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20 November 2025
Defendant Charged with Resisting Federal Law Enforcement Officers After Leading Officers on High-Speed Car ChaseRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced it filed a criminal complaint against Cristian Rivas-Bonilla, 26, of El Salvador, charging him with resisting, opposing, impeding, and interfering with federal law enforcement officers.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the criminal complaint with Acting Special Agent in Charge Evan Campanella, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Baltimore.
On November 4, 2025, HSI Baltimore Agents traveled to a Camp Springs, Maryland, address to search for Rivas-Bonilla. Rivas-Bonilla was subject to removal from the United States in connection with a final order of removal to El Salvador from an immigration judge. After observing Rivas-Bonilla get into a car at a residence, agents activated the emergency lights on their unmarked vehicles and attempted to conduct a vehicle stop to arrest Rivas-Bonilla. Two agents’ vehicles were behind Rivas-Bonilla and the other agent’s vehicle directly blocked his path of travel. Agents attempted to confirm Rivas-Bonilla’s identity before arresting him to transport him to the Baltimore Field Office for processing.
Agents exited their vehicles and commanded Rivas-Bonilla to stop his car. The agents were clearly identifiable as law-enforcement officers as they wore tactical vests with police decals. Rivas-Bonilla reversed his vehicle and drove onto the sidewalk as he attempted to evade HSI agents. Agents then activated their emergency sirens and pursued him.
Rivas-Bonilla continued to disregard agents’ emergency lights and sirens, causing a chase that reached speeds of approximately 70 miles per hour. One agent drove their vehicle directly in front of him, another agent drove their vehicle on the side of him, and the other agent drove their vehicle directly behind him in attempt to bring Rivas-Bonilla’s vehicle to a stop.
But Rivas-Bonillaquickly swerved his vehicle to the right to avoid the agents’ attempt to slow him down. Rivas-Bonilla continued driving at high speeds as agents continued their efforts to bring his vehicle to a stop.
Eventually, Rivas-Bonilla’s vehicle and two of the agents’ vehicles collided, allowing law enforcement to capture and arrest him.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Baltimore comprises agents and officers from various federal, state, and local agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
Additionally, this case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Rivas-Bonilla’s initial appearance was in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana on November 17, 2025. He is scheduled to return to the District of Maryland for further proceedings.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI for its work in this investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael C. Hanlon and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Mills who are prosecuting this case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Danville, Illinois, Man Convicted of Multiple Drug Charges, Including Drug-Induced HomicideRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A federal jury returned eight guilty verdicts on November 19, 2025, against Marcus “Slim” McKinney, 49, of Danville, Illinois, for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, distribution of fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of fifty grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of cocaine with the intent to distribute, maintaining drug-involved premises, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. The jury further found that McKinney distributed drugs that caused serious bodily injury to one woman and the death of another woman, Maggie Avelar. Sentencing for McKinney has been scheduled on March 23, 2026, at the U.S. Courthouse in Urbana, Illinois.
Over five days of testimony, the government presented evidence to establish that McKinney was released by the federal Burau of Prisons to 210 South State Street in Danville, Illinois, on April 6, 2023, on conditions of home confinement, including location monitoring with an ankle monitor. From that date until his arrest in Springfield, Illinois, on June 26, 2024, McKinney conspired with others to distribute crystal methamphetamine (“ice”), cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, including exchanging the drugs with women for sex. The jury found that over the weekend of April 15, 2023, McKinney distributed an opioid to a woman who overdosed and would have died if not treated with Narcan, an opioid reversal agent, by the Danville Fire Department and paramedics with Arrow Ambulance. McKinney had falsely told the woman the substance only contained cocaine. The trial evidence showed that same weekend three other people overdosed on drugs provided by McKinney, including the fatal overdose of Christopher “RS” Fields. McKinney continued using 210 South State Street for the use and distribution of illegal drugs until he moved to 111 Kentucky Avenue in Danville later that summer.
The testimony established that McKinney used the premises at 111 Kentucky Avenue to continue his ongoing drug conspiracy, including using and distributing drugs from the residence. The jury found that on August 19, 2023, McKinney distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl – a mixture McKinney referred to as a “Hot Shot” – to Avelar, resulting in her death at 111 Kentucky Avenue. The next morning, McKinney and his brother, James “Brownski” Young, lied to the Danville Police Department about the circumstances surrounding Avelar’s death to attempt to avoid law enforcement learning about McKinney’s true involvement in the overdose.
In September of 2023, McKinney was required to go to a halfway house located in Springfield, Illinois. McKinney continued his drug distribution conspiracy in Springfield, including distributing over one pound of methamphetamine to a Drug Enforcement Administration confidential source on June 20, 2024. Six days later, DEA agents later seized over two pounds of methamphetamine and over five kilograms of cocaine from storage lockers in Springfield that McKinney had opened under the confidential source’s name. The jury further found that McKinney engaged in witness tampering in January of 2025 while his federal charges were pending, when he wrote a letter to a potential witness urging her to contact McKinney’s attorney and falsely say that other witnesses were lying about McKinney’s drug activities and were trying to get her to lie as well.
McKinney remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, where he has been since his arrest on June 26, 2024. At sentencing, McKinney, who has two prior federal drug convictions, faces a statutory penalty of mandatory life imprisonment for his various convictions, including distributing the drugs that caused the death of Avelar.
The case investigation was conducted by the Danville Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; the Springfield Police Department; and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eugene L. Miller and Timothy J. Sullivan represented the United States at trial.
Danville Man to Serve 30 Months for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
Editor's Note: This matter occurred on the date indicated but was not published at that time due to a lapse in federal appropriations. Press releases are posted and made available following the return to normal operations
DANVILLE, Va. – A Danville, Virginia man was sentenced October 24 to 30 months in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl.
Bryan Eugene Whitehead, 44, pled guilty in May 2025 to distributing fentanyl.
According to court documents, investigators identified Whitehead as a distributor of fentanyl in early 2024. The Danville Police Department, Virginia State Police, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, conducted controlled buys of fentanyl from Whitehead, including the purchase of an ounce of fentanyl.
Robert N. Tracci, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Danville Police Department, and the Virginia State Police conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Keith Parrella and Matthew Miller prosecuted the case for the United States.
Danville Man Sentenced to 114 Months on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Editor's Note: This matter occurred on the date indicated but was not published at that time due to a lapse in federal appropriations. Press releases are posted and made available following the return to normal operations
DANVILLE, Va. – A Danville, Virginia man, who made more than ten controlled sales of narcotics and a handgun to confidential informants working with federal law enforcement, was sentenced October 24 to 114 months in federal prison.
Rashad Polk, 35, pled guilty in January 2025 to illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and distribution of methamphetamine.
“This office will seek maximum accountability against those who violate federal law in Danville and throughout the Western District of Virginia,” Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today.
According to court documents, in May 2024, Polk agreed to sell a confidential informant working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, (ATF) a handgun and an ounce of fentanyl. Polk and the confidential informant agreed to meet at a commercial establishment in Danville. Polk met a different informant in the same parking lot and exchanged the suspected firearm and fentanyl for cash.
In July 2024, a second confidential informant contacted Polk to arrange the purchase of fentanyl and methamphetamine. The two arranged a meeting at a shopping center in Danville. After arriving, Polk and the confidential informant exchanged narcotics for cash.
Law enforcement made approximately ten additional controlled purchases from Polk, totaling at least 627 grams of methamphetamine, 310 grams of fentanyl, and 13 grams of cocaine. In return, Polk received approximately $18,250.
Robert N. Tracci, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Danville Police Department conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Keith Parrella and Matthew Miller prosecuted the case for the United States.
Danville Man Sentenced for Distributing Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and CocaineRead the Press Release
Editor's Note: This matter occurred on the date indicated but was not published at that time due to a lapse in federal appropriations. Press releases are posted and made available following the return to normal operations
DANVILLE, Va. – A Danville, Virginia man, who was caught with methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl during a traffic stop in September 2024, was sentenced on October 10 to 107 months in federal prison.
Jerrod Allen-Jamal Wimbush, 36, pled guilty in June 2025 to possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl.
“Illegal narcotics fuel addictions, violence and death,” Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today. “This office will aggressively prosecute those who traffic deadly drugs for profit.”
According to court documents, on September 13, 2024, officers with the Danville Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Wimbush for driving over the posted speed limit. Minutes after the traffic stop, a K-9 officer walked his K-9 around Wimbush’s vehicle and the dog alerted to the presence of narcotics.
After an initial denial to the presence of drugs, Wimbush eventually told officers there were some drugs in the vehicle. A search warrant was executed and resulted in the seizure of 17 grams of methamphetamine, .254 grams of fentanyl, and 41.53 grams of cocaine.
A month later, on October 17, 2024, agents executed a search warrant at Wimbush’s residence in Danville and recovered 127 grams of fentanyl, and over 200 grams of cocaine.
Robert N. Tracci, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Danville Police Department conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Keith Parrella and Matthew Miller prosecuted the case for the United States.
Danbury Man Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JAIRO ABREU, 33, of Danbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 30 months of imprisonment and one year of supervised release for trafficking fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and Hartford Police Department revealed that Abreu was trafficking fentanyl into Hartford. Abreu was arrested on state charges on October 17, 2023. Following his arrest, a search of his Danbury residence revealed approximately 2.8 kilograms of fentanyl and an additional approximately 2,000 wax sleeves containing fentanyl.
Abreu was federally arrested on February 23, 2024. He pleaded guilty on April 25, 2024.
Abreu, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 15.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, including members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Manchester Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean P. Mahard and Reed Durham through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.
Corpus Christi man sentenced to over 13 years after distributing crack cocaine from apartmentRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 38-year-old local resident has been ordered to prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and distribution of crack cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Evaristo Coleman pleaded guilty Aug. 20.
U.S. District Judge David Morales has now handed Coleman a 100-month term of imprisonment for the drug trafficking. He also received 60 months for the firearms charge which must be served consecutively to the other sentence imposed. The total 160-month prison term will be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court made special mention that drugs had been found in multiple residences associated with Coleman.
The investigation began in January following multiple reports of alleged drug sales from the apartment. Authorities conducted surveillance and observed regular customers who came to buy cocaine and crack cocaine.
In February, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence where they discovered more than 100 grams of crack cocaine, nearly 300 grams of powder cocaine. They also found two 9mm pistols that Coleman possessed while selling the drugs.
Coleman has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Corpus Christi Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith prosecuted the case.
Convicted Ponzi Schemer and Co-Conspirator Sentenced to 37 Years and 12 Years for $44 Million Fraud Scheme, Money Laundering, False Statements, and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A New Jersey man who was previously convicted twice of defrauding investors of more than $230 million was sentenced on November 14, 2025 to 37 years in prison for his role in a Ponzi-like fraud scheme that resulted in investor losses of more than $44 million, as well as other offenses, and his co-conspirator was sentenced to 12 years in prison, Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba announced. Both were also ordered to pay more than $44 million in restitution to the victims of their scheme.
Following a six-week jury trial earlier this year before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court, Eliyahu “Eli” Weinstein, aka “Mike Konig,” 50, and Aryeh “Ari” Bromberg, 51, were each convicted of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, three counts of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, transacting in criminal proceeds, conspiracy to make false statements to the U.S. Probation Office, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and obstruction of justice. Weinstein was also convicted of four counts of making false statements to the United States Probation Office. Five of Weinstein and Bromberg’s conspirators, Christopher Anderson, 49, Richard Curry, 39, Shlomo Erez, 57, Alaa Hattab, 37, and Joel Wittels, 59, previously pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the same scheme and are all awaiting sentencing.
According to documents in this case and evidence at trial:
Weinstein was previously convicted two times in New Jersey federal court for defrauding investors. His first case involved a real estate Ponzi scheme, and his second case stemmed from an additional fraud Weinstein committed while on pretrial release. These crimes resulted in combined losses to investors of approximately $230 million. On Jan. 19, 2021, Weinstein began serving a term of supervised release stemming from his prior convictions.
But soon after being released from prison, Weinstein began orchestrating a new scheme to solicit money from investors, including through a company called Optimus Investments Inc. (Optimus). Using the alias “Mike Konig,” Weinstein secretly ran Optimus through Bromberg and Wittels. They kept Weinstein’s true name and identity hidden because, as Weinstein acknowledged in a secretly recorded conversation, investors wouldn’t give them “a penny” if they learned of Weinstein’s involvement.
Weinstein, Bromberg, and Wittels received the bulk of investor money through a second company, Tryon Management Group LLC (Tryon), which was owned and controlled by Anderson and Curry. Tryon promised these individual investors—consisting mostly of friends and family—lucrative opportunities to invest in deals involving COVID-19 masks and test kits, scarce baby formula, and first-aid kits supposedly bound for wartime Ukraine. Posing as Mike Konig, Weinstein provided the information for these supposed deals. Based on that information, investors gave money to Tryon, believing the deals were legitimate and not knowing about Weinstein’s involvement. In turn, Tryon transferred those funds to Weinstein, through Optimus.
In 2021, after Optimus started receiving investor money, Optimus was unable to pay its investors. Rather than reveal this information to investors, the conspirators agreed to pool money from existing investors of both Optimus and Tryon and use it to make monthly payments to other investors in a Ponzi-like fashion. The conspirators concealed this arrangement from investors by falsely telling investors that the payments derived from legitimate investment returns, not other investors’ money.
In late August 2022, Hattab revealed Weinstein’s true identity to Anderson and Curry. In a series of subsequent meetings, which were recorded, Weinstein admitted to misappropriating investor money and making various false statements and sending fake documents concerning the purported deals. Weinstein acknowledged that he was conducting a Ponzi scheme, stating, “I finagled, and Ponzied, and lied to people to cover us.”
Once Anderson and Curry learned that Mike Konig was actually Weinstein, Weinstein and Bromberg lied repeatedly to Anderson and Curry in an effort to prevent them from reporting their misconduct to federal law enforcement and Probation. Anderson and Curry then agreed with Weinstein, Bromberg, and other conspirators to continue concealing Weinstein’s identity from investors and to raise additional money to pay off existing investors, all in an effort to stop the Ponzi scheme from falling apart and to cover up the fraud. In total, the defendants fraudulently obtained more than $88 million from investors and caused losses of more than $44 million.
In addition to defrauding investors, Weinstein and Bromberg also conspired to launder their fraud proceeds and lie to Weinstein’s federal probation officer. They helped hide Weinstein’s assets that should have been used to pay over $200 million in restitution that he still owes his previous victims. They also concealed Weinstein’s myriad business activities, income, and accounts, which he was required to disclose to the court and Probation or which were expressly prohibited by the terms of his supervised release. In multiple secretly recorded conversations, Weinstein discussed his intent to conceal his various assets from the government. In one such conversation, Weinstein referenced hidden assets that he and others “can’t touch” while he was on supervised release because they would “go to jail.” Weinstein then boasted, “I just told you something that no one in the world knows because I hid money. Get it?”
Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark, and special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, with the investigation leading to the convictions.
The government is represented by Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn Silane, Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marko Pesce, Deputy Chief of the Bank Integrity, Money Laundering, and Recovery Unit.
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Defense counsel for Weinstein: Ilana Haramati and Henry E. Mazurek, Esqs., New York, NY
Defense counsel for Bromberg: Marc Agnifilo and Jacob Kaplan, Esqs., New York, NY
Connecticut CPA Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that EDWARD J. SODLOSKY, 71, of Middlebury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to tax evasion.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Sodlosky, a self-employed Certified Public Accountant, owned and operated Edward J. Sodlosky, Certified Public Accountant (“EJS-CPA”) in Naugatuck. From 2016 through 2022, Sodlosky prepared and filed annual joint income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service on behalf of himself and his spouse. He also filed annual partnership income tax returns for an entity named FinGLTD, which he owned with his spouse. During this seven-year period, Sodlosky willfully cashed more than 2,000 client payment checks to hide income generated by EJS-CPA. As a result, a substantial amount of EJS-CPA’s business receipts was diverted from EJS-CPA’s bank accounts, and not reported in his joint income tax returns (Forms 1040 and 1040-SR) or partnership income tax returns (Form 1065).
Sodlosky deposited funds derived from the cashed checks, as well as client payment checks to EJS-CPA, into a network of business, personal, and nominee accounts. He maintained, controlled, and used 15 different bank accounts to deposit business receipts and to evade income taxes. Through this scheme, Sodlosky failed to report to the IRS $1,379,694.21 in additional income, resulting in a tax loss to the government of $422,720.
Sodlosky is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford on April 15, 2026, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. He is also required to make full restitution to the IRS.
Sodlosky is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.
Colombian National Sentenced for Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Colombian national, who was previously unlawfully residing in Everett, was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for distributing nearly half a kilogram of cocaine.
Juan Restrepo-Madrid, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 34 months in prison. In August 2025, Restrepo-Madrid pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of cocaine distribution. Restrepo-Madrid was arrested and charged in February 2020 along with co-conspirator Sebastian Arbelaez-Perez.
In August 2019, a cooperating witness arranged to meet with Restrepo-Madrid and Arbelaez to discuss purchasing cocaine. At the pre-arranged meeting on Aug. 9, 2019, only Restrepo-Madrid was present and provided the cooperating witness with a half-kilogram of cocaine.
Restrepo-Madrid was arrested in February 2020 and subsequently released on conditions pending trial. In early 2021, in advance of his scheduled change of plea hearing, Restrepo-Madrid absconded to Colombia in violation of his conditions of release. Restrepo-Madrid was arrested in Colombia in June 2023 and was extradited to the United States in June 2025 to face these charges.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistance with the investigation was provided by Boston Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, Revere Police Department, Winthrop Police Department, Massachusetts National Guard, U.S. Marshals Service for the District of Massachusetts and Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren A. Graber and Jared C. Dolan of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Cherokee County felon indicted in the Eastern District of Texas related to shooting of Jacksonville police officerRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas –A Jacksonville convicted felon has been indicted and charged with federal firearms violations in connection with the shooting of a police officer in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Bobby Michael Dennis, 64, was named in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to information presented in court, on November 2, 2025, Dennis is alleged to have opened fire on a Jacksonville police officer, striking her twice, with an AR-15-style rifle when the officer attempted to identify him pursuant to multiple outstanding warrants. After firing numerous rounds at the officer, her K9, and her car, Dennis fled, leading to a multi-agency manhunt, during which Jacksonville-area schools canceled classes for two days. A search warrant executed at Dennis’ residence in Jacksonville resulted in the discovery of four additional firearms. Dennis was apprehended on the evening of November 5, 2025, during the execution of a search warrant at a bunker he built near Cuney. An additional firearm was recovered from the bunker.
Dennis is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law as a three-time convicted felon, with previous convictions for aggravated robbery in Smith County and aggravated assault and possession of a controlled substance in Pulaski County, Arkansas.
If convicted of the federal firearms charges, Dennis faces up to life in prison.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office; Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office; Jacksonville Police Department; Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division; and the Texas Rangers. The case is being prosecuted in federal court by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Locker and Lucas Machicek.
A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Emmanuel Covington, 34, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 30, 2025, Covington sold approximately 19.7 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Beckley. Covington admitted to the transaction as part of his guilty plea. Covington further admitted to selling a mixture containing methamphetamine and fentanyl on April 16, 2025, a quantity of fentanyl on May 6, 2025, and a mixture containing methamphetamine on June 4, 2025, each time to a confidential informant in Charleston.
On June 5, 2025, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Covington’s Charleston residence and seized quantities of fentanyl and a mixture containing methamphetamine and a Ruger pistol.
Covington is scheduled to be sentenced on March 6, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, and the Beckley Police Department, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), which is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.
United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons 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. 5:25-cr-110.
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Career criminal sentenced to 15 years for illegal possession of firearmRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 48-year-old Houston resident has been ordered to federal prison for possessing a firearm after being previously convicted of three serious drug felonies, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Jaime Pena pleaded guilty Aug. 26.
U.S. District Judge David Hittner has now ordered Pena to serve 180 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by a four-year term of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Pena had a lengthy criminal history and committed this crime while out on parole for a previous drug conviction in Harris County.
On March 15, 2024, authorities responded to a shooting in progress at a local residence. They learned Pena had fired a gun outside his home during an altercation with Nickie Mendell, who also lived at the location.
Law enforcement conducted a protective sweep and executed a search warrant, discovering approximately 33 pounds of marijuana, scales, narcotics bags and approximately $67,000.
The investigation determined that one of the firearms recovered inside the home was the same one Pena had discharged outside of the residence. A National Integrated Ballistic Information Network lead matched a shell cartridge located in the driveway to the same firearm inside the residence.
As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms per federal law.
Pena will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Mendell, 52, Houston, has also pleaded guilty and is set for sentencing Dec. 4.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Smith prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Career Offender Sentenced to Prison for Meth Distribution in ThomasvilleRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A convicted felon with a lengthy criminal past in South and Central Georgia was sentenced as a federal career offender to serve more than 21 years in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute kilograms of methamphetamine.
Charles Reid, Jr., 40, of Cairo, Georgia, was sentenced as a federal career offender to serve 262 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by Senior U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands on Nov. 19, after he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Feb. 19, 2025. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Repeat felons with long criminal records are facing federal prosecution and lengthy prison sentences for continually breaking the law and causing chaos in communities across the Middle District of Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “This is another case where our office is working closely with our local partners to identify career offenders and bring their cases up to the federal level, where they will be held accountable without parole.”
According to court documents and statements referenced in court, Reid, Jr. was under investigation for selling kilogram quantities of methamphetamine in Grady and Thomas counties. Grady County Sheriff’s Office deputies executed a search warrant at Reid, Jr.’s residence in December 2023, finding two pounds of methamphetamine. A confidential source (CS) contacted investigators that Reid, Jr. was in possession of twelve kilograms of methamphetamine and was in Thomasville, Georgia. On Jan. 16, 2024, investigators obtained a search warrant for a residence on Hambleton Street in Thomasville where Reid, Jr. was located and found him hiding under a bed. Officers found approximately three kilograms of methamphetamine under the bed, next to the defendant’s driver’s license. Reid, Jr. has a lengthy criminal history including felony drug convictions in Grady County and Monroe County Superior Courts.
The case was investigated by the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Grady County Sheriff’s Office and the Thomasville Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica Daniels is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Jerney Jabara Purifoy, 33, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to 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 is truly outstanding work by our state and federal law enforcement partners to remove this violent felon from our streets. My office will continue to aggressively pursue such criminals and secure successful prosecutions to fulfill the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the violent criminals who have victimized our communities for far too long.”
Court documents reflect that deputies with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence in Pensacola, Florida. In the defendant’s bedroom, deputies located a loaded 9-millimeter handgun. In another room, deputies located a loaded .22 caliber AR15-style rifle. The defendant has prior felony convictions for aggravated battery and fleeing or eluding law enforcement. The defendant also has a pending case in Escambia County state court related to animal cruelty, animal fighting, and confinement of animals without sufficient food or water.
Purifoy faces up to fifteen years imprisonment.
The case involved a joint investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 12, 2026, at 1:00pm at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
California Man Sentenced for Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Jesse Jay Perez, 28, of Morgan Hill, California, was sentenced to three years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Keeping our community and streets safe requires pursuing criminals like this offender with the full force of the law. I appreciate the excellent work of our state and federal law enforcement partners to investigate this case, and my office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting these offenders.”
According to court records, on January 1, 2025, Perez was riding a bike without a rear facing red light in violation of a Florida State Statute. During the traffic stop, law enforcement learned that Perez had an active felony arrest warrant out of the State of California. Perez was arrested and searched. Law enforcement recovered 13 magazines, 380 rounds of ammunition, and all the component parts necessary to build a “ghost gun” semi-automatic rifle from a backpack he was carrying. Perez was previously convicted in the State of California of a felony offense, specifically, manufacture, distribution, sale or transport of an assault weapon.
The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Gainesville Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Brookline Man Arrested for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brookline man has been arrested for allegedly possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Ariel Torres, 37, was charged with one count of possession of child pornography. Torres was arrested yesterday and following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston, was detained pending a hearing scheduled for Nov. 25, 2025.
According to the charging documents, Torres was identified as an online user of a network used for the dissemination of CSAM. During a search of Torres’ residence in May 2025, multiple electronic devices belonging to Torres were seized. It is alleged that approximately 49 images and 37 videos depicting CSAM were found on two of the devices.
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. 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. Valuable assistance was provided by the Brookline and Lawrence Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit is 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/.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Boone County Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gregory Neal Hager, 40, of Madison, pleaded guilty on October 7, 2025, to possession of child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 7, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Hager’s residence in Madison and seized an external hard drive connected to his desktop computer. A forensic examination of the external hard drive revealed 146 images and six videos of child pornography depicting a pubescent minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. As part of his guilty plea, Hager admitted that the images and videos of child pornography were screen captures from Snapchat conversations between himself and the minor, that he saved the child pornography on the external hard drive, and that he knew the minor was under 18 years old.
Hager is scheduled to be sentenced on January 14, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Hager must also register as a sex offender.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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.justice.gov/psc.
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. 2:25-cr-94.
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Bloods Gang Member Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Cold Case MurderRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, Trendell Walker, also known as “Live Wire” and “Debo,” a Bloods street gang member from Riverhead, New York, was sentenced by United States District Judge Joanna Seybert to 30 years in prison for his role as a shooter in the August 7, 2007 murder of 15-year old Alvin Brothers. Walker pleaded guilty to firearm-related murder in August 2019.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI) and Kevin Catalina, Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), announced the sentence.
“Walker’s lethal act of revenge took the life of a 15-year-old child,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The resolve of law enforcement to bring Alvin Brothers’s killer to justice will, we hope, bring some semblance of closure to the victim’s parents and siblings. Gang members cannot escape the reality of today’s sentencing that no matter how long it takes, they will be held accountable for crimes of violence and the rule of law will prevail.”
“In 2007, Trendell Walker mercilessly killed Alvin Brothers in retaliation for a previous slight against his branch of the Bloods gang,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia. “This horrific act demonstrates the gang’s callous attitude towards humanity and the law by deeming murder as acceptable payback. May today’s sentencing offer some justice for Brothers’s family, and emphasize the FBI’s unwavering commitment to holding all gang members accountable for their lawless crimes, regardless of when they occurred.”
“Trendell Walker’s sentencing today ensures the removal of another cold-blooded killer from the streets of Long Island. With the continued investigative work of HSI New York’s Long Island office, alongside our law enforcement partners, we will continue to combat these senseless acts of violence here on the island and throughout the state. The people of New York deserve to feel safe in their own communities, and today’s sentencing is a step toward securing that reality,” stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Patel.
“The murder of this 15-year-old is a sad example of the senseless retaliation that comes from the vicious cycle of gang violence,” SCPD Commissioner Catalina stated. “This case also highlights the unwavering dedication of law enforcement to bring a killer to justice. A decade after Alvin Brothers was slain in a drive-by shooting, Trendell Walker was charged and today he learned his fate, sending a message to those who choose a life of crime that we will never give up.”
According to court filings, in 2007, Walker was a member of the Rolling 20’s gang, a branch of the Bloods criminal street gang. On August 6, 2007, Walker went to Bellport, New York, to purchase narcotics from G-Shine gang members, a different set of the Bloods. Several G-Shine gang members attacked Walker, attempted to rob him and pistol-whipped him. The next day, Walker met with fellow Rolling 20’s gang members and devised a plan to retaliate against his assailants. They drove to Bellport, armed with firearms, where they observed several young people, including Brothers, standing on the corner of Post Avenue and Patchogue Avenue. Brothers was standing near one of the individuals who had assaulted Walker the previous day. The defendant and other Rolling 20’s members opened fire on the group. Brothers was fatally shot in the back. Walker was indicted on drug charges in June 2016; in November 2017, he was charged in a second superseding indictment with Brothers’s murder, more than a decade after the killing.
The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorney Mark E. Misorek is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
TRENDELL WALKER (also known as “Live Wire” and “Debo”)
Age: 34
Riverhead, Long IslandE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 16-CR-369 (S-2) (JS)
Beckley Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Michael Bailey, 37, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today to distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 22, 2024, Bailey sold approximately 57 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Beckley.
Bailey is scheduled to be sentenced on March 27, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, and the Beckley Police Department.
United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons 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. 5:25-cr-66.
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Beaumont man convicted in federal drug trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has been found guilty of federal drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Darrell Joshua Bendy, 42, was found guilty by a jury of conspiracy to possess and possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on November 19, 2025.
According to information presented in court, from December 2022 through November 2024, Bendy supplied kilogram quantities of “actual” methamphetamine to Joseph Lynn Williams, also known as “Pooh,” a drug trafficker in Beaumont. During the conspiracy, Bendy lived in and conducted his drug trafficking activities from Houston. Bendy used various couriers to deliver the methamphetamine to Williams for redistribution. A total of between 20-30 kilograms of methamphetamine are believed to have been distributed by the drug trafficking organization during this time. Through the investigation, law enforcement seized more than 5 kilograms of methamphetamine and over $100,000.00.
At sentencing, Bendy faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison. The statutory sentencing range prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the U.S. Marshals Service; Texas Department of Public Safety; Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; Beaumont Police Department; Port Neches Police Department; Vidor Police Department; and Orange County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Lee and John B. Ross.
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Austin Man Sentenced to 29 Years in Federal Prison for Third Federal Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – An Austin man previously convicted of two federal drug offenses was sentenced Wednesday to 324 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, plus 24 months in prison for violating the requirements of a previously imposed term of supervised release by U.S. District Judge David Ezra.
According to court documents, Trinity Duke Smith, 50, was released from prison in December 2020. He was still on supervised release on March 26, 2024, when the FBI and Austin Police Department executed a search warrant on his residence.
The search revealed a plastic grocery bag in a kitchen cabinet that contained approximately 197 grams of suspected methamphetamine, a digital scale, sandwich bags, latex gloves, and pieces of white insulation. Two large garbage bags containing 9.2 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine were also found underneath insulation in Smith’s attic.
A Drug Enforcement Administration lab test in May 2024 determined the substance found in the kitchen to be 188.3 grams of 91% pure methamphetamine and determined the substance found in the attic to be 8.899 kilograms of 100% pure methamphetamine.
Smith was indicted June 18, 2024, for one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He pleaded guilty in August 2025.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The FBI, Austin Police Department, and Texas Rangers investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Castillo prosecuted the case.
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Arizona Man Charged with Hate Crime for Synagogue FireRead the Press Release
On Nov. 18, a federal grand jury in Phoenix returned a one-count indictment against Everardo Gregorio, 31, of Casa Grande, Arizona for the Obstruction of the Free Exercise of Religious Beliefs by Fire.
The indictment alleges that Gregorio burned down Khal Chasidim, a synagogue in Casa Grande, on March 3. The portion of the synagogue that was destroyed in the fire included the place where the Jewish community worshipped, as well as a kosher grocery store and restaurant that operated out of the building. Gregorio has also been charged with arson by the Pinal County Attorney’s Office and is currently pending trial in that case.
A conviction for Obstruction of Free Exercise of Religious Beliefs by Fire carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Casa Grande Police Department are handling the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Goldberg for the District of Arizona is handling the prosecution, in conjunction with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Annadale man sentenced to 15 years in prison for federal drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Annandale man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, on June 20, 2024, law enforcement observed Marcantonio Juarez Velasquez, 20, conducting a hand-to-hand narcotics transaction in Fairfax County and subsequently obtained an arrest warrant. On Aug. 2, 2024, officers located and arrested Juarez Velasquez. At the time of his arrest, Juarez Velasquez was in possession of a handgun, an extended magazine containing 15 rounds of ammunition, $949.83, and 258 fentanyl pills.
While Juarez Velasquez was detained pending trial, he directed a minor to conceal fentanyl pills, a firearm, and cash within the residence of Juarez Velasquez’s family. On Aug. 6, 2024, officers searched the residence and found 9,220 fentanyl pills, $2,344, a handgun, and two ammunition magazines, along with an identification card and debit card belonging to Juarez Velasquez.
Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Kevin Davis, Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel K. Amzallag and Ronald L. Walutes Jr. prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-163.
77th Defendant Charged in Feeding Our Future Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Ousman Camara, age 45, was indicted today in a nine-count indictment with wire fraud, federal programs bribery, and money laundering for his participation in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. Camara is the 77th defendant indicted in what has been identified as the largest Covid-19 fraud scheme in the country.
Defendant Camara was the owner of K’s Dollar Grocery and Deli, a small storefront grocery store in north Minneapolis. In August 2015, the USDA disqualified Camara and his store, K’s Grocery, from participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”) due to suspected fraud. In September 2020, Camara enrolled K’s Grocery in the Federal Child Nutrition Program under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future. In 2020 and 2021, Camara fraudulently claimed to be serving meals to 1,000 children a day, seven days a week, at his site. In reality, Camara did no such thing. Instead, he defrauded the program and stole money meant to feed hungry children.
Camara claimed to have served more than 300,000 meals to children, for which he claimed to be entitled to more than $1 million in Federal Child Nutrition Program reminbursement funds. Camara did not use these funds to purchase food to feed children. Instead, he used the money to fund his lifestyle, pay his credit card bills, and buy a building in north Minneapolis. Camara wired more than $100,000 in fraud proceeds abroad. Camara also paid approximately $87,000 in kickbacks to a Feeding Our Future employee in exchange for his sponsorship and submission of Camara’s fraudulent claims.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph H Thompson, Harry M. Jacobs, and Daniel W. Bobier 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.
19 November 2025
Wetzel County Man Convicted of Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Proctor, West Virginia man was convicted today of two firearms charges after investigators discovered he was in possession of 15 guns and more than 3,500 rounds of ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
Gary Dean Siburt, 62, was found guilty of the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition due a prior felony conviction and a prior domestic violence conviction. The jury heard evidence of Siburt’s prior convictions, prohibiting him from possessing firearms. During the investigation, guns and ammunition were seized from Siburt’s home.
Siburt is facing up to 15 years for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Perri and Clayton Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Investigative agencies include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
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.
Waterville Man Sentenced for Making Interstate ThreatsRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Waterville man was sentenced on October 7, 2025, in U.S. District Court in Bangor for making threatening interstate communications.
U.S. District Judge Stacey D. Neumann sentenced Benjamin Brown, 47, to time-served, which is approximately 6 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Brown pleaded guilty on June 27, 2025.
According to court records, on February 8, 2024, Brown posted comments on YouTube threatening to hunt down and kill illegal immigrants. In his comments, Brown said that no one could stop him from killing illegal immigrants, not even law enforcement. Federal agents had previously met with Brown on two separate occasions to discuss other comments he had posted online and warned him about the federal crime of interstate threats.
“Words matter, and when those words are violent threats, the FBI takes them seriously,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “What Benjamin Brown did in threatening to hunt down and kill illegal immigrants was not only reprehensible but criminal, and he is now being held accountable. We will continue to work with our partners to identify and bring to justice those who use the internet to incite fear and threaten violence.”
“There is no online safe haven for threats to kill others,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Benson. “Indeed, threats posted online can have a much broader impact than those made in person. No matter how frustrated or angry you are, don’t post threats to kill someone else unless you want law enforcement to show up and hold you accountable. The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the hard-working investigators from the FBI and U.S. Secret Service for their work on this case.”
The FBI and the U.S. Secret Service investigated the case with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Waterville Police Department.
Editor’s Note: This matter occurred on the date indicated, but the press release was not published at that time due to the federal government shutdown. The release was posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
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Violent Felon Sentenced for Possession of a Firearm and Possession with Intent to Distribute MarijuanaRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Malik Ray, 28, of Tallahassee, Florida was sentenced to eight years and two months in prison after previously pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Operation Take Back America is a promise by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to deploy our law enforcement resources to protect our communities from the threats posed by drug traffickers and violent criminals, and this successful prosecution delivers on that promise by sending this defendant straight to federal prison for an extended stay behind bars.”
Court documents reflect that on October 22, 2024, officers with Florida Probation and Parole and the Tallahassee Police Department conducted a search of Ray’s residence pursuant to the terms of his Florida probation. During the search, officers found an AR-style pistol, over five pounds of marijuana, and other evidence of drug dealing. A subsequent investigation revealed that Ray had been distributing marijuana since at least March 2024.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with assistance from the Florida Department of Corrections, Office of Community Corrections, Circuit Two. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric Welch.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Upper Darby Man Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Defrauding a Religious Organization and a Political OrganizationRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Willie Jordan, 68, of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to one year in prison, one year of supervised release, $142,991 in restitution, and forfeiture of $142,991 by United States District Judge Harvey Bartle III for two separate fraud schemes Jordan conducted.
The defendant was charged by information with two counts of wire fraud and pleaded guilty in July of this year.
As detailed in court filings and statements made in court, Jordan was a deacon and trustee for Religious Organization #1, located in Philadelphia, Pa. Jordan was responsible for managing and overseeing various financial matters involving Religious Organization #1, including collecting funds for the organization, depositing those funds in the organization’s bank accounts, and paying the organization’s expenses.
Religious Organization #1 placed Jordan in a position of trust and allowed him to exercise almost total control over its funds. The defendant did not receive a salary from Religious Organization #1. Rather, he received his salary from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where he was a Director of Operations for a state senator.
From at least in or about January 2020 through at least in or about January 2024, Jordan exploited Religious Organization #1 for his personal financial benefit. On a regular basis, the defendant improperly issued checks to himself from Religious Organization #1’s business checking account, and made it appear that such checks were to reimburse him for expenses that he incurred on behalf of Religious Organization #1. In fact, Jordan did not incur those expenses and simply issued those checks for his personal benefit. The defendant engaged in this activity fraudulently and without the knowledge or permission of Religious Organization #1, its trustees, or members.
As part of this scheme, Jordan issued approximately 82 fraudulent checks to himself totaling approximately $57,384, resulting in significant losses to Religious Organization #1.
As presented in court filings and statements, Political Organization #1 was one of 66 wards in Philadelphia and a subdivision of Political Organization #2, which represented the interests of a political party in the City of Philadelphia.
From in or about 1996 through in or about April 2025, the defendant was the elected leader of Political Organization #1 and controlled and managed the organization’s finances. Jordan did not receive a salary from Political Organization #1.
From at least in or about January 2020, through at least in or about January 2024, Jordan exploited Political Organization #1 for his personal financial benefit. He opened two bank accounts in name of Political Organization #1, made himself the sole signatory on the accounts in the name of Political Organization #1, and obtained, for both accounts, debit cards that he controlled.
On a regular basis, the defendant improperly conducted financial transactions, through debit card charges, checks, and ATM cash withdrawals, using Political Organization #1’s bank accounts to transfer the funds of Political Organization #1 to himself or others, for his personal benefit.
Jordan used Political Organization #1’s funds for personal purchases at airlines, car dealerships, furniture stores, grocery stores, and other retail establishments. He also used those funds to pay his personal credit card bills, utility bills, and cellular telephone bills. In or about the summer of 2023, Jordan used the funds of Political Organization #1 to pay more than $12,500 in expenses for a family member’s funeral. The defendant engaged in these personal financial transactions without any benefit flowing to Political Organization #1 and without the knowledge or permission of any of its members.
As part of this scheme, Jordan defrauded Political Organization #1 and its members of at least $85,607.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen and Special Assistant United States Attorney James E. Price.
United States Attorney Announces Largest Meth Seizure in Colorado History, So-Called ‘Kingpin’ Charge Filed Against Leader of Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney for the District of Colorado announces that 15 individuals were indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with the largest methamphetamine seizure in Colorado history. One defendant is facing the so-called ‘drug kingpin’ charge as an alleged leader of a drug trafficking organization.
Defendants named in the indictment include: Marco Antonio De Silva Lara, Sergio Ivan Arce Lopez, Juan Luis Cabrera Saucedo, Luis Enrique Lopez Lopez, Rigoberto Aranda, Erik Alejandro Benitez Chavez, Robert Shane Gerstner, Joseph Ricardo Menzor, William Joseph Rollins, Brittney Pierce, Francisco Javier Armenta Barraza, Jamie Cash Hoover, Cesar Andres Huizar Guerra, and Trenton Anthony Thompson. Eleven of these defendants are in federal custody, while the remaining defendants are believed to remain in Mexico.
As detailed in the complaint, federal wiretaps, extensive surveillance, undercover operations, and swift enforcement efforts led to the seizure of more than 1,000 pounds of methamphetamine linked to this organization, including the following:
- In December 2024, agents seized 96 pounds of methamphetamine from a member of the organization on a Greyhound Bus in Vail, Colorado.
- In February 2025, 101 pounds of methamphetamine and a half kilogram of fentanyl powder were seized from another member of the organization on a highway in Colorado.
- In April 2025, over 700 pounds of methamphetamine was seized from a residence in Lakewood, Colorado, along with freezers, propane tanks, and other equipment consistent with methamphetamine manufacturing or conversion. Investigators found thousands of packages of methamphetamine concealed in the corners of containers of fruit.
- In August 2025, nearly 50 pounds of methamphetamine was seized from a residence in Arvada, Colorado.
All 15 defendants face drug charges which carry a potential sentence of no less than ten years and up to life in federal prison. Four of the defendants are charged with money laundering, which carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. Marco Antonio De Silva Lara is charged with operating a Continuing Criminal Enterprise in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 848(a), commonly known as the ‘drug kingpin’ charge. This charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and up to life in prison.
“This successful investigation boasts the largest methamphetamine seizure in Colorado history and intercepted more than 1,000 pounds of methamphetamine before it could be distributed into our community,” said United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Peter McNeilly. “This investigation showcases what we are able to accomplish when we combine the resources, tools, and expertise of federal agencies with the passion, experience, and sweat equity of local law enforcement officers.”
The investigation is being handled by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Arvada Police Department each made significant contributions to this case.
This operation 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 Rocky Mountain HSTF comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Internal Revenue Service, Office of Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), United States Marshals Service (USMS), Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement / Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE/ERO) with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado.
The Transnational Organized Crime and Money Laundering Section of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado is handling the prosecutions.
The charges contained in the indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Case Number: 1:25-CR-240-PAB
U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago Charges Man with Federal Terrorism Offense for Allegedly Setting Passenger on Fire on Chicago TrainRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago today charged a man with a federal terrorism offense for allegedly setting a passenger on fire on a Chicago Transit Authority train earlier this week.
LAWRENCE REED, 50, of Chicago is charged with committing a terrorist attack against a mass transportation system. The charge is punishable by a maximum sentence of life in federal prison. Reed is scheduled to make an initial court appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura K. McNally in federal court in Chicago.
According to a criminal complaint filed today in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Reed and the victim were passengers on a CTA train traveling through a subway in downtown Chicago at approximately 9:00 p.m. on Nov. 17, 2025. Reed approached the victim, who was seated with her back towards him, took the cap off a bottle of liquid and poured the liquid all over the victim’s head and body, the complaint states. The victim ran but Reed caught up with her, at which point he ignited the bottle and it fell out of his hand onto the floor, the complaint states. Reed picked up the bottle that was now on fire, approached the victim and used the bottle to light her on fire, the complaint states.
The victim was engulfed in flames but was able to depart the train. She remains hospitalized with critical injuries.
The investigation revealed that Reed had purchased gasoline at a Chicago gas station and filled it in a hand-held container approximately 20 minutes before the incident on the train, the complaint states.
Reed was arrested by Chicago Police officers on Nov. 18, 2025, in Chicago. He was taken into federal custody today.
The complaint and arrest were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and Larry Snelling, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the Chicago Transit Authority. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron R. Bond and Ronald L. DeWald.
“This horrific attack was not just a barbaric assault on an innocent woman riding a train, but an act of terrorism that strikes at the core of our American way of life,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago, together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, will take immediate and resolute action to bring swift justice to the victim while safeguarding the public as well as the fabric of our society.”
The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
reed_complaint.pdfTyngsborough Daycare Worker and Former New Hampshire State Representative Plead Guilty to Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Hampshire woman, formerly employed at a daycare in Tyngsborough, Mass., and her former intimate partner have pleaded guilty to child exploitation and child pornography charges.
Lindsay Groves, 40, of Hudson, N.H., pleaded guilty on Oct. 14, 2025 to three counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of distribution of child pornography. U.S. Senior District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Feb. 4, 2026. Stacie Marie Laughton, 41, of Nashua, N.H., a former New Hampshire State Representative, pleaded guilty on Nov. 3, 2025 to three counts of sexual exploitation of children and is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 12, 2026.
Groves and Laughton were arrested and charged by criminal complaint in June 2023 and July 2023, respectively. They were both subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2023.
Groves worked at Creative Minds located in Tyngsborough, Mass. Between May 2022 and June 2023, Groves took nude images of children at the day care and sent the photos to Laughton, with whom she was previously in an intimate relationship. Specifically, Groves used natural bathroom breaks for the children (routine diaper/pull-up changes prior to “naptime”) to take multiple photos of the prepubescent children in a private bathroom and then sent the photos to Laughton via text message.
Forensic review of Grove’s and Laughton’s cellphones revealed over 10,000 text messages between them during an approximate one-month period in 2023. These messages included discussion about, and transfer of, explicit photographs that Groves had taken of children while employed at Creative Minds – including at least four sexually explicit images of children who appear to be approximately three to five years old.
All minor victims involved in this matter have been identified and their families have been contacted by law enforcement.
The charge of sexual exploitation of children provides for a sentence of at least 15 years and up to 30 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 distribution of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least 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. 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; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Nashua (N.H.) Police Chief Kevin Rourke made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire; Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office; and the Hudson, N.H. Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica L. Soto and Anne Paruti of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Two men arrested and charged with illegal re-entryRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, NY-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that two defendants were charged in separate criminal complaints with illegal re-entry, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Named in the complaints are:
- Evaristo Calixto Miranda Lopez, 37, a native and citizen of Guatemala. On November 2, 2025, Miranda Lopez was encountered by law enforcement in Cheektowaga, NY. As law enforcement approached, Miranda Lopez fled but was caught and detained. He did not have any legal status or immigration documents that would allow him to remain in the United States legally. Miranda Lopez was physically removed from the United States in both August and September of 2019.
- Jairo Anain Roman Murillo, 26, a native and citizen of Honduras. On October 29, 2025, Roman Murillo was encountered by law enforcement in Hamburg, NY. As law enforcement approached, he fled. After an extensive search, law enforcement found Roman Murillo hiding in the woods. Roman Murillo did not have any legal status or immigration documents that would allow him to remain in the United States legally and he was taken into custody. Roman Murillo was physically removed from the United States in November 2019.
The defendants made initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and were detained.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The complaints are the culmination of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol Buffalo Station, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge David Banks. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Twelve Individuals Charged in $11 Million Stolen Treasury Check ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Twelve individuals have been charged for their roles in a conspiracy to commit bank fraud by depositing stolen checks and withdrawing the funds, Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba announced.
“As alleged in the complaint, the Defendants deposited stolen checks into fraudulent bank accounts for their own personal gain, taking advantage of a COVID-19 pandemic relief program earmarked for struggling businesses. Rooting out fraud on pandemic programs and holding the alleged perpetrators accountable continues to be a top priority of this office and our law enforcement partners.”
- Acting United States Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba
Wayne Bessant, 44, of Hamilton, New Jersey; Britany Brown, 39, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; John Gerard Ebert, 42, of Hamilton, New Jersey; Joseph Graves-Carmichael, 43, of Trenton, New Jersey; Andrew Hooper, 37, of New Brunswick, New Jersey; Thomas Lee, 55, of Beverly, New Jersey; Patricia Kearse, 46, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Clarence Semmon, 41, of Trenton, New Jersey; Ryan Small, 32, of Ewing, New Jersey; Dwayne Reddon, 39, of Trenton, New Jersey; Shabazz Rouzard, 33, of Ewing, New Jersey; and Raymond Wade, 42, of Morrisville, Pennsylvania,are charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Ten Defendants appeared on November 13 before Magistrate Judge James B. Clark, III in Newark Federal Court. One Defendant was already in custody on a state case and one Defendant remains at large. Two defendants appeared on November 17, 2025 before Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte in Newark Federal Court. One defendant appeared on November 17, 2025 before Magistrate Judge Ann Marie Donio in Camden Federal Court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From March 2023 through May 2025, the Defendants conspired to deposit stolen checks—including U.S. Department of Treasury Checks—at various banks in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The Defendants impersonated the businesses listed as payees on the stolen checks by acquiring business documents in the names of the payees. Once the Defendants acquired the fraudulent business documents, they used them to impersonate the victims and open fraudulent business bank accounts where they deposited the stolen checks. In total, the Defendants deposited or attempted to deposit approximately 84 Treasury checks, and 27 commercial checks totaling over $11 million and split the proceeds. Many of the Treasury checks were refunds issued under the Employee Retention Credit, a program the Internal Revenue Service created during the COVID-19 pandemic to encourage businesses to retain employees.
The bank fraud conspiracy is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and also carries a fine of up to $1,000,000.
“Just as the twelve subjects schemed and conspired to cheat the system by depositing stolen checks meant for COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts, the FBI and our federal partners worked together to follow the facts and evidence that would lead to this charge. This case is a textbook example of the partnerships we build to prevent fraud against the Government and protect taxpayers from fraud in any form,” said FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge, Stefanie Roddy.
“This investigation underscores HSI’s commitment to protecting the integrity of our nation’s financial system and ensuring that those who exploit COVID-19 relief programs are held accountable,” said HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy. “HSI will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to uncover complex schemes targeting American taxpayers and to relentlessly dismantle the criminal networks responsible, stripping them of their illicit gains.”
“COVID-19 relief programs, including the Employee Retention Credit, were implemented to help honest Americans keep their jobs during an unprecedented time of hardship. Through deception and fraud, the Defendants allegedly stole over $11 million from the hardworking businesses these pandemic relief programs were meant to benefit,” stated Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, IRS Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office. “IRS-CI will continue to partner with our federal law enforcement colleagues to investigate those who defrauded pandemic relief programs and victimized those in need.”
Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Habba credited special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Newark-Trenton Resident Agency under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy; special agents with Homeland Security Investigations, Cherry Hill, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy; special agents with the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, under the direction of Jenifer L. Piovesan; special agents with Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Northeast Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Carpenter; special agents with the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Silvestro; special agents with the U.S. Air Force – Office of Special Investigations, Detachment 307, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Rebecca B. Bates; and postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Philadelphia Division, under the direction of Inspector in Charge, Christopher Nielson, with the investigation leading to today’s arrest.
The District of New Jersey COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force is one of the five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aja Espinosa and Benjamin D. Bleiberg of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel:
Bessant: David Bahuriak, Esq.
Brown: Wanda Akin, Esq.
Graves-Carmichael: Kevin Buchan, Esq.
Hooper: Jacqueline E. Cistaro, Esq.
Kearse: William Strazza, Esq.
Semmon: Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.
Small: Laurie Fierro, Esq.
Reddon: Roberto Espinosa, Esq.
Rouzard: Kathleen Theurer-Platts, Esq.
Wade: Michael Pappa, Esq.
bessant.complaint.pdfTrinitarios Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Possession of MachinegunRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to possessing a loaded UZI machinegun.
Derek Mercado, 20, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a machinegun before U.S. Senior District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton who scheduled sentencing for Feb. 18, 2026. Mercado was charged by criminal complaint in August 2025. Mercado is currently in state custody for domestic violence offenses.
Mercado is a member of the Trinitarios gang, a violent criminal enterprise responsible for numerous murders and acts of violence across Massachusetts. On May 6, 2025, an alert to arrest Mercado was broadcast by law enforcement following a report of a domestic violence incident. The victim reported that the defendant was in possession of a firearm in a green duffel bag. At the time, Mercado was in warrant status on two unrelated matters. Mercado was later observed exiting a residence while possessing a green duffel bag. He was taken into custody and an Israel Military Industries UZI model submachinegun containing an extended magazine loaded with 24 rounds was recovered in the green bag. The UZI was later test-fired and determined to be a functional machinegun.
In August 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged three members of the Lawrence Chapter of the Trinitarios for an alleged armed robbery. In February 2025, nearly two dozen members of the Lynn Chapter of the Trinitarios were also charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with allegedly committing six murders in Lynn and Lawrence and in June 2025, two Trinitarios members were charged with committing a kidnapping in Andover.
The charge of possessing a machinegun provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Haverhill Police Chief Robert Pistone made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit 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 and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Three Mexican men plead guilty to, sentenced for illegal reentryRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Erasmo Perez Ruiz, 30, Luis Gerardo Perez Lopez, 29, and Ismael Ivan Perez Lopez, 27, all citizens and nationals of Mexico, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to illegal reentry. They were each sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas, who handled the cases, stated that on September 30, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents attempted to stop a vehicle that the defendants were riding in, in Amherst, NY. As agents approached the vehicle with emergency lights and sirens activated, the driver, Erasmo Perez Ruiz, fled at a high rate of speed. After a brief chase, the vehicle pulled into a retail parking lot and the three defendants exited the vehicle and ran into a wooded area but were quickly apprehended. Further investigation determined that Erasmo Perez Ruiz was physically removed from the United States two times in April 2014, Luis Gerardo Perez Lopez was physically removed in May 2018, and Ismael Ivan Perez Lopez was physically removed in May 2017.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The pleas and sentencings are the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge David Banks.
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Texas man sentenced for employment tax fraudRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A Harris County resident has been sentenced for failing to report and pay employment taxes, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Joseth “Joe” Limon pleaded guilty May 27.
U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal has now ordered Limon to serve 36 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. During the hearing, Judge Rosenthal took issue with Limon’s claim he was a hardworking businessman who had never asked for a handout from anyone, noting that he just took from the United States. Limon is also required to pay approximately $8.7 million in restitution.
Limon owned and operated Platinum Employment Group Inc. which supplied laborers to businesses in the Houston area. From 2013 through 2018, Platinum failed to file employment tax returns and, according to its payroll records, more than $8.7 million in taxes.
After closing Platinum, he set up another labor-staffing company - Rockwell Staffing LLC - in the name of a relative. When he discovered the IRS was attempting to collect the company’s employment taxes, he caused that relative to submit an affidavit that falsely claimed Rockwell had been a victim of identity theft and had no employment tax liability.
Limon was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh and Trial Attorney Curtis Weidler of the Tax Division prosecuted the case.
Texas Resident Sentenced for Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Brandon Lee Smith, age 31, of Wichita Falls, Texas, was sentenced to 33 months in prison for one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Ardmore Police Department.
On June 10, 2025, Smith pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on January 18, 2025, Smith possessed a firearm which he sold to a federally licensed firearm dealer in Ardmore, Oklahoma, during a video-recorded transaction. Prior to that transaction, Smith had been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year of imprisonment.
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 Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Smith will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.
Tennessee Man Sentenced to over 18 years in Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A federal judge sentenced a Tennessee man to 221 months in prison and three years of supervised release today for being a felon in possession of a firearm under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
“Gun violence poses a significant danger to the safety and security of our communities,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s significant sentence highlights the Criminal Division’s steadfast commitment to aggressively prosecuting repeated armed offenders and protecting the public. I thank the prosecutors and our federal and state law enforcement partners who worked diligently to achieve this result.”
“Convicted felons who possess firearms are an inherent danger to community, and in this case, the defendant was an armed career criminal who continued to possess a firearm despite his prior felony conviction history,” said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee. “There is and ought to be a significant consequence for such recidivist criminal behavior, and this is one more armed career criminal removed from our streets for a long time.”
“These efforts signify what can be accomplished when we work together with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to combat violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Jamey VanVliet of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Nashville Field Division. “Through this collaboration, we were able to remove a violent armed career criminal from our Memphis streets.”
According to documents and evidence presented to the court, on Jan. 19, 2022, Memphis Police Department (MPD) stopped a vehicle driven by Markel Strong, 29, of Memphis because its tint violated traffic law. Police observed, and seized, a firearm in plain view located in the front seat near the vehicle’s center console. Strong was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his numerous prior violent felony convictions.
On Aug. 19, a federal jury found Strong guilty of being a felon in possession of the firearm and separately determined that Strong’s three prior violent felony convictions occurred on separate dates, which triggered enhanced punishment under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
At today’s sentencing hearing, the United States presented evidence of the defendant’s violent behavior while in custody, as well as other crimes to which the seized firearm has been linked.
ATF and MPD investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Ashleigh Atasoy of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Regina Brittenum for the Western District of Tennessee prosecuted the case.
This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative in Memphis conducted in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Tennessee and local, state, and federal law enforcement. This joint effort addresses violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal laws to prosecute violent gang members and other violent criminals in Memphis.
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Tennessee Man Sentenced to over 18 years in Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
A federal judge sentenced a Tennessee man to 221 months in prison and three years of supervised release today for being a felon in possession of a firearm under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
“Gun violence poses a significant danger to the safety and security of our communities,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s significant sentence highlights the Criminal Division’s steadfast commitment to aggressively prosecuting repeated armed offenders and protecting the public. I thank the prosecutors and our federal and state law enforcement partners who worked diligently to achieve this result.”
“Convicted felons who possess firearms are an inherent danger to community, and in this case, the defendant was an armed career criminal who continued to possess a firearm despite his prior felony conviction history,” U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee. “There is and ought to be a significant consequence for such recidivist criminal behavior, and this is one more armed career criminal removed from our streets for a long time.”
“These efforts signify what can be accomplished when we work together with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to combat violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Jamey VanVliet of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Nashville Field Division. “Through this collaboration, we were able to remove a violent armed career criminal from our Memphis streets.”
According to documents and evidence presented to the court, on Jan. 19, 2022, Memphis Police Department (MPD) stopped a vehicle driven by Markel Strong, 29, of Memphis because its tint violated traffic law. Police observed, and seized, a firearm in plain view located in the front seat near the vehicle’s center console. Strong was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his numerous prior violent felony convictions.
On Aug. 19 a federal jury found Strong guilty of being a felon in possession of the firearm and separately determined that Strong’s three prior violent felony convictions occurred on separate dates, which triggered enhanced punishment under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
At today’s sentencing hearing, the United States presented evidence of the defendant’s violent behavior while in custody, as well as other crimes to which the seized firearm has been linked.
ATF and MPD investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Ashleigh Atasoy of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Regina Brittenum for the Western District of Tennessee prosecuted the case.
This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative in Memphis conducted in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Tennessee and local, state, and federal law enforcement. This joint effort addresses violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal laws to prosecute violent gang members and other violent criminals in Memphis.
Tallahassee Man Sentenced for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Curtis Battle, 38, of Tallahassee, Florida, has been sentenced to a 15-year term of imprisonment for distribution of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, “crack” cocaine, and marijuana. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the sentence.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Deadly fentanyl continues to have a devastating impact on communities across the Northern District of Florida and nationwide, but our state and federal law enforcement partners remain committed to aggressively targeting and removing the peddlers of this poison from our streets. My office stands ready to back up those law enforcement efforts with the full force of the law, and this successful prosecution and substantial sentence is yet another step toward fulfilling the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi that we will Take Back America from the drug traffickers who have flooded our streets with deadly drugs.”
Law enforcement conducted a series of controlled drug purchases directly from the defendant, then executed a federal search warrant at his Tallahassee, Florida residence. During the search, law enforcement seized quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, “crack” cocaine, and marijuana, along with paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking and $15,000 in currency that was identified as proceeds of drug sales.
“Peddling these poisons in our communities will not be tolerated,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “DEA will continue to make removing these bad actors a top priority.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tallahassee Police Department, and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. The case was 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.
St. Louis County Man Who Shot at Police Sentenced to 22 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge John A. Ross on Tuesday sentenced a man who shot at multiple St. Louis County police officers in 2024 to 22 years in prison.
Dylan Farmer, 21, of Breckenridge Hills, Missouri, pleaded guilty in June to four counts of assaulting a law enforcement officer and two counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He admitted firing first at officers with the St. Louis County Police Department Special Response Unit (SRU) who were trying to find someone wanted in connection with a double homicide. On Feb. 13, 2024, a vehicle associated with that wanted person was parked in the 4500 block of Virginia Avenue in St. Louis. When Farmer unlocked the vehicle and got in, officers converged to detain him. All officers wore vests marked “Police,” and three of their vehicles were equipped with blue flashing emergency lights. The officers were also designated as task force officers with the U.S. Marshals Service and the FBI.
As three officers pulled up in their SUV, Farmer immediately opened fire with a .45-caliber semiautomatic handgun equipped with a 50-round drum magazine, damaging the SUV. Officers returned fire. Farmer then ran across the street and between some buildings, where he fired one shot at an officer. He then ran down an alley and fired multiple times at a different officer, who ducked behind a dumpster.
Farmer hid on the front porch of a house in the 4500 block of Alaska Avenue. When officers drove down the street and spotted Farmer, he opened fire again, damaging their vehicle, and officers again returned fire. Farmer surrendered after suffering multiple gunshot wounds. Officers treated his wounds and summoned an ambulance to take him to the hospital.
One officer was injured when a bullet ricocheted off a vehicle’s window, causing glass to fly into his eye. Another’s ankle was injured when he jumped out of his car to seek cover.
The St. Louis County Police Department, the FBI, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul D’Agrosa prosecuted the case.
St. Louis County Man Admits Carjacking 72-Year-OldRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Louis County, Missouri on Wednesday admitted carjacking a 72-year-old man in 2023.
Kirk Hall, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He admitted being one of two men who stole a BMW X5 on July 7, 2023. Shortly before 1:00 a.m., the victim parked the BMW in a St. Louis County apartment complex. Hall and the other gunman ordered the driver and passenger out. The other gunman then stole the vehicle, taking the driver’s cell phone and other personal items. Hall followed in another vehicle. The BMW was found, unoccupied, a few hours later.
At Hall’s Feb. 18, 2026 sentencing, he faces at least five years in prison for the gun charge, consecutive to the carjacking charge. Carjacking is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine.
The St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nichole Frankenberg is prosecuting the case.
South Florida Congresswoman Charged with Stealing $5 Million in FEMA Funds and Making Illegal Campaign ContributionsRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A federal grand jury in Miami has returned an indictment charging Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and several co-defendants with stealing federal disaster funds, laundering the proceeds, and using the money to support her 2021 congressional campaign.
According to the indictment, Cherfilus-McCormick, 46, and her brother Edwin Cherfilus, 51, both of Miramar, worked through their family health-care company on a FEMA-funded COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract in 2021. In July 2021, the company received an overpayment of $5 million in FEMA funds.
The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to steal that $5 million and routed it through multiple accounts to disguise its source. Prosecutors allege that a substantial portion of the misappropriated funds was used as candidate contributions to Cherfilus-McCormick’s 2021 congressional campaign and for the personal benefit of the defendants.
The indictment further alleges that Cherfilus-McCormick and Nadege Leblanc, 46, of Miramar, arranged additional contributions using straw donors, funneling other monies from the FEMA-funded Covid-19 contract to friends and relatives who then donated to the campaign as if using their own money.
The indictment also charges Cherfilus-McCormick and her 2021 tax preparer David K. Spencer, 41, of Davie, with conspiring to file a false federal tax return. According to the indictment, they falsely claimed political spending and other personal expenses as business deductions and inflated charitable contributions in order to reduce her tax obligations.
“Using disaster relief funds for self-enrichment is a particularly selfish, cynical crime,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “No one is above the law, least of all powerful people who rob taxpayers for personal gain. We will follow the facts in this case and deliver justice.”
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida stated, “Today’s indictment shows no one is above the law. This indictment reflects our Office’s commitment to follow the facts, apply the law, and protect the American taxpayer. Public money belongs to the American people. When FEMA funds are diverted for personal or political gain, it erodes trust and harms us all. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that American taxpayer dollars are used as intended and that the public’s trust is safeguarded.”
If convicted, Cherfilus-McCormick faces up to 53 years in prison. Edwin Cherfilus faces up to 35 years, Leblanc up to 10 years, and Spencer up to 33 years.
U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones; Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Ronald A. Loecker of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Florida Field Office, made the announcement.FBI Miami and the IRS-CI Florida Field Office are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alejandra L. López and Yeney Hernández and DOJ Criminal Division Trial Attorney John P. Taddei are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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 PACER. Case number is forthcoming.
South Florida Congresswoman Charged with Stealing $5 Million in FEMA Funds and Making Illegal Campaign ContributionsRead the Press Release
This press release has been updated to include the case number.
MIAMI – A federal grand jury in Miami has returned an indictment charging Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and several co-defendants with stealing federal disaster funds, laundering the proceeds, and using the money to support her 2021 congressional campaign.
According to the indictment, Cherfilus-McCormick, 46, and her brother Edwin Cherfilus, 51, both of Miramar, worked through their family health-care company on a FEMA-funded COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract in 2021. In July 2021, the company received an overpayment of $5 million in FEMA funds.
The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to steal that $5 million and routed it through multiple accounts to disguise its source. Prosecutors allege that a substantial portion of the misappropriated funds was used as candidate contributions to Cherfilus-McCormick’s 2021 congressional campaign and for the personal benefit of the defendants.
The indictment further alleges that Cherfilus-McCormick and Nadege Leblanc, 46, of Miramar, arranged additional contributions using straw donors, funneling other monies from the FEMA-funded Covid-19 contract to friends and relatives who then donated to the campaign as if using their own money.
The indictment also charges Cherfilus-McCormick and her 2021 tax preparer David K. Spencer, 41, of Davie, with conspiring to file a false federal tax return. According to the indictment, they falsely claimed political spending and other personal expenses as business deductions and inflated charitable contributions in order to reduce her tax obligations.
“Using disaster relief funds for self-enrichment is a particularly selfish, cynical crime,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “No one is above the law, least of all powerful people who rob taxpayers for personal gain. We will follow the facts in this case and deliver justice.”
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida stated, “Today’s indictment shows no one is above the law. This indictment reflects our Office’s commitment to follow the facts, apply the law, and protect the American taxpayer. Public money belongs to the American people. When FEMA funds are diverted for personal or political gain, it erodes trust and harms us all. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that American taxpayer dollars are used as intended and that the public’s trust is safeguarded.”
If convicted, Cherfilus-McCormick faces up to 53 years in prison. Edwin Cherfilus faces up to 35 years, Leblanc up to 10 years, and Spencer up to 33 years.
U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones; Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Ronald A. Loecker of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Florida Field Office, made the announcement.
FBI Miami and the IRS-CI Florida Field Office are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alejandra L. López and Yeney Hernández and DOJ Criminal Division Trial Attorney John P. Taddei are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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 PACER, under case number 25-cr-20500.
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Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to Nearly 6 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on October 27, 2025.
James Jenkins, 35, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Jenkins was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in April 2025. He pleaded guilty on July 21, 2025.
The case arose on March 18, 2025, when Jenkins was involved in an incident with the Mitchell Police Department, during which officers conducted a search of his backpack, discovering a 9mm pistol. At that time, Jenkins knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms because he was previously convicted of a felony offense in Arizona.
This case was investigated by ATF, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the Mitchell Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.
Jenkins was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Assaulting Teenaged GirlsRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a man from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact. The sentencing took place on November 3, 2025.
Chico Baker, age 24, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Baker was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2024. He pleaded guilty on July 15, 2025.
Between December 10, 2023, and January 20, 2024, Baker had sexual intercourse with a 16-year-old girl without her consent and engaged in sexual contact with two 15-year-old girls. The conduct occurred in rural McLaughlin, South Dakota, in the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, authorizes certain crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country to be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was also 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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
Baker was immediately returned to the South Dakota State Penitentiary, where he is serving an eight year sentence for Reckless Burning (Aiding and Abetting). He will be remanded to federal custody following the completion of that sentence.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on October 27, 2025.
Michael Lee Terveen, 39, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Terveen was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in February 2025. He pleaded guilty on August 4, 2025.
The charges against Terveen stem from law enforcement discovering him and another man passed out in a vehicle outside of Sioux Falls. Minnehaha County Sheriff’s deputies eventually searched the vehicle and found approximately 77 grams of methamphetamine and a large amount of cash. They also found a gun on Terveen’s person. Investigators later learned that Terveen was working with others to obtain methamphetamine and then redistribute it in Sioux Falls.
This case was investigated by United States Postal Investigations, the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, and the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Terveen was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux City Man to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Dean Christiansen, 64, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced on November 18, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City. Christiansen pled guilty July 1, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Christiansen was previously convicted in the Northern District of Iowa of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance in December 2012.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that from May 2024 through about August 2024, Christiansen was involved in a conspiracy that distributed more than 170 grams of pure methamphetamine in the Sioux City area within 1,000 feet of a local elementary school. Law enforcement conducted two controlled methamphetamine purchases from Christiansen in August 2024 and seized scales and marijuana during a search of Christiansen’s home. Christiansen admitted purchasing about 12 pounds of methamphetamine to repackage and distribute to others.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Christiansen was sentenced to 134 months’ imprisonment and must serve a seven-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Christiansen remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-4058. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Man Sentenced to over 15 Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethRead the Press Release
Jon Waugh, 55, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced November 17, 2025, to 188 months’ imprisonment for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a protected location. Waugh pled guilty June 12, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City.
On August 14, 2024, police arrested Waugh outside his apartment, when Waugh was searched, police found approximately 112 grams of methamphetamine and $854 in cash. Police also searched Waugh’s residence and seized over a kilogram of pure methamphetamine, a scale with meth residue, drug paraphernalia, and four firearms, one of which was stolen. At the plea hearing, Waugh admitted he planned to distribute the methamphetamine to other individuals in Sioux City. Waugh’s residence was within 1,000 feet of a protected location, specifically a local elementary school in Sioux City.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Waugh was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a term of ten years of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Waugh remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-4058. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.