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13 November 2025
Three Illegal Aliens Are Sentenced for Trafficking Kilograms of FentanylRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Three men who are in the United States illegally were sentenced to prison today for trafficking kilogram amounts of fentanyl, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Javier Avila-Rivas, 24, Christian Josue Campos, 22, and Jefry Adalberto Martinez-Romero, 19, all of Honduras, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Today, Avila Rivas was sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Campos was ordered to serve five years in prison and four years of supervised release. And Martinez was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
According to filed court documents and court proceedings, from August to September 2024, the defendants conspired to distribute kilogram quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in and around Charlotte. During the investigation, the defendants sold fentanyl to undercover law enforcement on numerous occasions. On September 5, 2024, after an undercover drug buy, law enforcement located Avila and Martinez in a vehicle. Law enforcement searched the vehicle, seizing a total of more than 1.9 kilograms of fentanyl, including 786 grams of purple fentanyl still in partial brick form; a rifle; 15 rounds of ammunition; digital scales; and $1,172 of U.S. currency.
The three men are in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Three Arrested and Charged in Kidnapping, Stabbing, and Robbery of Two Female Victims in SoutheastRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Robynn Danielle Bynum, 18, of Fort Washington, Maryland, Cierra Charity Lee, 20, and Kayvon Edwards, 21, of the District of Columbia were arrested on Nov. 5, 2025, and charged today in a complaint in connection with the October 20, 2025, kidnappings, stabbings, and robbery of two female victims in Southeast, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Bynum, Lee, and Edwards are charged with federal counts of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping, and the trio are further charged with three District Code counts of kidnapping while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and armed robbery.
Joining in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
According to the complaint, a United States Park Police officer responded on October 20 at about 11:45 p.m. for a report of a stabbing on the 3200 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE. The officer found two victims. One had been stabbed several times in her back. The second had knife wounds on her right wrist.
Law enforcement’s investigation revealed that the victims had been attacked earlier that night at a residence near Suitland Parkway & Stanton Road SE. The investigation further revealed that the victims went to the residence for a “babysitting job” when two individuals “jumped” them, stabbing them with a knife.
The victims were bound with duct tape and held in a bathroom. Eventually they were led to a car belonging to one of the victims and driven to another location where their assailants abandoned them. The victims were ultimately able to escape and seek help.
MPD officers later found the victim’s car parked on the 3200 block of M Street SE. The officers noted blood stains and pieces of duct tape on the back seat. They also noticed the car’s front passenger tire was flat.
Investigators learned that one of the victims had previously accused Edwards of a crime in another jurisdiction, and that Edwards had been due to appear in court on October 21 to face the charges. Law enforcement also learned that the victims were lured to Lee’s residence under the pretext of a “babysitting job.” It was in the residence that Bynum allegedly attacked the victims with a knife.
Edwards made several calls to Lee and Bynum to orchestrate the offenses while he was incarcerated and awaiting trial on the above-mentioned charge.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office, Metropolitan Police Department, and U.S. Capitol Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Satter.
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Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Philip Taylor Sobash, 35, of Austin, Texas, has pled guilty to one charge of sexual exploitation of a minor, while also admitting to sexually exploiting six other minors.
“Protecting children from sexual predators is among the highest priorities of our office and the Department of Justice,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “Holding Sobash accountable for all of his offenses against all his victims is vitally important to the safety of children in our community and across the country.”
According to court documents, between October 2018 and May 2019, Sobash, then a practicing physician, engaged in an online sexually explicit relationship with Minor Victim 1, who resided in the Middle District of Tennessee. This online relationship began after they connected on a dating website that facilitates “sugar daddy” relationships. After their communications moved to text message, Minor Victim 1 informed Sobash that she was 17 years old and sent him a photo of her driver’s license, which confirmed her age.
Sobash requested that Minor Victim 1 produce and send him sexually explicit images of herself and provided her thousands of dollars in cash and gifts to entice her to do so. Over the course of more than seven months, Minor Victim 1 sent hundreds of sexually explicit photos and videos to Sobash, most of which constituted child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
In addition to sexually exploiting Minor Victim 1, Sobash admitted to sexually exploiting six other minors, aged 16-17, between 2017 and 2020. At Sobash’s direction, Minor Victims 2 through 7 created CSAM and sent it to Sobash. Sobash distributed CSAM depicting Minor Victims 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6, resulting in those victims’ images being sold online under their names.
Sobash faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment and a maximum sentence of 30 years of imprisonment, and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced. He also is subject to forfeiture of property as alleged in the indictment.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica R. Morrison and Trial Attorney Adam Braskich of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Tewksbury Man Indicted for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Tewksbury man has been arrested and charged on Oct. 7, 2025 with distribution, possession, and receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) allegedly containing images of children between five and seven years old.
Brian McCarthy, 52, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Nov. 4, 2025 on one count of distribution of child pornography; one count of possession of child pornography; and one count of receipt of child pornography. McCarthy was arrested at home on Oct. 7, 2025 on a criminal complaint and was released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston.
According to the charging documents, on or about Oct. 6, 2025, McCarthy allegedly exchanged messages with another user on Telegram and knowingly distributed to that user 10 files appearing to depict CSAM. The children in at least two of these videos appeared to be between approximately five and seven years old. On Oct. 7, 2025, McCarthy was allegedly found to knowingly possess files appearing to depict child pornography.
The charge of distribution of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of receipt of child pornography provides of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by HSI Columbus, Massachusetts State Police and Tewksbury Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm of the Major Crimes Unit 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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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.
Tennessee Woman Pleads Guilty to Charges Related to Creation and Distribution of Videos Depicting Monkey Torture and MutilationRead the Press Release
A Tennessee woman pleaded guilty last week to crimes based on her involvement with online groups dedicated to creating and distributing videos depicting acts of extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys.
Katrina Favret, of Greenville, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to conspiring to create and distribute so-called “animal crush videos,” and to a second count addressing a specific video she solicited.
According to court documents, Favret conspired with others to create and distribute videos depicting acts of sadistic violence against baby and adult monkeys. The conspirators used encrypted chat applications to direct money to individuals in Indonesia willing to commit the requested acts of torture on camera.
According to a statement of facts signed by Favret, the videos included depictions of monkeys having their digits and limbs severed and monkeys being forcibly sodomized with a heated screwdriver.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II for the Southern District of Ohio made the announcement.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Mark Romley and Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Pakiz for the Southern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.
Tennessee Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza has sentenced Obmar Garcia-Galban (25, Tennessee) to 10 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute over 124 grams of fentanyl and approximately 2 kilograms of a substance containing MDMA and ketamine, also known as “Tusi,” as well as possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The court also ordered Garcia-Galban to forfeit a Smith & Wesson M&P 15 rifle, which was involved in the offense. Garcia-Galban pleaded guilty on July 10, 2025.
According to court documents, on December 19, 2024, Garcia-Galban possessed 124.6 grams of fentanyl, 1.99 kilograms of Tusi, and a firearm with the serial number removed in his vehicle. During an interview with law enforcement, Garcia-Galban stated that he planned to sell the fentanyl, Tusi, and firearm to an individual in Florida.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu.
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.
NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
Telemarketing Company Operators Sentenced for Roles in Genetic Testing Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Two men from Texas and Florida were sentenced today to four years and two years in prison, respectively, for their roles as leaders of a marketing company that solicited Medicare beneficiaries for medically unnecessary genetic testing. The Florida man received an additional two years in prison, to be served concurrently, for his role in falsifying the ownership information in Medicare enrollment documentation for a clinical laboratory.
According to court documents, Paul Wexler, 56, of Spring, Texas, and Paul Bleignier, 64, of Seminole, Florida, operated a telemarketing company that recruited Medicare beneficiaries for cancer genetic (CGx) testing that was medically unnecessary. CGx testing uses DNA sequencing to detect mutations in genes that could indicate a higher risk of developing certain types of cancers in the future. It is not a method of diagnosing whether an individual presently has cancer, and Medicare covers CGx testing in limited circumstances. Further, Wexler, Bleignier and their co-conspirators solicited and received kickbacks in exchange for referring Medicare beneficiaries for CGx testing that was not eligible for Medicare reimbursement. Through the scheme, Wexler and Bleignier caused Medicare to be billed $17.3 million, and they were paid $5.2 million.
While the criminal case for genetic testing fraud was pending, Bleignier opened a clinical laboratory and enrolled it in Medicare. Medicare requires a certification listing anyone with 5% or more ownership interest, but Bleignier used other people’s identities to disguise his involvement. The claims related to that laboratory were further tainted by kickbacks. Bleignier and his co-conspirators billed Medicare for $3,012,156 in claims that were ineligible for reimbursement, and they were paid $916,106.
In April 2024, Wexler pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. In November 2022, Bleignier pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay and receive kickbacks, and in November 2024, he pleaded guilty to making false statements related to health care matters. At sentencing the two were ordered to pay $1.2 million in forfeiture each and $5.2 million in restitution. Bleignier was ordered to pay an additional $916,106 in forfeiture for his role in falsifying the ownership information in Medicare enrollment documentation.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida; and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.
HHS-OIG and FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Charles D. Strauss of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Telemarketing Company Operators Sentenced for Roles in Genetic Testing Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — Two men from Texas and Florida were sentenced today to four years and two years in prison, respectively, for their roles as leaders of a marketing company that solicited Medicare beneficiaries for medically unnecessary genetic testing. The Florida man received an additional two years in prison, to be served concurrently, for his role in falsifying the ownership information in Medicare enrollment documentation for a clinical laboratory.
According to court documents, Paul Wexler, 56, of Spring, Texas, and Paul Bleignier, 64, of Seminole, Florida, operated a telemarketing company that recruited Medicare beneficiaries for cancer genetic (CGx) testing that was medically unnecessary. CGx testing uses DNA sequencing to detect mutations in genes that could indicate a higher risk of developing certain types of cancers in the future. It is not a method of diagnosing whether an individual presently has cancer, and Medicare covers CGx testing in limited circumstances. Further, Wexler, Bleignier and their co-conspirators solicited and received kickbacks in exchange for referring Medicare beneficiaries for CGx testing that was not eligible for Medicare reimbursement. Through the scheme, Wexler and Bleignier caused Medicare to be billed $17.3 million, and they were paid $5.2 million.
While the criminal case for genetic testing fraud was pending, Bleignier opened a clinical laboratory and enrolled it in Medicare. Medicare requires a certification listing anyone with 5% or more ownership interest, but Bleignier used other people’s identities to disguise his involvement. The claims related to that laboratory were further tainted by kickbacks. Bleignier and his co-conspirators billed Medicare for $3,012,156 in claims that were ineligible for reimbursement, and they were paid $916,106.
In April 2024, Wexler pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. In November 2022, Bleignier pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay and receive kickbacks, and in November 2024, he pleaded guilty to making false statements related to health care matters. At sentencing the two were ordered to pay $1.2 million in forfeiture each and $5.2 million in restitution. Bleignier was ordered to pay an additional $916,106 in forfeiture for his role in falsifying the ownership information in Medicare enrollment documentation.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida; and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.
HHS-OIG and FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Charles D. Strauss of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Tampa Woman Pleads Guilty to Forcibly Impeding Federal Agent During Immigration ArrestRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Luz Mary Vasquez Cruz (45, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, or interfering with a federal officer engaged in official duties. Vasquez Cruz faces a maximum penalty of eight years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court records, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents were conducting an immigration arrest of a Honduran national at a residence in Tampa when Vasquez Cruz and her co-defendant, Alfredo Javier Fuentes, exited the residence and placed themselves between agents and the subject of the arrest. Vasquez Cruz and Fuentes shoved an agent backwards, which allowed the subject of the arrest to flee into the residence and escape through a back window.
The case against Javier Fuentes is pending trial.
This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.
NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
Sudbury CPA Charged with and Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Defraud the IRS and Pandemic Relief FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of a Sudbury accounting firm and a real estate company has been charged and has agreed to plead guilty to paying an executive more than $1.6 million in compensation and fringe benefits under the table, and to making a fraudulent application for more than $179,000 in pandemic relief, through a multi-year scheme.
Charles D. Katz, 63, was charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and two counts of loan fraud. The defendant pleaded guilty on Oct. 20, 2025 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 2, 2026 before U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin.
According to the charging documents, Katz and an employee, who served as the Director of Corporate Services at Katz’s accounting firm and as Chief Operating Officer at Katz’s real estate firm, allegedly agreed that Katz would pay the employee off the books so that the employee would have tax-free income and so that Katz’s firms, CD Katz LLC and Gebsco Realty Corporation, would have lower employment taxes. Over time, Katz allegedly paid the employee’s family, provided rent-free housing to the employee’s ex-wife, paid college tuition for the employee’s children, and paid personal expenses that the employee and the employee’s ex-wife charged on corporate credit cards. All told, it is alleged that Katz paid the employee at least $1,668,487 in unreported income and avoided taxes of at least $835,105. It is also alleged that in 2020, Katz and the employee fraudulently applied for Paycheck Protection Program loans for both of Katz’s firms and obtained $179,900 which Katz used in part to fund the under-the-table compensation he paid the employee.
The charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of loan fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, restitution, and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil, Deputy Chief of the Securities, Financial and Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Story City Man Conspiring to Distribute Meth and Fentanyl Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
William Clark, Jr. 40, from Story City, Iowa was sentenced on October 7, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City, Iowa. Clark, Jr. was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl by pleading guilty on May 8, 2025.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that from January 2024 through April 27, 2024, Clark, Jr. and two others conspired to distribute at least ½ pound of methamphetamine and more than 1500 pills of fentanyl. On April 21, 2024, Clark, Jr., along with two others were headed to Colorado to pick up more methamphetamine. They attempted to elude law enforcement in a 30 minute, high speed vehicle chase during which they discarded 1500 fentanyl pills. Clark, Jr. also made “false” 911 calls to law enforcement to distract them, and avoid capture.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Clark, Jr. was sentenced to 108 months’ imprisonment and must serve a term of four years of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Clark, Jr. remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Ida and Sac County Sheriff’s Offices, the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and Iowa DCI Laboratory
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-4042. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Statement of United States Attorney Jay Clayton on the Convictions of Michael Castillero, Francine Lanaia, and Brian MartinsenRead the Press Release
“Our pre-IPO markets are important to investors, entrepreneurs, and our economy. Their integrity is critical to our continued leadership in technology, healthcare, energy, and other key industries. A unanimous jury has found that Michael Castillero, Francine Lanaia, and Brian Martinsen committed securities fraud, wire fraud, and investment adviser fraud through their firm, StraightPath Venture Partners. The defendants used high-pressure sales tactics, false and misleading disclosures, and hidden exorbitant fees to defraud retail investors seeking to invest in private companies that had not yet had initial public offerings. I commend the career prosecutors and law enforcement agents for their work to protect investors in this important marketplace. We and our law enforcement partners are focused on our pre-IPO markets and our listed small cap markets. Our message is clear: marketing and trading in less well-known securities does not give you a pass to commit fraud.”
Stabbing a Metro Transit Police Sergeant in the Face Gets Man Six Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Erik Schleehauf, 43, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced November 10 in Superior Court for an April 15, 2025, attack on a Metro Transit Police Sergeant, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Schleehauf was found guilty following a jury trial on July 31, 2025, in Superior Court, of assault on a police officer while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault with serious bodily injury.
At the sentencing hearing on November 10, 2025, the Honorable Robert Salerno sentenced Schleehauf to serve 72 months in prison and to be placed on three years of supervised release.
At around 2:26 p.m., on April 15, 2025, at the Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro Station, an MTPD Sergeant observed Schleehauf evade his fare by jumping over the glass gates on his way out of the Metro Transit System. The MTPD Sergeant followed the defendant as he tried to leave the station using the escalator. After Schleehauf refused to provide his identification and refused to stop, the MTPD Sergeant deployed OC spray. Schleehauf pulled out a sharpened metal bolt and stabbed the MTPD Sergeant in the face, causing puncture wounds in his cheek and lower jaw, which resulted in nerve damage.
Schleehauf was arrested at the scene and has been detained since his arrest.
Joining in the announcement was Chief Michael Anzallo of the Metro Transit Police Department, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro, Chief Anzallo and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metro Transit Police Department and the Metropolitan Police Department.
They also acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Nickolas Reck, who prosecuted the case.
Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
Springfield Man Charged with Illegal Possession of Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield, Mass. man has been arrested and charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.
Terrance Brown, 41, was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Brown was arrested on Oct. 31, 2025, and following an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield, was ordered detained.
It is alleged that on or about Jan. 19, 2025, Brown possessed a 9mm Ruger model LC9 semi-automatic pistol with a defaced serial number and nine rounds of ammunition despite having a number of prior felony convictions. According to court records, Brown has a 2010 conviction for manslaughter; 2002 conviction for assault with a dangerous weapon; 2002 conviction for distribution of cocaine; and a 2001 conviction for distribution of cocaine.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $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 Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Feld Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Dorchak of the Springfield Branch Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
South Carolina Man Sentenced to Nearly Six Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A South Carolina man was sentenced on Nov. 3, 2025 in federal court in Boston for his role in a sex trafficking conspiracy.
Tyreik Reid, 21, of Beaufort County, S.C., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Angel Kelley to 70 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Reid was also ordered to pay $7,000 in restitution to his victim. In June 2025, Reid pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of an adult by force, threats of force, fraud and coercion. He was among six individuals charged in July 2024.
From in and around April 2023 until August 2023, Reid conspired with others to traffic a Massachusetts woman. Reid encouraged a co-defendant to advertise his victim and to have her “going all night.” When Reid’s co-defendant brought the victim to South Carolina where Reid was living, he took a more hands-on role. Specifically, he drove the victim to engage in commercial sex dates, timed her to make sure she did not go over the time limit, monitored sex buyers’ payments to the victim and made at least $7,000 from his role in the conspiracy.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Somerset Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Riley, Chief of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit and Trial Attorney Francisco Zornosa of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Sioux City Man Sentenced to 248 Months in Federal Prison for Meth and Firearm ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Justin Derby, 46, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced October 16, 2025, to more than 20 years in federal prison.
Derby pled guilty on May 22, 2025, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Derby was involved in a conspiracy that involved his distribution of more than 700 grams of methamphetamine from June 2022 through June 2024 in the Sioux City area. Derby was involved in an attempted eluding and flight from law enforcement on a motorcycle in June of 2024. Upon apprehension, law enforcement seized over 85 grams of pure methamphetamine, a loaded 9mm pistol, additional ammunition and a scale from Derby’s backpack. Derby admitted to possessing the methamphetamine with plans to distribute it to others and possessing the firearm for protection of himself and his drugs. Derby had previously been convicted of four other eluding law enforcement offenses.
Derby was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Derby was sentenced to 248 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Derby is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Algona Police Department, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa DCI Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-3033. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Anthony Girard, 39, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty November 12, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City, to receiving child pornography.
At the plea hearing, Girard admitted that from September 2023 through January 13, 2025, he received and possessed child pornography. Girard admitted he used proactive file sharing services to exchange over 13,000 files of investigative interest over the course of two years. During the investigation, agents from around Iowa were able to connect Girard’s IP to thousands of files of child pornography in 2023 and 2024. Agents observed large gaps in the dates the IP address was active, and Girard admitted the gaps in his access of child pornography were due to swings in his sex life. Girard further admitted he deleted file sharing apps off his phone while driving home on January 13, 2025, as law enforcement executed a search warrant at his home. The materials associated with Girard’s file sharing included depictions of infants and toddlers as well as sadistic and masochistic conduct.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Girard remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Girard faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-4023. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Shiprock Woman Sentenced for Child AbuseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock woman was sentenced to five years of probation after failing to seek medical care for her injured son.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on March 15, 2024, Avondale Johnson, 32, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was arrested after Navajo Nation Police responded to a concerned citizen's report that Johnson's minor son was living in a disabled car without heating or cooling and was left unattended for hours at a time. When officers arrived, they found the minor in the car wearing a soiled diaper and complaining of arm pain. Medical examination revealed the minor had a displaced spiral fracture in his upper arm that was approximately one week old. Johnson admitted she knew her son was injured but did not seek medical care. Johnson pled guilty to recklessly permitting the abandonment or abuse of a child, with no death or great bodily harm.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Shiprock Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was sentenced to five years of probation for slashing another man’s throat.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on September 10, 2022, Darron Smith, 25, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was attending a small gathering at an apartment within the Navajo Nation reservation. Shortly after midnight, without warning or provocation, Smith removed a 7.5-inch blade from a knife block and sliced the throat of John Doe.
John Doe was rushed to the emergency room and hospitalized. He suffered a 5 ½ inch laceration on his neck which required 13 sutures.
Smith pled guilty to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Upon his release from prison, Smith will be subject to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico prosecuted the case.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Shiprock Man Sentenced for 2018 DUI CrashRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was sentenced to 37 months in prison after a drunk driving crash critically injured his passenger.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on January 11, 2018, Philbert Wayne Mark, 46, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was driving at high rates of speed while highly intoxicated when he failed to navigate a turn. The vehicle flipped and rolled for 174 feet, ejecting and critically injuring his passenger. At the hospital, Mark had a blood alcohol content of .396.
Mark pled guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Upon his release from prison, Mark will be subject to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Shiprock Man Pleads Guilty to Stabbing Two MenRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man admitted in court to stabbing two men after a day of heavy drinking on the Navajo Nation in 2022.
According to court documents, on Sunday, October 9, 2022, Harley Etcitty, 21, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, stabbed two people following a day of heavy drinking. Etcitty stabbed one victim in his back and chest; he stabbed the other victim (who was asleep at the time) in his head.
Etcitty pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. At sentencing, Etcitty faces up to 20 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Etcitty will be subject to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency pf the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting this case.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Shiprock Man Pleads Guilty to Murder in Shiprock Home Break-inRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man admitted to breaking into a home and killing a man who tried to stop him from attacking another resident.
According to court documents, on June 27, 2025, Armondo Paul, 25, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, went to a home in Shiprock, New Mexico. He shut off the electricity to the home, then kicked open the back door and assaulted one of the occupants. When a second occupant, John Doe, attempted to intervene on behalf of the first occupant, Paul stabbed Doe in the neck with a kitchen knife Paul had brought from his own home. John Doe died at the scene from the injury Paul caused.
Paul pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. At sentencing, Paul faces up to life in prison. Upon his release from prison, Paul will be subject to up to five years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Feder-al Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Shiprock Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A previously convicted felon admitted to stealing and attempting to sell a loaded firearm.
According to court documents, on August 10, 2022, Crandall Craig Martin, 42, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, stole a loaded firearm with the intention of trading it for alcohol or money to buy alcohol. As both a previously convicted felon and person previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, Martin was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Martin pleaded guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. At sentencing, Martin faces up to 15 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Martin will be subject to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Jones and Brittany DuChaussee are prosecuting the case.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Shiprock Man Charged with Sexual Abuse of MinorRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man has been indicted on federal charges for sexually abusing a minor over a five-year period.
According to court documents, between December 2014 and December 2019, Brian Begay, 30, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, engaged in or attempted to engage in sexual act with a minor.
Begay is charged with nine counts of aggravated sexual abuse and two counts of sexual abuse of a minor and will remain in third party custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Begay faces up no less than 30 years and up to life in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Sharon Drug Dealer Convicted at Trial of Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and DeathRead the Press Release
This release was posted following the 43-day government shutdown during which the trial and verdict occurred.
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – After deliberating for approximately five hours, a federal jury on October 15, 2025, found Laven Davis guilty of fentanyl distribution resulting in serious bodily injury and death, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.
Davis, 33, of Sharon, Pennsylvania, was tried before Senior United States District Judge Reggie B. Walton of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
The evidence presented during the six-day jury trial established that, on or about November 28, 2022, Davis distributed fentanyl which resulted in the serious bodily injury and death of a 43-year-old Hermitage, Pennsylvania, woman. At the time, Davis was on Pennsylvania state parole following his release from prison a few months earlier. Davis has prior felony convictions for aggravated assault, aggravated harassment by a prisoner, terroristic threats, and unlawful possession of a firearm, each of which occurred through separate state prosecutions during the past eight years.
Judge Walton scheduled sentencing for January 16, 2026.
Assistant United States Attorneys V. Joseph Sonson and Craig W. Haller are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Mercer County District Attorney’s Office, Mercer County Coroner’s Office, Hermitage Police Department, and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Davis.Shaktoolik man sentenced to 30 years for cyberstalking, sexually exploiting multiple victimsRead the Press Release
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – A Shaktoolik man was sentenced last week to 30 years in prison followed by 30 years on supervised release for sexually exploiting three children to produce child pornography, and for cyberstalking the children and one adult victim.
According to court documents, between December 2021 and July 2023, Matthew Jackson, 23, engaged in a pattern of sexual abuse and exploitation with multiple female victims, three of whom were minors.
Jackson used a cell phone to send messages to the three minor victims asking them to create pictures and videos depicting sexually explicit conduct. Jackson used the threat of disclosing those images to coerce sexual contact with the minors. Jackson filmed the sexual encounters without consent and provided marijuana and alcohol in exchange for sex.
During the same period, Jackson employed the same or similar conduct with an adult victim. Jackson requested sexually explicit images, then engaged in a course of harassing conduct with the adult victim by threatening to disclose the images. Jackson stated he could make money from the images and threatened to sell them if the adult victim refused Jackson’s demand for sexual intercourse. Jackson successfully coerced the adult victim to engage in sexual intercourse without consent and laughed while his victim expressed suicidal ideation.
Arguments in court explained that Jackson used similar conduct to affect at least three additional adults.
“Jackson has a history of violent assaults and engaged in despicable conduct against multiple vulnerable victims,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman. “His life of terrorizing Alaskans stops now. Thanks to the incredible strength of the victims and efforts by law enforcement, Jackson will spend the next three decades in prison followed by decades under Court supervision.”
"Through manipulation and coercion, Jackson callously terrorized and sexually exploited both minors and adults in Alaska,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Waddle of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Let this serve as a message to anyone who commits crimes against children in Alaska: the FBI and our partners will relentlessly pursue and hold predators accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
U.S. Attorney Michael Heyman of the District of Alaska and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Waddle of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Alaska State Troopers.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Vosacek prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Sex Offender Sentenced to 28 Years in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney of the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on October 1, 2025, David E. Dejanovich (age: 52) of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 336 months in federal prison by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach.
According to court records, Dejanovich is a lifetime registrant on the Wisconsin Sexual Offender Registry based on prior convictions in Dodge County, specifically two convictions for second degree sexual assault of a child and also for first degree sexual assault of a child conviction. In addition, Dejanovich was previously convicted in federal court in 2015 for possession of child pornography, for which he was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment followed by 15 years of supervised release. While serving that term of supervised release, Dejanovich again was found to be in possession of child pornography after downloading it from the internet.
At his sentencing hearing, Judge Griesbach said his crime was very serious and there was a strong need for deterrence. The judge cited Dejanovich’s disturbing history of abusing children as a factor that contributed to the need for a significant punishment. Upon completion of his federal prison sentence, the defendant will spend the remainder of his life on supervised release. He will continue to have to register as a sex offender under state and federal law.
This case was investigated by the Oshkosh Police Department and the Green Bay Office of United States Probation and Parole. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
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 U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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.
# # #For further information contact:
Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero
(414) 297-1700
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Sex Offender Sentenced to 20 Years for Possession of Ai-Generated Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – James Eugene Dees, age 52, was sentenced on October 2, 2025, to 20 years in prison for Possession of Obscene Visual Representations of the Sexual Abuse of Children and Penalties for Registered Sex Offenders.
According to court documents, Dees had been convicted in Mobile County of a child pornography offense in 2022. As a result of that conviction, he was ordered to a term of probation and required to register as a sex offender. During the pendency of his probation, his probation officer became suspicious that Dees was violating the terms of his probation. A search warrant was executed, and Dees was found to be hiding in a home where he was prohibited from residing. He had in his possession a cell phone. The phone was searched and found to contain images of child pornography and images of computer-generated child pornography. Dees entered a guilty plea to the charges of Possession of Obscene Visual Representations of the Sexual Abuse of Children and Penalties for Registered Sex Offenders on June 12, 2025.
At sentencing, U.S. District Judge Kristi DuBose sentenced Dees to 20 years in prison. Once released, Dees will be placed on a supervised release for the rest of his life. Dees is prohibited from possessing internet capable devices. He is also ordered to have no contact with minors. Dees will be required to register as a sex offender. He was ordered to pay $200 in special assessments.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kacey Chappelear prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc/publications-resources
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama at http://www.justice.gov/usao/als/.
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Sex Offender on Probation Is Sentenced to over 10 Years for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell sentenced Luke Andrew Hemond, 64, of Hickory, N.C., to 121 months in prison for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison term imposed, Judge Bell ordered Hemond to serve a lifetime under court supervision.
According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, Hemond was on probation for a prior conviction of attempted sexual assault while armed in Arizona. On March 20, 2024, North Carolina probation officers and law enforcement conducted a search of Hemond’s residence to ensure compliance with his probation conditions and sex offender registry laws. During the search, law enforcement located an SD card in Hemond’s bedroom that contained images depicting the sexual assault of minors. After finding the SD card, court records show that law enforcement obtained and executed a search warrant, seizing all electronic devices from the residence. A forensic review of the devices revealed that Hemond possessed thousands of images depicting children that were nude, children being sexually abused, and at least one image of child bondage.
On May 27, 2025, Hemond pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography that involved a prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age. He is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction’s Division of Community Supervision, the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, the Hickory Police Department and the Long View Police Department Office for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Spaugh of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Seven Charged in Scheme Involving the Cashing of More Than $3 Million in Stolen U.S. Treasury Checks at Hartford Post OfficeRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 19-count indictment charging MICHAEL ATKINSON, 27, of East Hartford; ROLAND McTAGGART, 27, of Hartford; SHARIF DJIBO, 28, of East Hartford; ROMARIO ROSE, 31, of Newington; JASHAWN ATKINSON, 23, of Hartford; and ADRIAN OLIVERO, 53, of New Britain, with offenses related to the cashing of stolen U.S. Treasury checks at a U.S. Post Office in Hartford. The indictment was returned on October 28, 2025, and Michael Atkinson, McTaggart, Djibo, Rose, Jashawn Atkinson, and RASHELLE SAILOR, 40, of Hartford, an alleged co-conspirator who is charged by federal criminal complaint, were arrested on November 6, 2025. Olivero is currently being sought by law enforcement.
The announcement was made by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office; Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York; Michael Carpenter, Special Agent in Charge of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA); Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Hartford Police Chief James Rovella.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, Michael Atkinson, McTaggart, Djibo, Rose, Jashawn Atkinson, Olivero, and others obtained stolen U.S. Treasury checks and cashed them at the Blue Hills Post Office on Woodland Street in Hartford, where Sailor was employed as a postal clerk. To ensure that there was sufficient cash available for a transaction, the co-conspirators often purchased postal money orders with cash prior to presenting the checks to Sailor who cashed them. Sailor also cashed stolen checks she had obtained herself. Between February and July 2025, the defendants cashed more than 1,300 stolen U.S. Treasury checks worth a total of more than $3.1 million. Of that total, Sailor was involved in the cashing of more than 1,200 checks worth more than $2.7 million.
“As alleged, these co-conspirators collectively stole more than $3 million from the government in a relatively short period of time,” said U.S. Attorney Sullivan. “The fact that the scheme involved, and would not have been successful without, the participation of at least one corrupt government employee, is particularly disturbing. I thank our partner law enforcement agencies for shutting down this operation and bringing these individuals to justice. The investigation to determine those responsible for the theft of the U.S. Treasury Checks, and others involved in the scheme, is ongoing.”
“The Special Agents of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG) will vigorously investigate those who use their position to commit crimes against the American public and the Postal Service,” said Special Agent in Charge Modafferi of U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. “The conduct alleged is disgraceful, and our office will continue to tirelessly investigate Postal Service employees and their co-conspirators who violate the public’s trust. This case serves as an excellent example of the successful collaboration between the USPS OIG, our law enforcement partners, and the District of Connecticut U.S Attorney’s Office to pursue and prosecute Postal Service employees involved in criminal activity.”
“Today’s announcement shines a harsh light on an alleged public corruption scheme in which a federal employee partnered with individuals to steal from the hardworking communities they were entrusted to serve,” said HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “The defendants are accused of exploiting government systems for their own greed, and robbing innocent Americans of money intended for them. Their alleged actions reflect an audacious disregard for the law and the communities they harmed. HSI New York will work tirelessly with our partners to dismantle these criminal networks and bring every perpetrator to justice.”
“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) aggressively investigates individuals who attempt to exploit U.S Treasury refund checks meant for hard working taxpayers for their own private gain,” said TIGTA Special Agent in Charge Michael Carpenter. “TIGTA's mission is to protect the integrity of our nation’s tax administration system. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who violate federal laws are prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.”
“These defendants sought to enrich themselves through an elaborate scheme involving the cashing of stolen U.S. Treasury checks at a Hartford Post Office,” said Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. “They then compounded their crimes by laundering some of the proceeds through the purchase of postal money orders. The Postal Inspection Service will not tolerate thieves — regardless of who they are — using the U.S. Mail to harm postal customers or the financial institutions that serve them. We are grateful to all the agencies involved in bringing this group to justice.”
Each of the defendants is charged with conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and with one or more counts of theft of government property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count. Each defendant is also charged with aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of two years.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment or criminal complaint are not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the U.S Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the Hartford Police Department, and the New York City Police Department/Homeland Security Investigations Violent Gang Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Chang.
Sentencing in Attempt to Possess Mass Quantity of ‘Boot,’ an Illegal Psychostimulant Imported from ChinaRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Marvin Benjamin Martin, 32, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 140 months in prison in connection with a scheme to distribute dipentylone, an illegal psychostimulant known as “boot,” which was imported from China, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Martin pleaded guilty before Judge Beryl A. Howell on July 11, 2025, one business day before the scheduled jury trial, to attempted possession with intent to distribute N,N Dimethylpentylone hydrochloride. In addition to the prison term, Judge Howell ordered Martin to serve three years of supervised release.
Joining in the announcement were Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck of Homeland Security Investigations, Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Washington Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
According to court documents, in early 2024, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington D.C. High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area group (HIDTA) was conducting an ongoing investigation into illegal shipments of synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals originating in China.
In February 2024, officers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized a package at the International Mail Facility at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).The package, addressed to “Martin Hall” on 58th Street SE. had been mailed from China, and contained 10 kilos of boot.
HSI agents swapped out the boot in the package for sham materials and added a GPS tracking device.
On March 7, 2024, HIDTA, comprised of HSI, the Metropolitan Police Department, and officers from various other agencies, delivered the package to the front steps of the residence on 58th Street around 11:27 a.m. The officers watched as Martin retrieved the package, took it back to his vehicle, and drove off.
About an hour later, Martin discarded the empty package while keeping what he believed to be real drugs. At 12:37 p.m., investigators found Martin driving in a nearby residential neighborhood in Maryland and attempted to detain him. Martin sped off and crashed into a minivan and fence before evading officers.
Agents subsequently found Martin at a home in Lanham, Maryland, and attempted to block him in with their vehicles. Martin accelerated his car towards the agents, striking the front side of an agent’s vehicle at high speed. About two hours later, agents again found Martin at the Lanham residence, this time in his undamaged car, a Mercedes sedan. Officers positioned their vehicles to block the street and Martin again drove his car towards the agents at a high speed. He swerved onto a sidewalk and hit a tree while accelerating past agents’ vehicles, once again evading capture.
On April 10, 2024, Martin was arrested in Annapolis, Maryland. From his multiple phones, agents recovered evidence showing that he had been selling boot and other narcotics, for years leading up to his arrest. The investigation also showed that Martin paid about $40,000 to $50,000 for the box of 10 kilograms of boot and would sell it for anywhere between $125 to $200 an ounce. From his phones, agents also found DOJ press release links of other boot trafficking convictions that Martin shared with other individuals, showing knowledge of his criminal conduct.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Washington D.C. High Intensity Drug Traffiking Area group (HIDTA), the Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Division, the Prince George’s County Police Department, and the Annapolis Police Department.
The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Iris McCranie and Anthony Scarpelli of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking section (VCNT) of the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia.
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Sacramento Man Charged with Being Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Cornelius Houston, 34, of Elk Grove, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, on Aug. 15, 2025, Houston was found in possession of a loaded Glock handgun. On Oct. 7, he was found in possession of another Glock handgun. Houston is prohibited from possessing ammunition or firearms based on his prior felony convictions for robbery and transportation, sale, or distribution of a controlled substance.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Sacramento Police Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Ng is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Houston faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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 U.S. Department of Justice 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 is also part of the Special Assistant United States Attorney program, a partnership between the United States Attorney’s Office and local District Attorney’s Offices. Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys remain employed by local District Attorney’s Offices, but they work on federal investigations and can prosecute cases in both state and federal court. This partnership allows the United States Attorney’s Office and local District Attorney’s Offices to partner to fight transnational organized crime and violent crime that impacts the region. The U.S. Attorney’s Office currently has Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the District Attorney’s Offices of Yolo, Placer, Fresno, and Sacramento Counties.
Roswell Woman Sentenced for Multi-Year Fraud Schemes Targeting COVID Relief and Tax RefundsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Roswell woman was sentenced to 60 months in prison for orchestrating multiple fraud schemes involving COVID-19 unemployment benefits and federal tax returns that defrauded federal and state agencies and individual taxpayers of more than $312,000.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, between June 2020 and April 2021, Melanie Willis, aka Melanie Vallejos, 50, submitted fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance and pandemic unemployment assistance benefits to the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) in her own name, assisted others in submitting fraudulent claims, and filed applications in others' names without their knowledge. Willis obtained $29,788 through fraudulent unemployment claims in her own name and caused losses of at least $183,420 from NMDWS, much of which she kept for herself. Investigators linked Willis to over 150 NMDWS accounts through internet activity.
Further, between at least 2017 and 2022, Willis also filed at least 34 false tax returns in the names of at least 15 victim taxpayers in the Roswell area while posing as a community tax return preparer or accountant. All returns contained false information designed to fraudulently inflate tax refunds and were filed without the victims' knowledge or consent. The tax fraud scheme resulted in losses of at least $137,062 in tax credits and refunds issued to the victim taxpayers, but most of which Willis redirected to addresses and bank accounts that she controlled.
Finally, between April 15, 2020, and June 30, 2021, Willis diverted and stole at least $27,200 in COVID-19 economic relief and impact payments from taxpayers by similarly using addresses she controlled and forging victim taxpayers’ signatures to deposit checks into her personal bank account.
The case originated in February 2022 following a referral from the Roswell Police Department, which had been investigating Willis for a separate state tax refund fraud scheme. In September 2021, search warrants executed at addresses used by Willis uncovered individual tax returns in others' names, notebooks full of personally identifying information, numerous debit cards and identification documents in victim taxpayers' names, and letters from NMDWS and the IRS addressed to identity theft victims.
In December 2024, Willispled guilty to four counts of wire fraud, two counts of mail fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, three counts of filing false, fictitious or fraudulent claims and eleven counts of theft of public money. Upon her release from prison, Willis will be subject to three years of supervised release. Willis was also ordered to pay $312,468.66 in restitution to individual victim taxpayers, the State of New Mexico, and the United States.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.
The Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General and the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Unit investigated this case with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the Roswell Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tavo Hall prosecuted the case with assistance from Department of Justice Tax Division Trial Attorney Matthew Hicks.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Romanian National Pleads Guilty to Online Fraud and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Romanian national pleaded guilty to participating in a fraudulent scheme that used fake business websites and false identities to steal more than $1.18 million from consumers across the country.
According to court documents, from May 26, 2023, through June 25, 2024, Claudiu Pesteleu, a Romanian national illegally present in the United States, and his co-conspirators devised a scheme in which certain co-conspirators would create fake websites that appeared to represent legitimate businesses selling vehicles and equipment. When consumers inquired about making purchases, the conspirators instructed them to wire payment to bank accounts that Pesteleu had opened using false identity documents and sham business names. After receiving the payments, the conspirators stopped communicating with the consumers and never delivered any products.
To help conceal the scheme, Pesteleu obtained false identity documents, including foreign passports, and opened multiple bank accounts in those names. Pesteleu admitted that at least one victim was located in New Mexico and that the scheme caused a total loss of approximately $1,800,000. Pesteleu also admitted to conducting numerous financial transactions with the stolen funds, including cash withdrawals and transfers exceeding $10,000, to disguise the source and ownership of the money.
Pesteleu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. At sentencing, Pesteleu faces up to 20 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Pesteleu will be subject to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Ryan G. McRae, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, made the announcement today.
The Homeland Security Investigations Deming investigated this case with assistance from the Gainesville, Florida Police Department. Las Cruces Criminal Chief Richard Williams and Assistant U.S. Attorney Grant Gardner are prosecuting the case.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Retired Army Colonel Pleads Guilty to Unauthorized Communication of Classified Military Strike PlansRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Kevin Charles Luke (62, Parrish) has pleaded guilty to one count of unauthorized communication of information relating to the national defense. Luke faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, Luke retired from the United States Army in June 2018 with the rank of Colonel. Thereafter, he worked as a contractor and civilian employee. Throughout his time in the Army, and thereafter as a civilian employee, he held a security clearance that authorized him to access classified information related to the national defense.
In October 2024, Luke was a government civilian employee at United States Central Command in Tampa, Florida. Luke met a woman online and began communicating with her via his personal cellphone and computer. On October 1, 2024, Luke sent that woman a text message stating, “sent to my boss earlier, gives you a peak at what I do for a living.” Luke then sent a photograph of a computer screen displaying a classified email message that he had authored and sent using a government email address intended for classified email communications. The email contained classified markings of SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY that Luke had himself added. The photograph of the classified email that Luke sent to the woman discussed a then-future U.S. military operation. This information was classified at the time and remains classified. The photograph of the classified email also revealed the number of targets of the planned U.S. military operation as well as the future date of the operation, the means of executing the operation, and the goal of the operation. Luke knew that his personal cellphone was not authorized for storing or transmitting national defense information, and that the woman was not authorized to receive national defense information.
This case was investigated by the Air Force’s Office of Special Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel J. Marcet and Lindsey Schmidt and Department of Justice National Security Division Counterintelligence and Export Control Section Trial Attorney Leslie Esbrook.
NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
Registered Sex Offender from Uxbridge Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Uxbridge man pleaded guilty on Oct. 8, 2025 in federal court in Worcester to possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Scott Morrill, 52, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography before U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman who scheduled sentencing for Jan. 22, 2026. Morrill was arrested and charged in April 2025.
Morrill utilized a Google account to store hundreds of images of CSAM material. Google identified the use of their services to store CSAM and notified the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children. A subsequent investigation identified CSAM material stored both in the defendant’s Google account and on a computer that he possessed at his home.
At the time of the offense, Morrill was on federal supervised release for a 2013 conviction of distribution of child pornography, for which he was sentenced to five years in federal prison.
The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of not less than 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Uxbridge Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of the Worcester Branch Office 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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Recidivist Ohio Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in Death of Western Pennsylvania ResidentRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Youngstown, Ohio, was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl resulting in death and conspiring to distribute large quantities of fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, and cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Eliot Gentry, 28, who previously pleaded guilty in the case to distributing fentanyl resulting in death in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, on January 23, 2022, and conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of fluorofentanyl, and five kilograms or more of cocaine between May 2021 and October 2022. Judge Schwab also ordered Gentry to serve five years of supervised release following his prison term.
According to information presented to the Court, Gentry—who had prior convictions and state prison sentences for violent and drug trafficking crimes—orchestrated and operated a multi-state drug trafficking scheme throughout much of 2021 and 2022 involving large quantities of fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, and cocaine in Mercer and Lawrence counties of Pennsylvania and Youngstown, Ohio. This included the trafficking of fentanyl that led directly to the death of an individual in Western Pennsylvania in January 2022.
As part of the large-scale illegal activities, Gentry employed dealers, including juveniles, to work traphouses he established in Mercer County. The traphouses, along with Gentry’s residence, were stocked not only with narcotics, but also with firearms for use in intimidating rivals and enforcing payment as needed.
Gentry continued to operate the drug trafficking scheme even while incarcerated for a brief time in 2022, and also continued to engage in criminal misconduct following his indictment in federal court and detainment pending trial and sentencing. He was repeatedly sanctioned for possessing contraband, including controlled substances and a weapon, while detained in local detention facilities.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; United States Postal Inspection Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Lawrence County Drug Task Force; Mercer County Drug Task Force; New Castle Police Department; Sharon Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gentry.
Queens Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Queens, N.Y. man pleaded guilty on Oct. 15, 2025 in federal court in Boston to a scheme to steal over $3 million in COVID relief tax credits using the stolen identity of a corporate executive in New Jersey.
Linval Jackson, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud; one count of bank fraud; and one count of aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Jan. 28, 2026. Jackson was arrested and charged in July 2024.
Jackson and his co-conspirator Isaiah Aaron Tenryk used a fraudulent driver’s license, as well as the name and Social Security number of a corporate executive in New Jersey, to open a bank account in Boston. Tenryk then deposited an approximately $3 million Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) check payable to the executive’s company into the fraudulent account. ERTC is a refundable tax credit for certain eligible businesses that had employees and were adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
After the check was deposited, Jackson attempted to link the fraudulent account to other bank accounts he controlled to transfer the stolen money.
Tenryk pleaded guilty to bank fraud and identity theft in September 2024 and was sentenced to three years in prison in December 2024.
The charges of bank fraud and bank fraud conspiracy each provide for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory two-year sentence in prison to be served consecutive to any sentence imposed, one year 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; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Ketty Larco Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Pueblo Pintado Man Pleads Guilty to MurderRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Pueblo Pintado man admitted to fatally shooting another man after a night of heavy drinking and a physical altercation.
According to court documents, on March 17, 2025, in McKinley County, Thurman Curley, 36, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, shot and killed John Doe following a physical altercation after a night of heavy drinking.
Curley pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. At sentencing, Curley faces up to eight years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Curley will be subject to five years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Prison Sentence for Menominee Woman Convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on October 14, 2025, Dianna L. Chevalier (age: 41), formerly of Keshena, received a 60-month sentence for a drug related crime on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The sentence, imposed by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach, came after Chevalier entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on May 29, 2025. After her prison sentence Chevalier will be on supervised release for an additional 60 months.
According to court documents, Chevalier was the passenger in a car that fled from Shawano County law enforcement on September 10, 2024. The vehicle entered the Menominee Indian Reservation and tribal and county law enforcement continued the chase. The vehicle drove north through Keshena and ultimately stopped at a residence near Crow Settlement Road and Wisconsin State Highway 47. Chevalier and others jumped out of the car and began to run toward the residence but were apprehended outside the home. Chevalier had multiple plastic bags on her person, containing a total of 43.11 grams of methamphetamine.
At his sentencing hearing, Judge Griesbach noted Chevalier’s lengthy criminal history and the seriousness of the offense. Judge Griesbach also considered the damage done to the Menominee Indian Reservation and other communities through abuse of controlled substances, and the danger those substances represent to the people who buy them.
The case was investigated by the Menominee Tribal Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Shawano County Sheriff’s Office, Menominee County Sheriff’s Office, and Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier prosecuted the case in U.S. District Court in Green Bay.
# # #For further information contact:
Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero
(414) 297-1700
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Prior Sex Offender Who Repeatedly Sexually Assaulted a Child and Produced Child Pornography Receives 25 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on October 6, 2025, Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced Rodney A. Hanes (age: 59) to 25 years’ imprisonment, to be followed by life on supervised release, after Hanes pled guilty to child enticement and producing child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2422 and 2251.
According to court records, in June 2024, then 58-year-old Hanes, who was previously convicted of felony sexual assault in 1995, was living in Manitowoc County when he met a 14-year-old female from Outagamie County on Snapchat. Hanes subsequently picked up the victim during the nighttime hours near her home, took her to a parking lot, and sexually assaulted her. For the next seven months, Hanes continued to sexually assault the victim at locations in Outagamie and Brown County, including after-hours at his workplace. Hanes also supplied the victim with methamphetamine and took numerous pictures and videos of the sexual assaults. In January 2025, the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Department received a tip, immediately investigated it, and arrested Hanes at his workplace. Law enforcement also seized his phone, which contained child pornography that he had produced.
At his sentencing hearing, Judge Griesbach emphasized the severity of Hanes’s conduct in targeting a child, and that a lengthy prison term was needed to achieve just punishment, deterrence, and protection of the public.
The case was investigated by the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Department.
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 U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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.
# # #
For further information contact: Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero
(414) 297-1700
Follow us on XPrime Capital Ventures CEO Pleads Guilty to Multimillion Dollar Wire Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kris Roglieri, age 45, of Queensbury, New York, pled guilty today to wire fraud conspiracy in connection with the operation and collapse of his purported commercial lending business, Prime Capital Ventures, LLC.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Roglieri admitted that he operated Prime Capital Ventures, LLC (“Prime Capital”) and, between mid-2022 and January 2024, conspired with others to fraudulently obtain tens of millions of dollars from Prime Capital’s clients. As part of the scheme, Roglieri falsely promoted Prime Capital as a lending business capable of making large commercial loans through third-party funding arrangements. Roglieri admitted that he and his co-conspirators deceived clients into sending Prime Capital tens of millions of dollars in payments based on false promises that the payments would allow Prime Capital to obtain these large loans and that the payments would be refunded if those loans did not materialize. Roglieri then used that money to repay or fund prior clients and on extravagant purchases for himself, including private jet travel and jewelry.
Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated: “Kris Roglieri brazenly flaunted the proceeds of his scheme—including luxury vehicles, rare watches, and private jet travel—all while feeding his victims bigger and bigger lies to fuel his greed to even greater heights. But the truth stopped him like a brick wall. All those trappings of wealth will be forfeited, and he will be ordered to make his victims whole. I applaud the FBI and the members of my office on this case for unraveling this devastating scheme and bringing its perpetrators to justice.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: “Mr. Roglieri built his lavish lifestyle on the backs of hardworking Americans looking to fund their businesses. Today’s plea ensures he will pay the price for that disturbing deception and greed. The depth of his deceit was staggering, but the FBI was deeply committed to thoroughly investigating this case and bringing justice to the victims who continue to rebuild their lives. While Mr. Roglieri remains in prison, the FBI will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who commit fraud schemes to mislead innocent investors.”
Two co-conspirators have also pled guilty in connection with this case. Kimberly Owen, a/k/a Kimberly “Kimmy” Humphrey, age 41, and her brother Christopher Snyder, age 45, both of Virginia Beach, have each pled guilty to a charge of wire fraud conspiracy. Both Owen and Snyder admitted to conspiring with each other and Roglieri to defraud Prime Capital clients. Owen is scheduled to be sentenced on January 15, 2026, and Snyder is scheduled to be sentenced on January 16, 2025.
Roglieri has been in custody since his arrest on a criminal complaint on May 31, 2024.
At sentencing on March 11, 2026 before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino, Roglieri faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. He will also have to pay restitution to his victims and forfeit property that he obtained as proceeds of this offense. As part of his plea agreement with the government, Roglieri agreed to consent to entry of an order directing forfeiture of over $55 million, a dozen luxury vehicles, six Rolex watches, two Richard Mille watches, and a Virigina Beach mansion that was purchased as part of the scheme.
The FBI investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal is prosecuting it.
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Prichard Drug Dealer Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – A resident of Prichard, Alabama, was sentenced in federal court on two counts of possession with intent to distribute MDMB-4en-PINACA, a schedule I controlled substance, commonly referred to as Ecstasy, and possession of a machine gun conversion device, commonly referred to as a “Glock switch.” A machine gun conversion device is a device which renders a firearm capable of firing multiple rounds of ammunition by a single function of the trigger without manual reloading. Possession of such a device is a federal crime. LilChrosin Paul Mauldin, IV, 31, pled guilty to these two federal charges in July of 2025.
Court documents show that Mauldin sold the controlled substance to a confidential informant and represented that it was Fentanyl. The informant also asked Mauldin whether he could help obtain a weapon. Mauldin told the informant that he had previously possessed a “box” of them but could find one for the informant. Mauldin subsequently contacted the informant to say that he had obtained a switch that he could sell to the informant.
On October 31, 2025, United States District Court Judge Kristi Dubose imposed a 151-month sentence for the drug count and a 120-month sentence on the machine gun conversion device count and ordered that the sentences run concurrently. The judge further ordered that Mauldin serve five years of supervised release following his imprisonment. As conditions of Mauldin’s supervision, he will also undergo testing and treatment for drug and/or alcohol abuse and he will be subject to a search of his person and premises upon reasonable suspicion. No fine was imposed but the judge ordered that Mauldin pay $200 in special assessments.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Mobile Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gloria Bedwell prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Previously Deported Mexican Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty in DC to Role in International Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Alfredo Rodriguez-Gonzalez, 27, a previously deported Mexican national, pleaded guilty on October 17 in U.S. District Court for his role in a multinational drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed wholesale quantities of fentanyl-laced pills across the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Rodriguez-Gonzalez, aka “Alacran,” of Rosarito, Mexico, pleaded guilty to a criminal Information charging him with conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl after a prior conviction for a serious drug felony.
U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly scheduled sentencing for March 6, 2026. Rodriguez-Gonzalez faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life.
Rodriguez-Gonzalez was one of 24 co-defendants arrested during 2023 in the District, Virginia, Maryland, San Diego, and Los Angeles and charged in the conspiracy.
Joining in the announcement of the plea were Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis of the Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Division, and Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Washington Division
According to court documents, during the conspiracy Rodriguez-Gonzalez was a Mexico-based supplier to Los Angeles-area drug distributers of large quantities of fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills. He utilized social media platforms, most commonly Instagram, to facilitate the importation of thousands of counterfeit “M-30” pills per shipment.
Rodriguez-Gonzalez had previously been deported to Mexico from the United States following a conviction in Utah for distributing methamphetamine. On October 4, 2019, he was sentenced to 36 months in prison. On June 13, 2021, he was released and deported to Mexico.
From December 2021, Rodriguez-Gonzalez was a member of the conspiracy that eventually distributed an estimated 36 kilograms of illegal fentanyl in the U.S.
He remained a member of the conspiracy until April 3, 2024, when he was arrested after illegally re-entering the United States.
The illegal fentanyl-laced oxycodone pills that Rodriguez-Gonzalez sold to multiple LA-based traffickers were resold to redistributors in Washington, D.C., area and elsewhere. Communications evidence, as well as physical seizures, indicate that he facilitated the transfer of hundreds of thousands of the counterfeit pills.
The impetus for the investigation was the overdose death of Diamond Lynch, a young mother in Southeast D.C. In addition to investigating and prosecuting the death resulting case, law enforcement followed the evidence and uncovered a vast network of traffickers who transported fentanyl from Mexico to Los Angeles to the District of Columbia. Since then, investigators have seized more than 450,000 fentanyl pills, 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder, and 30 firearms.
The prosecutions followed a joint investigation by the DEA Washington Division and the USPIS Washington Division in partnership with MPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) with additional support from the DEA Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside Field Offices, the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and the Charles County, Maryland, Sheriff’s Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Central and Southern Districts of California, the Eastern District of Virginia, and the District of Maryland.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey, Solomon S. Eppel, and Iris McCranie of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking (VCNT) Section.
23cr73
DEFENDANT
AGE
LOCATION
CHARGES/SENTENCE
Hector David Valdez,
aka “Curl”
27
Santa Fe Springs, CaliforniaConspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl;
conspiracy to commit international money laundering.
Craig Eastman
21
Washington, D.C.Sentenced Feb. 6, 2025, to 165 months for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl.Charles Jeffrey Taylor21
Washington, D.C.Sentenced Aug. 19, 2025, to 98 months for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.Raymond Nava, Jr.21
Bell Gardens,
California
Sentenced Sept. 17, 2024, to 14 years for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Ulises Aldaz28
Bell Gardens,
California
Sentenced June 28, 2024, to 95 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Max Alexander Carias Torres27
Bell Gardens,
California
Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; conspiracy to commit international money laundering.Teron Deandre McNeil, aka “Wild Boy”35
Washington, D.C.Pleaded guilty August 26, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; Conspiracy to commit wire fraud.Marvin Anthony Bussie,
aka “Money Marr”
22
Washington, D.C.Sentenced June 28, 2024, to 120 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Marcus Orlando Brown29
Washington, D.C.Sentenced Oct. 3, 2024, to 108 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.Columbian Thomas, aka "Cruddy Murda”27
Washington, D.C.Sentenced Oct. 22, 2024, to 160 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Wayne Rodell Carr-Maiden35
Washington, D.C.Sentenced May 5, 2024, to 45 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.Andre Malik Edmond,
aka “Draco”
23
Temple Hills, MarylandSentenced July 22, 2024, to 130 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Treyveon James Johnson,
aka “Treyski”
21
Alexandria, VirginiaSentenced Sept. 5, 2024, to 108 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.Karon Olufemi Blalock,
aka “Fat Bags”
30
Alexandria, VirginiaPleaded guilty Oct. 16, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Ronte Ricardo Greene,
aka “Cardiddy”
29
Washington, D.C.Pleaded guilty August 25, 2025 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.Melvin Edward Allen, Jr., aka “21”39
Washington, D.C.Pleaded guilty June 27, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.Darius Quincy Hodges,
aka “Brick”
34
Glen Allen, VirginiaConspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Lamin Sesay,
aka “Rock Star”
28
Alexandria, VirginiaSentenced May 30, 2025, to 110 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Paul Alejandro Felix26
Glendale,
California
Sentenced Nov. 12, 2024, to 164 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Omar Arana,
aka “Frogs”
27
Cudahy,
California
Sentenced May 2, 2025, to 93 months, for conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Edgar Balderas, Jr., aka “Nano”27
San Diego,
California
Sentenced May 8, 2025, to 148 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Raul Pacheco Ramirez31
Long Beach,
California
Sentenced Nov. 26, 2024, to 95 months for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Giovani Alejandro Briones31
Victorville, CaliforniaSentenced Feb. 20, 2025, to 90 months for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Alfredo Rodriguez-Gonzalez27
Rosarito, MexicoPleaded guilty Oct. 15, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.23cr73
Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced to 66 Months for Illegal Possession of a ‘Giggle Switch’ Modified GlockRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Robert Calvin Corbin III, 45, a previously convicted felon residing in the District, was sentenced on October 9 in U.S. District Court to 66 months in prison in connection with illegal possession of a Glock 9 mm pistol that had been modified with a “giggle switch” to fire as a machine gun, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Corbin pleaded guilty July 1, 2025, to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to the 66-month prison sentence, Chief Judge James E. Boasberg ordered Corbin to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on March 21, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department were called to the 100 block of Q Street NW to investigate a report of a large group of individuals gambling with guns present.
As the officers arrived at the scene, Corbin allegedly was smoking marijuana and drinking tequila from a red plastic cup. An officer stopped Corbin for public consumption of marijuana and possession of an open container of alcohol. As the officer conducted a pat down, the officer felt a hard object in Corbin’s waistband and asked what the object was. Corbin responded, “nothing,” then allegedly attempted to shove the officer’s hands away. The officer and Corbin struggled. Police eventually cuffed Corbin.
Officers recovered from Corbin’s waistband a Glock 19 equipped with a laser sight. The pistol was loaded with one bullet in the chamber and an additional 19 rounds in a large-capacity magazine. The firearm had been modified with a “giggle switch,” a small device which converts a traditional handgun into a fully automatic machine gun. Officers also recovered from Corbin’s bag a second large-capacity magazine with an additional 17 rounds of ammunition.
Corbin was prohibited from possessing a gun due to over twenty-five years of criminal history, including two prior convictions for illegal possession of a firearm.
The Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case with valuable assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Washington Division. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Reeder-Ricchetti.
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Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced to 30 Months for Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – On November 7, 2025, a Mobile man was sentenced to 30 months in prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
According to court documents, Anthony Maurice Parker, 29, was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment at the Bureau of Prisons with 3 years of supervised release to follow. On June 3, 2025, officers with the Bay Minette Police Department encountered Parker’s vehicle stopped in the roadway, running and in drive, with Parker asleep behind the wheel. Parker was in possession of a firearm despite being a prohibited person due to prior convictions for Robbery 1st and Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess a Firearm out of Mobile County. As part of his sentence, Parker was also ordered to be imprisoned at an institution where a substance abuse treatment program is available.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, along with the Bay Minette Police Department, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tandice H. Blackwood prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Prairieburg Man Who Sexually Exploited at Least Six Children Sent to 40 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who used Snapchat, Instagram, and text messages to persuade children to engage in sexually explicit conduct, and send him photographs and videos of this conduct, was sentenced on October 1, 2025 to 40 years in federal prison.
Bryce Hans Plower, age 37, from Prairieburg, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 17, 2025 guilty plea to sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography.
Information in a plea agreement and at sentencing showed that between 2014 and 2024, Plower convinced multiple children to send him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves. Some minors were as young as 12 years old. He paid several children, often as little as $1. Minors then sent him sexually explicit images that they felt they owed him. Plower also possessed child pornography on his phone, including of a child engaged in sexual acts with an animal, prepubescent children, and sadistic or masochistic conduct.
Plower was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Plower was sentenced to 480 months’ imprisonment and was ordered to make $6,000 in restitution to victims. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
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. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Plower is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR-91.
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Phone Scammers Falsely Claiming to be from Department of JusticeRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York is alerting the public of imposter scams involving individuals claiming to work for the Department of Justice.
During these calls, scammers appear to focus on immigration-related matters, like visa status, and at times threaten to retaliate against the person if their demands are not met. They often ask for personal information, like the person’s address or where the person is located.
Scammers use many tactics to sound and appear credible. They typically spoof their phone numbers so that when you receive the call, it appears as if the call is coming from a number associated with a government agency, like the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office will never:
- Direct you to tell us exactly where you are at any given moment; or
- Threaten you or tell you there are “consequences” if you do not speak to us or comply with any demands.
As a reminder, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will also never demand payment of any kind, including by gift card, and it will never ask you for your credit card number. Such requests are often made by scammers.
If you have been contacted by someone claiming to be from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and would like to confirm the call is legitimate, please hang up and contact our Office’s main line at 315-448-0672. While scammers can spoof their phone numbers to appear to be calling from this number when making outgoing calls, they cannot receive calls made to this number.
If you suspect you have received one of these scam calls, you may also report the incident via the Internet Crime Complaint Center at http://www.ic3.gov/.
Peabody Man Pleads Guilty to ExtortionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Peabody man, and Gangster Disciple gang member, pleaded guilty on Sept. 30, 2025 to making threats of physical violence to extort money from two victims.
Damien Willette, 30, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to make interstate communications with the intent to extort and making interstate communications with intent to extort. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Jan. 21, 2026. Willette was indicted in March 2025 along with co-conspirators William Walley and Michael O’Shea.
Willette was the cellmate of Walley in March 2023 and, later, the cellmate of O’Shea from May 2023 through June 2023. Willette and his alleged co-conspirators threatened two individuals – a former Gangster Disciple who was recruited into the gang by Willette (Victim 2) and their romantic partner (Victim 1) – while serving state prison sentences.
Willette expected Victim 2 to provide him with financial assistance during his incarceration from November 2020 to May 2024, as well as to his alleged fellow incarcerated gang members. Gangster Disciple gang members refer to this practice as “aid and assistance.” Willette told Victim 2 that he would be “blessed out” of the gang if he continued to provide “aid and assistance.” However, Victim 2 attempted to disassociate from the Gangster Disciples gang soon after his recruitment. When Victim 2 stopped providing assistance, Victim 1 continued on his behalf.
On or about March 2023, Willette and his alleged co-conspirators started threatening the victims with physical violence if they stopped providing money to them while they were incarcerated. For example, Willette warned the victims that if they failed to provide “aid and assistance,” Victim 2 would not be “blessed out” when Willette was released from state prison. Willette specified that he would have gang members pistol whip the victims that “it’s going to be bad for you and everyone you know” if they failed to provide “aid and assistance.”
The charge of conspiracy to make interstate communications with the intent to extort provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of making interstate communications with intent to extort provides for a sentence up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Department of Correction and the Lawrence Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
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 gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/PSN.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Pawtucket Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Pawtucket man previously convicted and incarcerated in Massachusetts and Rhode Island on drug trafficking charges was sentenced in federal court in Rhode Island for distributing methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Anthony Shukri Nelson, 41, was sentenced on November 13, 2025 by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. to 90 months imprisonment to be followed by four years of supervised release. Nelson pleaded guilty on September 25, 2025 to distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, between February 9 and February 23, 2022, Nelson delivered over 37 grams of methamphetamine and 11.5 grams of cocaine to another individual in exchange for cash. During the investigation, members of the FBI’s Rhode Island Safe Streets Gang Task Force conducted a court authorized search of Nelson’s Pawtucket residence, resulting in the seizure of approximately 225 grams of cocaine and more than $23,750 in cash.
At the time of his arrest, Nelson was on probation stemming from a prior Rhode Island conviction.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey A. Erickson and Taylor Dean.
The matter was investigated by FBI’s Rhode Island Safe Streets Gang Task Force with assistance from the Pawtucket Police Department and Rhode Island State Police.