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8 January 2026
MS-13 Clique Leader Indicted in Connection with Racketeering Conspiracy Involving Four Murders and Two Attempted Murders in BaltimoreRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland unsealed a superseding indictment today, charging two additional members of the Centrales Locos Salvatruchas (CLS) clique of MS-13 in Baltimore, in connection with a Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act Conspiracy. In July 2025, four other members were indicted as part of the RICO conspiracy, bringing the total to six. This superseding indictment also adds a fourth murder and an attempted murder to the list of charges.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office; Ivan J. Bates, Baltimore City State’s Attorney; Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS).
According to the indictment, beginning in at least 2023, the defendants engaged in a racketeering conspiracy as members of the MS-13 CLS clique. They committed multiple murders, engaged in drug distribution, and extorted victims.
The new superseding indictment details how Manuel Alexander “Snappy” “23” Lara Morales, 25, of El Salvador, acted as the leader of MS-13’s CLS clique in Baltimore since approximately 2023. As alleged in the superseding indictment, Lara Morales and Eliseo Alexander “10” “Zorro” “Terrible” Lopez Alvarez, 23, of El Salvador, who was second in command of CLS, authorized the September 4, 2023, murder of another CLS member or associate in connection with a dispute over drug sales with the gang. On that date, Lopez Alvarez; Kevin “Mickey” “Gemelo” Cuestas, 21, of Honduras; Olvin Josue “Elevado” Posas Alvarenga, 23, of Honduras, and other CLS members found the victim in front of a library, brought him to a wooded area in southeast Baltimore, and took turns shooting him until he died. His body was found five days later. After this murder, Lara Morales “activated” Cuestas and Posas Alvarenga into CLS.
Then on October 13, Miguel “Canabe” Riva Salvador, 24, of El Salvador; Josue Anibal “Flaco” Guerra Ramos, 20, of Honduras; Posas Alvarenga; and other CLS members allegedly searched for an individual who was preparing to testify against Riva Salvador in a pending Baltimore City Circuit Court criminal case. The CLS members located the individual sitting behind his house and then took turns shooting at him, striking him in the groin, but he survived the attack.
Additionally, the initial indictment detailed three other murders CLS perpetrated. In November 2023, Lopez Alvarez, Posas Alvarenga, and other CLS members, murdered a victim after using a fake Instagram account, purporting to be a female, to lure the victim to a wooded area in southeast Baltimore where they shot and killed him. Lara Morales authorized the murder ahead of time. Then in March 2024, Cuestas and Riva Salvador shot a victim multiple times, killing the target on a southeast Baltimore street before both fled in a getaway car. In April 2024, Guerra Ramos and another CLS member were involved in a double shooting of two victims, one fatal and the other non-fatal, on a southeast Baltimore street.
Charges in the superseding indictment are allegations, not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, BPD, and DPSCS for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys James G. O’Donohue III and Kenneth S. Clark, who are prosecuting the case, and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City for its assistance throughout the investigation.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Baltimore comprises agents and officers from various federal, state, and local agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
Additionally, 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.
Anyone with information about MS-13 is encouraged to provide their tips to law enforcement. The FBI and HSI both have nationwide tiplines that you can call to report what you know. You can reach the FBI at 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), or you can call HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Mexican Man Sentenced to Prison for Immigration-Related FraudRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Eduardo Saavedra Melayes, 45, a Mexican national, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for aggravated identify theft, falsely representing U.S. citizenship, and false statement in application for passport. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This illegal alien chose to try to lie, cheat, and steal his way into this country, but thanks to the vigilance and excellent investigation of our federal partners he will now find himself in federal prison before being swiftly deported thereafter. My office has zero-tolerance for violations of our nation’s laws, and we will aggressively prosecute these crimes to the fullest extent.”
Court documents reflect that in December of 2023, the defendant submitted a passport application in-person at a Panama City post office. Upon processing, the application was denied due to indicators of fraud. An investigation uncovered that the defendant submitted the passport application using someone else’s identity. The documents submitted during the application process were possessed unlawfully. Additionally, a previous false passport was used in 2008, 2009, 2024, and 2025 to travel between the United States and Mexico. The defendant was at all times unlawfully present in the United States.
“We are a key partner in the United States’ work to reduce illegal immigration and root out those who endeavor to exploit the U.S. travel system,” said Ryan McSeveney, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Miami Field Office. “DSS proudly coordinates with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our U.S. and international law enforcement partners to investigate allegations of crime related to passport and visa fraud — and to bring those who commit these crimes to justice.”
The sentence was the result of an investigation by the Diplomatic Security Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Key member of Chinese money laundering network charged with laundering tens of millions of dollars in drug proceedsRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Yan Lin, 41, of California, appeared in federal court in Cincinnati today on charges of conspiracy to launder tens of millions of dollars derived from drug trafficking proceeds.
According to the indictment unsealed today, between March 2022 and October 2024, Mexico-based drug traffickers hired Lin to return tens of millions of dollars in profits from the sale of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine in cities throughout the United States to Mexico.
Lin allegedly arranged for his co-conspirators to deliver bulk cash to others who bought electronics that were shipped to co-conspirators in Hong Kong, China and elsewhere. After confirmation of receipt of the bulk cash, Mexico-based drug traffickers would receive their payment in Mexico, minus a commission, via a “mirror transaction.” One ledger, which recorded just a portion of Lin’s money contracts in 2024, totaled approximately $27.4 million in bulk cash delivered across the United States.
“As alleged in the indictment, the defendant laundered tens of millions of dollars in drug proceeds from the United States through China, enabling a continuous flow of dangerous drugs into our country from Mexico,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva, of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Dismantling Chinese money laundering networks that support drug trafficking organizations is critical to achieve the mission of total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations. Working with our federal and local law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and prosecute the financial networks that fuel and profit from the illegal drug trade.”
“Without money launderers, drug cartels are stuck with dirty money they can’t use,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “These profiteers help facilitate the distribution of deadly drugs into our communities and will be held accountable as if they trafficked the drugs themselves.”
“By targeting those who facilitate the movement of illicit proceeds, we are attacking the lifeblood of drug trafficking operations and protecting Americans,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz. “Homeland Security Investigations remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks who illegally use our nation’s financial infrastructure to funnel drugs into our communities.”
“Laundering drug trafficking money helps the cartels reap enormous profits while Americans are harmed by their dangerous drugs,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie. “Money laundering is a serious crime that the FBI and our partners will continue to investigate as we work to disrupt the flow of drugs and dismantle the dangerous cartels.”
Yan Lin is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and concealment money laundering, which is a federal crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
This case is being investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations Cincinnati Office, the IRS-Criminal Investigation Cincinnati Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, including the New York, Philadelphia, Charleston, Tulsa and Atlanta offices, FBI Cincinnati, and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Regional Enforcement Narcotics Unit. DEA’s Special Operations Division also aided the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Dornette for the Southern District of Ohio, Acting Assistant Deputy Chief Mingda Hang and Trial Attorney Elizabeth Rabe of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Key Member of Chinese Money Laundering Network Charged with Laundering Tens of Millions of Dollars in Drug ProceedsRead the Press Release
Yan Lin, 41, of California, made an initial appearance today in Cincinnati on charges of conspiracy to launder tens of millions of dollars derived from drug trafficking proceeds.
According to the indictment unsealed today, between March 2022 and October 2024, Mexico-based drug traffickers hired Lin to return tens of millions of dollars in profits from the sale of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine in cities throughout the United States to Mexico. Lin arranged for his co-conspirators to deliver bulk cash to others who bought electronics that were shipped to co-conspirators in Hong Kong, China, and elsewhere. After confirmation of receipt of the bulk cash, Mexico-based drug traffickers would receive their payment in Mexico, minus a commission, via a “mirror transaction.” One ledger, which recorded just a portion of Lin’s money contracts in 2024, totaled approximately $27.4 million in bulk cash delivered across the United States.
“As alleged in the indictment, the defendant laundered tens of millions of dollars in drug proceeds from the United States through China, enabling a continuous flow of dangerous drugs into our country from Mexico,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Dismantling Chinese money laundering networks that support drug trafficking organizations is critical to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The Criminal Division will relentlessly pursue the illicit financial networks that fuel and profit from these dangerous organizations.”
“Without money launderers, drug cartels are stuck with dirty money they can’t use,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II for the Southern District of Ohio. “These profiteers help facilitate the distribution of deadly drugs into our communities and will be held accountable as if they trafficked the drugs themselves.”
“By targeting those who facilitate the movement of illicit proceeds, we are attacking the lifeblood of drug trafficking operations and protecting Americans,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit Field Office. “HSI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks who illegally use our nation’s financial infrastructure to funnel drugs into our communities.”
“The laundering of illegal drug profits is as important and essential to drug cartels as the very distribution of their illegal drugs,” said Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Detroit Field Office. “This indictment shows that if we cut off the flow of money, the traffickers cannot finance their organizations. As the nation’s foremost financial investigators, we are proud to provide our expertise as we work alongside our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle transnational drug organizations."
“Laundering drug trafficking money helps the cartels reap enormous profits while Americans are harmed by their dangerous drugs,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie of the FBI Cincinnati Field Office. “Money laundering is a serious crime that the FBI and our partners will continue to investigate as we work to disrupt the flow of drugs and dismantle the dangerous cartels.
Yan Lin is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and concealment money laundering. If convicted, Lin faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
This case is being investigated by the HSI Cincinnati Office, IRS-CI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, including the New York, Philadelphia, Charleston, Tulsa and Atlanta offices, FBI Cincinnati, and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Regional Enforcement Narcotics Unit. DEA’s Special Operations Division also aided the investigation.
Acting Assistant Deputy Chief Mingda Hang, and Trial Attorney Elizabeth Rabe of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Dornette for the Southern District of Ohio, are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Jury Finds Jenks Man Guilty of Assault After Breaking Girlfriend's Leg in Three PlacesRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – Today, a federal jury convicted a Jenks man of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country after breaking his girlfriend's shin and ankle during an argument.
In May 2025, Jamon Charles Phetsacksith, 27, was indicted for one count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in November 2024, Phetsacksith was drinking and hanging out with his girlfriend. Phetsacksith had a key to his work and drove his girlfriend to pick up his paycheck after hours. After arriving at Phetsacksith’s work, the two began arguing.
In an attempt to de-escalate the situation, the victim testified that she exited the vehicle and began walking away. Video surveillance shows Phetsacksith chasing after the victim and keeping her from leaving. He is then seen pushing the victim.
The jury heard the defendant's 911 call, where he claimed that she had fallen down a flight of stairs and was in need of medical attention. When the victim was separated from Phetsacksith, she told EMSA personnel that he assaulted her. Tulsa Police officers responded to the scene and spoke with EMSA, the victim, and Phetsacksith. Body camera played for the jury showed Phetsacksith explaining that they were drunk, had a fight, and “it got out of hand.” He later told officers that he threw her around.
A trauma surgeon testified that the victim broke her leg in three places. Her left ankle was fractured, and her tibia and fibula bones were broken in half, requiring surgical rods and screws to be implanted.
Phetsacksith is a member of the Osage Nation, and he will continue to remain in custody until sentencing is scheduled at a later date.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mallory Richard and Stacey Todd prosecuted the case.
Indictment Charges Naugatuck Man with Multiple Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned a 15-count indictment charging SEAN SAYER, 22, of Naugatuck, with child exploitation offenses.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on March 20, 2025, an eight-year-old boy (“minor victim”) in Oregon contacted Sayer by text message and asked Sayer if he was @fornight_legends on TikTok. Sayer responded affirmatively and, over the next three days, exchanged with the minor victim more than 1,300 messages in which Sayer repeatedly and aggressively demanded sexually explicit images and videos of the minor victim in exchange for playing Fortnite with him online. The minor victim sent Sayer at least 15 videos constituting child sexual abuse material or child pornography.
Sayer was arrested on June 18, 2025. It is alleged that a forensic review of Sayer’s cellphone has screenshots of Snapchat conversations Sayer had with numerous additional minor victims who Sayer coerced or enticed to send him sexually explicit photos of themselves. To date, investigators have identified approximately 89 separate minor victims.
It is further alleged electronic devices seized from Sayer revealed more than 5,000 videos and 1,000 images containing child sexual abuse material, including images and videos depicting sexual violence against prepubescent minors.
The indictment, which was returned on January 7, 2026, charges Sayer with 12 counts of production of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of 30 years of imprisonment on each count; one count of coercion and enticement of a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life; one count of distribution of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and one count of possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Sayer is currently released on a $150,000 bond. He is under location monitoring by the U.S. Probation Office and is prohibited from accessing the internet and communicating with, and having contact with, minors.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, with the assistance of the Eugene (Ore.) Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary G. Vitale.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Indiana Woman Sentenced to 84 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – On January 8, 2026, Christine Reese, age 62, of Crown Point, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to health care fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.
Reese was sentenced to 84 months in prison and ordered to pay $268,746.37 in restitution.
According to documents in the case, Reese falsely claimed that she was licensed as a clinical psychologist and falsely represented that she held the degree of Doctor of Psychology. In reality, Reese did not have these qualifications but did have over ten previous felony convictions. Using forged and fraudulent documents, Reese convinced Company A, a mental health services provider in Munster, Indiana, to hire her to work as a clinical therapist. Reese also obtained employment at another mental health services provider using false qualifications. Reese conducted appointments with patients at Company A, including Indiana Medicaid recipients and children. Later, Reese continued to claim she was a psychologist and conducted appointments with patients out of her home, using the business name of Sanctuary Counseling. Reese continued to fraudulently bill for the services she claimed to provide. As a result of her scheme Reese defrauded Indiana Medicaid and Medicare Advantage Plans out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
In the course of her scheme, Reese stole the identities of three different legitimate medical professionals. Reese used the names and license numbers of these practitioners to enroll herself in Indiana Medicaid and submit bills.
“This extensive fraud not only contributed to the strain on healthcare programs designed to help the most vulnerable among Indiana’s citizens, but callously preyed upon patients deceived into thinking the therapy they were receiving was from a qualified professional, said United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred, “My thanks to the state and federal investigators whose work led to the significant and necessary sentence that was handed down today.”
“The public relies on the integrity of the health care system, and fraud undermines that trust,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that health care fraud will not be tolerated. The FBI remains committed to working alongside our state and federal partners to protect patients and safeguard the health care system.”
“This case underscores the serious risks posed by individuals who exploit vulnerable patients and taxpayer-funded programs through fraud,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General – Chicago Region. “Providing therapy services without proper credentials endangers beneficiaries—especially children—and erodes trust in our health care system. Yesterday’s sentence reflects our commitment to protecting patients and holding those who engage in health care fraud accountable.”
This case was investigated by the Indiana Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin F. Wolff.
Illegal aliens indicted for federal firearms violations in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – Two illegal aliens have been indicted for federal firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Manuel Gomez Ayala, 39, a citizen and national of Mexico, was indicted for possession of a firearm. This case is being investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Alberto Saenz-De la Cruz, 33, a citizen and national of Mexico, was indicted for possession of a firearm. This case is being investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Gaston and 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 federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Voting in the 2020 Election and Lying to Obtain a U.S. PassportRead the Press Release
DETROIT - Jose Gargenis Vasquez-Rosa, a citizen of the Dominican Republic who was illegally residing in the United States pleaded guilty today to illegally voting in the 2020 election, and to lying in an application for a United States passport, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced.
Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Matthew Kupac, Resident Agent in Charge of the Diplomatic Security Service Detroit Resident Office.
Vasquez-Rosa pleaded guilty to three counts: (1) False statement in a United States passport application, (2) false statement of United States citizenship with the intent to obtain a federal benefit and (3) illegal voting by aliens.
In 2002, Vasquez-Rosa applied for a visa to come to the United States as the spouse of a United States citizen, but his application was denied because the relationship was found to be fraudulent. Then, in 2016, Vasquez-Rosa, who was illegally living in Michigan, assumed the identity of a Puerto Rican man. Using this fraudulent identity, Vasquez-Rosa applied for a Michigan driver’s license and at the same time was registered to vote. Utilizing this fraudulent identity, Vasquez-Rosa then voted in-person in the 2018 election, and voted again by absentee ballot in the 2020 election. Also in 2020, Vasquez-Rosa attempted to illegally obtain a United States passport by submitting a passport application using the same fraudulent identity. However, the fraudulent application was detected by the Department of State and no passport was issued.
United States Attorney Gorgon stated, “American citizens paid for the right to vote with their blood. This illegal alien lied to get into our country and stole that right. And we won’t let criminals undermine our elections.”
"The Diplomatic Security Service is committed to making sure that those who commit identity theft face consequences for their criminal actions,” said DSS Resident Agent in Charge Matthew Kupec. "DSS works closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to investigate passport, visa fraud, and other transnational crimes. Deterring, detecting, and investigating U.S. passport and visa fraud is essential to protecting the integrity of U.S. borders and preventing illegal immigration.
Vasquez-Rosa faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Susan Fairchild and Timothy P. McDonald. The investigation is being conducted by the Diplomatic Security Service Detroit Resident Office.
Huntington Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Tina Marie Dixon, 52, of Huntington, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base, also known as “crack.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 25, 2026, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a garage structure behind Dixon’s residence in Huntington. As part of her guilty plea, Dixon admitted that she consented to a search of her bedroom in her residence during the execution of the search warrant and that officers found 37.1 grams of a substance containing fentanyl and 2.7 grams of crack in her bedroom. Officers also found $18,984 in her bedroom during the search. Dixon further admitted that officers saw her distribute a quantity of crack to an individual standing outside her residence when they arrived to execute the search warrant for the garage structure.
Dixon is scheduled to be sentenced on April 13, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Huntington Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chamber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-172.
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Huntington Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Dyson Lamont Woody Jr., also known as “DC Sosa,” 33, of Huntington, was sentenced on Monday, January 5, 2026, to six years and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 17, 2021, Woody sold approximately 27.28 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in exchange for $430. As part of his guilty plea, Woody admitted that he conducted that transaction, that he arranged it beforehand, and that it occurred in a Huntington motel room.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Cabell County Sheriff's Office, and the Huntington Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams 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. 3:23-cr-81.
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Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Lovus Austin Brewer, 28, of Huntington, pleaded guilty on Monday, January 5, 2026, to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 4, 2025, law enforcement officers responding to reports of shots fired at a Huntington residence encountered Brewer and ordered him to raise his hands in the air. When Brewer complied, officers saw a black pistol with an extended magazine on his right rear hip. Officers recovered a 9mm pistol from Brewer.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Brewer knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine in Wayne County Circuit Court on August 21, 2017, and fleeing with reckless indifference to the safety of others in Cabell County Circuit Court on September 22, 2022.
Brewer is scheduled to be sentenced on April 13, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum 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-149.
Houston man sentenced for role in immigration schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 58-year-old local resident has been ordered to federal prison for conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud and stealing nearly $1.5 million, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Jesus Carlos Silva pleaded guilty July 9, 2025, to defrauding individuals with false promises of legal status.
U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks has now ordered Silva to serve 60 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard how Silva made false promises that he could help people obtain U.S. citizenship and/or other legal immigration status in under a year. The court also heard how Silva recruited individuals at churches and obtained payments between $10,000-15,000 yet offered nothing in return.
From March 2022 through December 2024, Silva pretended to be an immigration attorney affiliated with a Houston-based law firm. He charged thousands of dollars per person for his “assistance,” collecting payments through checks and money orders. He never provided legitimate immigration help and made excuses for delays before ultimately cutting off communication.
As part of the scheme, Silva also instructed several individuals to travel to Houston for what they thought were appointments with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. However, once they arrived, there were no such appointments.
He admitted to stealing more than $1,450,555 from over 100 people living in Texas, Illinois, Louisiana and Florida.
He was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service and Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brad Gray and Rodolfo Ramirez are prosecuting the case.
Harlan County Man Sentenced to 60 Years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – A Harlan, Ky., man, Brandon Farley, 42, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier to 60 years in prison, following his previous conviction of two counts of production of child pornography.
According to testimony at trial, Farley sexually abused a minor that was in his care and took photos of that abuse.
Under federal law, Farley must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life.
Paul McCaffrey, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Division; and Col. Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police jointly announced the conviction.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and KSP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Blankenship is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Honduran National Sentenced to 180 Months in Federal Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kurt L. Wall announced that U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced Olvin Rodriguez-Inestroza, age 23, of Honduras, to 180 months in federal prison following his conviction for distribution of child pornography. He must serve five years of supervised release after his term of imprisonment. In addition to the term of imprisonment, the Court ordered Rodriguez-Inestroza to pay $57,000 in restitution to the victims and ordered him to register as a sex offender upon his release. Rodriguez-Inestroza, a Honduran citizen who is present in the United States without authorization, may also be deported from the United States upon completing his sentence.
Rodriguez-Inestroza used internet-based accounts and a social media mobile application to distribute, trade, and receive child pornography. In addition to distributing files, he also possessed hundreds of videos and thousands of images of child pornography on his smartphone. Some of the videos included child pornography involving toddlers and two of the videos involved sexual activity with animals.
This matter was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Baton Rouge Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward H. Warner, who also serves as Deputy Criminal Chief.
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 http://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case is also part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
H Block Gang Associate Pleads Guilty to Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An associate of the violent Boston-based gang, H-Block, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to drug conspiracy charges.
Mark Linnehan, 26, of West Roxbury, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for April 7, 2026.
Linnehan was one of 10 H-Block gang members and associates charged in August 2024 following a multi-year investigation of H-Block beginning in 2021 in response to an uptick in gang-related drug trafficking, shootings and violence. According to court documents, over 500 grams of cocaine, cocaine base (crack cocaine) and fentanyl, as well as over 20,000 doses of drug-laced paper were seized during the investigation.
The investigation of H Block began in response to an uptick in gang-related drug trafficking, shootings and violence. Since the start of the investigation in 2021, law enforcement attributed 12 incidents of gunfire to growing tensions involving H Block gang associates. Six H Block members and associates were arrested and charged with drug dealing in Boston and the surrounding communities. Four additional H Block members and associates were already in state custody at the time of the arrests. Additional drugs and four firearms were seized during the subsequent arrests.
From 2022 through 2023, Linnehan, a long-time H Block gang associate, participated in a conspiracy to distribute various controlled substances, in particular, fentanyl and cocaine. According to court filings, Linnehan was a supplier of fentanyl to his co-conspirators and also engaged in various drug deals with an undercover officer.
According to the charging documents, the H Block Street Gang is one of the most feared and influential city-wide gangs in Boston. Originally formed in the 1980s as the Humboldt Raiders in the Roxbury section of Boston, the gang re-emerged in the 2000s as H Block. Current members of H Block have a history of violent confrontation with law enforcement, including an incident in 2015 when a member shot a Boston Police officer at point blank range without warning or provocation.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. 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.
Linnehan is the ninth defendant to plead guilty in the case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Randy Maloney, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office; Ted E., Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; and Russell W. Cunningham Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Mid-Atlantic Region made the announcement. The investigation was supported by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office; Massachusetts Department of Corrections; and the Braintree, Quincy, Randolph, and Watertown Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit and Jeremy Franker of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section are prosecuting the cases.The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Grand jury indicts Jamestown man for threatening to kill a Homeland Security agent and familyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Matthew White, 43, of Jamestown, NY, with threatening to assault and murder a federal law enforcement officer and interstate communication with threat to injure a person. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, on April 30, 2025, White threatened to assault and murder a federal law enforcement officer employed by the Department of Homeland Security, with the intent of interfering in the officer’s performance of his duties. In addition, White posted threats on “X,” stating, “I can’t wait to put a bullet into this guy’s brain, but first his children.”
White was arraigned before this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and released on conditions.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Grand jury indicts Arkansas man for production of child pornography and enticing a minorRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Brayden Storey, 22, of West Fork, Arkansas, with two counts of production and attempted production of child pornography, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years, and one count of enticement of a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, in June 2024, the West Seneca Police Department received a report from a minor victim of an incident involving an individual that she met online in September 2022, when she was 13 years-old and he was 19 years-old. They communicated on social media and text message. At times, Storey made sexual comments, with the sexual communications significantly increasing over time. Between October 2023 and April 2024, Storey coerced the minor victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct and created visual depictions of the conduct.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the West Seneca Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Cosgrove, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera. Additional assistance was provided by the Little Rock Office of the FBI, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, the Arkansas State Police, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Still, with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Arkansas.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Grand Jury Returns IndictmentsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments this week. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation, and a person named as defendant in an indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Madison Man Charged With Illegally Possessing Firearm and Ammunition
Johnell L. Britt, 27, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing a firearm as a felon. The indictment alleges that on December 11, 2025, Britt possessed a Glock 19 Gen5 9mm caliber pistol and 9mm ammunition.
If convicted, Britt faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison .
The charge against him is the result of an investigation conducted by the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force, which is comprised of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lennon is handling the case.
Illinois Man Charged With Drug Distribution
Kendrick Payton, 30, Rockford, Illinois, is charged with distributing controlled substances. The indictment alleges that Payton distributed heroin on December 18, 2024, and cocaine on February 18, 2025. The indictment further alleges that Payton distributed 40 grams or more of fentanyl on January 6, 2025, January 10, 2025, and February 18, 2025.
If convicted, Payton faces a minimum penalty of 5 years in federal prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison for each of the charges involving fentanyl. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the charges involving cocaine and heroin.
The charges against Payton are the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Rock County Sheriff’s Office, and Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis Glinzak is handling the case.
The cases in the press release are part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the U.S. 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).
Getaway Driver Charged in Jewelry Store RobberyRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Ivel Sanchez Rivera (52, Hialeah) with conspiracy and interference with commerce by robbery and use and brandishing of a firearm during a crime of violence. If convicted, Sanchez Rivera faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the conspiracy offense and a consecutive 7 years in federal prison for the firearm offense.
According to the criminal complaint, on January 6, 2026, two armed assailants entered the Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral from an adjacent vacant business space while the jewelry store was closed. Upon the arrival of the manager that morning to the store, the robbers restrained the manager and forced a safe to be opened. The robbers then took a large amount of jewelry and two firearms from the store. The robbers left in a getaway vehicle driven by a third individual who was later identified as Sanchez Rivera.
The Cape Coral Police Department identified Sanchez Rivera’s vehicle as being involved in the robbery. Sanchez Rivera had driven the car to the area of the jewelry store the night before and then immediately returned to Miami following the robbery. A search warrant was executed at Sanchez Rivera’s residence and two firearms were recovered, including a firearm that was taken from the jewelry store manager during the robbery.
A criminal complaint is an allegation that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Cape Coral Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesus M. Casas.
Criminal ComplaintFormer St. Augustine Eighth Grade Teacher Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Attempting to Entice and Use A 14-Year-Old Child to Produce A Sexual Abuse VideoRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Senior United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Matthew Christopher Yates (31, Hastings) to 15 years in federal prison for attempting to entice and use a child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a video of her own sexual abuse. Yates was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervised release and to register as a sex offender. Yates pleaded guilty on August 27, 2025. At the time of his arrest on March 11, 2022, Yates was employed as an eighth-grade teacher at a school in St. Augustine.
According to court documents, on February 11, 2022, an undercover FBI agent in Jacksonville, who was posing online as a 14-year-old child, responded to an online notice on a social media application posted by the user “English teacher,” who was subsequently identified as Yates. The notice read, “Any women want to be rated by a teacher?” During this online text conversation, the “child” advised that “she” was 14 years old and in eighth grade, and Yates stated that he was a teacher, asking the “child,” “[e]ver fantasize about a teacher?” Yates and the “child” exchanged photos, and Yates stated, “I bet you look hot in a bikini.”
Between February 22 and March 11, 2022, Yates and the “child” exchanged more text messages, and Yates sent the “child” several photos, including some that were sexually explicit. On March 8, 2022, Yates asked the “child” to meet in person, and he detailed the specific sexual acts that he intended to perform on the “child” when they met.
Two days later, Yates and the “child” confirmed plans to meet, and Yates asked the “child” if “she” wanted to video-record their planned sexual activity so that the “child” “could remember it even better.” Yates told the “child” that he could use his cellphone to record their sexual activity and that he would later delete the video so that no one would see it.
On March 11, 2022, Yates drove to a prearranged location in Jacksonville to meet the “child” for sex and was arrested by FBI agents. A search revealed that Yates had brought several condoms and a cellphone with him. During an interview, Yates admitted that he was going to meet a 14-year-old girl that he had met online and that he intended to have sex with “her.” When asked if he going to have sex with the 14-year-old girl and record it on video, Yates stated, “I said if that’s what she wanted, that we could,” and “I did just want to leave it up to her.” He admitted that it was his idea to make a video of his sexual encounter with the “child.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched 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 individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former National Park Service employee pleads guilty to overtime wage theftRead the Press Release
ROME, Ga. - Donny Campbell, a former maintenance department employee at the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, has pleaded guilty to theft of government funds for submitting false overtime entries on his timesheets.
“Federal employees are expected to be responsible stewards of taxpayer money,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “When they abuse that trust, it diminishes public confidence that those dollars are spent appropriately. Federal employees and anyone else who chooses to steal from the public fisc will be held accountable.”
“We are happy to see the results of this case come to fruition,” Katie Balestra, Special Agent in Charge at the Interior Department’s Office of Inspector General, stated. “Our office will continue to investigate these types of cases to ensure government resources are expended appropriately.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Campbell, while working as maintenance staff for the National Park Service, submitted timesheets claiming overtime pay for hundreds of hours that he did not work. The false timesheets spanned a period of January 2017 through June 2019 and caused nearly $40,000 of wrongful payments. As part of his plea agreement, Campbell agreed to resign, never seek any future federal employment, and pay full restitution to the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Campbell, 48, of Ringgold, Georgia, pleaded guilty on October 2, 2025, to theft of government funds. Sentencing is scheduled for January 23, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge John H. Rains IV. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.
This case is being investigated by the Department of the Interior - Office of the Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett L. Bradford and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor C. Wilmot prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Former IRS Employee Sentenced to Federal Prison for Preparing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A former IRS employee was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio to 24 months in prison and a $150,000 fine for preparing false tax returns.
According to court documents, Hector Cavazos, 63, of San Antonio, owned and operated a tax return preparation business, where he aided and assisted in the preparation of 61 false tax returns on behalf of 13 taxpayer-clients and one undercover agent for tax years 2016 through 2021. Defying IRS regulations, Cavazos did not sign any of the returns as a paid preparer. Additionally, the 61 tax returns prepared by Cavazos contained false Schedule C losses, unbeknownst to the 13 taxpayer-clients. The 61 violations amounted to a tax loss of $579,682.
Cavazos had been employed by the IRS until 1996, when he was arrested and charged with fraud in the Eastern District of California. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy and collusion with another person to defraud the United States and was sentenced on Nov. 6, 2000, to two months in prison.
On Sept. 4, 2024, Cavazos was indicted on 27 counts of preparing false tax returns. He pleaded guilty to one count on July 1, 2025. In addition to ordering the prison sentence and fine, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery barred Cavazos from preparing, aiding and assisting in the preparation of tax returns.
“Unscrupulous tax return preparers such as Hector Cavazos cause incalculable harm not only to the U.S. Treasury and all U.S. taxpayers, but also their own clients who face the possibility of additional taxes plus interest and penalties,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “The multi-year prison sentence and fine imposed in this case reflects the seriousness of this offense, and my office will continue to prosecute individuals who violate federal tax laws.”
“Cavazos never signed his name or provided an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number. He was a ghost preparer. He made his fraud look like his clients prepared the returns,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Troy Caldron of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Houston Field Office, which includes San Antonio. “Not only did he betray his clients, Cavazos also betrayed the trust that tax payers have in the profession of tax preparers. Tax season is approaching, and everyone needs to be diligent in selecting who prepares their taxes.”
IRS-CI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Harris prosecuted the case.
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Former Crenshaw County Jail Administrator Sentenced for Civil Rights Violations for Assaulting Handcuffed ManRead the Press Release
Christian Alexander Porter, 33, a former Crenshaw County, Alabama, jail administrator, was sentenced today for using unlawful force on a handcuffed and compliant detainee on Oct. 12, 2021. Porter was sentenced to 30 months in prison with two years of supervised release.
Porter pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law for an assault on S.W., a 35-year-old man. On Oct. 12, 2021, Porter removed S.W. from his cell, threw him on the ground, rear-handcuffed him, and brought him to a changing room that did not have surveillance cameras. Once there, Porter hit and punched S.W. multiple times in the head and shoulders.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin P. Davidson for the Middle District of Alabama made the announcement.
The FBI’s Montgomery Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Counts for the Middle District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Lia Wright Tesconi of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.
Five Defendants Sentenced in Wide-Reaching Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced sentences as the final defendant in a multi-count, multiple-defendant fentanyl trafficking conspiracy was sentenced on January 7, 2025.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, defendants Kyon Watson, age 39, of Kearney, New Jersey, Tony K. Oliver, age 33, of Paterson, New Jersey, Rosa E. Duran, age 41, of Davenport, Florida, Dewayne A. Hutton, age 25, of East Orange, New Jersey, and Janny Calderon-Rodriguez, age 40, of Paterson, New Jersey, all pled guilty in a multi-defendant conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin and/or distribution and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin, and were sentenced by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley to the following:
- Kyon Watson: conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin; sentenced on January 7, 2026, to 66 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release.
- Tony K. Oliver a/k/a “LZ”: conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams and more of fentanyl and heroin, sentenced on April 1, 2025, to 151 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release;
- Rosa E. Duran: conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin, sentenced on September 9, 2025, to 24 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by 2 years of supervised release;
- Dewayne A. Hutton: conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin, sentenced on May 13, 2025, to 51 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release; and
- Janny Calderon-Rodriguez: distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, sentenced on February 4, 2025, to 24 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
This case was the result of a joint investigation between Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) into a darknet vendor who was engaged in the sale of opioids over the internet. The opioids were sold in exchange for cryptocurrency and then distributed via the United States Mail. The various parcels were sent from locations in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Beginning in October of 2022, undercover agents conducted various purchases from the darknet vendor which were seized and later searched and found to contain fentanyl. In February of 2023, undercover agents executed a search warrant at the residence of the darknet vendor and recovered United States currency, various electronic devices, drug ledgers consistent with narcotics distribution, cryptocurrency cold storage wallets, and controlled substances themselves. Law enforcement identified almost 1,000 entries in the drug ledgers, dating back to the summer of 2021, mailed to 49 states and places overseas. Through their investigation, law enforcement was able to identify a source of supply for these narcotics as Tony K. Oliver.
Agents learned that although Tony K. Oliver was arrested on January 16, 2023, in Paterson, New Jersey, on an unrelated state case, he engaged in communications with Duran, Rodriguez, Hutton, and Watson, over recorded prison communications, to continue to operate his drug trafficking organization from behind bars. From prison, Oliver, Duran, Hutton, Watson, and Rodriguez, conspired to continue drug sales and drug deliveries, more specifically on February 24, 2023 (sale of 52 grams of fentanyl in exchange for $5,500 dollars), March 28, 2023 (sale of 50 grams of fentanyl in exchange for $5,200 dollars), May 16, 2023 (sale of 53 grams of fentanyl in exchange for $5,000 dollars), July 12, 2023 (sale of 50 grams of fentanyl in exchange for $5,000 dollars), ultimately culminating in the arrest of Oliver, who had just recently been released from his January 16, 2023, New Jersey case, and who traveled on September 26, 2023, to the Middle District of Pennsylvania where he was stopped in a vehicle with 101 grams of fentanyl.
The case is being investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti prosecuted the case.
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Felon Who Illegally Possessed Firearm Sent to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced on January 8, 2026, to 30 months’ imprisonment.
Taxavier Ford, 29, from Alta, Iowa, pled guilty on August 11, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City, to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Ford was previously convicted of possession of a narcotic drug, in the State of Indiana in 2017, and possession of marijuana, with intent to deliver and possession of a firearm by a felon, in the Iowa District Court for Buena Vista County in 2021. Both of these convictions prohibit a person from possessing any firearm.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that on March 14, 2025, in Storm Lake, Iowa, law enforcement observed a vehicle, driven by Ford, with illegal window tint and initiated a traffic stop. Officers measured the window tint which revealed it was in excess of Iowa state law. When measuring the window tint, officers smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle and Ford, officers found a metal object in Ford’s waistline. Ford admitted he had a loaded firearm in his waistline.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case is also part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Ford was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment and ordered to serve a 3-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Ford remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Storm Lake Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-4028. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Federal Jury finds Memphis Physician Guilty of Adulterated and Misbranded Medical Devices and Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – After a three-and-a-half-week trial and five days of deliberations, a federal jury found Memphis physician Sanjeev Kumar guilty of eighteen counts of adulteration of medical devices, sixteen counts of misbranding medical devices, and six counts of health care fraud. From 2019 to 2024, Kumar submitted and caused his employees to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid for hysteroscopy with biopsy procedures that were not medically necessary and conducted with adulterated devices. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the verdict today.
“This doctor put profit ahead of patients, targeting a vulnerable population of women, telling them he needed to conduct invasive gynecological procedures to diagnose them with cancer and risking infection to those patients by reusing the same insanitary medical devices on them again and again,” stated D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney. “If we allow doctors to bilk Medicare and Medicaid to pad their profits by performing unsupported medical procedures with filthy devices — each and every American taxpayer eats the cost. But the harm is most felt by the victim-patients who deserved better, and the American women on Medicare and Medicaid are entitled to quality care. Kumar’s blatant disregard for his patients’ health has led to his conviction on multiple federal charges. My office is proud to work with the investigative agencies that helped bring this man to justice.”
Kumar was a gynecologic oncologist who operated Poplar Avenue Clinic, a women’s health clinic in Memphis, Tennessee. Between September of 2019 and April of 2024, Kumar and the advanced practitioners he supervised performed over 15,000 hysteroscopies with biopsy on 5,559 Medicare and Medicaid patients. The hysteroscopy with biopsy is an in-office procedure where a hysteroscope is inserted into the vagina, pushed through the cervix, and into the uterus. A grasper or pipelle is then inserted through the hysteroscope to take a sample of the endometrial lining of the uterus. The procedure is used to diagnose endometrial cancer. The FDA cleared several single-use hysteroscopes and graspers, as well as reusable hysteroscopes to complete these procedures.
The single-use devices were to be used once and then discarded. To correctly disinfect the devices cleared for reprocessing, Kumar had to strictly follow manufacturer instructions. Kumar routinely failed to subject the reusable devices to vital reprocessing steps between patient use, thereby, endangering patient safety. The single-use devices, even if they had been correctly reprocessed, had to be labeled as such, and Kumar did not label them. Kumar purchased less than 200 new single-use hysteroscopes, and 3 of the 6 single-use graspers of a certain type he purchased in 2019 were still in use in the office in April 2024.
“FDA’s requirements for safe use of medical devices are in place to protect the health of the public. When healthcare providers disregard safety information, including single-use and single-user designations, resulting in the adulteration and misbranding of medical devices, they put patients’ health at risk,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Juan Berrios, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Miami Field Office. “We will continue our vigilance in protecting the U.S. consumers’ and patients’ right to safe medical products.”
Kumar billed more than $41 million for the hysteroscopy with biopsy procedures between September 2019 and April 2024. He netted more than $4.8 million for this procedure from Medicare and Medicaid alone. That amount does not include any hysteroscopy with biopsy procedures performed on patients with private health care insurance.
“Profits should never come before patient safety,” said TBI Director David Rausch. “When healthcare providers sidestep best safety practices for the sake of their bottom line, patients pay the price. I’m proud of the work of our team at TBI and all stakeholders to hold this provider accountable and hope it sends a message: We won’t stop rooting out bad actors trying to take advantage of the system meant to support the elderly and our most vulnerable.”
“Health care providers have a solemn duty to prioritize their patients’ well-being and uphold the principle of ‘do no harm.’ When they violate this trust and endanger those in their care, they will be held accountable,” said Kelly Blackmon, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Ensuring the safety of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries is our top priority, and we will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to safeguard these vital programs.”
“This guilty verdict underscores our commitment to pursuing those who abuse the health care system for personal profit,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to root out health care fraud schemes and hold those accountable who not only waste valuable resources but also jeopardize patient safety and trust.”
Sentencing is set on April 9, 2026 before Chief United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman.
Kumar faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years for each Health Care Fraud count and three years for each Adulteration and Misbranding of Medical Devices count.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the United States Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI), the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) led the investigation, which was initiated by the Tennessee Attorney General.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lynn Crum, Scott Smith, and Sarah Pazar Williams prosecuted the case.
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For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at [email protected]. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Federal Indictment Charges Foreign National with Illegally Possessing Firearm in Chicago; Gun Used to Fire Shots Near Border Patrol Agents During Operation Midway BlitzRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A foreign national has been indicted on federal firearm charges for allegedly illegally possessing a loaded handgun in Chicago last year.
HECTOR GOMEZ is charged with one count of illegal possession of a firearm as a previously convicted felon and one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a foreign national who has no claim to United States citizenship or lawful permanent residence.
The indictment accuses Gomez of brandishing a firearm at a victim on the afternoon of Nov. 8, 2025. Shortly thereafter, Chicago Police Officers found a handgun in Gomez’s lap as he sat in the driver’s seat of a black Jeep Wrangler in a parking lot in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago, the indictment states.
Five hours earlier, at least two rounds were discharged from the same gun about two blocks from the parking lot, the indictment states. The rounds were fired in proximity of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents who were engaged in the performance of their official duties, the indictment states.
Gomez, 45, is a citizen of Mexico who had been residing in Chicago. He had previously been convicted of a felony and was removed from the United States on at least four separate occasions from 2008 to 2015.
The indictment was returned on Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 12, 2026, at 1:15 p.m., before U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly. Gomez is currently detained in federal custody without bond.
The indictment was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The Chicago Police Department provided valuable assistance. The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill J. Bhalakia.
Holding illegal firearm possessors accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. In the Northern District of Illinois, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the District, particularly firearm offenses.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Each count in the indictment is punishable by up to ten years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
gomez_indictment.pdfFederal Felon Pleads Guilty to Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Ernest Lee Thomas II, 35, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The outstanding work by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, in close collaboration with our federal law enforcement partners, led to this successful prosecution, which will ensure this dangerous offender is kept off our streets. The safety of our communities is non-negotiable, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute all violations of federal law to incapacitate criminal offenders who threaten our peace.”
Court documents reflect that on May 31, 2025, deputies with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by the defendant. During the traffic stop, a search of the vehicle uncovered a loaded black .45-caliber Taurus handgun with a round in the chamber and five rounds in the magazine. While speaking with law enforcement, the defendant made statements indicating the firearm belonged to him. The defendant had previously been convicted in the Northern District of Florida of Distribution of Cocaine and Possession of Stolen Firearms.
The defendant faces up to fifteen years’ imprisonment followed by a term of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher C. Patterson.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 24, 2026, at 9:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Elkhart Man Sentenced to 60 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Steven Lerma, III, 25 years old, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.
Lerma was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 18 months of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, police found Lerma in possession of a handgun with an extended magazine that held 32 rounds of ammunition. Lerma had previously been convicted of felony theft of a firearm and felony domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury and was thus prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Elkhart Police Department and the Goshen Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katelan McKenzie Doyle.
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.
East Helena man sentenced to prison for illegal possession of guns and ammunitionRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – An East Helena man who possessed guns and ammunition illegally was sentenced today to 28 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Justin Curtis Huckaby, 44, was found guilty at a September 2025 trial of two counts of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents and at trial that Huckaby was convicted of a felony in the Montana Thirteenth Judicial District on June 5, 2019. He was sentenced to a period of custody of up to 15 years, with 5 years suspended, followed by a period of supervision with the Department of Corrections. Huckaby’s judgment set out the conditions of his supervision, which included a prohibition of “using, owning, possession, transferring, or controlling any firearm, [or] ammunition….” That condition was also read to Huckaby in open court.
On June 13, 2023, Huckaby signed the Firearms and Voting Regulations form, which states:
“I further understand that my right to possess or own firearms or ammunition is suspended while under supervision. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing or receiving firearms or ammunition [Title 18, United States Code Section 922(g)(1)]. Therefore, I understand I could be prosecuted for a violation of Federal law. I also understand that I could be punished for violating my conditions of supervision AND federally prosecuted.”
That same day, Huckaby signed his conditions of probation and parole. Condition 15 states: “Weapons: I will not use, own, possess, transfer, or be in control of any firearms, ammunition (including black powder), or weapons.”
On August 5, 2024, around 4 a.m., law enforcement officers responded to a casino in East Helena, Montana. Officers were informed Huckaby was at the casino and had drugs and a firearm in his vehicle. Upon arrival, law enforcement contacted Huckaby who was in the driver’s seat of his white Chevrolet pickup parked outside the casino. Huckaby confirmed he was on parole but denied there was anything his truck that would violate his conditions of supervision. During contact with Huckaby, law enforcement saw a glass pipe with burnt residue on the center console. The pipe later field tested positive for methamphetamine. A probation search was authorized and performed on the vehicle.
During the search, officers found a loaded 9mm handgun under the driver’s rear passenger seat. It was loaded with 9mm caliber ammunition. A box of 9mm caliber ammunition was also located in a backpack. Huckaby later admitted to touching and handling the firearm earlier that day.
Huckaby also threatened to shoot an individual after he suspected the individual took his 8-ball of methamphetamine and money that he won at other casinos that evening.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, and the State of Montana Probation and Parole.
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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Drug Trafficker Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Hundreds of Kilograms on Behalf of Foreign Terrorist OrganizationRead the Press Release
A drug trafficker was sentenced this week to more than 11 years in federal prison for distributing hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine and other narcotics on behalf of Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, a foreign terrorist and drug trafficking organization operating in Mexico and the United States, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.
“This case sends a clear message: those who dump poison into our streets will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “Prosecuting an affiliate of senior cartel leaders requires years of painstaking work, unwavering resolve, and exceptional interagency cooperation. My office will continue to prioritize these impactful prosecutions.”
“The sentence of Mr. Velazquez reflects our continued focus on dismantling foreign terrorist organizations that traffic deadly drugs into our communities,” said Joseph B. Tucker, Special Agent in Charge of DEA Dallas. “DEA and our partners will continue targeting violent cartels and their criminal associates, in order to save American lives.”“The Dallas Homeland Security Task Force is focused on targeting the leadership, financial networks, and logistical infrastructure of transnational criminal organizations and foreign terrorist organizations, both locally and globally. The collaborative work of the HSTF led to this drug trafficker receiving an 11-year sentence and significantly reducing the flow of narcotics into our neighborhoods,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock.
Luis Robert Velazquez, 39, of Cockrell Hill, Texas, pled guilty in July 2025, to a drug conspiracy in which he admitted to trafficking narcotics for Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). According to plea documents, in the span of less than five months, from November 2024 to April 2025, Velazquez admitted to having received shipments of approximately 300 kilograms of methamphetamine, ten to twelve kilograms of heroin, and a kilogram of cocaine from his Mexico-based CJNG associates. Velazquez then distributed the narcotics in kilogram quantities to domestic customers of the organization in the Dallas area at the direction of his Mexico-based CJNG superiors. Velazquez laundered U.S. currency from the transactions to send to CJNG superiors in Mexico. On Monday, January 5, 2026, Velazquez was sentenced for his role in the conspiracy to 135 months in federal prison by U.S. Senior District Judge Daivd Godbey.In February last year, the U.S. State Department designated Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación a foreign terrorist organization, consistent with a presidential executive order issued on January 20, 2025, declaring such cartels a national security threat extending beyond traditional organized crime.
This case was 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 Dallas comprises agents and officers from FBI, DEA, HSI, Dallas Police Department, Coppell Police Department, and Grand Prairie Police Department. First Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Coker prosecuted the case.
Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Darnell Marice McCarver, also known as “WAP,” 19, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to aiding and abetting the distribution of 50 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture. McCarver admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Huntington area.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 27, 2025, McCarver arranged the sale of approximately 63.5 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. As part of his guilty plea, McCarver admitted that he communicated with the confidential informant while he was in Detroit via a FaceTime video call, and that he directed the confidential informant to a Huntington, West Virginia, residence where another individual conducted the transaction with the confidential informant. McCarver also admitted that he coordinated the distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl on multiple occasions between April 2025 and August 2025.
On September 10, 2025, law enforcement officers arrested McCarver and executed a search warrant at his Detroit residence. Officers seized approximately $4,479 from McCarver’s person and approximately 950 grams of methamphetamine, 48 grams of fentanyl, four firearms, and $8,764 at the residence during the search. McCarver admitted that he stored drugs at his residence for distribution in the Southern District of West Virginia and elsewhere, that he possessed and intended to distribute the seized methamphetamine and fentanyl, and that the seized cash was proceeds from drug distributions.
McCarver is scheduled to be sentenced on April 13, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million.
McCarver is among 10 defendants indicted on charges alleging they participated in the DTO. McCarver and two co-defendants pleaded guilty. The charges against the other defendants remain pending. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Cabell County Sheriff's Office, the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, and the Huntington Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney 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-154.
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Detroit Man Pleads Guilty in Half-Million Dollar Pandemic Unemployment Insurance Fraud, ID-Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A Detroit resident pleaded guilty yesterday related to an extensive unemployment insurance fraud and identity theft scheme, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr.
Nicholas Overton, 32, pleaded guilty today before Judge Denise Page Hood to one count each of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Joining in the announcement was Megan Howell, Special Agent-in-Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General.
According to court records the defendant submitted or caused the submission of approximately 90 fraudulent unemployment insurance claims across 20 states and territories (primarily Michigan, California, New York, and Arizona) and received over $500,000 in fraudulent unemployment assistance payments.
According to court records the defendant submitted these claims using the personal identifying information (PII) of multiple individuals who were unaware that their identities had been compromised and who had not authorized the defendant to file claims on their behalf.
U.S. Attorney Gorgon stated, “Identity theft is not a victimless crime. It is a deliberate exploitation of real people for personal gain. With these pleas the defendant is being held accountable, and this Office will continue to pursue those who use fraud and stolen identities to take advantage of others and undermine trust in public programs.”
“Nicholas Overton devised and executed a scheme that defrauded 20 state workforce agencies by filing for unemployment insurance in the names of identity theft victims who were not entitled to such benefits. This conviction affirms the Office of Inspector General’s commitment to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and bring to justice those who exploit U.S. Department of Labor programs,” said Megan Howell, Special Agent-in-Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
Overton will be sentenced by Judge Hood on May 7, 2026. He faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the wire fraud count and a mandatory, consecutive sentence of 2 years’ imprisonment on the aggravated identity theft count.
This case was investigated by special agents of the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General (DOL-OIG) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan A. Particka and Jason D. Norwood.
Cubero Man Charged in Fatal ShootingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Cubero man is facing federal charges in connection with the fatal shooting of another tribal member during a confrontation at a cemetery.
According to court records, on January 1, 2026, Donald Thompson, 49, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna, allegedly shot and killed another Laguna Pueblo member during a confrontation at a cemetery within the Pueblo of Laguna in Cubero, New Mexico. Law enforcement responded to reports of a shooting and found the victim deceased at the scene with an apparent gunshot wound to the chest and back. Witnesses reported that Thompson was armed with a rifle and fired a single shot during the confrontation, and Thompson later admitted to shooting the victim, claiming he believed he was acting in self-defense.
Thompson is charged with second degree murder and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He was released on conditions pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Thompson faces up to life in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.
View the Criminal Complaint (Thompson).pdfA criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Convicted Sex Offender Who Had Been Deported to Mexico Pleads Guilty to Illegally Re-Entering the United StatesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Saul Castillo-Crespo, 28, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to illegal re-entry into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Castillo-Crespo, aka “David Crespo,” was previously convicted in August 2017 in D.C. Superior Court and sentenced to five years in prison in connection with the kidnapping and sexual abuse of an intoxicated stranger in Northwest Washington.
In January 2023, Castillo-Crespo was deported to Mexico. He illegally re-entered the country in March 2025, proceeded to violate the law by failing to register as a sex offender, and was arrested in June by local law enforcement.
Judge Timothy J. Kelly scheduled sentencing for March 13, 2026.
“This individual sexually assaulted a victim and got deported a few years ago, just to sneak back into the U.S. illegally,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “I will not allow this brazen defiance of our immigration laws to continue, especially from criminals who commit the most heinous illegal acts.”
According to the court documents, ICE learned that Castillo-Crespo had been arrested by MPD officers on June 27, 2025, and had been charged with unlawful entry and destroying property. On arrest, the defendant identified himself using the alias “David Crespo.”
On July 16, 2025, law enforcement fingerprinted “David Crespo.” The FBI identified him as Castillo-Crespo. ICE determined that the fingerprints matched those of a known and previously deported alien.
Castillo-Crespo previously was found guilty and sentenced for a sex crime in the District. On May 7, 2017, Castillo-Crespo encountered his victim in the early morning hours on a sidewalk near Lafayette Square in downtown Washington. The woman was extremely intoxicated, unable to walk, and told Castillo-Crespo that she wanted to go to her home. Castillo-Crespo hailed a passing taxi and took her to his apartment building in the 1700 block of Seventh Street NW. Once inside, the victim refused to enter Castillo-Crespo’s fourth-floor apartment and repeated that she wanted to go home. Castillo-Crespo carried her to a staircase where he sexually assaulted her. His conduct inside the building was captured on building surveillance cameras.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Satter.
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Clearwater man sentenced to prison for child pornography distributionRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for distributing child sex abuse materials (CSAM).
According to court documents, Benjamin Charles Fisher, 44, of Clearwater pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography.
Fisher admitted to using a social media messaging platform to correspond with other sex offenders to trade child sexual abuse materials. He used multiple alias accounts and connected to the internet from his home and from his work while committing his crimes.
As part of his sentence, a federal judge ordered Fisher to pay $30,500 in restitution.
“Our office is extremely pleased with the sentence in this case which is the statutory maximum for the offense,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “By using different names and logging onto the internet from multiple locations, Mr. Fisher thought his crimes would go undetected and unpunished by the justice system. What he didn’t plan on was the tenacity of our highly skilled law enforcement partners and prosecution, which is why Mr. Fisher will be spending the next 20 years in prison. It does not matter how someone tries to cover up their activity, we are committed to getting justice in these cases.”
The Wichita Police Department and Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Childhood
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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.###
Chattanooga Pastor Sentenced to 30 Months for Wire Fraud and Tax Fraud Charges in $1.8 Million COVID-19 Employment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – On January 8, 2026, Ricky Lee Taylor, Jr., 36, currently of Chattanooga, TN, was sentenced by the Honorable Charles E. Atchley, Jr., United States District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Taylor agreed to plead guilty to an information charging him with one count of Wire Fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343 and one count of Tax Fraud in violation of 26 U.S.C. 7206(1). Taylor was sentenced to 30 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. The Court ordered that Taylor pay a money judgment of $942,238.85 and $2,532,528.18 in restitution to the United States.
Taylor, a former University of Tennessee at Chattanooga basketball player, now a preacher and entrepreneur, ran several businesses to include Potter’s Wheel Trucking, LLC; Ricky Taylor Basketball, LLC; Arena of Praise; Spirit Logistics, LLC; and Reap Real Estate and Property. Taylor applied for Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans on behalf of these entities and in so doing provided fraudulent documentation in support of the loans. In total, Taylor submitted eight fraudulent applications and received approximately $1,800,000 in loans, which significantly exceeded any amount to which he would have been legally entitled. Taylor then filed fraudulent, personal tax returns that did not account for the income from the PPP loans.
U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee, Resident Agent in Charge, Adam Lander of the United States Secret Service, and Special Agent in Charge, Donald “Trey” Eakins, IRS Criminal Investigations (“IRS CI”) made the announcement.
The criminal information was the result of a joint investigation in Chattanooga, TN by the United States Secret Service and the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS.
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Poole represented the United States.
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Bridgeport Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking MethRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL MIHALKO, 42, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for trafficking methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2022, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service identified a series of parcels suspected to contain controlled substances that were being mailed to the Norwich residence of Joseph Wilk, Jr. and a P.O. Box in Norwich that Wilk opened. On November 21, 2022, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of a suspicious USPS Priority Express parcel mailed from California to the P.O. Box and found that it contained more than one pound of pure methamphetamine. Investigators determined that Mihalko had been tracking the package.
On December 8, 2022, Wilk picked up the package in Norwich and drove to his residence. Shortly thereafter, Norwich police officers arrived at his residence. After Wilk gave his consent, investigators searched his home and seized approximately 2.575 kilograms of methamphetamine, approximately 16 grams of ecstasy, items used to process and package narcotics, two handguns, and $1,740 in cash.
The investigation revealed that several parcels suspected to contain narcotics were mailed to Wilk between May and December 2022. After Wilk received methamphetamine that had been mailed to him, he would deliver some of it to Mihalko, who at the time was living in the Boston area, and distribute some of his to his own customers in Southeastern Connecticut and Rhode Island. Investigators subsequently interviewed Mihalko who admitted that he was responsible for sending the intercepted parcel and numerous others.
On October 12, 2023, Mihalko pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He has been detained since September 15, 2025, after he violated the conditions of his release and his bond was revoked.
Wilk pleaded guilty to the same charge and has been sentenced.
This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Norwich Police Department. The Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, and the Hartford, Plainville, and Meriden Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Lembo and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Agrees to Settlement in United States Attorney’s Office’s Investigation of Ineffective Communication with People who are Deaf or Hard of HearingRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that it has resolved its investigation into complaints that Brattleboro Memorial Hospital (BMH) failed to effectively communicate with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing during medical visits. This agreement resolves allegations that BMH violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) during patient visits dating back to at least 2018.
The United States received a complaint from an individual who alleged that BMH discriminated against him by failing to provide qualified sign language interpreters and appropriate auxiliary aids and services during visits to BMH’s emergency department. The individual also alleged that on several occasions, he was required to rely on his companion to assist him in communicating about his medical concerns. The United States’s investigation revealed additional individuals, whose primary means of communication is American Sign Language, with whom BMH similarly failed to ensure effective communication. It is well settled under the ADA that patients have the right to effective communication in hospitals and doctors’ offices.
BMH has already taken steps to comply with its obligations under the ADA. And with the resolution agreement, BMH will timely provide qualified interpreters when necessary to ensure effective communication with patients and companions; create a grievance procedure; provide comprehensive training to its personnel on effective communication; and designate a program administrator who will coordinate access to auxiliary aids and services 24/7.
The resolution agreement also establishes a fund to compensate people who have been affected by BMH’s failure to provide qualified sign language interpreters or appropriate auxiliary aids and services from 2018 through 2025. Any person believed to be so aggrieved should contact the United States Attorney’s Office by filling out the civil rights complaint form available on our website or by emailing the office at [email protected]. To access the civil rights complaint form, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-vt/civil-rights-program.
Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Greer and former Assistant United States Attorney Zachary M. Dayno handled this matter for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont. The resolution agreement is available at this link: Resolution Agreement
For more information on the ADA, visit http://www.ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY).
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Blytheville Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Lyonel Smith will spend the next 10 years in federal prison after convictions for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of an unregistered firearm. 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 August 8, 2024, Smith, 38, of Blytheville, was indicted by a federal grand jury in a four-count Indictment. The Indictment charged Smith with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, possession of unregistered firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. On June 2, 2025, Smith pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of an unregistered firearm.
As a result of an investigation, on September 27, 2023, law enforcement officers obtained a warrant and conducted a search at Smith’s residence. During a search of Smith’s bedroom, officers located two firearms, an FN, Model 509 9mm semi-automatic firearm that was loaded with 24 rounds of ammunition and an FN Model Five-Seven, 5.7x28 caliber semi-automatic firearm. Officers also located six ounces of marijuana, more than seven grams of cocaine, digital scales, and other drug paraphernalia.
In Smith’s garage, officers located 263 grams of methamphetamine. In addition to the methamphetamine, there were additional firearms located in the garage: an American Tactical Omni-Hybrid 300 Blackout loaded with 20 rounds of ammunition, an American Tactical AR-15, .223 caliber firearm loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition, and an AR-style, 5.56 caliber semi-automatic rifle with a short barrel (less than 16 inches in length) that did not contain a serial number and was not registered as a legal short-barrel rifle.
In addition to the 10-year sentence for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Smith was sentenced to five years in federal prison for being in possession of an unregistered firearm—the 5.56 caliber semi-automatic rifle—which will be served concurrently with the 10-year sentence. Chief Judge Baker also sentenced Smith to five years’ supervised release for each count he was sentenced, to also be served concurrently. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Blytheville Police Department with assistance from the DEA. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bart Dickinson.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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@USAO_EDAR
Birmingham Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Carjacking and KidnappingRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham man has been sentenced for carjacking and kidnapping, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.
U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced Dearrius Dontrell Pace, 31, to 240 months in prison. In September 2025, Pace pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and one count of kidnapping.
According to the plea agreement, on July 16, 2024, Pace followed the victim out of a gas station on Lloyd Nolan Parkway. Pace confronted the victim at gunpoint as he entered his vehicle, ordered him to move into the passenger seat and Pace got in the driver’s seat. During the drive, Pace demanded the victim’s wallet and cash. The victim handed over approximately $16.00 and told Pace that he did not have a wallet with him. Pace then struck the victim in the face with a hard object before ordering him out of the vehicle. On July 24, 2024, Jefferson County Sherriff’s deputies arrested Pace.
The FBI investigated the case along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. McBrayer prosecuted the case.
Baltimore Man Sentenced for Obtaining and Using Vulnerable Victims’ Personal Information in Unemployment Insurance Claims Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin sentenced Duane Watts, 46, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 54 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. The sentence is in connection with Watts’ participation in an unemployment insurance (UI) fraud scheme involving the use of the personal identifying information of multiple victims, including vulnerable victims, to cause financial losses of more than $167,000. The victims were vulnerable because of their mental status or cognitive impairment.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer, National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), and Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea, beginning in May 2020, and continuing through at least May 2021, Watts engaged in a conspiracy to defraud and obtain money through materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises in connection with the UI scheme. Watts also engaged in aggravated identity theft, obtaining the personal identifiable information of real persons and using the information to cause the submission of false and fraudulent unemployment insurance claims to the Maryland Department of Labor (MD-DOL).
Watts and his co-conspirators used UI benefits, which were designated to assist unemployed or underemployed people due to the COVID-19 national emergency, for their personal use. Watts engaged in multiple ATM transactions, using debit cards loaded with UI funds intended for others, including the vulnerable victims. One of the vulnerable victims whose identity was used subsequently lost her employment and was unable to obtain needed MD-DOL UI benefits due to the fraud conspiracy.
Judge Rubin previously sentenced co-defendants Tiia Woods and Devante Smith to 74 and 57 months in prison, respectively, for their roles in the conspiracy.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act — a federal law enacted in March 2020 — provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It authorized increased unemployment insurance UI benefits which have historically been a state and federal program that provided monetary benefits to eligible workers. The CARES Act expanded states’ ability to provide UI benefits for many workers impacted by COVID-19, including self-employed workers or independent contractors, who would not normally be eligible for UI benefits.
The District of Maryland Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the CARES Act. The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.
For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DOL-OIG and FBI for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys John M. D’Amico and Harry M. Gruber who prosecuted the federal case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Aliens Charged with Illegally Voting in a Federal Election and Making False Statements While Applying for U.S. CitizenshipRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A federal grand jury returned separate Indictments charging two Bergen County men with illegally voting in a federal election and making false statements while applying for United States citizenship, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced.
According to the Indictments, which were returned on December 22, 2025, both Muhammad Muzammal, 37, and Muhammad Shakeel, 62, were non-citizens at the time they registered to vote in New Jersey. However, on their registration forms, both men falsely certified and attested that they were United States citizens. After their applications to register were approved, each of the men, still without United States citizenship, cast ballots in the in the November 2020 general election, which included the election for the offices of President and Vice President of the United States. In order to register to vote and vote in federal elections, a person must be a United States citizen.
The Indictments also allege that after they illegally voted in a federal election, Muhammad Muzammal and Muhammad Shakeel each applied to become United States citizens by submitting applications for naturalization (an “N-400”). An N-400 requires the applicant to swear under penalty of perjury that the information they provide in their application is complete, true, and correct. In their respective N-400s, both men falsely claimed that they had never registered to vote or voted in any Federal, state, or local elections.
After they submitted their N-400s, both men were interviewed by an Immigration Services Officer who placed them under oath and questioned them about the answers that the men provided in their respective N-400s. During those interviews, both Muhammad Muzammal and Muhammad Shakeel again falsely asserted that they had never voted in any Federal, state, or local elections.
Muhammad Shakeel, will make his initial appearance before a Magistrate in federal District Court in Trenton on January 21, 2026, and his case has been assigned to District Judge Georgette Castner. Muhammad Muzammal, whose case has been assigned to District Judge Karen M. Williams, will make his initial appearance in federal District Court in Camden on a date to be determined.
If convicted, the defendants face the following maximum sentences:
Count
Offense
Maximum Penalties
1Voting by an Alien in a Federal Election1 year’s imprisonment2False Statements in Relation to Naturalization, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1015(a)5 years’ imprisonment3False Statements in Relation to Naturalization, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1425(a)10 years’ imprisonmentSenior Counsel Lamparello credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy; and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, under the direction of District Director John Thompson, with the investigations.
This case was brought under the United States Attorney’s Office’s Election Integrity Task Force, a coalition of federal law enforcement partners focused on preserving and protecting the integrity of elections conducted in the District of New Jersey.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. McCarren of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Division.
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel:
Rizwan M. Khalid, Esq., (for Muhammad Muzammal and Muhammad Shakeel)
shakeel.indictment.pdf muzammal.indictment.pdfActing U.S. Attorney Announces Grants Available to Combat Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Acting United States Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma announced that today U.S. Department of Justice grants are currently available to help communities combat human trafficking and serve adults and children who are victimized in trafficking operations. The grants are being made available through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs.
For more information on program criteria and how to apply, please visit https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov. For more information about application deadlines or to see all available funding opportunities from the Office of Justice Programs, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities. Please note that you must have active registrations in SAM.gov and Grants.gov before you can apply for Department of Justice funding opportunities.
Grant Opportunities Available
Housing Assistance for Victims of Human Trafficking: This funding will provide for transitional housing and supportive services that assist human trafficking victims in moving as quickly as possible into permanent housing and achieving stability. Eligible applicants are government entities, educational organizations, nonprofit organizations, and public housing organizations.
Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Human Trafficking: This funding will support programs to enhance the availability, quality, and delivery of services tailored to the developmental stages and needs of young (minor) victims of human trafficking. Eligible applicants are government entities, educational organizations, nonprofit organizations, and public housing organizations.
Preventing Trafficking of Girls: This funding will develop or enhance prevention and early intervention services for girls who are at risk of, or are victims of, sex and/or labor trafficking. Funding will be provided for activities such as street outreach, partnerships with organizations that serve youth, partnerships with juvenile justice and child welfare systems, and/or collaboration with other key community stakeholders. Eligible applicants are government entities, educational organizations, nonprofit organizations, and public housing organizations.
Specialized Human Trafficking Assistance: Supporting Survivor Engagement in Anti-Trafficking Programming: This funding will assist OVC-funded anti-trafficking grantees in ensuring meaningful engagement with and successful outcomes for survivors of human trafficking. The program will help build capacity to identify and partner with survivors in their local community, state, or region. Eligible applicants are educational organizations, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit organizations.
Enhanced Collaborative Model (ECM) Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking: This funding will support jurisdictions to develop and expand a multidisciplinary, collaborative task force approach to better respond to human trafficking through increased victim identification, service provision, and case investigations. Eligible applicants are government entities and nonprofit organizations.
Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking: This funding will develop, enhance, and coordinate programs and activities geared toward improving outcomes for child and youth victims of sex and labor trafficking. The program supports a statewide or Tribal jurisdiction-wide strategic plan addressing challenges related to identifying and serving child and youth victims of sex and labor trafficking, as well as identifying, investigating, and prosecuting traffickers. Eligible applicants are government entities.
Services for Victims of Human Trafficking: This funding will develop, expand, and strengthen victim service comprehensive and specialized services programs for victims of all forms of human trafficking. Eligible Applicants are government entities, educational organizations, nonprofit organizations, and public housing organizations.
7 January 2026
Utah Man Sentenced in Making Threats Against Palestinian Rights OrganizationRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Kevin Brent Buchanan, 64, of Tooele, Utah, was sentenced today in the District of Columbia to six months in prison in connection with threatening violence against the employees of a D.C.-based Palestinian rights organization, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Buchanan pleaded guilty on July 21, 2025, to a one-count information charging him with transmitting in interstate commerce a communication containing a threat to injure the person of another. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ordered Buchanan to serve three years of supervised release with mandatory participation in a mental health program.
Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement were Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office.
According to court documents, between Oct. 31, 2023, and Nov. 2, 2023, Buchanan used his cell phone to call and leave five voice mail messages for members of the organization. In his November 2 message, Buchanan stated in part: “Your families are going to be followed and watched;” “You don’t even belong in America;” “I hope every Muslim in the United States [expletive] croaks;” and “You are all going to [expletive] die, you pieces of [expletive] traitors.”
Buchanan admitted that he intentionally targeted the organization because its staff and members are Palestinian, and because the organization advocates on behalf of Palestinians.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Gold for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Sanjay Patel of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
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Union Treasurer Charged with Wire Fraud and Embezzlement of Labor Organization FundsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A former treasurer of a New Mexico labor organization is facing federal charges for allegedly abusing his position of trust within a union to misuse union funds and conceal that conduct through false financial reporting.
According to court records, from 2014 through early 2024, Max Jaramillo, 58, served as treasurer of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, Local 331, a position that carries fiduciary duties to safeguard union assets and to accurately disclose the union’s financial condition to its members and the Department of Labor. During that time frame, Jaramillo used union funds for unauthorized personal expenses and then submitted required annual Labor Organization Annual Reports that falsely represented the expenditures as legitimate union expenses, omitting the true nature and purpose of the disbursements. These false filings and omissions were material and were used to conceal the misuse of union funds from both union members and federal regulators.
Jaramillo is federally charged with two counts of wire fraud and three counts of embezzlement by an Officer or a Labor Organization. If convicted, Jaramillo faces up to 20 years in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.
The Department of Labor’s Office of Labor Management Standards investigated this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.
View th Indictment (Jaramillo).pdfAn indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Leveraging Federal, State, Local Partnerships to Help Drive Sharp Decline in Violent Crime Across MarylandRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced today that, thanks to cooperative efforts between Federal, State, and local partners, statewide violent crime continued to significantly decline in 2025. Homicides and non-fatal shootings are down statewide, including in Baltimore City, for the fourth year in a row.
Since 2021, statewide homicides have declined by 50 percent. In 2025, Baltimore City saw 133 murders — the lowest on record since 1977 — which reflects a 31-perecent drop from 2024, and a 61-percent decrease since 2021. This is only the fifth time the City logged under 200 murders since 1970, and is the first time it recorded under 200 homicides in back-to-back years, since 1978. Non-fatal shootings statewide and in Baltimore City were also down, in 2025, by 28 percent and 25 percent, respectively. Additionally, in Prince George’s County, as of December 31, homicides declined by 41 percent in 2025.
These declines demonstrate the value of strategic collaboration between Federal, State, and local law enforcement. In this way, federal resources are leveraged as a force multiplier for the safety and security of all Marylanders.
This dynamic is on display through the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s leveraging of state-funded Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys (SAUSAs) to help with the fight against violent crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office partners with the Office of the Maryland State Prosecutor, Office of the State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County, and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City — who provide SAUSAs to work in federal court alongside federal prosecutors — to tackle violent crime. Utilizing these SAUSAs is directly tied to the drop in statewide violent crime. In 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office worked with its State partners to onboard six SAUSAs, bringing the total to nine active SAUSAs working full time out of the Baltimore or Greenbelt U.S. Attorney’s offices.
“The recent decline in violent crime across Maryland reflects what is possible when we work together with focus and purpose,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes. “By strategically leveraging Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys — and strengthening our partnerships with Federal, State, and local law enforcement — we are multiplying our impact and ensuring that the most serious offenders are held accountable. Public safety remains our top priority, and we will continue to use every tool available to keep Maryland’s communities safe.”
In Baltimore City, SAUSAs, who are funded through grants from the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, lead efforts to prosecute individuals who violate federal firearm laws. SAUSAs also assist the Baltimore Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with separate armed robbery, carjacking, homicide and non-fatal shooting investigations. Additionally, SAUSAs actively help investigate and prosecute multiple firearms, narcotics, robbery, and carjacking cases with a nexus to Prince George’s County and the surrounding area.
As a result of using all available resources, and increased collaboration with Federal, State, and local prosecutors and law enforcement agencies, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is successfully investigating and prosecuting individuals and organizations responsible for committing firearms trafficking; drug trafficking; violent carjackings; bank robberies; gang-related murders — including the murder of a 16-year-old girl, and multiple murders in connection with an MS-13 RICO Act conspiracy — and other violent crimes. These strong collaborations have helped drive major declines in violence, and are connected to the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). This program brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is helping eradicate violent crime while improving neighborhood safety through utilizing the newly formed Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF). The HSTF is an initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. It 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. This includes prosecuting foreign nationals who committed murders and stabbings, along with illegal aliens who sold illicit fentanyl in the state.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Two Rio Grande Valley men sentenced for roles in fentanyl trafficking operationRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Two Rio Grande Valley men have been ordered to federal prison for their roles in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
James Queen, 41, McAllen, and Angel Valdez, 36, Alton, pleaded guilty Sept. 4 and Oct. 28, 2025, respectively.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now imposed a 60-month term of imprisonment for Queen, and Valdez received 27 months. Both must also serve three years of supervised release following their sentences. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Tipton noted the dangers of fentanyl and its use in the community.
The investigation began in May 2025 when law enforcement discovered Valdez was selling fentanyl in the McAllen area. Over the next two months, authorities determined Queen supplied Valdez with fentanyl.
As part of an undercover operation, law enforcement purchased more than 50 grams of fentanyl directly from Valdez. During the investigation, authorities learned Valdez routinely met Queen at his residence to obtain the drugs.
On June 23, 2025, authorities executed a search warrant at Queen’s residence and seized an additional 15 baggies of fentanyl weighing more than 50 grams. They also discovered multiple firearms, a bulletproof vest, a large amount of currency and a money counter.
Queen later confessed that he distributed user-level amounts of fentanyl to approximately 30 repeat customers.
Valdez and Queen have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Garcia prosecuted the case.
Two Healthcare Executives Convicted for Exploiting Elderly Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries in $34 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A Miami federal jury convicted two healthcare executives on Dec. 22, 2025 for their roles in a scheme that resulted in the submission of approximately $34 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare Advantage plans for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment, including back, knee, shoulder, and ankle braces.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Michael Kochen, 42, and Sandro Herek, 56, targeted Medicare Advantage beneficiaries through deceptive telemarketing practices, pressuring elderly individuals to accept medical equipment they did not need — and in some cases, did not want. Over the course of the scheme, more than $17 million was paid by Medicare Advantage plans on fraudulent claims.
“This case was simple at its core,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “The defendants exploited trust and age, using pressure tactics and fake medical justifications to push unnecessary equipment onto elderly patients who deserved better. The jury saw through it. This verdict sends a clear message that schemes targeting seniors and abusing our healthcare system will be met with accountability and real consequences.”
Kochen owned dozens of companies that sold durable medical equipment supplies, such as braces. Herek oversaw and directed overseas call centers, including in Egypt and other foreign jurisdictions, which aggressively cold called Medicare beneficiaries without prior requests for services. Call-center representatives repeatedly contacted beneficiaries — often after initial refusals — and used high pressure tactics to induce them to accept braces regardless of medical necessity. Marketing scripts falsely suggested that the braces would be provided at no cost to the beneficiaries.
Evidence further showed that physicians frequently issued standardized or boilerplate medical authorizations for braces based solely on call recordings rather than individualized medical evaluations. In many instances, doctors did not speak with beneficiaries at all. When calls did occur, they were often brief, lasted only minutes, and did not include a meaningful assessment of medical necessity. Kochen paid kickbacks to telemedicine companies to obtain prescription orders for braces for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, which were then used to submit claims for unnecessary equipment.
Kochen was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit health care and wire fraud, six counts of health care fraud, one count of conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks, and three counts of payment of health care kickbacks. Herek was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit health care and wire fraud, one count of health care fraud, one count of conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks, and three counts of receiving health care kickbacks.
Kochen and Herek each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the conspiracy to commit health care and wire fraud conviction, 10 years for each health care fraud conviction, five years for the kickback conspiracy conviction, and 10 years for each substantive kickback-related conviction. The sentencing hearing in this case is scheduled for Mar. 25. A federal district court judge will determine sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones; Acting Special Agent in Charge Ricardo M. Carcas of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, (HHS-OIG), Miami Regional Office; and Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
HHS-OIG Miami and FBI Miami are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roger Cruz, David Turken and Robert F. Moore are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra Demici is handling asset forfeiture.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-20078.
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