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2 December 2025
Indiana Man Sentenced to 50 Years for Child Sexual Exploitation and AbuseRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Bryan Lee Fish, 33, of Mitchell, Indiana, has been sentenced to 50 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, after pleading guilty to three counts of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, between June 2022 and September 2023, Fish sexually abused three children under the age of 12, including a toddler, photographed the abuse, and distributed the images online. The victims, all related to Fish, were in his custody and care at the time.
On September 29, 2023, the Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received alerts from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children indicating that an X (formerly known as Twitter) account linked to Fish was sharing newly produced child sexual abuse material. A search of his residence uncovered two cell phones containing folders labeled with the victims’ names, explicit images of the children, and more than 3,000 files of child sexual abuse material involving other unidentified minors, including infants and toddlers, as well as CGI and Anime.
Following his arrest, another relative disclosed that Fish had sexually abused her as a child, beginning at age five.
“This predator not only exploited three young children entrusted to his care, but he also preserved and shared that abuse. Distributing these images is especially insidious because it fuels further exploitation, encourages other offenders to create more material through abuse, and ensures the victims are haunted by the knowledge that their worst experiences live on indefinitely for predators’ gratification,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “I am deeply grateful to the ICAC Task Force, NCMEC, and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who work tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable in our communities and bring the most heinous offenders to justice.”
“Children should be nurtured and cherished, not victimized and exploited by deranged adults. Let this sentence be a warning to all child sexual predators: You will be caught, and you will be punished for your crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Ike Barnes, of the U.S. Secret Service’s Indianapolis Field Office. “The U.S. Secret Service is committed to using its resources to protecting children from this type of abuse and to pursuing their abusers. Thank you to our state and federal law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Indiana for bringing justice in this case.”
“Child exploitation is among the most heinous and damaging crimes we investigate, and this abhorrent conduct represents a profound betrayal of basic human decency,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “This 50-year sentence reflects the seriousness of his offenses and ensures he will remain far from any child he could victimize. The FBI is relentless in pursuing offenders who exploit the vulnerable, and we will bring every tool we have to bear to identify them, stop them, and deliver justice for their victims. The message is simple: if you harm a child, we will find you, stop you, and hold you fully accountable.”
“This investigation stands as a powerful testament to Indiana ICAC’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding vulnerable children and bringing offenders to justice,” said Lieutenant Christopher Cecil, commander of the Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
The U.S. Secret Service, FBI, Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, and Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys MaryAnn T. Mindrum and Carolyn Haney, who prosecuted this case.
This investigation was conducted by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a multiagency task force led by the Indiana State Police that investigates and prosecutes persons who use the internet to sexually exploit or entice children. Each year, Indiana ICAC investigators evaluate thousands of tips, investigate hundreds of cases, and rescue dozens of children from ongoing sexual abuse. Visit https://www.internetcrimesagainstkids.com to learn more about their efforts.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.
If you are a victim of child sexual exploitation, please contact your local police department. Resources for victims of child exploitation can be found on our website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/project-safe-childhood
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Indian national sentenced to prison for Medicare fraud scheme that stole more than $1 million in taxpayer fundsRead the Press Release
Seattle – An Indian national convicted of health care fraud was sentenced today in in U.S. District Court in Seattle to two years in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Mohammed Asif, 35, was arrested on April 10, 2025, at Chicago O’Hare International Airport while attempting to board an international flight. On September 4, 2025, Asif pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with the operation of American Labworks LLC, a diagnostic testing laboratory in Everett, Washington. Asif conspired with others to bill Medicare for COVID-19 tests and other respiratory illness tests that had not been ordered or performed.
At today’s sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge James L. Robart said the fraud amount, $1,174,813, “was a significant amount of money. It was money that was siphoned out of the Medicare system that is designed to treat the elderly and the poor… (The defendant) lacks moral character as a knowing participant in the fraud… He is someone the public needs to be protected from.”
“Mr. Asif participated in a scheme to steal more than a million dollars from Medicare -- funds that are meant to be used for important medical care,” said U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. “Regrettably, schemes like this one are not unique. Medicare is a constant target of fraud, and the harm to the United States and taxpayers is substantial. We will continue to investigate and prosecute such fraud schemes.”
According to records filed in the case, the Washington Secretary of State has American Labworks being formed in October 2021 and dissolved in March 2025. Washington Department of Health records indicate that its license as a Medical Test Site expired in December 2023. Asif is listed in filings with the state and with Medicare as the owner and director of American Labworks.
Claims data from April 2024 to December 2024 show that American Labworks billed Medicare more than $8.7 million for laboratory testing services, including for COVID-19 testing. Medicare paid out over $1.1 million to the lab.
Between June 2024 and March 2025, Medicare received more than 200 complaints from enrollees and others about American Labworks. Many of these complainants reported that Medicare was billed for testing that was never received. For example, one Medicare enrollee noted that Medicare paid American Labworks $545 for COVID-19 tests in August 2023 and March 2024. But the beneficiary had never had any COVID-19 tests on those dates. Multiple Medicare beneficiaries said they too had seen bills for tests that never occurred. Physicians who had allegedly ordered the tests said they had not sent patients to American Labworks, and many patients said they had never heard of the referring physician listed in the records.
In some instances, the billing records indicated a beneficiary’s testing date of service occurred after other records indicated the beneficiary was dead. And in other instances, the physician who allegedly referred the patient for testing was dead at the time of the date of service.
Financial records indicate Mohammed Asif received multiple checks and made withdrawals from the American Labworks bank account, which he controlled. In May 2024, he withdrew $260,000 from the American Labworks checking account. Soon after that Asif, who had been in the U.S. on a student visa, returned to India. He came back to the U.S. in March 2025 as investigators were unraveling the fraud. Prosecutors and special agents with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) moved quickly to draft the criminal complaint and take Asif into custody. A grand jury then returned the indictment of Asif on April 23.
Asif conspired with other people to accomplish the fraud. The government’s investigation is ongoing.
“Billing Medicare for millions of dollars’ worth of laboratory testing that was never furnished is a serious offense that undermines the integrity of our healthcare system and diverts critical resources from those who truly need them,” said Robb R. Breeden, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).“This sentencing reflects HHS-OIG’s continued commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and bring to justice those who seek to exploit federal healthcare programs for their own personal gain.”
“Like so many other fraudsters who take advantage of such situations, Mr. Asif used the COVID-19 pandemic to steal from taxpayers for his own gain,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “In just a couple of years, his company billed Medicare millions of dollars for laboratory testing that never happened. To those would-be criminals who believe their schemes will never be uncovered: as this case shows, the FBI and our partners will carefully follow the money and financial records to ensure justice is served.”
Asif was ordered to pay $1,174,813 in restitution. He will likely be deported following his prison term.
The case is being investigated by HHS-OIG and the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip Kopczynski.
Honduran man pleads guilty to, sentenced for illegal reentryRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ever Josue Erazo-Lopez, 30, a native and citizen of Honduras, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca to re-entry of a removed alien. He was then sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who handled the case, stated that Erazo-Lopez is an alien without any legal status in the United States. He was physically removed from the United States in July 2019. On September 27, 2025, Erazo-Lopez was taken into custody by the Brighton, NY, Police Department for suspected drunk driving.
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 plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Acting Chief Patrol Agent James D’Amato.
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Honduran National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JOSE LUIS PAZ-BONILLA, age 47, a citizen of Honduras, was charged on November 21, 2025 by bill of information with illegal reentry of a previously removed alien, in violation of 8 U.S.C. ' 1326(a).
According to the indictment, JOSE LUIS PAZ-BONILLA reentered the United States on or about November 3, 2025, after having been previously removed on or about September 21, 2000.
If convicted, JOSE LUIS PAZ-BONILLA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.
Acting U. S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Border Patrol in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
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Georgia Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine Pills to ConnecticutRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYRONE BROWN, 33, of Lithonia, Georgia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for trafficking methamphetamine pills to Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately January 2022 and March 2024, Brown mailed parcels containing methamphetamine pills from Georgia to addresses in New Haven associated with Gregory Grant and others. Investigators identified approximately 79 suspicious parcels shipped from Brown to Grant during that time. In January 2023, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of an intercepted parcel and found 16 ziplock sandwich bags containing a total of more than four kilograms of multicolored methamphetamine pills and a firearm. The investigation also revealed that Grant made multiple payments to Brown during the conspiracy.
Brown was arrested on April 7, 2025. A search of his residence on that date revealed numerous pills and a handgun.
Brown has been detained since his arrest. On September 2, 2025, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Grant, of New Haven, pleaded guilty on March 12, 2025, and is detained while awaiting sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force, which includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, and the Hartford, Plainville, and Meriden Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel J. Gentile and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
Georgia Man Sentenced for $24M Kickback and Medicare Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Georgia man was sentenced today to 46 months in prison and ordered to pay over $7.2 million in restitution for his role in a scheme to pay and receive illegal kickbacks in exchange for inducing Medicare beneficiaries to accept medically unnecessary genetic tests.
According to court documents, Patrick C. Moore Jr., 48, of Peachtree City, engaged in a kickback scheme in which he instructed a network of recruiters to target and induce Medicare beneficiaries to accept genetic tests that were not medically necessary, not provided as represented or not eligible for reimbursement. Moore received approximately $4.3 million in kickbacks and bribes from his co-conspirators in exchange for the referral of beneficiary insurance information, DNA specimens and accompanying doctors’ orders for genetic testing. Moore, in turn, paid illegal health care kickbacks and bribes to his network of beneficiary recruiters. To conceal the scheme, Moore created sham invoices documenting fabricated numbers of hours worked instead of the per-referral payments he received in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute. Laboratories associated with Moore and his co-conspirators billed Medicare approximately $24 million and were paid approximately $7.2 million on the kickback-induced claims for the unnecessary genetic tests.
In May 2025, Moore pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive illegal health care kickbacks.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Margaret Heap for the Southern District of Georgia; Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Dallas Regional Office; Special Agent in Charge Kelly Blackmon of the HHS-OIG Atlanta Regional Office; and Special Agent in Charge Paul W. Brown of the FBI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement.
The HHS-OIG and FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Ethan Womble and Benjamin Smith of the Justice Department’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Thompson for the Southern District of Georgia prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Georgia Man Sentenced for $24M Kickback and Medicare Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A Georgia man was sentenced today to 46 months in prison and ordered to pay over $7.2 million in restitution for his role in a scheme to pay and receive illegal kickbacks in exchange for inducing Medicare beneficiaries to accept medically unnecessary genetic tests.
According to court documents, Patrick C. Moore Jr., 48, of Peachtree City, engaged in a kickback scheme in which he instructed a network of recruiters to target and induce Medicare beneficiaries to accept genetic tests that were not medically necessary, not provided as represented or not eligible for reimbursement. Moore received approximately $4.3 million in kickbacks and bribes from his co-conspirators in exchange for the referral of beneficiary insurance information, DNA specimens and accompanying doctors’ orders for genetic testing. Moore, in turn, paid illegal health care kickbacks and bribes to his network of beneficiary recruiters. To conceal the scheme, Moore created sham invoices documenting fabricated numbers of hours worked instead of the per-referral payments he received in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute. Laboratories associated with Moore and his co-conspirators billed Medicare approximately $24 million and were paid approximately $7.2 million on the kickback-induced claims for the unnecessary genetic tests.
In May 2025, Moore pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive illegal health care kickbacks.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Margaret Heap for the Southern District of Georgia; Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); Special Agent in Charge Kelly Blackmon of the HHS-OIG Atlanta Regional Office; and Special Agent in Charge Paul W. Brown of the FBI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement.
The HHS-OIG and FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Ethan Womble and Benjamin Smith of the Justice Department’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Thompson for the Southern District of Georgia prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Possession of a MachinegunRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Ibrahim Ahmed Mohamud, a/k/a “Ibbs” and “30,” age 19, pled guilty in federal court today to Possession of a Machinegun, announced U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen.
Mohamud is a member of the criminal street gang known as “YSL” (“Young Slime Life”). Witnesses implicated Mohamud, who goes by “Ibbs,” in a drive-by shooting that occurred on February 24, 2024. According to witnesses, Mohamud shot at the victim after mistaking him for a member of a rival street gang known as “Muddy,” which associates with the Somali Outlaws street gang.
Based on this information, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Mohamud and his vehicle. Officers found two guns inside Mohamud’s car—a Glock 19x 9mm pistol equipped with a switch, rendering it fully automatic, and a Glock 17 9mm pistol. These firearms were forensically linked to a shooting that occurred just two days prior at a residence in Lino Lakes, Minnesota. The targets of that shooting were suspected members of the Muddy street gang. One of those targets had previously been the victim of another gang-related assault by YSL members during a basketball game at Robbinsdale High School on January 28, 2025.
During the vehicle search, police squad vehicle video recorded Mohamud as he attempted to pressure a juvenile occupant of the vehicle into taking responsibility for the firearms, believing the juvenile would not be prosecuted due to his age. Mohamud’s DNA was found on the Glock 19x 9mm pistol equipped with a switch.
Mohamud pled guilty today in U.S. District Court before Judge Laura M. Provinzino. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for a later date.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Blaine Police Department, the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristian C. Weir for the District of Minnesota and Trial Attorney Alexandra Swain of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case.
Former Florissant Police Officer Admits Searching Women’s Phones for Nude ImagesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A former Florissant, Missouri police officer on Tuesday admitted illegally searching the phones of 20 women during traffic stops to obtain nude photos.
While on duty, in uniform and in a marked police vehicle, Julian Alcala pulled the women over between the dates of February 6, 2024, and May 18, 2024. Alcala admitted in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Tuesday that he took each victim’s mobile phone away from them and back to his patrol car. Alcala told 19 of his victims that he needed to use their phone to confirm insurance coverage and told one that he was confirming her vehicle registration. Alcala then searched through the phones without a warrant or probable cause. He used his own cell phone to take photographs of one or more images that portrayed either the victim or a loved one or both in a partial or full state of nudity that he found in various folders and apps. Alcala also found and forwarded a video of one victim to his cell phone. After that victim discovered the forwarding of the video and reported it to the FBI, court-approved search warrants of Alcala’s cell phone and his cloud storage uncovered images of 19 additional victims.
Julian Alcala, 30, pleaded guilty to 20 counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, namely the right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 11, 2026. Each charge carries a penalty of up to a year in jail, a fine of up $100,000, or both prison and a fine.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Krug is prosecuting the case.
Former Federal Employee Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison After Pleading Guilty to Defrauding U.S. Government for More Than $1 MillionRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that James Montoya, 55, of Lakewood, Colorado, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,122,009.47 after pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud.
According to the plea agreement, Montoya worked as a federal employee at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) office in Lakewood. USGS is part of the United States Department of the Interior (DOI). During a routine initiative to identify misuse, DOI identified numerous questionable transactions on Montoya’s government charge card. An investigation revealed that Montoya successfully concealed improper purchases for years by submitting altered receipts, and fictitious invoices and other documentation to USGS claiming that these purchases were for IT-related items or services. In fact, the defendant did not provide any IT-related items or services to USGS and many of these purchases were for personal items including, but not limited to, vintage and collectible toys as well as car parts.
The alleged actions defrauded the government of approximately $1,122,009.47 over approximately fifteen years beginning around December of 2008 and continuing through at least November 2023.
“Stealing from the federal government is stealing from hard-working American taxpayers,” said United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Peter McNeilly. “Our office will vigorously prosecute these types of crimes on behalf of American taxpayers.”
“Our investigative staff used data analytics and ingenuity to identify this longstanding, ongoing scheme, which defrauded American taxpayers out of over $1 million over many years,” said U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Katherine Balestra. “The judgment in this case is a strong deterrent for others looking to perpetuate this type of scheme."
United States District Judge Philip A. Brimmer presided over the sentencing.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sonia Dave.
Case Number: 24-cr-248-PAB
Former Corrections Officer Sentenced to 168 Months in Federal Prison for Sexual Assault of Female InmateRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Darren Bowannie, age 35, to 168 months in federal prison after Bowannie pleaded guilty to Sexual Abuse of an Inmate in Federal Custody. Judge Dimke also ordered that, following his sentence, Bowannie be placed on a ten-year term of supervised release.
According to court documents, on February 9, 2024, Bowannie was working as a corrections officer for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Wellpinit, Washington. Bowannie was assigned to transport a female inmate from Wellpinit to the Colville Tribal Correctional Facility in Nespelem, Washington. During the transport, Bowannie pulled the vehicle over and sexually assaulted the victim, who was bound by hand and foot restraints. After arriving at the Colville Tribal Correctional Facility, the victim immediately reported the sexual assault, resulting in an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Despite Bowannie lying about the sexual assault when interviewed by the FBI, Bowannie’s DNA was recovered on the victim’s person, thereby confirming and corroborating the victim’s account of what had happened.
“Every person taken into custody is entitled to the protection of their physical safety and civil rights. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is dedicated to rooting out sexual misconduct committed by any individuals entrusted with public safety and ensuring those individuals are held accountable,” said BIA Office of Justice Services Deputy Bureau Director Richard Melville. “The actions of Mr. Bowannie were a betrayal of that public trust, and we fully supported the investigation and prosecution of this intolerable act. The BIA remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals in our custody.”
“Every federal law enforcement officer takes an oath to protect the people of the United States, including inmates and defendants placed in their charge,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Mr. Bowannie broke that oath with a cruel and senseless act of sexual violence. The FBI remains committed in our mission to prosecute those who would abuse the power granted to them under the color of law.”
United States Attorney Pete Serrano, stated, “I commend the victim for coming forward and reporting the assault. Their bravery allowed the government to prosecute Mr. Bowanie and ensure he is no longer in a position of trust where he may try to commit similar conduct.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Colville Tribal Police Department, the Spokane Tribal Police Department, and the Washington State Patrol. This case was prosecuted by Michael J. Ellis and Timothy M. Durkin, Assistant United States Attorneys for the Eastern District of Washington.
2:24-cr-00110-MKD
Former Cadet Guilty of Attempted Meth Smuggling into Dooly State PrisonRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A former correctional officer cadet who attempted to bring more than a half kilogram of 100% pure methamphetamine into Dooly State Prison for an inmate pleaded guilty to his crime in federal court.
Julius Deshawn Williams Jr., 29, of Bonaire, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine before U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on Dec.1. Williams faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The Court will schedule a sentencing date. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Highly addictive, illegal drugs inside a prison only increase the potential for chaos and violence for everyone on the inside, and can never be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Correctional officers have a vital role in ensuring community safety. We appreciate the collaboration across all levels of law enforcement to protect people.”
“Contraband in the hands of inmates gives them the ability to continue their criminal enterprise, so the efforts of our dedicated officers in stopping those who attempt to introduce these items is paramount in our commitment to public safety," said GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. "We are pleased to see that justice has been served on this individual for his role in jeopardizing the safe and secure operations of our facilities.”
“Keeping narcotics out of our correctional facilities requires strong, united efforts across agencies,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “This guilty plea is the result of that collaboration. DEA will continue to stand with our federal, state and local partners to ensure that anyone attempting to introduce dangerous drugs into a prison faces the full force of the law.”
According to statements referenced in court, Williams was a cadet undergoing training to become a correctional officer at Dooly State Prison. On June 24, 2024, when Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) officers conducted the security check and shake down required of every person attempting to enter the facility, they found four packages containing methamphetamine wrapped in black tape and hidden in the defendant’s pants. Next, his vehicle was searched, and GDC officers found four more packages of methamphetamine wrapped in black electrical tape and a pistol. Williams admitted he was attempting to bring the drugs into the prison to give to an inmate. The packages contained 640 grams of methamphetamine with 100% purity.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Travis Lynes is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Former Antioch Police Officer Sentenced to 7.5 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Violate Civil Rights and Distribute Anabolic Steroids, and Obstructing JusticeRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Former Antioch police officer Devon Christopher Wenger was sentenced today to seven-and-a-half years in federal prison for conspiring to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate residents of Antioch through the use of unreasonable force, conspiring to distribute anabolic steroids, and obstructing justice. Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White handed down the sentence.
Wenger, 33, formerly of Oakley, California, was indicted in two separate cases. In April 2025, following a three-day trial, a federal jury convicted Wenger on one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids and one count of obstruction of justice. In September 2025, following a seven-day trial, a jury convicted Wenger of conspiracy against rights. Wenger was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals in September 2025 and has remained in federal custody since then.
“Devon Wenger and his co-conspirators believed the badges they wore gave them a license to break the law. They were wrong. Today, the court held Mr. Wenger accountable for his betrayal of the public trust placed in him,” said United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian.
“Devon Wenger’s sentencing marks another significant step in a multi-year effort to uncover and confront corruption within the Antioch and Pittsburg police departments. His conviction, along with the earlier convictions in this case, underscores that no one is above the law. The FBI and our partners are committed to holding those who violate the civil rights of others and betray the public’s trust accountable,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Agustin Lopez.
According to court documents and the evidence presented at the September 2025 trial, Wenger and two other Antioch Police Department officers, Morteza Amiri and Eric Rombough, conspired with each other and others about using excessive force against individuals in and around Antioch. The uses and intended uses of excessive force included deployment of a police K9, deployment of a 40mm “less lethal” launcher, and other unnecessary violence. The evidence showed that Wenger and others deployed uses of force as punishment to subjects beyond any punishment appropriately imposed by the criminal justice system. Wenger also withheld details about uses of excessive force from police reports and other official documents.
Wenger, Amiri, and or Rombough engaged in numerous communications in furtherance of the conspiracy, including an April 2019 communication in which Wenger sent a photo and booking information for a suspect to Amiri and Rombough and requested that they “[p]lease find this guy[] and f--- him in the a--.” Rombough responded “Deal,” and Amiri responded “ill bite em.”
Later in 2019, Wenger broke the arm of a young female shoplifting suspect, then pushed her sister to the ground, handcuffed the sister, picked the sister up and grabbed her neck, and smashed the sister’s face into the side of the patrol car, as captured on video. However, Wenger wrote in his police report that as he was escorting the sister to a patrol car, she attempted to pull away from him and that as a result of her actions she “subsequently fell onto the side of the patrol vehicle.”
In August 2020, after Amiri deployed his K9 to apprehend a suspect in Pittsburg, California, with Wenger, he wrote to Wenger “if pitt didn’t have all those body cams and that was us... we would have f---ed him up more. he didn’t get what he deserved.” Wenger responded, “I agree. That’s why I don’t like body cams.” The next night, Wenger wrote to Amiri, “We need to get into something tonight bro!! Lets go 3 nights in a row dog bite!!!” Amiri and Wenger exchanged additional messages and bloodied photographs after engaging with another suspect that night, and following Amiri’s deployment of his K9 to bite a suspect in a homeless encampment the subsequent evening. At the end of the week, Amiri wrote to Wenger, “let’s f--- some people up next work week,” to which Wenger agreed.
According to court documents and evidence presented at the April 2025 trial, in February 2022, Wenger set up the sale of anabolic steroids, a Schedule III controlled substance, between Daniel Harris, who was at the time also an Antioch Police Department officer, and a third individual. Law enforcement officials seized the package of anabolic steroids destined for Harris before they arrived, although Wenger continued to communicate with Harris about supplying the third individual with anabolic steroids, including offering to give this individual some of Wenger’s own while they waited for the delayed package.
On March 23, 2022, at 8:03 a.m., the FBI began calling and sending text messages to Wenger telling him that they were outside of his residence with a warrant. It was not until 9:00 a.m. that Wenger appeared for the FBI to seize Wenger’s cellular phone. Later forensic examination of that device showed that specific entries related to the anabolic steroid distribution conspiracy had been deleted.
In addition to the prison term, Judge White also sentenced the defendant to a three-year period of supervised release. A hearing to determine the amounts of restitution owed to victims is scheduled for January 27, 2026.
The case is being prosecuted by the National Security & Special Prosecutions Section and the Oakland Branch of the United States Attorney’s Office. This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Office of the Contra Costa County District Attorney.
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These charges against Wenger were brought as part of an investigation into the Antioch and Pittsburg police departments that resulted in multiple federal charges against 10 current and former officers and employees of these two police departments for various crimes ranging from the use of excessive force to fraud. The status of these cases, all of which are before Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White, is below:
Case Name and NumberStatute(s)Defendant
(Bold: multiple case numbers)
StatusFraud
23-cr-00264
18 U.S.C. §§ 1349 (Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud; 1343 (Wire Fraud)Patrick BerhanSentenced to 30 months custody, 2 years supervised release concurrent with 24-cr-157 on 9/5/24Morteza AmiriSentenced to 84 months custody, 3 years supervised release concurrent with 23-cr-269 on 6/24/25Amanda Theodosy a/k/a NashSentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release 11/15/24Samantha PetersonSentenced to time served, 3 years supervised release 4/24/24Ernesto Mejia-OrozcoSentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release on 9/19/24Brauli Jalapa RodriguezSentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release on 10/25/24Obstruction
23-cr-00267
18 U.S.C. §§ 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations); 1512(c)(2) (Obstruction of Official Proceedings); 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law)Timothy Manly WilliamsPleaded guilty 11/28/23, sentencing set for 1/13/2026Steroid Distribution
23-cr-00268
21 U.S.C. §§ 846 (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids), 841(a)(1), and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Possession with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids)Daniel HarrisPleaded guilty 9/17/24, sentencing set for 1/13/202621 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids);
18 U.S.C.§ 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations)
Devon WengerSentenced to 90 months custody, 3 years supervised release on 12/2/2025Civil Rights
23-cr-00269
18 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law); § 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations)Morteza AmiriSentenced to 84 months custody, 3 years supervised release concurrent with 23-cr-264 on 6/24/2518 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law)Eric RomboughPleaded guilty 1/14/25, sentencing set for 1/13/202618 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law)Devon WengerSentenced to 90 months custody, 3 years supervised release on 12/2/2025Steroid Distribution
24-cr-00157
21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Possession with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids)Patrick BerhanSentenced to 30 months custody, 2 years supervised release concurrent with 23-cr-264 on 9/5/24Bank fraud
24-cr-00502
18 U.S.C. § 1344(1), (2) (Bank fraud)Daniel HarrisPleaded guilty 9/17/24, sentencing set for 1/13/2026Five Members of “Greggy’s Cult” Charged with Sexually Exploiting Children on the InternetRead the Press Release
BROOKLYN, NY – Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging Hector Bermudez, Zachary Dosch, Rumaldo Valdez, David Brilhante, and Camden Rodriguez for their participation in a child exploitation enterprise, conspiracy to produce child pornography, conspiracy to receive and distribute child pornography, and conspiracy to communicate interstate threats. The defendants led an online group called “Greggy’s Cult,” whose members carried out the alleged criminal conduct on a series of Discord servers (the Target Server). Four defendants were arrested today throughout the United States. Valdez is currently incarcerated on another federal matter. Bermudez will be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York this afternoon and the remaining defendants will be arraigned at a later date.
United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi; Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Matthew R. Galeotti, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); David Porter, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Honolulu Field Office; and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the arrests and indictment.
“No child should ever be terrorized or exploited online, and no online platform should give refuge to predators,” stated Attorney General Bondi. “The Department of Justice will continue to protect children, support survivors, and hold accountable anyone who preys on the vulnerable – online or offline – with every tool we have.”
“As alleged, the defendants leveraged a popular internet platform to coerce minors into creating grotesque child pornography of themselves, which the defendants distributed, and then tormented these victims with the images, not only encouraging self-harm, but also encouraging some minors to commit suicide,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The defendants’ conduct, as alleged, is monstrous and will be vigorously prosecuted. I strongly urge parents and caregivers to speak to their children about the dangers of communicating with strangers on social media and how to seek help from adults and law enforcement in these situations.”
“These defendants are charged with the unspeakable act of coercing and blackmailing children and adults to engage in self-harm and other degrading acts,” stated Acting Assistant Attorney General Galeotti. “As demonstrated by today’s indictment, the Criminal Division will not stand for such heinous crimes, and we will work tirelessly to bring these offenders to justice.”
“These five defendants allegedly coerced children to share videos subjecting themselves to brutal sexual abuse, while also encouraging self-harm and suicide,” stated FBI New York Assistant Director in Charge Raia. “The defendants allegedly weaponized online gaming platforms to target unsuspecting minors and use them to satisfy the horrendous desires of a twisted group. The FBI will never cease its pursuit of those who prowl the web for innocent victims to torment and exploit in their sick games.”
“The defendants allegedly coordinated efforts to exploit minors through the creation and distribution of sexually explicit material, coerced children to commit self-harm, and extorted their victims in a variety of ways,” stated FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge Porter. “The FBI will stop at nothing in its pursuit of violent predators targeting the children in our communities and will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and dismantle the enterprise networks responsible for these heinous acts.”
“The five individuals charged in this case allegedly used gaming and social-media platforms to target and coerce minors into sexually abusive acts, recorded that abuse, and distributed it across an online network,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “This case underscores how easily predators can embed themselves in the digital platforms that minors use. The NYPD and our federal partners have been focused on uncovering and dismantling online groups that prey on children, and today’s indictment reflects the progress of that work. I want to thank the NYPD investigators, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their persistence and dedication to bringing these offenders to justice.”
As alleged in the indictment, between January 2020 and January 2021, the defendants participated in the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material and engaged in other forms of exploitation and harassment of both minor and adult victims. The defendants convened on the Target Server and directed minor victims, who had joined a video call on either Discord or another video conferencing platform, to engage in sexually explicit or other degrading conduct. The defendants captured images and videos (i.e. “screenshots” or “screen recordings”) of the sexually explicit conduct of their minor victims and shared it on the Target Server, to other Discord servers, and amongst themselves. Greggy’s Cult came into existence before another sadistic extortion network, 764, and prominent members of 764 and other similar networks that followed were also members of Greggy’s Cult. The defendants coerced, induced, and enticed their victims to degrade themselves by engaging in self-harm, including professing themselves as being “owned” by a member of “Greggy’s Cult” to demonstrate loyalty and writing the names of “Greggy’s Cult” members on their bodies or holding up signs their names, which is a practice referred to as “fansigning.”
The group found victims in Discord servers or on gaming platforms such as Roblox and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Members of Greggy’s Cult engaged in conduct such as encouraging victims to kill themselves or demanding that they insert household objects into their genitals or anus. Greggy’s Cult also engaged in coordinated extortions of adult and minor victims through various means, including by attempting to frame adult victims as pedophiles or by sending malware to minor victims’ computers and refusing to return their access until victims complied with the group’s demands.
The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.If you believe you have been victimized by or have information about the defendants, please contact the FBI tip line: 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Section. Assistant United States Attorney Antoinette N. Rangel of the Eastern District of New York and Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills of the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section,are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
HECTOR BERMUDEZ
Age: 29
Queens, New YorkZACHARY DOSCH
Age: 26
Albuquerque, New MexicoRUMALDO VALDEZ
Age: 22
Honolulu, HawaiiDAVID BRILHANTE
Age: 28
San Diego, CaliforniaCAMDEN RODRIGUEZ
Age: 22
Longmont, ColoradoE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-361 (PKC)
detention_memo_united_states_v._bermudez_et_al_25-cr-361.pdf 25-cr-361_indictment_redacted_v.1_redacted.pdfFive Leaders of ‘Greggy’s Cult’ Charged with Sexually Exploiting Children on the InternetRead the Press Release
Earlier today, an indictment was unsealed charging five men with a child exploitation enterprise, conspiracy to produce child pornography, conspiracy to receive and distribute child pornography, and conspiracy to communicate interstate threats. As alleged, Hector Bermudez, 29, of Queens, New York; Zachary Dosch, 26, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Rumaldo Valdez, 22, of Honolulu, Hawaii; David Brilhante, 28, of San Diego, California; and Camden Rodriguez, 22, of Longmont, Colorado, led an online group called “Greggy’s Cult,” which carried out the alleged criminal conduct on a series of Discord servers. The defendants were arrested today throughout the United States and will be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at a later date.
“No child should ever be terrorized or exploited online, and no online platform should give refuge to predators,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The Department of Justice will continue to protect children, support survivors, and hold accountable anyone who preys on the vulnerable – online or offline – with every tool we have.”
“These five defendants allegedly targeted vulnerable children and others via online platforms – they exploited, threatened, and harassed them, and encouraged horrific acts of self-harm,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The FBI is sending a message to those individuals involved in criminal activity through violent online networks: you can’t hide in the shadows hovering over a keyboard – we will find and hold accountable those who participate in these illegal and heinous acts.”
“These defendants are charged with the unspeakable act of coercing and blackmailing children and adults to engage in self-harm and other degrading acts,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “As demonstrated by today’s indictment, the Criminal Division will not stand for such heinous crimes, and we will work tirelessly to bring these offenders to justice.”
“As alleged, the defendants weaponized their sexual exploitation of minors through the creation and distribution of child pornography, creating a nightmarish platform on the internet where children were used, sexually abused, and at times driven to the brink of suicide,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York. “The defendants’ depraved conduct, as alleged, is monstrous and will be vigorously prosecuted. I strongly urge parents and caregivers to have conversations with their children about the dangers of communicating online with strangers and individuals who seek to cruelly exploit them.”
As alleged in the indictment, between January 2020 and January 2021, the defendants participated in the production and distribution of child sex abuse material and also engaged in other forms of exploitation and harassment of both minor and adult victims. The defendants and other members of the Greggy’s Cult convened on the Discord servers and directed minor victims, who had joined a video call on either Discord or another video conferencing platform, to engage in sexually explicit or other degrading conduct. The defendants and other members of Greggy’s Cult captured images (i.e. “screenshots” or “screen recordings”) of the sexually explicit conduct and shared it to other Discord servers and amongst themselves. Greggy’s Cult came into existence before another sadistic extortion network, 764, and prominent members of 764 and other similar networks that followed were also members of Greggy’s Cult. The defendants coerced, induced, or enticed their victims to engage in acts of degradation such as self-harm, or professing the victim is “owned” by a member of “Greggy’s Cult” to demonstrate loyalty, or writing the names of “Greggy’s Cult” members on their bodies referred to as “fansigning.” The group found victims in Discord servers or on gaming platforms such as Roblox and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
Greggy’s Cult engaged in depraved conduct such as repeatedly encouraging victims to kill themselves or encouraging them to insert household objects into their genitals or anus. The group also engaged in coordinated extortion of victims, both adults and minors, through various means including by attempting to frame adult victims as pedophiles or by sending malware to minor victims’ computers. The group then used this leverage to get the victims to engage in degrading acts on camera. Bermudez resided in the Eastern District of New York during the charged offenses.
If you believe you have been victimized by or have information about the defendants, please contact the FBI tip line: 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Antoinette N. Rangel for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Five Foreign Nationals Sentenced in November for Illegally Reentering the United States After DeportationRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that five foreign nationals convicted separately of illegally reentering the United States after prior deportations were recently sentenced.
Gerardo Antonio Estrada-Rios, 28, a Honduran national, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Costello to 18 months in prison for illegally reentering the United States. Upon completing his prison sentence, he will be removed from the United States again.
Estrada-Rios had previously been removed from the U.S. in August 2016 and July 2019, and again in October 2024, after he had completed a two-year prison sentence resulting from his 2022 conviction in Houston, Texas, on a charge of “robbery – bodily injury.”
In March of this year, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) became aware that the defendant was incarcerated at the Lehigh County Prison in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Estrada-Rios was arrested on a federal criminal complaint and warrant in May, charged by indictment with illegal reentry in June, and pleaded guilty in August.
Julio Cesar Concepcion, 41, a Dominican national, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mark A. Kearney to 12 months and one day in prison for illegal reentry. Upon completing his prison sentence, he will be removed from the United States again.
In 2019, Concepcion was indicted for drug trafficking in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Following the expiration of his sentence, he was removed to the Dominican Republic in August 2021.
In April of this year, ICE encountered Concepcion in a Philadelphia parking lot. He admitted he was in the U.S. illegally and was taken into custody. The defendant was charged by indictment with illegal reentry in May and pleaded guilty in August.
Sean Christian, 35, a Jamaican national, was sentenced by United States District Judge Joseph F. Leeson Jr. to 12 months and one day in prison and two years of supervised release for illegal reentry. Upon completing his prison sentence, he will be removed from the United States again.
Christian had previously been removed from the U.S. in August 2016, following his conviction that April in Maricopa County, Arizona, of attempt to transport marijuana for sale in an amount over the statutory threshold, for which he was sentenced to three years of probation with six months’ imprisonment.
ICE became aware in 2024 that Christian had reentered the U.S. illegally. After conducting surveillance to confirm his identity and location, ICE officers took him into custody in March of this year. He was charged by indictment with illegal reentry in April and pleaded guilty in June.
Isaac Tapia Hernandez, 35, a Mexican national, was sentenced by United States District Judge Kai N. Scott to 10 months in prison for illegal reentry. Upon completing his prison sentence, he will be removed from the United States again.
Tapia Hernandez had previously been removed from the U.S. in May 2019 and twice in June 2019, after he was stopped at the border by immigration authorities in Laredo, Texas.
In February of this year, ICE learned that the defendant was in Chester County Prison on an outstanding warrant, in connection with charges brought against him in April 2019 in the Court of Common Pleas of Chester County.
ICE arrested Tapia Hernandez on a federal criminal complaint and warrant in May. He was charged by indictment with illegal reentry in June and pleaded guilty in August.
Geysi Enecon Aguilar Montoya, 41, a Honduran national, was sentenced by United States District Judge Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro to time served, approximately three months, for illegal reentry. Having completed his sentence, he will be removed from the United States again.
Montoya had previously been removed from the U.S. four times, in October 2007, November 2012, November 2013, and March 2024.
In July of this year, ICE received information that Montoya had again illegally reentered the United States. He was arrested on a criminal complaint and warrant in August, charged by indictment with illegal reentry in September, and pleaded guilty last 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 prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nancy Potts, Robert Schopf, and Terri Marinari.
Fayette County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – John Gray, 40, of Oak Hill, was sentenced on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, to three years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing a quantity of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 28, 2023, Gray sold approximately 2 pounds of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Oak Hill. Gray admitted to the transaction and further admitted to selling approximately 848 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Oak Hill on May 1, 2023. Gray also admitted to selling 3 grams of fentanyl on May 3, 2024, and another 3 grams of fentanyl on May 6, 2024, each time to a confidential informant in Oak Hill. During a March 1, 2024, interview with law enforcement officers, Gray admitted that he had been distributing approximately 3 grams of fentanyl three times per week from April 2023 until his arrest in March 2024.
Gray is among four individuals indicted by a federal grand jury on charges alleging they participated in the drug trafficking conspiracy. All four pleaded guilty. Phillip Gray, 42, of Oak Hill and a brother of John Gray, was sentenced on October 15, 2025, to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Leondus Whittenburg, 43, of Beckley, was sentenced on August 19, 2025, to seven years and 11 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. Daemien Thompson, 40, of Oak Hill, pleaded guilty on May 7, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 8, 2026.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and the Central Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.
Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons and former Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-31.
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Douglas County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug Dealing and Felon in Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A Douglas County, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for selling fentanyl and methamphetamine and illegally possessing firearms.
Glenn Allen Gearhart, 51, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on October 18, 2024, Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) detectives executed a search warrant on Gearhart’s residence and found evidence of drug dealing including methamphetamine, cocaine, drug records, a set of digital scales, packaging material, four loaded magazines, and ammunition. Just prior to the execution of the search warrant, Gearhart fled from deputies before hitting another vehicle and crashing into a patrol car. Gearhart had more than $5,000, fentanyl, and a round of ammunition on him. In his vehicle, he possessed a stolen pistol, an AR-style rifle, a short-barrel shotgun, another shotgun, and two ammunition cans full of ammunition.
On June 13, 2025, Gearhart was charged by information with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and felon in possession of a firearm.
On August 5, 2025, Gearhart pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and felon in possession of a firearm.
This case was investigated by DINT and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Sweet.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Dominican National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national in state custody at Souza-Baronowski Correction Center in Lancaster, Mass., has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.
Carlos Alexander Martinez-Jimenez, 48, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Martinez-Jimenez currently is serving a state prison sentence and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging documents, in February 2017, Martinez-Jimenez was convicted of Furnishing a False Name or Social Security Number as well as Identity Fraud in Fall River District Court, for which he was sentenced to 134 days in state prison.
He was subsequently removed from the United States in April 2017 after serving his sentence.
On Jan. 31, 2024, Martinez-Jimenez was convicted of Trafficking 18 grams or more (Less Than 36 grams) of Heroin/Morphine/Opium/Fentanyl in Essex Superior Court. He was sentenced to three-and-a-half to five years in state prison and is currently serving that sentence.
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan C. Cleary and Zachary Stendig of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
District of Arizona Charges 190 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct this WeekRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – During the week of enforcement operations from November 22, 2025, through November 28, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 190 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 106 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 71 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 11 cases against 13 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.
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).
Recent matters of interest include:
United States v. Miguel Angel Marcos: On November 24, 2025, Miguel Angel Marcos was charged by complaint with Transportation of an Illegal Alien. Marcos was pulled over by a Yuma Police Department officer for traveling twenty miles per hour over the speed limit. After stopping the vehicle, the officer observed driver Marcos and one passenger in the front seat. The passenger claimed to have been walking in the desert before being picked up by Marcos. Immigration checks confirmed that the passenger is a citizen of Mexico, unlawfully present in the United States. Case number: 25-2138MJ
United States v. Jairo Manzur Rodriguez-Nieblas: On November 26, 2025, Jairo Manzur Rodriguez-Nieblas was charged by complaint with Transportation of an Illegal Alien and Reentry of a Removed Alien. Yuma County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from an individual stranded in the desert and notified Border Patrol. A Border Patrol Agent located the individual, who was wearing camouflage, in the desert. The individual did not have any documents that would allow him to be lawfully present in the United States. The following day, Border Patrol Agents located Rodriguez-Nieblas and another individual, both of whom were wearing camouflage, in the desert. Agents determined Rodriguez-Nieblas acted as a guide for the two other individuals apprehended by Border Patrol Agents to travel from Mexico into the United States. Immigration checks confirmed that Rodriguez-Nieblas and the individual he was found with are citizens of Mexico, unlawfully present in the United States. Record checks confirmed that Rodriguez-Nieblas had been removed from the United States on a prior occasion. Case number 25-2143MJ
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-169_November 28 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.Defendants Sentenced to Prison for Pandemic Loan Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Two defendants were sentenced to serve more than five years in prison each and pay more than two million in restitution for their roles in a wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering scheme to fraudulently obtain COVID-19 relief funds, using the money on luxury cars and other personal items.
James Frank Austin, 51, of Americus, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 63 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and pay $2,185,175.72 restitution to the Small Business Administration (SBA), $1,106,499.62 of which is owed jointly and severally with codefendant Way. Austin pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two counts of bank fraud and two counts of money laundering on Aug. 27.
Rosalend Way, 40, of Milledgeville, was sentenced to serve 63 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and pay $1,106,499.62 restitution to the SBA jointly and severally with codefendant Austin. Way was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of money laundering on Sept. 24, following a three-day trial that began on Sept. 22.
U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell handed down the sentences on Dec. 2. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Using stolen taxpayer dollars to purchase a Bentley and other luxury goods at a time of national emergency is wrong, pure and simple, and won’t be tolerated in the Middle District of Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Our office and our law enforcement partners will hold fraudsters accountable for profiting at the expense of honest and hard-working citizens.”
“Frank Austin and Rosalend Way are two of many people who took advantage of COVID-19 Economic Relief programs intended to provide critical assistance to millions of Americans during one of the deadliest pandemics in history,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “The sentences they received today send an important message that IRS Criminal Investigation special agents and our law enforcement partners will continue investigating and holding those who committed fraud on the COVID-19 programs accountable.”
“Austin and Way chose to commit fraud, further depleting funds designed to help people who struggled to survive during the pandemic,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to pursue criminals who cheat federal health programs and profit at the expense of American taxpayers.”
According to court documents and evidence submitted at trial, on June 21, 2020, Austin and Way applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan on behalf of Propel Opportunity Fund, a business established to raise capital through investors and use the funds to conduct pre-development work in underserved neighborhoods, preparing them for future development. The PPP loan application indicated that Propel had 18 employeeswith an average monthly payroll of $420,558, and they needed the funds to make payroll, as well as to pay their mortgage interest and utilities. They also submitted a fraudulent W-3 that indicated Propel paid $4,999,789 in wages in 2019. Way claimed 100% ownership of Propel on the PPP loan application.
IRS records from Propel’s 2019 corporate tax return showed that the company did not pay any salaries or wages, nor did Propel’s bank statements reflect payroll as suggested in the PPP application. The loan was approved and Propel received $1,051,395. Approximately $500,000 ended up in bank account’s belonging to Way and was spent on personal items including dining, retail, gas, groceries and cash withdrawals. Additionally, Austin used approximately $30,000 in funds from another fraudulently obtained PPP loan to pay off Way’s Mercedez-Benz.
Austin submitted a fraudulent PPP loan application on May 9, 2020, on behalf of the Austin Smith Center for Community Development (ASCCD). As a result of this fraudulent application, ASCCD was awarded a $654,315.00 PPP loan. Austin also obtained another fraudulent PPP loan for Propel and received $372,500 on March 15, 2021. Instead of these funds being spent for authorized expenditures under the PPP program, Austin used the money for personal expenses, including $119,840 on a Bentley. Austin obtained a total of $2,078,210 in fraudulent PPP loans.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The FBI and the IRS investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Howard and Hannah Couch prosecuted the case for the Government.
Dallas Business Owner Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Prison for Failing to Pay over Withheld Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
A Dallas business owner convicted at trial of failing to pay over employment taxes that she withheld from her employees was sentenced yesterday to more than eight years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.
Heaven Marie Diaz, 57, was indicted in 2023 and convicted by a jury in June 2025 on five counts of failing to pay over trust fund taxes. She was sentenced yesterday to 97 months in federal prison by Senior U.S. District Judge David Godbey, who also ordered her to pay $799,033.47 in restitution.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Diaz was the owner and CEO of Pursuit of Excellence, a staffing company based in Dallas. From 2015 to 2017, she withheld payroll taxes from her employees’ paychecks but failed to remit more than $3 million to the IRS as required by law.
Former employees and Diaz’s former accountant testified that they repeatedly warned her about her obligation to pay employment taxes. Despite those warnings, Diaz continued to withhold the taxes and kept the funds in her company’s bank accounts. Evidence showed she used those funds to cover personal expenses, including international travel, luxury goods, and $10,000 monthly rent on a home in Dallas’s Preston Hollow neighborhood.
“The defendant lied to her employees and embezzled employment taxes due to greed. The substantial prison sentence of eight years reflects the seriousness of the offense and the collaborative investigative work by our AUSAs and IRS-CI,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “We will continue to fully pursue these offenses to protect the federal fisc and ensure that tax dollars are being spent as intended instead of to fund a defendant’s lavish lifestyle.”
“Heaven Diaz stole from her employees and the American taxpayer to fund a lifestyle she didn’t earn,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. Altemus Jr. of the IRS Criminal Investigation Dallas Field Office. “She ignored repeated warnings, misused her position, and treated trust fund taxes like a personal bank account. Today’s sentencing is the result of IRS-CI’s relentless investigative work. The women and men of IRS-CI will continue working to uphold trust in the tax system and support those who do the right thing.”
IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan P. Niedermair and Joshua D. Detzky prosecuted the case.
Citizen of the Dominican Republic Sentenced to Prison for Fraud and Immigration OffensesRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KELVIN PRADO-ROBLES, also known as FRANKELY ROBLES-GUZMAN, 49, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 57 months of imprisonment for fraud and immigration offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Prado-Robles has never held legal immigration status in the U.S. In January 2008, he was sentenced in the District of Delaware to 24 months of imprisonment for false representation of citizenship, passport fraud, and identity theft offenses. He was deported to the Dominican Republic in February 2009. In February 2011, Prado-Robles was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Newark, New Jersey. He was again deported in September 2011.
Prado-Robles illegally reentered the U.S. and, beginning in late 2017, conspired with Domingo St. Hilaire Rosario and Jamie Pinto to use stolen identities to obtain vehicles and motorcycles at dealerships in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. As part of the scheme, Rosario arranged for a car or motorcycle to be purchased or leased from a dealership in the name of an identity theft victim, and Prado-Robles or Pinto impersonated the identity theft victim at the dealership to complete the paperwork. Rosario supplied his co-conspirators with fraudulent identification documents bearing the victim’s personal identifying information, and with a fraudulent photo identification that contained the identifying information of the victim and a photograph of a co-conspirator. The conspirators intended to sell or export the vehicles.
Through this scheme, they acquired at least 13 vehicles and attempted to acquire at least two more. Some of the vehicles were recovered by law enforcement and returned to the dealers. The thefts caused more than $200,000 in losses to the dealerships.
Rosario and Prado-Robles fled to the Dominican Republic in approximately 2018.
Prado-Robles was arrested in New Mexico in June 2023 and, under the name “Kelvin Prado-Roble,” was charged in the District of New Mexico with illegal reentry. He pleaded guilty to the offense and, in November 2023, was sentenced to 10 months of imprisonment. He was transferred to the District of Connecticut in June 2024 and is currently detained.
On August 8, 2025, Prado-Robles pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of reentry of a removed alien.
Rosario was extradited from the Dominican Republic in May 2020, pleaded guilty to fraud and identity theft offenses and, on October 20, 2021, was sentenced to 65 months of imprisonment.
Pinto pleaded guilty to conspiracy, fraud and identity theft offenses and, on October 27, 2021, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with substantial assistance from the Vernon Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.
Canandaigua man charged with making threats to kill attendees at a holiday Christmas marketRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Michael J. Keitz, 56, of Canandaigua, NY, was charged by criminal complaint with interstate transmission of threats to injure the persons of another, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on the afternoon of November 5, 2025, the Director of the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum received an email from [email protected] with the subject line “$20,000 donation consideration.” In the body of the email, the sender stated that he would like to donate to the museum but wanted to visit the museum before making any donation. Over the next few days, the Director and the sender exchanged emails regarding upcoming events at the museum and a potential visit. Late in the morning of November 7, 2025, the Director received another email from [email protected], but the subject line read “DEATH TO THE JEWS.” The email contained a threat to “bring death and destruction” to an event scheduled at the museum that weekend. The email also stated that “we will bring a swift justice worse than OCTOBER 7th.” The threatening email resulted in the cancellation of the event, which resulted in a loss of approximately $10,000 in expenses and a substantial amount of revenue.
On November 9, 2025, Keitz was taken into custody by Canandaigua Police officers on an unrelated matter. During that investigation, Canandaigua officers determined that the email address [email protected] belonged to Keitz, and the emails were sent from the Wood Library in Canandaigua.
Keitz has prior felony state and federal convictions and is currently on federal supervised release based on a 2021 conviction for bank robbery, for which he served 84 months in prison.
“A threat by any individual to harm a large number of people in a public setting is concerning and something that our Office takes very seriously,” stated U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. “Residents of the Western District of New York deserve to move around their community freely, whether it be everyday activities or attending a holiday event. The threats made in this case were quickly traced to the defendant, who will now be held accountable for his actions.”
“Today’s federal arrest of Michael Keitz should serve as a warning for those who use the internet to threaten violence and terrorize people.” said Philip Tejera, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office. “Unfortunately, the FBI continues to see threats of violence all too often – in person and online. The FBI takes all acts or threats of violence seriously and is committed to working side-by-side with our law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of our communities.”
Keitz made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was detained.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Canandaigua Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mathew Nielsen, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.
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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Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possessing Firearms and NarcoticsRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – John Cody Hawthorne, 32, of Pensacola, Florida was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison after previously pleading guilty to possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of a short-barreled rifle, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I applaud the outstanding work of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners to remove this violent felon from our streets. Keeping our communities safe is our top priority, and my office will aggressively prosecute repeat offenders like this defendant with the full force of the law.”
According to court records, a search warrant was executed at the defendant’s residence in Pensacola, Florida. Law enforcement located eight firearms, including a short-barreled rifle, over 400 rounds of ammunition, ballistic body armor, methamphetamine, marijuana, and other items indicative of drug distribution. The defendant is a convicted felon who is also serving a State of Florida prison sentence for Discharging a Firearm from a Vehicle and Aggravated Assault.
“Hawthorne’s seven and a half year sentence reflects both the seriousness of his actions and our commitment to holding violent offenders accountable,” said Sheriff Chip Simmons, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. “We are proud of our partnerships and the effect they have on making our community safer.”
The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Etherton.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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.
Buffalo man pleads guilty for his role in credit card scamRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Angel Valentin-Martinez, 34, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose, who is handling the case, stated that between October and December 2024, Martinez conspired with Daniel Plata Miranda to fraudulently gain access to the credit card accounts of individuals at Synchrony Bank. The two used an account holder’s personally identifiable information to pass Synchrony’s account verification process. Martinez and Miranda then changed the address of record on the accounts to an address that they controlled or had access to. This oftentimes caused new credit cards to be sent to Martinez’s residence in Buffalo, or to a P.O. Box registered to Miranda in Rochester, NY. On one or more occasions, Martinez drove to the Rochester P.O. Box to retrieve mail. Martinez and Miranda then used the fraudulently obtained credit cards to make purchases in the Western New York area, including numerous purchases at Lowe’s Home Improvement stores. In total, Martinez and Miranda used five fraudulently obtained credit cards at six different Lowe’s locations to make more than two dozen purchases, totaling approximately $13,098.
Charges are pending against Daniel Plata Miranda.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Postal Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Boston Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 17, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Vilardo.
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Alexandria Man Indicted for Bomb Threat to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International AirportRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that COREY JOHNSON (“JOHNSON”), age 35, a resident of Alexandria, Louisiana, was indicted on November 20, 2025, for willfully conveying a bomb threat, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(e).
According to court documents, on November 7, 2025, JOHNSON was arrested at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport after making bomb threats to airport operations following a dispute over unpaid parking fees. JOHNSON called AVCOM twice to announce the presence of a bomb in the airport. Additionally, he threatened to harm the AVCOM operator. This action prompted an investigation by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation that identified JOHNSON as the caller from the earlier parking lot incident.
If convicted, JOHNSON faces a maximum penalty of up to ten years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Saint Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Afghan National Charged with the Murder of National Guard Soldier Sarah BeckstromRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan national who resided in Bellingham, Washington, has been charged with first-degree murder while armed for the death of National Guardsman Sarah Beckstrom, as a result of the ambush-style shooting, which occurred the day before Thanksgiving, November 26, a few blocks from the White House, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Ms. Beckstrom, 20, succumbed to her injuries on November 27, 2025. National Guardsman Andrew Wolfe. 24, was critically injured in the ambush and remains hospitalized.
A D.C Superior Court judge today found probable cause that Lakanwal committed the offenses of 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 and ordered that Lakanwal be held without bond pending a preliminary hearing. Lakanwal, who was injured during the shooting, remains in a local hospital where he is currently being treated and held under guard.
According to court documents, Lakanwal drove from his hometown in the state of Washington to Washington, D.C. On Wednesday, November 26, Lakanwal arrived at about 2:13 p.m., at 17th and I Streets, NW, near Farragut West Metro Station, and opened fire on two National Guard members without provocation. Fellow guardsmen at the scene responded immediately to engage and subdue the suspect.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Ballentine, Ariel Dean, Christopher Tortorice, and Laura Bach, with special assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason McCullough.
These charges are merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Afghan Citizen Federally Charged for Posting Threats to Build Bomb and Kill AmericansRead the Press Release
Mohammad Dawood Alokozay, 30, a citizen of Afghanistan residing in Fort Worth, Texas, has been federally charged for threatening to build a bomb, conduct a suicide attack, and kill Americans and others, in a video shared on TikTok, X, and Facebook. A screenshot of a social media post that shared Alokozay’s Nov. 23 statements is below:
Screenshot of one social media post containing Alokozay's video. From complaint in United States v. Mohammad Dawood Alokozay, number 25-MJ-730 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.“This Afghan national came into America during the Biden administration and as alleged, explicitly stated that he came here in order to kill American citizens,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The public safety threat created by the Biden administration’s vetting breakdown cannot be overstated – the Department of Justice will continue working with our federal and state partners to protect the American people from the prior administration’s dangerous incompetence.”
“We have zero tolerance for violence and threats of violence to kill American citizens and others like those allegedly made by this individual,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould for the Northern District of Texas. “I applaud the rapid response of our federal and local law enforcement partners in identifying and apprehending him. Those individuals who jeopardize the public safety and security of North Texas residents will be swiftly brought to justice.”
“This arrest demonstrates that the FBI remains steadfast in our mission to defend the homeland and protect the American people. Thanks to public reports of a threatening online video, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force apprehended this individual before he could commit an act of violence. We continue to ask that if you see something, say something,” said Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the FBI's Dallas Field Office.
“Our commitment to keep America safe is unwavering. Online threats made by those hiding behind a screen will not be dismissed or taken lightly,” said Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “We will use every resource available to make sure these perpetrators are found, arrested, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Alokozay is charged with transmitting a threatening communication in interstate commerce related to threats he made on a Nov. 23 video call, which was recorded and posted to multiple social media accounts, including TikTok, X, and Facebook. According to the complaint, the video shows Alokozay angrily gesturing and speaking Dari, a language commonly spoken in Afghanistan, while interacting with at least two other males on a video call. A screenshot of a social media post that shared Alokozay’s Nov. 23 statements is below:
As alleged, Alokozay threatened to conduct a suicide attack on the other participants on the call, as well as “infidels” and Americans. He claimed he would build a bomb in his vehicle and talked about a particular yellow cooking oil container favored by the Taliban in building improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Afghanistan. Alozokay stated the Taliban were dear to him and that he came to the United States to kill those on the call. He also claimed he wanted to conduct a suicide attack on Americans. According to the complaint, Alokozay stated he was not afraid of deportation or getting killed.
Alokozay is currently in custody pending an initial appearance before a U.S. magistrate judge and further court proceedings. If convicted, Alokozay faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI's Dallas Field Office through the Fort Worth Resident Agency and the Department of Homeland Security, with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Fort Worth Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincent Mazzurco for the Northern District of Texas is prosecuting the case.
A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Afghan Citizen Federally Charged for Posting Threats to Build Bomb and Kill AmericansRead the Press Release
A man in Fort Worth, Texas has been federally charged for threatening to build a bomb, conduct a suicide attack, and kill Americans and others, in a video shared on TikTok, X, and Facebook, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.
Mohammad Dawood Alokozay, 30, a citizen of Afghanistan residing in Fort Worth, was charged by federal complaint with the offense of transmitting a threatening communication in interstate commerce related to threats he made on a November 23, 2025, video call, which was recorded and posted to multiple social media accounts, including TikTok, X, and Facebook. According to the complaint, the video shows Alokozay angrily gesturing and speaking Dari, a language commonly spoken in Afghanistan, while interacting with at least two other males on a video call.
As alleged, Alokozay threatened to conduct a suicide attack on the other participants on the call, as well as “infidels” and Americans. He claimed he would build a bomb in his vehicle and talked about a particular yellow cooking oil container favored by the Taliban in building improvised explosive devices (“IEDs”) in Afghanistan. Alozokay stated the Taliban were dear to him and that he came to the United States to kill those on the call. He also claimed he wanted to conduct a suicide attack on Americans. According to the complaint, Alokozay stated he was not afraid of deportation or getting killed. A screenshot of a social media post that shared Alokozay’s November 23, 2025, statements is below:
Alokozay is currently in custody pending an initial appearance before a United States Magistrate Judge and further court proceedings.
“This Afghan national came into America during the Biden administration and as alleged, explicitly stated that he came here in order to kill American citizens,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The public safety threat created by the Biden administration’s vetting breakdown cannot be overstated – the Department of Justice will continue working with our federal and state partners to protect the American people from the prior administration’s dangerous incompetence.”
“We have zero tolerance for violence and threats of violence to kill American citizens and others like those allegedly made by this individual,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “I applaud the rapid response of our federal and local law enforcement partners in identifying and apprehending him. Those individuals who jeopardize the public safety and security of North Texas residents will be swiftly brought to justice.”
“This arrest demonstrates that the FBI remains steadfast in our mission to defend the homeland and protect the American people. Thanks to public reports of a threatening online video, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force apprehended this individual before he could commit an act of violence. We continue to ask that if you see something, say something,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock.
“Our commitment to keep America safe is unwavering. Online threats made by those hiding behind a screen will not be dismissed or taken lightly,” said Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard. “We will use every resource available to make sure these perpetrators are found, arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
A complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. Like all defendants, Alokozay is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, he faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office through the Fort Worth Resident Agency and the Department of Homeland Security, with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Fort Worth Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vincent Mazzurco.
1 December 2025
Zuni Resident Charged with Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni resident has been indicted on federal charges for sexually abusing two individuals over a two-year period.
According to court documents, between May 2017 and October 2019, Kyle Whiteeagle, 42, an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin, engaged in and attempted to engage in sexual acts with two different victims.
Whiteeagle is charged with four counts of aggravated sexual abuse and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Whiteeagle faces a minimum of 30 years and up to life in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Wilmington Man Charged After Machinegun and Manifesto are FoundRead the Press Release
Wilmington, Delaware – On November 26, 2025, a Wilmington resident was charged with illegally possessing a machinegun, announced Julianne E. Murray, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware.
According to court documents, on Monday, November 24, 2025, at approximately 11:47 p.m., patrol officers of the New Castle County Police Department were conducting a property check in Canby Park West when they observed a white Toyota Tacoma in the parkland, after hours. Officers initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and contacted the driver, and sole occupant, 25-year-old Luqmaan Khan of Wilmington. During the stop, officers developed probable cause to order Khan out of the vehicle, and he refused to comply. Subsequently, Khan resisted arrest and was taken into custody by the officers.
During their investigation, officers discovered in Khan’s vehicle a .357 caliber Glock handgun loaded with 27 rounds. The handgun had been inserted into a microplastic conversion firearm brace kit. Within the vehicle, officers also found all the following: (i) three more loaded, 27-round magazines (one in the storage slot of the conversion kit); (ii) a loaded Glock 9mm magazine; (iii) an armored ballistic plate; and (iv) a marble composition notebook.
In the handwritten notebook, Khan discussed additional weapons and firearms, how they could be used in an attack, and how law enforcement detection could be avoided once an attack was carried out. The notebook referenced a member of the University of Delaware’s Police Department by name, and included a layout of a building with entry and exit points under which the words “UD Police Station” were printed.
On November 25, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and NCCPD executed a search warrant at Khan’s Wilmington residence. Within, law enforcement recovered a Glock 19 9mm handgun equipped with an illegal machinegun conversion device, commonly called a “switch.” Law enforcement also recovered a .556 rifle with a scope and a red dot sight, eleven more extended magazines, hollow point rounds of ammunition, and a two-plate tactical vest equipped with a single ballistic plate.
The criminal complaint charges Khan with possessing a machinegun. If convicted of the charge, Khan faces a maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment. If Khan is ultimately convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Castle County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel S. Frey and Kevin P. Pierce, and Criminal Chief Carly A. Hudson, are prosecuting the case.
“This case is a quintessential example of federal and state law enforcement collaborating to neutralize a grave threat to Delaware before the worst could come to pass. I want to thank our dedicated law enforcement partners at the FBI and the NCCPD for their exceptional work. As always, we are proud to work with them to keep Delaware safe,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Murray.
“I commend the devoted officers with the New Castle County Police Department whose exceptional actions led to Khan’s arrest before anyone was harmed. We are grateful for the coordinated and swift collaboration between partners which resulted in this federal charge. The FBI’s Wilmington Resident Agency is dedicated to protecting the people of Delaware and working daily with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and hold accountable those who seek to commit acts of violence,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul.
“Thanks to the proactive work of these patrol officers, a dangerous threat to our community was stopped before it could escalate into violence. Their professionalism, vigilance, and commitment to public safety embody the values we expect and the courage our residents depend on every day. We also extend our sincere thanks to our federal partners, whose collaboration was instrumental in bringing this incident to a safe and successful conclusion,” said Colonel James J. Leonard III of the New Castle County Police Department.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.Wakefield Woman Convicted of Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Wakefield woman was convicted of money laundering conspiracy on Nov. 24, 2025, following a six-day jury trial.
Christiane Fischer, 42, was convicted of one count of money laundering conspiracy. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for March 5, 2026. Fischer was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2022.
Fischer owns PK Motor Cars, a used car dealership in Peabody that also repairs cars and rents used cars. In 2016, law enforcement began an investigation into a large-scale drug trafficker named Phillip Morose who sold hundreds of thousands of counterfeit fentanyl pills.
Evidence presented at trial established that Fischer conspired to launder Morose’s drug proceeds through her business, PK Motor Cars. In August 2016, Fischer added Morose as CEO of PK Motor Cars and thereafter Morose deposited nearly $1 million in cash into Fischer’s business bank accounts. At the end of 2016, Fischer used cashier’s checks from those same business bank accounts to buy Morose a house in Lynnfield. The house was purchased in the name of Fischer’s business in order to conceal the true ownership of the house and where the proceeds to buy the house came from. Fischer also allowed Morose to use luxury vehicles owned by her business to promote his drug trafficking.
In 2019, Morose was sentenced to 30 years in prison for drug trafficking and money laundering in the Middle District of Florida. In March 2025, Morose was sentenced to 80 months in prison, to be served concurrently to the 2019 sentenced imposed, for money laundering in the District of Massachusetts.
The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount of the laundered funds. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the DEA Tampa District Office Task Force 1; Massachusetts State Police; and the Newton, Millis, Waltham, Framingham, Haverhill, Brookline, Natick, Wakefield, Burlington, Lynnfield and Peabody Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea E. Porter and K. Nathaniel Yeager of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Uvalde Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A Uvalde man was sentenced in a federal court to 120 months in prison for possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, on Feb. 3, 2021, Gabriel Garcia, 38, used the messaging app known as Kik to upload a video containing prepubescent child sexual abuse material (CSAM). An investigation revealed the account belonged to Garcia, and on Nov. 14, 2022, agents executed a federal search warrant on his home in Uvalde. A forensic analysis of Garcia’s cell phone revealed 67 images and six video files containing prepubescent CSAM that he had received using the Kik messenger app.
Garcia was arrested Nov. 14, 2022, and pleaded guilty June 26, 2023. He was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nallely Duarte prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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United States Attorney Announces Federal Prison Sentences in Recent Federal Firearms CasesRead the Press Release
BOISE – U.S. Attorney Bart Davis announced the results of four separate firearm prosecution cases today.
“As these cases demonstrate, my office will work with all of our law enforcement partners to vigorously enforce federal firearms laws and keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Davis.
- Council Man Sentenced to 6 Years for Unlawfully Possessing an AR-15 Rifle
In one case, Andrew James Solver, 42, of Council, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison for the unlawful possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered Solver to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
According to court records, on January 28, 2025, a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Ranger patrolling north of Emmett discovered an illegal campsite on public lands. When the Ranger attempted to contact a man at the campsite, the man fled. Through an investigation, the Ranger identified the man as Andrew James Solver. The Ranger also learned that Solver had an outstanding felony warrant and was in violation of his state parole. When the Ranger returned to the area with additional law enforcement officers, Solver was arrested, and officers found an AR-15 rifle. Solver admitted that he unlawfully possessed the rifle, which he had stolen during a burglary of a residence in Gem County.
Solver was prohibited from possessing firearms because of his six prior felony convictions including burglary and possession of controlled substances.
"The Bureau of Land Management is proud to work alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office to uphold the law and protect our public lands,” said Becky Andres, BLM Office of Law Enforcement and Security Special Agent in Charge of Region 2. “This successful prosecution contributes to a safer, more secure community.”
U.S. Attorney Davis thanked the Bureau of Land Management Office of Law Enforcement and Security, Bureau of Land Management Rangers, Idaho Fish and Game, and Gem County Sheriff’s Office for their collaboration in this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Booker prosecuted the case.
- Nampa Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Unlawfully Possessing a Handgun
In a separate case, Francisco Javier Burgos, 20, of Nampa, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for the unlawful possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford ordered Burgos to serve three years of supervised release following his release from prison.
According to court records, on January 2, 2025, a Nampa police officer attempted to contact Burgos who was in a park after hours. Burgos fled into a nearby neighborhood where he was arrested after attempting to hide a loaded handgun. Burgos, a documented gang member, was prohibited from possessing firearms because of his prior conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
U.S. Attorney Davis commended the work of the Nampa Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Booker prosecuted this case.
- Boise Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Possession of Short-Barreled Rifles.
In another case, Christopher Hayman, 39, of Boise, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for the possession of unregistered short-barreled rifles. U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford ordered Hayman to serve three years of supervised release following his conviction.
According to court records, in the summer of 2024, Hayman purchased over 30 firearms from a licensed firearm store. At the time of the purchase, he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a civil domestic violence protection order from California. Hayman was also on pretrial diversion in a domestic violence case in Washington.
The ATF subsequently searched Hayman’s residence pursuant to a search warrant. In his home, agents found numerous firearms, to include two short-barreled rifles, one of which was a privately made firearm, also known as a ghost gun. Hayman had not registered either firearm with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Agents also located a 20-round drum and an extended magazine. Hayman admitted that he knew the California protection order prohibited him from possessing firearms.
“Illegal firearm possession endangers our community and undermines the safety we work hard to protect. ATF is determined to ensure those who choose to break the law face the consequences of their actions, and this sentence shows our commitment to holding those offenders accountable,” said Eric Jackson, ATF’s Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Seattle Field Division.
U.S. Attorney Davis commended ATF for their work on the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Manweiler prosecuted this case.
- Mexican National Sentenced to 60 Months for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.
Jesus Cuevas, 36, of Mexico, was sentenced on November 13, 2025, to 60 months in prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm. Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered him to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
According to court records, on January 3, 2024, Cuevas possessed two firearms, one of which was a short-barreled rifle. After being federally indicted for unlawful possession of a firearm, Cuevas was released from custody. While on release, Cuevas was driving a truck that was stopped by law enforcement for traffic violations. Officers searched the truck and found a loaded firearm in the center console.
Cuevas was prohibited from possessing the firearms due to his prior felony conviction for burglary. Upon completion of his prison sentence, Cuevas, an alien born in Mexico and without legal authority to be in the United States, will likely be deported back to Mexico.
U.S. Attorney Davis commended the work of the Nampa Police Department and the ATF, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dave Morse and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Manweiler prosecuted this case.
The Hayman and Cuevas cases were prosecuted by a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth.
These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Union Ex-President Arrested on Theft and Wire Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kye Carbone, 68, of Athens, New York, was arrested on October 17, 2025, on an indictment charging him with 30 counts of wire fraud and theft from a labor union. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, Northeast Region, Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, made the announcement.
Between 2003 and 2023, Carbone served as the president of United Federation of College Teachers Local 1460, the union representing faculty members at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. As alleged in the indictment, Carbone stole over $290,000 from the Local between 2011 and 2023, when he was voted out of office. Carbone used the money for his personal expenses, restaurants and travel, and buying and renovating a property in Athens.
Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “As alleged, Carbone embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars from the union he claimed to serve and used the money to fund his lifestyle and buy a home in the Hudson Valley. Upstate New York is a wonderful place to live. But if you steal money from a union, your next home will be a federal prison.”
Special Agent-in-Charge Mellone said: “An important part of the mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of fraud involving labor unions. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate these types of fraudulent activity and protect the American worker.”
Carbone is charged with three counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, and 27 counts of embezzlement from a labor union, in violation of 29 U.S.C. § 501(c). The wire fraud charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine per count, as well as up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release. The embezzlement charges carry a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000 per count, as well as up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Carbone was arraigned on October 17 in Albany, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista, and pled not guilty. He was released pending trial. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Walter is prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney and Federal Law Enforcement Partners Meet with Rensselaer County and Troy Police Department OfficialsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – In September, Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and key federal law enforcement partners met with Sheriff Kyle Bourgault of the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office; District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly of the Rensselaer County District Attorney’s Office; and Chief Daniel De Wolf of the City of Troy Police Department.
Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone stated: “Our law enforcement partners in Rensselaer County work tirelessly to keep our citizens safe, and their collaboration with my office and federal investigators has led to countless significant arrests and prosecutions. Together, we are making a difference every day, and I look forward to continuing our important work.”
Sherriff Bourgault stated: “Yesterday’s meeting with Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone reinforced the strength of our partnership. His commitment, combined with the hard work of our deputies and federal investigators, ensures that we are united in one mission—keeping our community safe. I am proud to continue this collaboration to protect the people of Rensselaer County.”
District Attorney Donnelly stated: “Rensselaer County looks forward to a continued partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and other federal law enforcement agencies, as we strive to do all that we can to prioritize public safety.”
Chief De Wolf stated: “Police work and keeping our communities safe have become increasingly difficult in recent years. Thankfully, we have great relationships with our federal law enforcement partners, including our U.S. Attorney’s Office. With the help of our federal partners, we have been able to enhance our crime fighting capabilities and arrest those committing crimes in our neighborhoods. The federal, state and local law enforcement agencies of Rensselaer County will always keep the safety of our citizens at the forefront, and our work together only strengthens our resolve.”
Pictured above (from left to right):
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jeremiah Healey, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Albany Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli, City of Troy Police Chief Daniel DeWolf, Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Rensselaer County Sheriff Kyle Bourgault, Deputy U.S. Attorney Daniel Hanlon, Assistant U.S. Attorney and Criminal Chief Cyrus Rieck, and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Shane Nastoff.
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Tulsa Woman Sentenced for Stealing Disabled Army Veteran's IdentityRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Tulsa woman was sentenced today for two counts of Aggravated Identity Theft after stealing a disabled Army veteran's identity, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Monica J. Thompson, 40, to 48 months imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release. Judge Frizzell further ordered Thompson to pay $29,440.39 in restitution.
“Taking advantage of a veteran that served our country will never be tolerated in the Northern District of Oklahoma,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Thompson not only engaged in identity theft but also took advantage of a vulnerable disabled veteran for her own benefit.”
“This sentence sends a clear message that those who would exploit veterans will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Kris Raper with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s South-Central Field Office. “The VA OIG is grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their efforts to achieve justice in this case.”
According to court documents, Thompson conspired with her boyfriend to defraud an elderly disabled veteran by arranging a sham marriage. After getting married to the victim, Thompson submitted false applications to the Veterans Administration (VA) to control the victim’s disability payments. Even though the victim was entitled to disability payments, he ended up being housed in an RV without food. Shortly after, the victim attempted suicide and was hospitalized. While the victim was on suicide watch, Thompson kept submitting false documents to the VA. A nurse overheard the victim providing Thompson with banking information and reported it to the authorities.
Thompson was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons at a later date.
The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Greenough prosecuted the case.
If you suspect fraudulent conduct involving an older adult, don't hesitate to contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or find additional resources for older adults in Oklahoma.
Three western Washington men charged with sex offenses involving child sex abuse imagesRead the Press Release
Seattle – In separate investigations led by the FBI, three western Washington men have been charged over the past two months with internet related child sexual abuse crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Two of the men reside in Snohomish County and one in King County. In each case the defendant used the internet to contact victims or obtain child sexual abuse material.
“The government shutdown did not slow our work to investigate and prosecute those who harm children,” said U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. “There is no place in society for those who prey on vulnerable victims – especially children. We all must be vigilant about protecting our children from those who seek to harm them via the internet.”
On October 28, 2025, Anatoli Tony Fefelov, 30, of Lynnwood, Washington was charged by criminal complaint with distribution of images of child sexual abuse and attempted enticement of a minor. Fefelov came to the attention of law enforcement when a 13-year-old victim reported to the FBI National Threat Operations Center that a Discord user harassed, coerced, and threatened the minor to produce child sexual abuse material. Further investigation and reports to law enforcement identified a Kik account distributing child sexual abuse images. The accounts were linked to Fefelov. In a search of Fefelov’s Lynnwood residence law enforcement located an electronic device allegedly containing images of child sexual abuse. The grand jury indicted Fefelov on November 12, 2025. Trial is scheduled for January 20, 2026, in front of U.S. District Judge Tana Lin.
On October 30, 2025, Aqeel Ibn-Khalid Shareef, 28, was charged by criminal complaint with production of child sexual abuse material. In January 2024, Shareef was convicted of state sex crimes including rape of a child. He was ordered to register as a sex offender. Following his prison term he was being monitored by the Washington State Department of Corrections. In October 2025 Shareef’s DOC Community Corrections Officer contacted the FBI regarding concerns Shareef had unauthorized electronic devices. When Shareef was arrested by the Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force, officers seized two unauthorized electronic devices. The investigation revealed that the electronic devices contained communications with a minor victim and sexual abuse images of that victim. Shareef was indicted on November 12, 2025. Trial is set for January 20, 2026, in front of U.S. District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson.
Finally, a 55-year-old Marysville man who is a registered sex offender with sex crime convictions out of California, pleaded guilty on November 21, 2025, to possession of images of child sexual abuse. Robert Anthony Fiore came to the attention of law enforcement when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cybertip report from Dropbox that child sexual abuse material had been uploaded on Fiore’s account. Law enforcement obtained warrants and served search warrants on Fiore’s electronic devices finding 50 videos and 242 images of child sexual abuse. In the plea agreement Fiore admitted that he was chatting online with more than a dozen minors as young as 12-years-old. Fiore is scheduled for sentencing by U.S. District Judge Tana Lin on February 18, 2026.
“Thanks to the hard work of FBI Violent Crimes Against Children squads and task forces across the country, we and our partners are holding predators accountable for the harm they inflict on young people, including by circulating images and videos depicting sexual exploitation of minors on the internet,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Once online, this content is extremely difficult to remove and re-victimizes these children each and every time it is shared.”
These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .
These cases are being investigated by the FBI in coordination with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) with officers from the Seattle Police Department and Marysville Police Department, and the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC).
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson.
Three Sentenced for Smuggling Methamphetamine, Fentanyl into the Lincoln County JailRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Monday sentenced a former Lincoln County, Missouri jail contract employee, Kevin Childers Jr., to 51 months in prison for his role in smuggling fentanyl and methamphetamine into the jail.
Childers, 38, was one of three people to have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Steven Williamson Jr., 37, and Brittany Spangler, 35, were sentenced earlier this year.
At the time of the offense, Williamson was an inmate and trustee and worked in the kitchen. Spangler was his girlfriend. Childers ran the jail kitchen as a contract employee. All three admitted conspiring to smuggle fentanyl and meth into the jail between the dates of June 27, 2022, and Oct. 6, 2022.
Judge Autrey previously sentenced Williamson to 51 months in prison and Spangler to 37 months in prison.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Krug prosecuted the case.
Third Individual Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Steal Funds from COVID-19 Support ProgramRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO – WILLIE LEE MOORE, a Montgomery County man, pleaded guilty today to theft of government property in connection with a scheme to steal money from a COVID-19 support program, announced Dan Bishop, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act established the Coronavirus Relief Fund which provided payments to states and eligible units of local government to be used on certain expenses in response to the COVID-19 emergency. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (“NC DHHS”), using the federal CARES Act funding provided to North Carolina, established the COVID-19 Support Services Program to support individuals in targeted counties who needed care and resources in order to successfully quarantine and isolate. NC DHHS contracted with regional partners to provide and deliver support on the ground in designated counties. Available support services included nutrition services such as home-delivered meals and groceries to individuals in isolation and quarantine, as well as provision of COVID-related over-the-counter supplies, such as face masks, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies.
According to court documents, MOORE, Jamie Ewings, and Navonne Moore were associated with a not-for-profit community organization called Brutonville Concerned Citizens (“BCC”). BCC was subcontracted to provide support services, including the delivery of healthy food boxes and COVID-related supplies to qualifying individuals. Although BCC provided some food boxes to the community, the three individuals submitted inflated and fraudulent invoices and receipts so that BCC would be reimbursed more money than it was entitled to receive. MOORE, Ewings, and Navonne Moore agreed to divide the reimbursement money among themselves. In total, BCC received about $1,144,649 over five payments between November 2020 and February 2021. Of that money, MOORE received about $369,000, Ewings received about $384,000, and Navonne Moore received about $180,000. The rest of the money was left in BCC’s bank account.
Sentencing is scheduled to take place on February 24, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in Greensboro, North Carolina, before Chief/Senior United States District Judge Catherine C. Eagles. At sentencing, MOORE faces a maximum sentence of up to ten years in prison, a period of supervised release of up to three years, restitution, and other monetary penalties.
Jamie Ewings previously pleaded guilty to theft of government property and was sentenced to 13 months of imprisonment. Navonne Moore pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor theft of government property and was sentencing to four years of probation.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Waid.
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The Breastfeeding Shop and Its Owner Agree to Pay $1 Million to Resolve Allegations of False Claims for Reimbursement for Breast Pumps and Related Equipment for TRICARE BeneficiariesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that the United States has entered a settlement agreement with Scottie Girl, LLC, d/b/a The Breastfeeding Shop, in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, and its owner Patricia Gatter to resolve allegations that The Breastfeeding Shop submitted false claims for reimbursement for breast pumps and related equipment for TRICARE beneficiaries. The Breastfeeding Shop and Ms. Gatter will collectively pay the United States $1 million to resolve the allegations.
TRICARE, managed by the Defense Health Agency, is the health care program for U.S. military service members, retirees and their families worldwide. In 2015, the TRICARE program rolled out a new benefit of breast pumps and related equipment for nursing mothers.
The United States alleged that during the early years of the new benefit, The Breastfeeding Shop billed the TRICARE program hundreds of dollars more per breast pump than it charged to the Pennsylvania Medicaid Program, thereby utilizing a prohibited dual fee schedule. The United States also alleged that The Breastfeeding Shop engaged in prohibited “unbundling,” meaning The Breastfeeding Shop would take breast pump accessories that are pre-packaged and included in the standard breast pump kit and then bill TRICARE separately for each item as a replacement part.
“Durable medical equipment suppliers play a vital role in providing safe and effective medical products to patients in need, and especially to our brave service members and their families,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “As alleged, The Breastfeeding Shop and Gatter prioritized their own financial interests through a billing scheme that was to the detriment of the government. This conduct will not be tolerated by my office.”
“Today’s settlement is a direct result of the relationship we have with our partners at the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General’s Audit component and the Department of Justice,” stated Christopher M. Silvestro, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service Northeast Field Office, the law enforcement arm of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Office of Inspector General. He further stated, “Fraud involving TRICARE, the healthcare system for military members and their families, is something we take seriously and will investigate fully.”
“Protecting the integrity of the TRICARE program and ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars are top priorities for the Defense Health Agency. This settlement sends a clear message that we will not tolerate practices that exploit the program and inflate costs at the expense of our service members, veterans, and their families. Access to essential medical equipment, like breast pumps, is vital for the health and well-being of new mothers and infants within our TRICARE community. We thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service for their continuing dedication to the pursuit of justice,” stated Dr. Glen Diehl, Acting Deputy Director of the Defense Health Agency.
Assistant United States Attorney Judith Amorosa and former Auditor Dawn Wiggins handled the case for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The matter was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Services of the U.S. Department of Defense.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
Texas Woman Sentenced for Role in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – An Austin, Texas woman, who currently resides in Massachusetts, was sentenced on November 25, 2025 in federal court in Rhode Island for her role in distributing and conspiring to distribute more than 310 grams of fentanyl, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Patrica Parker, 74, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose to two years’ probation with a special condition of nine months home confinement. Parker pleaded guilty on May 15, 2025 to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distribution of over 310 grams of fentanyl, equivalent to 150,000 lethal doses of the drug.
According to information presented to the court, Parker engaged in drug trafficking for an extended timeframe. Her drug trafficking activity was discovered during an investigation in May of 2022, during which she distributed counterfeit amphetamine pills containing fentanyl to an undercover Food and Drug Administration Special Agent.
Approximately ten months after the undercover operation, agents executed a search warrant at her residence where they learned that the defendant was in possession of over 18,000 pills, including Schedule II and IV controlled substances, all unapproved for use by the United States Food and Drug Administration, and counterfeit amphetamine pills containing fentanyl. Records obtained by investigators reflect that Parker had distributed in excess of one thousand parcels suspected to be illegal drugs.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.
The matter was investigated by Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations and US Postal Inspection Service.
Sacramento Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Conspiring to Sex Traffic Woman in San DiegoRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Darell Davis of Sacramento was sentenced in federal court today to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay $9,950 in restitution for conspiring to sex traffic an 18-year-old woman by coercion and physical violence.
On September 11, 2025, Davis pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion. His guilty plea stemmed from conduct spanning from December 15, 2022, to January 11, 2023, when Davis transported the victim from Sacramento to San Diego to sell her body for his financial gain.
Davis created commercial sex advertisements featuring the victim on an adult website and kept a ledger of all the victim’s prostitution earnings, as well as a ledger on earnings of at least two other women under his control. Davis also kept notes of all the “blades,” the geographical locations for street-based prostitution, in various cities.
On January 10, 2025, the victim contacted the San Deigo Police Department for help and identified her trafficker by his moniker, “Benzo.” The victim told investigators that she first met Davis when she was 17 years old and was introduced to the pimping and prostitution subculture. The victim also stated that Davis explained the prostitution rules, set a daily quota that she was required to earn, and made her work six days a week and up to 10 to 14 hours a day. The victim’s location was even electronically tracked by Davis through a tracking application and all her earnings went to Davis. The victim reported physical abuse and fear based on Davis possessing a handgun.
On January 11, 2023, the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force arrested Davis outside a hotel in Chula Vista. Upon the execution of a search warrant of the room Davis was staying in, investigators recovered a loaded non-serialized handgun and ammunition.
“The smiles in online ads are a mask,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “Behind the misleading photos are coerced victims being controlled, threatened and abused while traffickers cash in. This is exploitation at its ugliest; victims treated as a disposable product, not human beings.”
“Sex trafficking through force, fraud or coercion is a terrible crime that has no place in California,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The California Department of Justice-led San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force is committed to putting a stop to human trafficking, and to holding accountable those who prey on Californians for their own financial gain. I’m grateful to our law enforcement partners for their collaboration, and to the U.S. Attorney’s office for their work to prosecute this case. When we work together, we get results.”
If you are living or working under threat of violence or extortion, or you suspect someone else may be, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center toll free, 24/7 Hotline: CALL: (888) 373-7888 or TEXT BeFree or 233733.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Ko and Lyndzie M. Carter.
DEFENDANT Case Number 23-cr-00549-LL
Darrell Davis Age: 22 Sacramento, California
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking through Force, Fraud or Coercion – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1594(c)
Maximum penalty: Up to life in prison and $250,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force
San Diego Police Department
San Diego County District Attorney Office
Department of Homeland Security Investigations
Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Diego
San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force
The San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force is a cooperative effort involving the California Department of Justice, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, National City Police Department, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, San Diego City Attorney’s Office, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, San Diego County Probation Department, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, San Diego Police Department, Southwest Border High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.
This case is the result of the ongoing efforts of the Special Victims Unit. Formed in April 2025, the SVU is tasked with leading collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving sex trafficking and child exploitation, civil rights, and labor trafficking. The SVU oversees the Southern District of California liaisons to the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force and Project Safe Childhood.
Sex Offender Sentenced for Federal Child Exploitation CrimeRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – John J. Schugmann, 53, of Niceville, Florida, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for the receipt of online child pornography. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I deeply appreciate the tireless vigilance of our state and federal law enforcement partners who monitor the online activity of sick individuals, like this defendant, who peddle in disgusting child sexual abuse material. This substantial prison sentence should serve as a warning to others who prey upon and exploit our children: my office will aggressively prosecute such crimes to the fullest extent of the law.”
Court documents reflect that in December 2024, an investigation began when law enforcement discovered the defendant was uploading child pornography to an online search engine. Following a search of his residence by law enforcement pursuant to a warrant, the defendant admitted to viewing and downloading child pornography. Law enforcement seized dozens of electronic devices, which contained thousands of illegal images and videos. Some of the images and videos contained the sexual exploitation of victims well under 12 years of age. The defendant is a registered sex offender who spent time in Florida State Prison for a prior child pornography conviction.
“This sentence reflects the seriousness of exploiting children online,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas G. Ingegno. “Crimes committed behind a screen cause real-world harm, and this outcome demonstrates our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable and pursuing those who use the digital space to abuse our children. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure those who engage in this conduct are brought to justice.”
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see partnerships like this one be able to remove this individual from our community,” said Sheriff Eric Aden. “Every successful outcome like this one is a clear reminder that collaboration is our greatest tool in the fight against those who exploit and harm children.”
The defendant’s imprisonment will be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, meaning if he violates any of the conditions of his supervision, he will potentially face an additional period of incarceration. Additionally, the defendant was ordered to pay restitution to victims, and he will be required to continue to register as a sex offender.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Russellton Resident Sentenced to Decade in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Russellton, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years of incarceration, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal law regarding the sexual exploitation of a minor, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Michael Rearick, 44, on November 25, 2025, also ordering Rearick to pay $20,000 in restitution to his victim.
According to information presented to the Court, from on or about April 21, 2023, until on or about April 23, 2023, Rearick transported a minor from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to Canada with intent that the minor engage in criminal sexual activity.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti commended Homeland Security Investigations-Pittsburgh, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and the West Deer Township Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rearick.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Representatives of the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of New York Meet with Rabbi Joel Friedman and Other Members of Federal Law Enforcement to Discuss Protecting the Jewish CommunityRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – This fall, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III of the Northern District of New York, U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton of the Southern District of New York, and other top federal law enforcement officials met with Rabbi Joel Friedman in Manhattan to discuss the safety and security of the Jewish community.
Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “As Jewish people across the Northern District of New York observe Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, they can be sure that law enforcement is taking every action to protect their safety, security and well-being. Everyone has the right to practice their religion in peace. Any violent or threatening conduct, motivated by anti-Semitism, will be investigated, prosecuted, and punished.”
Rabbi Friedman stated: “At a time of increasing antisemitism and horrific attacks on Jews around New York, we are eternally grateful to our law enforcement partners who stand with us against hate crimes and other forms of discriminatory actions. Our federal law enforcement officers work hard every day to ensure the rights of all Americans and we are moved by their desire to protect Jews and minorities from hateful harm. We look forward to continued partnership and we wish everyone a peaceful and successful new year, filled with blessings for all people.”
From left to right:
Sean Buckley, Deputy U.S. Attorney, Southern District of New York (SDNY)
FBI NY Assistant Special Agent in Charge Spencer Horn
Patrick Lin, SDNY U.S. Marshals Service, Acting Commander for the New York/ New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force (NYNJ/RFTF)
EDNY U.S. Marshal Vincent F. DeMarco
Yuri Babayev, Deputy U.S. Marshal for SDNY
NDNY Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone
Rabbi Joel Friedman
Jhovanny Gomez, Acting U.S. Marshal, SDNY
SDNY U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton
Homeland Security Investigations NY Special Agent in Charge Ricky Patel
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Pojoaque Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Abusing a MinorRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Pojoaque man pleaded guilty to a count of sexually abusing a child over a period of several months.
According to court documents, between December 2021, and February 2022, Alexander John Duran, 31, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Pojoaque, engaged in a sexual act with a child under the age of 12.
Duran pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact and upon conviction will receive 14 years in federal prison. Upon his release from prison, Duran will be subject to no less than five years of supervised release up to life and must register as a sex offender.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Pueblo of Pojoaque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Sexual Exploitation Involving Multiple Victims in Different StatesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Trevor Metterhauser, 41, of Pennsylvania, pled guilty on November 13, 2025, to attempted aggravated sexual abuse, aggravated sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of children, and multiple counts of possession of child pornography. The aggravated sexual abuse and sexual exploitation charges involve two toddlers (one located in upstate New York and the other in Texas).
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Metterhauser admitted that he was convicted of possessing child pornography in Pennsylvania in 2011. In November 2022, Metterhauser conspired with Brandon Whitford to sexually exploit an approximately 4-year-old girl in the Northern District of New York. Metterhauser traveled from his home in Pennsylvania to Whitford’s home in New York, where Metterhauser made recordings that depicted the child naked. Whitford sexually assaulted the child shortly after Metterhauser left, recorded that content, and sent it to Metterhauser.
In December 2022, the defendant agreed with Carlos Julian Ruiz to sexually assault an approximately 2-year-old child and to record that abuse. Metterhauser traveled from Pennsylvania to Texas to commit the assault and record his sexual abuse of the 2-year-old child.
When Metterhauser was arrested in the Northern District of New York in early 2023, he had with him multiple electronic devices that contained the recordings of his sexual assault of the Texas victim; child pornography he received from Whitford depicting the New York victim; and child pornography he obtained from the internet.
Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated: “The defendant’s admitted conduct is horrendous beyond description. This plea provides much needed finality and certainty for the victims and ensures that this dangerous predator never terrorizes another child. My office and our law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue pedophiles who target our innocent children for their own twisted sexual gratification.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: “Trevor Metterhauser is one of the most disturbing predators FBI Albany has investigated. His sinister crimes spanned multiple states, and the details of his abuse are truly horrific. His admission now ensures he will spend the rest of his life locked up in federal prison. Today, our thoughts are with the children he harmed through his appalling actions. The FBI remains fiercely dedicated to aggressively investigating dangerous predators like Mr. Metterhauser who victimize our most vulnerable.”
If the district court accepts the parties’ plea agreement, at sentencing on March 12, 2026, the defendant will receive a term of imprisonment of 80 years, a lifetime term of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, forfeiture of devices used to commit the offenses, must pay restitution to the victims, and will be required to register as a sex offender.
Whitford and Ruiz have each pled guilty to offenses related to their roles in the abuse of the victims.
FBI-Albany and FBI-San Antonio investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Gadarian and Benjamin A. Gillis are prosecuting it with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas. This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Pendleton Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Abusing Minors on Umatilla Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— A Pendleton, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today to sexually abusing two minors and engaging in sexual contact with a third minor.
Aaron William Pizer, 41, pleaded guilty to two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor and one count of Abusive Sexual Contact.
According to court documents, on or between July 10, 2016, and July 9, 2017, and on or between August 22, 2019, and August 21, 2020, Pizer sexually abused two minors under the age of sixteen on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. On April 19, 2024, Pizer engaged in sexual contact on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation with a minor under the age of sixteen.
On September 4, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Pizer with Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Abusive Sexual Contact.
Pizer faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison for counts one and two, a $250,000 fine, and five years to life term of supervised release. He faces a maximum sentence of two years in prison for count three, a $250,000 fine, and five years to life term of supervised release. He will be sentenced on March 12, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge.
As part of the plea agreement, Pizer has agreed to pay restitution in full to the victims.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Umatilla Tribal Police Department, and Pendleton Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassady Adams is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.