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1 December 2025
Panama City Felon Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Orinthian Frazier, 46, of Panama City, Florida, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the guilty plea.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I applaud the outstanding work of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, with support from our federal law enforcement partners, to remove this repeat offender from our streets. My office stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our law enforcement partners in the mission to keep our communities safe, and we will continue to aggressively prosecute these crimes to deliver on the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the violent offenders who have terrorized our streets for too long.”
In March 2025, Bay County Sheriff’s Office investigators received information that the defendant, a prior felon with convictions for Sale of Cocaine, Sale of Heroin, Grand Theft, and Burglary, was selling illegal firearms. Investigators negotiated and then conducted a controlled purchase of three handguns. The defendant was arrested immediately after the undercover firearm sale and was found in possession of marked currency used for the purchase.
Sentencing is set for February 5, 2026, at the U.S. Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Court Judge Mark Walker. The defendant faces up to fifteen years’ imprisonment on the charges.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Ohio Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Luring Minor Girls into Sending Him Sexually Explicit ContentRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – A Lorain County man who pretended to own a modeling agency has been sentenced to prison for grooming children into sending him sexually explicit images through the social media platform, Snapchat.
Joshua R. Glover, 36, of Elyria, Ohio, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Dan Aaron Polster after pleading guilty in July to receipt and distribution of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and to possession of child pornography, which is also known as child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Glover was also ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release after imprisonment and to pay $2,000 in assessments toward a monetary reserve for victims of CSAM. Judge Polster imposed the sentence Nov. 25, 2025.
“Glover’s vile and despicable manipulation of underage girls has come to an end. He will no longer commit these heinous and horrendous crimes against vulnerable children,” said United States Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio. “We are immensely grateful to the FBI Cleveland for the thorough investigation that led to Glover’s three-decades-long sentence to keep him behind bars where he cannot continue this predatory behavior.”
According to court documents, from January 2022 to January 2024, Glover used Snapchat to engage with hundreds of minor girls under the guise of owning a modeling agency. His typical victims ranged in age from 12-15 years old and were located throughout the country. Investigators found that Glover repeatedly sent requests for sexually explicit photos and videos to young girls with the lure of joining his modeling agency and receiving payment for their images and videos. Glover initiated over 18,000 chats and conversed with some victims for years—building relationships where he directed the type of sexual activity the minors engaged in and offered to meet with them in person to engage in sex.
“Contacting, coercing, and preying on young girls through social media to gain their trust and elicit inappropriate behavior is cold and callous,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen. “This sentence underscores the commitment of not only the FBI, but also our federal, state, and local partners who will ensure a full and thorough investigation that leads to taking predators like Glover offline and out of our neighborhoods. The FBI will continue to work collaboratively to combine resources and share expertise to identify those who commit these appalling crimes and find justice for the victims.”
Federal search warrants of Glover’s digital devices and online accounts revealed Glover possessed approximately 100 files of CSAM. By his own admission, Glover estimated he received images and videos of CSAM from over 90 different minors.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division.
The prosecution in this case was led by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer King.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative is led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices throughout the country and 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.
To report child exploitation, please visit cybertipline.org, or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Nurse Practitioner Sentenced to 18 Months and Ordered to Pay over $160,000 in Restitution for Health Care Fraud and Unlawful Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III announced today that Anja Salamack, age 50, of Delray Beach, Florida, was sentenced in late October to 18 months in prison and a one-year period of home detention for submitting false and fraudulent claims to health care benefit programs and for issuing prescriptions for a controlled substance for non-medical purposes and outside the usual course of profession practice. The charges were part of the Department of Justice’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.
Salamack, formerly an Albany resident, was a psychiatric nurse practitioner who resided in Florida but claimed to be practicing in Albany. Salamack pled guilty to health care fraud for submitting false and fraudulent claims to health care benefit programs in New York State for health care services that she never provided, e.g. psychotherapy services, and evaluation and management services. Salamack caused $163,639.58 in losses. Salamack also pled guilty to unlawful drug distribution (also known as drug diversion), for issuing prescriptions for the controlled substance amphetamine (e.g. Adderall) for non-medical purposes and outside the usual course of professional practice. For instance, from November 2018 to May 2023, Salamack regularly prescribed amphetamine in the name of a person who had not been her patient since 2016. Salamack issued these prescriptions (108 in total) at the request of a relative of the former patient.
As part of her sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Ann M. Nardacci ordered that Salamack pay full restitution to the victims of her fraud along with a $10,000 fine and serve a two-year term of supervised release, to begin after her term of imprisonment. And in connection with her guilty plea, Salamack also surrendered her DEA registration (which had allowed her to prescribe controlled substances).
In a separate civil settlement agreement, Salamack admitted that she submitted claims to Medicare for psychotherapy services that were not rendered. She also admitted that she used $48,670 in Provider Relief Funds (PRF) for impermissible purposes. The PRF was money that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act had allocated to healthcare providers to pay for costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Salamack agreed to pay $188,850 to resolve her False Claims Act liability.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “This medical professional abused the privilege of providing care to others, and now she will pay the price for it. Thanks to a thorough investigation by the DEA and HHS, Anja Salamack is out of business, will have to compensate her victims—including the federal government through her significant civil settlement—and spend over a year in a federal prison.”
“Anja Salamack’s actions were no different from those of any drug trafficker, when she knowingly chose to put profits above the health and well-being of those lives she took an oath to help” stated DEA New York Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “While Salamack’s sentencing of 18 months sends a message; the harmful effects from her actions of unlawfully prescribing the controlled substance amphetamine for non-medical purposes could last much longer. Health care professionals must and will be held accountable when wrongfully and illegally prescribing controlled substances.”
“The defendant in this case, a nurse practitioner, put patients’ well-being in jeopardy and exploited health care programs meant to benefit her community,” stated Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect essential programs and hold accountable those whose actions could result in potential patient harm.”
The June 2025 charges were a part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants for their alleged participation in health care fraud and illegal drug diversion schemes that involved the submission of over $14.6 billion in alleged false billings and over 15.6 million pills of illegally diverted controlled substances. The defendants allegedly defrauded programs entrusted for the care of the elderly and disabled to line their own pockets. In connection with the takedown, the Government seized over $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, and other assets.
The DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad (TDS) investigated this case. TDS is comprised of DEA Special Agents and Diversion Investigators, as well as Investigators from the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Albany County Sheriff’s Office, and the Colonie Police Department assisted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph S. Hartunian and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett prosecuted the criminal case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Moran represented the United States in the civil matter.
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New Orleans Man Guilty of Sending Obscene Videos to an Individual He Believed to Be a Fifteen-Year-Old FemaleRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that MARK BROOKS (a/k/a “Baby Nu”), age 35, from New Orleans, pled guilty on November 20, 2025 before United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe to attempted transfer of obscene matter to a minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1470.
According to court documents, on or about May 1, 2025, BROOKS contacted an FBI online covert employee who was pretending to be a fifteen-year-old female named “Ava”. Subsequently, after “Ava” told BROOKS that she was only fifteen years old, BROOKS engaged in a sexually charged, text-based correspondence with her. During their correspondence, BROOKS sent multiple sexually explicit videos to “Ava,” including videos of BROOKS masturbating while at work and inside rooms in a residence. During their correspondence, BROOKS repeatedly discussed meeting “Ava” in person to engage in sexual acts. On May 13, 2025, BROOKS proposed to Ava that they meet at a restaurant near his residence and then return to BROOKS’s residence to engage in sexual contact. “Ava” agreed. Law enforcement authorities arrested BROOKS as he walked from his residence to the restaurant.
BROOKS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, up to three (3) years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. BROOKS may also be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing before Judge Ashe has been scheduled for February 12, 2026, at 1:30 pm.
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 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.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.
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Multi-Agency Investigation Results in Convictions of 20 Defendants for Decade-Long, Multi-Million Dollar Marijuana Trafficking and Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT– A case that began as an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) case in Shreveport has resulted in the conviction and sentencing of 20 defendants to a combined sentence of over 87 years in federal prison for a drug trafficking conspiracy involving thousands of pounds of marijuana that the conspirators sold for millions of dollars over the course of more than a decade.
“Organized drug trafficking is a menace to our communities, promoting lawlessness, violence, and addiction,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Dismantling these networks lies at the heart of our mission to make our Louisiana communities safe, and this case shows our Office’s ability to work with state, local, and federal law enforcement partners—here, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and Shreveport Police Department—to do precisely that.”
According to documents and testimony presented in court, Hikmat Deeb worked with others, including Brieon O’Neal and Andrew Brown, to obtain and distribute marijuana in the Western District of Louisiana from 2012 until the time of his arrest in September 2023. The defendants originally obtained marijuana on the West Coast, with the men found by law enforcement to possess large sums of cash at airports in Dallas, Los Angeles, and Seattle that Deeb later admitted to be for the purchase of large quantities of marijuana.
By 2021, Deeb began obtaining marijuana from sources of supply in Oklahoma that included his brother, Rshad Deeb, and Hui He and Yichen He, both Chinese nationals. Hui He owned two properties in Oklahoma that he used for the illegal cultivation and distribution of marijuana and was also connected to a larger marijuana distribution organization. After purchasing the marijuana, Deeb used a network of couriers and salesmen to transport and sell the drugs to the Western District of Louisiana and elsewhere, with the marijuana stored in places like apartment buildings, homes, and an abandoned car lot in Shreveport.
In addition, Deeb’s wife, Jerusalia Bell, laundered many of the proceeds of this conspiracy through a retail clothing line, with Deeb giving her cash from his illegal drug sales to deposit into her business bank account. Bell’s business had nearly $1 million in unreported income between 2020 and 2022 alone, representing the proceeds of this laundering activity from that period.
This case led to substantial prison sentences for several co-conspirators, including Deeb, who was sentenced to more than 18 years in prison, as well as Hui He and Bell, both of whom received sentences of more than eight years in prison. The full list of defendants, their conviction and sentences are as follows:
Hui He a/k/a “Kevin,” 42
Norman, OK
- Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana
- Sentenced to 100 months in prison, 4 years supervised release
Hikmat Jamal Deeb a/k/a “Hek” and “Hector,” 35
Bossier City, LA
- Pleaded guilty to laundering of monetary instruments
- Sentenced to 224 months in prison, 3 years supervised release
Brieon O’Neal, 37
Bossier City, LA
- Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana
- Sentenced to 72 months in prison, 4 years supervised release
Andrew O. Brown, 31
Shreveport, LA
- Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and wire fraud
- Sentenced to 63 months in prison, 4 years supervised release
- Restitution of $22,000
Rshad Deeb a/k/a “Ray,” 39
Bossier City, LA
- Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana
- Sentenced to 108 months in prison, 5 years supervised release
Modh Fawzi Tbaileh a/k/a “Moody,” 35
Shreveport, LA
- Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana
- Sentenced to 60 months in prison, 4 years supervised release
Trevor J. Osifo, 30
Aubrey, TX
- Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana
- Sentenced to 72 months in prison, 5 years supervised release
Jimmy Lee Mays, Jr., 32
Longview, TX
- Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana
- Sentenced to 41 months in prison, 3 years supervised release
Dajuan Jackson a/k/a “Bando,” 43
Shreveport, LA
- Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana
- Sentenced to 46 months in prison, 3 years supervised release
Yichen He a/k/a “Brian” and “Lin Lin,” 31
Newcastle, OK
- Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana
- Sentenced to 60 months in prison, 4 years supervised release
Javarria Linnear a/k/a “Bubba,” 33
Shreveport, LA
- Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana
- Sentenced to 5 years of supervised probation
- Fine of $5,500
Jerusalia S. Bell, 37
Bossier City, LA
- Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana
- Sentenced to 97 months in prison, 3 years supervised release
James Troy Phillips, 37
Shreveport, LA
- Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana
- Sentenced to 60 months in prison, 5 years supervised release
Damarquez Mitchell a/k/a “Quez,” 33
Shreveport, LA
- Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
- Sentenced to 84 months in prison, 5 years supervised release
Clarissa Monet Holmes, 31
Shreveport, LA
- Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana
- Sentenced to 3 years supervised probation
Shakera Stringfellow, 27
Shreveport, LA
- Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana
- Sentenced to 3 years supervised probation
Hadi Deeb, 26
Bossier City, LA
- Conspiracy to launder monetary instruments
- Sentenced to 21 months in prison, 3 years supervised release
Elesia Denee Johnson, 28
Shreveport, LA
- Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana
- Sentenced to 3 years of supervised probation
Adham Jamal Deeb a/k/a “Polo,” 40
Bossier City, LA
- Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana
- Sentencing set for 2/12/2026
Cory David Beasley, 39
Shreveport, LA
- Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana
- Sentencing set for 3/12/2026
U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. is scheduled to sentence the two remaining defendants, Adham Deeb and Cory Beasley, in early 2026 after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and Shreveport Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica D. Cassidy and J. Aaron Crawford are prosecuting the case.
The investigation and conviction of these defendants originated as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identified, disrupted, and dismantled the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threatened the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leveraged the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 5:23-cr-00214.
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Minneapolis Non-Profit Director Charged with FraudRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL – Tony Robinson, age 41, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, made an initial appearance today on an indictment charging Robinson with five counts of wire fraud and conspiracy offenses for Robinson’s participation in a fraud scheme with Tezzaree El-Amin Champion, announced U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen.
Robinson was the operations director at Encouraging Leaders, a Minneapolis-based non-profit organization founded and led by Champion. Champion used the organization to submit fraudulent grant applications and progress reports to government and private grant programs, then misused substantial portions of the grant funding. Participants in the scheme, including Champion and Robinson, retained grant funds for themselves. Champion and Robinson defrauded the U.S. Department of Justice, Hennepin County, the City of Minneapolis, the Minnesota Department of Education, the Minnesota Department of Human Services, the Minnesota State Arts Board, and others.
Robinson participated in the scheme from approximately December 2021 until October 2022. Robinson worked with a freelance worker in Africa to draft and submit false grant progress reports to organizations that had awarded grants to Encouraging Leaders.
For example, Robinson prepared false reports for the U.S. Department of Justice, which issues grants focused on juvenile justice and substance-abuse prevention; the Minnesota State Arts Board, which issues grants to Minnesota’s theaters, museums, choirs, and arts organizations; and Non-Profit A, which is a Minnesota non-profit founded by the McKnight Foundation with a focus on youth-learning outside of the classroom.
Robinson’s reports claimed Encouraging Leaders used grant funds to organize events and activities that never occurred, and overstated Encouraging Leaders’ involvement in events that had occurred. Robinson’s reports also falsely claimed that Encouraging Leaders had assisted various students, when in fact it had not.
During Robinson’s participation in the scheme, the fraud and Encouraging Leaders caused a loss of more than $1 million to victims.
Tezzaree El-Amin Champion was charged separately and pled guilty. On November 18, 2025, U.S. District Judge Katherine M. Menendez sentenced Champion to 84 months of imprisonment to be followed by 60 months supervised release, and to pay $3,479,575 in restitution. In sentencing Champion, Judge Menendez noted that Champion’s fraudulent conduct was “relentless” and “reflects a scale and a depth that is disturbing.”
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Minneapolis Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph H. Thompson and Matthew D. Forbes are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Michigan Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Adrian Demetrius Ludaway, also known as “A1,” 35, of Wayne, Michigan, was sentenced today to nine years and two months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of fentanyl and a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 27, 2025, Ludaway sold approximately 28.5 grams of methamphetamine and 6.79 gram of fentanyl to a confidential informant in Huntington. As part of his guilty plea, Ludaway admitted to conducting the transaction and to arranging it beforehand.
On May 30, 2025, law enforcement officers arrested Ludaway and executed a search warrant at his 30th Street residence in Huntington. Officers seized approximately 4 pounds of fentanyl and 100 grams of cocaine base, also known as “crack,” a loaded Charter Arms model Undercover .38-caliber revolver, and approximately $20,000 during the search.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor prosecuted the case.
Ludaway’s co-defendant, Scott Burd, 59, of Huntington, pleaded guilty on November 24, 2025, to aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 2, 2026.
This case was prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), an enforcement surge that has sought to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-103.
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Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Demonte Jovon Walker, also known as “DJ,” 26, of Pontiac, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 24, 2024, Walker sold approximately 83 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in exchange for $450. As part of his guilty plea, Walker admitted that he arranged the transaction beforehand and conducted it in the confidential informant’s vehicle in Huntington.
Walker also admitted to additional criminal conduct. Walker sold approximately 56 grams of methamphetamine in exchange for $300 on October 2, 2024, and approximately 55 grams of methamphetamine in exchange for $300 on October 17, 2024. Walker admitted that he conducted both transactions, each time to a confidential informant in Huntington, and arranged for another individual to sell approximately 50 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in exchange for $300 in Huntington on October 9, 2024.
Walker is scheduled to be sentenced on March 16, 2025, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-100.
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Mexican Citizen Sentenced to Seven Months in Prison for Illegal Reentry; Faces DeportationRead the Press Release
Harrisburg -The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Juan Ramos-Abarca, age 49, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced on November 20, 2025 to seven months in prison by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for illegally reentering the country after having previously been removed.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Ramos-Abarca was indicted by a federal grand jury after being arrested for various driving offenses in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, in September 2021. Ramos-Abarca had previously been removed from the United States on several occasions and, in 2011, was convicted of illegal reentry. Last month, Ramos-Abarca pleaded guilty to illegal reentry prior to being sentenced.
An ICE detainer is lodged against Ramos-Abarca for deportation proceedings.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Men Linked to the Disappearance of an 18-Year-Old Nebraska Woman Found Guilty of Drug, Gun, and Obstruction-Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Two men with lengthy criminal histories were convicted by a jury on November 25, 2025, after a 11-day trial in federal court in Sioux City.
Floyd Clifford Coates, Jr., aka Cliff Coates, age 44, from St. Francis, Kansas, was convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, Possession of Ammunition by a Felon and Drug User, Conspiracy to Conceal Objects with the Intent to Impair Their Availability for an Official Proceeding, and Concealing Objects with the Intent to Impair their Availability for an Official Proceeding. Coates was acquitted of other charges related to threats, and obstruction of justice.
Dennis Lawson, age 65, from Whiting, Iowa, was convicted of Using Threat of Physical Force Against Another with the Intent to Hinder, Delay, or Prevent the Communication to a Law Enforcement Officer and Judge of the United States of Information Relating to the Commission and Possible Commission of a Federal Offense. Lawson was acquitted of other charges relating to drugs, threats and obstruction.
The verdict was returned following about 2 hours of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that in Spring 2019, Coates was a member of a drug trafficking organization that funneled pounds of methamphetamine from Colorado to Strubel, Iowa, among other places, for redistribution, and that Coates possessed firearms to protect his illegal drug operation. Evidence also showed that on Easter weekend 2019, Coates had arranged a drug run to Kansas City, Missouri.
To execute the Easter weekend drug run, Coates had convinced an Iowa woman to drive from Sioux City, Iowa; meet him in Blair, Nebraska; and drive him to Kansas City, Missouri, and back. Coates decided to travel to Blair from Trenton, Nebraska, with another woman, 18-year-old Sunny Sramek. Coates and Sramek left Trenton in his wife’s white Ford Explorer to go on the trip. There is no evidence Ms. Sramek knew Coates was going to Kansas City; in fact, she told friends and family that she was going to be on a day trip to Omaha.
The pair made it to Blair, where Coates went into a home, but Ms. Sramek did not. Coates’s driver arrived from Sioux City and Coates said nothing of Ms. Sramek to the driver. As the driver and Coates left the home, the driver saw Ms. Sramek’s motionless body. The driver testified it looked as if Ms. Sramek had overdosed, and Coates said he had provided her methamphetamine. Coates cancelled his drug run to Kansas City and told his driver to go to the home of his brother-in-law Dennis Lawson near Whiting, Iowa, on the banks of the Missouri River. The driver testified that after they arrived at Lawson’s residence Lawson and Coates disappeared for a time, when they returned, Ms. Sramek’s body was gone. The driver also testified that she and Coates cleaned out the car, and that Lawson threatened her saying if she told anyone, “it would be her funeral.”
Later, Coates told confidants that Ms. Sramek had overdosed. He told other friends a more violent story. In both versions, however, he told people he had thrown Ms. Sramek’s body into the Missouri River to conceal evidence of his crimes. Coates was confident his efforts at concealing Ms. Sramek’s body would insulate him from accountability. He told one person “no body, no case” and asked another “you can’t get charged with murder if there is no body, can you?”
Coates’s confidence was misplaced. Law enforcement gathered a significant amount of physical evidence tying Coates to Ms. Sramek’s disappearance. Forensic analysis indicated Ms. Sramek’s DNA and a significant amount of blood were found in the white Ford Explorer. The forensic findings combined with other evidence provided the proof the jury used to convict Coates and Lawson.
“Sunny Sramek went missing more than six years ago,” said United States Attorney Leif Olson. “But the investigators’ dedication kept her case from going cold. Thanks to them, these two criminals now face judgment for Sunny’s disappearance. Those who believe they can escape justice through threats, cover-ups, or the passage of time will discover they are mistaken.”
“The convictions of Coates and Lawson represent years of tireless, unwavering efforts by a dedicated team of FBI personnel who never stopped looking for Sunny Sramek,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel. “Despite the defendants’ best efforts to conceal involvement in her disappearance, the FBI persisted in our mission to hold these subjects accountable for their actions. We hope these convictions bring some measure of solace to Sunny’s family. The FBI will always use every tool and technique in our arsenal to seek justice for the missing and attempts to hinder those efforts will be aggressively investigated.”
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Coates and Lawson remain in custody of the United States Marshal.
Coates faces a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment and five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
Lawson faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated by Hitchcock County, Nebraska, Sheriff’s Office; the Nebraska State Patrol; the Iowa Department of Public Safety—Division of Criminal Investigation; the Plymouth County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office; the O’Brien County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office; the Iowa Department of Natural Resources; the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner; the Goodland, Kansas, Police Department; and the United States Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case number is 24-4021.
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Manhattan Man Sentenced for Possessing Twenty-Two Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Sean Christianson, 45, of Manhattan, New York, was sentenced today to 151 months in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Christianson admitted that on February 25, 2025, he traveled from the New York City area to Liverpool, New York, with twenty-two one-kilogram bricks of cocaine in his vehicle. Christianson intended to sell the cocaine in the Syracuse area. Law enforcement apprehended Christianson as he arrived in Liverpool. At the sentencing hearing, the evidence also established that Christianson maintained a New York City apartment for the purpose of drug distribution and illegally possessed firearms in connection with his drug activity.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Thanks to the investigative efforts of the DEA and our other law enforcement partners, another drug dealer and a huge quantity of narcotics have been put away for a long time. Drug dealers will not get away with selling narcotics in the Northern District of New York.”
“Today’s sentencing of Sean Christianson sends a clear message to those individuals who are looking to flood our upstate communities with illicit narcotics and violence” stated DEA New York Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “The DEA and our law enforcement partners understand the harmful effects dangerous drugs have on our communities and we will continue do everything we can to make sure justice is delivered.”
United States District Judge Anthony J. Brindisi also imposed a 5-year term of supervised release to begin after Christianson is released from prison.
DEA investigated the case with assistance from the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, Syracuse Police Department, and City of New York Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis prosecuted the case.
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Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for Fraudulently Obtaining Student Visa, Other DocumentsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Monday sentenced a Nigerian national to 41 months in prison for fraudulently obtaining a student visa and admission to the University of Missouri as well as a Social Security card, a driver license, a bank account and an apartment.
Mercy Ojedeji, 26, also participated in the money mule activities of Shirley Waller. Waller is serving a 93-month prison sentence after admitting aiding online scammers and committing pandemic and mortgage fraud. The government alleged that Ojedeji and Waller used a fraudulently opened bank account to funnel the proceeds of Waller’s criminal activities to Nigeria. A total of 193 packages were sent to the home Waller and Ojedeji shared, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office argued that the total intended loss of the pair’s activities was more than $1 million, based on the $94,150 contained in the 17 packages seized by law enforcement.
In a letter to Judge Autrey, one victim who lost $47,000 to the scam described being duped by a tale of a lonely, widowed orthopedic surgeon working in in a refugee hospital in Jordan. “It is a terrible shame there are such people existing to steal money from innocent victims such as myself,” she wrote. Another had their water cut off for a month due to non-payment after sending money to scammers.
Ojedeji pleaded guilty in April in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of unlawful use of fraudulent immigration documents and one count of wire fraud. He admitted using counterfeit academic transcripts, recommendations, a resume and a report about his English language proficiency to obtain a student visa from the University of Missouri and admission to the chemistry PhD program in the fall of 2023. Ojedeji also obtained a stipend and a tuition waiver worth more than $49,000. Ojedeji presented his student visa and other documents to the Social Security Administration to obtain a Social Security card and used the fraudulently issued Social Security number and other documents to open a bank account. He also used the Social Security number and documents produced by his paramour, Waller, to rent an apartment. After Ojedeji failed to attend classes, his assistantship or join a research group, the university terminated him from the graduate program in January 2024. This also resulted in the termination of his student visa. On Feb. 26, 2024, Ojedeji used his fraudulently obtained and now invalid visa and other documents to obtain a Missouri driver license. The driver’s license was subsequently used to open the bank account through which he and Waller forwarded the proceeds of Waller’s money mule activities.
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is charged with defending the nation’s mail system from illegal use. With the collaborative efforts of our federal and local law enforcement partners, Postal Inspectors investigate fraudsters who utilize the U.S. Mail to perpetuate financial schemes to defraud others in order to enrich themselves. Postal Inspectors seek justice for victims, including those most vulnerable,” said Inspector in Charge, Ruth Mendonça, who leads the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which includes the St. Louis Field Office.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case, with the assistance of the FBI and the Town and Country Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry prosecuted the case.
Madison County Sex Offender Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Sex Offender Registration and Supervised Release ViolationsRead the Press Release
UTICA, NEW YORK – Floyd Wood, age 57, of DeRuyter, New York, was sentenced on October 8, 2025 to a total of 24 months in prison: 18 months for violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a consecutive 6 months violating his conditions of federal supervised release.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Acting United States Marshal Christopher Amoia made the announcement.
In 2017 Wood was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, and 15 years of supervised release following his conviction for Coercion and Enticement of a 12-year-old child. He began his term of supervised release in November of 2023 upon his release from prison. Months later, Wood activated a second email account which he willfully failed to register with the Sex Offender Registry, as required by law. For months thereafter, Wood lied to his supervising Probation Officer about his email accounts, and the new account was only discovered when, during a home visit, Wood was found trying to hide an unauthorized smart phone from Probation Officers.
Following the terms of imprisonment, Wood will resume a term of supervised release for 10 years, during which he will again be obligated to follow his sex offender registration obligations.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone, III said: “Sex offender registration laws are designed for the protection of the public. They are simple to understand and follow. Any willful failure to strictly comply will be investigated and aggressively prosecuted by my office to ensure public safety.”
Acting United States Marshal Christopher Amoia stated: “The arrest of Floyd Wood highlights our continued commitment to locating and apprehending individuals who pose a threat to our communities. The U.S. Marshals Sex Offender Branch works closely with our federal, state, and local partners to track offenders and enforce sex offender registration requirements under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. These efforts are central to the mission of the U.S. Marshals Service. We remain fully dedicated to deploying the necessary resources to locate and apprehend non-compliant sex offenders nationwide, ensuring that those who violate federal law are brought to justice.”
The United States Marshal Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa M. Fletcher prosecuted both this case and Wood’s 2017 conviction, as a part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is 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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Lowell Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lowell man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Steven Estrada Ramirez, 23, pleaded guilty on Nov. 24, 2025, to receipt and possession of child pornography before U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris who scheduled sentencing for March 10, 2026. Estrada was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2024.
Estrada was identified as a participant in multiple groups on a mobile chat application in which the primary purpose of the groups was for users to share and view CSAM. At the time of his arrest, Estrada was found to be in possession of a USB drive containing over 700 video files depicting CSAM, including files depicting children who appeared to be approximately one to eight years old. Additionally, the home screen of Estrada’s cell phone depicted an image of CSAM and the phone contained thousands of images and videos depicting CSAM.
The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant will also be subject to deportation proceedings 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 Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Maynard and Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. 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 identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Kenner Man Sentenced for Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JOHNREN GAINES (“GAINES”), age 28, of Kenner, was sentenced on November 20, 2025, for Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
According to court documents, from May 2019 through April 2022, GAINES knowingly accessed and converted approximately $49,232.40 in Social Security Administration funds.
United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe sentenced GAINES to two (2) years’ probation, six (6) months to be served in home incarceration, $49,232.40 in restitution, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Anne Flippo.
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Jury Convicts New Rochelle Man of Pandemic Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Aly Kaba, age 30, of New Rochelle, New York, was convicted on October 21, 2025 following a five-day trial of one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, two counts of mail fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft for fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits using stolen identities. Jurors deliberated for less than three hours before returning a guilty verdict on all counts.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge, Northeast Region, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG), made the announcement.
The trial evidence showed that in late 2020, Kaba conspired with his former roommate, Tony Brobbey, and fraudulently obtained unemployment insurance benefits from the New York State Department of Labor worth more than $150,000. To make the fraudulent unemployment insurance claims, Kaba used multiple stolen identities, including a victim named J.F., a victim named J.M., as well as two men who died more than a decade before the pandemic. Kaba’s fraudulent claims sought more than $500,000 in benefits. The evidence also showed that Kaba used fraud proceeds on overseas travel and a Rolex watch.
Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated: “Kaba used stolen identities to fleece benefits programs intended to benefit workers during a desperate time. Thanks to the hard work of prosecutors in my office and each law enforcement agency involved in this task force, Kaba’s days of exotic travel on the taxpayers’ dime are over and his next trip will be to federal prison.”
USPIS Acting Inspector in Charge Nicholas Bucciarelli stated: “Mr. Kaba’s conviction should serve notice to anyone hoping to misuse the mail for fraudulent purposes. Postal Inspectors and their law enforcement partners will vigorously investigate mail fraud, protect public funds, and bring perpetrators to justice.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Keegan said: "This conviction reinforces HSI Albany's commitment, alongside our law enforcement partners, to protecting communities from fraud and ensuring that relief programs serve those who truly need them. We are proud to have successfully brought justice in a case that safeguards the public by preventing the exploitation of critical government resources."
USDOL-OIG Special Agent in Charge Jonathan R. Mellone stated: “Aly Kaba unlawfully profited from a scheme that used stolen identities to fraudulently obtain critical taxpayer funds intended for qualified individuals in need of unemployment insurance benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Safeguarding the integrity of the unemployment insurance program remains a top priority for the Office of Inspector General. We will continue to work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to ensure the protection of U.S. Department of Labor programs and operations.”
Kaba’s sentencing is scheduled for February 27, 2026. The conspiracy and mail fraud charges each carry a maximum term of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory term of 2 years in prison, to be imposed consecutively to any other term of imprisonment. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Brobbey previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. His sentencing is scheduled for January 7, 2026.
This case was investigated by USPIS, HSI, and USDOL-OIG, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s New York Field Office and the New York State Department of Labor’s Office of Special Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting the case.
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Idaho Man Admits to Assaulting Federal Officers in Southern UtahRead the Press Release
ST. GEORGE, Utah – Gregory Aaron Farley, 51, of Hazelton, Idaho, pleaded guilty in federal court today to assault of an employee of the United States with a deadly or dangerous weapon after he rammed his pickup truck into two U.S. Park Rangers’ vehicle in May 2025.
According to court documents and admissions made at Farley’s change of plea hearing, on May 3, 2025, while in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Southern Utah, Farley used his GMC Sierra Denali pickup truck to assault two on duty United States Park Rangers who conducted a traffic stop on Farley. During the traffic stop, Farley, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, fled the scene while one of the rangers was speaking to him, nearly hitting one of the rangers. A vehicle pursuit ensued, and at one point, Farley turned his vehicle around and rammed his truck into the driver’s side of the rangers’ vehicle, pushing them into the shoulder of the road, causing their vehicle’s air bags to deploy and rendering the driver’s side door inoperable. See prior press release: Idaho Man Indicted after Allegedly Assaulting U.S. Park Rangers in Southern Utah.
Farley is scheduled to be sentenced February 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. before a U.S. District Court Judge in courtroom 2B of the courthouse located at 206 West Tabernacle Street, St. George, Utah 84470.
“My office will have zero tolerance for attacks on law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah. “We are fortunate that these U.S. Park Rangers were not critically injured, but it is a stark reminder of the dangers they face while in the line of duty. My office will prosecute such violent offenders to the fullest extent of the law.”
The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph M. Hood and Stephen P. Dent of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Attempted Transmission of Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Khadim Rassol Gueye, 26, a citizen of Senegal, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to attempted transmission of obscene material to a minor. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our federal law enforcement partners are relentless in their work to keep our children safe from sexual predators, like this criminal alien, and my office stands ready to aggressively prosecute these offenses to ensure the most vulnerable members of our community won’t be victimized.”
According to court records, the defendant used a popular cloud-based messaging app to engage in conversation with a person he believed was a 13-year-old female. During the conversation, which lasted for months, the defendant expressed his sexual desires and sent obscene material depicting himself to the purported minor, who was an undercover special agent with Homeland Security Investigations. Following his release from prison, Gueye will be required to register as a sex offender.
“This sentence reinforces our commitment to protecting children from those who use digital platforms to exploit them,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas G. Ingegno. “Transmitting obscene material to a minor is a serios crime with lasting consequences for its victims. This outcome reflects the hard work of our investigators and prosecutors and serves as a clear warning that anyone who targets children online will be held fully accountable.”
This conviction was the result of an investigation by the U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner.
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 for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Homeland Security Task Force Established in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to Eliminate Cartels, Transnational Criminal OrganizationsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced the establishment of the Homeland Security Task Force in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, a focused federal effort dedicated to eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) that fuel fentanyl overdoses and deaths, inject violence into our communities, facilitate human trafficking, and exploit vulnerable communities across the city and surrounding region.
HSTF Philadelphia is part of the Department of Justice’s nationwide campaign to dismantle TCOs, following the President’s Executive Order and the Attorney General’s directive establishing Homeland Security Task Forces across the country.
Philadelphia faces unique challenges as a major metropolitan hub and port city. At the center of those challenges is the fentanyl crisis and the violence that accompanies it. As cartels pour deadly drugs into this district that do immeasurable damage, they’re also fueling gun trafficking and violent gang activity that destabilize neighborhoods and put families at risk.
From drug corners in Kensington to illegal firearms transported through the interstate corridor, HSTF Philadelphia will confront these threats head on, uniting federal, state, and local resources to identify, prosecute, and eliminate the criminal networks responsible.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office will bring the most serious charges available — racketeering, continuing criminal enterprise, terrorism-related statutes, and major narcotics conspiracies — to dismantle TCOs from top to bottom. Prosecutors will also pursue human trafficking and smuggling cases, especially those exploiting minors, and will strip cartels of their financial power by seizing and forfeiting illicit assets. Where violence threatens communities, the office will move swiftly to secure detention and bring offenders to justice.
“Transnational gangs bring fentanyl, violence, and human misery into Philadelphia and southeastern Pennsylvania. Let me be clear: they will find no safe harbor here,” said U.S Attorney Metcalf. “My office will use every federal statute, every investigative tool, and every ounce of our authority to prosecute them, dismantle their networks, and put their leaders behind bars for as long as the law allows.”
HSTF Philadelphia is co-led by Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI, in coordination with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Partner agencies include the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
This announcement builds on prosecutions already under way in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Recent indictments have charged defendants allegedly tied to transnational criminal organizations and foreign distribution networks pouring millions of dollars of fentanyl, cocaine, and other illegal drugs through Philadelphia:
Humberto Gutierrez-Orozco, 37, a Mexican national illegally in the United States, was charged with trafficking over $10 million worth of cocaine from Mexico, after he attempted to smuggle these deadly drugs into and across the United States, including to Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia, as alleged in court filings.
HSTF investigators conducted a covert operation after agents identified a tractor-trailer with 440 kilograms of cocaine secreted inside. As part of that operation, Gutierrez-Orozco was arrested, and the drugs were seized.
If convicted, Gutierrez-Orozco faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison.
Four defendants have been charged with allegedly trafficking bulk amounts of fentanyl, in related cases.
Victor Bueno-Fermin, 54, a Dominican national illegally in the United States, and Yesenia Duarte-Paulina, 35, of the Dominican Republic, were charged with trafficking 689 grams of fentanyl, and heroin. Bueno-Fermin was also charged with illegally reentering the United States after a prior deportation. Jose Rondon, 25, of New York, was charged with trafficking 865 grams of fentanyl, and cocaine, and Manuel Antonio Sanchez-Santos, 51, of the Dominican Republic, was charged with trafficking 1.7 kilograms of fentanyl.
Their indictments followed coordinated drug raids earlier this year in North and Northeast Philadelphia by HSTF agencies and partners. As detailed in court filings, HSTF investigators seized over three kilograms of fentanyl in the raids, which equals millions of individual doses of this dangerous drug.
If convicted, each of these defendants faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison.
Francis Rondon-Caceras, 32, a Dominican national and the alleged leader of a large-scale fentanyl trafficking organization, was charged along with seven other individuals with distributing millions of dollars' worth of fentanyl into Philadelphia, as well as Western Pennsylvania.
As alleged in the indictment, this criminal organization utilized packaging houses in Philadelphia to process bulk amounts of fentanyl, which members of the organization mixed with adulterants, including the horse tranquilizer xylazine, in order to expand their profit margins and to “boost” and extend the drugs’ effects.
As further alleged in court filings, HSTF partners caught the defendants trafficking over 10 kilograms of fentanyl, and over $185,000 in drug proceeds was seized during the investigation.
Donald Griffin, 32; Francisco Quezada, 41; Alexi Quezada, 36; Juan Fransella-Jose, 36; Alexander Rodriguez Crouset, 38; Victor Jose Herrera Castillo, 44; and Juan Ortiz, 35, were charged in the indictment, along with Rondon-Caceres. Except for Griffin, of Allegheny County, Pa., the defendants in this case are Dominican nationals illegally in the United States.
If convicted, each of these defendants faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison.
These cases demonstrate how federal prosecutions can both disrupt the flow of deadly drugs into our region and eliminate criminal drug trafficking organizations operating here.
“Our neighborhoods deserve to be free from the grip of cartels and gangs that traffic in drugs, guns, and people,” U.S. Attorney Metcalf said. “HSTF Philadelphia is about more than prosecutions — it’s about protecting families, restoring safety, and ensuring that no community in our district is left vulnerable to the reach of transnational criminal organizations.”
HSTF Philadelphia 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.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments above are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Hilliard man pleads guilty to using AI to create child pornographyRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Hilliard man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to two child pornography crimes.
Austin Pittman, 35, admitted to distributing images of real child pornography and using AI to morph videos and photos of real children to whom he had access into images of child pornography.
According to court documents, in January 2025, the Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received multiple cyber tipline reports regarding Pittman’s activity on Kik messenger. On the instant messaging app, Pittman distributed child pornography depicting an adult sexually abusing a child.
Further investigation revealed that, in 2024, Pittman was the target of an investigation at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, where he uploaded 47 files of child pornography to Kik.
A search warrant at Pittman’s residence in April of this year led to the seizure of numerous devices. During a review of Pittman’s cell phone, law enforcement officials discovered images and videos of real children to whom Pittman had access. Pittman had secretly recorded and created some of the images and videos himself. Pittman then used AI programs to alter these images and depict the minor females as fully nude.
Pittman was charged federally and arrested on April 29.
Distributing and receiving child pornography carries a potential sentence of five to 20 years in prison. Producing morphed child pornography is a federal crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Congress sets minimum and maximum statutory sentences. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a future hearing.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin; and other members of the Franklin County ICAC Task Force announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Douglas R. Cole. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski is representing the United States in this case.
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Former Prison Guards Sentenced to Prison for Assault on InmateRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Michael Williams, age 39, of Bloomingburg, New York, and Rohail Khan, age 28, of Utica, New York, have been sentenced to 21 months and 24 months in federal prison, respectively, for depriving an inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility of his rights under color of law. 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.
When Williams and Khan pled guilty, they admitted to assaulting an inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility in April 2023, along with fellow correction officer Brandon Montanari, age 34, of East Concord, New York. Montanari, Williams, and Khan punched and kicked the inmate without cause in a hallway in the middle of the night, and they later agreed with each other to lie about what happened to internal investigators. After the beating, the inmate was forced to reveal the nature of his underlying criminal conviction to his fellow inmates, and within 24 hours the inmate was hospitalized after an attack by another inmate.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “It is despicable, cowardly, and dangerous for a group of corrections officers to assault a defenseless inmate without cause and then lie about it. My office will continue to prosecute those who abuse their badges in this way.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Mr. Williams and Mr. Khan violated the oath they swore to uphold as officers of the law. As they head to federal prison for their actions, the FBI remains committed to working with our partners to investigate and hold accountable any officer who abuses their position to deliberately cause harm to others.”
Montanari was previously sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment for his role in the assault.
FBI investigated the case with assistance from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Office of Special Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Perry and Michael D. Gadarian prosecuted the case.
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Former President and CEO of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce Pleads Guilty to FraudRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Jonathan Weinhagen, also known as “James Sullivan,” age 42, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to one count of Mail Fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen.
From December 2019 through June 2024, defendant Weinhagen abused his position as President and CEO of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce to defraud and embezzle hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Chamber of Commerce and its business members, in several ways.
First, Weinhagen stole reward money for the unsolved murders of children. In May 2021, two minor children were killed, and a third child was injured, in a series of shootings in North Minneapolis. On May 21, 2021, the Chamber of Commerce contributed $30,000 to Crime Stoppers of Minnesota to fund three separate $10,000 rewards for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the persons responsible for the shootings. Approximately one year later, Weinhagen emailed the president of Crime Stoppers of Minnesota to inquire about the status of the rewards. When he learned that the rewards were unclaimed, Weinhagen asked that the $30,000 be returned to the Chamber of Commerce because it had “made a commitment to [its] investors to deploy the resources into the North Minneapolis Community.” Weinhagen told Crime Stoppers to send the refund check to Weinhagen’s home, which Weinhagen falsely represented was the Chamber of Commerce’s new address. On June 6, 2022, Crime Stoppers of Minnesota sent the $30,000 check to Weinhagen’s home. Weinhagen stole this money and used it to pay his personal expenses.
Second, between December 2019 and April 2021, Weinhagen entered into three sham consulting agreements on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce with Synergy Partners, a fictional company the defendant invented for purposes of defrauding the Chamber of Commerce. Weinhagen signed the sham agreements using the alias “James Sullivan” and caused the Chamber of Commerce to pay a total of $107,500 to Synergy Partners. Weinhagen deposited this money into a bank account he opened in Synergy Partners’ name and used the money for his own personal expenses.
Third, in November 2020, Weinhagen surreptitiously opened a $200,000 line of credit in the Chamber of Commerce’s name. Over the course of the next year, Weinhagen drew $125,000 from the line of credit, which he transferred to Synergy Partners’ bank account and used for personal expenses.
Fourth, in January 2022, Weinhagen used the Chamber of Commerce’s credit card to pay for a vacation to Hawaii. Weinhagen charged $15,701 to the Chamber of Commerce’s credit card for first-class airfare and a two-bedroom ocean-front room at the Hilton Hawaiian Village for him and his family. The defendant later created fake documents to make it appear that the charges were for legitimate Chamber of Commerce business.
Finally, in January 2025, after he was fired from the Minnesota Regional Chamber of Commerce, Weinhagen applied for a $54,661 bank loan. In the application, Weinhagen falsely stated that he earned an annual income of $425,000 from a Minnesota-based restaurant holding company. Weinhagen provided a fake paystub in support of this bank loan. In reality, Weinhagen was not a salaried employee of, and did not earn $425,000 per year from, the restaurant holding company.
Weinhagen pled guilty before District Judge Nancy E. Brasel. A sentencing hearing will be held at a later date.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew C. Murphy.
Former President and CEO of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce Pleads Guilty to FraudRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Jonathan Weinhagen, also known as “James Sullivan,” age 42, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to one count of Mail Fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen.
From December 2019 through June 2024, defendant Weinhagen abused his position as President and CEO of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce to defraud and embezzle hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Chamber of Commerce and its business members, in several ways.
First, Weinhagen stole reward money for the unsolved murders of children. In May 2021, two minor children were killed, and a third child was injured, in a series of shootings in North Minneapolis. On May 21, 2021, the Chamber of Commerce contributed $30,000 to Crime Stoppers of Minnesota to fund three separate $10,000 rewards for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the persons responsible for the shootings. Approximately one year later, Weinhagen emailed the president of Crime Stoppers of Minnesota to inquire about the status of the rewards. When he learned that the rewards were unclaimed, Weinhagen asked that the $30,000 be returned to the Chamber of Commerce because it had “made a commitment to [its] investors to deploy the resources into the North Minneapolis Community.” Weinhagen told Crime Stoppers to send the refund check to Weinhagen’s home, which Weinhagen falsely represented was the Chamber of Commerce’s new address. On June 6, 2022, Crime Stoppers of Minnesota sent the $30,000 check to Weinhagen’s home. Weinhagen stole this money and used it to pay his personal expenses.
Second, between December 2019 and April 2021, Weinhagen entered into three sham consulting agreements on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce with Synergy Partners, a fictional company the defendant invented for purposes of defrauding the Chamber of Commerce. Weinhagen signed the sham agreements using the alias “James Sullivan” and caused the Chamber of Commerce to pay a total of $107,500 to Synergy Partners. Weinhagen deposited this money into a bank account he opened in Synergy Partners’ name and used the money for his own personal expenses.
Third, in November 2020, Weinhagen surreptitiously opened a $200,000 line of credit in the Chamber of Commerce’s name. Over the course of the next year, Weinhagen drew $125,000 from the line of credit, which he transferred to Synergy Partners’ bank account and used for personal expenses.
Fourth, in January 2022, Weinhagen used the Chamber of Commerce’s credit card to pay for a vacation to Hawaii. Weinhagen charged $15,701 to the Chamber of Commerce’s credit card for first-class airfare and a two-bedroom ocean-front room at the Hilton Hawaiian Village for him and his family. The defendant later created fake documents to make it appear that the charges were for legitimate Chamber of Commerce business.
Finally, in January 2025, after he was fired from the Minnesota Regional Chamber of Commerce, Weinhagen applied for a $54,661 bank loan. In the application, Weinhagen falsely stated that he earned an annual income of $425,000 from a Minnesota-based restaurant holding company. Weinhagen provided a fake paystub in support of this bank loan. In reality, Weinhagen was not a salaried employee of, and did not earn $425,000 per year from, the restaurant holding company.
Weinhagen pled guilty before District Judge Nancy E. Brasel. A sentencing hearing will be held at a later date.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew C. Murphy.
Former Ohkay Owingeh Police Department Officer Back in Court After Absconding While on Pre-Trial ReleaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Pre-trial conditions of release for Justin Aguino were revoked after he violated his terms of release, prompting the FBI to publish a wanted poster that led to his arrest.
Aguino was originally arrested and charged with obstruction of justice and making false statements for using his position as an officer with the Ohkay Owingeh Police Department to impede a federal grand jury investigation by disclosing information about an ongoing investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration to a person outside the investigation. When confronted by FBI special agents in 2022, Aguino falsely stated that he had not shared any information.
On July 6, 2023, Aguino was released on conditions pending trial. On August 22, 2024, the Isleta Tribal Court issued a bench warrant for his failure to appear at a child support hearing. When Pretrial Services attempted to contact Aguino regarding the warrant, officers discovered his phone number was no longer in service, violating his release by failing to report changes in contact information and failing to remain in communication with officers.
On November 25, 2025, the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office offered a reward for information leading to Aguino’s capture. He was arrested on the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo the following day. On December 1, 2025, Aguino appeared in federal court and was detained pending trial, which was originally scheduled for October 2024, but has not been rescheduled.
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.
This case was investigated by the Santa Fe office of the Federal Bureau Investigation with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Region III Drug Enforcement Task Force. Criminal Chief Niki Tapia-Brito is prosecuting the case.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Memphis Police Department Officer Sentenced for Civil Rights, Firearms, Kidnapping, and Obstruction Charges Related to Fatal ShootingRead the Press Release
Patric J. Ferguson, 34, a former Memphis Police Department Officer, was sentenced today to 38 years in prison for civil rights, firearms, kidnapping, and obstruction offenses in connection with the fatal shooting of a man identified by the initials R.H.
“This defendant committed a premeditated murder while using his position as a police officer, not to protect the Memphis community, but to perpetrate this horrendous crime and shield himself from suspicion and liability,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “While no prison sentence can undo the defendant’s heartless crimes, today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable and sends a clear message that no one is above the law. The Justice Department will aggressively prosecute those who violate the rights of the people they are sworn to protect.”
“This sentence reenforces that violating an individual’s constitutional rights will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee. “This defendant tarnished his badge and undermined this community’s faith in law enforcement. Our office remains committed to protecting our communities from any and all abuses of power.”
Documents filed in connection with the defendant’s plea established that Ferguson, while on duty as a Memphis Police Department officer on Jan. 5, 2021, kidnapped and fatally shot R.H. Ferguson then conspired with his co-defendant, Joshua M. Rogers, to cover up the fatal shooting by disposing of R.H.’s body in the Wolf River in Memphis. Finally, Ferguson and Rogers conspired to dispose of the vehicle they used to transport R.H.’s body by selling it to a scrap metal company.
Rogers pleaded guilty on May 8, to obstruction charges related to the cover up of Ferguson’s fatal shooting. Rogers is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 17.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI’s Nashville Field Office and the Memphis Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Hartridge for the Western District of Tennessee and Trial Attorneys Tenette Smith and Sarah Armstrong of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
Former Executive from Marlborough Charged with Conspiracy to Defraud the IRS and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former accounting and real estate executive in Sudbury has been charged and has agreed to plead guilty to perpetrating a multi-year scheme to cheat the Internal Revenue Service by getting paid more than $1.6 million in compensation and fringe benefits under the table, all while allegedly lying to the U.S. Attorney’s Office about his income to avoid paying restitution he owed to victims of an earlier fraud scheme.
Stephen L. Hochberg, 77, of Marlborough, was charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and with obstruction of justice. The defendant will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston on Dec. 11, 2025.
According to the charging documents, Hochberg and Charles D. Katz agreed as early as 2014 to cheat the IRS. They allegedly agreed that Hochberg, who served as the Director of Corporate Services at Katz’s accounting firm and as Chief Operating Officer at Katz’s real estate firm, would be paid significant compensation off the books so that Hochberg would have tax-free income and so that Katz’s firms – CD Katz LLC and Gebsco Realty Corporation – would have lower employment taxes. Over time, Katz allegedly paid Hochberg’s family, provided rent-free housing to Hochberg’s ex-wife, paid college tuition for his children and paid personal expenses that Hochberg and his ex-wife charged on corporate credit cards.
All told, Katz allegedly paid Hochberg at least $1,668,487 in unreported income and avoided taxes of at least $835,105.
In 2008, Hochberg was convicted of eight counts of wire fraud and nine counts of securities fraud, for which he was sentenced to more than five years in federal prison and ordered to pay $1,791,500 to his victims. It is alleged that, in addition to his and Katz’s scheme, he lied to the U.S. Attorney’s Office about his income from Katz’s firms and obstructed the collection of restitution he owed to victims.
Katz was charged and agreed to plead guilty in October 2025. The Court accepted his plea and scheduled a sentencing hearing for Feb. 2, 2026.
The charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of obstruction of justice provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, restitution and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil, Deputy Chief of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Former Ellensburg Doctor Indicted on 26 Felony Counts for Falsifying and Issuing Commercial Driver’s Licenses and Prescriptions for Controlled Substances Outside the Scope of Professional Practice and Not for a Legitimate Medical PurposeRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on November 14, 2025, a federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington returned an Indictment charging Anna Elperin, age 42, with 26 felony counts relating to prescriptions for controlled substances and Department of Transportation commercial driver’s licenses physical examinations Elperin wrote and performed at her former clinic, Awake Health, PLLC, in Ellensburg, Washington, between July 2018 and September 2022.
Elperin was arrested by federal law enforcement officers on November 21, 2025, and made her initial appearance in federal magistrate court on November 24, 2025.
The Indictment alleges that Elperin was involved in two separate fraudulent schemes. First, Elperin falsified medical examinations for commercial driver’s license applicants. According to court documents, Elperin, who was a trained and certified medical examiner eligible to perform Department of Transportation physicals, improperly performed physical examinations and then certified candidates for commercial driver’s licenses were physically qualified for such licenses when they in fact were not. Moreover, Elperin failed to transmit data about the certifications she signed to the Department of Transportation as required. Second, Elperin issued false and fraudulent prescriptions for controlled substances outside the scope of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose, occasionally prescribing her staff prescriptions which she herself would take from the staff member. According to court documents, Elperin had a pre-signed prescription pad at her clinic, Awake Health, and permitted staff members to write themselves prescriptions for controlled substances. Moreover, Elperin herself signed prescriptions for controlled substances for staff and others which Elperin then requested the individual return to Elperin for her own use.
“This investigation has been ongoing for a long time, and I am proud to work with such diligent investigative agencies who are focused on public safety, especially with the current environment of public concerns related to motor carrier qualifications and safety” stated Mr. Serrano.Elperin has been charged with Conspiracy to Defraud the Department of Transportation (Count 1); Making a False Writing or Document (Counts 2-7); Falsification of Federal Records (Counts 8-13); Conspiracy to Dispense Controlled Substances and to Acquire Controlled Substances by Misrepresentation, Fraud, or Deception (Count 14); False Statements Relating to Health Care Matters (Counts 15-17); Dispensing and Distribution of Controlled Substances (Counts 18-22); and Acquiring or Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Misrepresentation, Fraud, or Deception (Counts 23-26).
A hearing for Elperin’s detention pending trial was held on November 26, 2025. Prior to the detention hearing, the United States Attorney’s Office filed two detention motions arguing for Elperin’s detention. The United States proffered that Elperin was frequently visibly impaired at work at Awake Health and had threatened and intimidated staff members, including with a firearm. At the detention hearing, Magistrate Judge Alex C. Ekstrom highlighted that there was currently no evidence that any of Elperin’s substance or alcohol abuse, which underlined the charged offenses, had been addressed. Judge Ekstrom further expressed concerns about Elperin’s substance and alcohol use, mental health, and acts of ensconcing herself in her house to further her addiction. Magistrate Judge Ekstrom detained Elperin pending trial.
“This indictment highlights our unwavering commitment to exposing and pursuing fraudulent conduct by medical professionals in the motor carrier industry who are willing to jeopardize public safety,” said Cory LeGars, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Western Region. “Working closely with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, we will continue to aggressively prevent, detect, and prosecute actions that undermine the integrity of DOT’s safety programs.”
“DEA holds physicians who prescribe controlled substances to a very high standard so they do not become drug dealers with a medical license,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Not only did Dr. Elperin fail to uphold this standard, in some instances she obtained the controlled substances for her personal use. We are proud of the work of DEA and our partners for holding her accountable.”
Unrelated to the federal investigation, in December 2021 and September 2022, respectively, the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery and the Washington State Department of Health restricted Elperin’s medical license.
This case is being investigated jointly by the Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney R. Pratten, and contractor Echo D. Fatsis.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
1:25-cr-02120-SABMore information can be found on the Washington State Department of Health Website: https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/kittitas-county-osteopathic-physicians-license-suspended-based-additional-charges.
Former DeWitt Post Office Station Manager Sentenced for FraudRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Emilio Chirico, 57, of Cicero, New York, was sentenced on October 29 in federal court in Utica to 6 months of imprisonment after previously pleading guilty to wire fraud and misappropriation of postal funds. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area Field Office of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) made the announcement.
As part of his prior guilty plea, Chirico admitted that between January 2021 and March 2023, he stole $81,553.94 in stamps from the DeWitt Post Office and falsified postal records to conceal the theft of the stamps. Chirico had been the station manager at the DeWitt Post Office since March 2012.
Senior United States District Judge David N. Hurd also sentenced Chirico to serve a 2-year term of supervised release to begin after Chirico is released from prison, to pay a total of $81,553.94 in restitution, a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $81,553.94, and a $5,500 fine.
Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “Public servants are entrusted with the responsibility to serve their communities with honesty and integrity. Mr. Chirico chose instead to abuse that trust for his own personal gain. Today’s sentence makes clear that no one who steals from the public—no matter their position—will escape accountability. My office will continue to work tirelessly with our law-enforcement partners to protect taxpayer funds and uphold the integrity of our federal institutions.”
USPS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Modafferi said, “The Special Agents of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General will continue to maintain the integrity of the U.S. Postal Service and its personnel. Our office will continue to vigorously investigate Postal Service employees who violate the public’s trust. This case serves as an excellent example of the successful collaboration between the USPS OIG and the U.S Attorney’s Office Northen District of New York to pursue and prosecute Postal Service employees involved in criminal activity. The USPS OIG is thankful for the great longstanding relationships we have with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to combat fraud.”
The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tamara B. Thomson, Michael F. Perry, and Melissa O. Rothbart.
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Dulce Man Sentenced for Assault by StrangulationRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Dulce man was sentenced to 84 months in prison for assaulting a woman by strangulation.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records, between April 7 and April 8, 2024, Kayiliab Haines, 34, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Indian Tribe, assaulted Jane Doe by strangling her.
Haines pled guilty to assault by strangulation. Upon his release from prison, Haines will be subject to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.
The Jicarilla Apache Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meg Tomlinson prosecuted the case.
Dulce Man Charged with Violent AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Dulce man has been indicted on federal charges as a habitual offender for allegedly strangling and suffocating a woman.
According to court documents, on April 3, 2025, Tyler Vigil, 32, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Indian Tribe, assaulted Jane Doe by strangling and suffocating her. Vigil has at least two prior convictions in Indian tribal court for assault, making him a habitual offender.
Vigil is charged with assault by a habitual offender and assault and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Vigil faces up to 10 years 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 Jicarilla Apache Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael R. Pahl is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican National Previously Convicted of Child Sex Offenses Charged with Perjury and Immigration FraudRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – On November 18, a federal grand jury indicted Jeffry Jose De Pena, 39, an illegal alien Dominican national who was unlawfully present in the United States, on charges of perjury and immigration fraud. The indictment alleges that De Pena lied about his prior criminal history when he applied for temporary protection to stay in America.
“We remain committed to safeguarding the integrity of our children and society by ensuring alien applicants provide truthful information and are not child sex predators,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “While these charges are only allegations at this stage, the public should know that our office will scrutinize false statements and continue to uphold the rule of law and support our federal partners as they carry out their mission.”
According to the indictment and previously issued court immigration documents, De Pena is alleged to have knowingly made a materially false statement under penalty of perjury on his Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), when he submitted it to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) in December of 2021. In response to the question “Have you EVER engaged in, ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in any of the following:…[a]ny kind of sexual contact or relations with any person who was being forced or threatened?” he answered “No.” CIS approved the application on January 5, 2022.
On February 20, 2023, in the Superior Court in Wake County, a grand jury returned three indictments charging De Pena with having committed five counts of indecent liberties with a child and seven counts of first-degree sex offense with a child by an adult from January 1, 2007, through January 1, 2012. On March 21, 2024, De Pena was convicted of indecent liberties with a child and first-degree sex offense with a child by an adult. He was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of between 300 and 420 months and ordered to register as a sex offender. De Pena confessed to having committed the crimes from January 1, 2007, through January 1, 2012. In 2007, the victim was only four years old. Because he was not arrested until after he obtained DACA status, immigration officials were unaware of his crimes and claimed lack of sexual exploitation of children prior to approving his application.
De Pena is charged in a two-count indictment. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Warlick is prosecuting the case. ICE ERO officers and HSI agents assigned to the Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force are investigating the case as part of Operation False Haven, an ongoing initiative designed to aggressively target child molesters and other egregious felons who fraudulently obtain immigration benefits.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-CR-00288.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – James Garner, also known as “Jake,” 35, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. Garner admitted to a role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Huntington area.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 17, 2025, Garner sold approximately 50 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in exchange for $350. As part of his guilty plea, Garner admitted that co-defendant Joshua Willie McCarver directed the confidential informant to a Baer Street residence in Huntington, where Garner sold the methamphetamine to the confidential informant.
Garner also admitted to the following criminal conduct: he sold approximately 51 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in exchange for $350 on January 22, 2025, and approximately 336 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in exchange for $2,400 on February 21, 2025. Garner admitted that he conducted both transactions at the Baer Street residence, and that McCarver arranged each transaction beforehand and directed the confidential informant to the residence in each instance. On May 31, 2025, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop in Huntington of a vehicle in which Garner was a passenger. Garner admitted that he exited the vehicle during the traffic stop and discarded a bag containing approximately 459 grams of methamphetamine near the front passenger side of the vehicle. Garner further admitted that he returned to the vehicle when instructed to by an officer, but then fled from the traffic stop on foot and was apprehended after a pursuit. Officers recovered the bag discarded by Garner and a bag containing approximately 49.8 grams of fentanyl in the front passenger floorboard of the vehicle. Garner admitted that he possessed the recovered methamphetamine and fentanyl and intended to distribute the controlled substances for money.
Garner is scheduled to be sentenced on March 16, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at last four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million.
Garner is among 10 defendants indicted on charges alleging they participated in the DTO. Garner and co-defendant Jackie Dwayne Lucas, also known as “Dwayne,” 49, of Huntington, pleaded guilty. The charges against McCarver, also known as “TJ,” 27, of Detroit, Michigan, and the other defendants remain pending. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Cabell County Sheriff's Office, the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, and the Huntington Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-154.
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Delano Man Sentenced to 6 Years and 8 Months in Prison for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
Omar Vayas Duran, 45, of Delano, was sentenced today to six years and eight months in prison by U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, between Sept. 23, 2020, and June 29, 2021, Duran conspired with Jesus Manuel Morfin Villa, 31, of Delano, and others to acquire and distribute fentanyl. On one occasion in June 2021, Duran supplied Morfin Villa with approximately 2,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to sell.
On Aug. 14, 2023, Morfin Villa was sentenced to 14 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, methamphetamine and fentanyl.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly A. Sanchez and Cody S. Chapple prosecuted the case.
Court Sentences Mobile County Man to 14 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – On December 1, 2025, United States District Court Chief Judge Jeffrey U. Beaverstock sentenced Charlie Alexander Hall to 168 months’ imprisonment for Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine after Hall agreed to sell undercover agents approximately 8.5 ounces of methamphetamine for $2000 in May 2024.
Court documents show that law enforcement surveilled Hall at his home in Semmes, Alabama, where he placed a 5-gallon bucket containing the methamphetamine he was planning to sell in his vehicle. Surveillance continued after Hall left his residence with the methamphetamine. Officers attempted to stop Hall for a traffic infraction, and he accelerated, driving through a residential area at speeds greater than 100 MPH. Hall threw the 5-gallon bucket containing the methamphetamine out of his car and the bucket opened, spreading the methamphetamine across the road.
The chase continued at speeds over 100 MPH until Hall stopped and was apprehended with the assistance of a canine. Law enforcement recovered the bucket and approximately 1,275 grams of methamphetamine from the roadway. The same day, law enforcement also executed a search warrant at Hall’s home and recovered approximately 1 more kilogram of methamphetamine in a similar 5-gallon bucket behind the home.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations, and the Mobile County Sherriff’s Office - Narcotics Unit investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys George May prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Clint Man Gets Nearly a Decade in Federal Prison for Transporting AliensRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – A Clint man was sentenced in a federal court in El Paso today to 115 months in prison for conspiracy to transport aliens.
According to court documents, Jesus David Escareno aka El Gerver, 19, acted as the leader of an alien smuggling cell operating in the Western District of Texas and the District of New Mexico. From July 2024 through February 2025, Escareno conspired with dozens of drivers to pick up and transport aliens in furtherance of their illegal entry into the United States. In total, he was directly involved in the transportation of more than 100 aliens.
Escareno was arrested April 7 and pleaded guilty on Sept. 9. U.S. District Judge Leon Schydlower presided over the case.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mathew Engelbaum prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
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Crawfordville Woman Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Methamphetamine and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Lisa M. Ezell, Jr., 39, of Crawfordville, Florida, was sentenced to serve 78 months in prison, followed by a 10-year term of supervised release, after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our state and federal law enforcement partners are committed to eradicating drug traffickers from our communities, and my office will continue to back up excellent investigations like this one with successful prosecutions to send these peddlers of poisonous drugs to federal prison. The residents of the Northern District of Florida deserve safe streets and drug-free communities, and that is exactly what we will deliver.”
According to court records, the defendant sold narcotics from her residence in Crawfordville, Florida. Law enforcement executed a search warrant in July 2025 at the defendant’s residence and located more than 400 grams of methamphetamine, 18 firearms, and over $7,000 in cash. The defendant had a prior federal conviction in the Northern District of Florida for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
“This sentence underscores the strong partnership between the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Agencies, and Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney's Office. Methamphetamine and the unlawful possession of firearms while trafficking drugs harm individuals, families, and entire neighborhoods. We remain committed to protecting our community and fostering a safer future for everyone.”
“This conviction sends a clear message: those who choose to traffic dangerous drugs while possessing illegal firearms will be held fully accountable,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas G. Ingegno. “The combination of methamphetamine distribution and an arsenal of more than a dozen firearms posed a serious threat to the safety of the community. Thanks to the thorough work of the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, HSI, and the Northern District of Florida United States Attorney’s Office, we have removed both a criminal element and a dangerous narcotics and weapons from our streets.”
The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Harley W. Ferguson.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Possession of a MacHine Gun and Other Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – James Wiley Kelley, Jr., 51, of Altha, Florida, pleaded guilty to possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act weapon, possession of a machinegun, and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case demonstrates the unified commitment of our state and federal law enforcement officers to use the full force of the law to keep our communities safe. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute offenders, like this defendant, to the fullest extent as a warning to criminals that violating our nation’s laws in the Northern District of Florida is a one-way ticket to federal prison.”
Court documents reflect that United States Customs Border Protection Agents identified a parcel bearing a fictitious name and an Altha, Florida, address while inspecting packages from a flight originating in China. Examination of the parcel revealed a small box titled “In-Car Vent Mount” which contained black plastic vent mounts for a smart phone, and three silver metal component parts comprising a machine gun conversion device (MCD). Following a controlled delivery of the MCD, agents executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence, resulting in the seizure of pistols, rifles, shotguns and ammunition of various calibers, as well as methamphetamine. Further investigation confirmed the defendant’s acceptance of firearms as payment for methamphetamine. The defendant is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to prior felony convictions for Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Marked Police Car and Possession of a Controlled Substance.
The case involved a joint investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jason R. Coody is prosecuting the case.
Sentencing is set for February 5, 2026, at 11:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Court Judge Mark E. Walker.
The defendant faces a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment for possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act weapon, an identical penalty for possession of a machinegun, and a maximum of fifteen years’ imprisonment for possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, in addition to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Broome County Man Sentenced to 19 Years for Drug Trafficking, Firearm Offenses, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Corey Jordon Green, age 33, of Vestal, New York, was sentenced on October 3, 2025 to 19 years in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy spanning the United States. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) New York, made the announcement.
As part of his previously-entered guilty plea to a seven-count superseding information, Jordon Green admitted that from at least January 2022 through November 2023 he possessed with intent to distribute, distributed, and conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute large quantities of fentanyl and heroin in and around Broome County. Jordon Green and his co-conspirators obtained these drugs from sources of supply in California and elsewhere. The Court also found Jordon Green responsible for distribution of methamphetamine. As part of his plea, Jordon Green also admitted to possessing five firearms—three handguns and two AK-47 style weapons—to further his drug-trafficking activities, all while being prohibited from possessing firearms due to having been previously convicted of multiple felonies. Green also admitted to conspiring with others to launder his drug-trafficking proceeds.
Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes imposed a 19 year prison term, concurrent 3 and 5-year terms of post-release supervision, and a money judgment of over $185,000 of unrecovered proceeds from his drug trafficking.
Co-conspirator Michael Jacobs, age 35, of Endicott, New York, was previously sentenced by Chief Judge Sannes in December 2024 to a 130-month (10 years and 10 months) term of imprisonment for his role in the conspiracy. Chief Judge Sannes also imposed on Jacobs a 5-year term of post-release supervision.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine are a scourge on our communities. Coupled with unlawful firearms possession, the danger is multiplied exponentially. This substantial sentence holds the defendant responsible for the serious harm he caused to the Broome County community, protects the public from his dangerous actions for many years and should serve as a strong deterrent for others engaging in the same conduct. Let this significant prison sentence be a warning to others that if you engage in this unlawful conduct, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Keegan stated: “Today's sentencing reflects the gravity of the defendant's crimes and underscores the critical importance of dismantling these dangerous networks, which continue to place the often-unsuspecting public at risk. Drug trafficking, particularly involving fentanyl, devastates our communities, claims countless lives, and fuels addiction. As demonstrated today, HSI Syracuse, together with our law enforcement partners, is unwaveringly committed to protecting New Yorkers and holding accountable those who profit from poisoning our neighborhoods.”
IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Chavis stated: “Jordon-Green operated a multi-layered criminal enterprise that included weapons possession, narcotics trafficking and movement of those illicit funds through various banks and money apps. IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to working in lock-step with our law enforcement partners to make sure dangerous criminals like Jordon-Green are put behind bars for their greed and continued threat to their own community.”
New York State Superintendent Steven G. James stated: “The New York State Police will continue to work with our federal partners to hold those who traffic in fentanyl, heroin, and other dangerous drugs accountable. This investigation shows how coordinated enforcement can remove violent offenders, illegal weapons, and narcotics from our communities. I want to thank HSI, IRS-CI, the DEA, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and our VGNET members for their dedication to protecting the people of Broome County and the surrounding region.”
This case was investigated by HSI, IRS-CI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the New York State Police VGNET. Assistant United States Attorneys Kristen Grabowski and Ben Gillis prosecuted this 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.
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Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Methamphetamine and FentanylRead the Press Release
Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl
CONCORD – Jeison Eulogio Dume-Calderone, 28, formerly of Boston, pleaded guilty to distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and 400 grams of fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
According to the charging documents and statements made in court, on two occasions in March 2023, Dume-Calderone sold a total of 667 grams of methamphetamine to a United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) confidential source in Seabrook, New Hampshire. Later the same month, DEA agents arrested Dume-Calderone after he sold approximately 8.5 kilograms of methamphetamine and 498 grams of fentanyl to the same confidential source at a different Seabrook location.
A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment on March 26, 2025. Dume-Calderone remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending his sentencing. The charges carry a maximum term of life. 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. The Court scheduled sentencing in this matter for March 12, 2026. The Department of Homeland Security has determined that Dume-Calderon is a citizen of the Dominican Republic who is present in the United States unlawfully.
“Today’s guilty plea underscores our office’s commitment to combatting the flow of methamphetamine and fentanyl into our communities. This defendant chose to traffic in highly addictive and dangerous drugs and now will be held accountable. We will continue to work closely with our federal, state, and local partners to protect the public and dismantle drug trafficking networks,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan.
“The state of New Hampshire continues to be faced with a drug crisis unlike ever before and the DEA stands committed to work to keep highly addictive drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine out of the Granite State,” said Jarod Forget, DEA Special Agent in Charge, New England Field Division. “Those responsible for distributing lethal drugs and contributing to the loss of life for those battling addiction need to be held responsible for their actions. DEA and its local, state and federal partners are committed to bringing to justice those that distribute these poisons.”
The investigation was led by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennfer C. Davis is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Bay Area Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Stockton Drug BuyRead the Press Release
Robert Godinez, 53, of Hayward, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to 13 years in prison for possessing methamphetamine and heroin with the intent to distribute, and for using a cellphone to facilitate drug trafficking offenses, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, on Aug. 30, 2019, law enforcement officers pulled over Godinez on a traffic stop after he purchased methamphetamine and heroin from a drug dealer in Stockton. A search of Godinez’s vehicle resulted in the discovery of 2 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately a half pound of heroin. Additionally, during the prosecution of this case, Godinez submitted false declarations to the district court and lied to the assigned probation officer, resulting in the application of an obstruction of justice sentencing enhancement.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the San Joaquin County Probation Department, the Stockton Police Department, and the Tracy Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Lee and Adrian T. Kinsella prosecuted 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 Sacramento comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Northern California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.
Acting U.S. Attorney Welcomes Special Assistant U.S. AttorneysRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Since October, Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III has sworn in seven Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys (SAUSAs).
SAUSAs are able to prosecute cases in federal court under the supervision of the U.S. Attorney’s Office while remaining employed as ADAs. The ADAs recently sworn in as SAUSAs include: First ADA Michael T. Johnson (Herkimer County); Chief ADA J. Sam Rodgers (Madison County); ADAs Manpreet Kaur and Kathleen Hofmann (Montgomery County); and Chief ADA Christopher Bednarski and Senior ADAs Sara Fitzpatrick and Alphonse L. Williams III (Onondaga County).
Acting United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “One of my top goals as the Acting U.S. Attorney is to strengthen the partnerships among federal, state and local law enforcement organizations. When we work seamlessly together, more criminals are taken off the street, more weapons are taken out of their hands, and our communities are safer. I am proud to welcome more ADAs as SAUSAs, and I thank District Attorneys Jeffrey S. Carpenter, Christina Pearson, William Fitzpatrick, and Robert A. Mascari for their partnership in this important endeavor.”
Herkimer County DA Jeffrey S. Carpenter stated: “Herkimer County First Assistant District Attorney, Michael Johnson, was recently sworn in by Acting US Attorney John Sarcone as a Special Assistant US Attorney. This honor, the first in Herkimer County’s history, exemplifies the commitment by AUSA Sarcone to ensure the continued safety of the residents of Herkimer County through a joint partnership between our two agencies.”
Montgomery County DA Christina Pearson stated: “This is an exciting opportunity for my office and for the people of Montgomery County, and I thank Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone for his continued partnership. I am confident ADAs Kaur and Hofmann will represent Montgomery County with integrity and distinction.”
Onondaga County DA William Fitzpatrick stated: “I want to personally thank my friend US Attorney John Sarcone for following through on his initial promise to work cooperatively with all 32 DAs Offices within the jurisdiction of the Northern District of New York. Through his cross designations of members of my office as Special Assistant US Attorneys, I look forward to working with John on crimes involving gun trafficking, gang violence, child pornography and human trafficking, and narcotic sales all in an effort to keep Onondaga County one of the safest places to live in New York State.”
Acting Madison County DA Robert A. Mascari stated: “The opportunity provided by Acting United States Attorney John Sarcone to have my Chief Assistant District Attorney Sam Rodgers appointed as a Special Assistant United States Attorney is greatly appreciated. Reaching out to counties like Madison in this way speaks volumes to the willingness of Mr. Sarcone and the federal agencies to work closely with Madison County on matters of mutual concern. I know Sam is the perfect person for this appointment and being our connection to the United States Attorney’s Office. We look forward to working with Mr. Sarcone and his staff to improve and promote public safety throughout Central New York.”
Pictured above (left to right):
Herkimer County District Attorney Jeffrey Carpenter, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Herkimer County First Assistant District Attorney Michael Johnson, his wife, Andrea, and daughters, Emma and Lily.
Pictured above (left to right)
Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Madison County Chief Assistant District Attorney J. Sam Rodgers.
Pictured above (left to right):
Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney Manpreet Kaur, Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney Kathleen Hofmann, and Montgomery County District Attorney Christina Pearson.
Pictured above (left to right):
Daniel LaDuke, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Diane Fitzpatrick, Onondaga County Senior Assistant District Attorney Sara Fitzpatrick, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, and Sean Fitzpatrick.
Pictured above (left to right):
Pictured above: Onondaga County First Chief Assistant District Attorney Joseph Coolican, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Chief Assistant District Attorney Christopher Bednarski and his wife, Maria.
Pictured above (left to right):
Onondaga County Senior Assistant District Attorney Alphonse L. Williams III, Onondaga County District Attorney William J. Fitzpatrick, and Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III.
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Acting U.S. Attorney Meets with Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector GeneralRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – On October 7, 2025, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III had an introductory meeting with Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Sean P. Roberts of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
DOL OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone stated: “The Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General greatly values its partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York. Their commitment to pursuing justice is essential to our mission of safeguarding the integrity of DOL programs and protecting America’s workers. Through our collaborative efforts, we will continue to hold accountable those who defraud federal programs, exploit workers, or compromise workplace safety. This partnership enhances our ability to build strong cases and reinforces the public’s trust in government programs.”
Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Today’s meeting underscores the strong and essential partnership between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General. We remain committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners to safeguard federal programs, protect workers, and ensure that those who engage in fraud or exploitation are held fully accountable. I look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to uphold the rule of law and strengthen public trust throughout the Northern District of New York.”
Pictured above (from left to right):
U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Chief Karen Lesperance, U.S. Department of Labor OIG Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Sean P. Roberts, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, and U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Chief Cyrus Rieck.
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28 November 2025
U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico Weekly Immigration and Border Crimes ReportRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced its immigration enforcement statistics for this week. These cases are prosecuted in partnership with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, along with Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and assistance from other federal, state, and county agencies.
In the three-day period ending November 26, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico:
- 29 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
- 6 individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
- 54 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325)
- 4 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325), violation of a military security regulation (50 U.S.C. 797) and Entering Military, Naval, or Coast Guard Property (18 U.S.C. 1382), arising from the newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico.
Many of the defendants charged pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1326 had prior criminal convictions for drug trafficking and domestic violence.
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.
These statistics represent prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico only. The numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process.
Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.
The District of New Mexico consists of 33 counties and shares 180 miles of international border with Mexico. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from Albuquerque and Las Cruces work directly with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to prosecute immigration-related and other federal offenses.
The United States Announces Agreement with Northwestern UniversityRead the Press Release
Today, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reached an agreement with Northwestern University (Northwestern) to safeguard its students, employees, and faculty from unlawful discrimination based on race, religion, sex, or national origin, including race-based admissions practices and a hostile educational environment directed toward Jewish students.
As part of the agreement, Northwestern University will pay $75 million to the United States through 2028. Northwestern agrees to adhere to federal anti-discrimination laws, ensuring that the university does not preference individuals based on race, color, or national origin in admissions, scholarships, hiring, or promotion. Northwestern shall maintain clear policies and procedures relating to demonstrations, protests, displays, and other expressive activities, as well as implement mandatory antisemitism training for all students, faculty, and staff.
Northwestern’s President and Chair of the Board of Trustees shall each certify under penalty of perjury each quarter the university’s full compliance with the agreement. The United States shall close pending investigations and treat Northwestern as eligible for future grants, contracts, and awards.
“Today’s settlement marks another victory in the Trump Administration’s fight to ensure that American educational institutions protect Jewish students and put merit first,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Institutions that accept federal funds are obligated to follow civil rights law — we are grateful to Northwestern for negotiating this historic deal.”
“Universities that receive federal funding have a responsibility to comply with the law, including protecting against racial discrimination and antisemitism,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We appreciate the significant improvements Northwestern has made and are gratified to reach an agreement that safeguards of rights of all the university’s applicants, students, and employees.”
“The Northwestern agreement is a huge win for current and future Northwestern students, alumni, faculty, and for the future of American higher education,” U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “The deal cements policy changes that ‘will protect students and other members of the campus from harassment and discrimination,’ and it recommits the school to merit-based hiring and admissions. The reforms reflect bold leadership at Northwestern, and they are a roadmap for institutional leaders around the country that will help rebuild public trust in our colleges and universities. Congrats to Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon and all those involved in negotiating this landmark deal!”
Tallahassee Man Sentenced to a Decade in Federal Prison for Attempting to Entice a Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Jelani Amari Petersen, 28, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity after federal jury previously found him guilty. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I am proud of the great work by my office and our state and federal law enforcement partners to take this sex offender off our streets. This case exemplifies the mission set forth by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pamela Bondi: protect America’s children against predators like this defendant. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute such offenses to keep our most vulnerable members of the community safe from the predations of these sick individuals.”
Evidence presented at trial and court records show that in September 2024, federal, state, and local law enforcement executed Operation Lifeguard, an undercover operation designed to apprehend individuals who use the Internet to sexually exploit children online. During the operation, the defendant communicated with an undercover officer who he believed to be a minor female and expressed interest in engaging in sexual activity with the child in exchange for money. When the defendant arrived at a pre-arranged meeting location, law enforcement arrested him and searched his car. A subsequent search of his cellular phone confirmed the defendant’s communication with the undercover officers.
“Child exploitation is one of the most heinous crimes we investigate,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “This sentencing should be a message to others who try to engage in criminal sexual activity and steal the innocence of our children. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will stop at nothing to find you, arrest you and make sure you can’t victimize anyone again.”
“This ten-year sentence reflects the seriousness of attempting to entice a minor into unlawful sexual activity,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas G. Ingegno. “Crimes targeting children – whether committed online or in person – inflict profound harm, and we remain steadfast in our mission to protect the most vulnerable. The dedicated work of law enforcement and prosecutors ensured that this individual was brought to justice, and the outcome sends a clear message: those who attempt to victimize minors will face significant consequences.”
Petersen’s imprisonment will be followed by a five-year term of supervised release, meaning if he violates any of the conditions of his supervision, he will potentially face an additional period of incarceration. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Justin M. Keen and Meredith Steer.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Tallahassee Man Pleads Guilty to Making a False Statement to a Federal AgencyRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Norman John Horner, II, 43, of Tallahassee, Florida, pleaded guilty to false statement to a federal agency. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Court documents reflect that on July 13, 2024, a United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Officer requested the defendant’s name and date of birth for purposes of issuing him a citation. The defendant provided the officer another individual’s identity. A citation was issued based on the information given. On September 6, 2024, the defendant’s false statement was revealed when the individual whose identity was used appeared in court in response to the citation. After further investigation, law enforcement confirmed the defendant had falsely identified himself to the officer.
Horner is scheduled for sentencing before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor on January 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Tallahassee, Florida. Horner faces a term of up to five years’ imprisonment.
The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph A. Ravelo is prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Miami Man Pleads Guilty to Making Online Threats Against U.S. SenatorRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A Miami man pleaded guilty on Oct. 2 to making online threats against a U.S. Senator.
According to court documents, on June 9, Walter George Bechtel, III, 39, used an X (formerly Twitter) account to post a threatening message directed at a U.S. Senator. The post stated, in part:
“You used to hate millionaires when you first started and then began to hate billionaires once you yourself became a millionaire through shady backroom deals. I will kill you personally old man. (Smiling Halo Emoji)”
When confronted by law enforcement, Bechtel admitted to sending the communication and reaffirmed his desire to harm the Senator.
Bechtel pleaded guilty to the interstate transmission of threatening communications. A sentencing hearing is set for Dec. 18. Bechtel faces up to 5 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida and Chief Michael G. Sullivan of the U.S. Capitol Police made the announcement.
The U.S. Capitol Police Threat Assessment Section is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Anton is prosecuting the case.
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-20327.
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Gainesville Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Thousands of Images and Videos of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Daniel Reginald Hanna, II, 38, of Gainesville, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to receipt and possession of child pornography. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I deeply appreciate the commitment of our state and federal law enforcement partners to keeping our children safe from predators like this defendant by zealously investigating these crimes. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute these sick individuals to the fullest extent to ensure they face significant prison time.”
Court documents reflect that the defendant maintained a significant and disturbing collection of child pornography. While executing a search warrant at the defendant’s residence in March 2025, law enforcement located numerous electronic devices that contained child sex abuse material, including 163 videos in a folder entitled “Kids,” and over 2,500 images of child pornography on two cell phones.
Hanna faces a minimum of five years’ imprisonment and up to forty years total. Following his release, Hanna will have to register as a sex offender and will be on supervised release for at least five years.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Gainesville Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 10, 2026, at 1:00 pm in Gainesville, Florida, before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor.
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.
Former Guyanese Presidential Candidate and Businessman Charged in $50 Million Tax Evasion and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A federal grand jury in Miami returned an indictment on Oct. 2 charging two Guyanese nationals with participating in a multi-year scheme to evade millions of dollars in taxes and royalties owed to the Government of Guyana through fraudulent gold export practices and related money laundering activities.
According to court documents, Nazar Mohamed, 72, and Azruddin Mohamed, 38, were owners of Mohamed’s Enterprise, a gold wholesaler and exporter in Guyana that sold gold to buyers in Miami and Dubai. Guyanese authorities impose approximately a seven-percent tax and duty on exported gold. From about 2017 through at least 2024, the pair allegedly enriched themselves and defrauded the Government of Guyana by concealing the true quantity and value of gold exported by their company.
The indictment alleges that the couple devised a system in which Mohamed’s Enterprise paid taxes and royalties on one shipment of gold to obtain official government seals, then reused those same seals on subsequent shipments to avoid paying additional taxes and royalties. To further their scheme, they allegedly shipped empty boxes bearing Guyanese government seals from Dubai through Miami to Guyana and paid bribes to customs and other government officials to facilitate the illegal shipments.
In total, the pair allegedly exported at least 10,000 kilograms of gold through Miami, causing an estimated loss of approximately $50 million to the Government of Guyana.
Nazar Mohamed is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and mail fraud. Azruddin Mohamed is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud. The indictment also alleges that Azruddin Mohamed engaged in a separate scheme to evade over $1 million in Guyanese taxes in connection with the shipment of a Lamborghini from Miami to Guyana. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of approximately $5.3 million in gold bars shipped by Mohamed’s Enterprise that were seized at Miami International Airport on June 11, 2024.
Both were sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control in June 2024. Azruddin Mohamed, who unsuccessfully ran for president of Guyana in September 2025, is an incoming member of Guyana’s parliament.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida, Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Criminal Division, and Acting Special Agent in Charge José R. Figueroa and Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami and New York, made the announcement.
This case was investigated by HSI Miami and New York, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, and Customs and Border Protection.
Senior Litigation Counsel Michael N. Berger and Trial Attorney Jil Simon of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. Deputy Chief Josh Paster is handling asset forfeiture.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-20441.
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Former Tallahassee Man Pleads Guilty in Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – John Kuhlmann, 78, of Daytona Beach, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I applaud the outstanding investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners to identify and dismantle this fraud scheme. My office will to continue to aggressively prosecute fraudsters to hold them accountable for their crimes and to secure restitution for the victims they exploited.”
Court documents reflect that beginning in November 2018, the defendant opened two corporations in Florida, “Seminole Services, Inc.” and “QB Accounting Services,” which purportedly were in business to provide computer technical support services. Neither business was registered as required by law as a money transmitting service. The investigation revealed the defendant opened the businesses in order to receive money from victims and then wired those funds to his co-conspirators who were located in foreign countries. The co-conspirators used a variety of tactics on victims—including convincing them that their computers had been infected with viruses, had been hacked, or their financial information was otherwise at risk of being stolen—to fraudulently convince them to pay as much as $150,000 for computer repair services. Over the course of his involvement in the fraud scheme, the defendant transferred approximately $3.5 million dollars in victim funds through his business bank accounts.
Kuhlmann faces up to five years’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release. He has agreed to pay over $1 million in restitution to the victims.
The case involved a joint investigation by the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith L. Steer and Justin M. Keen.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 18, 2025, at 3:00 pm at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark Walker.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints can be filed with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, at www.ovc.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit theU.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.