the tax forms claimed a fictitious number of employees and/or fabricated wages.
Haynes and his co-conspirators fraudulently sought more than $170 million in tax refunds on behalf of his own businesses and his clients, and successfully caused the government to pay out over $55 million in refunds.
Throughout the scheme Haynes also charged clients a percentage of the refund checks as his fee and requested cash payments. He failed to report the money he received from his clients, thereby evading his own taxes.
Each count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false returns carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine; mail fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; and each tax evasion count carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba credited special agents the IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan; special agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Amy Connelly, and postal inspectors from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher Nielsen, Philadelphia Division, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Fatime Meka Cano, Matthew Stark, and Peter A. Laserna of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark. Substantial assistance was provided by the U.S. Justice Department’s Tax Division.
The District of New Jersey COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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Defense Counsel for Haynes: Michael Koribanics, Esq., and Vando Cardoso, Esq.
Naples Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Defraud the United StatesRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Kyle C. Dudek has sentenced Alexis Garcia to 30 months in federal prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States. Garcia was also ordered to pay $4,262,797.34 in restitution to the IRS. Garcia pleaded guilty on August 18, 2025.
According to court documents, Garcia conspired with his co-defendant to defraud the United States for the purpose of impeding or impairing the IRS in ascertaining, computing, and collecting federal payroll taxes, specifically Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes (Social Security tax, Medicare tax, and federal income tax).
Between 2017 and 2019, Garcia managed and directed the operations of Tape Drywall Services Inc., located in Naples, Florida. General contractors entered into agreements with Tape Drywall to provide workers for various construction contracts and provided checks in the name of Tape Drywall for payment. Garcia and his co-conspirator cashed the checks at a check cashing business and paid a fee out of every check cashed. Garcia and his co-conspirator provided cash to the foremen who used the cash to pay the workers. In total, Garcia and his co-conspirator cashed more than 3,600 checks totaling approximately $28 million.
Garcia and his co-conspirator did not report the wages that were paid to the workers in cash to the IRS, and they did not withhold Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from those wages and pay them over to the IRS, as required by law. As a result, Garcia caused a loss to the United States of more than $4.2 million.
In addition, Garcia and his co-conspirator’s scheme to defraud facilitated the avoidance of the higher cost of obtaining adequate workers’ compensation insurance for many workers on the work crews when they substantially misrepresented the amount of Tape Drywall’s payroll.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava and Senior Litigation Counsel Michael C. Boteler of the United States Department of Justice, Tax Division.
Muskogee Resident Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Dacario Larome Stancle, age 27, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Muskogee Police Department.
On March 12, 2025, Stancle pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on October 26, 2024, Stancle knowingly and intentionally possessed 500 grams or more of a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, intending to distribute it.
On March 12, 2025, Stancle pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on October 26, 2024, law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Stancle’s SUV at the intersection of Junction and Broadway in Muskogee when Stancle evaded officers, running four stop signs at speeds exceeding 80 miles per hour before crashing into a wooded area. Stancle attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by officers. At the crash site, officers discovered a bag containing approximately 843 grams of methamphetamine, which Stancle later admitted to purchasing for distribution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The Honorable John C. Coughenour, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing. Stancle will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard J. Lorenz represented the United States.
Muskogee Resident Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Justin Janae Stancle, age 34, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 14 months in prison for one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office.
On July 30, 2025, Stancle pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on February 21, 2025, deputies conducting a routine traffic stop discovered Stancle in possession of a Glock 27 semi-automatic pistol. At the time of the traffic stop, Stancle had been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Stancle must report to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration on December 18, 2025.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.
Multi-Agency Operation in San Antonio Results in Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Two Honduran nationals made their initial appearances in a federal court in San Antonio today following criminal charges related to their alleged illegal re-entry.
According to court documents, Marcos Joel Contreras-Max and Edwin Javier Chinchilla-Lopez were arrested during a multi-agency operation that was conducted in San Antonio on the morning of Nov. 16. Individuals arrested were transported to the South Texas ICE Processing Center, where databases revealed that Contreras-Max and Chinchilla-Lopez were in the United States illegally and had previously been removed from the U.S. to Honduras on or about Aug. 1, 2023, and March 14, 2025, respectively.
Contreras-Max and Chinchilla-Lopez are each charged with one count of illegal re-entry. If convicted, they face up to two years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The multi-agency operation was conducted by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), targeting suspected members of the foreign terrorist organization, Tren de Aragua. The operation resulted in the arrest of more than 140 individuals, who were taken into ICE custody for further investigation and immigration proceedings.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Texas Department of Public Safety are investigating the case.
This operation and its resulting arrests are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF San Antonio comprises agents and officers from FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Enforcement and Removal Operations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Border Patrol, IRS-Criminal Investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the South Texas - High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Missouri Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for $174 Million Health Care Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JAMIE P. MCNAMARA (“MCNAMARA”), age 50, of Missouri, was sentenced on October 23, 2025, to 10 years in prison for orchestrating a scheme to defraud Medicare by unlawfully billing hundreds of millions of dollars in claims for cancer genetic testing and cardiovascular genetic testing.
According to court documents, MCNAMARA operated several laboratories in Louisiana and Texas, which obtained doctors’ orders for genetic testing from telemarketers and call centers that used aggressive telemarketing campaigns to induce Medicare beneficiaries to agree to receive genetic testing. Orders for genetic testing were signed by purported telemedicine doctors who were not the beneficiaries’ treating physicians, did not perform consultations with the beneficiaries, and did not follow up with the beneficiaries after the testing was performed. To obtain the orders, MCNAMARA paid illegal kickbacks and bribes, which he disguised through sham contracts. In furtherance of the scheme, he also shifted the billing between his laboratories to evade scrutiny from Medicare and law enforcement and concealed his ownership and control of the laboratories by falsely listing the names of his family members as owners and company representatives on Medicare and other documents. In approximately one and a half years, the laboratories operated by MCNAMARA submitted over $174 million in claims to Medicare for genetic testing and received over $55 million in reimbursements. The government previously seized several luxury vehicles from MCNAMARA and over $7 million in bank accounts.
While on pretrial release, MCNAMARA violated his bond conditions by, among other things, fleeing from an unrelated arrest and cutting off an ankle monitor. He was subsequently detained.
U.S. District Judge Darrel J. Papillion sentenced MCNAMARA to the maximum sentence available, 10 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release upon his release. MCNAMARA was also ordered to pay over $55 million in restitution, along with a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, and the $7 million seized by the government was ordered forfeited.
“With this significant sentence, Judge Papillion showed that white collar criminals do not get special treatment,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Medicare fraud targets vulnerable populations, and our office will continue seeking just punishment for business owners and professionals who abuse this crucial trust-based system to steal taxpayer dollars.”
“Our health care system depends on honest billing and legal compliance. This defendant betrayed that trust, exploiting enrollees and draining millions from a system meant to help them,” said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to expose fraud and hold violators of the health care laws accountable.”
“The FBI respects the Court’s decision to sentence Mr. McNamara to the maximum allowed by law considering his complete and total disrespect for the system and the patients he was entrusted to serve,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “The FBI is committed to working with our partners like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to expose fraudulent schemes like this one that steal from the American people and vital systems like Medicare.”
HHS-OIG and the FBI investigated the case.
Assistant Chief Justin M. Woodard and Trial Attorney Kelly Z. Walters of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Moses, Healthcare Fraud Coordinator for the Eastern District of Louisiana, prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of 9 strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
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Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Westland, Michigan, pleaded guilty in federal court to cocaine trafficking, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.
Roy Brown, 56, pleaded guilty on October 21, 2025, before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville to conspiring to distribute a quantity of cocaine between August 2023 and August 2024.
Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for March 10, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Lawrence County Drug Task Force, New Castle Police Department, Michigan State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Mercer County Drug Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, Department of Homeland Security, and Douglas County (Nebraska) Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Brown.
Mexican man pleads guilty to illegal reentryRead the Press Release
MISSOULA - A Mexican man accused of being in the United States illegally admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Baldemar Duarte-Nieto, 46, pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry. Duarte-Nieto faces a term of imprisonment of 10 years, a $100,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for March 13, 2026. Duarte-Nieto was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on June 26, 2025, Duarte-Nieto was found by law enforcement in Kalispell after a short vehicle and foot pursuit. The pursuit reached 80 mph in a residential neighborhood and Duarte-Nieto struck a Toyota Camry filled with four people. A K-9 was deployed to apprehend him. Duarte-Nieto had an arrest warrant from Washington for unlawful delivery of a controlled substance – heroin.
Duarte-Nieto was first removed from the United States in 1996 or 1997, in 2000, and then a week later with a 20-year bar. He was last removed from the United States in November 2021 after an extensive hearing with an Immigration Judge because he used an assumed identity for approximately 20 years.
Duarte-Nieto’s prior convictions include
- 1996 assault with a weapon in Pacific County, Washington;
- 2002 carjacking in Claremont, California;
- 2006 conspiracy/bringing a controlled dangerous substance into a prison in Susanville, California; and
- 2012 false statements in the Western District of Washington.
There are no records within the Department of Homeland Security that Duarte-Nieto ever applied for readmission into the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. Homeland Security Investigations, Northwest Montana Drug Task Force, and Flathead County Sheriff’s Office 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national pleaded guilty in federal court today for possessing more than 56 pounds of methamphetamine and for entering the United States illegally after deportation.
Apolinar Gocovachi Pacheco, 25, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of unlawful reentry after removal.
On Sept. 3, 2024, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper pulled over a gray 2011 Acura MDX on Interstate 29, near the N.W. 112th Street exit in Kansas City, Mo. An adult male, who did not have a valid driver’s license, was driving the Acura, with a female juvenile in the front passenger seat and Pacheco and another adult male in the back seat.
When the trooper searched the vehicle, he found a large duffle bag in the third-row seating area that contained approximately 55.6 pounds of methamphetamine. He also found a grocery bag that contained approximately one pound of methamphetamine on the floorboard where the female juvenile had been sitting, and a loaded firearm in the driver’s door pouch.
When the four occupants got out of the vehicle for the search, two of the adult males fled on foot. A manhunt ensued and both were apprehended a short time later.
Pacheco told investigators that he arrived in the United States approximately two weeks earlier from Nogales Sonora, Mexico. Pacheco said he entered the United States illegally and paid $6,000 to cross the border. Pacheco said he was asked to travel from Kansas City, Ks., to Omaha to pick up drugs by one of the adult males that was traveling with him in the Acura. Pacheco said he was promised to receive a significant amount of U.S. currency by the adult male for assisting with the transportation of the drugs from Omaha to the Kansas City area.
Officers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that Pacheco had previously been found illegally in the United States by Border Patrol Agents near Nogalez, Arizona on Aug. 22, 2024. Pacheco was removed from the United States to Mexico that same day.
Under federal statutes, Pacheco is subject to a sentence of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. 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 Brad K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the FBI, DEA, Jackson County Drug Task Force, Kansas City, Missouri Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Illegally Reentering the US After a Prior RemovalRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Mexican national pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to illegally reentering the U.S. after a prior removal.
According to court records, on October 22, 2025, Juan Mendez-Morales, 43, was stopped by police for speeding. When a United States Border Patrol Agent arrived, Mendez-Morales admitted that he was a citizen of Mexico and had no immigration documents allowing him to be in the United States. Mendez-Morales was previously removed from the U.S. in October 2013 pursuant to an order from an immigration judge.
Mendez-Morales faces a maximum prison term of two years and a fine up to $250,000. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The United States Border Patrol investigated the case.
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.
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Martin City man sentenced to 40 years in prison for producing and distributing child pornographyRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Martin City man who produced and distributed child pornography was sentenced today to 480 months in prison to be followed by a lifetime supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Raymond Owen Bonner, 40, pleaded guilty in July 2025 to one count of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in August 2024, an FBI undercover agent was operating in online applications known for trafficking in child sexual abuse material. The agent found that a user had posted messages to a chat room in one such application in June 2024 and July 2024 stating that user had access to a six-year-old girl (Jane Doe) and was sexually abusing that child. The user, later identified as Bonner, posted images and videos of his abuse that verified his hands-on access to Doe. Bonner told other users in the chat room he was Doe’s babysitter.
Investigators responded to Bonner’s address in Martin City on September 5, 2024. Bonner fled his residence prior to law enforcement’s arrival. In a home near Bonner’s residence, FBI agents located Jane Doe. Doe and others verified that Bonner was her babysitter and later identified Bonner as the person abusing her in the images and videos he had distributed. The FBI also seized several devices from Bonner’s home, including a cell phone.
The FBI searched the phone and found images and videos of Doe that were the same as the images and videos of Doe posted by Bonner to the chat room. Bonner was located by law enforcement and arrested on September 19, 2024.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and the Northwest Montana Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
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Madison Man Sentenced to Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Brian Scott Rupe, 40, formerly of Madison, Florida, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for receipt of child pornography. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Accessing and distributing child sexual abuse material has the effect of re-victimizing the minors exploited in those horrific images and videos each and every time they are viewed. Stopping that cycle of victimization remains one of my office’s top priorities, and we will continue to aggressively prosecute to the fullest extent of the law the sick individuals who peddle in child porn.”
Court documents reflect that in July 2024, an investigation into the defendant began when law enforcement discovered the defendant appeared to be sharing child pornography using a peer-to-peer network. Following a search of his residence, the defendant admitted to viewing and downloading child pornography. Law enforcement seized the defendant’s cell phone and conducted a forensic examination of it. A search of the phone revealed approximately 3,000 illegal images and videos.
The defendant’s imprisonment will be followed by ten years of supervised release. Additionally, the defendant was ordered to pay $75,000 in restitution to victims and he will be required to register as a sex offender.
“The discovery of a 3,000-image collection of vile imagery and videos in this case highlights the depravity of this individual’s actions,” said HSI Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “This sentencing underscores HSI’s dedication to protecting children from predators who exploit and victimize them. Through the relentless work of our agents and law enforcement partners, we have ensured that this predator is held accountable and removed from our communities. HSI will continue to pursue those who prey on the most vulnerable members of our society with unwavering resolve.”
The case involved a joint investigation by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer.
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.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Little Rock Psychologist Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Defrauding Medicare and Arkansas Blue Cross Blue ShieldRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—A Little Rock psychologist has been indicted for defrauding Medicare and Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Blue Cross) and creating fictitious records to conceal her wrongdoing. Krameelah Banks, 48, of Little Rock, faces twenty-three counts of wire fraud, seven counts of making false statements in connection with health care, one count of lying to the FBI, and one count of aggravated identity theft. Jonathan Ross, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, Alicia Corder, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Little Rock Field Office, and Jason Meadows, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, announced the charges.
According to the indictment, Banks owned and operated Arkansas Behavioral Center (ABC). Although Banks treated some regular patients who received ongoing psychotherapy, most of her patients were referrals who were seen just once for the sole purpose of receiving pre-surgical psychological evaluations. It is alleged that from 2021 through 2023, Banks billed for thousands of hours of psychology services that never took place by routinely charging Medicare and Blue Cross for ongoing psychotherapy in the names of persons who were referral patients seen only once, causing insurers to lose over $500,000.
The indictment alleges that Banks billed for services rendered at ABC while vacationing in Florida and Mexico, Banks billed for more than 24 hours’ worth of services rendered in a single day. The indictment also alleges that Banks billed for over 130 sessions rendered to several patients who had long since died.
According to the indictment, Banks responded to inquiries about disputed claims by creating fictitious records and even recycled such entries by providing nearly identical records to Medicare and Blue Cross. The indictment goes on to allege Banks later misled the FBI by blaming any overbilling on her online calendaring software.
An indictment contains only allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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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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krameelah_banks_indictment_0_0.pdfLittle Eagle Man Sentenced to Nearly 3 Years in Federal Prison for First Degree Burglary of a Tribal HomeRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a man from Little Eagle, South Dakota, convicted of First Degree Burglary. The sentencing took place on November 3, 2025.
Jett Allen Grey Cloud, age 28, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Grey Cloud was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2025. He pleaded guilty on July 15, 2025.
Shortly after midnight on February 25, 2025, Grey Cloud, heavily intoxicated, knocked on the door of a small family home in Little Eagle, South Dakota, in the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. Grey Cloud was looking for a friend. The father of the family did not recognize Grey Cloud and refused to let him in. Undeterred, Grey Cloud barged into the home and began scuffling with the residents. Grey Cloud drew a knife and stabbed the father in the head, fracturing his left orbital and cutting a tendon in his hand. A teenaged boy then shoved Grey Cloud out of the home and locked the door. Grey Cloud was arrested later that night.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, authorizes certain crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country to be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
Grey Cloud was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Lexington County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for DogfightingRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Samuel Alexander Gray, 53, of Leesville, has been sentenced to a year and three months in federal prison after pleading guilty to operating a dogfighting venture and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in September 2023, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and Animal Services responded to a citizen’s concern about animals on a rural property. Investigators found a large fight pit with a carpeted floor, covered in blood. There were also lawn chairs set up around the pit for spectating. Investigators found dog training items and a dogfighting rule book on the property.
Investigators found multiple dogs on the property. Many had heavy chains around their necks with weighted collars, a training method used to strengthen dog’s necks. Several had injuries and scarring consistent with dogfighting. There was no food or clean water nearby. Several animal carcasses and skulls were also found. Ultimately, 14 dogs were seized from Gray’s property.
Gray also had six firearms and 400 rounds of ammunition. He is prohibited from possessing both due to prior felony convictions.
“Gray’s cruel and illegal dogfighting operation trapped these helpless dogs in a living nightmare,” said Bryan Stirling, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina. “We will continue to prosecute those who torture and harm vulnerable animals for entertainment and profit. Thank you to our partners at the FBI and Lexington County for their work on this case.”
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Gray to 15 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. As a condition of his supervised release, he cannot own a dog.
This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and Animal Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle Klein is prosecuting the case.
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Lewiston Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Lewiston man was sentenced on November 18 in U.S. District Court in Portland for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Kulmiye Abukar Idris, 35, to 18 months in federal prison to be served consecutively from a 42-month state prison sentence for Gross Sexual Assault. Following his terms of imprisonment, he will be on supervised release for three years.
According to court records, in January 2025, Lewiston police officers stopped a vehicle operated by Idris for traffic violations. Officers searched the vehicle and found a handgun. Idris had previously been convicted in 2024 for gross sexual assault in Androscoggin County and was, therefore, prohibited from possessing firearms.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Lewiston Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from the Androscoggin County District Attorney’s Office.
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.
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Laurel County Man Sentenced for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – A London, Ky., man and former paramedic, Bradley Callahan, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom to 162 months in prison, for the distribution of child pornography.
According to his plea agreement, in September 2023, Callahan distributed child pornography by making several posts to a dark web child pornography marketplace, which contained links to videos of child pornography. Included in the links were several explicit videos of child pornography.
Under federal law, Callahan must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years.
Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Blankenship is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Latimer County Resident Sentenced for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of A MinorRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Garret James Walkos, age 26, of Red Oak, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 360 months in prison for one count of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Criminal Investigations.
On May 29, 2025, Walkos pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, beginning in June 2023 and continuing until March 2024, Walkos knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a minor who had not attained the age of 12 years. The crime occurred in Latimer County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable John C. Coughenour, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing. Walkos will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Morgan Muzljakovich represented the United States.
Kyle Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Assaulting a Woman Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Kyle, South Dakota, man convicted of two counts of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on October 31, 2025.
Channing Little Whiteman, 39, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Little Whiteman was indicted on six counts of assault by a federal grand jury in March 2025. He pleaded guilty on July 16, 2025. Little Whiteman pleaded guilty to two of the assaults, occurring on different days.
On May 13, 2024, Little Whiteman and his girlfriend were drinking when an argument ensued in which Little Whiteman accused her of cheating on him. Law enforcement was dispatched to their residence. Little Whiteman assaulted the victim with a bat and a cigarette resulting in a fractured leg and a cigarette burn to the victims’ thigh.
On November 5, 2024, Little Whiteman and his girlfriend were drinking when an argument ensued. Little Whiteman again accused his girlfriend of cheating on him. Little Whiteman grabbed a metal chair and struck the victim in the face with the chair, causing her orbital bone and maxillary sinus to fracture. The victim suffered a large laceration under her eye and was unable to see until the swelling decreased as her eye was nearly swollen shut. At the time the victim was injured she was seven months pregnant.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Little Whiteman was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Koide Tennessee, Inc. Pays $2M to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Second-Draw PPP LoanRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Koide Tennessee, Inc. (“Koide TN”) has paid $2,000,000.00 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by applying for, receiving, and obtaining forgiveness of a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) for which it was not eligible.
Congress created the PPP in March 2020, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, to provide relief to small businesses experiencing economic hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act (“Economic Aid Act”), enacted on December 27, 2020, subsequently authorized the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) to guarantee second-draw PPP loans. To be eligible for second-draw PPP loans, borrowers were required to have no more than 300 employees, among other requirements. On May 21, 2020, the SBA published an Interim Final Rule clarifying that affiliated foreign employees were to be included when a borrower calculated their total number of employees for purposes of determining PPP loan eligibility.
Koide TN applied for and received a second-draw PPP loan in March 2021 and later obtained forgiveness of that loan. The United States contends that Koide TN was ineligible for the second-draw PPP loan because it and its affiliates collectively employed more than 300 employees. The United States further contends that Koide TN made certain false statements in its applications for the loan and forgiveness thereof, including falsely certifying that it, together with its affiliates, employed no more than 300 employees.
This Settlement resolves a lawsuit under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and receive a share of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. GNGH2, Inc. v. Koide Tennessee Inc., No. 3:24-CV-336 (E.D. Tenn.).
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexa Ortiz Hadley and Ben Cunningham represented the United States, with assistance from the SBA’s Office of General Counsel.
“The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was designed to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III. “Our office remains committed to working with SBA and other federal partners to recover from those who disregarded program requirements and obtained funds they were not entitled to.”
“SBA remains firmly committed to pursuing identified perpetrators of fraud on the Paycheck Protection Program,” said SBA's General Counsel Wendell Davis. “This settlement shows the excellent results from coordinated SBA and DOJ efforts to investigate and combat fraud in pandemic relief programs. SBA continues its enhanced efforts to recover funds on behalf of the American taxpayers.”
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
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Kansas Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Firearms into ConnecticutRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN BAKER, 48, of Scott City, Kansas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for trafficking firearms into Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2023, members of the FBI Waterbury Safe Streets Task Force conducted three controlled purchases of a total of nine firearms, and one controlled purchase of cocaine, from Luis Perez in Waterbury. An expanded investigation revealed that Perez was acquiring numerous firearms, most of which were purchased, at Baker’s direction, by individuals from licensed gun dealers in Kansas and then shipped through the U.S. Mail to a stash location maintained by Perez’s associate, Algelly Diaz, in Hartford. Perez then sold the firearms, which included assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, to others throughout Connecticut.
Perez coordinated the purchase of the firearms through Baker in Kansas and Fernando Soto, Jr. in California. Baker, a convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history, used straw purchasers to purchase the firearms and then shipped them to Connecticut, or to Soto, who then shipped them to Connecticut and elsewhere.
Between August 2020 and May 2023, one of Baker’s straw purchasers, Ramon Pichardo, purchased at least 73 firearms from a licensed gun dealer in Deerfield, Kansas.
Baker and others involved in the conspiracy were arrested on May 19, 2023. On that date, investigators executed search warrants at locations in Connecticut, Kansas, and California. A search of Perez’s residence and vehicle revealed nine firearms; more than 200 rounds of ammunition; distribution quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl/heroin; items used to process and package narcotics for street sale; and more than $7,000 in cash. In addition, a search of Diaz’s residence revealed approximately 90 rounds of ammunition, and a search of a package that was shipped to Diaz and seized from the mail stream revealed an additional three firearms.
To date, approximately 34 of the trafficked firearms have been recovered by law enforcement in Connecticut and elsewhere, including one that recovered on August 27, 2022, in San Bernardino, California, at the scene of the homicide of a juvenile.
Baker has been detained since his arrest. On March 26, 2025, he pleaded guilty to one count of firearms trafficking conspiracy, two counts of firearms trafficking, and two counts of mailing nonmailable firearms.
On March 19, 2025, Perez pleaded guilty to one count of firearms trafficking conspiracy, three counts of firearms trafficking, two counts of mailing nonmailable firearms, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. On April 4, 2025, a jury found him guilty of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He awaits sentencing.
Diaz pleaded guilty and, on February 4, 2025, was sentenced to 48 months of imprisonment.
Soto and Pichardo have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Connecticut State Police; and the Waterbury, Meriden, Hartford, Manchester, East Hartford, West Hartford, and Chino (Calif.) Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and Christopher J. Lembo through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
KC Man Sentenced to 115 Months for Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm.
Shannon J. Price, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 115 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Price has multiple prior felony convictions.
On July 28, 2023, Price was a convicted felon who was on probation for aggravated assault for unlawfully and knowingly placing another person in reasonable apprehension of immediate bodily harm with a deadly weapon.
On that day, law enforcement officers were investigating a stolen automobile ring. They saw that Price was driving a stolen vehicle, so they surveilled him. Price drove this stolen vehicle to a convenience store in the afternoon. He then entered the store with a loaded firearm when other customers were present. When he spotted law enforcement officers, he hid this loaded firearm on a low shelf in the store, where anyone could have retrieved it. Law enforcement officers took Price into custody and found the firearm before anyone else did. Surveillance video captured the incident.
This case is being prosecuted by Department of Justice Trial Attorney Sarah J. Rasalam. It was investigated by the FBI.
Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Justice Department Secures Denaturalization of Health Care FraudsterRead the Press Release
On Nov. 17, the Justice Department secured the denaturalization of Marieva Briceno, who defrauded more than $5.4 million from Medicare and then obtained U.S. citizenship by concealing her crimes from immigration officials.
A native of Venezuela, Briceno owned three purported medical clinics in the Detroit, Michigan, area that paid individuals on Medicare to undergo unnecessary tests and procedures. From May 2007 to January 2010, Briceno and her co-conspirators submitted approximately $5,460,323 in fraudulent claims to Medicare for those medically unnecessary services. Ultimately, Medicare paid $2,998,321.94 on those fraudulent claims, with Briceno personally receiving approximately $513,200 in fraudulent payouts.
“The denaturalization of Marieva Briceno shows that if you steal from the programs that serve our most vulnerable citizens, you will be found out, prosecuted, and suffer the consequences of your actions, up to and including the loss of your U.S. citizenship,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.
“American citizenship is a privilege built on honesty and respect for our laws. You cannot defraud Medicare, conceal your crimes, and expect to secure the benefits of citizenship,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “Fraud against programs that serve our most vulnerable citizens and lies told to obtain naturalization undermine the integrity of both our healthcare system and our immigration process. Our Office will continue to protect taxpayer dollars, defend the rule of law, and ensure that U.S. citizenship is reserved for those who earn it lawfully.”
On Dec. 21, 2009, Briceno applied for U.S. citizenship. On both her citizenship application and while under oath during an interview with immigration officials, Briceno concealed her health care fraud and denied ever committing a crime for which she had not been arrested. Briceno’s misrepresentations allowed her to illegally procure her U.S. citizenship on March 19, 2010.
On Sept. 12, 2011, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida charged Briceno with health care fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1347, and conspiracy to commit health care fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349. On March 14, 2012, Briceno pleaded guilty to the latter count, and was sentenced to 60 months in prison.
On Aug. 12, the Justice Department filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida seeking Briceno’s denaturalization based on her criminal conspiracy and her failure to disclose it during her naturalization process. On Nov. 17, the Honorable Darrin Gayles, U.S. District Judge, entered an order revoking Briceno’s U.S. citizenship.
This case was prosecuted by Deputy Chief Hans H. Chen of the Justice Department’s Office of Immigration Litigation, General Litigation and Appeals Section, Affirmative Litigation Unit, with assistance from HSI, ICE’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Feeley for the Southern District of Florida.
Jury finds Seeley Lake woman guilty of gun chargeRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Seeley Lake woman who purchased a firearm for a prohibited person was found guilty by a federal jury yesterday, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Following a one-day trial, Alyssa Mikkel Tsuber, 32, was found guilty of one count of false statement during a firearm transaction. Tsuber faces a potential term of imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for March 20, 2026. Tsuber was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents and at trial that an individual who was prohibited from owning a firearm reported that Alyssa Tsuber purchased a firearm for him.
Law enforcement interviewed Tsuber about the firearms. Tsuber advised she purchased a firearm for the prohibited person with his money. During the interview, law enforcement told Tsuber she marked that she was the actual buyer on the Firearms Transaction Record. She said, “I bought it, but no.” Law enforcement clarified, “You paid for it, but it wasn’t for you.” She said, “Right.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the ATF and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Jury Finds Taos Man Guilty of First-Degree Murder and All Other Charges in Trial Related to Brutal 2023 Taos Pueblo SlayingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A federal jury returned guilty verdicts against Zebadiah Romero, 37, on all charges for the October 2023 premediated murder of a Taos Pueblo man with a single gunshot to the back of his head. The verdict came after a weeklong trial and less than a day of deliberation.
According to evidence presented at trial, on October 30, 2023, Romero, a non Indian, shot and killed John Doe, an enrolled member of the Taos Pueblo, inside John Doe’s residence on the Taos Pueblo. Romero had been evicted and banned from the Taos Pueblo prior to the murder. John Doe was discovered on November 4, 2023, after Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety officers conducted a welfare check and observed a blood trail leading from John Doe’s bedroom out the front door of the home. Officers later located John Doe’s body inside an adjacent abandoned and locked structure on the property, wrapped in bedding, covered with a tarp, and concealed by other items. The Office of the Medical Investigator determined that John Doe died from a single gunshot wound to the back of the head.
At trial, the United States presented multiple pieces of evidence implicating Romero, including surveillance footage, witness testimony, and forensic evidence showing that Romero was with John Doe early on the morning of October 30 and was later seen driving John Doe’s truck and in possession of John Doe’s young dog after John Doe disappeared. Surveillance video placed Romero driving John Doe’s truck in both Taos and Albuquerque within hours of the killing and while disposing of evidence. Evidence also established that Romero returned to the property after the killing, moved John Doe’s body, and concealed it in the adjacent structure.
Jurors further heard recordings of interviews Romero provided to the FBI after he was arrested in February 2024. In those interviews, Romero gave shifting and inconsistent accounts of the events inside the home but ultimately acknowledged shooting John Doe and described removing evidence from the scene, including the spent bullet casing and the firearm. Trial evidence also showed that Romero, a previously convicted felon, unlawfully possessed that firearm and later disposed of it. Romero admitted to stealing and later disposing of Doe’s truck.
The jury found Romero guilty of first-degree murder, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and larceny of the victim’s truck. Romero will remain in custody pending sentencing. He faces mandatory life in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety and the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jesse E. Pecoraro and Mark A. Probasco are prosecuting the case.
Johnstown Resident Pleads Guilty to Narcotics TraffickingRead the Press Release
This release was published following the 43-day government shutdown during which the plea occurred.
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.
Jonathan Brunson, 54, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan to Counts One, Two, Three, and Five of the Superseding Indictment on November 4, 2025.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around April 2019 to July 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Brunson conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, 28 grams or more of crack, 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl, and quantities of heroin and cocaine. Similarly, in and around June 2021, Brunson possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture of fentanyl and, in and around April 2021, possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine. Brunson was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that he distributed to others.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for March 11, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Brunson. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation; United States Postal Inspection Service; Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; Pennsylvania State Police; Cambria County District Attorney’s Office; Indiana County District Attorney’s Office; Cambria County Sheriff’s Office; Cambria Township Police Department; Indiana Borough Police Department; Johnstown Police Department; Upper Yoder Township Police Department; Richland Police Department; Ferndale Police Department; and other local law enforcement agencies.
Illegal alien pleads guilty to assaulting Immigration OfficerRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, Ga. - Ricardo Trejo-Martinez, an illegal alien from Mexico, has pleaded guilty to assaulting an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Deportation Officer. The defendant, during a traffic stop, shoved a deportation officer into oncoming traffic, endangering the officer’s life.
“All law enforcement officers must be allowed to perform their duties free from violent attacks,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “My office will prosecute anyone who assaults a federal officer in this district.”
“Violence against law enforcement is unacceptable and will never be tolerated,” said Steven N. Schrank, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “HSI, alongside our law enforcement partners, is committed to holding accountable those who resort to violence against the brave men and women who work tirelessly to protect our communities.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On May 20, 2025, an ICE deportation officer conducted a vehicle stop in Commerce, Georgia to execute an administrative arrest warrant for an illegal alien. The driver, Ricardo Trejo-Martinez, was the sole occupant of the vehicle. He refused to comply with the officer’s requests to provide identification and identify himself. Once outside the vehicle, Trejo-Martinez shoved the deportation officer into the four-lane highway where vehicles were passing.
Ricardo Trejo-Martinez, 41, of Querétaro, Mexico, pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal officer. Trejo-Martinez was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 1, 2025. Sentencing has been scheduled for January 20, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cathelynn Tio is prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Illegal Alien Sentenced to Two Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A native of Mexico has been sentenced for illegally re-entering the U.S. after deportation, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.
United States District Judge Liles C. Burke sentenced Cristofer Ruben Pecero-Ramirez, 27, a citizen of Mexico, to 24 months in prison. Pecero-Ramirez pleaded guilty to illegal re-entry after deportation.
According to the court documents, Pecero-Ramirez was originally removed from the United States on August 12, 2024. Just 11 days after removal, Pecero-Ramirez was found in the United States and removed again on August 26, 2024. Just over a month after his second removal, Pecero-Ramirez was arrested in Columbiana, Alabama, by an officer with the Alabaster Police Department for two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deportation Removal Office (ICE/ERO) in Birmingham was notified of the arrest through the Alien Criminal Response Information Management System (ACRIME), and Pecero-Ramirez was later transferred into federal custody.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case along with the Alabaster Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Brame prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Camerino Perez Perez, 41, a/k/a “Squirrel,” a Mexican citizen, pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as an alien unlawfully in the United States. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the excellent work by our state and federal law enforcement partners, and another successful prosecution by my office, this violent illegal alien faces federal prison for violating our nation’s public safety laws, and will be swiftly deported thereafter. President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi have unleashed the full force of our law enforcement resources when they promised to Take Back America from violent illegal aliens who think they can violate our federal laws with impunity, and my office intends to make good on that promise to keep our communities safe.”
Court documents reflect that on May 25, 2025, the defendant was holding a loaded rifle when law enforcement responded to a residence in Levy County for a domestic disturbance call. The defendant had to be tased after he refused to comply with law enforcement’s instructions to drop the firearm and then flipped a table towards the law enforcement on scene. After the defendant was detained, law enforcement found an additional twenty-four rounds of ammunition in his pocket. The defendant is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition because he entered the United States illegally and was not authorized to remain in the United States.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Levy County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner.
Sentencing is set for January 13, 2026, at 2 pm in Gainesville, Florida, before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor. The defendant faces a maximum of fifteen years’ imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Pornography, Illegal Reentry After Prior DeportationRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Marco Gonzalez-Oliva, 25, of Honduras, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of child pornography and illegal reentry by a removed alien. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I truly appreciate the hard work by our state and federal law enforcement partners to investigate and help bring this criminal illegal alien to justice. My office will aggressively prosecute offenders who perpetuate the cycle of victimization that exists whenever child sexual abuse material is accessed and distributed, and we will seek maximum punishment for those who exploit the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
Court documents reflect that in March 2024, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant related to CyberTips generated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The defendant was located at the Fort Walton Beach residence. Pursuant to the search warrant, law enforcement found videos and photographs of child pornography on the defendant’s cellular telephone. During the investigation, the defendant was identified as a native and citizen of Honduras, who was previously deported from the United States in April of 2023.
The defendant faces a maximum of ten years of imprisonment on the child pornography charge and a maximum two years’ imprisonment on the illegal reentry charge.
The case involved a joint investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 8, 2026, at 1:00 pm at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
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.
This case is also part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
ICYMI: Significant Federal Prosecutions in the Northern District of Alabama During the 2025 Government ShutdownRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – During the recent federal government shutdown, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama continued its mission to protect public safety and hold criminals accountable, prosecuting cases involving immigration violations, violent crime, drug trafficking, and other federal offenses.
“During the shutdown, the mission of my office remained the same: to pursue justice for the citizens of the Northern District of Alabama,” said U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona. “Our prosecutors’ efforts never stopped. Every day, they were in the office, in the courtroom, and working with our law enforcement partners to pursue justice and keep our communities safe.”
The following cases highlight just a portion of the important work carried out during the shutdown:
- Juan Francisco Castaneda, also known as “Pariente,” 44, pleaded guilty to all counts charged in the superseding indictment, including conspiring to traffic fentanyl, conspiring to commit money laundering, and distribution of fentanyl.
- Juan Martin Sanchez-Suarez, 24, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to 360 months in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for production of child pornography.
- Wayne Carnell Brown, 74, of Birmingham, Alabama, was sentenced to 130 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
- Michael Kilgore, 40, of Centre, Alabama, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, specifically methamphetamine.
- Raymone Eugene Tabb, 33, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was sentenced to 22 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
- Joel Wesley Dillard, 47, of Morris, Alabama, was sentenced to 189 months in prison followed by a life term of supervised release for possession of child pornography.
- Addison Lee Cook, also known as “Adihsun,” 34, of Nashville, Tennessee, was sentenced to 360 months in prison followed by a life term of supervised release for production of child pornography and coercion and enticement of a minor.
- Elmer David Hernandez-Garcia, 29, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.
- Jamarion Carmaine Walker, 23, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for illegal possession of a machine gun. Walker advertised and sold machinegun conversion devices (MCDs), commonly referred to as “Glock switches.” Walker marketed himself as the “Switch God.”
- Gary Forrest Edwards, 65, of Maylene, Alabama, was sentenced to 78 months in prison for tax evasion and interfering with the administration of federal tax laws. Edwards, a chiropractor, pleaded guilty during his trial.
- Daymon Maurice Collins, 52, of Birmingham, Alabama, was sentenced to 160 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine, and possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl.
- Jacob Edward Daugherty, 34, of Steele, Alabama, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
These cases were investigated by federal law enforcement partners from ATF, FBI, DEA, IRS-CI and Homeland Security Investigations.
Hollidaysburg Lawyer Sentenced to Prison for Forging U.S. District Judge’s SignatureRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on November 18, 2025, to 15 months of imprisonment, to be followed by two years of supervised release, on his conviction of forgery, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Michael Brandon Cohen, 42, who pleaded guilty on July 25, 2025, to forging the signature of a United States District Judge on two occasions.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, in 2022, Cohen was licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Cohen was retained to represent a victim in a civil lawsuit against a healthcare company, and informed the victim that he filed the lawsuit on the victim’s behalf in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania; however, Cohen never filed the lawsuit.
On both May 18, 2022, and October 13, 2022, Cohen sent the victim fake court orders purportedly issued by the Chief United States District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania in the victim’s favor against the healthcare company. The orders awarded the victim monetary sanctions and fees and bore the electronic signature of the Chief Judge. However, the Chief Judge never issued the orders and, therefore, did not authorize his electronic signature on the orders. Rather, Cohen forged the Chief Judge’s signature on the fake orders in an effort to authenticate their legitimacy to his victim client.
Assistant United States Attorneys Carl J. Spindler and Mark Gurzo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and Blair County District Attorney’s Office for their support in the successful prosecution of Cohen.
Henry County Man Indicted on Federal Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – A federal grand jury in Jackson, Tennessee recently returned an indictment charging a McKenzie, Tennessee man with multiple federal child sexual exploitation offenses. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the return of the indictment today.
According to the indictment, John A. Bell, 59, is charged with 14 counts of using and employing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct and a single count of possessing a cell phone that contained visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, including visual depictions involving a prepubescent minor who had not attained 12 years of age engaging in such conduct. The indictment concerns Bell’s alleged acts against six minors and ranges in time from the fall of 2021 until October 2025.
This case is pending before United States District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen in Jackson. Bell is facing a 15-year mandatory-minimum sentence and a maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment on each of the production counts and a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment on the possession count.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by Special Agent Eric McCraw, FBI Nashville Division, Jackson Resident Agency, and Lt. David Andrews with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. If anyone has any additional information regarding this case or any matter involving the abuse of minor children, please contact the FBI Nashville Division (615-232-7500) or the Henry County Sheriff’s Office (731-642-1672).
Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.
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For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at [email protected]. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Hamden Woman Charged with Child Sex Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England, today announced that JAMIRA DENISE MYERS, also known as “Chocolate,” 42, of Hamden, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with sex trafficking and attempted sex trafficking of minors, forced labor and attempted forced labor of minors, and obstruction and attempted obstruction of sex trafficking enforcement.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in July 2025, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (“NCMEC”) reported to the New Haven Police Department that images of a 16-year-old girl had been seen on skipthegames.com, a website that advertises commercial sex services. An HSI Task Force investigation revealed that Myers used the website to post advertisements for sexual services involving the 16-year-old girl and at least four other minor girls between the ages of 14 and 17. Myers arranged meetings between clients and the minors and transported the minors to the meetings, including hotel rooms she rented. Myers initially instructed the minors to rob clients upon meeting them, splitting the stolen money with the minors. She later directed at least one minor girl to engage in sexual acts with clients.
Myers was arrested on October 10, 2025, and is currently detained. If convicted of the most serious charges, she faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from the New Haven Police Department and the Watertown Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel M. Krull and Daniel P. Gordon.
To report information that may be helpful to the investigation and prosecution of this matter, please call the HSI Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423. To report cases of child exploitation, please visit https://report.cybertip.org.
Honduran Nationals Indicted for Sex Trafficking and Prostitution OffensesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kurt Wall announced that a federal grand jury recently returned a five-count indictment charging Jesus Lopez, age 45, Zaira Lopez-Oliva, age 24, Kirsis Castellanos-Kirington, age 30, with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, sex trafficking, and coercing and enticing another to travel interstate for prostitution. Each defendant is a Honduran national that is present in the United States without authorization. They appeared for their arraignments and pled not guilty to the pending charges.
According to the criminal complaint that preceded the indictment, between May 2023 and continuing through October 9, 2025, the defendants used WhatsApp to send photographs of scantily clad women of various nationalities, advertising that they were available for commercial sex acts. They are also alleged to have transported young women from the New Orleans Airport back to the Middle District of Louisiana in furtherance of the sex trafficking operation. The defendants also created a “menu” advertisement on social media to solicit customers for commercial sex acts with those females. The females were allegedly threatened and feared harm if they left the apartments where the commercial sex acts took place.
If convicted of the sex trafficking charges, each defendant faces a minimum of fifteen years and up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. They are also subject to removal or deportation from the United States upon completing any sentences imposed.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security—Homeland Security Investigations, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward H. Warner, who also serves as Deputy Criminal Chief, Assistant United States Attorney Stephen R. Vick, Jr., and Special Assistant United States Attorney Allen Ross.
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.
An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury. The defendants are presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty at trial or through a guilty plea.
Four men arrested and charged with illegal re-entryRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, NY-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that two defendants were charged in separate criminal complaints with illegal re-entry, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In addition, two other defendants were charged in separate complaints with unlawful re-entry after certain convictions, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Named in the complaints are:
- Mario Dario Cao-Tzul a.k.a. Mario Hernandez-Lopez, 38, a native and citizen of Guatemala. On November 6, 2025, law enforcement encountered Cao-Tzul following a traffic stop of a vehicle that he was driving in Amherst, NY. Cao-Tzul was illegally present in the United States without any valid immigration documents that would allow him to remain. A subsequent records check determined that Cao-Tzul was physically removed from the United States in August 2010, April 2013, and May 2019.
- Miguel Ibarra-Saavedra, 43, a native and citizen of Mexico. On November 3, 2025, Ibarra-Saavedra was encountered by law enforcement in West Seneca, NY, as they conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle he was riding in. When questioned about citizenship, Ibarra-Saavedra stated that he did not have any legal status or immigration documents that would allow him to remain in the United States legally. A records check determined that Ibarra-Saavedra was physically removed from the United States in January 2008 and February 2008.
- Pedri Servin Grimaldo, 53, and Luis Alberto Servin Sanchez, 47, both natives and citizens of Mexico. On November 3, 2025, Servin Grimaldo and Servin Sanchez were encountered by law enforcement following the traffic stop of a vehicle the two men were passengers in near a construction site in West Seneca, NY. Neither defendant had any valid immigration documents that would allow them to remain in the United States. A records check determined that Servin Grimaldo was convicted of felony charges in the State of Florida in August 1995 and February 1999. In October 2001, Servin Grimaldo was physically removed from the United States. Servin Sanchez was convicted of a felony charge in September 2001 in the State of North Carolina. He was physically removed from the United States in December 2001. In August 2004 Servin Sanchez was found to be in the United States unlawfully and was physically removed once again in September 2004. In October 2008, Servin Sanchez was again found to be in the United States unlawfully and was physically removed in December 2009.
The defendants made initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and were detained.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The complaints are the culmination of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol Buffalo Station, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge David Banks. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan W. Fitzgerald.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Four men arrested and charged with illegal re-entryRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, NY-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that four defendants were charged in separate criminal complaints with illegal re-entry, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Named in the complaints are:
- Salvador Vargas Nava, 43, a native and citizen of Mexico. On October 20, 2025, Vargas Nava was pulled over by law enforcement for running two stop signs in Concord, NY. When questioned, Vargas Nava did not possess valid immigration documents that would allow him to be in the United States. Vargas Nava was physically removed from the United States in July 2009.
- Juver Vidal Quex Tocora, 29, a native and citizen of Guatemala. On October 20, 2025, law enforcement encountered Quex Tocora in Amherst, NY. When questioned, he did not possess valid immigration documents that would allow him to be in the United States. Quex Tocora was physically removed from the United States in May 2013.
- Jose de Jesus Rodiguez Esparza, 32, and Mauricio Rangel Rangel, 48, both natives and citizens of Mexico. On October 16, 2025, law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop of two vehicles in West Seneca, NY, associated with a company that transported and hired illegal aliens. The vehicle Rangel Rangel was riding in pulled over and when asked by law enforcement, he stated that he did not have any valid immigration documents that would allow him to remain in the United States legally. Rangel Rangel was physically removed from the United States in October 2014. The vehicle Rodiguez Esparza was riding in pulled over, but the occupants attempted to flee. Law enforcement caught up to Rodiguez Esparza, who did not possess any valid immigration documents that would allow him to remain in the United States legally. He was physically removed from the United States in September 2016.
The defendants made initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and were detained.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The complaints are the culmination of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol Buffalo Station, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge David Banks. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Four Drug Traffickers Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing Thousands of Fentanyl-Laced PillsRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Four drug traffickers responsible for distributing thousands of fentanyl pills in the Charlotte area were sentenced to prison today, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Ezekiel Lee Suber, 26, of Forest City, N.C. was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Darien Akiel Brown, 24, also of Forest City, was sentenced to 72 months in prison and four years of supervised release. Elija McDowell, 22, of Charlotte was ordered to serve 57 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release, and Jocelyn Marie Hamilton, 26, of Charleston, West Virginia, was sentenced to five years of probation.
According to court documents and court proceedings, between 2023 and 2024, the defendants, led by Suber, operated as a drug conspiracy trafficking fentanyl in Charlotte and elsewhere. Court documents show that during the investigation undercover law enforcement officers made multiple purchases of fentanyl-laced pills from Suber and his co-defendants. The pills were yellow in color and had a “T-189” imprint, which is the same as color and imprint as 30 milligram Oxycodone Hydrochloride tablets. In addition, court documents show that during some of the undercover drug buys law enforcement observed that Suber was armed with a firearm. On February 27, 2024, law enforcement arrested Suber at his residence in Charlotte. During a subsequent search of the residence, they seized two loaded firearms, two loaded magazines, multiple rounds of ammunition, and more than $4,200 in U.S. currency. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement purchased over 7,000 fentanyl-laced pills from the co-conspirators, containing over a kilogram of fentanyl.
In making the announcement U.S. Attorney Ferguson commended the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dana Washington prosecuted the case.
Founders of Samourai Wallet Cryptocurrency Mixing Service Sentenced to Five and Four Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Attorney for the United States, Acting Under Authority Conferred by 28 U.S.C. § 515, Nicolas Roos announced today the sentencings of KEONNE RODRIGUEZ and WILLIAM LONERGAN HILL, the co-founders of Samourai Wallet (“Samourai”), a cryptocurrency mixer that facilitated over $237 million in illegal transactions. RODRIGUEZ, the Chief Executive Officer of Samourai, and HILL, the Chief Technology Officer, participated in a conspiracy to operate a money transmitting business in which they knowingly transmitted criminal proceeds. The over $237 million dollars of criminal proceeds laundered through Samourai came from, among other things, drug trafficking, darknet marketplaces, cyber-intrusions, frauds, sanctioned jurisdictions, murder-for-hire schemes, and a child pornography website. RODRIGUEZ and HILL were respectively sentenced to five and four years in prison. U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote sentenced RODRIGUEZ on November 6, 2025, and HILL on November 19, 2025.
“The sentences the defendants received send a clear message that laundering known criminal proceeds—regardless of the technology used or whether the proceeds are in the form of fiat or cryptocurrency—will face serious consequences,” said Attorney for the United States Nicolas Roos. “These sentences reflect the harmful impact that money laundering services have on victims by making it virtually impossible for victims to recover their stolen funds. Our office will continue to work tirelessly to hold accountable those who profit by helping criminals hide their criminal proceeds.”
According to the Indictment, other public filings, and statements made in court:
Beginning around 2015, RODRIGUEZ and HILL began developing Samourai, a mobile application that was designed and operated as a service for transmitting criminal proceeds. The defendants engineered Samourai around two services specifically intended to conceal the nature of illicit transactions. The first, a Bitcoin mixing service known as “Whirlpool,” coordinated batches of Bitcoin exchanges between groups of Samourai users. Through this process, the original source of particular Bitcoin holdings became obscured within the blockchain’s transactional record, effectively preventing law enforcement agencies and cryptocurrency exchanges from tracing funds back to their origins. The second service, called “Ricochet,” enabled users to introduce additional and unnecessary intermediate transactions—known as “hops”—between sending and receiving addresses. This feature served a similar obfuscation purpose, making it substantially more difficult for monitoring entities to establish connections between cryptocurrency transfers and potential illicit activities. The scale of these operations was considerable: from Ricochet’s launch in 2017 and Whirlpool’s inception in 2019, more than 80,000 Bitcoin—valued at over $2 billion at the time—passed through these services. Samourai collected fees for both services, estimated to have a total value of more than $6 million.
RODRIGUEZ and HILL actively promoted Samourai to criminal users and encouraged criminal activity. HILL marketed Samourai as a transmittal service for criminal proceeds on Dread, a darknet forum dedicated to discussing illegal marketplace activities. In one exchange on that platform, a user asked about the most “secure methods to clean dirty BTC” to make it “untraceable, clean” and ensure the user would “never get caught.” HILL responded by writing that “Samourai Whirlpool is a much better option” than a competitor service to “clean dirty BTC.” Similarly, in July 2020, RODRIGUEZ engaged in a Twitter exchange in which he personally encouraged the hackers of a social media platform to “feed” and “send” the criminal proceeds into Samourai’s Whirlpool. When the hackers ultimately used a different cryptocurrency mixing service to launder the proceeds of the hack, RODRIGUEZ and HILL expressed their disappointment.
The defendants also had a clear understanding that Samourai was, in fact, used for money laundering. In a WhatsApp exchange, when asked to explain the concept of “mixing,” RODRIGUEZ described the process as “money laundering for bitcoin.” The defendant’s own marketing materials acknowledged that customers would include “Dark/Grey Market participants” moving proceeds from “illicit activity.”
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In addition to their terms of prison, RODRIGUEZ, 37, of Harmony, Pennsylvania, and HILL, 67, a U.S. national who was arrested in Portugal at the request of the United States, were each sentenced to three years of supervised release. Judge Cote also ordered that RODRIGUEZ and HILL each pay a fine of $250,000. RODRIGUEZ and HILL have paid a total of $6,367,139.69 in forfeiture, representing the fees Samourai earned, in satisfaction of an order to forfeit $237,832,360.55, the larger sum representing the total traceable criminal proceeds for which Samourai executed transactions.
Mr. Roos praised the investigative work of Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”). He also acknowledged the assistance of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, Europol, the Portuguese Judicial Police, the Procuradoria-Geral da República, the Icelandic Police, and the FBI Field Office in Pittsburgh for their assistance in the investigation of this case.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance to secure the July 2024 extradition from Portugal of HILL.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit and the Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew K. Chan, David R. Felton, and Cecilia Vogel are in charge of the prosecution.
Founder/CEO and Clinical President of Digital Health Company Convicted in $100M Adderall Distribution and Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury in San Francisco yesterday convicted Ruthia He, the founder and CEO of Done, a California-based digital health company, and David Brody, its clinical president, for their roles in a years-long scheme to illegally distribute Adderall over the internet and conspire to commit health care fraud in connection with the submission of false and fraudulent claims for reimbursement for Adderall and other stimulants. Ruthia He was also convicted of conspiring to obstruct justice.
“These defendants carried out a $100 million scheme to unlawfully provide easy online access to Adderall and other stimulants by targeting drug seekers, engaging in deceptive advertising, and putting profits above patient care,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This verdict sends a clear message that the Criminal Division will hold accountable criminals who attempt to exploit telehealth to write illegal prescriptions for their personal gain. Innovation in health care must never come at the cost of patient safety, professional integrity, or the rule of law.”
“Not all drug dealers operate in the shadows or on street corners,” said U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California. “Some, like Ruthia He and David Brody, use computers and social media instead. Doctors take an oath to do no harm. David Brody and other doctors were only too willing to sell their integrity to He and put money ahead of patient wellbeing. Medical necessity must always drive the decision to prescribe controlled substances like Adderall and other stimulants. Ruthia He and David Brody violated that core principle when they exploited telehealth rules to push prescription medication, and hurt patients in the process. This prosecution marks the beginning of a sustained effort. Digital health companies that engage in unlawful drug distribution should take notice that they will not escape accountability.”
"These criminals turned telehealth into a pipeline for addiction, recklessly distributing controlled medications with no regard for safety, science, or the law,” said Assistant Administrator Cheri Oz of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Diversion Control Division. “This verdict makes clear that DEA will shut down anyone who abuses medicine, exploits patients, or puts profit above the American people."
“This case represents one of the most egregious abuses of telehealth we’ve seen,” said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “The defendants built a brazen business model based on addiction, deception, and disregard for patient safety — flooding the market with controlled substances while defrauding federal health care programs. Their intentional disregard for patient safety and the law put lives at risk and eroded public trust in digital medicine. HHS-OIG will relentlessly pursue those who exploit innovation to endanger lives and steal from taxpayers.”
“The fraudulent acts of He and Brody led to clients’ substance abuse, addiction and, in some cases, overdose. Instead of putting the care of their customers first, they prioritized their own greed by fraudulently prescribing more that $100 million worth of Adderall and other stimulants. These were shameful acts, and a jury of their peers agreed. Both He and Brody will now face the consequences of this egregious fraud,” said Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis of IRS Criminal Investigation New York.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, He and Brody conspired with others to build a billion-dollar technology company and raise money from investors by providing easy access to over 40 million pills of Adderall and other stimulants in exchange for payment of a monthly subscription fee.
He and Done spent over $40 million on deceptive advertisements on social media networks that sought to convince Americans challenged by a lack of structure during the COVID-19 pandemic that they were suffering from ADHD. Defendants also paid for targeted keyword search advertisements for drug seekers who wanted to obtain Adderall without a legal prescription. The evidence at trial showed that He and Brody sought to place “hard limits” on clinical discretion by limiting the length of the initial appointment to less than half the length of a typical psychiatric examination, and seeking to increase profits by refusing to pay for any follow-up treatment. In order to facilitate the illegal prescriptions, He paid nurse practitioners around the country up to $60,000 per month to refill prescriptions without clinical interaction, and enabled an “auto-refill” technology feature where patients could receive prescriptions without clinical interaction for years based on an auto-generated email sent each month requesting additional prescriptions. The auto-refill policy, in some instances, resulted in prescriptions being issued for deceased patients.
He instructed employees that successful technology companies profit off addiction, and offered an expensive luxury electric vehicle to employees who broke the law. Brody told nurses to continue prescribing Adderall, even to patients who were abusing other medications, and to disregard the risk of going to jail. He and Brody also prohibited independent clinical practitioners from discharging patients, and patients were not discharged and continued to receive Adderall even after concerned family members repeatedly notified Done that their children were suffering from bipolar, Adderall-induced psychosis, or other mental health conditions that could be worsened by continued prescriptions.
In order to ensure that members continued paying monthly subscription fees, He, Brody, and others conspired to defraud insurers so that Done members would be able to use insurance to pay for Adderall dispensed at pharmacies. He, Brody, and others submitted false and fraudulent prior authorization requests to insurers, which claimed that Done followed the DSM-5 in diagnosing ADHD, utilized urine drug screens, and falsely claimed that non-stimulants had previously been tried without success. As a result, Medicare, Medicaid, and the commercial insurers paid in excess of approximately $14 million.
In 2022, national media outlets reported that Done was making Adderall too easy to get online. In response to questions from the media, investors, and certain major pharmacy chains, the defendants made deceptive statements about Done’s policies. While internal documents showed that the defendants followed a “customer-first” philosophy where they attempted to obtain customer approval ratings higher than America’s highest-rated retailers, offered second opinions to patients who complained of being denied Adderall, and that He – who had no medical training – ultimately was responsible for approving clinical practices, the defendants falsely denied the existence of these policies and claimed Done was run by independent clinical leadership.
To obstruct the government’s investigation, the evidence at trial showed that He moved operations to China to make personnel and evidence unavailable. He limited her communications on company platforms, used encrypted messaging apps with disappearing messages, and deleted incriminatory documents, such as language encouraging Done providers to provide Adderall even to patients who did not have ADHD. He also transferred over $1 million to a Chinese shell company named Make Believe Asia, conducted internet searches for countries that did not have extradition, and was stopped by law enforcement leaving the country.
He and Brody were both convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, four counts of distribution of controlled substances, and one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. He was also convicted of one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice. He and Brody each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and distribution of controlled substances counts. Sentencings are set for Feb. 25, 2026. Judge Breyer will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The DEA, HHS-OIG, HSI, and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating the case.
Acting Health Care Fraud Unit Chief Jacob Foster, Assistant Chief Emily Gurskis, and Trial Attorney Arun Bodapati of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina Green, for the Northern District of California are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Founder/CEO and Clinical President of Digital Health Company Convicted in $100m Adderall Distribution and Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – A federal jury yesterday convicted Ruthia He, the founder and CEO of Done, a California-based digital health company, and David Brody, its clinical president, yesterday for their roles in a years-long scheme to illegally distribute Adderall over the internet and conspire to commit health care fraud in connection with the submission of false and fraudulent claims for reimbursement for Adderall and other stimulants. Ruthia He was also convicted of conspiring to obstruct justice.
“Not all drug dealers operate in the shadows or on street corners,” said U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California. “Some, like Ruthia He and David Brody, use computers and social media instead. Doctors take an oath to do no harm. David Brody and other doctors were only too willing to sell their integrity to He and put money ahead of patient wellbeing. Medical necessity must always drive the decision to prescribe controlled substances like Adderall and other stimulants. Ruthia He and David Brody violated that core principle when they exploited telehealth rules to push prescription medication, and hurt patients in the process. This prosecution marks the beginning of a sustained effort. Digital health companies that engage in unlawful drug distribution should take notice that they will not escape accountability.”
“These defendants carried out a $100 million scheme to unlawfully provide easy online access to Adderall and other stimulants by targeting drug seekers, engaging in deceptive advertising, and putting profits above patient care,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This verdict sends a clear message that the Criminal Division will hold accountable criminals who attempt to exploit telehealth to write illegal prescriptions for their personal gain. Innovation in health care must never come at the cost of patient safety, professional integrity, or the rule of law.”
“This case represents one of the most egregious abuses of telehealth we’ve seen,” said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “The defendants built a brazen business model based on addiction, deception, and disregard for patient safety—flooding the market with controlled substances while defrauding federal health care programs. Their intentional disregard for patient safety and the law put lives at risk and eroded public trust in digital medicine. HHS-OIG will relentlessly pursue those who exploit innovation to endanger lives and steal from taxpayers.”
“The fraudulent acts of He and Brody led to clients’ substance abuse, addiction and, in some cases, overdose. Instead of putting the care of their customers first, they prioritized their own greed by fraudulently prescribing more that $100 million worth of Adderall and other stimulants. These were shameful acts, and a jury of their peers agreed. Both He and Brody will now face the consequences of this egregious fraud,” said Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis of IRS Criminal Investigation New York.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, He and Brody conspired with others to build a billion-dollar technology company and raise money from investors by providing easy access to over 40 million pills of Adderall and other stimulants in exchange for payment of a monthly subscription fee.
He and Done spent over $40 million on deceptive advertisements on social media networks that sought to convince Americans challenged by a lack of structure during the COVID-19 pandemic that they were suffering from ADHD. Defendants also paid for targeted keyword search advertisements for drug seekers who wanted to obtain Adderall without a legal prescription. The evidence at trial showed that He and Brody sought to place “hard limits” on clinical discretion by limiting the length of the initial appointment to less than half the length of a typical psychiatric examination, and seeking to increase profits by refusing to pay for any follow-up treatment. In order to facilitate the illegal prescriptions, He paid nurse practitioners around the country up to $60,000 per month to refill prescriptions without clinical interaction, and enabled an “auto-refill” technology feature where patients could receive prescriptions without clinical interaction for years based on an auto-generated email sent each month requesting additional prescriptions. The auto-refill policy, in some instances, resulted in prescriptions being issued for deceased patients.
He instructed employees that successful technology companies profit off addiction, and offered an expensive luxury electric vehicle to employees who broke the law. Brody told nurses to continue prescribing Adderall, even to patients who were abusing other medications, and to disregard the risk of going to jail. He and Brody also prohibited independent clinical practitioners from discharging patients, and patients were not discharged and continued to receive Adderall even after concerned family members repeatedly notified Done that their children were suffering from bipolar, Adderall-induced psychosis, or other mental health conditions that could be worsened by continued prescriptions.
In order to ensure that members continued paying monthly subscription fees, He, Brody, and others conspired to defraud insurers so that Done members would be able to use insurance to pay for Adderall dispensed at pharmacies. He, Brody, and others submitted false and fraudulent prior authorization requests to insurers, which claimed that Done followed the DSM-5 in diagnosing ADHD, utilized urine drug screens, and falsely claimed that non-stimulants had previously been tried without success. As a result, Medicare, Medicaid, and the commercial insurers paid in excess of approximately $14 million.
In 2022, national media outlets reported that Done was making Adderall too easy to get online. In response to questions from the media, investors, and certain major pharmacy chains, the defendants made deceptive statements about Done’s policies. While internal documents showed that the defendants followed a “customer-first” philosophy where they attempted to obtain customer approval ratings higher than America’s highest-rated retailers, offered second opinions to patients who complained of being denied Adderall, and that He – who had no medical training – ultimately was responsible for approving clinical practices, The defendants falsely denied the existence of these policies and claimed Done was run by independent clinical leadership.
To obstruct the government’s investigation, the evidence at trial showed that He moved operations to China to make personnel and evidence unavailable. He limited her communications on company platforms, used encrypted messaging apps with disappearing messages, and deleted incriminatory documents, such as language encouraging Done providers to provide Adderall even to patients who did not have ADHD. He also transferred over $1 million to a Chinese shell company named Make Believe Asia, conducted internet searches for countries that did not have extradition, and was stopped by law enforcement leaving the country.
He and Brody were both convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, four counts of distribution of controlled substances, and one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. He was also convicted of one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice. He and Brody each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and distribution of controlled substances counts. Sentencings are set for Feb. 25, 2026. Judge Breyer will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The DEA, HHS-OIG, HSI, and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating the case.
Acting Health Care Fraud Unit Chief Jacob Foster, Assistant Chief Emily Gurskis, and Trial Attorney Arun Bodapati of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina Green for the Northern District of California are prosecuting the case, with the assistance of Maryam Beros and Lynette Dixon.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 25 federal districts, has charged more than 5,000 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $24 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Former Orlando Middle School Teacher Sentenced to Life in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Julie S. Sneed has sentenced Italo Rafael Brett Bonini (26, Orlando) to life in federal prison for enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and 30 years’ imprisonment prison for the production of child sexual abuse material. The sentences will run concurrently. The court also ordered Bonini to forfeit a desktop computer, which he used to commit the offenses. Bonini pleaded guilty on May 1, 2025.
According to court documents, on January 12, 2025, Bonini video chatted from his residence in Orlando with two child victims in Maryland through an online communication platform. During that video chat, Bonini offered currency in an online videogame in exchange for the victims to show their genitals on screen. Both child victims pulled down their pants at Bonini’s request, and one of the child victims complied with Bonini’s request to display his genitals on screen.
Further investigation revealed that Bonini has victimized minor victims across the globe. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has found evidence of chats between Bonini and approximately 30 minor victims, many of whom have been identified. The chats revealed that Bonini engaged in sexual activity with young children online, including exposing himself on camera, requesting and receiving sexually explicit photos, urinating and defecating on camera. Bonini also tried to entice minor victims to perform sexual acts with their minor siblings and to engage in bestiality.
Prior to his arrest, Bonini was a music teacher at a middle school in Orange County, Florida. He also taught private music lessons to children.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, and the Maryland State Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Cruz.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Florida businessman sentenced to 46 months in prison for fraudRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Florida businessman was sentenced to 46 months in prison for defrauding clients in Kansas, Missouri, Utah, and Ohio by inducing them to enter into loan agreements to finance construction projects and then causing more than $8 million in victim losses by misappropriating funds.
According to court documents, David Ingram, 73, of Bristol, Pennsylvania (previously of Sanford, Florida and Cornelius, North Carolina), pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
Ingram was founder and managing member of AltosGroups, LLC, which purported to have warehouse lines of credit with major international financial institutions. AltosGroups signed contracts with commercial real estate developers, agreeing to secure funding to finance construction projects. Ingram required that developers pay initial deposits to gain access to lines of credit he claimed his company maintained. In reality, AltosGroups had no such lines of credit. Ingram told victims that their deposits would be kept in an account specifically dedicated towards funding their respective construction projects. Instead, he diverted the money to accounts belonging to him or his wife and used it for personal expenses and other business purposes, including the transfer of $3 million to a Mexican financial institution. The defendant failed to fund the loans and did not return the deposits to the victims.
“Schemes as shady as this one merit aggressive investigation by IRS-Criminal Investigation,” said St. Louis Field Office Special Agent in Charge William Steenson. “Mr. Ingram caused a great deal of financial loss to the four victims all to fill his own bank accounts with their hard-earned money. Now it’s time for him to be held accountable for his actions.”
IRS Criminal Investigations and the U.S. Secret Service investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan J. Huschka prosecuted the case.
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