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9 January 2026
U.S. Attorney Waterman Meets with Attorney General Pamela Bondi at U.S. Attorneys’ OrientationRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa David C. Waterman met with Attorney General Pamela Bondi on January 7, 2026, in Washington, D.C., during the U.S. Attorneys’ Orientation.
The orientation brought together newly appointed and returning U.S. Attorneys from across the country to address Department of Justice enforcement priorities, inter-district coordination, and the Department’s ongoing commitment to public safety and the rule of law. During the program, U.S. Attorney Waterman reaffirmed the Southern District of Iowa’s commitment to advancing the Department’s mission and to serving Iowans with integrity, fairness, and professionalism.
“It was an honor to meet with Attorney General Bondi and to participate in discussions focused on strengthening public safety and upholding the rule of law nationwide,” said U.S. Attorney Waterman. “The Southern District of Iowa remains fully committed to enforcing federal law fairly, effectively, and in partnership with our law enforcement colleagues and communities.”
U.S. Attorney Waterman previously met with Attorney General Bondi during her tenure as Florida’s Attorney General, while he served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Middle District of Florida from 2016 to 2020. That shared professional experience reflects their longstanding commitment to public service and prosecutorial excellence.
Three photos of the Attorney General Pamela Bondi and U.S. Attorney David C. Waterman for the Southern District of Iowa meeting on January 7, 2026.
Texas Couple Who Operated an Illegal Pyramid Scheme Are Convicted of Conspiracy, Wire Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Sherman, Texas convicted a married couple on Thursday for operating a multi-million-dollar pyramid scheme during the COVID‑19 pandemic.
“While many Americans struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic, LaShonda and Marlon Moore orchestrated a lucrative pyramid scheme with the sole aim of enriching themselves,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Through lies and deceit, the defendants recruited vulnerable people and defrauded them of millions of dollars. The Criminal Division is committed to prosecuting fraudsters who inflict substantial harm on every day Americans trying to make a living.”
“The defendants, through their operation of the Blessings in No Time (BINT) pyramid scheme, defrauded over 10,000 individuals of more than $25 million, using false promises and misleading statements to recruit participants,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs of the Eastern District of Texas. “The defendants' actions were a betrayal of trust, and the Justice Department will continue to work tirelessly to hold those accountable who engage in such schemes. I commend the efforts of our investigative partners and the team who worked to bring about a “win” for the victims who suffered great losses at the hands of these defendants.”
“The harm caused by greed-driven, deceptive investments promising returns too good to be true cannot be overstated,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group. “The mission of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service continues, to aggressively investigate such schemes and hold fraudsters fully accountable.”
“The Moores used a polished image and even a reality TV appearance to build trust, but behind the scenes, they orchestrated a multi-million-dollar pyramid scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. Altemus Jr. of IRS Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) Dallas Field Office. “This scheme deliberately targeted the African American community, exploiting cultural trust and community ties. Today’s conviction sends a clear message: if you abuse trust and exploit communities for personal gain, you will face justice.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, LaShonda Moore, 38, and Marlon Moore, 39, of Frisco, Texas, co-founded and ran BINT, known as “Blessings in No Time,” an illegal chain-referral pyramid scheme that targeted victims during the COVID‑19 pandemic from June 2020 to June 2021. BINT targeted and recruited victims with false and misleading promises through weekly live-stream video broadcasts to thousands of participants across the United States during the COVID-19 shutdown. Victims were falsely promised that participants would earn 800% returns on each $1,400 investment and were guaranteed a refund if the participant was unsatisfied with BINT. The Moores falsely presented BINT as a means for new participants to help other members of their own community by paying “blessings” of at least $1,400 to participants who had already joined. The Moores falsely promised that new participants’ “blessing” payments would be paid back eight fold within a few weeks. BINT was falsely presented as an altruistic invitation-only community to help others during the economic downturn from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The defendants structured BINT to operate on “playing boards” that had positions for participants on four levels: eight Fires, four Winds, two Earths, and one Water. Once eight new participants were recruited to fill all eight Fire positions on the playing board, each Fire was directed to “bless” or pay at least $1,400 to the participant in the Water position. A Water participant then received eight payments totaling more than $11,000. After a Water participant received his or her payment, other participants at lower levels would move up one level on the playing board and then be required to recruit new participants into the Fire positions to perpetuate the scheme. To profit from the investment scheme, the defendants placed themselves in positions on the playing boards, so that they received the ultimate payments, and they otherwise diverted substantial money to themselves that were paid by the participants. The defendants’ pyramid scheme victimized more than 10,000 people across the country and inflicted more than $25 million in victim losses.
LaShonda and Marlon Moore were each convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, five counts of wire fraud, and three counts of money laundering. Their sentencings have not been set. Each face a maximum penalty of 20 years on each of the conspiracy and wire fraud counts and 10 years on each money laundering count.
USPIS, the United States Secret Service, and IRS-CI investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Theodore Kneller and Adam Stempel of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. for the Eastern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.
If you believe you are a victim in this case, please contact the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness Unit toll-free at (888) 549-3945 or by email at [email protected]. To learn more about victims’ rights, please visit www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-vns/victim-rights-derechos-de-las-v-ctimas.
Tallahassee Man Charged with Transportation and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Cedrick Campbell, 35, of Tallahassee, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on one count of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession/access with intent to view child pornography. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges.
Campbell appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick on January 5, 2026, for his initial appearance at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida. Trial is scheduled for March 2, 2026, at 8:15 am before District Court Judge Robert L. Hinkle.
If convicted, Campbell, faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on each count.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tallahassee Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case 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.
Sutter County Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Receipt of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Thomas Davis, 40, of Yuba City, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dena M. Coggins to 15 years in prison for receipt of child sexual abuse material, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, between May 2023 and January 2024, Davis used the BitTorrent network to download child pornography. During this period Davis built a collection of more than 400 videos and 200 images containing child sexual abuse material, including some which depicted the sexual abuse of toddlers.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, the Yuba City Police Department, and the California Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Charles Campbell is prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. Learn more at Justice.gov/PSC.
Seminole County Resident Pleads Guilty to AssaultRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Steven Duane Stone, age 48, of Seminole, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country.
The Indictment alleged that on April 2, 2025, Stone assaulted the victim, resulting in serious bodily injury.
The crime occurred in Seminole County, within the boundaries of the Seminole Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Seminole Lighthorse Police.
The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, 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.
Stone remains on bond with conditions of release pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Gross represented the United States.
Richmond man indicted for distribution of child sexual abuse materialRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment this week charging a Richmond man with distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
According to court documents, on May 22, 2025, Randon Alexander Sprinkle, 30, allegedly used a dating app to contact another user who purportedly was the father of a nine-year-old son, but in actuality was an undercover FBI agent. Sprinkle immediately invited the user to communicate via the Telegram app. After alluding to a sexual interest in minors, Sprinkle allegedly sent a video depicting two adults sexually abusing a minor. Sprinkle then allegedly expressed his interest in travelling to Washington, D.C., to meet the other user and sexually abuse his purported nine-year-old son.
“The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing and reflect a serious abuse of trust,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “When someone who has held a professional role in public or political life engages in the sexual exploitation of children, it underscores why no position, title, or resume can shield an offender from accountability. This office will pursue full accountability for those who exploit children, regardless of their background, job, or perceived status.”
“One of the most important things FBI Richmond does is protecting children around the world from predators seeking to harm them,” said Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office. “I’m grateful our team and partners intervened to remove Mr. Sprinkle from the streets and ensure he was brought to justice.”
On Oct. 16, 2025, FBI agents searched Sprinkle’s residence in Richmond and seized two laptop computers and a cellphone. Sprinkle’s cellphone allegedly contained 42 CSAM files and one of the laptops contained two additional files. The files included depictions of the abuse of toddlers and an infant.
An arraignment is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 12, in Richmond. If convicted, Sprinkle faces a minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ellen H. Theisen and Heather H. Mansfield are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:26-cr-2.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Rapper Torrence Ivy Hatch aka “Boosie Badazz” Sentenced for Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Torrence Ivy HATCH (aka “Boosie”, aka “Lil Boosie”, aka “Boosie Badazz”) was sentenced in federal court today for violating Title 18, U.S.C., Section 922(g)(1), Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. District Court Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo sentenced HATCH to 3-years’ supervised release, 300-hours of community service, and a $50,000 fine.
According to a plea agreement, on or about May 6, 2023, within the Southern District of California, HATCH, knowing his status as a convicted felon, did knowingly possess a firearm, a Glock-19 pistol, that traveled in and affected interstate commerce. The firearm was loaded with ten 9-millimeter caliber rounds of ammunition; in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).
On or about May 6, 2023, San Diego Police identified HATCH while watching the Instagram Live of a known member of the “Neighborhood Crip” street gang. HATCH was seen in the Instagram Live with a gun tucked in his waistband as he appeared to be filming a music video.
Officers determined where the video was being recorded and conducted a traffic stop on HATCH and who he sated was his security detail. When asked by officers, HATCH denied having any weapons, but his security detail turned over a bag containing a 9-millimeter Springfield “Hellcat,” loaded with seven rounds of ammunition and not registered in California. All occupants were removed from the vehicle, and during a search of the vehicle, officers located a 9-millimeter Glock 19 pistol in the backseat of the car, where HATCH had been seated. Following the search, officers placed HATCH, whose prior criminal convictions include a 2011 felony drug trafficking conviction, under arrest for felon in possession of a firearm.
Following his arrest and while at the police station, officers observed HATCH threatening his security detail including threatening to put “10K” on their head and put them in a “body bag.” HATCH told agents all the firearms had been in the possession of his security detail the entire time.
Agents later determined that the gun found in the back seat of the vehicle was the same firearm HATCH had in his waistband during the filming of the music video, that HATCH’s DNA was found on both firearms, and that the firearms were purchased by HATCH’s girlfriend in Georgia, and not his security detail. HATCH ultimately admitted the 9-millimeter Glock 19 pistol found on the seat where he was sitting was the same firearm he possessed in the video.
“Our office remains committed to enforcing federal firearm laws to protect public safety and ensure that prohibited individuals are held accountable when they violate those laws,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 24CR1508-CAB
Torrence Ivy Hatch Age: 43 Palmetto, GA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Felon in Possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1)
Maximum penalties: 10 years custody $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release; Mandatory Special Assessment of $100; Forfeiture
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
San Diego Police Department
Rapid City Man Sentenced to over 2 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on January 5, 2026.
Joshua Munyan, 41, was sentenced to two years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Munyan was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in March 2025. He pleaded guilty on September 29, 2025.
The charges stem from an incident in which Munyan was pulled over while driving by an officer with the Rapid City Police Department who later discovered Munyan possessed a Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver. Munyan is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm because he was previously convicted of a felony drug offense in Pennington County.
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). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
This case was investigated by the ATF and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.
Munyan was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rankin County Woman Pleads Guilty to Misappropriation by a VA FiduciaryRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Rankin County woman pleaded guilty in federal court to misusing Veteran’s Administration money intended to benefit her son, a disabled Army Veteran.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Darla Storey, 57, began serving as a fiduciary on March 18, 2016, and was responsible for managing the financial affairs of her adult son who was permanently disabled and wheelchair-bound due to service-connected disabilities. As part of her fiduciary duties, Darla Storey was required to use funds entrusted to her solely for her son’s benefit, to file regular accountings, and to never commingle the funds.
During her five years as a fiduciary, Darla Storey misappropriated the VA funds and instead used them for her own benefit by transferring the money to her personal bank account, purchasing a vehicle the beneficiary never used, paying bills, and taking trips even when the beneficiary was not living with her. She routinely failed to file proper accountings and used more than $100,000 dollars entrusted to her by the VA for her personal benefit.
Darla Storey is scheduled to be sentenced on April 13, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi made the announcement.
The Veteran’s Administration - Office of Inspector General is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brett Grantham is prosecuting the case.
Previously Convicted Felon from Maine Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Maine man has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.
Kirk Wilson, 46, of Maine, was sentenced on Jan. 7, 2026 by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Indira Talwani to five years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. In September 2025, Wilson pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Wilson was charged in March 2024.
Shortly after 1 a.m. on Dec. 14, 2023, Wilson was found unconscious inside a vehicle that was stopped on the side of a road in Littleton. During a subsequent search of the vehicle and his person, Wilson was found with a Taurus International 22-caliber handgun with eight rounds of ammunition in a magazine inside his pocket. Wilson is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to multiple prior felony convictions which include: a 2008 conviction for assaulting a pregnant person; a 2018 conviction for trafficking fentanyl powder and/or methamphetamine and alprazolam; and a 2023 conviction for unlawful trafficking in scheduled drugs and unlawful possession of fentanyl powder.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Littleton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Maynard of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced in Possession of a Machine GunRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Floyd Clark, 22, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 48 months in federal prison in connection with his illegal possession of a Glock 22 .40 caliber pistol that had been outfitted with a “switch” so it could fire as a machine gun, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Clark pleaded guilty on Sept. 24, 2025, before Judge Timothy J. Kelly to an Information charging him with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. In addition to the 48-month prison sentence, Judge Kelly ordered Clark to serve three years of supervised release.
Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement were ATF Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives - Washington Field Division and Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
According to court documents, on March 1, 2025, at 3:23 p.m., MPD officers responded to the 300 block of 50 Street NE, in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood for a report of 14 rounds of automatic gunfire. At the scene, officers recovered 14 shell casings. Police did not find any shooting victims. Surveillance video footage revealed that two shooters had fired from a black Infiniti Q50 sedan bearing a Maryland license plate. Immediately after the firing of the 14 rounds, the Infiniti fled the scene.
On March 8, 2025, about 6:10 p.m. police were patrolling near the intersection of 60th Street and Eads Street, NE, when they spotted an Infiniti Q50 matching the description of the vehicle used in the previous week’s shooting. Officers followed the car.
Clark, who was driving the Infiniti, stopped the vehicle. Then Clark and an unidentified passenger jumped out of the car and ran away from the police officers. Police arrest Clark after a brief foot chase and then recovered a loaded Glock 22 .40 caliber handgun from the car. The firearm was outfitted with a machine gun conversion device. Investigators linked the Glock to the March 1 discharge of 14 rounds in Lincoln Heights.
Clark previously pled guilty in April 2023 of attempted carrying a pistol without a license and of carrying a pistol without a license in October 2023 in D.C. Superior Court.
This case was investigated by the MPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Washington Field Division. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared English and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica Svetoslavov.
25cr227
Portland Woman Pleads Guilty to Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland woman pleaded guilty yesterday for engaging in sexual contact of an unaccompanied minor under the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement.
Teresa Valdovinos-Godinez, 34, pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact.
According to court documents, between September 12, 2023, and October 8, 2023, Valdovinos-Godinez engaged in abusive sexual contact with an individual in federal custody while she was working as a counselor at Morrison Mi Futuro, a residential facility for unaccompanied minors in Portland.
On August 12, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Valdovinos-Godinez with abusive sexual contact.
Valdovinos-Godinez faces a maximum sentence of two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release. She will be sentenced on April 2, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge.
As part of the plea agreement, Valdovinos-Godinez has agreed to pay restitution in full to the victim.
The Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kate Rochat and Pamela Paaso are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought in collaboration with 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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Placer County Doctor Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Khursheed Haider, 50, of Roseville, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dena M. Coggins to nine years in prison for distribution of child sexual abuse material, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
“Today’s sentence holds Khursheed Haider accountable for his proliferation of child sexual abuse material, each instance of which retraumatizes the victims shown in such material,” said U.S. Attorney Grant. “My office is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who traffic in this abusive material, including those in positions of trust like Haider.”
“Khursheed Haider was known to many as a trusted physician and family man,” said FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “However, he was a predator behind that facade who actively shared material depicting the horrific sexual abuse of infants and toddlers. The FBI works tirelessly to identify and apprehend individuals who consume and distribute child sexual abuse material to stop the ongoing victimization of our nation’s most vulnerable and innocent victims.”
According to court documents, Haider, a Sacramento Area pulmonologist, used an application called Wire to post, distribute, and request videos and images of prepubescent boys and girls being sexually abused. After a search warrant was executed, agents discovered more than 600 images and videos of prepubescent child sexual abuse material on Haider’s electronic devices. Haider pleaded guilty on June 18, 2025.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hitt prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
Philadelphia Men Charged by Superseding Indictment with Robberies Targeting Armored TrucksRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Dante Shackleford, 26, and Mujahid Davis, 24, both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were charged by superseding indictment in connection with multiple robberies and attempted robberies last year that targeted armored trucks.
Both defendants have been charged with four counts of robbery interfering with interstate commerce (Hobbs Act robbery). Davis is also charged with two counts, and Shackleford with one count, of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
The superseding indictment alleges that they participated in the following crimes:
- the July 2, 2025, robbery of a Brinks truck in Philadelphia
(Davis and others) - the July 15, 2025, attempted robbery of a Brinks truck in Philadelphia
(Shackleford, Davis, and others) - the July 22, 2025, attempted robbery of a Brinks truck in Elkins Park, Pa.
(Shackleford and others) - the August 12, 2025, robbery of a Brinks truck in Elkins Park, Pa.
(Shackleford, Davis, and others) - the October 3, 2025, attempted robbery of a Brinks truck in Philadelphia
(Shackleford, Davis, and others)
If convicted, the defendants face maximum possible sentences of life imprisonment. Davis also faces a fine of $1,500,000 and Shackleford a fine of $1,250,000.
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 investigation is being conducted jointly by the FBI Philadelphia Violent Crimes Task Force and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Eckert and Kwambina Coker.
The charges and allegations contained in the superseding indictment are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
- the July 2, 2025, robbery of a Brinks truck in Philadelphia
Pekin, Illinois Felon Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Pekin, Illinois man, Joshua Dunn, 33, formerly of South Second Street, was sentenced on January 6, 2026, to 144 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and 60 months for a felon in possession of a firearm charge. The sentence is to be served concurrently in the Bureau of Prisons.
At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge Jonathan E. Hawley, uncontested evidence established that Dunn, a convicted felon, who was unable to lawfully possess a firearm, possessed methamphetamine, cocaine and multiple firearms at his Pekin residence. The drugs and firearms were seized on January 30, 2025, during the execution of two residential search warrants.
Approximately 16 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, multiple baggies containing approximately 170 grams of methamphetamine, scales, packaging material indicative of drug trafficking, and 11 firearms were found in the residence.
Dunn, who has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since he was arrested following a federal indictment in February 2025, entered a guilty plea in November 2025.
Dunn committed these offenses while on supervised release for a prior conviction of felon in possession of a firearm. Dunn’s supervised release was revoked, and a sentence of 24 months imprisonment was imposed, to be served concurrently with his current prison term.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Springfield Residence Office, Pekin Police Department, Peoria Metropolitan Enforcement Group (P-MEG), and the Illinois State Police investigated the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives (ATF) also participated in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz represented the government in the prosecution.
Pain Clinic Owner Sentenced, L5 Medical Holdings to Pay Nearly $5 Million in RestitutionRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – John Gregory “Greg” Barnes—a former mortgage broker who, seeking a “recession proof” business model, purchased pain clinics throughout the Western District of Virginia (including in Lynchburg, Madison Heights, Christiansburg, and Woodlawn)—was sentenced today to 45 months in federal prison for healthcare fraud and illegal prescription drug conspiracies Additionally, Barnes and L5 Medical Holdings, the business entity he controlled, jointly agreed to pay 4,888,426.11 in restitution to Medicare and Virginia Medicaid and to forfeit $250,000 to the United States.
Barnes was the last defendant awaiting sentencing as part of Operation Mountain Highlands—an investigation that resulted in convictions and years of prison time for a half-dozen medical professionals and businesspeople associated with the L5 pain clinics. As part of their plea agreements, two doctors and a nurse also permanently surrendered their medical licenses, and Barnes and L5’s Chief Operating Officer, Jennifer Adams, agreed never to do business in the Western District of Virginia again.
Barnes, 59, of South Carolina, pled guilty in July 2023 to conspiring to commit healthcare fraud, distribute Suboxone (buprenorphine) without a legitimate medical purpose, and use DEA registration numbers of other people to distribute controlled substances. Barnes’s company, L5, also pled guilty to the same crimes, as well as conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine without a legitimate medical purpose.
“This office will seek clear accountability against those who masquerade as medical professionals to line their pockets at the expense of patients and taxpayers,” Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said.
“Those posing as good citizens and healthcare providers must be held accountable. Everyone deserves care and protection from those entrusted with their well-being. Unfortunately, this group, including Barnes, took advantage of the healthcare system for their own gain. We are committed to ensuring justice for those harming our communities and will work tirelessly to hold these individuals responsible,” said Christopher Goumenis, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Washington Division.
“By defrauding both insurance companies and patients, criminals make health care more expensive for working class Virginians,” said Attorney General Jason Miyares. “I am pleased that the courts have rendered an appropriate verdict against those who put profit over patient care.”
According to court documents, in 2014, with no medical training, Barnes bought a medical practice through his company, L5 Medical Holdings. L5 operated pain management clinics, which involved the prescribing of prescription opioids and opioid addiction treatment medications, including Suboxone. Barnes conducted a feasibility study that identified Lynchburg, Virginia, as a prime location for an initial pain management clinic.
After Barnes began operating his pain clinics, they became more focused on prescribing Suboxone and opioids, with less focus on interventional treatments. Barnes and L5 operated the clinics in a manner that prioritized revenue maximization over patient care. Providers were encouraged to limit patient visits to 15 minutes and to see as many as 30 patients per day.
At Barnes’s direction, medical providers with L5 followed the opinion of non-medical professionals in making medical decisions, including whether a patient should be treated for opioid addiction or for pain management, whether a patient should receive a prescription, and what type of drug should be prescribed.
Patient interactions with non-medical professionals were improperly billed to Virginia Medicaid and Medicare, including by billing under providers who had not seen the patient. On some occasions, L5 employees billed insurance for patient visits under the name of doctors who were not even in the same city or state as the patient.
With Barnes in charge, L5 implemented a urine drug testing policy principally based on insurance reimbursements rather than patient care—specifically, to order the maximum amount of drug tests that insurance policies would pay for, regardless of medical need. To avoid losing millions of dollars in revenue that resulted from charging Medicare and Virginia Medicaid under that bill-to-the-max policy, Barnes and L5 refused to implement a random drug testing policy, even when advised by medical professionals to do so.
Employees stated one L5 doctor, Wendell Randall, was a “train wreck,” “quack,” and “shitshow.” Despite being aware of such concerns, and even acknowledging Randall failed to show up for work and had made “major mistakes” that were “enough for him to lose his [medical] license,” Barnes continued to employ Randall.
Other convictions and sentences as a result of Operation Mountain Highlands include:
- Duane Dixon, a former doctor at L5, who pled guilty to concealing healthcare fraud and conspiring to illegally prescribed highly addictive opioid painkillers to at-risk patients, was sentenced to 40 months in prison in June 2025, and ordered to pay over $1,000,000 in fines and restitution.
- Jennifer Adams, L5’s former chief operating officer, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for her role in concealing and assisting with L5’s schemes. Adams was also ordered to pay over $3,000,000 in restitution.
- Charles Wilson Adams (no relation to Jennifer Adams), who was falsely held out as a medical doctor and made treatment recommendations for L5 patients, received a 24-month prison sentence and was ordered to pay $30,000 in fines and forfeiture.
- Wendell Randall, a former doctor who rented out his credentials to others at L5 so they could prescribe Suboxone but was himself rarely physically present at L5 clinics, was sentenced to 18 months in prison in March 2024.
- Debra Shaffer, a nurse practitioner with L5, was sentenced to jail time and a $5,000 fine in October 2023.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, the Virginia State Police, and the Virginia Attorney General’s Office - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Cagle Juhan, Jason Scheff, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Janine M. Myatt, Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, prosecuted the case.
Owyhee Man Sentenced for Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
RENO – An Owyhee man was sentenced Thursday by United States District Judge Anne R. Traum to time served. The government recommended a sentence of 18 months incarceration.
Yesterday’s sentence follows R.C. Crutcher’s conviction in November after a four-day jury trial for tampering with a witness. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from March 22, 2025, to March 16, 2025, Crutcher attempted to persuade a victim from testifying against him at a federal proceeding. In addition to time served, Judge Traum sentenced Crutcher to three years of supervised release.
First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs with assistance from the Owyhee Tribal Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Penelope Brady and Andrew Keenan prosecuted the case.
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Operator of Sober Homes Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Fraud Schemes Involving Sober Home Client, Sober Homes Mortgages, Mass Save Program and COVID-19 Business LoansRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The operator of numerous sober homes in Massachusetts, who also operated insulation companies receiving funds through the Mass Save Program, was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his involvement in four different fraud schemes involving sober homes in the Greater Boston area, the Mass Save Program, mortgage lenders and a federal loan program that assisted businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Daniel Cleggett, 39, of Kingston, formerly of Braintree and Quincy, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to six years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Cleggett was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,856,329 and forfeit $1,544,185. In December 2024, Cleggett pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud conspiracy; one count of conspiracy to make false statements to a mortgage lending business (mortgage fraud conspiracy); 25 counts of wire fraud; six counts of unlawful monetary transactions (money laundering); and three counts of making false statements to a mortgage lending business. Cleggett was arrested and charged in March 2023 along with co-conspirator Nicholas Espinosa.
Espinosa pleaded guilty to his role in the fraud schemes on Oct. 3, 2024 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 22, 2026.
Cleggett was the founder of the sober home business A Vision From God LLC (AVFG). Established in November 2016, AVFG owned and operated sober homes in Boston, Wakefield, Quincy and Weymouth under trade names including Brady’s Place, Lakeshore Retreat and Lambert House. Espinosa managed the day-to-day affairs of Cleggett’s sober home business.
Cleggett, Espinosa and a sober home client entered into a conspiracy to defraud a New York-based family trust that was paying for the client’s room and board at Brady’s Place, located in Quincy. Specifically, Cleggett and Espinosa overcharged the family trust for room and board by up to $12,500 per month by submitting false and fraudulent invoices to the family trust. Cleggett and Espinosa would then issue “refund” checks to the client in furtherance of the fraud scheme.
From approximately October 2019 to December 2021, Cleggett personally, and through straw purchasers including Espinosa, purchased the three residential properties in Weymouth and Boston to use as sober homes. Cleggett, Espinosa and others submitted false information and fraudulent documentation including falsely representing that the three properties were intended to be purchased as primary residences when in reality, each was intended to be a sober home.
In addition to the sober home business, Cleggett operated numerous insulation contracting companies that participated in the Mass Save Program: Green Save Energy Corporation; Environmental Construction Objective Inc. (ECO); Green Giants, LLC; and Insulation Situation, LLC.
Mass Save is a Massachusetts public/private partnership sponsored by gas and electric utility companies that fund energy conservation projects and improvements via energy efficiency funds charged to Massachusetts residents’ utility bills.
Specifically, Green Save and ECO received millions of dollars for residential insulation work from a lead vendor company under the Mass Save program. From 2018 through mid-2021, Green Save and ECO fraudulently billed the vendor company for required permits that were not actually obtained. Green Save and ECO were ultimately terminated from participating in the lead vendor company’s program in June 2021, and Cleggett was banned from participating in the Mass Save program. In response to this, Cleggett, Espinosa and other co-conspirators formed Insulation Situation and Green Giants to enter as new lead vendors with the same company under straw owners. As a result, Cleggett obtained a total of $945,473 in payments from the company to Green Giants and Insulation Situation, despite him being banned from participating in the Mass Save program.
Additionally, on April 1, 2020, Cleggett submitted three Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications to the Small Business Administration for AVFG, the Daniel Cleggett Sole Proprietorship and Green Save. Cleggett obtained a total of $792,106 in EIDL loans and advances. In the applications, Cleggett falsely denied involvement in illegal activity despite his involvement in the sober home wire fraud scheme and the mortgage fraud scheme involving one of his Weymouth sober homes. Cleggett’s Sole Proprietorship EIDL application was false because the Daniel Cleggett Sole Proprietorship did not exist. Despite certifying that EIDL proceeds would only be used for “working capital” for the entity seeking the loan, Cleggett used tens of thousands of dollars from the funds to pay for personal expenses including EZ-Pass bills, gym membership fees, pet expenses, airline tickets, car rentals, vacation trips to Yellowstone, Montana and Aruba and thousands of dollars in hotel resort stays for Cleggett and his girlfriend – which included spa fees as well as a wine and caviar dinner, among other expenses. Cleggett also used Green Save EIDL funds for $37,997 in wedding expenses.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Kingston, Randolph and Quincy Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys and John T. Mulcahy and Dustin Chao of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit are prosecuting the case.Ohio Man Sentenced for Bankruptcy-Related FraudRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Wayne Robert Rummel, 41, of Crown City, Ohio, was sentenced on Monday, January 5, 2026, to three years of federal probation for falsifying recorded information relating to the property or financial affairs of a debtor in bankruptcy.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 5, 2023, Rummel filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. While the bankruptcy case was still pending, Rummel sought to obtain financing to purchase a 2022 Nissan Altima for $24,758.50. Rummel knew he needed the permission of the Bankruptcy Court obtain a post-bankruptcy petition loan.
On February 26, 2025, Rummel emailed the lender a fake order from the Bankruptcy Court, which purported to provide approval for him to finance the vehicle purchase through the lender. As part of his guilty plea, Rummel admitted that he knew the Bankruptcy Court order was fake because he created it, and that the Court had not given him permission to obtain the loan.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The United States Trustee’s Charleston field office, which serves West Virginia, made the criminal referral of this case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The United States Trustee Program is a component of the Department of Justice whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-138.
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North Little Rock Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Chauncey Slay, a multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 130 months in federal prison after conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by Chief United States District Judge Kristine G. Baker.
On October 9, 2024, Slay, 46, of North Little Rock, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine. On June 30, 2025, Slay pleaded guilty to the indictment. Chief Judge Baker also sentenced Slay to five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
On March 6, 2024, Lonoke County Sherrif’s Office and Arkansas State Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Slay was a passenger. During the traffic stop, officers learned Slay, who was behaving nervously, was on parole with a search waiver on file. The driver and Slay were asked to exit the vehicle. When Slay was asked to place his hands behind his back, he began to argue with the officers. During the arrest, one of the officers shook Slay’s pant leg, causing a small baggie of a crystal-like substance to fall to the ground. Slay was placed in a patrol unit and transported to the Lonoke County jail. While en route to the jail, Slay informed deputies that he had drugs in his pants. Deputies pulled over and removed another baggie of crystal-like substance from Slay’s other pant leg. The suspected narcotics were sent to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) laboratory where it was determined to be more than 120 grams of methamphetamine with a 98% purity level.
Slay’s criminal history includes several felony drug convictions for possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine with purpose to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, delivery of methamphetamine, possession of heroin with purpose to deliver, and possession of fentanyl.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA with assistance from the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Eldridge.
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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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North Little Rock Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—J. Frederick Braswell, III, who had been convicted in February 2024, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, will spend the next 120 months in federal prison after again being convicted for illegally possessing a gun. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky. Today’s federal sentence marks the third time Braswell has been convicted for possessing a gun after becoming a felon.
On December 3, 2024, Braswell, 26, of North Little Rock, was indicted by a federal grand jury in a three-count Indictment for being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On August 15, 2025, Braswell pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Rudofsky also sentenced Braswell to three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
An investigation revealed that on August 25, 2024, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of Braswell for speeding. Braswell attempted to flee from officers, reaching speeds of 100 miles per hour. After a tactical vehicle intervention disabled his car, Braswell then fled on foot, jumping a privacy fence and entering someone’s residence. Officers followed Braswell, locating him inside the residence and in possession of a backpack containing multiple bags of marijuana, Xanax, a scale, money, and a Glock 29, 10mm firearm with an extended magazine. For his previous conviction in February 2024 for possession of a firearm by a felon, Braswell received a 60-month suspended imposition of sentence, despite it being his second such conviction at the time.
Braswell’s criminal history includes felony drug convictions for possession of oxycodone and possession of marijuana with purpose to deliver, as well as two convictions for possession of firearms by certain person, theft by receiving, and fleeing.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Arkansas State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacy Williams.
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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
X (formerly known as Twitter):
@USAO_EDAR
New year, same commitment to border enforcement: Southern District charges 201 individualsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – The first full week of 2026 has resulted in 200 filed cases related to immigration and border security, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
From Jan. 2-8, a total of 117 people have been charged with felony reentry after removal, and another 70 face allegations of illegal entry. Most have felony convictions for narcotics, violent crime, various immigration crimes and more. The filed cases also include nine individuals accused of human smuggling, while the remaining matters involve firearms and other immigration-related crimes.
One of those charged is Mexican national Daniel Enrique Rangel-Quezada. According to the criminal complaint, authorities discovered him near Garciasville in possession of a firearm and with a gunshot wound to his abdomen. Not a U.S. citizen, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
Other criminal complaints allege several illegal aliens unlawfully reentered the United States in the past week. Two of those men - Mexican nationals Juan Dimas-Sosa and Audelio Rios-Castillo – had been removed from the country in August 2024 and June 2025, respectively. However, law enforcement allegedly encountered both in the McAllen area. Rios-Castillo has a prior conviction for illegal reentry, while Dimas-Sosa had been convicted of human smuggling, according to the allegations. They could receive up to 20 years in prison if convicted of felony reentry after removal.
In addition to the new cases, a Laredo felon has been ordered to federal prison for 10 years in a cartel-linked conspiracy to smuggle hundreds of illegal aliens into the country. At the sentencing hearing, the court heard additional evidence as to the prolific scope of Danny Nunez’s leadership of the large-scale human smuggling organization that served as a “one-stop shop” for all the necessary actions to harbor and smuggle illegal aliens on the United States side of the border. Nunez worked directly with Cartel del Noreste to smuggle over 1,900 aliens which resulted in a substantial amount of illicit profits for both the CDN and Nunez. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the sophistication of the operation, commenting that this was the largest number of aliens smuggled and the most prolific smuggler she had seen.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, ICE - Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for this district. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal histories, including convictions for human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes.
An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
New Britain Woman Sentenced to Prison for Fraudulently Obtaining COVID-19 Relief FundsRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that VICTORIA KATES, 35, of New Britain, sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to three months of imprisonment and two years of supervised release for fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief funds.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One program created by the CARES Act was a temporary federal unemployment insurance program for pandemic unemployment assistance (“Pandemic Unemployment Assistance”). Pandemic Unemployment Assistance provided unemployment insurance (“UI”) benefits for employed individuals who were not eligible for other types of UI due to their employment status. The CARES Act also created a new temporary federal program called Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (“FPUC”) that provided additional weekly benefits to those eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance or regular UI. The Connecticut Department of Labor (CT-DOL) administers UI benefits for residents of Connecticut.
From March 2020 through May 2021, Kates defrauded the CT-DOL of $217,056 by filing fraudulent unemployment applications with the CT-DOL on behalf of her family, acquaintances, and others. Kates prepared and submitted the original applications and, in certain instances, submitted required weekly recertifications of the applicant’s purported continued unemployment status. Kates took a portion of the payouts as a fee.
As an example, in August 2020, Kates submitted an online unemployment application to the CT-DOL for a friend that made several false representations, including that the applicant was a self-employed driver who worked 40 hours per week when, in fact, the applicant was neither self-employed nor worked the hours represented. Kates also used her home address as the applicant’s address. Based on the original application and weekly certifications, the CT-DOL made $27,993 in payments, with Kates taking at least $1,000 to $1,500 as a fee. When the CT-DOL demanded proof of legal wages and proof of address, Kates created and provided to the CT-DOL a fraudulent IRS form showing the applicant’s purported gross wages for 2019 and a cropped photograph of a business envelope to make it appear that the applicant had lived at the represented address.
Another source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The PPP allowed qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive unsecured loans at an interest rate of 1% to be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP allowed the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spent the proceeds on these expenses within a certain period of time of receipt and used at least a certain percentage of the amount to be forgiven for payroll.
The PPP was overseen by the Small Business Administration, which has authority over all PPP loans. Individual PPP loans, however, were issued by private approved lenders, which received and processed PPP applications and supporting documentation, and then made loans using the lenders’ own funds, which were guaranteed by the SBA.
In 2021, Kates applied for and received $16,250 through the PPP loan program by making false representations, including overstating her yearly gross income. Kates also provided a false IRS filing to support the income figure on the application. She subsequently provided additional fraudulent information to obtain forgiveness of the loan.
Judge Nagala ordered Kates to pay $233,306 in restitution.
On April 2, 2025, Kates pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud.
Kates, who is released on a $40,000 bond, is required to report to prison on March 10.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to 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.
Multi-State ATM “Jackpotting” Ring Busted in Middle District of GeorgiaRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A group of Venezuelan nationals involved in a series of ATM “jackpotting” thefts across Georgia and additional states have pleaded guilty to federal charges.
Hector Alejandro Alvarado Alvarez, 22, of Venezuela, and Cesar Augusto Gil Sanchez, 22, of Venezuela, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud on Jan. 7 and face a maximum of 30 years in prison. A sentencing date will be determined by the Court.
Co-defendants Javier Alejandro Suarez-Godoy, 20, of Venezuela, was sentenced to time served on Jan. 7, after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud on Sept. 24, 2025; David Josfrangel Suarez-Sanchez, 24, of Venezuela, was sentenced to serve ten months in prison on Sept. 24, 2025, after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud; and Giobriel Alexander Valera-Astudillo, 26, of Venezuela, was sentenced to serve ten months in prison on June 5, 2025, after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Alvarado Alvarez, Gil Sanchez, Suarez-Godoy, Suarez-Sanchez and Valera-Astudillo are subject to immediate deportation byImmigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after serving their prison sentences. Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner is presiding over the case. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Law enforcement agencies nationwide are increasingly encountering jackpotting schemes that have ties to major criminal organizations,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “We appreciate the strong collaboration between numerous police departments and the FBI, whose efforts led to the apprehension of this group. These individuals now face ICE detainers for immediate deportation.”
“This group exploited sophisticated malware and traveled across state lines to target financial institutions, demonstrating the evolving and organized nature of modern ATM jackpotting schemes,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will continue working with our law enforcement partners nationwide to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal networks that threaten the security of our banking system and our communities.”
According to court documents and statements referenced in court, the FBI began investigating ATM “jackpotting” thefts that occurred between Sept. 14 and Sept. 16, 2024, at Peoples South Bank ATMs in Macon, Americus and Albany, Georgia, with failed attempts to steal money from Citizens Community Bank ATMs in Banbridge, Georgia, and Tallahassee, Florida. In all, $24,000 was stolen from Peoples South Bank ATMs.
“Jackpotting” exploits ATM vulnerabilities, causing machines to dispense cash. Criminals gather ATM details, then either use malware-infected devices or “supervisor mode” to trigger cash withdrawals. Malware was used in these thefts.
Surveillance video from the ATM thefts showed the ringleader, Alvarado Alvarez, along with other co-conspirators, participating in the thefts and attempted thefts. Law enforcement also recovered Alvarado Alvarez’s fingerprints on the ATM machines in Albany and Bainbridge.
On Oct. 20, 2024, Alvarado Alvarez, Suarez-Sanchez and Varela-Astudillo accessed or attempted to access the ATM machines belonging to Commercial Banking Co. and Citizens Community Bank in Hahira, Morven, and Valdosta, Georgia. The group took $33,000 from the ATM in Morven and $18,000 from the ATM in Valdosta. They failed to steal money from the Haihara ATM machine.
The next day, on Oct. 21, 2024, a Morven Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop of a car driven by Suarez-Sanchez and Varela-Astudillo. The same officer was called to the ATM theft at the Citizens Community Bank on Main Street in Morven. The officer immediately recognized the vehicle in the surveillance footage as the same vehicle he had stopped earlier, being driven by Suarez-Sanchez and Varela-Astudillo. The officer immediately initiated a BOLO (be on the lookout) for the vehicle. The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) stopped the car on Interstate 75 in Tift County, Georgia. Varela-Astudillo and Suarez-Sanchez were placed into custody and taken to Valdosta Police Department. During the arrest, law enforcement discovered stacks of cash inside a black bag located in the passenger seat. Officers also found computer equipment used in the ATM thefts; 40 fingerprints were obtained and matched prints on file for Suarez-Godoy and Alvarado Alverez, along with other co-conspirators.
On November 26, 2024, the Hazard Police Department in Kentucky received a burglary alarm at a Peoples Bank ATM. Alvarado Alvarez was recorded on the security camera tampering with the ATM; other banks in Perry County, Kentucky, had reported similar suspicious activities at their ATMs. Officers quickly tracked down the car seen on the security footage. Alvarado Alvarez, who was driving the car, had no proof of identification, and officers saw a large sum of cash in plain sight. Alvarado Alvarez was taken into custody possessing $67,153.00, an ATM key and several electronic devices used in the ATM thefts. A search warrant executed at Alvarado Alvarez’s motel room recovered an additional $65,600.
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 Neighborhoods (PSN).
The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Albany, Georgia, Police Department (APD); the Bainbridge, Georgia Police Department (BPD); the Valdosta, Georgia Police Department (VPD); the Hahira, Georgia, Police Department (HPD); the Jasper, Georgia, Police Department; the Morven, Georgia, Police Department (MPD); the Hazard, Kentucky, Police Department (HPD); and the Georgia State Patrol (GSP).
Deputy Criminal Chief Veronica Hansis is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Morristown Woman Pleads Guilty in the Deaths of Multiple Overdose VictimsRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – On January 6, 2026, Ashlyn Jade Henry, 25 currently of Morristown, TN entered a guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a quantity of fentanyl and cocaine in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C) before the Honorable Clifton L. Corker, United States District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Greeneville. Sentencing has been set before Judge Corker on May 13, 2026, at 11:00a.m., in United States District Court at Greeneville.
Henry faces a minimum of 20 years imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment, a maximum $1,000,000 fine, minimum 3 years and up to life on supervised release, and a $100 assessment.
According to filed court documents, in January 2024, Henry purchased a quantity of cocaine base from her supplier in the Knoxville area for the purpose of reselling it to people in Morristown, Tennessee. This cocaine base was laced with fentanyl. Over the course of several days, Henry then sold the laced drugs to numerous victims. At least three victims were found deceased in their homes after using the drugs. Two victims overdosed and survived after being resuscitated. Both victims who survived positively identified Henry as the person that sold them the fentanyl laced cocaine base.
U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement.
The prosecution was the result of a joint investigation in by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office and Morristown Police Department.
Meghan L. Gomez, Assistant United States Attorney represented the United States.
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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Mission Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Assaulting Tribal Police OfficerRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on January 6, 2026.
Everett Joseph Menard, age 29, was sentenced to one year and four months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Menard was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2025. He pleaded guilty on October 1, 2025.
The conviction stems from an incident in March 2025 in the jurisdiction of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation following Menard’s arrest by tribal officers after they responded to a call. During the arrest, Menard became combative, struck a Tribal Police Officer in the face, and attempted to flee.
“Assaults on law enforcement officers will be prosecuted and the perpetrators punished,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “We stand shoulder to shoulder with the brave, dedicated, and professional officers of the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Police seeking to protect the security and safety of the communities they serve every day.”
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Menard was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mission Man Sentenced to 6 ½ Years in Federal Prison for Shooting at Another ManRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. The sentencing took place on January 6, 2026.
Richard Joseph One Feather, age 56, was sentenced to six years and six months in federal prison, followed by three of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
One Feather was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2025. He pleaded guilty on October 1, 2025.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on July 20, 2024, in the Winner Housing area of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. One Feather confronted the victim, an adult male, with a handgun and fired the gun in his direction, narrowly missing him.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
This matter is being 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.
One Feather was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mexican National Admits to Cocaine Distribution and Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Mexican national admitted to distribution of controlled substances and illegal firearm possession, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced today.
Hector Riano-Corcuera, 33, a citizen and national of Mexico and most recently of East Brunswick, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi to a two-count Information charging him with distribution of controlled substances and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Riano-Corcuera had been previously charged by complaint with these offenses on June 27, 2025.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On or about June 26, 2025, law enforcement officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration arrested Riano-Corcuera after he sold approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine to another individual. Prior to the arrest, Riano-Corcuera fled on foot from the officers before being caught. Once apprehended, officers recovered a loaded Sig Sauer 9mm firearm from a bag that Riano-Corcuera had been wearing. Law enforcement then executed a search of Riano-Corcuera’s residence, where they recovered additional quantities of cocaine, two semiautomatic rifles, three handguns, and a variety of firearm ammunition.
The cocaine distribution charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a fine of up to $10 million. The unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for May 13, 2026.
Senior Counsel Lamparello credited special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda Thorne-James in Newark, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. He also thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel in Newark, IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer Piovesan in Newark, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Linda Estremera, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Bradley D. Billhimer, the Asbury Park Police Department, under the direction of Deputy Chief of Police Guy Thompson, the East Brunswick Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Frank LoSacco, the Lakewood Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Gregory H. Meyer, the Manchester Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Antonio Ellis, the Middletown Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police R. Craig Weber, the Neptune Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Anthony Gualario, the Ocean Gate Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Kuchta, and the Spotswood Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Philip Corbisiero, for their assistance in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
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Defense counsel: Andrea Aldana, Esq., Federal Public Defenders.
riano_corcuera.information.pdfMartin County Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Chason Reed Peck (37, Palm City) has pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering. Peck faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the wire fraud charge and up to 10 years’ imprisonment on each of the money laundering counts. As part of his guilty plea, Peck has agreed to forfeit $300,000, which are funds traceable as proceeds of the offenses. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, on February 3, 2017, Peck applied for and received business financing from Deere & Company (“John Deere”). On February 16, 2020, Peck applied for a $300,000 total credit limit on his John Deere credit. Peck hand-wrote the financial application and gave it to a representative of an agricultural store in Ocala to submit on his behalf. The application, however, contained false information that greatly overstated Peck’s assets. For instance, Peck claimed his cash assets were approximately $3 million. He also claimed to have 1,500 of acres of farming land. In reality, Peck’s cash assets were approximately $6,000, and he was only farming about 60 acres. Based on the fraudulent information he submitted, Peck obtained the increased credit line along with lines of ‘liquid credit” (business loans). Peck then used the increased credit line to make three payments towards debts he already had with his employer. Those payments totaled $274,673.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.
Luzerne County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession of A Stolen Firearm by A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James Alberto, age 38, of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on January 8, 2025, to 120 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a stolen firearm.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Alberto was convicted on May 7, 2025, following a three-day jury trial. The evidence presented at trial established that on August 12, 2021, Alberto was found asleep behind the wheel of a running vehicle stopped at a stop sign, with his foot on the brake and a line of cars stopped behind him. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and ultimately discovered a stolen firearm in the glove compartment.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department (WBPD), and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP). Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah R. Lloyd and James M. Buchanan prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Louisville Man Sentenced to 25 years for Methamphetamine and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Jefferson County, Kentucky, man was sentenced yesterday to 25 years in federal prison after being convicted of multiple drug and firearm offenses in a week-long trial in September.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents Stephen Piercy was sentenced to 25 years followed by 10 years of supervised release. According to evidence presented at trial, from January 1, 2021, through August 29, 2023, Piercy, conspired with other individuals to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine. Piercy was further convicted of distributing over 50 grams of methamphetamine on 5 dates from March through July of 2023; possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on two dates; possessing with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine on August 29, 2023; and possessing a firearm with the knowledge that he was prohibited from doing so due having been previously convicted of a felony. At sentencing, Piercy was held responsible for a total of 1.32 kilograms of methamphetamine either distributed or possessed with the intent to distribute. The jury also found that Piercy had previously been convicted of the following serious drug felony.
On October 3, 2008, in Jefferson County Circuit Court, Louisville, Kentucky, Piercy was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree.
United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “Methamphetamine has been plaguing our communities for too long. With our law enforcement partners, we are committed to pursuing and aggressively prosecuting substantial drug traffickers like Stephen Piercy. I hope Piercy’s trial conviction and resulting substantial 25-year sentence acts as a deterrent to other drug dealers.”
“Drug traffickers who push highly addictive drugs such as methamphetamine onto our streets have no place in our society,” stated Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office. “FBI Louisville sees the devastating impacts these substances have on the communities in which we live, and we will continue to use every available resource to identify, disrupt, and dismantle dangerous drug trafficking networks.”
“This sentence shows what we can accomplish when LMPD and our federal partners work together. Drug traffickers who fuel violence in our city will face serious consequences, and we will continue joining forces to protect Louisville’s neighborhoods,” stated Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The FBI and LMPD investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua R. Porter and Erwin Roberts are prosecuting the case with assistance from paralegal Aaron Cooper.
This conviction is a 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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Leader of Violent Gang Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Involving Attempted Murder and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston area man pleaded guilty today to his role in Cameron Street, a violent Boston gang.
Anthony Centeio, a/k/a “Wheezy,” 37 of Boston and Rehoboth, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise; conspiracy to distribute 500 grams of more of cocaine, cocaine base and methamphetamine; and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick scheduled sentencing for May 7, 2026 Centeio was among 22 defendants charged in May 2023.
Centeio was identified as a leader of Cameron Street, a violent gang based largely in the Dorchester section of Boston that uses violence and threats of violence to preserve, protect and expand its territory, promote a climate of fear and enhance its reputation. Members of Cameron Street have tattoos or wear clothing signifying their membership in the gang. Members post videos or use social media applications to promote Cameron Street, celebrate murders and other violent crimes committed by the gang as well as to denigrate rivals, in particular NOB (Norton, Onley and Barry Streets), known more generally as Wendover. Cameron Street members possess, carry and use firearms to murder and assault gang rivals as well as protect narcotics and drug proceeds.As part of his role in the Cameron Street enterprise, Centeio and another Cameron Street member, Daronde Bethea, a/k/a “Freeze,” committed an attempted murder with a firearm of an NOB/Wendover gang member in Dorchester in June 2018. Bethea was sentenced to nearly 24 years in prison for his role in Cameron Street, including the attempted murder in June 2024:
Between February 2021 and March 2022, law enforcement recorded controlled purchases of a firearm from Centeio, as well as purchases of over 500 grams of cocaine and cocaine base from Centeio directly or through his cousin and co-defendant Michael Lopes. Lopes was sentenced to more than four years in prison in May 2024:
During an April 2022 search of Centeio’s home in Rehoboth, $25,760 in cash, a Glock .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, 21 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition, clothing and jewelry associated with Cameron Street was recovered. Centeio was encountered at Lopes’ residence in Pawtucket, where hundreds of grams of cocaine, cocaine base and methamphetamine, packaging materials for street level sales and cash were seized:
The charge of RICO conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, cocaine base and methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Jared A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; Suffolk, Plymouth, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorney’s Offices; and the Canton, Quincy, Randolph, Somerville, Brockton, Malden, Stoughton, Rehoboth and Pawtucket (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Pohl and Charles Dell’Anno of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
The remaining defendants named in the indictment are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lakanwal Newly Indicted in Shooting of Guardsmen Near White House that Killed Sarah BeckstromRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – An Indictment was unsealed today in U.S. District Court charging Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, with an array of offenses in the ambush-style shooting near the White House on November 26 that killed National Guardsman Sarah Beckstrom and seriously injured National Guardsman Andrew Wolfe, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The Indictment adds two new counts of assault with intent to kill for additional victims, R.R. and E.S., two National Guard majors who subdued Lakanwal at the scene.
In addition, the Indictment charges Lakanwal with first degree murder while armed (premeditated), assault with intent to kill while armed, transportation of a firearm & ammunition in interstate commerce with the intent to commit a felony; and four counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence or dangerous offense.
“We are vigorously pursuing the prosecution of Lakanwal,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Nothing is off the table, and we will continue to weigh additional charges.”
According to court documents, Lakanwal allegedly drove his Toyota Prius from his home in Washington state to the District of Columbia. On the day before Thanksgiving, Wednesday, November 26, at about 2:13 p.m., Lakanwal opened fire without provocation at 17th and I Streets, NW, near the Farragut West Metro Station, shooting Beckstrom and Wolfe in the head. Two nearby majors in the National Guard responded immediately and subdued the suspect.
At the scene, investigators recovered a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver that had been reported stolen in Seattle, Washington, in 2023.
Ms. Beckstrom, 20, succumbed to her injuries on Thanksgiving, November 27. National Guardsman Andrew Wolfe, 24, was critically injured in the ambush.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. The matter is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
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Kyle Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Assaulting a Woman Causing Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Kyle, South Dakota, man convicted of two counts of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on January 2, 2026.
Vinnie Sonny Makes Good, 37, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $200 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $328.02 in restitution.
Makes Good was indicted for the charges by a federal grand jury in December 2024. He pleaded guilty on October 10, 2025.
In March 2023, Makes Good assaulted his dating partner inside a vehicle near Kyle. He then threw her out of the vehicle and assaulted her by kicking and punching her. The victim sustained injuries to her face, torso, and legs, and further sustained a broken pinky finger.
In October 2023, Makes Good assaulted the same partner causing her to sustain a 3 mm left tentorial subdural hematoma as well as fractures to vertebra in her back. She was initially transported to Indian Health Services Hospital in Pine Ridge and then on to Monument Health in Rapid City for further care.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandating 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.
Makes Good was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Kauai Woman Sentenced to 36 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Trish Leila Henderson, 46, of Kauai, was sentenced yesterday in federal court by Senior United States District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi to 36 months in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court records, Henderson was part of a conspiracy that was acquiring controlled substances through the U.S. mail and was engaged in the distribution of methamphetamine on Kauai. In total, Henderson was held responsible for over 22 pounds of methamphetamine.
Henderson is one of eleven defendants charged in three separate indictments for crimes related to the operation of a trans-Pacific drug trafficking network, nine of whom have pled guilty with the remaining awaiting trial. The overall investigation yielded seizures of more than 150 pounds of methamphetamine, several kilograms of fentanyl and carfentanil, eight firearms, ammunition, and over $150,000 in cash.
At sentencing, Judge Kobayashi commented that Henderson had shown strong mitigating circumstances, including her drug treatment and her efforts to rebuild her community following the harm she had caused in distributing methamphetamine on Kauai.
Henderson is the third defendant in a nine-defendant indictment to be sentenced. Her coconspirators, including those charged in other indictments, have been sentenced as follows:
- On April 30, 2025, in one of the related cases charged by separate indictment, Shawn Pauahi Santana was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and to distributing methamphetamine.
- On December 10, 2025, Faith Michelle Nelson was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- On December 16, 2025, Francis Anthony Abergas, Jr., was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm and ammunition after having been previously convicted of a felony.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Kauai, Maui, and Honolulu Police Departments, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret C. Nammar is prosecuting the case.
Justice Department Secures $325,000 Settlement in Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Iowa Landlord and Property ManagerRead the Press Release
Note: View settlement here. The quote has also been updated slightly.
The Justice Department announced today that the owner and property manager of residential rental properties in Davenport, Iowa, have agreed to pay $325,000 to resolve a lawsuit alleging that the property manager sexually harassed female tenants in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
The Department’s lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa in January 2025, alleges that for more than two decades, property manager Kurt Williams sexually harassed female tenants at various rental dwellings throughout Davenport. The suit alleges that Williams’ conduct included making unwelcome sexual comments and sexual advances to female tenants, exposing his genitals to female tenants, requesting sex or sex acts from female tenants in exchange for tangible housing benefits like reductions in rent, and taking adverse housing actions, such as initiating evictions or refusing to make repairs, against female tenants who objected to or refused his sexual advances.
“A home should be a place of security and comfort, not fear,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to hold property managers and landlords accountable when they prey on vulnerable tenants by sexually harassing them.”
“Housing should not be a tool used for exploitation,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Waterman for the Southern District of Iowa. “Our office will vigorously uphold the Fair Housing Act to protect tenants’ dignity, safety, and equal access to housing.”
“Kurt Williams exploited his authority as a landlord for sexual gain, victimizing our most vulnerable community members,” said Special Agent in Charge Machelle Jindra with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Inspector General (OIG). “Sexual misconduct in housing is not a misunderstanding — it is an abuse of power that turns shelter into leverage, and nobody should ever have to trade their safety for a place to live. HUD OIG will continue to work with the US Attorney’s Office to hold housing providers accountable for this type of horrible conduct.”
The Justice Department’s lawsuit also names as a defendant Gearhead Properties LC, the owner of the rental dwellings where the sexual harassment occurred. The lawsuit alleges that this defendant is vicariously liable for the sexual harassment committed by their agent, Kurt Williams. HUD OIG participated in the investigation that uncovered the evidence leading to the lawsuit.
Pursuant to the settlement agreement, the defendants must pay $315,000 to tenants who were harmed by Williams’ harassment and a $10,000 civil penalty to the United States. The settlement agreement permanently bars Williams from contacting tenants harmed by his harassment and permanently bars Williams from managing residential rental properties.
If you are a victim of sexual harassment by another landlord or property manager or have suffered other forms of housing discrimination, call the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743 or submit a report online. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. This settlement is part of the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative. The initiative, which the Department launched in October 2017, seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers and other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative, the department has filed 52 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered nearly $17 million for victims of such harassment.
Jury Convicts Savannah Man for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Savannah, GA: A Savannah man has been found guilty at trial for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person following an incident that occurred in February 2024.
Benjamin Michael Greene, 39, of Savannah, was convicted following a one-day jury trial in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia announced Margaret E. Heap, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
As described at trial, on February 12, 2024, while a man was putting air in the tires of his vehicle on Augusta Avenue, Greene jumped into the driver’s seat and took off with the vehicle. Officers with the Savannah Police Department were in the area and immediately responded. Greene led officers on a vehicle pursuit before wrecking the vehicle into a telephone pole. Greene then exited the wrecked vehicle, leading officers on a foot pursuit. A K-9 officer with the Savannah Police Department was able to apprehend Greene. Officers then had to wrestle the firearm out of Greene’s hands. Officers located an additional firearm and controlled substances on the scene. Greene was prohibited from possessing firearms because of previous felony convictions in the Superior Court of Chatham County.
“Our commitment to removing firearms from the hands of convicted felons is unwavering. I would like to especially recognize K-9 Zulu, whose work directly led to the safe recovery of this firearm” said Margaret E. Heap, U.S. Attorney.
"The successful outcome of this case underscores the vital partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Together, we are making significant strides in combating gun violence and ensuring that our communities remain safe,” said ATF RAC Robert Davis.
This investigation took place under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer.
The case was investigated by the Savannah Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted for the United States by the Southern District of Georgia Special Assistant United States Attorney Makeia R. Jonese and Assistant United States Attorney Darron J. Hubbard.
For any questions, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
Huntington Woman Sentenced to Prison for COVID-19 Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Tanisha Wooding, 46, of Huntington, was sentenced on Monday, January 5, 2026, to 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $101,204.31 in restitution for theft of government money. Wooding fraudulently obtained $91,664 in COVID-19 loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for her personal use.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from on or about July 26, 2020, through on or about June 10, 2021, Wooding knowingly defrauded and obtained money from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program authorized by the CARES Act. Wooding applied for and received four PPP loans totaling $81,664, falsely claiming on each application that the loan was for a business to cover payroll and other allowable expenses. Wooding listed an insurance agency on two of the applications, a carpet cleaning business on the third and a tax service on the fourth. Wooding also applied for and received a $10,000 EIDL program loan, falsely claiming the money was for an insurance business where she employed 10 people.
As part of her guilty plea, Wooding admitted that she did not own or operate any such businesses and had no payroll or other eligible business expenses during that time. The proceeds from each fraudulently obtained loan were deposited in Wooding’s personal bank account in West Virginia. Wooding admitted that she made dozens of cash withdrawals and mobile payment and digital wallet service transfers to spend loan proceeds for personal use.
The CARES Act made forgivable PPP relief loans available to adversely impacted eligible businesses and authorized the SBA to provide EIDL program loans to eligible small businesses experiencing substantial financial disruption.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of Inspector General (NASA OIG), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Litigation Financial Analyst with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).
NASA OIG is an active member of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Fraud Task Force. The PRAC was established to promote transparency and facilitate coordinated oversight of the federal government’s COVID-19 pandemic response. The PRAC’s 20 member Inspectors General identify major risks that cross program and agency boundaries to detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the more than $5 trillion in COVID-19 spending, including spending via the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. This case was also supported by the PRAC’s Pandemic Analytics Center of Excellence, which applies the latest advances in analytic and forensic technologies to help OIGs and law enforcement pursue data-driven pandemic relief fraud investigations.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer D. Gordon and former Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Tessman prosecuted the case.
Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to 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.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-122.
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Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Huntington-Area Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Earl Michael Myers, also known as “Mike,” 45, of Huntington, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to distribution of cocaine base and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 25, 2025, Myers sold a quantity of crack in exchange for $170, a Taurus model Public Defender Judge .410-gauge/.45-caliber LC revolver in exchange for $400, and a Smith & Wesson model SD9VE 9mm pistol in exchange for $600 to a confidential informant. As part of his guilty plea, Myers admitted to conducting the transaction at his Huntington residence and to arranging it on June 22, 2025, when he showed the confidential informant the two firearms and discussed the different amounts of crack he could sell and at what prices. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Mid-Atlantic Laboratory confirmed the 3.5 grams of controlled substance Myers sold to the confidential informant contained 1.5 grams of crack.
Myers is scheduled to be sentenced on May 4, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for distribution of cocaine base and a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1,250,000.
Myers is among several individuals indicted by a federal grand jury on charges alleging they conspired to distribute fentanyl, cocaine base, and methamphetamine in the Huntington area from at least in and around March 2025 to in and around August 2025. Co-defendant Erin Leigh Keeney, 41, of Huntington, pleaded guilty on December 15, 2025, to distribution of carfentanil and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 30, 2026. Two other individuals were indicted separately as a result of the same investigation including Donovan Dewayne Pauley, 20, of Huntington, who pleaded guilty on October 27, 2025, to possession of a short-barreled shotgun not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 9, 2026. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Huntington Police Department, and the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-161.
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Hunterdon County Man Indicted on Possession of Videos and Images of Child Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Hunterdon County man was arraigned after being indicted on a charge of possessing videos and images of child sexual abuse, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced.
David Tuytjens, 70, of Tewksbury Township, New Jersey, was charged in a one-count Indictment with possession of child pornography. Yesterday, he was arraigned before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court and entered a plea of not guilty. Tuytjens was initially charged by complaint on the same offense in April 2025.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In December 2024, officers from the New Jersey State Parole Board visited Tuytjens’ residence and discovered various electronic devices, including a 64 gigabyte MicroSD storage card inside of a laptop. Officers conducted their visit because Tuytjens is prohibited from possessing, among other things, Internet-capable devices as an individual under Community Supervision for Life due to a prior State conviction for aggravated sexual assault. An examination of the storage card contents revealed at least 800 images and 30 video files containing child sexual abuse materials (“CSAM”). A review of the CSAM has revealed images depicting prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, images portraying sadistic or masochistic conduct, and sexual abuse or exploitation of an infant or toddler.
Due to Tuytjens’ prior convictions, including a federal conviction for possession of child pornography, the charge of possession of child pornography carries a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison. The charge also carries with it a maximum $250,000 fine.
Senior Counsel Lamparello credited special agents of the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force in the Newark Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark, the New Jersey State Parole Board, under the direction of Chairman Samuel J. Plumeri, Jr., and the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson, with the investigation leading to the indictment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charge contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: Carlos Diaz-Cobo, Esq.
tuytjens.indictment.pdfHouston straw purchasing ring charged with smuggling firearms to North KoreaRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Seven people have been charged for their alleged roles in a firearms trafficking scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The indictment alleges Chinese national Shenghua Wen, 39, whose U.S. visa expired in 2013, served as the ringleader. He has now made his appearance in Houston federal court.
Also charged are Chinese nationals Sifu Zhao, 24, Yiyang Wu, 40, and Mingtong Tan, 27, who all resided in Houston; Jin Yang, 60, Ontario, California; Max Mingze Li, 36, Houston; and Richard Arredondo, 51, a U.S. citizen who resided in Mexicali, Mexico.
According to the indictment returned Oct. 8, 2025, Wen and his girlfriend, Yang, purchased a gun store and directed the purchase of specific firearms and their sale to straw purchasers, such as Zhao, Tan, Wu, Mingze Li, and Arredondo. Wu also allegedly recruited one straw purchaser into the ring and transported pistols to a second Houston gun dealer for sale to others.
Between 2023 and 2024, the group obtained approximately 170 firearms and several thousand rounds of ammunition that were destined for North Korea, according to the indictment.
The charges allege Wen recruited Zhao and Tan to act as straw purchasers. They, along with Mingze Li and Arredondo, allegedly bought firearms on Wen’s behalf. Some of the firearms were later transported to another Houston firearms dealer for resale to members of the ring, according to the charges.
Wen and Yang are charged with conspiracy and conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking which carry respective terms of five and 15 years in prison, upon conviction. Wen could also receive an additional five years if convicted on any of the seven counts of aiding and abetting false statements to a federal firearms licensee.
Mingze Li, Arrendondo, Wu, Zhao and Tan each face one count of conspiracy and varying counts of aiding and abetting false statements to a federal firearms licensee with possible five-year maximum terms of imprisonment on all counts, upon conviction.
All charges also carry as possible punishment a maximum $250,000 fine.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with assistance from Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations and Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ganz is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Honduran national with felony criminal history sentenced for latest illegal entryRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 38-year-old Honduran national with a felony criminal history has been sentenced for illegally entering the country without authorization, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Jose Castro Orellana pleaded guilty Sept. 4, 2025.
U.S. District Judge Sim Lake has now ordered Orellana to serve 54 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, and with a current removal order, he is expected to be immediately removed from the United States after serving his sentence. At his sentencing hearing, the court heard that Orellana had been illegally entering and re-entering the country for the past 20 years.
Orellana’s criminal history includes felony convictions for domestic violence, evading arrest and illegal reentry. He was first removed in 2012 and returned unlawfully two times. He was removed again in 2022 but was arrested in July following his release from state custody for his fourth domestic violence conviction.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration Customs Enforcement – Enforcement Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Law 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 and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Hermon Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Hermon man pleaded guilty on Thursday in U.S. District Court in Bangor to being a felon in possession of firearms.
According to court records, on November 20, 2024, Bangor Police Department officers responded to a location near Benjamin’s bar in Bangor in response to a report of an assault with a firearm. A witness stated that she saw Todd Whitman, 38, with a firearm and that Whitman had fired the firearm twice. At the scene, officers observed a revolver on the passenger seat of Whitman’s vehicle. Officers obtained a state search warrant for the vehicle and seized the previously observed revolver as well as a pistol. During an interview with law enforcement, Whitman admitted to possessing both firearms. Whitman is prohibited from possessing firearms as a result of multiple prior felony convictions.
Whitman faces a term of imprisonment of at least 15 years, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case with the assistance of the Bangor Police Department.
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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Heavily armed drug dealer and illegal alien sentenced to federal prison for trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Michael Dwayne Banks and Victor Valente-Reynoso, an illegal alien, have each been sentenced to more than a decade in prison for possessing illegal drugs with intent to distribute and possessing firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking crimes.
“Our community is safer thanks to the agents and prosecutors who removed thousands of deadly fentanyl pills, nearly a half-dozen firearms, and two dangerous drug dealers from the streets,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “The significant punishment imposed on these pill peddling poison pushers should serve as a warning to other criminals who threaten our public safety and welfare by trafficking fentanyl in north Georgia.”
“Fentanyl is one of the most lethal drugs our country has ever faced,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “When traffickers choose to deal this poison while carrying firearms, they amplify the threat to our neighborhoods and to law enforcement. This federal sentence removes a dangerous individual from our streets.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On August 23, 2022, Victor Valente Reynoso, an illegal alien from Mexico, sold 536 fentanyl pills outside a gas station in Clayton County, Georgia. Following that deal, Reynoso and his conspirators arranged to sell 5,000 fentanyl pills at a church parking lot in Fulton County, Georgia. Law enforcement foiled the drug deal and arrested Reynoso, in possession of 4,000 fentanyl pills and 1,000 fake Xanax pills, as well as Banks, who was armed with a loaded handgun to protect the deal.
Agents later searched Banks’s residence and recovered more fake Xanax pills, blue fentanyl pills, oxycodone, cocaine, and several large bags of marijuana there. Agents also found another loaded handgun and three rifles, including a short barrel machine gun.
On January 8, 2026, U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones sentenced Michael Dwayne Banks, 31, of Atlanta, Georgia, to 13 years, eight months in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Banks was convicted of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on October 9, 2025, after he pleaded guilty.
On July 12, 2023, Judge Jones sentenced Victor Valente-Reynoso, 27, of Acapulco, Mexico, to 10 years and 10 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Valente-Reynoso was convicted of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on January 31, 2023, after he pleaded guilty.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dwayne Brown, Jr. and Phyllis Clerk, and former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebeca Ojeda and Miguel Acosta, prosecuted the case.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with valuable assistance provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Georgia State Patrol, and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
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.
Guatemalan National Sentenced to Serve More Than Two Decades in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – GUSTAVO GORDILLO, 42, of Guatemala, has been sentenced to serve 292 months in federal prison for production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
In July 2020, public record reflects that Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) investigators received a cyber tip after files containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) were uploaded to a Google Photos account. The investigation revealed that the individual who uploaded the files, later determined to be Gordillo, lived in Oklahoma City. The investigation also revealed that Gordillo had communicated with and sent CSAM to multiple children. One child, who lived out of state, produced CSAM of herself at Gordillo's direction and sent the CSAM to Gordillo.
On January 29, 2025, Gordillo was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations and OCPD. Public record reflects that Gordillo previously entered the United States on a temporary visa, but that visa had expired.
On February 20, 2025, a federal grand jury charged Gordillo with production of child pornography. Gordillo pleaded guilty on June 12, 2025, and admitted he used a child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing CSAM.
At a sentencing hearing on January 7, 2026, U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Gordillo to serve 292 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the history and characteristics of the defendant and the need to protect the public from Gordillo, noting that he was a sexual predator who sought out young girls for the purpose of creating child pornography.
This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon 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, and protect communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Guatemalan National Charged with Biting ICE Officer During Traffic StopRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A federal grand jury in Huntsville has charged a Guatemalan national with assaulting a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) officer, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.
A one-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Antonio Juan-Juan, 30, with forcibly assaulting a federal officer. According to court documents, Juan-Juan bit an ICE officer during a traffic stop in DeKalb County.
ICE conducted the investigation, along with the Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Brett A. Janich is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty for the charged offense is eight years imprisonment.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Greenbrier County Man Sentenced for Immigration CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Rajesh N. Patel, 51, of Ronceverte, was sentenced today to three years of federal probation and fined $10,000 for knowingly transporting an illegal alien.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from November 2020 through at least September 2024, Aakash Prakash Makwana, 30, a citizen of India unlawfully residing in Ronceverte, was employed at a Fairlea business owned and operated by Patel. Makwana assisted with running the daily business during the time period. As part of their guilty pleas, Patel admitted that he agreed to hire Makwana knowing that Makwana was living in the United States illegally after his immigration visa expired.
Patel further admitted that he drove Makwana to and from work and other locations because Makwana did not own a vehicle. Patel also admitted that he did not collect or pay over to the United States government any payroll taxes from Makwana’s gross pay, and paid Makwana’s rent and supplied him with groceries during most of the time Makwana was employed at the business.
Makwana was sentenced to two years in prison on October 8, 2025, after pleading guilty to aggravated identity theft. Makwana admitted that he committed the offense as part of a scheme to marry a United States citizen to evade U.S. immigration laws. In or around August 2021, Makwana conspired with others to marry a U.S. citizen so he could apply for Lawful Permanent Residence status, also known as obtaining a Green Card. The marriage fraud scheme was not successful.
As part of his guilty plea, Patel admitted that he knew of the marriage fraud conspiracy and aided and abetted it by making cash payments to Makwana’s co-conspirators. Kalee Ann Huff, 28, of Fairbury, Illinois, admitted to marrying Makwana as part of the conspiracy and was sentenced on June 12, 2025, to five years of federal probation for marriage fraud and perjury. Huff’s brother-in-law, Joseph Sanchez, admitted to helping to arrange the fake marriage and to pressuring Huff to take part. Sanchez, 34, of Fairbury, Illinois, was sentenced to five years of federal probation on May 28, 2025, for participating in an immigration marriage fraud conspiracy.
Patel’s wife, Avanibahen Patel, 44, of Ronceverte, pleaded guilty on September 4, 2025, to unlawful employment of aliens and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 13, 2026.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuted the case.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 5:25-cr-136.
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Georgia Inmates Found Guilty in Nationwide Jury Duty Call SchemeRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – Two Georgia inmates involved in a nationwide call scheme exhorting unsuspecting citizens to pay off fines to avoid arrest and prosecution were found guilty of their crimes in federal court tonight.
Joey Amour Jackson aka “Apes---,” and Lance Riddle aka “C-Port,” both of Calhoun State Prison, were found guilty of all counts charged by indictment: one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering on Jan. 9, following a five-day trial that began on Jan. 5, before Senior U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands in Albany. The defendants face a maximum 30 years in prison for wire fraud and a maximum of 20 years in prison for money laundering, to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine per count. A sentencing date will be scheduled by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Centered out of Calhoun State Prison in Georgia, inmates and co-conspirators outside prison walls participated in a nationwide scheme to extract money from citizens by threatening them with arrest and other penalties for missing jury duty,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “This scheme went even further by coercing personal photos from some female victims, resulting in threats of rape and other violence against them by inmates. Law enforcement is dedicated to identifying and apprehending those who exploit the goodwill of our citizens, ensuring they face the maximum consequences permitted by law.”
“Not even prison cells prevented these criminals from harming dozens of innocent people. Hopefully, this verdict will bring some level of comfort to the victims and prevent others from falling for similar scams,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners in not only addressing these types of inmate-based crimes but also in preventing inmates access to contraband cell phones that provide the means to do so much harm to the unsuspecting public.”
According to court documents and statements referenced at trial, FBI agents in Columbus, Georgia, received information from various law enforcement agencies throughout the U.S. regarding reports of wire fraud by Georgia inmates, including from local law enforcement in Colorado, Florida, Virginia, Nevada, California and Ohio. Agents discovered that inmates at Calhoun State Prison, including Jackson and Riddle, were using contraband cellular telephones and advanced electronic techniques such as Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) to contact victims from a number that mirrored the numbers of their local police departments.
The victims were told they had one or more warrants for their arrest due to missing jury duty. The defendants, posing as police officers, informed the victims that the warrants would be cleared through payment of a bond over the phone and, if not paid, the victims would immediately be arrested. The victims were also informed they were under a “gag” order and couldn’t speak about their warrants until the bond was paid, or they would be immediately arrested. The victims were almost always instructed to purchase gift cards and read the numbers off the back of the cards to the defendants, although wire transfers were sometimes made. Once the bond was paid, the victims were instructed to drive to their local police department to verify their signature on the bond.
Many female victims were told that, because of supposed heightened courthouse security, they needed to go to a local Target store, enter a restroom, undress and record themselves performing a self-conducted cavity search before verifying their signature. Some victims subsequently received lewd and sexually explicit messages, including photos of male genitalia and violent threats. The scheme primarily targeted female professionals with prominent online profiles, though a small number of male victims were also identified.
The inmates impersonated both fictitious individuals and real law enforcement officers from the victims’ local jurisdictions. They worked with co-conspirators outside prison who managed the financial accounts for the group. The stolen proceeds were used to pay off personal debts such as house and vehicle loans, as well as to purchase drugs.
The scheme resulted in more than $464,920 in documented losses from 119 victims nationwide, though the true number of victims is likely much higher. Many cases go unreported, are not fully investigated or are concealed by victims who are too embarrassed to come forward.
The case was investigated by the FBI Atlanta’s Columbus Resident Agency and prosecuted by Criminal Chief Leah McEwen.
General Contractor Sentenced for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former owner of JMS Contracting, a general contracting business based in South Boston and Quincy, was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for concealing business income from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
John Michael Sacco, 54, formerly of Quincy, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to six months of home confinement and three years of supervised release. Sacco was also ordered to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $3,059,887.
Sacco managed construction projects under the name JMS Contracting. From 2014 through 2021, Sacco received over $9 million from JMS’s customers. Rather than depositing JMS’s gross receipts into business bank accounts, Sacco cashed most checks from customers, used proceeds to purchase supplies and pay subcontractors in cash and retained remaining cash to pay personal expenses. Sacco failed to issue required tax forms to subcontractors and failed to file required forms with the IRS with respect to amounts that JMS paid to its subcontractors. By not reporting JMS’s actual receipts on tax returns that he filed for certain years and by filing no tax returns in other years, Sacco underreported his personal income tax obligations, causing a loss to the IRS of over $3 million.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Holcomb of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Gary Man Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Carlos Alvarez Morin, 36 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to possessing ammunition as an illegal alien, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.
Morin was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, Morin, an illegal alien, discharged twenty rounds of ammunition using an AK-47 rifle from his backyard in a residential area, all while intoxicated.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristian R. Mukoski.
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).
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.