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17 November 2025
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones Delivers Keynote Remarks at the Investiture of Judge Joanne HernandezRead the Press Release
MIAMI – United States Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones served as one of the keynote speakers at Friday’s investiture ceremony for the Honorable Joanne Hernandez, newly appointed to the Miami-Dade County Court by Governor Ron DeSantis.
Judge Hernandez, an FIU Law alumna, longtime practitioner, and committed member of the Miami-Dade community, was formally sworn in during a ceremony attended by state trial and appellate judges, elected officials, community leaders, and colleagues from her years of philanthropic service and private practice.
During his remarks, U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones reflected on their shared journey beginning in law school, her unwavering work ethic, and her deep commitment to serving families, the vulnerable, and the community at large.
In his address, U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones stated: “Governor DeSantis appointed an exceptional judge, but more importantly, Miami-Dade County gained a servant of the people who understands that justice is not about power, but responsibility.”
He continued: “Joanne, today we honor not only your achievement, but the values that carried you here: faith, perseverance, and love for your community. You remind us that success and humility are not opposites, they belong together.”
As United States Attorney, Reding Quiñones leads one of the largest and most complex federal districts in the nation, overseeing offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Fort Pierce. Before his presidential appointment and Senate confirmation, he served as a state court trial judge presiding over civil and criminal domestic violence cases in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida.
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U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones Attends Grand Opening of Osvaldo N. Soto Miami-Dade Justice CenterRead the Press Release
MIAMI – U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones joined federal, state, and local leaders on Nov. 10 for the ceremonial opening of the Osvaldo N. Soto Miami-Dade Justice Center, a new courthouse facility designed to expand access to justice and serve the growing needs of Miami-Dade County.
For U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones—who previously served as a state court judge in Miami-Dade County—the courthouse’s opening holds special significance. The new courthouse reflects both the county’s evolving needs and its enduring commitment to a fair, accessible, and well-resourced justice system.
“This courthouse reflects who we are as a community: resilient, forward-looking, and committed to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones. “It also stands as a proud tribute to Osvaldo N. Soto, a Cuban exile, Bay of Pigs veteran, and trailblazing attorney who spent his life defending liberty. I sat on the state bench just a few blocks from here, and I know how much this building will mean for the people we serve. Miami-Dade is investing in its future, and we’re honored to stand with our state and local partners as we continue the work of protecting our community and defending the rule of law.”
Named in honor of Osvaldo N. Soto, a Cuban-American lawyer and civil rights pioneer, the courthouse will house multiple judicial operations and provide modern, secure, and technologically advanced courtrooms, improved public services, and additional space for justice partners.
Before his presidential appointment and Senate confirmation, U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones served as a state court trial judge presiding over civil and criminal domestic violence cases in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit in and for Miami-Dade County.
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Two Charged in Human Smuggling Event that Led to at Least Four DeathsRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – David Alfonso Barrera Nunes, a Mexican national believed to be the captain of a smuggling boat that capsized off Imperial Beach in rough surf over the weekend, was charged in federal court today in connection with the deaths of four passengers.
Barrera Nunes was arrested Saturday and charged today with Bringing in Aliens Resulting in Death and Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain. A detention hearing is scheduled for Friday at 9 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge David Leshner.
A second man, Luis Enrique Barreto Goitia, a Mexican national who was a passenger on the panga, was also charged for being a removed alien who again entered the United States illegally. He was most recently removed from the United States on November 3, 2025. He was first removed from the U.S. in 2012.
According to the complaint, at about 11:30 p.m. on November 14, 2025, Border Patrol Agents were notified of a small vessel crossing the international maritime boundary between Mexico and the United States. About an hour later, Border Patrol Agents responded to Imperial Beach and spotted a vessel that had capsized in six-foot waves, with several people emerging from the water.
Nine people were believed to be aboard the boat, including four who perished and five who were rescued, detained or both. The five survivors were transported to a hospital for treatment.
Passengers told harrowing stories about their ordeal.
One man, who had been trapped inside the cabin below deck when the boat overturned, found a pocket of air and was able to breathe while the boat was submerged with him and several others inside. He was able to exit the cabin after Border Patrol agents flipped the boat over. He said he doesn’t know how to swim and believed that he was going to drown. Somehow, he said, he was able to reach the shore where he was aided by Border Patrol agents.
The complaint quoted several passengers who said the boat experienced engine problems, leading to an argument between the captain and passengers who urged him to return to Mexico. The captain refused and attempted to reach shore despite having no engine power, causing the vessel to rotate in the waves and capsize.
According to the complaint, the captain was the second to make it to shore. He never attempted to rescue his passengers.
One passenger told agents he was reluctantly accompanying his granddaughter on the voyage. He said that before the vessel capsized, the captain ordered everyone to jump into the water. The vessel then capsized; the grandfather and granddaughter were trapped inside the vessel. As it rolled, the grandfather was able to pull his granddaughter out, but he remained trapped. He said a piece of metal penetrated his leg, causing a severe injury. He believed he was going to die, he said, but when the vessel came to a stop, he was pulled out and rescued.
Three deceased adults were identified as Bartolo Baltazar Baltazar; Epifanio Molina Bravo; and Hector Lopez Lopez. The fourth remains unidentified.
“Bad weather, rough seas, a dangerous and overloaded vessel - these were all risks that smugglers were willing to disregard in their desire for profit,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “Maritime smuggling is extremely dangerous, and we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law every individual responsible for these preventable tragedies.”
“This event underscores the very real danger and consequences of crossing the border illegally,” said San Diego Sector Chief Border Patrol Agent Justin De La Torre. “The decision of this smuggling organization to carelessly risk the lives of everyone involved is truly inexcusable. We will ensure full accountability for anyone who chooses to violate our Nation’s laws.”
“This tragic incident underscores the inherent dangers of maritime smuggling and the callous disregard smugglers have for human life,” said HSI San Diego Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Murphy. “Due to the exceptional work of the HSI San Diego Marine Task Force and our state, local, and federal partners who responded, lives were saved and those responsible for this tragedy are being held accountable. Together, we remain steadfast in our commitment to combat human smuggling and protect the safety and security of our communities.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Van Demark and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Lauricella.
DEFENDANTS
Case Number 25mj6283-DDL
David Alfonso Barrera Nunes Age: 37 Mexico
Luis Enrique Barreto Goitia Age: 39 Mexico
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Bringing in Aliens Resulting in Death – Title 8, U.S.C., Sections 1324(a)(1)(A)(i), (v)(II), and (a)(1)(B)(iv)
Maximum penalty: Death or Life in Prison and $250,000 fine
(Barrera Nunes)
Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain – Title 8, U.S.C., Section 1324(a)(2)(B)(ii)
Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison with a three-year mandatory minimum and $250,000 fine
(Barrera Nunes)
Deported Alien Found in the United States – Title 8, U.S.C., Section 1326
Maximum penalty: Two years in prison and $250,000 fine
(Barreto Goitia)
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Homeland Security Investigations – Marine Task Force
U.S. Border Patrol
U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Air and Marine Operations
United States Coast Guard
Imperial Beach Fire-Rescue Department
Imperial Beach Marine Safety - Lifeguards
San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Additional Defendants Sentenced for Roles in Pennsylvania/Ohio Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
This release was issued following the 43-day government shutdown during which the sentencings occurred.
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Two individuals from Ohio were sentenced in federal court on their convictions of violating federal narcotics laws in connection with a cross-state drug trafficking ring, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced. The defendants were among 27 individuals charged through a Superseding Indictment unsealed in March 2023 for their participation in a cross-state narcotics conspiracy involving substantial quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, crack, and heroin.
The sentences imposed by United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan were:
DefendantAgeResidenceSentence DateSentenceRaheem Hurst27Garfield Heights, OhioOctober 15Five months of imprisonment, to be followed by two years of supervised releaseTorrence Lyde36Cleveland, OhioNovember 6132 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised releaseAccording to information presented to the Court, from in and around December 2022 to March 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Hurst conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture of cocaine and crack. From in and around August 2018 to March 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Lyde conspired with others to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of a mixture of cocaine, and a quantity of a mixture of cocaine base. The defendants were intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that they distributed to others.
With these sentencings, 24 of the 27 defendants charged in the Superseding Indictment now have been sentenced in the case, following guilty pleas from 26 of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency; Homeland Security Investigations; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation; United States Postal Inspection Service; and other local law enforcement agencies for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of the defendants.
Tri-Cities Urgent Care Clinic Agrees to Pay $2.8 Million to Resolve Claims of Overbilling for Diagnostic TestsRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that Health First Urgent Care, an urgent care clinic with locations in Richland and Pasco, Washington, has agreed to pay $2,807,729 to resolve claims that it fraudulently overbilled Medicare and Medicaid for diagnostic tests.
According to the settlement agreement, a False Claims Act (FCA) claim arose from allegations that Health First Urgent Care fraudulently billed for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) respiratory and urinary tract infection panel testing. These panel tests were a predetermined group of medical tests used to test for multiple pathogens from a single sample obtained from a patient.
The United States and State of Washington alleged that instead of billing for a single panel test, Health First Urgent Care improperly “unbundled” the panel test and billed for each individual test comprising the panel. This resulted in overbilling to Medicare and Medicaid programs. In addition, the State of Washington alleged that Health First Urgent Care improperly billed for panel tests that were more expensive and not medically necessary for individual patients, such as patients presenting with symptoms of Covid-19.
“Ensuring that healthcare providers comply with the requirements of Medicare and Medicaid not only maintains the integrity of these programs, but it also safeguards patients and results in better healthcare outcomes,” said Mr. Serrano. “I would like to express our appreciation for our collaboration with the Washington Medicaid Fraud Control Division and the exception investigative work performed by HHS-OIG. We will continue to ensure that fraud, waste, and abuse does not permeate federal healthcare programs.”
The settlement was the result of an investigation jointly conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Washington State Attorney General’s Office and the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.“Medicare and Medicaid exist to make sure families’ critical medical needs are met. It is vital that we protect the integrity of these programs,” Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown said. “This settlement will help ensure these funds are put to use as intended for Washingtonians.”
“It is critical for providers to bill Medicare, Medicaid, and other taxpayer-funded health care programs lawfully and accurately. The submission of false laboratory testing claims diverts key resources away from those who rely on them, including the elderly and low-income families,” said Jeffrey C. McIntosh, Acting Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to safeguard federal health care programs for the benefit of the American people.”
The United States Attorney’s Office’s investigation and prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jacob E. Brooks, and the Washington State Attorney General’s Office’s investigation and prosecution was handled by Assistant Attorney General Rachel Sterett.Transportation companies agree to pay $4.4 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations involving fraudulently obtained PPP loansRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that 3rd Avenue Transit, Inc. and Y&M Transit Corporation have agreed to pay $4.4 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations that they improperly obtained Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for which they were not eligible.
The PPP was an emergency loan program established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act in March of 2020 and expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in 2021. Under the PPP, eligible businesses could obtain loans to cover payroll costs or other specified business expenses. PPP loans were guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and subject to forgiveness if spent on eligible expenses. However, PPP loans were only available to a subset of businesses that met the eligibility criteria. As one condition to second-draw loan eligibility, the applicant company and its affiliates must have had no more than 300 employees collectively. When applying for PPP loans, borrowers were required to certify the truthfulness and accuracy of all information provided in their loan applications, including regarding their size, number of employees, and affiliate entities.
3rd Avenue and Y&M applied for and received a total of $2,402,800 in second-draw PPP loans, certifying that they were a small business with fewer than 300 employees. The government contends that 3rd Avenue and Y&M, along with a third company, were affiliates under the PPP rules. As a result, 3rd Avenue and Y&M were ineligible for the second-draw loans because they employed more than 300 employees.
“Paycheck Protection Program loans were intended to help small businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “Our office continues to invest time and resources to hold accountable those who obtained PPP funds for which they were not eligible.”
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the settlement or judgment.
Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan W. Ferris, and Investigator Margaret McFarland, with assistance from the SBA’s Office of General Counsel.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
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Texas Man Sentenced to 21 Months for Stealing Nearly $400,000 from Maine Couple While They Were on VacationRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Texas man was sentenced on October 7, 2025, in U.S. District Court in Bangor for four counts of wire fraud.
U.S. District Judge Stacey D. Neumann sentenced Kyle Lawless Pollar, 28, to 21 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $360,000 in restitution.
According to court records, in October 2022, the FBI began an investigation after a Maine couple reported a loss of nearly $400,000 via unauthorized wire transfers and purchases from their bank account. The couple stated that after returning from a vacation, they unsuccessfully attempted to log into their bank account and called the bank to request their username and password be reset. Once able to view the account, they found multiple wire transfers on the statement.
The investigation showed that in August 2022, an unknown person called the bank pretending to be the account holder, requesting the account balance and updating the contact phone number. Shortly after, they also changed the contact email address. Over a two-week period, several transfers were made between the victims’ home equity line of credit account to their savings account. Multiple wire transfers were then made to a Texas bank account held by Pollar. The four wire transfers totaled $360,880. $66,000 from one wire transfer was transferred to a jeweler also located in Texas. Pollar withdrew funds from his account in cash and cashier’s checks, and the cashier’s checks were deposited in other Texas bank accounts in his name. Security cameras captured him making deposits and withdrawing funds.
The FBI investigated the case.
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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St. Peters man sentenced to 15+ years for kidnapping his pregnant girlfriend with a firearm to force her to get an abortionRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a man from St. Peters, Missouri, to 188 months in federal prison after he admitted to kidnapping his pregnant girlfriend at gun point and driving to Fairview Heights to force her into obtaining an abortion.
Kevin L. Smith, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping. In addition to imprisonment, he will serve three years of supervised release. He was sentenced on Oct. 1.
“It is not easy to shock law enforcement officials because we have pretty much seen it all—but then someone like Kevin Smith comes along. It is difficult to find words adequate to describe someone who would kidnap his pregnant girlfriend to force her to have an abortion at gunpoint and then continue to threaten her from jail,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “This vile crime terrorized the victim and threatened the life of her unborn child. Smith deserves every minute of that prison sentence.”
According to court documents, Smith kidnapped his pregnant girlfriend from her job in St. Charles, Missouri, and drove her to Planned Parenthood in Fairview Heights to force her to obtain an abortion on Dec. 7, 2022. During the car ride, he used a loaded firearm to intimidate and threaten to kill the victim by shooting her in the head.
“This case represents a disturbing act of violence and abuse,” said Steve Johnson, Chief of the Fairview Heights Police Department. “Kevin Smith kidnapped his girlfriend at gunpoint and drove her across state lines against her will in an attempt to make her obtain an abortion. His actions were those of a dangerous and manipulative individual. Our investigators worked tirelessly to bring the facts forward, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office ensured Smith was held accountable in federal court. This sentencing sends a clear message that acts of violence will not be tolerated in our community.”
Court documents explain Smith faced higher sentencing penalties, because he repeatedly harassed the victim and continued to threaten her from jail.
The Fairview Heights Police Department led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Trippi prosecuted the case.
St. Louis Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for 7 Robberies and 1 Attempted RobberyRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig on Monday sentenced a man to 12 years in prison for the robbery or attempted robbery of eight stores and businesses in St. Louis.
Jermel Rush, 43, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty in June to seven counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery and one count of use of a firearm during a crime of violence. As part of his plea agreement, he admitted the following acts:
- On June 21, 2018, Rush used an Airsoft gun that appeared to be a handgun to rob a retail store in the 4400 block of Natural Bridge Road. Rush took cash after grabbing a clerk by the neck and dragging her to the cash register.
- On July 6, 2018, Rush used an Airsoft gun that resembled a large revolver to hold employees of a grocery store in the 3600 block of Page Avenue at gunpoint and steal cash.
- On Oct. 9, 2018, Rush tried unsuccessfully to rob a retail store in the 4300 block of North Grand Boulevard by using the Airsoft revolver to force employees to unlock the store after closing time. Rush also threatened to kill the manager.
- On Oct. 28, 2018, Rush grabbed the assistant manager’s neck and used the Airsoft revolver to rob a retail store in the 5000 block of Enright Avenue of cash. He also threatened to kill the assistant manager.
- Two days later, Rush used the Airsoft revolver to rob a retailer in the 1400 block of North Grand Boulevard of cash and clothing.
- On Nov. 8, 2018, Rush used a firearm to rob a business in the 300 block of North Sarah Street of cash and threatened to shoot an employee.
- On Nov. 14, 2018, Ruch robbed a cell phone store in the 4900 block of Delmar Boulevard of cash while armed with a handgun.
- The next day, Rush robbed a retail store in the 3100 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Drive at gunpoint of cash, Christmas lights and dish towels. He told the manager he would “…blow your head off, hurry up.”
When St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers arrested Rush, he had a .40 caliber handgun that matched the description of the gun used in the final three robberies.
On Monday, Judge Fleissig also ordered Rush to repay $4,237 to the businesses that he robbed.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Torrie J. Schneider prosecuted the case.
St. Louis Man Admits Recording His Sexual Abuse of 5-Year-OldRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Louis, Missouri on Monday admitted recording his sexual abuse of a five-year-old.
Marshall Williams, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography. Williams admitted sexually abusing the victim and recording it with his cell phone in March of 2024. After the victim’s aunt found the videos, she alerted the victim’s mother and they confronted Williams, who fled. They then contacted the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
Williams is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 19, 2026. His crime carries a mandatory minimum prison term of 15 years, with a maximum term of 30 years.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson 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 Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Spokane Valley Couple Sentenced on Fraud Convictions in Connection to COVID-19 Relief LoanRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – On October 8, 2025, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Raymond and Jennifer Hilderbrand, ages 55 and 54, of Spokane Valley, Washington. Earlier this year, the Hilderbrands were found guilty at a jury trial on multiple fraud charges. Raymond Hilderbrand was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison; Jennifer Hilderbrand was sentenced to time served. Both Raymond and Jennifer Hilderbrand will be on supervised release for three years and are required to pay $363,000 in restitution.
On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act provided a number of programs through which eligible small businesses could request and obtain relief funding intended to mitigate the economic impacts of the pandemic for small and local businesses. One such program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, provided low interest loans that could be deferred until the conclusion of the pandemic to provide “bridge” funding for small businesses to maintain their operations during shutdowns and other economic circumstances caused by the pandemic. The EIDL program have provided billions of dollars in aid, the vast majority of which have not been paid back, including hundreds of millions of dollars disbursed within Eastern Washington.
The evidence presented at trial established that the Hilderbrands engaged in an elaborate scheme to obtain money from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to spend on their entertainment business called Powerline Enterprise LLC (Powerline), even though in September of 2021, the SBA had declined to fund a loan for the company.
To execute this scheme, in January of 2022, Raymond Hilderbrand completed a EIDL application in the name of Hilderbrand Auto Services, which was an automotive repair business, owned by the Raymond Hilderbrand, located at 10423 E. Trent Avenue, Spokane Valley. In the application he told the SBA the EIDL funds would be used as working capital for Hilderbrand Auto Services and would not be used for another company. However, in February 2022, when SBA sent $320,000 to Hilderbrand Auto to be used by that business to alleviate economic injury caused by the pandemic, the Hilderbrands immediately transferred $311,000 to Powerline. The Hilderbrands then used $295,000 of the EIDL funds to purchase the Trent Avenue property in the name of Powerline, with Jennifer Hilderbrand as the sole owner.The Hilderbrands continued to attempt to obtain additional EIDL funds in the name of Powerline by making false representations about the company’s revenue on their EIDL application. The SBA declined the reconsideration of the Powerline EIDL application in early May of 2022. Shortly thereafter, the Hilderbrands requested a modification for the EIDL loan for Hilderbrand Auto. The SBA approved the request, and Raymond Hilderbrand again promised to use the money solely for Hilderbrand Auto. On May 17, 2022, the SBA disbursed an additional $43,000 in EIDL funds to the Hilderbrand Auto bank account, $35,000 of which was immediately withdrawn by check and transferred to Powerline.
“I am grateful for the prosecutors and investigators that worked together to seek justice in this case,” stated United States Attorney S. Peter Serrano. “Their work ensured both Raymond and Jennifer Hilderbrand were held accountable for lies told to obtain funding that was designed for small businesses in need of a lifeline. As a result of the Hilderbrands’ fraud, other small businesses were unable to obtain the help they needed during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“The investigative efforts of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and its partners, along with the prosecutorial work of the U.S. Attorney's Office, demonstrate the commitment to pursuing, capturing, and prosecuting those who try to defraud the American people," said TIGTA Special Agent-in-Charge Krystofor Proev.
This case was investigated by the Eastern District of Washington COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force and by TIGTA, SBA OIG, and IRS-CI. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Frieda K. Zimmerman, Jeremy J. Kelley, and Jacob Brooks.
2:23-cr-00114-TORSocial Media Child Predator Sentenced to Life in PrisonRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Charles William Maitski (60, St. Cloud) to life in federal prison for producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and enticing children to engage in sexual activity. Maitski pleaded guilty on July 8, 2025.
According to court documents, after following up on a tip in June 2024, law enforcement discovered that Maitski had been sexually exploiting children using the internet since at least 2012. Through a series of search warrants and victim interviews, law enforcement learned that Maitski hid behind an online persona of a 14-year-old boy named “Chuck.” He met his young victims online and then groomed them using the social media platforms Instagram and Discord.
To build trust with his victims, Maitski sent his victims hundreds of messages a day, including explicit images and videos of the young teenaged boy he had adopted as his persona. In return, Maitski demanded that his victims perform for him on video calls and record and send him increasingly graphic and degrading CSAM. Maitski also attempted to convince a victim to molest children she was babysitting. Between 2023 and 2024, Maitski exchanged more than 50,000 messages with his victims, contacted nearly 300 minors and suspected minors on Instagram and Discord, and sent, received, or directed the production of hundreds of images and videos of CSAM.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the St. Cloud Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Sex Offender from Dracut Arrested for Firearm and Ammunition OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A registered sex offender from Dracut has been arrested and charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.
Tyler Bullock, 30, was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Bullock was arrested on Nov. 6, 2025, and is presently detained following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston.
According to the charging documents, Bullock was identified as an individual who had, on several occasions, sent money to an India-based network in exchange for child sexual abuse material (CSAM). During a search of Bullock’s residence, Bullock allegedly admitted to soliciting and paying for CSAM. Forensic review of his devices is ongoing.
It is further alleged that, during the search of the residence, a Ruger P85 9mm pistol loaded with a magazine that contained several rounds of ammunition as well as a knife bearing the Schutztaffel lightning bolts and a swastika were located in a small safe under a rug in a bedroom. According to court documents, the pistol was reported stolen in transit from New Hampshire to Arizona. It is further alleged that a copy of Mein Kampf and an additional 42 rounds of ammunition were also located in the same bedroom.
Additionally, according to the charging documents, a partially assembled rifle was located in an upstairs bedroom along with numerous WWII-era German military medals, patches and memorabilia containing Nazi symbolism.
Bullock is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition as a result of a 2016 conviction for the Purchase or Possession of Child Pornography in Lowell District Court, for which he is a registered sex offender.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three 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 Matthew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandra W. Amrhein and Eric L. Hawkins of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
San Diego Man Sentenced to 18 Years for Supplying Fentanyl that Resulted in Deaths of Two in North ParkRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Scott Anthony Sargent of San Diego was sentenced in federal court to 18 years in prison for supplying the fentanyl that caused the fatal overdoses of a 40-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man in North Park in 2022.
At the sentencing hearing on Friday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office advocated for the maximum 20-year sentence, arguing that Sargent’s continued sale of fentanyl after the overdoses reflected his callous disregard for others and his willingness to prioritize profits over life.
“This sentence reflects one of our Office’s priorities of federally prosecuting and securing significant sentences for drug dealers who provide deadly drugs to their victims.,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “Nothing can undo the loss these families have suffered, but their loved ones’ memories drive our unwavering resolve to confront the fentanyl crisis.”
“Fentanyl dealers are driving a nationwide wave of death, and this case is a tragic reminder of that danger,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge James Nunnallee. “Eighteen years in prison reflects the severity of his actions and our unwavering commitment to stopping those who profit from this deadly drug.”
San Diego Police officers, along with investigators from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Response Team, responded to a 911 call at a home in North Park in the very early hours of November 10, 2022. When law enforcement officials arrived, they found four individuals unresponsive in the home. Two of the individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, while Sargent and another individual were treated with Narcan and transported for medical attention and recovered.
According to his plea agreement, Sargent admitted that he distributed the fatal mix of fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl (a common fentanyl analogue) to the two victims, causing their deaths. Investigators linked Sargent to the overdoses through the fentanyl/para-fluorofentanyl mixture found at the overdose location and in a subsequent law enforcement search of Sargent’s storage locker.
Sargent’s backpack was found at the site containing 318 grams of methamphetamine, 26.2 grams of fentanyl/para-fluorofentanyl, and 13 bags of a tan powdery substance weighing 437.9 grams of fentanyl/para-fluorofentanyl. Sargent’s duffel bag, also recovered from the bedroom, contained 30.4 grams of methamphetamine and 11.3 grams of fentanyl/para-fluorofentanyl.
Sargent’s storage locker was searched following his arrest. Inside, officers found two 40 mm semi-automatic handguns, 3.2 kilograms of methamphetamine, 5.44 grams of cocaine, and 113.4 grams of fentanyl/para-fluorofentanyl.
Special Agents and Task Force Officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Response Team led the investigation. This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the San Diego Police Department, the La Mesa Police Department, National Guard Counterdrug Task Force and the California Department of Health Care Services to investigate and prosecute the distribution of dangerous illegal drugs—fentanyl in particular—that result in overdose deaths. The Drug Enforcement Administration created the Overdose Response Team as a response to the increase in overdose deaths in San Diego County.
This case was prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon and Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Ellison.
DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr807-RSH
Scott Anthony Sargent Age: 63 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Distribution of Fentanyl – 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Drug Enforcement Administration
San Diego Police Department
Homeland Security Investigations
California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force
California Department of Health Care Services
La Mesa Police Department
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
Rockford Man Sentenced to More than Seven Years in Prison for Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A Rockford man has been sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm.
MARTEL WILLIAMS, 33, pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. Williams admitted in a plea agreement that on Dec. 1, 2023, he possessed a loaded semiautomatic firearm. Williams sold the firearm to a confidential informant.
On Oct. 30, 2025, U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston sentenced Williams to 87 months in federal prison.
The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of ATF’s Chicago Field Division. The Rockford Police Department assisted in the investigation. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodora Anderson.
Holding illegal firearm possessors accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In the Northern District of Illinois, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to tackle a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses.
Roaring Spring Man Sentenced to Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
This release was published following the 43-day government shutdown during which the sentencing occurred.
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A former resident of Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 46 months of imprisonment, to be followed by six years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws related to a six-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around Blair, Cambria, Centre, and Clearfield counties, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.
United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Joshua Pote, 42, on November 4, 2025.
According to information presented to the Court, investigators seized a quantity of methamphetamine from Pote on August 8, 2023.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Service–Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Pote.
Registered sex offender who cut off ankle bracelet and committed more sex crimes against children sentenced to 17 years in prisonRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 29-year-old registered sex offender who sexually exploited more than a dozen teens after cutting off his electronic monitoring device and absconding from Department of Corrections Community Custody, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle, to 17 years in prison announced U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Between February and April 2024 James “Jake” Harrison Newcomer sexually abused teens he met via various social media platforms. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge John H. Chun said, “these are heartbreaking crimes. The youngest victim was just 12 years old.”
“This repeat offender is every parent’s nightmare – the dangerous stranger who enters your home via the internet and steals your child’s innocence,” said U.S. Attorney Floyd. “Having been convicted in state court of rape of a child, he had a chance to get treatment and turn his life around. Instead, he cut off his ankle monitor and preyed upon more than a dozen children for his sexual gratification. At least now he will be off the street.”
According to records filed in the case, Newcomer was on state supervision following his 30-month prison sentence for two counts of rape of a child. As part of the supervision, Newcomer was on electronic monitoring with an ankle bracelet. On January 19, 2024, the ankle monitor lost connection and when corrections officers went to arrest Newcomer on January 25, 2024, he had left the residence and could not be located.
Over the next three months, Newcomer posed as a teen-age boy and connected with various teen girls via social media such as Discord and Snapchat. He then arranged to meet them in person. In those meetings he gave girls drugs and alcohol and sexually assaulted them. The victims were from King, Kitsap, Snohomish, Lewis, Clark, Thurston, and Spokane Counties as well as Woodburn, Oregon. The victims ranged in age from 12 to 16.
In court today prosecutors noted that Newcomer possessed multiple electronic devices that contained child sexual abuse material. Despite the best efforts of law enforcement, not all the children pictured in the images on the electronic devices have been identified.
Family members of victims told the judge how Newcomer had profoundly damaged their children and the struggles they now have with healing and recovery. The crime, they said, impacted the entire family. “He manipulated, drugged and abused our child,” one father told the court.
“Already a registered sex offender, Mr. Newcomer clearly didn’t learn his lesson from his previous sentence,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Right after removing his monitoring device and fleeing supervision, Mr. Newcomer quickly returned to exploiting children, luring and sexually assaulting multiple teen and pre-teen girls from across Washington and Oregon by impersonating a teen boy online. Thanks to the efforts of several federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, young people in the Pacific Northwest will be safer with Mr. Newcomer behind bars. We hope this lengthy sentence serves as a warning of the severe consequences child predators can face for their crimes.”
Judge Chun ordered Newcomer to be on lifetime supervised release following the 17-year prison term.
On August 8, 2025, Newcomer pleaded guilty to Travel with intent to engage in sexual acts with a minor and two counts of attempted enticement of a minor. Travel with intent to engage in sexual acts is punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Enticement of a minor is punishable by a mandatory minimum ten years in prison and up to life in prison.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Woodburn, Oregon Police Department, the Marion County District Attorney’s Office, the Auburn Police Department, the Snoqualmie Police Department, the Black Diamond Police Department, the Des Moines Police Department, the King County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kent Police Department, with the assistance of the Department of Corrections.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to over 3 Years in Federal Prison for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a man from Rapid City, South Dakota, convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on October 1, 2025.
Bradley Makes Room For Them, age 40, was sentenced to three years and two months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Makes Room For Them was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2025. He pleaded guilty on July 7, 2025.
Makes Room For Them was convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in September 2003. Consequently, he is required to register as a sex offender and update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment or student status. Makes Room For Them was convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2023. In November 2024, Makes Room For Them was released from prison and began a period of supervised release, but failed to update his sex offender registration. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued, and on December 13, 2024, Makes Room For Them was arrested in Rapid City.
This case was brought as a 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. Attorney’s 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 U.S. Marshals Service. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Makes Room For Them was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler sentenced a man from Rapid City, South Dakota, convicted of Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. The sentencing took place on October 1, 2025.
Patrick Mousseaux, 41, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. His interest in a firearm and ammunition was also forfeited.
Mousseaux was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2024. He pleaded guilty to the charge on July 11, 2025.
On April 9, 2024, Mousseaux learned the victim in this case was going to an address in Rapid City. Mousseaux was already at the address and armed with a gun. When the victim arrived, Mousseaux pointed the barrel of the gun at the victim, ordered him out of the vehicle, and demanded that he surrender the car. Mousseaux got into the driver’s seat and sped off, taking two other individuals with him and leaving the victim on the curb. The victim immediately reported the carjacking to the Rapid City Police Department. The next day, law enforcement located the stolen Nissan Rogue near the address from which it was stolen. Inside the vehicle, officers located one Ruger semi-automatic handgun with ammunition. The handgun matched the description of the gun used on the victim. Officers searched the residence where the vehicle was found and observed Mousseaux trying to jump from a window. He was apprehended and arrested at that time. Mousseaux is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of two state convictions for burglary in the third degree.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Mousseaux was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Professional Tax Return Preparer Convicted for Preparing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Brunswick man was found guilty on October 29, 2025, of aiding and assisting the preparation of false tax returns for others and of filing false tax returns for himself following a three-day jury trial in U.S. District Court in Portland.
According to court records and testimony at trial, Lawrence Okeyo, 48, was a professional tax return preparer in Portland. He prepared tax returns for others in exchange for a fee. Okeyo often collected his preparation fees, which sometimes exceeded $1,000, from the tax refunds issued to his clients. Okeyo falsified his clients’ tax returns by claiming bogus, unreimbursed employee expenses that can be deducted only by a limited set of professionals: Armed Forces reservists, qualified performing artists, fee-basis state or local government officials, and employees with impairment-related work expenses. Neither Okeyo nor his clients met these qualifications. By falsifying tax returns, Okeyo generated or inflated unwarranted tax refunds for his clients and himself. Okeyo also prepared a false tax return for an undercover IRS agent posing as a client. During his interactions with the undercover agent, Okeyo told the agent, “I know that you should pay [taxes]. What I’m wanting to do is save you from paying.” Okeyo then fabricated supposed business expenses on the tax return he prepared for the undercover agent. Okeyo advised the undercover agent that, if he was audited, he would not be able to prove that he was entitled to claim the expenses.
Okeyo faces up to three years of imprisonment for each of the 18 false tax returns he was convicted of preparing and filing. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
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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President of Insurance Brokerage Firm and CEO of Marketing Company Convicted in $233M Affordable Care Act Enrollment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury in West Palm Beach, Florida, convicted a President of an insurance brokerage firm and a CEO of a marketing company today for their roles in a years-long scheme to submit fraudulent enrollments to fully subsidized Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance plans in order to obtain millions of dollars in commission payments from insurance companies.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Cory Lloyd, 46, of Stuart, Florida, and Steven Strong, 42, of Mansfield, Texas, engaged in an extensive fraud scheme that sought over $233 million in fraudulent ACA plan subsidies for which the federal government paid at least $180 million. ACA plans offer tax credits to eligible enrollees. These tax credits, or “subsidies,” are paid by the federal government directly to insurance companies in the form of a payment toward the applicable monthly premium. Evidence presented at trial showed that Lloyd and Strong conspired to enroll consumers in ACA plans that were fully subsidized by the federal government by submitting false and fraudulent applications for individuals whose income did not meet the minimum requirements to be eligible for the subsidies. Lloyd received commission and other payments from an insurance company in exchange for enrolling consumers in the ACA plans. In turn, Lloyd paid commissions to Strong in exchange for consumer referrals.
“The defendants exploited a health care safety net designed for working families to carry out a $233 million scheme to defraud taxpayers,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The defendants’ scheme targeted vulnerable people, including those suffering financial hardship, drug addictions and mental health disorders, to line their own pockets. Today’s guilty verdicts demonstrate that the Criminal Division seeks to protect all of our citizens and will continue to hold accountable criminals who steal taxpayer dollars and endanger the health and safety of our communities.”
“Health care fraud is nothing new to South Florida as many scammers see this as a way to earn easy, though illegal, money,” said Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office. “What is disturbing about this investigation is that the subjects deliberately targeted the most vulnerable — low-income citizens experiencing homelessness, unemployment and even mental health and substance abuse issues. All to line their own pockets with ill-gotten gains. The investigators who unraveled this scam are to be commended for their diligence and commitment. The FBI and our partners will continue to pursue those individuals who defraud our health care system at the expense of taxpayers.”
“The ACA marketplace is not a playground for fraudsters,” said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This $230 million dollar subsidies scheme was built on deception, targeting vulnerable individuals and manipulating the system for personal gain. HHS-OIG will continue to relentlessly pursue those who exploit enrollees and undermine public trust, using every tool at our disposal to prevent health care fraud.”
“This was not just a financial crime — it was a moral failure,” said Special Agent in Charge Ronald A. Loecker of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Florida Field Office. “Cory Lloyd and Steven Strong deliberately targeted the homeless and mentally ill to enrich themselves, which is unconscionable. IRS-CI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who exploit others and defraud the government face justice.”
As proven at trial, Lloyd and Strong targeted vulnerable, low-income individuals experiencing homelessness, unemployment, and mental health and substance abuse disorders, and, through “street marketers” working on their behalf, sometimes offered bribes to induce those individuals to enroll in subsidized ACA plans. Marketers working for Strong’s company coached consumers on how to respond to application questions to maximize the subsidy amount and provided addresses and social security numbers that did not match the consumers purportedly applying. As a result of being enrolled in subsidized ACA plans for which they did not qualify, some of these consumers experienced serious disruptions in their medical care and often lost their prior insurance coverage under Medicaid or other programs.
The evidence at trial further showed that Lloyd and Strong engaged in the scheme to maximize the commission payments they received from insurers, resulting in their companies’ receiving millions of dollars in commissions. Lloyd and Strong used misleading sales scripts and other deceptive sales techniques to convince consumers to state that they would attempt to earn the minimum income necessary to qualify for a subsidized ACA plan, even when the consumer initially stated to insurance agents that they had no income. Lloyd and Strong also conspired to bypass the federal government’s attempts to verify income and other information and deliberately submitted applications to Medicaid for various individuals in a way that guaranteed their denial so that they could sign up these same consumers for a fully subsidized ACA plan outside of the open enrollment period and therefore maximize their commissions year-round. Finally, evidence presented at trial showed that the defendants financed the purchase of luxury homes and vehicles with fraud proceeds from this scheme.
Lloyd and Strong were both convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, three counts of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. Steven Strong was also convicted of two counts of money laundering. Each defendant faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for their conviction of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 20 years in prison for each substantive count of wire fraud, and five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States. Steven Strong faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for each count of money laundering. Sentencings are set for Feb. 4, 2026. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
FBI, HHS-OIG, and IRS-CI are investigating the case.
Assistant Chief Jamie de Boer and Trial Attorney D. Keith Clouser of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 25 federal districts, has charged more than 5,000 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $24 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Portland Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Portland man was sentenced on November 5, 2025, in U.S. District Court in Portland for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Chief U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Keon Gaston, 36, to 48 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.
According to court records, in March 2025, officers from the Portland Police Department were dispatched following a report of a suspect breaking a vehicle window with a rock. Officers located the suspect and identified him as Gaston. When asked about the broken window, he replied, “What about it?” and told officers the vehicle had tried to “strike him.” After determining there was an active warrant for a failure to appear, officers searched Gaston and located a Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 9mm pistol, which had been reported stolen in August 2024. Gaston was precluded from possessing firearms due to previous convictions, including for drug trafficking and robbery.
ATF investigated the case with assistance from the Portland Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods: This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psn.
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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Peru Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Peru man was sentenced on October 14, 2025, in the U.S. District Court in Portland for his involvement in trafficking dangerous drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Chief U.S. District Court Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Adam Gill, 31, to 60 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
According to court records, on March 29, 2024, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of approximately 20 grams of fentanyl and 36 grams of methamphetamine from Gill. Gill himself obtained the drugs from a juvenile male, a Trinitario associate, whom the gang had dispatched to Gill’s house to sell drugs. The Trinitarios are a Dominican-based street gang with vast operations in Northern Massachusetts who routinely travel to points in Maine to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and crack cocaine. As with Gill, the Trinitarios frequently find drug-addicted individuals in Maine with stable housing; they then utilize the drug-addicted individual’s house to distribute drugs, employing the addict to middle drug transactions with locals.
Gill’s prosecution is part of a larger operation conducted by FBI’s Southern Maine Gang Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, the Maine State Police, the Lewiston Police, the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rumford Police under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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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Panama City Felon Sentenced to Twelve Years for Federal Drug Trafficking and Illegal Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Jarrel Daniel Rivaz, 35, of Panama City, Florida was sentenced to twelve years in federal prison after a federal jury verdict convicted him for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm and 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: “Outstanding work by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners to dismantle this drug trafficking operation and get this repeat felon off our streets and back in prison where he belongs. My office stands ready to aggressively prosecute these drug traffickers to the fullest extent of the law, and we will not rest until the Northern District of Florida is drug-free and safe.”
Trial evidence established that on December 21, 2023, during a search warrant executed at the defendant’s house in Panama City, law enforcement found and seized over 900 grams of cocaine, over 10 kilograms of marijuana, two firearms, and ammunition. One of the firearms was found loaded in a locked shed in the same bag as some of the marijuana. The defendant had previously been convicted of a felony drug trafficking offense in New York under the name “Gerald Walker.”
The verdict was the result of a joint investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Walter Narramore and Alicia Forbes.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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.
Owners and CEO of Wholesale Pharmaceutical Company Convicted of Distributing More Than $92 Million of Black-Market HIV DrugsRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A federal jury in Fort Lauderdale convicted two Maryland brothers who owned a pharmaceutical wholesale company on Oct. 29 for their roles in a scheme to purchase and resell more than $92 million worth of illegally obtained misbranded HIV drugs.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Patrick Boyd, 47, and Charles Boyd, 43, of Easton, Maryland, owned and operated a pharmaceutical wholesale company called Safe Chain Solutions. Their co-owner and co-defendant, Adam Brosius, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud with the Boyds.
“This case exposed a reckless disregard for human life,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones. “The defendants put profit ahead of patient safety, moving more than $92 million in tampered, black-market HIV medication through pharmacies across the country. Our Office will continue holding accountable those who endanger the public and betray the trust that underpins our healthcare system.”
Trial evidence showed that the Boyds conspired with at least five black-market suppliers to purchase HIV drugs obtained through patient “buyback schemes.” The Boyds then resold the drugs to thousands of pharmacies nationwide—including South Florida—while using falsified paperwork to make the medications appear to have been purchased from legitimate distributors.
One of their suppliers, Peter Khaim, owner of Boulevard 9229, testified that he purchased HIV drugs from patients on the street, removed the original prescription labels, and packaged the bottles in cardboard boxes—sometimes scavenged from trash on pick-up days—before shipping them to the Boyds. On one occasion, Khaim used a diaper box he found on the street to ship the drugs because it was sturdy enough to hold the bottles. In a separate shipment, he sent approximately $500,000 worth of HIV medications in a single cardboard box to Safe Chain Solutions. Many of the bottles were dirty, scuffed, and missing patient instructions, yet the Boyds accepted and resold them with falsified paperwork concealing their origin.
In total, the Boyds purchased and resold more than $35 million in black-market HIV drugs from Boulevard 9229 and more than $42 million from another supplier, Gentek, whose leaders were based in Miami. One Gentek leader has already been convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Throughout the conspiracy, pharmacies repeatedly complained that the drugs purchased from Safe Chain Solutions were dirty, tampered with, or contained the wrong medication. On at least a dozen occasions, pharmacies reported receiving bottles labeled as HIV medication that instead contained other drugs, including Seroquel, an anti-psychotic, and pain medication.
One patient who ingested Seroquel believing it was his prescribed HIV medication lost consciousness for 24 hours. Evidence at trial established that missing even a single dose of HIV medication can increase a patient’s viral load and heighten community transmission risk in areas with high HIV infection rates.
A former attorney for the Boyds testified that they concealed and misrepresented material information while seeking legal advice about pharmacy complaints and reporting obligations to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to the evidence, the Boyds failed to report numerous incidents to the FDA involving pharmacies that had received incorrect or tampered medications.
Safe Chain Solutions’ former Director of Compliance testified over four days that she repeatedly warned the Boyds about the risks of purchasing from black-market suppliers, but her concerns were ignored. She testified that Charles Boyd falsely told her the company could continue doing business with Boulevard 9229 because the lawyers had approved it, contradicting both attorney testimony and contemporaneous emails.
A second former Compliance Manager testified that the Boyds instructed her not to document concerns in writing and often responded to compliance questions by saying, “Figure it the **** out,” or “FITFO,” a phrase she said was commonly used by the Boyds.
After a multi-week trial, the jury convicted the Boyds each of one count of conspiracy to introduce misbranded drugs, two counts of introducing misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, one count of conspiracy to traffic in medical products with false documentation, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of wire fraud.
The Boyds each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the conspiracy to introduce misbranded drugs count, three years in prison for each count of introducing misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, 15 years in prison for conspiracy to traffic in medical products with false documentation, 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and 20 years in prison for the wire fraud count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida; Acting Special Agent in Charge Fernando Porras of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, (HHS-OIG), Miami Regional Office; and Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
HHS-OIG Miami and FBI Miami are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Thor Pogozelski and Trial Attorney Jacqueline Zee DerOvanesian of the Department of Justice’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Grosnoff is handling asset forfeiture.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-20255.
Othello Man Convicted by Federal Jury of Odometer TamperingRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on October 1, 2025, a federal jury in Spokane, Washington, convicted Reynaldo Garza, age 53, of Othello, Washington, of five felony counts of Odometer Tampering.
As evidence presented at the trial established, a thorough investigation initiated by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office determined that Garza would purchase high-mileage used cars for cheap. Garza would replace the odometers in the vehicles with an odometer purchased from wrecking yards or used auto parts sellers. The new odometer would display many fewer miles than the original. Garza then sold the vehicles under the false and fraudulent representation that they had fewer miles than was true. In some cases, Garza sold cars by misrepresenting the mileage by up to 100,000 miles less than it the actual mileage. In other cases, the difference was tens of thousands of miles. In doing so, Garza made thousands of dollars in profits for each fraudulent sale.
U.S. Attorney Serrano said, “Unlike in the movies where driving a car backwards may change the odometer, cars these days have digital odometers that are harder are tamper with, making customers unsuspecting of any inaccuracies. This sophistication allowed Mr. Garza to defraud and cheat the public and sell unsuspecting customers cars with false odometers for thousands of dollars more than they would be valued had these vehicles displayed correct mileage. Mr. Garza violated several statutes and regulations designed to protect the consumer; my office will continue to prosecute these cases.”
Odometer fraud is a serious crime that costs Americans billions of dollars every year. This scourge makes our roads less safe for everyone by leading purchasers to believe their brake pads and other components are newer than they are. Buyers of these tampered vehicles were deprived of their vehicles’ full-service history and overpaid for vehicles nearing the end of their lifespans. NHTSA encourages everyone to learn how to identify odometer fraud before purchasing a used vehicle,” NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison said.
Garza’s sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2026. Garza faces a statutory maximum of 3 years imprisonment per count.This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Odometer Fraud and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jacob E. Brooks and Jeremy J. Kelley.
Individuals with information relating to odometer tampering should call NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236. More information on odometer fraud, including prevention tips, is available on NHTSA’s website.
Oncologist Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Selling Cancer DrugsRead the Press Release
DETROIT – Dr. Naveed Aslam, 52, of West Bloomfield, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his role in a multi-million-dollar scheme to illegally sell and divert expensive prescription cancer drugs, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. announced.
Joining in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Special Agent in Charge Ronne Malham, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Aslam was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brandy R. McMillion after having pled guilty. Judge McMillion also ordered Aslam to forfeit more than $2.6 million, his ill-gotten profit from his crimes.
According to court records, the scheme spanned from 2019-2023. Aslam, a licensed oncologist, worked with others to buy and sell expensive cancer drugs for profit. His co-conspirators identified customers who were interested in buying prescription cancer drugs but could not obtain those drugs. So, they worked with Aslam. They requested certain expensive cancer drugs from Dr. Aslam and Dr. Aslam used his access to those drugs through his medical practice, Somerset Hematology and Oncology, P.C., to order and purchase the cancer drugs from his supplier. Aslam then sold the cancer drugs to and through his co-conspirators’ company to the eventual customer.
Dr. Aslam only had the right to use these drugs in his medical practice, and he was barred by law from selling, or diverting, the prescription cancer drugs outside of the FDA’s supply chain that ensures the safety and efficacy of the drugs. These cancer drugs, which were meant to treat conditions like metastatic cervical, breast, bladder, and urinary tract cancers, are highly toxic and require special handling. Fortunately, there is no evidence of patient harm, but Aslam’s scheme put patients at risk.
During this scheme, Dr. Aslam acquired and sold more than $17 million in prescription cancer drugs and personally profited more than $2.6 million.
“Dr. Aslam’s actions represent a serious breach of trust and a dangerous exploitation of the health care system for financial gain,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Chicago Region. “By diverting cancer drugs intended for vulnerable patients, he not only violated the law but also put lives at risk. HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable those who compromise patient safety and the integrity of our federal health care programs.”
“The reckless and deliberate actions by Dr. Naveed Aslam not only enabled unlawful profit but created a risk of cancer medication going to individuals not intended to receive it,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The sentencing reflects the serious consequences that follow when those entrusted with patient care violate the obligations of their profession. By working alongside our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, this scheme was disrupted and further reinforces the FBI’s commitment to protecting the American People.”
“A scheme like this not only undermines the integrity of our healthcare system and the professionals who work tirelessly to keep us healthy but also jeopardizes the safety of vulnerable patients who depend on these life-saving medications,” said HSI Detroit Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz. “HSI, alongside our law enforcement partners, remains committed to holding accountable those who exploit their positions of trust for personal gain at the expense of public health and safety.”
“Diverting prescription drugs, especially cancer medications, from the legitimate and secure U.S. supply chain to supply the illegal and unregulated black market undermines the very safeguards designed to protect patients,” said Ronne Malham, Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Chicago Field Office. “FDA will continue to pursue and bring to justice medical professionals who jeopardize the safety of patients for profit.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Lievense. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica A. Nathan of the Money Laundering & Asset Recovery Unit handled related forfeiture matters. The investigation was conducted jointly by the FBI, HHS-OIG, HSI, and the FDA.
Offender Who Repeatedly Exploited Minors Sentenced to Decades in PrisonRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Jason Daniel Freiberg, 47, of Defiance, Ohio, was sentenced to 37 years in prison for the sexual exploitation of a minor.
In 2023, Freiberg met an 11-year-old from western Michigan online. The minor victim repeatedly told Freiberg that she was 11, but nevertheless he engaged in sexually explicit conversations with her, talked about meeting up with her for sex, and solicited and received sexually explicit images and videos of her. Freiberg pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting the minor victim and was sentenced to 324 months for that offense.
Freiberg had a previous conviction for enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity; he pleaded guilty to that offense in 2000 and was required to register as a sex offender. Consequently, Freiberg will also serve a ten-year consecutive sentence for committing this offense while a registered sex offender.
“Despite his previous conviction, Freiberg once again set out to sexually exploit a little girl,” said U.S. Attorney VerHey. “Today’s significant sentence of 37 years in prison sends a clear message that my office will vigorously prosecute those that seek to sexually exploit children, especially those who have previously been convicted of sexual exploitation and remain undeterred. Freiberg’s actions, like those of any sexual offender that fails to learn his or her lesson, have earned him a lengthy but justified prison sentence.”
“This conviction closes out a two-year investigation and reflects the strong partnership between local and federal agencies to protect children and hold predators accountable,” said Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Chief David Boysen. “This is also a reminder for parents and guardians to stay alert to their kids’ online activities; predators can often hide behind screens and vigilance is the first line of defense.”
“The 37 year long sentencing of Jason Freiberg is a crucial success toward protecting the children of Michigan from the heinous acts of those who target and exploit them,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “I commend the tireless work of the FBI Kalamazoo Resident Agency, along with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, in bringing this offender to justice. FBI Detroit will always safeguard our Michigan communities from predators through our strong and ongoing law enforcement partnerships, relentless investigative rigor, and outstanding support from U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety investigated this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, including resources for parents and children about staying safe online, please visit justice.gov/PSC.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Possessing Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced the indictment of JEFFREY BOONE(“BOONE”), age 50, of New Orleans, on October 9, 2025, for the Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B) and (a)(2). If convicted, BOONE faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten (10) years and a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of no less than five (5) years and up to life, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court records, beginning at an unknown time and continuing until July 8, 2025, BOONE was found in possession of images and videos of pre-pubescent child pornography. BOONE’s home was searched by state law enforcement officials and federal agents on July 8, 2025. Following the search of his home, BOONE was arrested by Louisiana Bureau of Investigation agents. Thereafter, BOONE was transferred from state to federal custody in connection with this federal indictment. Previously, BOONE was convicted in federal court in 2008 for Possessing Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors and was sentenced to one-hundred eight (108) months in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
New Jersey Man Sentenced for Failing to Stop for Inspection at Calais International Port of EntryRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A New Jersey man was sentenced on September 30, 2025, in U.S. District Court in Bangor for failing to report his arrival and present himself for inspection at the international port of entry in Calais.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John C. Nivison sentenced Jason Brenner, 53, to 115 days of imprisonment, followed by a year of supervised release. Brenner pleaded guilty on August 12, 2025.
According to court records, on July 1, 2025, Brenner drove a vehicle traveling outbound from the United States and entered Canada. After a brief encounter with Canadian immigration officials, Brenner turned his vehicle around and sped back towards the U.S. Instead of stopping his vehicle and presenting himself for inspection at the Calais port of entry, Brenner entered the U.S. by traveling in the outbound lane in the wrong direction, bypassing the incoming traffic inspection lanes. Following a pursuit where Brenner reached speeds of over 100 mph, he crashed the vehicle and was found in the woods with a loaded firearm, two loaded magazines, and wearing body armor. Another loaded firearm was found inside the vehicle.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigated the case with assistance from U.S. Border Patrol and the Baileyville and Indian Township police departments.
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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New Hampshire Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Barrington, New Hampshire man pleaded guilty on November 6, 2025, in U.S. District Court in Portland to illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition while being a felon.
According to court records, in March 2025, Kittery Police Department officers responded to the Kittery Trading Post regarding a potential shoplifting incident. Police were directed to a group of males that had just left the store, one of whom was identified as Jonathan Grant, 43. Officers located a .22 caliber pistol and a box containing 100 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition during a search of Grant’s jacket. Grant was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition by virtue of prior felony convictions.
Grant faces a term of imprisonment of up to 15 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a supervised release term of up to three years. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case with the assistance of the Kittery Police Department.
Operation Take Back America: 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.
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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Mt. Oliver Felon Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
This release was published following the 43-day government shutdown during which the sentencing occurred.
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh’s Mt. Oliver area pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and was sentenced to 51 months of incarceration, to be followed by three years of supervised release, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.
Kyreese Thomas, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of violating federal firearms law before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon on October 6, 2025.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Thomas was one of two men who, on May 23, 2024, fired a gun at a residence in the Homestead neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Thomas used a stolen 9mm Ruger pistol with an obliterated serial number to shoot at the home, then attempted to flee the scene with his co-defendant by vehicle. Law enforcement officers were able to stop the vehicle and found Thomas in the front passenger seat with the Ruger under the seat. Gunshot residue was found on Thomas’s hand, and ballistic testing matched the firearm to spent shell casings found near the scene of the shooting. Thomas has two prior convictions for possessing a firearm as a prohibited person in Allegheny County and was on parole for one of those convictions, as well as a prior conviction involving possession of contraband while incarcerated, when he committed the instant offense.
Judge Bissoon agreed to allow Thomas to proceed to sentencing on the same date as his guilty plea. Prior to imposing sentence, the Court noted the defendant’s extensive criminal history for his young age.
Assistant United States Attorney Barbara K. Doolittle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Munhall and Homestead police departments; and Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Thomas.
Moses Lake Man Sentenced to an Additional 10 Years in Prison for Dealing Drugs from Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on November 13, 2025, Chief District Court Judge United States District Judge Stanely Bastain, sentenced Joshua Isaac Stine, age 40, of Moses Lake, Washington, to 120 months of incarceration following his guilty plea to Distribution of 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl. Judge Bastain ordered Stine’s sentence to commence after he finishes serving his current 20-year federal prison sentence, which was imposed for his previous for significant drug trafficking in the Moses Lake area. Stine will be on 8 years of supervised release upon his release from this sentence.
Evidence shows that Stine engaged in this conduct to facilitate the criminal activities of a national prison gang called “La Nuestra Familia” or “NF”. NF is attempting a targeted push to bring their “hardcore” principles and teachings to Washington State. NF doctrine dates back to the late 1960s and is encapsulated in multiple written documents, including an NF “constitution”. The rules of this criminal organization are mandatory and non-negotiable. NF leadership asserts they are engaged in this struggle for the betterment of Norteños – better known as “La Causa” or the “NF Movement”. Many individuals who have left the gang stated that La Causa is a ruse as its just about making money to perpetuate the criminal organization, which does not hesitate to use violence to achieve their objectives.
This persistent prison gang is purposely targeting minors to recruit into the gang and then indoctrinates them into their myopic way of life. These children are taught that if they are worthy Norteños, they will commit crimes and will end up in prison – so they need to follow the NF rules to be in “good standing” to comfortably serve their inevitable prison sentence. To advance further, these children will “owe a body” to advance their lifelong “careers”.
Stine’s conduct shows his clear desire to be selected by NF for membership. Stine is a member of the Moses Lake Norteño set East Side Familia. His criminal history dates back to 2000 and this is his 3rd federal conviction. In 2012, Stine was sentenced to 20 months for being a felon in possession of a firearm while on Washington State Department of Corrections supervision. Following his term of incarceration, Stine was on federal supervised release, and he participated in the STEP Program, which is intensive supervision to help drug addicts gain and maintain their sobriety. Shortly after his completed the program, Stine engaged in significant drug trafficking activity in the greater Moses Lake area in 2018-2019. He was ultimately sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his conduct in 2021. (Case No: 2:19-CR-111-WFN-2).While serving this federal prison sentence at FCI Forrest City (Arkansas), Stine did not change course. In an effort to ingratiate himself to NF, he was vocal and proactive about identifying and reporting individuals he believes to be violating NF’s code of conduct by fellow Norteños. He specifically inserted himself into investigations into who may have been acting as confidential informants for law enforcement against Norteños, especially those suspected in the Moses Lake and Tri-Cities areas. Stine utilized a contraband cell phone to communicate with the “streets” and research these individuals. There were even multiple photos of suspected informants with red “X”s through their faces located on his phone.
Stine also used his contraband phone or organize the distribution of drugs both inside of prison and on the “streets”. He was actively distributing large amount of fentanyl through the mails to Norteños in the Moses Lake area (for distribution into the community) as well as the distribution of large quantities of K2, fentanyl, and methamphetamine in prison facilities.
He also actively advised others of his status as a Norteño and his further intent to be NF and would send people photographs of himself with his “homies” as proof of his desires."Stine on Lower Right with His “Homies”
Stine engaged in these activities to enrich himself and to help fund NF through the payment of ‘taxes’ on his profits from his various illicit ventures, including his drug trafficking schemes. While it is clear Stine did not report all of his income to NF leadership (i.e. he was “freelancing”), he consistently paid the mandatory taxes on the amounts he did disclose as money is the only way this criminal enterprise survives.
In imposing this sentence, Judge Bastain noted Stine’s recidivism and unwillingness to change his behavior even after receiving a significant sentence.United States Attorney Pete Serrano stated, “The Defendant is the epitome of recidivism. He has made his choice, despite multiple attempts to persuade him to a different life trajectory. Stine is not repentant. This sentence sends a strong message to those who wish to follow in his footsteps.”
ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Eric Jackson commented, “Fentanyl devastates our communities, and Mr. Stine’s trafficking of this poison threatened countless lives in the Moses Lake area, showing an utter disregard for human life. Fortunately, our ATF Special Agents are steadfast in their dedication to protecting our communities from those who seek to profit from dealing illegal and dangerous narcotics in our neighborhoods. This case is a prime example of ATF’s commitment to combatting violent criminals and gangs, like NF, which are a scourge on our society’s peace and safety.”
Dave Sands, the Chief of the Moses Lake Police Department noted this case was possible due to the continued and productive partnership between MLPD, ATF and DEA in pursuit of our community’s safety. Together, our work has directly resulted in multiple arrests and significant seizures of illicit drugs and firearms. We intend to continue this important partnership to continue to fight the gang violence and drug crimes in our area.
This case is being investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) Violent Crime Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), the United States Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”) National Gang Unit, the Moses Lake Police Department (“MLPD”), Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the Bureau of Indian Affairs (“BIA”), the Yakima Police Department (“YPD”), and the Washington State Department of Corrections (“DOC”). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin Baunsgard and Benjamin Seal.1:24-CR-2027-SAB-29
Morrisdale Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Fentanyl and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Morrisdale, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Brandon Kifer, 45, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines to Counts One and Two of the Indictment.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around February 2023 to March 2023 in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Kifer conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for March 26, 2026. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kifer.
Monroe County Man Sentenced to 262 Months in Prison on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ivan Nicholas Baez, age 46, of Kunkletown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 23, 2025, to over 21 years in prison by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley on child pornography charges.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, in May 2024, the Pennsylvania State Police obtained a search warrant to seize and download the contents of Baez’s cell phone. The search of the phone revealed approximately 150 images and videos of child sexual abuse material. Some of the images were created on the cell phone and depicted Baez engaging in sexual acts with minors as young as approximately 10-years-old. Baez was a caretaker to one of the minors.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
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Mexican National Unlawfully Present in the United States Sentenced to 20 Years for Discharging A Firearm at Spokane Police During A Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – On September 18, 2025, United States Chief District Judge Stanley A. Bastain sentenced Israel Garcia, 36, to 20 years in federal prison after his guilty pleas to Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime and Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl. Garcia was ordered to pay over $6,000 in restitution to the Spokane Police Department and placed on a period of 5 years of supervised release should he again return to the United States after serving his sentence.
According to information disclosed in court documents and proceedings, Garcia, a documented gang member living in the Yakima, Washington area, was convicted in 2015 of Assault on Federal Officers (15-CR-02068-SAB) related to a drug and firearm trafficking investigation. For that conduct, Judge Bastian sentenced him to 84 months in federal custody. Garcia was released in 2021 and deported to Mexico. Garcia returned unlawfully to the United States in 2022 and resumed his drug trafficking and escalated to distributing thousands of deadly fentanyl pills into the community.
On October 16, 2022, Garcia traveled from Yakima to Spokane to deliver 10,000 fentanyl pills. When Spokane Police identified themselves and approached him to effectuate his arrest, Garcia got out of his vehicle and immediately opened fire on the officers, while attempting to flee to avoid arrest. The path of the bullets from Garcia were directed at multiple law enforcement officers; however, the bullets were also fired in direction of his vehicle, which still contained his male and female passengers and a minor child. Additionally, but for the angle of a car door window, which redirected one of Garcia’s rounds, a law enforcement officer would have been shot in the head. That officer nevertheless suffered injuries to his head and face. Officers returned fire, striking Garcia and ending the clear and present danger he presented to the officers and the community. The female passenger and minor child were terrified but otherwise reported to be physically unharmed.
Because Garcia was under federal supervision for his prior conviction at the time of this incident, he was arrested for violation of his supervised release and later charged with the new offenses. Working in conjunction with the Spokane County Prosecutors Office, Garcia will be transferred to Spokane County to face state charges regarding the assault on the law enforcement officers.Pete Serrano, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, remarked on how dangerous Garcia’s conduct was: “We have zero tolerance for dangerous offenders like Garcia who pose an immediate threat to our community and our law enforcement partners. Garcia opened fire on the police in the streets of Spokane, attempting to strike several police officers. It is unconscionable that he engaged in this behavior after having just been released from prison for the same kind of violent conduct. This case highlights the importance of our partnerships between our state and federal partners and how closely we work with the Spokane County Prosecutors Office.”
“Mr. Garcia was a menace to our community, both because of his fentanyl trafficking as well as his violent behavior,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Prison is clearly the right place for him, and I am proud that DEA and our partners could facilitate his lengthy incarceration.”
This case was investigated by the Spokane Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter and Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Cartier Giroux.
2:23CR00001-SAB-1Mexican National Sentenced for Illegally Reentering the US After Prior RemovalsRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Mexican national was sentenced on November 5, 2025, in U.S. District Court in Bangor for illegally entering the U.S. after a prior removal.
U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Javier Amateco-Navarrette, 38, to a sentence of time served (approximately 50 days). Amateco-Navarrette pleaded guilty on September 30, 2025.
According to court records, on September 16, 2025, Amateco-Navarrette was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by the U.S. Border Patrol in Oakland, Maine. During the traffic stop, Amateco-Navarrette admitted he was a citizen of Mexico and in the U.S. illegally. He was previously removed from the country on two separate occasions in 2018.
The U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case.
Operation Take Back America: 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.
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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Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Drug-TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican National pleaded guilty in federal court today for his role in a drug-trafficking conspiracy.
Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, 44, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
According to court documents, in 2019 law enforcement began an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of co-defendant, Serjio Diaz, which identified him as a primary organizer of a drug-trafficking organization responsible for methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine distribution. Other members of the organization included Lopez-Sanchez, Tony Diaz, Maria Jasmin Lopez, and Vicente Aguilera. Lopez- Sanchez is the last of these individuals to plead guilty.
On April 16, 2021, surveillance observed Lopez-Sanchez arrive at Serjio Diaz’s residence in Belton, Mo., in a black 2015 GMC Yukon with Texas license plates. Lopez-Sanchez had arrived prior to an arranged controlled drug purchase by a confidential human source. Lopez-Sanchez was observed carrying a blue bag into the residence. Lopez-Sanchez left the residence approximately 10 minutes later and before the arrival of the confidential human source, carrying the same blue bag. Later that day, the Missouri State Highway Patrol stopped the black Yukon as it was travelling westbound on Interstate 44 near the Oklahoma state line. Inside the Yukon, law enforcement recovered 995 grams of cocaine and $58,601.00.
Co-defendant Serjio Diaz, 41, of Belton, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, one count of possessing heroin with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of money laundering and was sentenced on Oct. 9, 2024, to 15 years in federal prison without parole.
Co-defendant Tony Diaz, 42, of Raymore, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, one count of possessing heroin with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and was sentenced on Dec. 13, 2024, to 9 years in federal prison without parole.
Co-defendant Maria Jasmin Lopez, 25, of Phoenix, Az., pleaded guilty to her role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and was sentenced on Aug. 1, 2023, to 11 years and two months in federal prison without parole.
Co-defendant Vicente Aguilera, 41, of Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to facilitate a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and was sentenced on Nov. 1, 2024, to one year and four months in federal prison without parole.
Under federal statutes, Francisco Lopez-Sanchez is subject to a sentence of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant 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 United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, the Jackson County Drug Task Force and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Operation Take Back America
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).
Mexican National Convicted of Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Last week, a federal jury in Las Vegas convicted a Mexican national of operating a scheme in which he claimed to be an IRS officer and misrepresented to victims that he was able to obtain hundreds of thousands of dollars for them from a fictitious IRS program.
The following is according to court documents and evidence presented at trial: Francisco Ivan Velazquez, a Mexico national, falsely held himself out to be an employee of the IRS and claimed to his victims that he could secure large monetary payments for them from the IRS. Velazquez falsely claimed that such funds were available from a purported IRS program that allowed people who had previously lost a home to foreclosure to recoup money by applying to the IRS and filing certain documents. Velazquez advised the victims that, in exchange for a fee, he would submit an application for them to recover the funds. In some instances, Velazquez then aided in the presentation of a false tax return with the IRS on behalf of the victim that claimed that the victim had federal tax withholdings of $100,000 or more and requested the withholdings be refunded.
Velazquez was convicted of three counts of wire fraud, one count of aiding the presentation of a false tax return, and two counts of impersonating an IRS officer. The jury did not return a verdict on four counts of aiding in the preparation of false tax returns.
Velazquez is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 18, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count, a maximum penalty of three years in prison for aiding in the presentation of a false tax return, and a maximum penalty of years in prison for each count of impersonating an officer or employee of the United States. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
IRS Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration are investigating the case.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Attempting to Entice a Minor for Sex OnlineRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Earlier today, United States District Court Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Timoteo Roque Roque to 120 months of imprisonment to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release for the crime of Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor.
According to information disclosed in court documents and proceedings, on July 28, 2024, an undercover (UC) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Officer (TFO) was participating in an undercover enticement operation in Chelan County with a goal of identifying those who were baiting children online for illegal sex. The UC ICAC TFO was online portraying a 13-year-old child and received communication from the defendant, Roque Roque. During the communications, Roque Roque affirmed that he was interested in having sexual contact with minors and agreed to pay $250 for 30 minutes of sex with the child at a local hotel; he also agreed to bring condoms for the meet. Roque Roque later sent the UC a text saying he was at the hotel, but he saw a police vehicle and he thought it was a trap. He left the hotel, but continued communicating with the UC, who was purporting to be a 13-year-old child. He returned to the hotel about six hours later, once again with the agreement to pay $250 for sex with the child. Upon arrest, Roque-Roque ultimately admitted he was communicating with who he believed to be a 13 year old and traveled to the hotel twice in order to have sex with the child.
Roque Roque was illegally present in the United States at the time of this crime. He is a citizen and national of Mexico who was arrested and deported from the United States previously at San Luis, Arizona, on July 15, 2019.“Investigations and prosecutions like these remain a high priority for my office, we simply have to protect our children from predators.” U.S. Attorney Pete Serrano said. “Thanks to the excellent, collaborative investigative work by local and federal law enforcement, Mr. Roque Roque is now being held accountable for attempting to pay a local minor for sex while illegally present in the United States.”
"This illegal alien represents the worst of the worst type of criminal who sought to conduct heinous abuse of a child, but fortunately in this case, the 'child' Roque Roque sought to harm was not real,” said HSI Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “It is deeply troubling to learn although he was removed in 2019, he was roaming our streets seeking victims. HSI is committed to holding those who pose the greatest risk to public safety accountable for their actions and protecting the vulnerable."
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov
This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, Washington State Patrol, and the Seattle Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, with assistance from the Chelan County Prosecutor’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant
United States Attorney Alison Gregoire.Memphis Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Federal Covid-19 Relief Programs of over $500,000Read the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A Memphis woman has pled guilty to defrauding two federal programs intended to help people survive the COVID-19 pandemic out of over half a million dollars. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the guilty plea today.
Deashley Tabor, 37, pled guilty on October 6, 2025 before Chief United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to making false claims against the United States Government. According to information presented in court, Tabor and her co-conspirator defrauded the United States Government out of over $560,000 dollars by filing fraudulent applications for unemployment benefits in over 27 different states during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tabor and her co-conspirator also defrauded the federally funded Tennessee Emergency Cash Assistance (ECA) program of approximately $15,000 dollars by creating fake employment termination notices for themselves and others. The ECA program was intended to provide financial assistance to families that had been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic because of lost employment.
Tabor is scheduled to be sentenced on January 16, 2026. She faces up to 25 years in federal prison.
United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Protection of the United States Treasury is a top priority for the Department of Justice, and our office is absolutely committed to bringing to justice those who would seek to take unfair advantage of critical government resources through fraud during the challenging and uncertain time of the COVID-19 pandemic."
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General and by the United States Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General.
The case was prosecuted on behalf of the government by Assistant United States Attorney Tony R. Arvin.
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For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at [email protected]. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Melissa Holyoak Appointed Interim United States Attorney for the District of UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – On November 17, 2025, United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi appointed Melissa Holyoak as the Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah.
Holyoak brings extensive experience to the United States Attorney’s Office as a litigator and leader. Most recently, she served as a Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), protecting American consumers.
“I am grateful to Attorney General Bondi for trusting me to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah,” said U.S. Attorney Holyoak. “It is an honor to lead this outstanding office in my home state where I look forward to working closely with our federal, tribal, state, and local partners to ensure the safety of our citizens and uphold the rule of law.”
Prior to her role as an FTC Commissioner, Holyoak served as Solicitor General with the Utah Attorney General’s Office, where she oversaw civil appeals, criminal appeals, constitutional defense and special litigation, and antitrust and data privacy divisions. She also managed multistate matters including those involving consumer protection and antitrust claims.
Holyoak also served as president and general counsel of Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based public interest firm and in other public interest attorney positions with the Competitive Enterprise Institute and the Center for Class Action Fairness. Holyoak represented class members challenging unfair class actions and consumers fighting regulatory abuse in federal district courts and appellate courts across the country.
Holyoak has argued appeals in the Fifth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, and D.C. Circuits. She is a former prosecutor and attorney with O’Melveny & Myers LLP. She graduated from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law in 2003 as a member of the Order of the Coif and Law Review. Holyoak is a member of the Utah, D.C., and Missouri (inactive) bars. Holyoak is married and has four children.
McKeesport Felon Pleads Guilty to Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
This release was published following the 43-day government shutdown during which the plea occurred.
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on October 2, 2025, to a charge of violating a federal firearms law, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.
Thomas Thornton, 48, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand to a one-count Indictment charging Thornton with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on December 19, 2024, Thornton discharged 10 rounds of ammunition from a stolen 9mm semi-automatic pistol into an occupied residence within the City of Pittsburgh. Officers with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police arrested Thornton within minutes of the shooting. Following the execution of a search warrant on Thornton’s vehicle, officers recovered the 9mm pistol Thornton used in the shooting. Thornton was previously convicted on federal drug trafficking and firearms offenses, and was also on federal supervised release at the time of the instant offense. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
Judge Wiegand scheduled Thornton’s sentencing for February 4, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Thornton.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Lowell, Massachusetts, man pleaded guilty on November 12, 2025, in U.S. District Court in Portland to one count of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and three counts of distributing methamphetamine.
According to court records, Rocky Buth, 32, was part of a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine between November 2024 and January 2025. In late November 2024, an FBI confidential source met with Buth and a co-conspirator in southern Maine and received approximately 220 grams of methamphetamine pills. On two subsequent dates in December 2024 and January 2025, Buth provided the FBI source with approximately 361 grams of methamphetamine pills and 419 grams of methamphetamine pills, respectively.
Buth faces a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years and up to life imprisonment, up to a $10 million fine, and up to a lifetime of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI investigated the case, with assistance from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Portland Police Department, and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.
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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Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Mailing Threatening Communications to Jewish Institutions and Civil Rights ViolationsRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced that Clift Seferlis, 55, of Garrett Park, Maryland, entered a plea of guilty today before U.S. District Judge Mark A. Kearney on 17 counts of mailing threatening communications and eight counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs, arising from numerous threats sent to Jewish organizations and entities.
“We welcome today’s guilty plea, which holds the defendant accountable for sending threatening communications intended to intimidate Jewish individuals based on their religion,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. “The Division holds a zero-tolerance policy for antisemitic threats, and will continue to vigorously prosecute such violations of federal civil rights laws.”
Seferlis was charged with those offenses by information last month, following his arrest in June on a criminal complaint and warrant in connection with such threats.
As presented in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, from at least March 2024 through at least June 2025, Seferlis used the United States mail to transmit at least 40 letters and at least two postcards to more than 25 Jewish organizations and entities located in multiple jurisdictions, including, but not limited to, synagogues, Jewish museums, Jewish community centers, Jewish schools, Jewish non-profit organizations, and a Jewish delicatessen. In many of these letters and postcards, Seferlis threatened to destroy physical buildings and/or to injure individuals.
Specifically, Seferlis caused the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to deliver threatening communications to these institutions on or about the following dates:
- Jewish Institution 1, a synagogue in Washington, D.C.
- (March 6, 2024; January 24, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 2, an entity in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- (April 4, 2024; July 29, 2024; January 18, 2025; March 5, 2025; May 7, 2025; May 9, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 3, an entity in Fairfax, Virginia
- (January 18, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 4, a synagogue in Gaithersburg, Maryland
- (February 3, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 5, an entity in Fairfax, Virginia
- (February 7, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 6, a synagogue in Hagerstown, Maryland
- (March 2025)
- Jewish Institution 7, an entity in Rockville, Maryland
- (May 12, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 8, an entity in Washington, D.C.
- (May 29, 2025; June 3, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 9, an entity in Washington, D.C.
- (June 3, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 10, a synagogue in Brookline, Massachusetts
- (June 3, 2025)
Each communication listed above contained a threat to injure the occupants of the receiving institution.
As court filings further detail, the defendant, by threat of force, intentionally obstructed and attempted to obstruct congregants and other attendees in the enjoyment of their free exercise of religious beliefs, by threatening to harm the occupants of:
- Jewish Institution 1, a synagogue in Washington, D.C.
- (March 6, 2024; January 24, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 11, a synagogue in Rockville, Maryland
- (January 25, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 12, a synagogue in Falls Church, Virginia
- (January 31, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 13, a synagogue in Gaithersburg, Maryland
- (February 3, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 14, a synagogue in Washington, D.C.
- (February 10, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 15, a synagogue in Hagerstown, Maryland
- (March 2025)
- Jewish Institution 16, a synagogue in Brookline, Massachusetts
- (June 3, 2025)
Further, the offenses against Jewish Institution 12, Jewish Institution 13, Jewish Institution 14, and Jewish Institution 15 included the threatened use of a dangerous weapon, fire, or explosives.
Seferlis waived venue as to those institutions and synagogues not in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and agreed to be charged in this District.
Seferlis is scheduled to be sentenced on March 16. He faces a maximum penalty of 169 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $5,650,000 fine.
This case was investigated by FBI Philadelphia, with assistance from FBI Baltimore, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Montgomery County (Md.) Police Department, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland’s Greenbelt office. The Anti-Defamation League, Secure Community Network, and Delaware Valley Intelligence Center also provided assistance with this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorney Mark Dubnoff for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorney Taylor Payne of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
- Jewish Institution 1, a synagogue in Washington, D.C.
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Mailing Threatening Communications to Jewish Institutions and Civil Rights ViolationsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Clift Seferlis, 55, of Garrett Park, Maryland, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Judge Mark A. Kearney on 17 counts of mailing threatening communications and eight counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs, arising from numerous threats sent to Jewish organizations and entities.
Seferlis was charged with those offenses by information last month, following his arrest in June on a criminal complaint and warrant in connection with such threats.
As presented in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, from at least March 2024 through at least June 2025, Seferlis used the United States mail to transmit at least 40 letters and at least two postcards to more than 25 Jewish organizations and entities located in multiple jurisdictions, including, but not limited to, synagogues, Jewish museums, Jewish community centers, Jewish schools, Jewish non-profit organizations, and a Jewish delicatessen. In many of these letters and postcards, Seferlis threatened to destroy physical buildings and/or to injure individuals.
Specifically, Seferlis caused the U.S. Postal Service (“USPS”) to deliver threatening communications to these institutions on or about the following dates:
Jewish Institution 1, a synagogue in Washington, D.C.
(March 6, 2024; January 24, 2025)
Jewish Institution 2, an entity in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
(April 4, 2024; July 29, 2024; January 18, 2025; March 5, 2025; May 7, 2025; May 9, 2025)
Jewish Institution 3, an entity in Fairfax, Virginia
(January 18, 2025)
Jewish Institution 4, a synagogue in Gaithersburg, Maryland
(February 3, 2025)
Jewish Institution 5, an entity in Fairfax, Virginia
(February 7, 2025)
Jewish Institution 6, a synagogue in Hagerstown, Maryland
(March 2025)
Jewish Institution 7, an entity in Rockville, Maryland
(May 12, 2025)
Jewish Institution 8, an entity in Washington, D.C.
(May 29, 2025; June 3, 2025)
Jewish Institution 9, an entity in Washington, D.C.
(June 3, 2025)
Jewish Institution 10, a synagogue in Brookline, Massachusetts
(June 3, 2025)
Each communication listed above contained a threat to injure the occupants of the receiving institution.
As court filings further detail, the defendant, by threat of force, intentionally obstructed and attempted to obstruct congregants and other attendees in the enjoyment of their free exercise of religious beliefs, by threatening to harm the occupants of:
Jewish Institution 1, a synagogue in Washington, D.C.
(March 6, 2024; January 24, 2025)
Jewish Institution 11, a synagogue in Rockville, Maryland
(January 25, 2025)
Jewish Institution 12, a synagogue in Falls Church, Virginia
(January 31, 2025)
Jewish Institution 13, a synagogue in Gaithersburg, Maryland
(February 3, 2025)
Jewish Institution 14, a synagogue in Washington, D.C.
(February 10, 2025)
Jewish Institution 15, a synagogue in Hagerstown, Maryland
(March 2025)
Jewish Institution 16, a synagogue in Brookline, Massachusetts
(June 3, 2025)
Further, the offenses against Jewish Institution 12, Jewish Institution 13, Jewish Institution 14, and Jewish Institution 15 included the threatened use of a dangerous weapon, fire, or explosives.
Seferlis waived venue as to those institutions and synagogues not in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and agreed to be charged in this District.
Seferlis is scheduled to be sentenced on March 16. He faces a maximum possible sentence of 169 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $5,650,000 fine.
This case was investigated by FBI Philadelphia, with assistance from FBI Baltimore, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Montgomery County (Md.) Police Department, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland’s Greenbelt office. The Anti-Defamation League, Secure Community Network, and Delaware Valley Intelligence Center also provided assistance with this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Dubnoff and Trial Attorney Taylor Payne of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.
Marion County Man Pleads Guilty to Aiming A Laser Pointer at A Sheriff’s Office HelicopterRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Adam Santiago Lugo (41, Ocala) today pleaded guilty to a federal indictment charging him with aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft. Santiago Lugo faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, on the night of August 2, 2025, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office helicopter (“Air 1”) was in flight over Ocala working a burglary investigation when it was repeatedly struck with a green laser coming from Santiago-Lugo’s residence. The laser strikes interfered with the two-man flight crew’s ability to operate the helicopter and placed it in danger. The crew was forced to fly the helicopter primarily by instrumentation, shielding their eyes with their hands from the laser strikes.
Using the helicopter’s cameras, the crew located Santiago Lugo in his front yard. He was wearing binoculars and holding a laser pointer in his right hand.
Santiago Lugo in his driveway with the laser pointer and binoculars
(as seen from “Air 1’s” cameras).
Santiago Lugo pointing the laser at “Air-1.”
A deputy was quickly dispatched to the residence and arrested Santiago Lugo. He was still wearing the binoculars around his neck and had the green laser pointer in his hand. After waiving his constitutional rights, Santiago Lugo admitted that he was “just being silly” when he repeatedly struck the helicopter with the green laser. He said he knew the aircraft was a sheriff’s office helicopter because it “flies over his house all the time.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Air Marshals, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.
Manchester Man Sentenced to 29 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation Offenses Related to His Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on October 30, 2025, HERNAN AYALA, 33, of Manchester, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 348 months of imprisonment, followed by 40 years of supervised release, for child exploitation offenses related to his sexual abuse of a minor.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2024, the Manchester Police Department received a complaint that a minor female had been sexually abused by Ayala. The minor female reported that Ayala had engaged in sexual conduct with her for more than eight years, and that Ayala had recorded his sexual abuse of her on his cellphone. On that date, investigators searched Ayala’s residence and seized several electronic devices, including his iPhone. Analysis of the seized phone revealed numerous videos and images of Ayala engaging in sexual conduct with the minor victim.
Ayala has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on March 9, 2024. On July 8, 2025, he pleaded guilty in federal court to production of child pornography and possession of child pornography.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Manchester Police Department, the Glastonbury Police Department, and the Connecticut Center for Digital Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the State’s Attorney’s Offices for the Judicial Districts of Hartford and Tolland for their cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Man Sentenced to 180 Months for Hanes Mall ShootingRead the Press Release
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – A Forsyth County, North Carolina, man was sentenced today in Greensboro to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Dan Bishop of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
Angelo Addie Reid, VI, age 23, was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment plus three years of post-release supervision by the Honorable Catherine C. Eagles, Chief/Senior United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the MDNC.
According to court records and evidence, on the afternoon of August 14, 2024, REID and his girlfriend were at the Hanes Mall Shopping Center located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Following a confrontation with another mallgoer, REID pulled out a gun and shot at the other man. The shot missed and went into a nearby store that was occupied by both employees and customers. The other man fled towards the mall exit while REID chased him. Once outside the mall doors, REID shot the man in the back, hitting him in the spine. As the man lay injured on the ground, REID approached him and used the firearm to pistol-whip him multiple times. REID and his girlfriend then fled the mall and were found shortly afterward a nearby hotel. At the time of the shooting, REID was on post-release supervision for another offense.
REID pleaded guilty on July 8, 2025, to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
The case was investigated by the Winston-Salem Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Martin.
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Madison County Man Sentenced for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Richmond, Ky., man, Glen Long, Jr., 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell to 360 months in prison, for the production of child pornography.
According to his plea agreement, on July 28, 2023, a victim’s mother went to law enforcement after she discovered that her minor child had been sending nude images to an unknown adult male via the internet in exchange for money for Roblox, a video game. Law enforcement obtained the victim’s cellphone, reviewed the explicit messages, and identified the adult male as Long. Long knew that the victim was 14 years old and lied about his own age, falsely telling the victim that he was 16 years old. When confronted by law enforcement, Long admitted that he used the minor victim to produce explicit visual depictions of child pornography.
Under federal law, Long must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life.
Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Sheriff Mike Coyle, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the HSI and Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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