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29 December 2025
Repeat Offender Engaged in Fentanyl Trafficking Sentenced to 204 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Kenneth H. Crause, age 55, to 204 months in federal prison after Crause pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Deliver 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl. Judge Dimke also ordered that, following his sentence, Crause be placed on a life term of supervised release.
According to Court documents, the Spokane Police Department Special Investigations Unit had an active drug trafficking investigation into Crause who was already on federal supervision for a prior drug trafficking conviction. Based on that investigation officers obtained search warrants for his residence and vehicle. Those warrants were executed on October 8, 2024 at which time, officers located multiple controlled substances to include over 1,298 grams of deadly powder fentanyl, approximately 124 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 28 grams of cocaine. Also found during the search, were multiple digital drug scales, pay/owe drug ledgers, and other drug paraphernalia associated with drug trafficking as well as protective gear such as respirators and gloves indicative of the deadly nature of the powder being prepared and distributed by Crause. In addition, approximately $53,902 in United States currency was seized from the residence, vehicle and Crause’s person.
“Fentanyl remains one of the greatest threats to our community.” Stated First Assistant United States Attorney S. Pete Serrano. “Mr. Crause was already on federal supervision for his prior involvement in drug trafficking. Even while being supervised by the Court, Crause chose to engage in fentanyl trafficking, directly placing this community and others at risk. He clearly knew those risks evidenced by the protective gear he utilized while not caring for the impact on others. Through the hard work of our state and federal partners, this repeat offender will no longer be able to hurt our community.”
“Mr. Crause clearly knew the dangers of fentanyl, but he ignored this risk out of greed,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “As an unreformed trafficker, he richly deserves this lengthy prison term, which may be the only way to stop him from poisoning our community.”
Detective Brian Eckersley said that he is very proud of the hard-working Detectives in the Spokane Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit. They work many long nights putting these cases together. The combined efforts of our federal partners contributed to a successful prosecution. This prosecution was even more rewarding for us, because we stopped, Crause from trafficking fentanyl. After seeing the dangerous living conditions one child had to live in, we knew Crause had to be stopped. He clearly used personal protection equipment when handling the fentanyl. However, Crause left the residue and trash from his drug operation out where it was easily accessible to the child, who risked serious illness or death from exposure to the fentanyl.
The case was investigated by the Spokane Police Department and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Earl A. Hicks, Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
2:24-cr-00181-MKDPanama City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Threatening a Federal InformantRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Thomas Zachary Breeding, 41, of Panama City, Florida, was sentenced to a total of 77 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to retaliation against a federal informant, transmission of threatening communications in interstate commerce, and supervised release violations. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I appreciate the excellent investigative work by our state and federal law enforcement partners that led to this successful prosecution. My office has zero tolerance for those who threaten our communities with violence, and we will aggressively prosecute such offenses to keep our residents safe.”
Court documents reflect that on May 31, 2024, the defendant sent Facebook messages threatening bodily injury to an individual. In the messages, the defendant blamed the individual for sending him to prison, called him a “rat,” and promised to “break” a “knife off” in their “guts.” The defendant sent the threats to retaliate against the individual for having provided information to federal law enforcement as part of a prior federal investigation and prosecution of the defendant for distributing cocaine. The defendant was still on federal supervised release for that prior case at the time he made the threats, and he admitted to violating the terms and conditions of his supervision as a result of the new charges.
“DEA and our law enforcement partners will not stop protecting our communities from traffickers pushing poisons into our neighborhoods and threatening the safety and security of those helping us do just that,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “This man was convicted of distributing cocaine and then threatened members of the community who wanted his actions stopped.”
Breeding was sentenced to 47 months in prison for the retaliation and threat charges and an additional 30 months to run consecutively for the supervised release violations.
The sentence was the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes.
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.
Mexican National Sentenced After Being Found in the United States Unlawfully for a Fourth TimeRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Mexican national was sentenced today for Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Miguel Gabino Trujillo, 32, to 46 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Gabino Trujillo was previously removed from the United States on three separate occasions. In March 2015, he was removed after receiving a five-year suspended sentence in State Court for possessing a controlled substance and obstructing an officer. Seventeen days after being removed, Gabino Trujillo was arrested in the Southern District of Texas and removed a second time in August 2015.
Gabino Trujillo was removed for a third time in December 2023 after being convicted of a drug-related offense in the Northern District of Oklahoma. He was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison after conspiring with others to distribute more than 490 grams of cocaine.
His latest arrest was in June 2025 when officers were patrolling downtown Tulsa and saw an occupied parked vehicle with a glass bottle on the ground outside the passenger side door. Gabino Trujillo and the driver of the vehicle refused to comply with the officers' commands and exit the vehicle. After several minutes, officers broke the window and pepper balled the vehicle. When Gabino Trujillo exited the vehicle, they found two bags of cocaine. He pleaded no contest in State Court for possessing a controlled drug and was sentenced to 25 days in jail.
While being booked into jail, agents discovered that Gabino Trujillo was unlawfully in the United States. He will remain in federal custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons and is expected to face removal proceedings following the sentence.
The Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Brandon prosecuted the case.
Illegal alien Marvin Fernando Morales Ortez faces federal charges following arrest for murderRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Salvadoran national has been charged in a criminal complaint in the Eastern District of Virginia with possession of a firearm by an alien illegally present in the United States.
“This office is resolute in enforcing the immigration laws of the United States, and we will vigorously prosecute individuals who commit acts of violence in our communities,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We are committed to holding accountable those who choose to ignore our laws and threaten or harm our residents. Protecting the public is the highest priority of the Eastern District of Virginia, and that mission is best accomplished through close cooperation among federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.”
According to the complaint, Marvin Fernando Morales Ortez, 23, illegally entered the United States on Sept. 16, 2016.
On Dec. 17, Fairfax County Police Department officers responded to a call for service at a residence in Reston. Inside the residence, officers located a deceased victim with apparent gunshot wounds. Video footage appears to show Morales fleeing from the residence. Officers later located and arrested Morales. As alleged in the complaint, Morales was in possession of a firearm.
Morales is currently in state custody on a charge of second degree murder.
If convicted, Morales Ortez faces up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-mj-732.
A complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Harrisburg Man Sentenced for Illegal Structuring of Financial TransactionsRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Harrisburg, South Dakota, man convicted of Structuring in violation of federal banking laws. The federal crime of structuring is a practice designed to evade anti-money laundering laws and typically consists of intentionally breaking large sums of cash into smaller deposits or transactions to avoid triggering mandatory reporting by financial institutions.
Richard Kamolvathin, a/k/a Danuj Richard Kamolvathin, d/b/a Zolvent Pro, LLC, age 59, was sentenced on December 29, 2025, to five years of probation, restitution in the amount of $363,800, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.
Kamolvathin was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2023. He pleaded guilty on September 22, 2025.
The convictions stemmed from two incidents in 2021. Between April 26, 2021, and May 17, 2021, Kamolvathin made a cash withdrawal and wire transfers from one of his American Bank and Trust accounts and Bank of America accounts. Again, between June 1, 2021, and July 1, 2021, Kamolvathin also made cash and check withdrawals and transferred money from one of his ABT accounts to his BOA account via check.
Kamolvathin knew that both American Bank and Trust and Bank of America were obliged to file a report to the United States Government for depository transactions involving currency in the excess of $10,000. Kamolvathin knew that if he were to conduct a currency transaction exceeding $10,000, that would trigger the filing of a report by the bank to the United States Government.
During the above-mentioned time frames, Kamolvathin intended to transact an amount in currency greater than $10,000. Rather than withdrawing or transferring the entire amount in a single transaction, Kamolvathin made multiple cash withdrawals and transfers via check in amounts less than $10,000, on the same day, on consecutive days or within a short time period. He did so in an attempt to avoid drawing the suspicion of the bank and triggering the bank to file a report on his irregular banking activity.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Connie Larson prosecuted the case.
Fox Valley Nurse Practitioner Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unlawful PrescribingRead the Press Release
Brad D. Schimel, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on December 18, 2025, United States District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller sentenced Jessica Friday, an Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner from Appleton, Wisconsin, to 16 months’ imprisonment.
On August 13, 2025, Friday pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate purpose. The charges stem from Friday’s unlawful prescribing between 2020 and 2024. According to court records, during that period, Friday issued prescriptions for opioids, including Oxycodone, without a demonstration of medical necessity. Friday issued these prescriptions based on an arrangement with her patients whereby the patients agreed to fill the unlawful prescriptions and provide half, or more, of the pills to Friday for her personal use.
Friday was aware, while she was engaging this conduct, that the people to whom she was prescribing did not need the opiates, that they were vulnerable for reasons of their mental health and addiction, and that they were selling at least some of the pills they retained from Friday’s unlawful prescriptions.
In announcing his sentence, Judge Stadtmueller noted Friday’s serious abuse of a position of a trust, the “staggering” volume of prescriptions Friday issued without medical need, and the need to promote deterrence among medical professionals who may be tempted to engage in similar unlawful prescribing practices.
“Rather than providing legitimate care as a medical professional, this defendant fueled and supplied her own addiction,” said U.S. Attorney Schimel. “In the process, she simply became another drug dealer – another source of supply for putting highly addictive substances in the hands of others for no medical purpose. My office remains committed to working with DEA and all of our law enforcement partners to combat this epidemic.”
"Medical professionals are entrusted with extraordinary authority to heal, not to harm,” said John McGarry, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Milwaukee District Office. “When they abuse that trust by illegally dispensing controlled substances, they put lives at risk and undermine the integrity of the entire medical system. DEA will continue to hold accountable any practitioner who chooses profit or convenience over patient safety and the law.”
Upon completion of her 16-month prison sentence, Friday will serve a three-year term of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration – Diversion Control Division. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie F. Stewart.
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Four Foreign Nationals Sentenced in December for Illegally Reentering the United States After DeportationRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that four foreign nationals convicted separately of illegally reentering the United States after prior deportations were sentenced this month.
Juan Vargas Ramirez, aka Juan Vargas and Seferino Vargas-Ramirez, 30, a Mexican national, was sentenced by United States District Judge John M. Gallagher to time served, approximately seven months, for illegal reentry. Having completed his sentence, he will be removed from the United States again.
The defendant had previously been removed from the U.S. five times after encounters with U.S. immigration authorities: once in March 2014, twice in January 2015, and twice in October 2016.
In May of this year, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) learned that Vargas Ramirez had illegally reentered the U.S. and took him into custody. He was charged by federal indictment with illegal reentry in June and pleaded guilty in August.
Miguel Limon Ascencion, aka Miguel Limon, 42, a Mexican national, was sentenced by United States District Judge Juan R. Sánchez to time served, approximately three months, plus seven days, for illegal reentry. Having completed his sentence, he will be removed from the United States again.
The defendant had previously been removed from the U.S. in April 2018, after being encountered by the U.S. Border Patrol near Brownsville, Texas.
ICE learned that Limon Ascension had been arrested in July of this year by the Norristown Police Department. He was charged by federal indictment with illegal reentry in September and pleaded guilty in October.
Jenfry Then Regalado, 29, a Dominican national, was sentenced by United States District Judge Gerald A. McHugh to time served, approximately seven months, for illegal reentry. Having completed his sentence, he will be removed from the United States again.
The defendant had previously been removed from the U.S. in July 2016, after an encounter that March with the U.S. Border Patrol in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
ICE became aware that Then Regalado had illegally reentered the United States following his arrest by the Philadelphia Police Department on narcotics charges, to which he pleaded no contest in May of this year. In June, Then Regalado was charged by federal indictment with illegal reentry and pleaded guilty in September.
Kevin Arley Rosas-Pabon, 27, a Colombian national, was sentenced by United States District Judge Timothy J. Savage to time served, approximately four months, for illegal reentry. Having completed his sentence, he will be removed from the United States again.
The defendant had previously been removed from the U.S. in late 2021, following an encounter with the U.S. Border Patrol in Texas.
In July of this year, ICE learned that he had reentered the U.S. illegally and frequented an address in Easton, Pa. Rosas-Pabon was taken into custody in August, charged by indictment with illegal reentry in October, and pleaded guilty the same month.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The cases were investigated by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Martin E. Howley Jr., Lindsey Mills, Maureen McCartney, and Rosalynda M. Michetti.
Former Tallahassee Man Sentenced in Computer Tech Support Fraud Scheme That Targeted the ElderlyRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – John Kuhlmann, 79, of Daytona Beach, Florida, was sentenced on Thursday to pay $1,005,313.00 in restitution and serve three years of supervised release for operating an unlicensed money transmitting business in connection with a nationwide computer technical support fraud scheme that preyed upon more than 300 elderly vulnerable victims. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This despicable fraudster facilitated the financial exploitation of several elderly victims, robbing them of not only their money, but of their dignity, while lining his own pockets and those of his co-conspirators. My office will deploy every available legal resource to enforce the substantial restitution judgment entered against this offender to return as much stolen money to the victims as possible. I deeply appreciate the excellent investigative work by our state and federal law enforcement partners that led to his arrest and the dismantling of this fraud scheme, and urge residents to remain vigilant to similar schemes targeting the elderly.”
Court documents reflect that beginning in November 2018, the defendant opened two corporations in Florida, “Seminole Services, Inc.” and “QB Accounting Services,” which purportedly were in business to provide computer tech services. Neither business was registered as a money transmitting service as required by law, but the defendant had opened the businesses to receive money from elderly victims and then wire those funds to his co-conspirators who were located in foreign countries. These co-conspirators used a variety of tactics on victims—including convincing them that their computers had been infected with computer viruses, had been hacked, or their financial information was otherwise at risk of being stolen—to fraudulently convince victims to pay as much as $150,000.00 for computer repair services. Over the course of his involvement in the fraud scheme, the defendant transferred approximately $3.5 million dollars in victim funds through his business bank accounts.
“The Secret Service is committed to protecting our nation’s financial infrastructure from threats both foreign and domestic. That commitment is reflected in the outstanding work of our Special Agents and their investigative and prosecutorial partners in the Northern District of Florida,” said Resident Agent in Charge Seth Reister, United States Secret Service, Tallahassee Resident Office. “This investigation, prosecution, and sentencing highlight the real costs of elder fraud schemes, not only in dollars lost, but in the very real harm inflicted on some of our most vulnerable citizens.”
“This long-term investigation proved the defendant was intimately involved with a scheme to defraud our elderly and its resolution exemplifies the high level of dedication demonstrated by all agencies involved to bring this defendant to justice,” said Inspector in Charge, Bladismir Rojo, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division. “We, along with our law enforcement partners, remain committed to dismantling transnational criminal organizations that target our nation’s most vulnerable population.”
The case involved a joint investigation by the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith L. Steer and Justin M. Keen.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints can be filed with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, at www.ovc.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
District of Arizona Charges over 10,000 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct Since January 20, 2025Read the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – During the weeks of enforcement operations from January 20, 2025, through December 26, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against more than 10,140 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 5,128 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 4,260 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 638 cases against 734 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona. Protecting law enforcement officers is a key part of border vigilance, and federal prosecutors also charged 17 defendants for assaults on federal officers related to immigration enforcement during this period.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
“President Trump promised to secure our border, and the District of Arizona has delivered,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “Thanks to the leadership of the President and Attorney General Bondi, law enforcement and federal prosecutors have been empowered to uphold the laws they swore to protect, including immigration laws. Through increased presence, a 97% prosecution rate, and commitments to real criminal penalties, fewer people are crossing the border illegally so fewer traffickers can exploit them. The District of Arizona has proven that the dedicated men and women of the DOJ will go as far as they must to secure our homeland.”
Since March 7th, the District of Arizona has released its weekly immigration prosecution numbers here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-az/pr. Please continue to follow our progress in strengthening our Border and upholding the Rule of Law.
These cases were part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-180_10,000 Immigration Enforcement
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Defense Contractor Agrees to Pay More Than $800,000 to Resolve Alleged False Claims Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – IAP Worldwide Services, Incorporated (IAP), a logistics, facilities management, and advanced technical and professional services company headquartered in Delaware, agreed to pay the United States $810,821.65 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the settlement with Special Agent in Charge, Christopher Dillard, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) – Mid-Atlantic Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross, Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) – Economic Crimes Field Office.
The U.S. alleges that IAP knowingly submitted false claims for payment in connection with non-conforming goods provided to the United States Navy.
Specifically, the U.S. alleges that on November 4, 2015, IAP undertook the performance of a contract awarded by the U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River, Maryland (the Contract). The Contract, among other things, required IAP to maintain and support a certain military aircraft, which included the repair, replacement, and replenishment of items used in the repair and maintenance of a specific military aircraft – the Boeing E-6B. The Contract further required that IAP ensure that sources for the Boeing E-6B aircraft material were Federal Aviation Administration or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certified. In particular, the latter certification attests that the part, in this case the BACB30LU bolt procured by IAP and billed to the Navy, adhered to the manufacturer’s original design specifications and quality standards.
The Contract also required that IAP screen incoming material against purchase contract requirements and have a procedure for the control of non-conforming material and ensure subcontractor performance, including regarding product quality. The bolt procured by IAP, and identified as a BACB30LU bolt, was used to fasten parts of the E-6B aircraft and was important to ensuring the safety of the aircraft. Between January 1, 2018, and October 26, 2019, IAP knowingly submitted claims for payment to the U.S. Navy as if all contract requirements were met. But, in fact, it provided and billed to the U.S. Navy BACB30LU bolts that were not in conformity with the original equipment manufacturers’ design specifications and quality standards in that the bolts were made from noncompliant metal stock, the head and shank of the bolts were machined instead of forged, the head fillet was not cold worked, and the threads were machined instead of rolled, reducing the life span of the bolts.
Enacted during the Civil War, the False Claims Act is the government’s primary civil tool to combat fraud and abuse in federal programs and procurement.
“Companies that do business with the United States are expected to meet exacting standards, especially when the safety and readiness of our service members are at stake,” Hayes said. “As this settlement makes clear, supplying materials that do not conform to required design specifications and quality standards – while seeking payment as if they did – is unacceptable. This office will continue to use the False Claims Act to hold contractors accountable and to protect the integrity of federal procurement and the interests of the United States.”
“Contract fraud is not a victimless crime; it is a direct threat to our national security and the safety of our warfighters,” Dillard said. “DCIS along with the Department of Justice and our investigative partners will continue to utilize all available tools, including civil settlements, to safeguard the resources of the Department of Defense and ensure that our men and women in uniform receive the quality products and services they deserve.”
“Ensuring the integrity of the defense supply chain is essential to protecting our most sensitive national security assets and the safety of the personnel who rely on them,” Gross said. “This investigation underscores the serious risk posed when contractors compromise the quality of equipment used on Navy platforms. NCIS, in close coordination with our partners, remains committed to holding those individuals accountable and safeguarding both operational readiness and the lives of those who serve.”
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended DCIS Special Agent Samuel Peyton and the NCIS agents for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Tarra DeShields who handled this case.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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David I. Courcelle Takes Oath of Office as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of LouisianaRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle took the oath of office today at the United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana before family, former colleagues, members of the judiciary and a host of well-wishers. Chief United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter Judge presided over the Oath of Office ceremony. On June 30, 2025, Mr. Courcelle was nominated by President Donald J. Trump and confirmed by the United States Senate on December 18, 2025.
As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Courcelle will serve as the chief federal law enforcement official for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The Eastern District of Louisiana consists of the following thirteen (13) parishes located in South Louisiana: Assumption, Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne and Washington. He will lead a dedicated staff of prosecutors and support staff tasked with the mission of protecting and serving all residents of Southeast Louisiana through the enforcement of the laws of the United States.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Courcelle practiced law for 30 years and has extensive experience in both criminal and civil law. Additionally, he has served as City Attorney for the City of Harahan, and as Parish Attorney for the Parish of Jefferson. Most recently, Mr. Courcelle managed the Law Office of David I. Courcelle, LLC in Metairie, Louisiana, handling criminal and civil matters, and represented the Parish of Jefferson.
Mr. Courcelle is a proud graduate of De La Salle High School, University of New Orleans (UNO) and Loyola College of Law.
Braden Boucek Sworn in to Serve as the United States Attorney for the Middle District of TennesseeRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Braden Boucek was sworn in on December 24, 2025, as the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. In a brief ceremony, Judge Whitney Hermandorfer of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit administered the oath of office at the Fred D. Thompson Federal Courthouse in Nashville.
Mr. Boucek was nominated by President Donald J. Trump on July 1, 2025, and was confirmed by the United States Senate on December 18, 2025. In that role, he serves as the chief federal prosecutor and legal representative of the United States for the 32 counties and approximately 2.9 million residents of Middle Tennessee.
“I want to thank President Trump for nominating me to this important position and Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty for their strong support during the confirmation process. I am deeply humbled by the trust placed in me to defend the life, liberty, and property of a sovereign people. I thank the American people for giving me the opportunity to once again secure the blessings of liberty as protected by the Constitution and laws of the United States. I am eager to get to work.”
Prior to becoming United States Attorney, Mr. Boucek served as the senior vice president of litigation at the Southeastern Legal Foundation having previously served as the vice president of legal affairs at the Beacon Center. Mr. Boucek has extensive experience as a prosecutor, starting his career at the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office before serving for two years as an Assistant District Attorney General in Williamson County. He was a federal prosecutor for ten years, first serving as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Western District of Tennessee from 2005 to 2011. From 2011 to 2015, Mr. Boucek was an Assistant United States Attorney in the Middle District of Tennessee, the district he will now lead as the United States Attorney.
During his legal career, Mr. Boucek has tried multiple jury trials at the state and federal level and argued dozens of cases before state and federal appellate courts including the Tennessee Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Mr. Boucek earned his B.A. at the University of Richmond and his J.D. from Florida State University College of Law. He has been practicing law in Tennessee since 2001.
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Beaver Falls Felon Charged with Unlawful Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating a federal firearms law, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Jayvon Turner, 23, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about August 16, 2025, Turner had a firearm and ammunition in his possession after previously having been convicted of a felony on a state robbery charge. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
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.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Arizona Couple That Ran Medical Clinic Business Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Fraud and to Violate the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic ActRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Mary Blakley, 76, and Fred Blakley, 61, both of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Judge Gerald A. McHugh to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and conspiracy to violate the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and to defraud the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The defendants were charged by superseding indictment in June of this year, along with their business associate, Janmarie Lanzo, 66, also of Lake Havasu City. Lanzo pleaded guilty earlier this month to one count of conspiracy to violate the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and defraud the FDA.
Fred Blakley also pleaded guilty to an information charging him with possession of a firearm by a felon, after investigators seized more than 30 firearms and 30,000 rounds of ammunition from a garage he used. He had been previously convicted of federal charges for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.
As detailed in court filings, Mary Blakley, who described herself as “Doctor Mary,” and Fred Blakley were the principals of a medical clinic business that charged clients throughout the United States approximately $300 — usually in cash — for conducting what the defendants described as “full body scans” using an ultrasound machine. Lanzo worked in the clinics and sold products to clients that were recommended by Mary Blakley as a result of the scans.
The defendants falsely claimed that, through the deployment of “smart chip technology” supposedly invented by Mary Blakley and installed in conventional ultrasound machines, their “full body scans” could diagnose, treat, and cure a wide variety of human diseases and medical conditions, including cancers. Mary Blakley would claim to “activate” the “smart chip” or “light it up like a Christmas tree” to detect cancer cells. She would also claim to conduct non-invasive colonoscopies, measure immune system levels, and clean out scarring or toxins from the lungs or brainstem, among other feats. All of these claims were false.
Based on the results of these “full body scans,” the defendants falsely and fraudulently prescribed various supplements, creams, and veterinary products. The defendants promoted and sold Aetheion, a product marketed as a cosmetic cream, to treat cancer, gastric hernias, and various other conditions. In fact, Mary Blakley would claim to activate a “laser” on her ultrasound machine to “drive” Aetheion cream into a patient’s body to kill cancer cells.
The defendants also promoted and sold fenbendazole to treat cancer in humans. Fenbendazole is a veterinary antiparasitic (intended for deworming horses and other animals) that is not approved for use in humans; indeed, fenbendazole packaging even warns that it should not be used in animals intended for human consumption. In addition, the defendants promoted and sold ProArgi9+, a vitamin supplement, to treat cardiovascular disease and to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
To promote their clinics and gain the trust of potential clients, the defendants made various false and misleading claims touting Mary Blakley’s background and credentials. For instance, Mary claimed that she had obtained a Ph.D. from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. However, she never attended the Karolinska Institutet, and in fact, has never left the United States.
To conceal their scheme, the defendants falsely claimed they were only doing research, when they actually sold products and services and refused to keep any records or documentation; used coded language, avoiding terms like “diagnose” or “prescribe” and saying “bad cells” instead of “cancer”; and disguised the nature of the clinics as a private or religious organization, requiring clients to execute membership or confidentiality agreements.
The Blakleys are scheduled to be sentenced in April. Mary Blakley faces a maximum possible term of 25 years in prison. Fred Blakley faces up to 40 years in prison. Lanzo is scheduled to be sentenced in March and faces a maximum possible term of five years in prison.
This case was investigated by FBI Philadelphia’s Newtown Square Resident Agency and the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ruth Mandelbaum and Paul G. Shapiro and Special Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Bowerman.
Alleged ISIS Sympathizer Who Attempted to Provide Bomb Materials Federally Charged with International Terrorism OffenseRead the Press Release
An alleged ISIS sympathizer has been federally charged with an international terrorism offense after providing bomb components and money to individuals he believed were acting on behalf of a designated foreign terrorist organization, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.
“This case is a testament to the incredible work of our federal agents, who work tirelessly to save American lives,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “ISIS’s poisonous ideology must be ripped out root and stem — anyone who tries to commit violence on ISIS’s behalf will be found, arrested, and prosecuted. You cannot hide from us.”
“Today’s announcement underscores the FBI’s commitment to combatting terrorism and demonstrates our continuous work to disrupt and thwart terrorist plots against the American public,” said FBI Director, Kash Patel. “Let this serve as a warning to those who plan to conduct attacks against the United States on behalf of terrorist organizations– you will be brought to justice.”
“The increasing threats of harm and destruction in our country made by those aligned with violent ideologies must be stopped,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “This operation is but one example highlighting the necessity of vigilant observation and swift action to halt what could have been a devastating outcome. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to take prompt action against those attempting to carry out alleged terrorist missions.”
“The FBI worked alongside our law enforcement partners to quickly arrest an individual who intended to provide bomb making materials to a foreign terrorist organization,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “Protecting the Homeland is a top priority for the FBI. This arrest demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding our communities from terrorism.”
“Today’s charges illustrate that the threats of terrorism and extremist violence against our nation are still very real,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “The NYPD remains committed to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling these networks at their source – before they can reach their murderous ends. And any person who puts American lives at risk will face justice and be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. I want to thank our undercover investigators in the NYPD, as well as our law enforcement partners in the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, for their exceptional work on this case.”
John Michael Garza, Jr., 21, of Midlothian, Texas, was charged last week by federal complaint with the offense of attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, after he brought various bomb-making materials to a meeting on Monday evening, December 22, 2025, and gave them to an individual he allegedly believed was an ISIS “brother.” In reality, Garza met with an FBI undercover. During the meeting, Garza described how to mix the components and offered to send an instructional video explaining how to build the bomb. Law enforcement agents arrested Garza shortly after he left the meeting.
According to the complaint, in mid-October 2025, an undercover New York City Police Department employee noticed a particular social media account—later determined to be Garza’s—that followed several other pro-ISIS accounts and that wrote a comment on a pro-ISIS post. When the NYPD undercover engaged with Garza on social media, Garza described himself as a 21-year-old Mexican-American living in Texas. In their continuing conversations throughout November and December, Garza shared that he ascribed to the ISIS ideology and sent the undercover multiple official ISIS media releases. Garza paid the undercover small sums of cryptocurrency in November and December 2025, believing that he was supporting ISIS causes, including buying firearms and other materials. Examples of ISIS media releases that Garza provided included:
Photo of masked individual and another man standing in a gated area Photo of explosion in part of a buildingGarza also allegedly shared a video depicting a suicide vehicle bombing. A screenshot of one bomb-making instructional video shared by Garza is below:
Still photo from video depicting masked and gloved individual prepared to assemble materialsAs alleged, Garza began telling the undercover of his plans to buy materials to make explosives. Garza told the undercover that he would buy the ingredients and agreed to meet with a second individual who Garza believed to support ISIS activities on Monday, December 22, 2025. At the meeting, Garza handed the FBI undercover several explosive components. As alleged, Garza explained how to mix the ingredients and surround them with nails, and he offered to send the undercover an instructional bomb-building video.
Garza appeared before a United States magistrate judge for his initial appearance on December 23, 2025. A probable cause and detention hearing is scheduled for December 30, 2025. If convicted, Garza faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office and the New York City Police Department, with assistance by FBI’s New York Field Office, Dallas Police Department, Midlothian Police Department, and Euless Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Madeleine Case and DOJ Trial Attorney David Courchaine with the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Albuquerque Man Faces Federal Firearms Charges After Threatening Deputies with Firearm During Traffic StopRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man is federally charged after allegedly pointing a handgun at Bernalillo County Sheriff’s deputies during a November 12, 2025, traffic stop that escalated into a shooting.
According to court documents, on November 12, 2025, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a traffic stop in Albuquerque for an invalid registration and discovered that the driver’s license was revoked and that passenger Jason Baca, 36, had an outstanding felony warrant. During the arrest attempt, deputies—three of whom were federally deputized U.S. Marshals Service task force officers—observed a handgun concealed on Baca’s person.
Baca resisted arrest, fled on foot, and pointed the firearm toward deputies, prompting deputies to discharge their weapons. Baca was struck, taken into custody, and transported for medical treatment. A loaded pistol was recovered near him.
Baca pointing the firearm towards BCSO Deputy and USMS TFO as they run for cover.As a previously convicted felon, Baca is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.
A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a backpack containing fentanyl pills and 25.65 grams of fentanyl powder.
Baca is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, assault on a federal officer, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. Baca faces a sentence of up to life in prison if convicted of the current charges.
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 Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Elena Stiteler is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
28 December 2025
Rocky Mount Truck Driver Charged Federally After December 26th Bank Robbery and Shootout with Arresting OfficersRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A United States Magistrate Judge signed a complaint on December 27, 2025, charging Willie Edward Mcgee, Jr. with bank robbery and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
“As alleged, this defendant didn’t just rob a bank - he threatened innocent civilians with explosives and then opened fire on police officers,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “That is not desperation, it is domestic terror. Thanks to the extraordinary courage and professionalism of our law enforcement partners, he is alive, in custody, and facing decades in federal prison. Let this serve as a warning: if you bring violence into our communities or target the men and women who protect them, this Department of Justice will meet you with the full weight of the federal government and ensure you are removed from the streets for a very long time.”
“When bad guys shoot at our law enforcement partners, we will aggressively pursue federal charges against them. Brave officers in Rocky Mount, and across the nation, regularly put their lives on the line to protect and serve,” said United States Attorney Ellis Boyle. “We honor them and will do everything we can to make sure that they go home to their families at the end of each shift. We intend to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt that this man robbed a bank and shot his gun during and related to that crime of violence. God bless the brave men and women who responded, and rest assured, the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of North Carolina has your back.”
"It is inexcusable for anyone to put the lives of the men and women in blue at risk. They selflessly protect our communities every day, so the rest of us are safe. FBI Charlotte commends the Rocky Mount Police Department for taking immediate action to make an arrest in this case. We also thank our partners at the U.S. Attorney's Office Eastern District of North Carolina for quickly bringing federal charges,” said James C. Barnacle Jr., the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.
According to the complaint, on December 26, 2025, Mcgee entered a First Citizens Bank in Zebulon and demanded that the bank teller give him money under the threat of exploding C-4. The teller gave Mcgee $3,234 in cash, and Mcgee fled the bank.
Officers responded to the bank and began investigating the robbery. Surveillance footage depicted Mcgee leaving the scene of the robbery in a semi-truck. Later that day, Rocky Mount Police located the semi-truck in a Hobby Lobby parking lot in Rocky Mount. Police officers were surveilling the semi-truck when Mcgee exited the semi-truck armed with a Ruger AR 5.56 rifle. Mcgee immediately began firing at the officers. Officers returned fire and struck Mcgee. While taking Mcgee into custody, officers recovered the AR rifle he used to shoot at officers and a handgun from Mcgee’s waistband.
As explained in the complaint, several items worn by or used by Mcgee during the robbery were later recovered from the semi-truck.
Thankfully, no law enforcement officers or members of the public were injured during the arrest. Additionally, bomb technicians from the FBI and SBI rapidly responded, secured the scene, and ensured no explosive devices were present.
The federal complaint charges Mcgee with armed bank robbery and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison on the bank robbery charge and a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, on the discharging a firearm charge.
The FBI, ATF, NC SBI, Zebulon Police Department, and Rocky Mount Police Department are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aria Merle, Charles Loeser, and Tyler Lemons are prosecuting the case.
This investigation is ongoing. If you have any information about the alleged crimes, please contact the FBI at (704) 672-6100.
A complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
26 December 2025
Federal Inmate Serving Life Sentence Captured in Broward County After Escape from Georgia JailRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A federal inmate serving a life sentence for carjacking, kidnapping, and robbing multiple victims has been captured in Broward County after escaping from the DeKalb County Jail in Georgia.
Stevenson Charles, 24, had been in federal custody until Dec. 5, when he was transferred to Georgia state custody to await trial on charges related to a 2022 murder and armed robbery. During a routine security check Monday morning, authorities discovered that Charles, along with Yusuf Minor, 31, and Naod Yohannes, 25, were missing from the facility.
“This was a dangerous, violent felon serving a life sentence who escaped custody, kidnapped an innocent victim, crossed state lines, and brought that threat into our community,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “Law enforcement moved with speed, coordination, and resolve to hunt him down and take him off the streets. I’m proud of the U.S. Marshals, FBI, ATF, and our state and local partners who worked across jurisdictions to capture these fugitives, and of our prosecutors who are now ensuring they are held fully accountable.”
According to court records, after escaping, Charles, Minor, and Yohannes allegedly used a rideshare service in Georgia and kidnapped the driver. After entering the vehicle, one of the defendants wrapped a rope around the victim’s neck from behind, and then the victim’s hands were bound together. The victim was then forced into the backseat. The defendants allegedly threatened the victim’s life and forced the victim to drive them into South Florida.
Law enforcement later located Charles driving the victim’s vehicle. Charles led police on a pursuit before fleeing on foot. He was apprehended shortly thereafter. A firearm was recovered along the route of the pursuit. Minor and Yohannes were also apprehended late Monday night.
Upon learning of the escape, federal authorities launched a coordinated, multi-agency effort to locate and apprehend the fugitives. The search spanned from DeKalb County, Georgia, across state lines into South Florida.
Charles and Yohannes made their initial appearances in federal court in Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 23 on kidnapping charges. Minor is scheduled to make his initial appearance on Dec. 29.
U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones; Acting U.S. Marshal Priscilla Perez-Lopez of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Miami; Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, made the announcement.
USMS Miami, FBI Miami, and the ATF Miami Field Office are investigating the case. The investigation and apprehension were supported by the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the Miramar Police Department, and the City of Miami Police Department.
Deputy Chief Elena Smukler-Dominguez assisted with the apprehension, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Maultasch is prosecuting the case.
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24 December 2025
Russ Ferguson to Lead U.S. Attorney's Office as Presidentially Appointed United States Attorney Following U.S. Senate ConfirmationRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Russ Ferguson will lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office as the presidentially-appointed United States Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, following his confirmation by the United States Senate on December 18, 2025. Nominated by President Donald Trump, who formally signed his commission on December 23, 2025, U.S. Attorney Ferguson took the oath of office, administered by the Honorable Frank D. Whitney, Senior United States District Judge, on Christmas Eve.
Mr. Ferguson was first appointed as interim United States Attorney by Attorney General Pamela Bondi on March 3, 2025, and sworn in on March 11, 2025. He was subsequently unanimously appointed to the position by all federal judges in this district effective June 30, 2025. He was then nominated by the President on July 30, 2025.
“It is the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of the Western District of North Carolina as their U.S. Attorney,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “We are a district that punches above our weight — and we will continue to deliver justice that is tough, fair, and focused on keeping our communities safe. I am grateful to the President for his trust and to the U.S. Senate for my confirmation. I will continue to approach this responsibility with integrity and accountability.”
As the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Western District of North Carolina, U.S. Attorney Ferguson oversees federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation on behalf of the United States. He leads an office of nearly 100 federal prosecutors and professional staff serving 32 counties across western North Carolina, including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians — the largest federally recognized tribe east of the Mississippi — and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the most-visited national park in the nation.
Since taking office, U.S. Attorney Ferguson has:
- Increased prosecutions by implementing Operation Take Back America to dismantle gang and cartel networks operating in Western North Carolina and target drug-induced violence and large-scale drug trafficking networks.
- Strengthened partnerships with law enforcement to increase prosecutions of convicted felons in possession of illegal firearms, repeat offenders, and those drivers of violent crime.
- Expanded outreach to nonprofit organizations and community advocates to enhance crime prevention strategies, education, and engagement through partnerships in rural counties.
- Expanded protections for vulnerable populations by prioritizing cases involving older adults and children.
- Prioritized recouping public dollars and protecting government-funded programs from fraud through increased criminal prosecutions and civil enforcement actions.
U.S. Attorney Ferguson brings more than 16 years of legal experience to the office. He began his career as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, where he tried 28 cases to verdict, and served as Legislative Counsel for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. Prior to returning to public service, he was a partner at Womble Bond Dickinson and led the firm’s complex litigation group, handling high-profile civil and criminal matters in courtrooms and arbitration tribunals around the world.
He has been recognized for professional excellence and service by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, North Carolina Business Elite, and the Charlotte Business Journal’s Forty Under Forty Award. The Mecklenburg County Bar honored him with its award for Best Individual Attorney for his dedication to pro bono service. Ferguson has written and presented extensively on issues involving federal criminal practice and complex litigation.
U.S. Attorney Ferguson has served the community by serving on the Board of NourishUp, Charlotte’s food pantry and meals on wheels organization, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to addressing hunger and supporting families in need. He also previously served on Keep Charlotte Beautiful, to which he was appointed by the City Council, and on the Mecklenburg County Bar’s Board of Directors.
A Duke University graduate, Ferguson earned his law degree and Master of Laws from Georgetown University Law Center. He clerked for Judge Frank D. Whitney of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina.
Las Cruces Man Charged After School Shooting Threat Posted on Social MediaRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man is facing federal charges after authorities investigated a social media post threatening to shoot up a school and recovered a loaded firearm and ammunition.
According to court documents, on December 17, 2025, the FBI received an emergency disclosure from TikTok regarding a comment posted during a livestream threatening to “shoot up a school” and kill children. The threat was traced to a Las Cruces, New Mexico residence associated with Dion Lee Torres, 25, after investigators linked the TikTok account, Google account records, and IP address to him.
Las Cruces Police Department officers responded to the residence and observed Torres actively smoking marijuana and learned he possessed a firearm. Based on the threat of imminent violence, officers obtained an Extreme Risk Firearms Protection Order and seized a loaded firearm, three fully loaded magazines, and ammunition including armor piercing rounds.
Torres is charged with possession of a firearm by a person who is addicted to or an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and he will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. Torres faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of the current charge.
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 Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Dickens is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Chinese National Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking ReptilesRead the Press Release
A federal judge in Buffalo, New York, yesterday sentenced Wei Qiang Lin, of Brooklyn, New York, to two years in prison for falsely labeling live turtles, snakes, and lizards as toys prior to exporting them in delivery boxes destined to Hong Kong. Lin was also fined $2,339, which is how much U.S. currency he had on him when he was arrested.
According to court filings, between August 2023 and November 2024, Lin exported to Hong Kong approximately 222 parcels containing around 850 turtles, but he labeled the boxes as containing “plastic animal toys,” among other things, in violation of the Lacey Act. The approximate market value of the turtles was $1.4 million. Law enforcement intercepted the turtles during customs inspections and observed them bound and taped inside knotted socks within the shipping boxes.
Lin also attempted to export protected Abronia lizards and venomous green tree vipers and palm pit vipers. The wildlife is protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officers also intercepted packages shipped by Lin that contained rare Cora mud turtles. The Buffalo Zoo used the seized turtles to set up the first-ever assurance colony for the species, which can be used to repopulate them if the wild population becomes unsustainable.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo for the Western District of New York, and Assistant Director Doug Ault, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement announced the sentence.
Lin was investigated and charged as part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Operation Terrapene, which is an ongoing operation coordinated with other federal and local law enforcement agencies to detect turtle smugglers and dismantle highly-organized syndicates. Federal agencies include Customs and Border Protection, Postal Inspections Service, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Trial Attorney Rachel Roberts and Senior Trial Attorney Ryan Connors of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango for the Western District of New York prosecuted the case.
Ayer Company Agrees to Pay over $1.3 Million to Resolve Allegations of PPP Loan FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Ajinomoto Cambrooke, Inc. (Cambrooke), a company headquartered in Ayer, Mass., has agreed to pay $1,360,819.04 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by obtaining a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan for which it was not eligible.
cambrooke_settlement_agreement.pdf
Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) on March 29, 2020, to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain approved expenses through the PPP, which the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) administered. The PPP provided for loans in two “draws”—first draw loans became available in March 2020. Businesses were required to certify on their loan applications that they met certain size standards based on, for example, the number of employees they employed. On May 5, 2020, the SBA issued guidance that, for purposes of assessing whether the borrower met the size standards for a first draw loan, an applicant must count all of its employees, as well as the employees of its U.S. and foreign affiliates, absent an exception.
As detailed in the settlement agreement, Cambrooke admitted that, on or about May 15, 2020, it applied for a first draw PPP loan and certified that it was eligible to receive the loan under the PPP rules. When it applied, Cambrooke, together with its Japanese parent company, exceeded the applicable size standards for eligibility. Cambrooke later sought and received forgiveness from the SBA of the full amount of that loan.
The settlement credits Cambrooke for cooperation under the Department of Justice’s Guidelines for Taking Voluntary Disclosure, Cooperation and Remediation into Account in False Claims Act Matters.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The relator will receive 10% of the settlement amount under today’s settlement. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Verity Investigations, LLC v. Ajinomoto Cambrooke, Inc., No. 25-cv-10220-RGS (D. Mass.).
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley and the U.S. Small Business Administration made the announcement today. Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the case.
23 December 2025
Wolf Point man appears on murder chargesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Wolf Point man accused of murdering a man by arson on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was arraigned yesterday, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Anthony David Flynn, 35, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with felony murder and arson. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, Flynn faces mandatory life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John Johnston presided. Flynn was detained pending further proceedings.
Count 1 of the indictment alleges that on or about September 28, 2024, at and near Wolf Point, Flynn unlawfully and with malice aforethought killed John Doe, by smoke inhalation and thermal injuries, in the perpetration of arson.
Count 2 of the indictment alleges that on or about September 28, 2024, at and near Wolf Point, Flynn willfully and maliciously set fire to and burned a structure at 200 1st Ave. S. in Wolf Point.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office, and State of Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.
The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
PACER case reference. 25-116.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Washington Man Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime Charge After Stabbing a Metro Bus PassengerRead the Press Release
A Washington man pleaded guilty today to a federal hate crime charge for violently assaulting and stabbing a black female bus passenger because of her race.
According to records filed in the case, on March 7, 2024, Adan C. Hernandez-Mayoral made derogatory comments about black people while he was riding a King County Metro bus. Hernandez-Mayoral then yelled at another passenger on the bus, and made racially derogatory comments directed at the victim, including referring to the woman as “Rosa Parks” and telling her to move to the back of the bus.
The woman walked to the front of the bus to try to get help and call the police, but Hernandez-Mayoral followed her. When the bus stopped, Hernandez-Mayoral pushed the woman off the bus and repeatedly assaulted her. He then pulled out a knife and stabbed at the victim numerous times before running away. Fortunately, the victim was wearing a heavy coat that prevented the knife from puncturing her skin, but the assault and stabbing caused bodily injury to the victim. Shortly after the assault, Kent Police located Hernandez-Mayoral hiding under a car, where he was then arrested.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Charles Neil of the Western District of Washington, and FBI Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington of the of the FBI Seattle Field Office made the announcement.
Hernandez-Mayoral is scheduled to be sentenced on March 17, 2026. The maximum penalty is 10 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the Kent Police Department and the FBI, with the cooperation and support of the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Tenette Smith of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica M. Manca for the Western District of Washington.
Utah Ringleader of COVID-19 Scheme Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah –Halee Ann Mehlbauer, 40, of Tooele, Utah, was sentenced today to 15 months’ imprisonment after she fraudulently obtained approximately $177,030 in COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans, along with her codefendant, Timothy Lopez, which they did not qualify for. She was also sentenced to two years’ supervised release and ordered by the court to pay $177,030 in restitution, of which $48,507 is to be paid jointly with Lopez.
The COVID-19 PPP Loans were provided to small businesses for funding to meet specific obligations, including payroll and rent during the pandemic.
The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge David Barlow, comes after Mehlbaurer pleaded guilty on September 24, 2025, to wire fraud and money laundering. Her codefendant, Lopez was sentenced to time served.
According to court documents and statements made at Mehlbauer’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, beginning about July 15, 2020, and continuing to about January 15, 2022, Mehlbauer engaged in a Paycheck Protection Program Loan scheme and fraudulently obtained money through small lenders and the Small Businiss Administration. She did so by providing false information on multiple PPP-Loan and other lender applications and provided supporting documents in the name of nonexistent businesses. Mehlbauer knowingly defrauded the PPP Loan Program alone of at least $177,030. See prior press release: Utah Residents Accused of Running a COVID-19 Relief Fraud Scheme Face Federal Charges.
Once approved for PPP Loan funds, Mehlbauer and her codefendant, Timothy Lopez, used the funds on personal expenses such as gambling, debt payments, car rental payments, and other miscellaneous expenses that were not related to any authorized payroll expenses for any of their alleged businesses.
“Every dollar that Mehlbauer received in PPP-Loan funds was taxpayer money,” said U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah. “Mehlbauer fraudulently obtained funds meant for honest business owners faced with weathering the storm of a global pandemic and her fraud will not go unpunished. It is our hope her sentence deters others from taking advantage of government programs.”
“The defendants helped themselves to funds intended for small businesses struggling to stay in business during the COVID pandemic,” said SBA OIG’s Western Region Acting Special Agent in Charge Tim Larson. “SBA OIG and its law enforcement partners will continue to diligently protect the integrity of the SBA and its programs designed to strengthen small businesses and the economy of the United States. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.”
"Driven by greed, these defendants defrauded the government, unlawfully diverting funds that were meant to support struggling small business owners and workers during a national emergency," said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. "The FBI is committed to holding accountable those who exploit government resources for personal profit at the expense of those in need."
“This sentencing demonstrates the commitment of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) to investigate and bring to justice those who victimize the American taxpayer,” said Krystofor Proev, TIGTA Special Agent-in-Charge. “Fraudulently applying for loans through a federal program meant to assist Americans in need will be met with aggressive investigation and prosecution. I want to thank our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their commitment to this goal.”
The Utah Federal COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force investigated the case, which includes Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Office of Inspector General’s U.S. Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG), Department of Defense (DOD), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). The public is encouraged to share information about the abuse of the Paycheck Protection Program or other SBA programs by submitting a complaint here.
Assistant United States Attorney Todd C. Bouton of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division's prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at Justice.gov/OPA/pr/justice-department-takes-action-against-covid-19-fraud.Two Mexican men arrested, charged with illegal re-entryRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jorge Luis Gonzalez-Roman, 39, And Jose Clemente Trujillo-Mejia, 42, both natives and citizens of Mexico, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with illegal re-entry, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan W. Fitzgerald, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaints, on December 6, 2025, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Gonzalez-Roman was riding in. Three occupants of the vehicle, including Gonzalez-Roman refused to provide identification or answer any questions. They were removed from the vehicle and taken into custody. Further investigation determined that Gonzalez-Roman is a native and citizen of Mexico. He was physically removed three separate times from the United States in October and November of 2008.
Also on December 6, 2025, law enforcement conducted a separate traffic stop of the vehicle Trujillo-Mejia was riding in. When questioned by law enforcement, Trujillo-Mejia initially claimed he was a United States Citizen, but claimed he did not have any identification. Law enforcement observed a Mexican Consular card clearly visible in his wallet at which time Trujillo-Mejia admitted he was illegally present in the United States. Further investigations determined that Trujillo-Mejia is a native and citizen of Mexico, who was physically removed from the United Stated in April 2003 and July 2005.
Gonzalez-Roman and Trujillo-Mejia made initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and were detained.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The complaints are the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Acting Chief Patrol Agent James D’Amato.
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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Two Members of Violent Gang Alliance Charged with Murdering A Sixteen-Year-Old Boy in the BronxRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Ricky J. Patel, and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging AHMAR GARCIA, a/k/a “OB,” and RAHEEM PATTERSON, a/k/a “Rah Rah,” with committing the murder of sixteen-year-old Nisayah Sanchez on September 29, 2021, as a result of a gang war that plagued the city throughout that year that cost the lives of multiple young men and boys throughout the Bronx. They are also charged with an attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon which injured another victim during that same shooting. PATTERSON is also charged with an attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon that occurred on December 2, 2021, when he shot at a rival gang member in Manhattan.
GARCIA and PATTERSON were each brought into federal custody from New York State custody where they had each been serving state sentences for other violent crimes. The defendants will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave later today. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer.
“These charges stem from a violent gang war that played out on the streets of New York and ended with the cold-blooded murder of sixteen-year-old Nisayah Sanchez,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “I want to thank the women and men of this Office and our law enforcement partners who never wavered in the over four years since Sanchez’s senseless murder. Our Office will bring gun-toting criminals who threaten the safety of New Yorkers to justice.”
“As alleged, the defendants’ callous disregard for human life—brazenly carrying out an attack in broad daylight and then boasting about their crimes online—will not be tolerated,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “For too long, these criminal organizations have terrorized neighborhoods and placed innocent lives at risk—leaving families shattered and communities living in fear. This indictment marks a decisive blow against the violent street gangs that have inflicted fear and devastation on our neighborhoods. HSI New York, the New York City Police Department, and the Southern District of New York are unwavering in our commitment to rooting out those who threaten the safety of our streets.”
“Ahmar Garcia and Raheem Patterson allegedly turned a gang rivalry into the killing of a 16-year-old boy on a Bronx street in broad daylight,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “That decision ended a young life, devastated a family, and put an entire community in danger. When violence is carried out this openly—and then celebrated—it demands a decisive response. This case shows what focused enforcement and strong federal partnerships can accomplish, and why the NYPD will continue to pursue violent gangs before they can take another life. I thank Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their partnership in bringing these charges.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment:[1]
Since at least 2019, two warring alliances of violent street gangs engaged in retaliatory shootings, resulting in multiple young men and boys being shot, injured, and killed. After each shooting, the gangs glorified their acts of violence against their rivals, taunting them for their dead gang members, and promoting their own gangs and their allies via social media and through their rap videos. These posts and videos in turn fueled the cycle of violence, where the rival gangs retaliated against each other for each shooting, taunt, or perceived slight.
Over the spring and summer of 2021, these two alliances engaged in a gang war that included multiple shootings against their enemies, real or perceived. These shootings resulted in the deaths of multiple young men and boys throughout the Bronx. On one side of this gang war was an alliance consisting principally of the MacBallers, the Drillys, and the 800 YGz gangs, which historically and generally aligned, collectively or through its individual members, with the Bloods. On the other side of this gang war was an opposing alliance principally including the Sev Side, Third Side, and Reyway gangs, all neighborhood sets generally aligned with the Crips.
On September 29, 2021, in retaliation for the murders of their own gang members, and to promote their own standing in their respective gangs, members of the alliance of MacBallers, Drillys, and 800 YGz gangs, including AHMAR GARCIA, a/k/a “OB,” and RAHEEM PATTERSON, a/k/a “Rah Rah,” shot and killed Nisayah Sanchez, a 16-year-old member of the rival Sev Side, Third Side, and Reyway gang alliance, by sneaking up beside Sanchez and shooting him to death on a Bronx street in broad daylight, while also shooting and injuring another rival gang member.
A little over two months later, on December 2, 2021, PATTERSON and another member of his gang alliance shot multiple times at a rival gang member in midtown Manhattan as the rival was leaving a restaurant.
* * *
GARCIA, 25, and PATTERSON, 28, both of the Bronx, New York, are each charged (with respect to the September 29, 2021, shooting) with murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a mandatory sentence of life or death; conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and discharging a firearm during an in relation to a crime of violence, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison. PATTERSON is also charged (with respect to the December 2, 2021, shooting) with attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and discharging a firearm during an in relation to a crime of violence, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison.
The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of HSI and the NYPD. Mr. Clayton also thanked the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office for its assistance.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael R. Herman and Patrick R. Moroney are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Two Honduran men plead guilty to, sentenced for illegal re-entryRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Arlen Saul Castillo, 29, and Jonathan Esteban Osario Lopez, 32, both natives and citizens of Honduras, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to illegal re-entry. They were then sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins, who handled the case, stated that Arlen Saul Castillo and Jonathan Esteban Osario Lopez are citizens and nationals of Honduras without any legal status in the United States. On October 8, 2025, Border Patrol encountered the defendants in Erie County, NY. They did have any documents allowing them to be legally present in the United States. In December 2018, Saul Castillo was physically removed from the United States. Jonathan Esteban Osario Lopez was physically removed from the United States in August 2013 and December 2013.
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 pleas and sentencings are the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Acting Chief Patrol Agent James D’Amato and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
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Twenty-Eight Defendants Charged with Narcotics and Firearms Offense for their Roles in Enterprise Associated with the Bloods Street GangRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Twenty-six people have been charged for their roles in a drug trafficking organization affiliated with a neighborhood street gang that operated and distributed large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine in Riverside Villa Public Housing Complex and other areas of Newark, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced. Two additional people were charged for firearms offenses, including their role in a shooting in a rival gang’s territory.
Tahjuan Ferrell, a/k/a “Jers,” Raymon Rodriguez, a/k/a “Ray Ray,” Ricky Colon, Jr., Sayyied Anderson, a/k/a “Sal,” Carnell Wright, a/k/a “Jay,” Briant Haynes, a/k/a “B,” Rashon Wheeler, a/k/a “Petey,” Demetrius Julu, Nero Whitehead, a/k/a “Woo,” Dawud Cross, a/k/a “Mu,” Joseph Johnson, a/k/a “Pearl,” Yusef Mack, a/k/a “Gutter,” Alsharick King, a/k/a “Ghost,” Montrel Jordan, a/k/a “Trillz,” Patrick Jordan, a/k/a “Swerve,” Raheam Springer, Ibn Rogers, Blake Howard, Daniel Valentin, Mekhi Lawrence, a/k/a “MK,” Craig Walker, a/k/a “Lean,” Kevin Wiley, a/k/a “LB,” Quince Melvin, Nakki Melvin, Ricardo Gonzalez, a/k/a “Ricky” and Quadir Simmons a/k/a “Scoom” all of Essex County, New Jersey, were charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.
Quasir Miranda, a/k/a “Space,” and Zakiyy Houser, a/k/a “GBK” are also each charged with unlawful possession of ammunition in a school zone in connection with the February 18, 2025 attempted shooting of a rival gang member.
Several of the defendants have already made initial court appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cari Fais in Newark federal court. Previously, twenty-five defendants were arrested and made initial court appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessia S. Allen in Newark federal court and before U.S. Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams in Tampa, Florida.
The defendants are members or associates of a neighborhood-based street gang operating in and around the Riverside Villa Public Housing Complex, 4th Avenue and North 12th Street, and the Garden Spires Apartments in Newark, New Jersey (the “Enterprise”), among other areas. The Enterprise is affiliated with the Bloods criminal street gang.
Law enforcement conducted extensive surveillance of the area, made numerous controlled purchases and seizures of narcotics, and analyzed telephone records, all of which demonstrated extensive interactions among the defendants.
Those charged in the drug conspiracy face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. Miranda and Houser each face up to 5 years in prison for unlawful possession of ammunition in a school zone.
Hundreds of members of law enforcement were instrumental in the investigation and arrests of these defendants. Special Counsel Lamparello credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked police officers and detectives of the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, under the Director of Field Operations Francis Russo; HSI New York Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel; HSI Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy; members of the United Marshals Service, under the direction of U.S. Marshal for the District of New Jersey Juan Mattos; detectives of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II and Chief Mitchell G. McGuire, III; police officers and detectives of the East Orange Police Department, under the direction of Director Maurice Boyd and Chief Phyllis L. Bindi; detectives of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan police officers and detectives with the Belleville Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Minichini; as well as police officers and detectives with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Orange Police Department, Bloomfield Police Department, Jersey City Police Department, Florham Park Police Department, Morristown Police Department, and Ramsey Police Department for their assistance in the apprehension of the members of the Enterprise.
The investigation was conducted as part of the Newark Violent Crime Initiative (“VCI”). The Newark VCI was formed in August 2017 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Newark’s Department of Public Safety for the sole purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Newark. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New Jersey Division, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals, the Newark Department of Public Safety, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Parole, Union County Jail, New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, New Jersey Department of Corrections, the East Orange Police Department, and the Irvington Police Department.
This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Nadel and Jason Goldberg of the Narcotics and International Trafficking Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel:
Tahjuan Ferrell: Frank P. Arleo, Esq.
Raymon Rodriguez: Rahul Agarwal, Esq.
Sayyied Anderson: Michael Pappa, Esq.
Carnell Wright: Ernesto Cermiele, Esq.
Briant Hanyes: Arthur Paul Condon, Jr., Esq.
Rashon Wheeler: Stephen N. Dratch, Esq.
Demetrius Julu: Laura K. Gasiorowski, Esq.
Nero Whitehead: Charles McKenna, Esq.
Dawud Cross: Michael V. Gilberti, Esq.
Joseph Johnson: Maximillian A. Novel, Esq.
Yusef Mack Michael Rosas, Esq.
Alsharick King: Aidan P. O’Connor, Esq.
Montrel Jordan: James Seplowitz, Esq.
Patrick Jordan: William Strazza, Esq.
Raheam Springer: Mary Toscano Carpenito, Esq.
Ibn Rogers: Stephen Turano, Esq.
Blake Howard: Wanda Akin, Esq.
Daniel Valentin: Adrien Moncur, Esq.
Mekhi Lawrence: John A. Azzarello, Esq.
Craig Walker: Carlos Diaz-Cobo, Esq.
Kevin Wiley: Gary Mizzone, Esq.
Quince Melvin: Alyssa A. Cimino, Esq.
Nakki Melvin: Charles Alvarez, Esq.
Ricardo Gonzalez: Shawn Barnes, Esq.
Quadir Simmons: Lorraine Gauli-Rufo, Esq.
Quasir Miranda: John McMahon, Esq.
Zakiyy Houser: F.R. “Chip” Dunne, III, Esq.
grafton_et_al.indictment.pdfTransient Man Sentenced to Life for Kidnapping, Beating, and Sexually Assaulting an Elderly WomanRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A transient Tulsa man who was retried and found guilty a second time was sentenced to life in prison, U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson announced.
Today, U.S. District Judge John F Heil, III, sentenced Elga Eugene Harper, 43, to life imprisonment after a federal jury convicted him of Kidnapping in Indian Country; Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force and Threat in Indian Country; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country.
According to court documents, in May 2022, Harper showed up at Ellen Finlay's (Ellie) house unannounced. She was a nun and knew that Harper was homeless. Ellie would pay Harper to fix things around her home. Ellie told Harper that she had no work for him. He requested to use the restroom, and Ellie allowed him to.
When Ellie testified, she stated that Harper had been gone for a while and that she went to check on him. When she found Harper, he was in her bedroom naked and immediately attacked her. Ellie described to the jury how Harper bound her arms and legs and tied a noose around her neck. Then Harper made her move to the shower, where he sexually assaulted her. Harper physically and sexually assaulted her for more than four hours, went through her home, and took some of her possessions.
Harper was found guilty during his federal trial in February 2023, and sentenced a few months later in July. Harper then filed an appeal to the Tenth Circuit Court, and the guilty verdict was overturned in October 2024, causing a retrial. While awaiting retrial, Ellie passed away on February 4, 2025.
In August 2025, a new jury was selected when Harper was retried. Law enforcement and witnesses retestified to the events that happened in 2022. The jury heard audio from the 911 call where Ellie cried for help and described being physically assaulted. During the 911 call and on the officers' body cameras, Ellie can be heard saying that “Elga Harper” was the person who attacked her.
Body camera video and photos shown to the jury displayed the brutality of the violence that Harper committed on Ellie.
During sentencing today, a victim impact statement written by Ellie in 2023 was read on her behalf. In that statement, Ellie said:
“Everyone who knows me knows that I am a practicing Christian. As such I have an obligation to forgive my enemies, to bless those who curse me and to pray for those who despitefully use me. I am struggling to fulfill this obligation with sincerity. I pray that God will turn Mr. Harper’s heart from evil to good, will lead him to repentance and will give him the knowledge and understanding that he is loved by the God who created him and who grieves for the great wrong he has done.
I also, as a Christian, have the obligation to love my neighbor as myself and my neighbor, most assuredly, is the next woman out there who may well fall prey to Mr. Harper’s horrific propensity for violence if he were to be a free member of society at any point during the remainder of his life. It is my honest conviction that he should not ever, ever, ever be free again.”
Harper is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He will continue to remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melody Nelson, Valeria Luster, and Kenneth Elmore prosecuted the case.
Three defendants receive prison sentences in unrelated drug trafficking casesRead the Press Release
WICHITA – Three defendants received lengthy prison sentences after pleading guilty in separate, unrelated drug trafficking cases.
“The hefty sentences these defendants received reflect how serious our office is about prosecuting drug trafficking crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Illegal drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine destroy lives and ruin families. We are putting criminals who are operating drug trafficking networks in Kansas on notice to prepare for severe consequences.”
According to court documents, Dashea G. “Baby Cherry” Henderson, 38, of Wichita was sentenced to 156 months in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking crime.
Henderson admitted to his part in a drug trafficking network to distribute fentanyl.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case.
In a separate case, Timothy Daniel Finley, 64, of Wichita was sentenced to 220 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, in March 2023, the Wichita Police Department received information that methamphetamine was being sold at a house on South Hydraulic Avenue. After executing a search warrant, officers found approximately 2,661 grams of methamphetamine, $68,736 in cash, eight firearms, three digital scales, and other materials conducive with drug dealing in a bedroom belonging to Finley.
The Wichita Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case.
Nicole Rae Kiesel, 39, of Garden City was sentenced to 120 months in prison after she pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, in May 2024, Finney County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped a vehicle in which Kiesel was a passenger. After a canine detected the presence of narcotics, deputies did a vehicle search and found drug paraphernalia fentanyl and methamphetamine. All three vehicle occupants were taken into custody, but Kiesel was transported to the hospital after complaining of pain. While at hospital, she unsuccessfully tried to flush items she hid on her person. Later, 600 fentanyl pills were discovered in and around a wheelchair where she had been sitting.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated the case.
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TIGO Guatemala Paid over $118M to Resolve Foreign Bribery InvestigationRead the Press Release
MIAMI – In November 2025, Comunicaciones Celulares S.A., doing business as TIGO Guatemala, a mobile and fixed telecommunications service provider in Guatemala, paid over $118 million to resolve an investigation by the Justice Department into a long-running scheme to bribe government officials in Guatemala. TIGO Guatemala is a wholly owned subsidiary of Millicom International Cellular, S.A. (“Millicom”), an international telecommunications company incorporated and headquartered in Luxembourg that has its principal place of business in the United States.
TIGO Guatemala entered into a two-year deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) in connection with a criminal information filed in the Southern District of Florida charging the company with one count of conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).
“This case exposes how corruption undermines democratic institutions and fair markets,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “For years, TIGO Guatemala bought political influence through a systematic bribery scheme using illicit cash, including proceeds tied to narcotrafficking. That conduct is not a cost of doing business—it is a crime. As a result, the company was made to pay a $60 million criminal penalty and forfeit nearly another $60 million in ill-gotten profits. This resolution reflects the seriousness of the offense and reinforces that real accountability and compliance are the price of operating under the rule of law.”
According to court documents, between 2012 and 2018, TIGO Guatemala engaged in a widespread and systematic bribery scheme orchestrated by its then-Guatemalan shareholder and other then-senior personnel. The scheme featured monthly bribe payments, usually paid in cash, to numerous Guatemalan members of Congress or members of their security teams, in exchange for, among other things, their support for legislation that benefited TIGO Guatemala. Some of the cash that TIGO Guatemala used to pay bribes were the laundered proceeds of narcotrafficking.
As part of the DPA, TIGO Guatemala agreed to pay a $60 million criminal penalty and $58,198,343 in administrative forfeiture. Pursuant to the DPA, TIGO Guatemala and its corporate parent, Millicom, agreed, among other things, to continue cooperating with the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida in any ongoing or future criminal investigation arising during the term of the DPA. TIGO Guatemala and Millicom also agreed to enhance TIGO Guatemala’s compliance program and to periodically report to the department on remediation and implementation of compliance measures throughout the term of the DPA.
The department reached this resolution with TIGO Guatemala based on a number of factors, including, among others, the nature and seriousness of the offense. In determining the appropriate disposition of this matter, the department gave significant weight to Millicom’s initial voluntary and timely self-disclosure to the Criminal Division in 2015. During the ensuing investigation, however, TIGO Guatemala’s then-Guatemalan shareholder used its operational control to prevent Millicom from accessing critical information, and to prevent Millicom from requiring TIGO Guatemala personnel to cooperate and take remedial actions. The Fraud Section closed its initial investigation in 2018. Two years later, in 2020, the department obtained and proactively developed new evidence from sources other than TIGO Guatemala and Millicom regarding TIGO Guatemala’s conduct and reopened its investigation on that basis. The new evidence revealed the scope of TIGO Guatemala’s conduct, including that the criminal conduct continued during and after the department’s closure of the first phase of the investigation and involved narcotrafficking proceeds that were used to generate cash for some of the bribe payments. Accordingly, TIGO Guatemala did not meet the requirements for a resolution pursuant to Part I or Part II of the Criminal Division’s Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy.
However, TIGO Guatemala received credit for its affirmative acceptance of responsibility and substantial cooperation with the second phase of the department’s investigation, which included: (i) Millicom’s self-reporting of conduct that forms, in part, the basis for the DPA; (ii) promptly collecting, analyzing and organizing voluminous information, including complex financial information; (iii) gathering evidence and performing forensic data collections in the countries covered by the department’s investigation; (iv) providing information obtained through its internal investigation, particularly during the second phase of the department’s investigation, which allowed the department to preserve and obtain evidence as part of its own independent investigation; (v) facilitating interviews with employees, including making foreign-based employees available for interviews in the United States; (vi) making detailed factual presentations to the department; and (vii) proactively disclosing evidence about which the department was previously unaware and identifying key documents in materials produced, including Spanish translations.
TIGO Guatemala also engaged in extensive timely remedial measures after the exit of Millicom’s prior joint venture partner and Millicom’s acquisition of full ownership and control of TIGO Guatemala in 2021, including: (i) undertaking a root cause analysis of the misconduct at TIGO Guatemala and risk assessment of the company’s operations; (ii) terminating personnel involved in the bribery scheme; (iii) introducing new and experienced management and compliance personnel to change the local operation’s culture of compliance; (iv) enhancing third-party onboarding and transaction monitoring, including by centralizing and linking the oversight functions under Millicom, incorporating data analytics and automated continuous monitoring across operations and periodically testing relevant controls for effectiveness (including testing of more than 250 transactions); (v) developing an ephemeral messaging policy, which employees are required to acknowledge they have read as part of annual training, and incorporating a system to preserve and analyze TIGO Guatemala employees’ ephemeral messages; (vi) launching an extensive training campaign covering anti-corruption and compliance risks; (vii) quickly incorporating key compliance policies and procedures, and creating a direct reporting line from TIGO Guatemala’s compliance function to Millicom; and (viii) over the last 10 years, significantly restructuring, expanding and resourcing Millicom’s global compliance program, including enhancing its compliance risk assessment process, growing the dedicated compliance headcount by 800% and engaging in continuous monitoring, testing and updating of Millicom’s global compliance program.
In light of these considerations, the criminal penalty reflects a 50% reduction from the bottom of the applicable guidelines range, and the term of the DPA is for a period of two years.
The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of Florida and the Southern District of California previously charged four individuals connected to this scheme.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Natalie R. Kanerva and Assistant Chief Katherine Raut of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli S. Rubin for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA and Foreign Extortion Prevention Act matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-20476
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Pair Accused of Sexually Abusing 13-Year-Old BoyRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Two Missouri men have been indicted and accused of the sexual abuse of a 13-year-old boy who they met online.
The cases against Brent L. Stephens and Yashpreet, who does not use a first name, are among the 293 arrests nationwide during Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown also resulted in over 205 child victims being located. The operation was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country. A total of six cases were charged in the Eastern District of Missouri, U.S. Attorney Thomas C. Albus announced Wednesday.
Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking.
“We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes."
“Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.”
“We are honored to participate in Operation Relentless Justice – it is a sign of our commitment to protect Missouri’s children,” said U.S. Attorney Albus.
Yashpreet, 22, of St. Ann, Missouri, and Stephens, 44, of St. Charles County, Missouri, were each indicted separately in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on December 17 on one count of coercion and enticement of a minor. Stephens was also indicted on one count of receiving child pornography. The indictments accuse them of using internet and cellular-based communications between June 17, 2025, and Sept. 24, 2025, to coerce the victim into engaging in sexual activity. Stephens’ indictment also accuses him of receiving child pornography during the same time but featuring different children. Yashpreet is also known as Yashpreet Ramamandi.
Greyson S. Ashenbremer, 31, of Troy, Missouri, was also indicted December 17 on one count of production of child pornography and one count of receiving child pornography. The indictment accuses him of coercing a minor into sexually explicit activity for the purpose of recording it between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. It also accuses him of receiving child pornography via the internet.
All three men appeared in court and pleaded not guilty; Stephens on Monday and Yashpreet and Ashenbremer Tuesday. In court Monday and in a motion seeking Stephens’ detention, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson said Stephens, an accountant, groomed the victim online and then coordinated with Yashpreet to bring the boy to Stephens’ office in St. Charles.
The coercion charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to life in prison. The receiving child pornography carries a potential penalty of five to 20 years in prison. Production of child pornography carries a penalty of 15 to 30 years in prison.
The FBI, the St. Charles Police Department and the St. Charles County Cyber Crime Task Force investigated the Stephens and Yashpreet cases. The FBI, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and St. Charles County Cyber Crime Task Force investigated the Ashenbremer case.
This effort follows two other successful operations, Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders, and Operation Enduring Justice in August, which resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders.
The FBI's Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience.
These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. 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, visit justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New York Residents Sentenced for Aggravated Identity Theft, Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, and Use of False Passports. Defendants Forfeited $261,647.47 in Cash, $43,685.07 in Checks, Counterfeit Credit Cards, and Device Making EquipmentRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi announced the sentencing of four individuals last week in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi for their involvement in an identity theft and bank fraud conspiracy scheme.
Jaivon Davon Taylor, Jadin Winfield, Dennis James Swint, and Nicolas Beltre, all residents of New York state, conspired with each other to use false passports in a scheme to fraudulently obtain money from banks in the Jackson, Mississippi area. These defendants used individuals’ stolen identities to create counterfeit passport cards and credit cards which were then presented to banks to make fraudulent withdrawals. Investigators have linked the stolen identities to mail stolen by another criminal group in Mississippi who have pled guilty to state charges in the Circuit Court of Madson County, Mississippi.
The scheme unraveled when a bank employee noticed attempted bank withdrawal irregularities and notified the Madison County Police Department, who arrested Taylor, Winfield and Swint in a rental vehicle. Beltre was later arrested in New York on a federal warrant from Mississippi.
Taylor was sentenced to 70 months in prison, Winfield was sentenced to 57 months in prison, Beltre was sentenced to 54 months in prison, and Swint was sentenced to 79 months in prison.
The United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys David H. Fulcher and Kabah S. Ealy prosecuted the case.
New Port Richey Man Pleads Guilty to Interstate Threats to Kill Federal OfficialsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Benjamin Rubin (79, New Port Richey) has pleaded guilty to interstate transmission of threats to kill multiple federal officials. Rubin faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, during the month of February 2025, Rubin began posting about his frustrations on social media. The tenor of his postings became increasingly violent and he began threatening to injure and kill United States officials and political figures.
On February 20, 2025, Rubin posted that the head of a federal law enforcement agency “will be assassinated.” Two days later, Rubin posted “I shot my TV when [U.S. Cabinet Member] appeared in an ad on illegals. Next time I see her in person the shots will be for her.”
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III.
New Federal Charges in Killing of National Guardsman Sarah Beckstrom and Shooting of Guardsman Andrew WolfeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan national who resided in Bellingham, Washington, was charged today in a complaint in U.S. District Court with federal counts in connection with the ambush-style shooting on November 26 that killed National Guardsman Sarah Beckstrom and seriously injured National Guardsman Andrew Wolfe, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“The transfer of this case from Superior Court to District Court ensures that we can undertake the serious, deliberate, and weighty analysis required to determine if the death penalty is appropriate here,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Sarah Beckstrom was just 20 years old when she was killed and her parents are now forced to endure the holiday season without their daughter. Andrew Wolfe, by the grace of God, survived but has a long road ahead in his recovery.”
Lakanwal was charged today with transporting a firearm in interstate commerce with the intent to commit an offense punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, and with transporting a stolen firearm in interstate commerce.
Lakanwal remains charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in violation of the D.C. Code.
According to court documents, Lakanwal allegedly drove his Toyota Prius from Bellingham, Washington, to the District of Columbia, while in possession of a stolen firearm. On Wednesday, November 26, at about 2:13 p.m., Lakanwal opened fire without provocation at 17th and I Streets, NW, near the Farragut West Metro Station, shooting Beckstrom and Wolfe in the head. Two Majors in the National Guard who were nearby subdued the suspect.
At the scene, investigators recovered a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver that had been reported stolen in Seattle, Washington, in 2023.
Ms. Beckstrom, 20, succumbed to her injuries on Thanksgiving, November 27. National Guardsman Andrew Wolfe, 24, was critically injured in the ambush.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. The matter is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia
25mj289
lakanwal_12-23-2025_25mj289_criminal_complaint.pdfMultiple Mexican nationals indicted for federal immigration violations in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – Multiple Mexican nationals have been indicted for federal immigration violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Leonardo Chalchi, 50, was arrested on October 16, 2025, in Smith County for evading arrest. It was then determined that Chalchi is a citizen of Mexico and allegedly in the United States illegally after having been previously deported to Mexico in 2021 and 2022. This case is being investigated by the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Francisco Velazquez-Castro, 46, was stopped for a traffic violation on November 14, 2025, in Smith County. It was then determined Velazquez-Castro is a citizen of Mexico and allegedly in the United States illegally after having been previously deported to Mexico in 2017 and 2022. This case is being investigated by the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Pablo Hernandez Rodriguez, 41, was arrested in Smith County on November 30, 2025. It was then determined Hernandez Rodriguez is a citizen of Mexico and allegedly in the United States illegally after having been previously deported to Mexico in 2020. This case is being investigated by the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Aurelio Saucedo-Alba, 57, was arrested on December 4, 2025, on a federal warrant. Immigration records indicate Saucedo-Alba is a citizen of Mexico and allegedly in the United States illegally after having been deported to Mexico in 2019. This case is being investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Francisco Ubaldo Acosta-Sanchez, 39, was arrested on October 16, 2025, following a traffic stop in Smith County. During the stop, law enforcement officers found alleged counterfeit Legal Permanent Resident Cards and Social Security Cards in Acosta’s vehicle with various iterations of his name appearing on them. This case is being investigated by Smith County Sheriff’s Office and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble 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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Men indicted for posing as FBI agents to commit fraudRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging two Indian nationals with allegedly defrauding a victim while posing as federal law enforcement officials.
According to court documents, Venkateswara Reddy Chagamreddy, 27, of San Antonio, Texas, and Sai Praveen Kommana, 29, of Frisco, Texas, were indicted on one count of wire fraud conspiracy and one count of interference with commerce by threat.
From May 2025 through September 2025, Chagamreddy and Kommana are accused of conspiring with others to defraud a victim in Kansas. The members of this conspiracy posed as agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). They allegedly convinced the individual to purchase $255,287 in gold and give it to them, falsely thinking it was going to a government agency for safekeeping.
The members of this conspiracy, including the indicted men, allegedly primarily target elderly retired individuals, falsely asserting they are with a government agency and telling victims that their identity has been compromised in ways that could result in jail time and major financial loss for victims. Prosecutors accuse the members of this conspiracy of convincing victims to transfer their assets, primarily in gold, to the federal government to protect themselves against further crimes.
The FBI will never call, email or otherwise contact private citizens to demand payment, threaten arrest, or request personal or sensitive information. Fraud can be reported via tips.fbi.gov or 1-800-CALL-FBI. The FBI encourages people who have been victims of internet crimes and/or financial fraud and schemes to report via ic3.gov.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###Mexican Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Teodoro Rodriguez-Alvarez, 34, of the country of Mexico, was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Alien. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “My office has zero tolerance for criminal illegal aliens who brazenly violate our nation’s laws and threaten the safety of our community. We will continue to back up the excellent investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners who catch these criminals, and will enforce our laws to the fullest extent with aggressive prosecutions followed by swift deportations to keep these dangerous illegal aliens off of our streets and out of our country.”
On July 15, 2025, a Gulf Breeze Police Department officer responded to the Pensacola Bay Bridge in reference to a pickup truck stopped in the emergency lane. The officer arrived at the scene and identified the sole vehicle occupant as Teodoro Rodriguez-Alvarez by his Mexican passport. After speaking with the defendant, law enforcement arrested him for multiple driving offenses. A vehicle inventory was conducted before the truck was towed. During the inventory, a pistol was found in a bag near the driver’s seat. The defendant is a citizen of Mexico and was illegally in the United States.
“Criminal illegal aliens who arm themselves and break our laws endanger the public and show a complete disrespect for the laws of the United States,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “Federal immigration and firearms laws exist to protect the public. HSI is making our neighborhoods safer for everyone and will not stop identifying, investigating, and prosecuting anyone who violate these laws.”
The case involved an investigation by the Gulf Breeze Police Department, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp.
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.
Justice Department Reaches Proposed Consent Decree with LivCor, One of America’s Largest Landlords, to Resolve Information Sharing and Algorithmic Coordination ClaimsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division filed a proposed consent decree today to resolve the United States’ claims against LivCor, LLC, a Blackstone portfolio company, as part of its ongoing enforcement action in the Middle District of North Carolina against algorithmic coordination and other anticompetitive practices in rental markets across the country. Today’s proposed decree builds on the Justice Department’s success in obtaining proposed consent decrees in the same enforcement action against RealPage, Inc. and two other large landlords, Cortland Management, LLC and Greystar Management Services, LLC.
On January 7, 2025, the United States, together with its state co-plaintiffs, filed a complaint alleging that LivCor, along with five other landlords, actively participated in a scheme to set their rents using each other’s competitively sensitive information through common pricing algorithms. As alleged in Plaintiffs’ complaint, LivCor and other landlords, including five codefendants, shared competitively sensitive data to generate pricing recommendations using RealPage’s algorithms, which also included anticompetitive rules that aligned their pricing. In addition, LivCor and other landlords discussed competitively sensitive topics—including pricing strategies, rents, and selected parameters for RealPage’s software—directly with each other.
“The Trump-Vance Administration is committed to an economy that works for all Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Landlords across America are on notice that the competition laws protect renters from the harms caused by competitors sharing competitively sensitive information or aligning prices, whether through an algorithm or otherwise.”
If approved by the court, the proposed consent decree would require LivCor to:
- Refrain from using any anticompetitive algorithm that generates pricing recommendations using its competitors’ competitively sensitive data or that incorporates certain anticompetitive features;
- Refrain from sharing competitively sensitive information with competitors;
- Accept a court-appointed monitor if it uses a third-party pricing algorithm that is not certified pursuant to the terms of the consent decree;
- Refrain from attending or participating in RealPage-hosted meetings of competing landlords; and
- Cooperate with the United States’ claims against other defendants.
As required by the Tunney Act, the proposed settlement, along with a competitive impact statement, will be published in the Federal Register. Any interested person should submit written comments concerning the proposed settlement within 60 days following the publication to Danielle Hauck, Acting Chief, Technology and Digital Platforms Section, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice, 450 Fifth Street NW, Suite 7050, Washington, DC 20530. At the conclusion of the public comment period, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina may enter the final judgment upon finding it is in the public interest.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Relentless JusticeRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country.
“We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes."
“Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.”
“Protecting children from sexual predators is one of our office’s highest priorities. We will use all legal tools available to pursue, arrest, and aggressively prosecute anyone who seeks to exploit or harm a child,” said United States Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio. “We are grateful to the FBI Cleveland Division for their incredible work to find those who perpetuate these atrocious behaviors.”
“There is no place in our communities for those who prey on children. Through close collaboration with the USAO and our law enforcement partners, we are committed to protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring sexual predators are brought to justice,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Manganaro of the FBI Cleveland Division.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio has announced that federal grand juries returned indictments charging the following individuals with offenses against minors:
- Jeremy J. Miller, 34, of Maple Heights, Ohio, was charged with Receipt and Distribution of Visual Depictions of Real Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct, Possession of Child Pornography, and Obscene Visual Representations of the Sexual Abuse of Children. At least one image involved in the offense involved a prepubescent minor under age 12.
- Tevon J. Hunter, 30, of Lorain, Ohio, was charged with Receipt and Distribution of Visual Depictions of Real Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct and Transportation of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct
- Anthony C. Hayes Jr., 44, of Maple Heights, Ohio, was charged with Receipt and Distribution of Visual Depictions of Real Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct and Possession of Child Pornography. At least one image involved in the offense involved a prepubescent minor under age 12.
Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Some of the alleged offenders include an airman out of Dallas, TX, who was arrested with his wife for producing child sex abuse material (CSAM), as well as a Police Officer from Raleigh, NC, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children. In another case involving enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national who was previously deported in 2011, and had previous arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon.
As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online including the five leaders of Greggy’s Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM. The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself.
This effort follows two other successful operations, including Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders and Operation Enduring Justice in August, which resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders.
The FBI's Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience.
These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. attorneys’ offices and 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, visit justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office at 216-522-1400.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Relentless JusticeRead the Press Release
205 Child Victims Located and 293 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in Nationwide Crackdown, Including the Middle District of Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG – The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country.
“We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes."
“Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.”
“The men and women of FBI Philadelphia work every day to protect and support children across the communities we serve,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Operation Relentless Justice underscores our unwavering commitment to combatting child exploitation, one of the most heinous offenses we investigate. Alongside our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to pursue those who prey on our most vulnerable and bring them to justice."
Joseph Anthony Domino, Jr., age 63, of Lords Valley, Pennsylvania, has been charged in the Middle District of Pennsylvania on December 16, 2025, for engaging in online communications with who he believed to be the mother of a 13-year-old female child, who the purported mother was offering for sex. Domino, Jr., expressed his desire to engage in various forms of sexual intercourse with the child and ultimately traveled to the Middle District of Pennsylvania to meet the child for sex.
Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Some of the alleged offenders include an airman out of Dallas, TX, who was arrested with his wife for producing child sex abuse material (CSAM), as well as a Police Officer from Raleigh, NC, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children. In another case involving enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national who was previously deported in 2011, and had previous arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon.
As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online including the five leaders of Greggy’s Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM. The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself.
This effort follows two other successful operations, including Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders, and Operation Enduring Justice in August, which resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders.
The FBI's Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience.
These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. attorneys’ offices and 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, visit justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Justice Department Announces Completion of Civil Rights Reform Agreement with Orange County District AttorneyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, the Justice Department announced the successful completion of the Justice Department’s January 14, 2025 Agreement for the Sustainability of Custodial Informant Reforms with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) in California. Under the Agreement, OCDA sustained reforms to its policies, training, information systems, and auditing procedures regarding the use of confidential informants.
This agreement addressed the Justice Department’s findings that OCDA had used custodial informants to elicit incriminating statements from people who had been arrested and charged with a crime, in violation of the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution, and failing to disclose evidence about those custodial informants to criminal defendants, in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution.
“The Orange County District Attorney’s Office has implemented and sustained extensive reforms that demonstrate an enduring commitment to protecting the Sixth and Fourteenth Amendment rights of those in its jurisdiction,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We commend the District Attorney and his staff for their hard work that will ensure the integrity of criminal prosecutions in Orange County and public trust in the criminal justice system.”
To read the original press release announcing the findings of the investigation, click here. To read the report of the investigation, click here. To read the OCDA Settlement Agreement, click here. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt.
Investment Manager Extradited Back to the United States to Face Securities Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Christopher G. Raia, announced that MATTHEW MELTON was extradited from the United Kingdom to face securities fraud and wire fraud charges. The charges in the Indictment arise from an alleged scheme by MELTON to raise millions of dollars in investor money by falsely representing that his investment fund, “Price Physics,” was investing in futures contracts using a proprietary trading algorithm. In fact, MELTON was operating a Ponzi scheme in which he used investor money to fund his luxury lifestyle and make payments to earlier investors. MELTON arrived in the United States on December 19, 2025, and was presented on December 20, 2025, before Magistrate Judge Gary Stein. MELTON’s case is assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Arun Subramanian.
“As alleged, Matthew Melton told investors he was using groundbreaking technology and cutting-edge trading techniques to generate record returns,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “In reality, Melton was allegedly operating one of the oldest scams around, taking new investors’ money to pay old investors and pocketing funds for himself along the way. With the assistance of our dedicated law enforcement partners, our Office will continue to aggressively prosecute financial fraud and protect our markets.”
“This alleged scheme victimized many and caused millions of dollars in victim losses,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. “FBI New York is committed to eradicating all unlawful schemes fueling an unearned life of luxury by those who prey on others. We remain focused on disrupting financial fraud operations and will continue to fiercely pursue those who seek to defraud others.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment and bail hearing:[1]
MELTON promoted an investment vehicle he called “Price Physics,” which purported to invest in futures contracts using a proprietary trading algorithm. He promised investors guaranteed returns of up to twelve percent per month, of which he said he would keep only two percent as compensation. In reality, there was no proprietary trading algorithm, and MELTON invested almost none of the millions of dollars he raised. The few times that MELTON did make trades, it was not in futures contracts, and the trading was generally unprofitable. For the most part, instead of trading, MELTON used his investors’ money to pay his own personal expenses—including mortgage payments and sailing excursions—and to pay earlier investors in Ponzi-like fashion.
* * *
MELTON, 61, of Boulder, Colorado, was charged with one count of securities fraud and one count of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI and thanked the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for its assistance. Mr. Clayton also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which previously filed a separate civil action against MELTON.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Adam S. Hobson is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the descriptions of the Indictment constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Harrisburg Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Trafficking Marijuana and Cocaine Through A Local BusinessRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that William Kuduk, age 38, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson on December 19, 2025, to 240 months for drug trafficking and hiring gunmen to protect his illegal activities.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, at sentencing Kuduk was found responsible for trafficking over 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of marijuana from his used car dealership. He also trafficked over five kilograms of cocaine. Kuduk previously pled guilty to drug trafficking charges and a fraud charge.
Between October 2018 and May 2020, Kuduk and his codefendants operated a marijuana smuggling operation out of Fastlane Auto Sales, a used car lot located on Paxton Street in Harrisburg. Kuduk and his codefendants arranged to have his drug source in California mail hundreds of parcels full of marijuana to Harrisburg through the U.S. Mail. In the same way, they regularly mailed tens of thousands of dollars in cash back to the California source. Kuduk and his codefendants used a sophisticated system of GPS tracking devices, which they placed in their parcels, to keep track of their drugs and money. Through this the scheme, over 9,000 thousand pounds of suspected marijuana parcels, worth millions of dollars, were brought to the Harrisburg area. Kuduk and his codefendants used guns, robbery, and kidnapping as tools to keep their criminal operation running. When imposing sentence, Judge Wilson found that Kuduk engaged in dangerous and violent conduct that endangered the community. When thieves stole marijuana from his drug trafficking operation, Kuduk and his fellow traffickers used gunman to try and stop the thefts. Judge Wilson relied upon the evidence introduced in the case, specifically the jury trial for one of Kuduk’s co-defendants.
Kuduk was also sentenced for committing pandemic related unemployment fraud. While he was released awaiting trial for the drug trafficking case, Kuduk submitted a fraudulent application for pandemic relief. He got over $20,000 in pandemic unemployment relief. He was charged with wire fraud for that episode and later pled guilty. When imposing sentence for drug trafficking, weapons, and violence offenses, Judge Wilson also imposed a 10-year sentence for defrauding the United States. Judge Wilson noted as an aggravating factor that Kuduk committed this fraud with his co-defendants in the drug trafficking case while out on release awaiting trial.
One codefendant, Christopher Texidor, was convicted of drug trafficking and violence offenses after a six-day jury trial. Texidor was sentenced to 292 months in prison (just over 24 years). Kuduk’s other codefendants -- Jamie Valenzuela, William Kuduk, Jonathan Cobaugh, Justin Laboy, Jose Laboy, and Julio Arellano -- pled guilty. Codefendant Jamie Valenzuela was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to traffic drugs. Codefendant Jose Laboy was sentenced to 108 months’ imprisonment on marijuana trafficking and weapons offenses. Codefendant Jonathan Cobaugh was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment for marijuana trafficking and pandemic fraud. Codefendant Julio Arellano was sentenced to 156 months’ imprisonment for weapons offenses and conspiracy to commit drug trafficking. Codefendant Justin Laboy was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit drug trafficking.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael A. Consiglio and Scott Ford prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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Homestead Man Sent to Federal Prison for Possession of MacHinegun by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Vinson Tavaris Brown, 33, of Homestead, Florida, was sentenced to three years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and illegal possession of a machinegun. The sentence announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the outstanding work by our state and federal law enforcement partners, this dangerous felon has been taken off our streets and sent to federal prison. The safety of our communities is not negotiable, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute these offenses to fulfill the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from violent criminals.”
Court documents reflect that the Tallahassee Police Department stopped a vehicle in which Brown was a passenger after it made an illegal U-Turn leaving Zingales Sports Bar. Three of the occupants of the vehicle complied with officers, but the defendant attempted to reach under his seat and then fled from officers on foot. Officers caught the defendant and detained him, then discovered a Glock 27 equipped with a machinegun conversion device and an extended magazine under the seat that the defendant attempted to reach.
Brown had previous felony convictions for child abuse (two counts), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and three separate incidents of fleeing or attempting to elude police.
Brown’s three-year prison term will be followed by three years of supervised release.
The case involved an investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.
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.
As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors.
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.
Grand Jury Charges Four Members of Anti-Government Group with Terrorism Felonies Stemming from New Year’s Eve Bombing PlotRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A federal grand jury today returned a six-count indictment against four members of a far-left, anti-capitalist, and anti-government group that allegedly plotted to set off bombs in Southern California on New Year’s Eve, charging them with additional, terrorism-related felonies.
Each of the following defendants is charged with one count of providing and attempting to provide material support to terrorists, and one count of possession of unregistered firearms:
- Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30, a.k.a. “Asiginaak,” and “Black Moon,” of South Los Angeles;
- Zachary Aaron Page, 32, a.k.a. “AK,” “Ash Kerrigan,” and “Cthulu’s Daughter,” of Torrance;
- Dante James Anthony-Gaffield, 24, a.k.a. “Nomad,” of South Los Angeles; and
- Tina Lai, 41, a.k.a. “Kickwhere,” of Glendale.
Carroll and Page also are charged with one count of conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction.
All four defendants are in federal custody without bond. Lai’s arraignment is scheduled for January 2, 2026. Carroll and Page are scheduled to be arraigned on January 5, 2026. Gaffield’s arraignment is scheduled for January 20, 2026. All the defendants will be arraigned in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
“The charges a federal grand jury returned today reflect the seriousness of the conduct: a planned terrorist attack on American soil on New Year’s Eve,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “If convicted, this group of self-professed left-wing radicals will face decades in federal prison. We will continue to investigate and prosecute any and all terror groups and bring them to justice.”
According to the indictment, the defendants are part of the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF), an anti-capitalist and anti-government group. They also are members of what Carroll characterized as a “radical” TILF faction that communicated using an encrypted messaging group called “Order of the Black Lotus.”
In November 2025, Carroll drafted an eight-page, handwritten document titled, “Operation Midnight Sun” that described a bombing plot targeting U.S. businesses across Southern California this upcoming New Year’s Eve.
Among other things, the plot included details on the co-conspirators’ “marks” (intended targets), instructions on how to manufacture the bombs and source the bomb-making materials, and guidance for the co-conspirators to avoid leaving evidence behind that could be traced to them.
The New Year’s Eve bombing plot was designed to “completely pulverize” the targets, which included technology and logistics companies with offices across Southern California. After drafting the bombing plot, Carroll recruited others – including Page, Gaffield, and Lai – to join the attack plan.
On November 29, 2025, Page used an encrypted messaging application to send the following message to co-conspirators, including Carroll and Gaffield: “death to israel death to the usa death to colonizers death to settler-coloniasm [sic].” In response to Page’s message, Carroll stated, “Death to them all, burn it all down [three emojis of a burning heart].”
Throughout early December 2025, the defendants procured bomb-making materials to build and test explosive devices in the Mojave Desert on December 12, 2025, including by obtaining bomb-making materials such as potassium nitrate, sulfur, charcoal, and pipes.
Carroll and Page also described plans for after the New Year’s Eve bombings, including targeting United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and vehicles with firearms and pipe bombs to “take some of them out and scare the rest of them,” according to the indictment.
On December 12, 2025, the defendants traveled to the Mojave Desert to build and test explosives that they planned to use as part of the New Year’s Eve plot. The FBI arrested them at the scene before the co-conspirators could make functional explosive devices.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted, Carroll and Page would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison, and Gaffield and Lai would face a statutory maximum sentence of 25 years in federal prison.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating this matter. Considerable assistance was provided by the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, and the Palm Springs Police Department. FBI field offices in Boston, Buffalo, and New Orleans are also providing assistance.
Assistant United States Attorneys Ian V. Yanniello and Amanda B. Elbogen of the National Security Division and Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Weiner of the Transnational Organized Crime Section are prosecuting this case, with assistance from Justice Department Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the Counterterrorism Section.
Gainesville Felon Charged with Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Christopher Eugene Thompson, 49, of Gainesville, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act weapon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.
Thompson appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Midori A. Lowry on September 30, 2025, in Gainesville, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for February 11, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor.
If convicted, Thompson faces up to 30 years’ imprisonment for the drug trafficking crime, up to 15 years for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and up to 10 years for possession of an unregistered NFA weapon. Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a consecutive five-year term with a maximum of life imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Gainesville Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case 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 available 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.
Fourth Defendant Sentenced to More than a Decade in Prison in Connection with Gang-Related Kidnapping and MurderRead the Press Release
Wilmington, Delaware – Yesterday, a fourth defendant was sentenced in connection with a kidnapping and murder committed by members of the Shotgun Crips gang, announced Benjamin L. Wallace, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware. Rodney Chambers, 34, who served as a lookout at both the site of the kidnapping in Wilmington, Delaware, and the site of the murder in Yeadon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Chief District Judge Colm F. Connolly pronounced the sentence.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the Shotgun Crips targeted the victim, a 35-year-old Wilmington resident, after he and gang member Kimon Burton-Roberson became embroiled in a dispute. Shortly after midnight on July 21, 2021, members of the gang—including Burton-Roberson, Jamil Salahuddin, and Josiah Rivera—invaded the victim’s home, while Chambers stayed outside to monitor for police. The men inside the home beat the victim with a tire iron and a pry bar, bound his hands behind his back with zip ties, and forced him into Burton-Roberson’s Jeep, which was being driven by Stephanie Bultes-Ramirez. The gang then drove the victim to Philadelphia, continuing to beat him on the drive. In Philadelphia, they picked up gang higher-up Dwayne Alexander, who directed the gang to an industrial park in Yeadon. There, Burton-Roberson executed the still-bound victim by shooting him in the head with an assault rifle. Chambers also monitored for police during the murder at the industrial park. After the murder, the gang tried to cover its tracks by, among other things, scrubbing the Jeep for forensic evidence and terminating service on the cell-phone numbers they had been using that night.
Three other defendants were sentenced earlier this month—Kimon Burton-Roberson to life in prison, Jamil Salahuddin to 17.5 years in prison, and Stephanie Bultes-Ramirez to 10 years in prison. Dwayne Alexander is awaiting sentencing in federal court. Josiah Rivera is awaiting sentencing in the Superior Court for the State of Delaware. Rivera was not charged federally because he was a minor at the time of the crime.
“Rodney Chambers had a hand in an atrocious crime that took a beloved son, brother, and uncle from his family,” said U.S. Attorney Wallace. “We thank our law enforcement partners for the tireless work that resulted in a fourth just sentence of at least a decade in this case. We will continue to work shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners to stamp out gang violence here in Delaware.”
“His sentencing is the final step towards holding Rodney Chambers accountable for the life he took,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul. “This investigation demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to working with our partners to bring to justice those who use violence to harm and intimidate our community.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force, the Wilmington Police Department, the Yeadon Borough Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Delaware Probation and Parole. U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle L. Morgan (now with the Eastern District of Pennsylvania) handled the third superseding indictment, the trial, and the sentencings of all defendants. Others involved in the investigation and prosecution include Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin P. Pierce, Ruth Mandelbaum (now with the Eastern District of Pennsylvania), and Maureen McCartney (also now with the Eastern District of Pennsylvania), as well as former Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli H. Klein.
A copy of this press release can be located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 22-CR-17-CFC.
Four defendants arrested, charged with illegal re-entryRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that four defendants were charged in separate criminal complaints with illegal re-entry, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Named in the complaints are:
- Eleo Francisco Lemus-Moreno, 40, a native and citizen of Honduras
- Douglas Noel Barahona-Martinez, 37, a native and citizen of El Salvador
- Diego Ignacio Sohom Tambriz a/k/a Hector Torres-Enriques, 40, a native and citizen of Guatemala
- Jose Mardoqueo Guevara-Pereira, 38, a native and citizen of El Salvador
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas, who is handling the cases, stated that according to the complaints, on December 4, 2025, law enforcement encountered defendant Lemus-Moreno in Williamsville, NY. When questioned about his immigration status he admitted that he was in the United States illegally with no valid immigration status and was taken into custody. Subsequent investigation determined that Lemus-Moreno was physically removed from the United States in May 2010, and March 2020.
On December 3, 2025, law enforcement encountered Barahona-Martinez during a traffic stop of a vehicle he was riding in in Lancaster, NY. Barahona-Martinez admitted to being illegally present in the United States without any valid immigration documents. He was taken into custody. Further investigation determined that he is a native and citizen of El Salvador and was physically removed from the United States in August 2014.
On December 3, 2025, law enforcement encountered Sohom Tambriz in Cheektowaga, NY. He stated that admitted to being illegally present in the United States without any valid immigration documents. Sohom Tambriz was taken into custody. Further investigation determined that he is a native and citizen of Guatemala and was physically removed from the United States in May 2008, and June 2018.
On December 2, 2025, law enforcement encountered Guevara-Pereira during a traffic stop in Amherst, NY. Guevara-Pereira stated that he was illegally present in the United States without any valid immigration documents. Further investigation determined that he is a native and citizen of El Salvador and was physically removed from the United States in July 2014.
All four defendants made initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and were detained.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The complaints are the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Acting Chief Patrol Agent James D’Amato.
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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