Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Thursday 28 August 2025
Florida Woman Sentenced for Stealing West Virginia Pension Funds over 15 YearsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Semiha Nilgun Gencsoy, 71, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was sentenced today to five years of federal probation and ordered to pay $328,478.38 in restitution for possession of stolen money. Gencsoy admitted that over 15 years, she fraudulently received West Virginia public employee pension benefits totaling $328,478.38 that did not belong to her.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Gencsoy’s father was a professor of mechanical engineering at West Virginia University. When he retired in June 1985, he qualified for and began receiving West Virginia public employee pension benefits. Gencsoy’s father died in June 2007, and her mother began receiving survivor benefits from the West Virginia Consolidated Public Retirement Board (WVCPRB) as his widow. The monthly payments were directly deposited into a join bank account that Gencsoy shared with her mother.
Gencsoy’s mother died in April 2008, and Gencsoy was appointed to administer her estate. As part of her guilty plea, Gencsoy admitted that she knew her father’s benefits expired upon the death of her mother. Gencsoy further admitted that she knew she had a duty both to notify the WVCPRB of her mother’s death and to close their joint banking account, and that she did neither. Gencsoy also never disclosed the pension payments to the probate court.
From approximately May 2008 through June 2023, the joint bank account received more than 180 monthly survivor’s benefit pension payments totaling $328,478.38 through direct deposit. Gencsoy admitted that she routinely transferred the survivor benefit pension payments to a bank account she solely controlled after each direct deposit and used the money to pay for her personal expenses.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia Consolidated Public Retirement Board (WVCPRB) and the West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-75.
###
Florida Men Sentenced to Prison for Scheme to Prepare False Tax Returns for ClientsRead the Press Release
Three Florida men were sentenced this week for tax crimes related to a scheme to prepare false tax returns for clients. Jonathan Carrillo was sentenced to 121 months in prison, Franklin Carter Jr. was sentenced to 84 months in prison, and Diandre T. Mentor was sentenced to 36 months in prison.
The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: from 2016 to 2020, Carter and Carrillo owned and operated Neighborhood Advance Tax (NAT), a return preparation business with a dozen offices throughout Florida. Mentor was employed there as a return preparer and from 2018 and 2019 he was the manager of the Orlando office. Carter, Carrillo, Mentor, and their co-conspirators fraudulently inflated client tax refunds by fabricating deductions on their returns. They also held periodic training sessions at which they taught other NAT employees how to prepare fraudulent tax returns.
In 2020, Mentor and his co-conspirators started their own tax return preparation business called Smart Tax & Finance. Like NAT, Mentor and his co-conspirators prepared false tax returns for clients which included fabricated deductions. Mentor and his co-conspirators also taught franchise owners and employees how to prepare false returns for clients. In total, Mentor caused a tax loss to the IRS of $3,090,077.
In 2021, Carter, Carrillo, and their co-conspirators started a new return preparation business, Taxmates, which operated out of the same offices that NAT previously used. As with NAT, Carter, Carrillo, and others used Taxmates to prepare false tax returns for clients. Many of those returns included false deductions. Carter, Carrillo and their co-conspirators also taught franchise owners and employees how to prepare false returns for clients. In total, they caused a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $12 million.
Several other co-conspirators have been sentenced for their roles in the scheme including Emmanuel Almonor and Adon Hemley, who were sentenced to 57 months in prison and 46 months in prison, respectively.
In addition to their prison sentences, U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger for the Middle District of Florida ordered Mentor to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $3,090,077 in restitution to the United States; Carter to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $12,543,946 in restitution to the United States; and Carrillo to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $12,170,066 in restitution to the United States.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Michael L. Jones of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Testerman for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case.
Florida Men Sentenced to Prison for Scheme to Prepare False Tax Returns for ClientsRead the Press Release
Three Florida men were sentenced this week for tax crimes related to a scheme to prepare false tax returns for clients. Jonathan Carillo was sentenced to 121 months in prison, Franklin Carter Jr. was sentenced to 84 months in prison, and Diandre T. Mentor was sentenced to 36 months in prison.
The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: from 2016 to 2020, Carter and Carrillo owned and operated Neighborhood Advance Tax (NAT), a return preparation business with a dozen offices throughout Florida. Mentor was employed there as a return preparer and from 2018 and 2019 he was the manager of the Orlando office. Carter, Carrillo, Mentor, and their co-conspirators fraudulently inflated client tax refunds by fabricating deductions on their returns. They also held periodic training sessions at which they taught other NAT employees how to prepare fraudulent tax returns.
In 2020, Mentor and his co-conspirators started their own tax return preparation business called Smart Tax & Finance. Like NAT, Mentor and his co-conspirators prepared false tax returns for clients which included fabricated deductions. Mentor and his co-conspirators also taught franchise owners and employees how to prepare false returns for clients. In total, Mentor caused a tax loss to the IRS of $3,090,077.
In 2021, Carter, Carrillo, and their co-conspirators started a new return preparation business, Taxmates, which operated out of the same offices that NAT previously used. As with NAT, Carter, Carrillo, and others used Taxmates to prepare false tax returns for clients. Many of those returns included false deductions. Carter, Carrillo and their co-conspirators also taught franchise owners and employees how to prepare false returns for clients. In total, they caused a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $12 million.
Several other co-conspirators have been sentenced for their roles in the scheme including Emmanuel Almonor and Adon Hemley, who were sentenced to 57 months in prison and 46 months in prison, respectively.
In addition to their prison sentences, U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger for the Middle District of Florida ordered Mentor to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $3,090,077 in restitution to the United States; Carter to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $12,543,946 in restitution to the United States; and Carrillo to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $12,170,066 in restitution to the United States.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Michael L. Jones of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Testerman for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case.
Final Co-Conspirator Sentenced for Role in Gun Store HeistRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – The fifth and final co-conspirator involved in a scheme to break into a Virginia pawnshop and steal firearms was sentenced yesterday to 86 months in prison.
Austin Blake Hixon, 36, of Christiansburg, Virginia, previously pled guilty to possessing stolen firearms and perjury.
Hixon is the final defendant to be sentenced for his role in the scheme.
Previously, Malcom Stanton, Ronald Perry, and Justin Cumbee were each sentenced to 10 years in prison. Michael Hall was sentenced to 27 months.
According to court documents, on November 1, 2022, Perry broke into1st Pawn in Fairlawn, Virginia and stole approximately 15 firearms which he divided up with Stanton & Hall. Several of those guns were later illegally sold or traded for drugs.
Law enforcement tracked three of the stolen firearms to Hixon’s residence. When interviewed about the whereabouts of the stolen firearms, Hixon said that he threw them in the New River, a claim he testified to under oath. However, Hixon later admitted selling or trading the firearms for methamphetamine.
Robert N. Tracci, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, and Anthony Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, the Radford Police Department, and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case with assistance from the Pulaski County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, the Christiansburg Police Department, the Virginia State Police Search and Recovery Team, and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly McGann and Lee Brett are prosecuting the case.
Fifth Defendant Sentenced in Federal Court for Role in Automobile Dealership Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Louisiana woman was sentenced in federal court today for her role in connection with a scheme to use the stolen identities of others to purchase expensive vehicles in the Jackson metropolitan area.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2023, Anna Waldei, 27, of New Orleans, Louisiana, conspired with Paul Anthony Robinson, Sarah Elizabeth Calderon, Joshanique Elouise Bailey, and David L. Jones, Jr. to obtain the identity information of credit-worthy individuals, create false identity documents in the names of those individuals, and then pose as those individuals at automotive dealerships in order to apply for vehicle financing. The defendants submitted credit applications and purchased or attempted to purchase vehicles from dealerships in the Jackson metro area. The defendants traveled from Louisiana to Mississippi in a vehicle rented by Waldei.
Waldei pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on March 27, 2025. She received a sentence of 12 months and one day in federal prison.
Robinson pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on October 18, 2024. He received a sentence of 46 months in federal prison on June 27, 2025.
Calderon pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft on November 26, 2024. She received a sentence of 39 months in federal prison on June 27, 2025.
Bailey pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on April 9, 2025. She received a sentence of two years’ probation on June 25, 2025.
Jones pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft on February 13, 2025. He received a sentence of 32 months in federal prison on June 25, 2025.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis, and Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch made the announcement.
The United States Secret Service and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office investigated the case through their partnership in the Cyber Fraud Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie prosecuted the case.
- Fifth Defendant Sentenced in Federal Court for Role in Automobile Dealership Fraud Conspiracy
Federal jury convicts Franklin man for armed robberyRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A federal jury convicted Janathian Porter, 27, of Franklin, on Aug. 26 on a charge of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery. Porter, aka Frankboy Nate, Nate, or Nate Dog, also pled guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Leondre Douglas, aka Worm, 26, set up a drug transaction on Oct. 28, 2024, with a marijuana dealer and Porter. When they met for the transaction, Porter robbed the dealer at gunpoint, taking the dealer’s firearm. Porter and Douglas then fled in separate vehicles.
On Nov. 1, 2024, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that reportedly had been involved in the Oct. 28, 2024, robbery. Douglas was driving, and three minor children were inside the vehicle. Officers recovered a stolen handgun from underneath the driver seat. As a previously convicted felon, Douglas cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
On Nov. 12, 2024, a man observed Porter rummaging through the man’s vehicle at his home. The victim entered his vehicle, noticed that a speaker had been stolen, and followed Porter, who was attempting to flee in another vehicle. The victim pursued Porter to the end of a cul-de-sac, where Porter shot at the victim. Shell casings at the scene matched the caliber of a firearm that a witness reported stolen the same evening from his vehicle near where Porter was observed breaking into cars.
Porter is an eight-time convicted felon, including for breaking and entering, grand larceny, buying/receiving stolen goods, eluding/endangering police, and twice each for probation violations and hit and run. As a convicted felon, Porter cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
Douglas pled guilty on Aug. 25 to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Porter and Douglas face up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on Jan. 30, 2026. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr. accepted the verdict and the pleas.
The Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation of the Oct. 28, 2024, and Nov. 1, 2024, offenses. The Franklin Police Department assisted in the investigation of the Nov. 12, 2024, offense.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda L. Cheney, Anthony Marek, and Kristin G. Bird are prosecuting the cases.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 2:25-cr-62, 2:25-cr-77, and 2:25-cr-78.
This release was revised on Jan. 30, 2026, to correct the spelling of Leondre Douglas' name.
Federal Jury Finds Clearfield County Man Guilty for Role in Targeted Bombing Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - After deliberating for four hours, a federal jury on August 27, 2025, found Kris Joseph Nevling, 48, of Clearfield, Pennsylvania, guilty on charges of conspiracy to maliciously destroy property by explosive or fire and possession of an unregistered destructive device, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Nevling was tried before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
The evidence presented at trial established that, in and around early October 2019, Nevling and co-defendant Clint Addleman aided and abetted each other in the construction and possession of a destructive device—a bomb—which was subsequently concealed inside a package addressed to the victim using her nickname. At approximately 4:30 a.m. on October 4, 2019, the package containing the bomb was dropped off and left outside of the door to the victim’s first floor apartment in a multi-unit rental property in Clearfield. Later that morning, the bomb detonated inside the victim’s apartment, killing the victim and causing a fire that destroyed the building.
The jury also determined the victim’s death to be a result of the commission of the offense of conspiring to maliciously destroy property by explosive or fire.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for January 7, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Nevling’s co-defendant Addleman is scheduled for trial in late October.
Assistant United States Attorneys Maureen Sheehan-Balchon, Shaun E. Sweeney, and Samantha A. Stewart prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Clearfield Regional Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Nevling.
Federal Jury Convicts Drug Trafficker of 4 Counts in Del RioRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A federal jury convicted a U.S citizen and Mexico City resident on all counts of an indictment that charged him with trafficking cocaine from Mexico into the United States.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Jordy Alexander Amaya, 27, approached the Eagle Pass Port of Entry on Sept. 16, 2024. During an inspection of his vehicle, Customs and Border Protection officers discovered approximately 1.9 kilograms of cocaine. Testimony during the trial revealed Amaya had ties to a Texas-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributes methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. Records also indicate that Amaya previously crossed into the U.S. in a known DTO vehicle in 2022 and 2023.
Amaya was indicted in October 2024 on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of conspiracy to import cocaine, and one count of importation of cocaine. He faces five to 40 years in federal prison on each of the four counts, as well as a fine of up to $5 million per count.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Warsame Galaydh and Tyler Fleming are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, 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 Neighborhoods (PSN).
###
Federal Inmate Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Assaulting Federal Correctional OfficersRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Davonta McCrorey (25, Baltimore) to two years in federal prison for assaulting correctional officers. This sentence was imposed consecutively to an eight-year prison term that McCrorey was already serving for another offense. McCrorey pleaded guilty on April 15, 2025.
According to court records, in March 2024, McCrorey was an inmate in the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County. On March 16, 2024, McCrorey aggressively charged out of his prison cell and struck two federal correctional officers in the face multiple times, causing injuries. McCrorey then resisted other correctional officers who attempted to restrain him by verbally threatening them with violence and biting one of them on the hand.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.
Ex-Honolulu Police Officer Sentenced to 23 Years in Federal Prison for Engaging in Child Sex Crimes While Serving as a Sworn OfficerRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Mason Jordan, 34, of Kailua, Hawaii, was sentenced yesterday to 23 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. He must also now register as a sex offender. Jordan pled guilty pursuant to a plea agreement in April 2024.
As part of his guilty plea, Jordan admitted that while serving as a Honolulu Police Department officer, he secretly photographed and recorded a child in his household to create sexually explicit material. Posing as a stranger, he then used that material to harass the child and coerce her into producing and sending him additional sexually explicit content. Jordan then posed as the child on social media to lure other local children into working as prostitutes, several of whom he eventually met in person for illicit encounters. He also used his access to proprietary police databases to research his victims and monitor police investigations into his criminal activities. Jordan used sophisticated techniques to evade detection by law enforcement, including systematically rotating between multiple phones, SIM cards, fake email accounts, online phone number services, and false social media profiles.
At sentencing, Senior U.S. District Judge Leslie Kobayashi described Jordan’s conduct as “beyond intentional” and involving extensive “planning and deceit.” She highlighted the technical sophistication of his attempts to conceal his identity and the profound betrayal of his duties as an officer and parental guardian.
“This case represents the ultimate betrayal of public trust: a sworn police officer who exploited his badge to prey on the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “I hope the sentence gives some solace to his victims and allows them to begin healing. Authority comes with trust and responsibility, and we will always aggressively pursue corrupt law enforcement officers who hide behind their badges to violate the sacred trust placed in them. We are deeply grateful to our partners with the Honolulu Police Department for its full cooperation and partnership in this investigation from the very beginning. Jordan’s conduct does not reflect the integrity and dedication of the many officers who honorably serve this community every day.”
“Homeland Security Investigations is unwavering in its commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and ensuring that those who exploit positions of trust to harm others are held accountable,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Lucia Cabral-DeArmas. “This case underscores the importance of strong partnerships between federal and local law enforcement agencies in bringing offenders to justice. We commend the courage of the survivors who came forward and hope this sentence provides them with some measure of closure. HSI will continue to work tirelessly to safeguard our communities and ensure that no one is above the law.”
“Mason Jordan’s actions reflect an egregious abuse of authority—he violated the trust of family members who relied on him for protection and safety, and his sworn duty to protect this community,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “Today’s sentence underscores our collective commitment to pursuing justice for victims and disrupting any sexual predator from further victimizing the most vulnerable among us.”
“Our thoughts are with the survivors whose courage in coming forward is deeply respected,” said Honolulu Police Department Interim Chief of Police Rade Vanic. “The actions of Mason Jordan were inexcusable and do not reflect the values of the Honolulu Police Department.”
This case was the result of a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Honolulu Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne A. Myers prosecuted the case.
Donora Man Convicted at Trial of Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – After deliberating for four hours, a federal jury in Pittsburgh on August 27, 2025, found Tre Robert Goins guilty of one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Goins, 31, of Donora, Pennsylvania, was tried before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
The evidence presented during the day and a half trial established that, on May 24, 2024, Goins fled from a traffic stop initiated by the City of Duquesne Police Department, leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase at speeds in excess of 100 mph that ended with Goins totaling his vehicle. From the vehicle, police recovered fentanyl, cocaine, and a stolen loaded firearm. The jury found that Goins possessed the firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.
In July 2025, Goins pleaded guilty to two other charges relating to the same incident: possession with intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. For these charges, the law provides for a total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both, with Goins facing a total sentence of not less than five years and up to life in prison (to be served consecutively to the drug trafficking crime sentence), a fine of up to $250,000, or both, on his trial conviction for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Goins’ three violations of federal drug trafficking and firearms laws for October 22, 2025.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly M. Locher and Katherine C. Jordan are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the City of Clairton and Duquesne Police Departments, and the Elizabeth Township Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Goins.
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.
Detroit-Area Man Found Guilty of Maliciously Setting Fires to Semi-Truck TrailersRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Last week, a federal jury found Viorel Pricop, 66, of Allen Park, Michigan, guilty of three counts of arson of a vehicle or property in interstate commerce. Pricop has been in federal custody since October 2022.
According to evidence presented at an 8-day trial, Pricop maliciously set fire to three semi-truck trailers belonging to Swift Transportation, a Phoenix-based commercial trucking company, as part of a larger pattern of arsons targeting Swift. Two of the arsons occurred in Willcox, AZ and one occurred in Holbrook, AZ. In each of the incidents, the Swift-owned trailer was parked at or near a truck stop when Pricop set a fire on or near the trailer tires.
According to other evidence presented at trial, Pricop set at least 16 additional Swift Transportation semi-trailers on fire in multiple states between October 2021 and September 2022. These arsons occurred at locations spanning Barstow, California to McCalla, Alabama, with most occurring along Interstate 10 and Interstate 40. Federal criminal charges associated with some of the fires were filed against Pricop in several districts and were the basis of a 2024 criminal trial in the Central District of California, where Pricop was found guilty of six arsons.
An analysis of cellular data showed that a specific device – later determined to be used by Pricop for navigation – had connected to cell towers in the vicinity and around the times of the fires. Pricop’s cellphone was also located in the general area of all three Arizona fires.
Additional items, including a gas torch, lighters, and fuel-soaked rags were found in the Pricop’s vehicle.
United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker has scheduled a November 13, 2025, sentencing hearing, at which time Pricop will face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison for each count.
The Albuquerque Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Phoenix Field Division, led the investigation in this case, with significant assistance from the ATF Fire Research and Forensic Laboratories, ATF Certified Fire Investigators, and Special Agents from the ATF National Cellular Analytics Program. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: 22-CR-02747-JCH-EJM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-141_Pricop# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Des Moines Woman Sentenced to 192 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa – A Des Moines woman was sentenced on August 28, 2025, to 192 months in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.
According to public court documents, on January 6, 2024, the Des Moines Police Department responded to the overdose death of a Des Moines man. Ashley Lynn Andrews, 38, was identified as the dealer of the fentanyl that killed the man. Thereafter, law enforcement conducted several controlled buys of fentanyl from Andrews. On April 12, 2024, Andrews was found slumped over the wheel of her vehicle at a gas station in possession of 36 grams of fentanyl, a distribution quantity.
After completing her term of imprisonment, Andrews will be required to serve a four-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Andrews was also ordered to pay $20,150 in restitution.
In March 2025, co-defendant Earl Sandeleo Galtney, 44, of Cedar Rapids, was sentenced to 142 months in federal prison, and co-defendant Shannon D. Robertson, 44, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced to 125 months in federal prison.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Des Moines Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Central Iowa Gang Task Force.
Fentanyl has become the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States. Counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills often resemble pharmaceutical pills, but contain potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. In 2023, accidental overdose was the number one cause of death in 37 states for residents under 40 years old. https://stateline.org/2023/09/05/death-rates-for-people-under-40-have-skyrocketed-blame-fentanyl/. In Iowa, opioid-related deaths reached a record high 258 in 2021, up 64% compared with 2019, and decreased 8% in 2022. https://hhs.iowa.gov/media/11935/download.
Davenport Man Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul W. Byron has sentenced Jose David Figueroa Pacheco (33, Davenport) to six years in federal prison for trafficking over 40 grams of fentanyl. Figueroa Pacheco was found guilty by a jury on June 11, 2025. His codefendant, Alberto Ismael Salinas Valencia, pleaded guilty on January 23, 2025, and was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, between August 2023 and August 2024, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office conducted a joint investigation to identify firearms and narcotics traffickers in the Orlando area. As part of that investigation, an undercover officer arranged to purchase a firearm and fentanyl pills from Salinas Valencia. Salinas Valencia arrived with the firearm at the buy location as a passenger in Figueroa Pacheco’s truck. Figueroa Pacheco then made phone calls to coordinate the delivery of the fentanyl pills, inspected the pills, and facilitated the transaction.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Richard Varadan and Risha Asokan.
Crown Point Resident Convicted of Threatening President BidenRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Troy Kelly, age 20, of Crown Point, NY, plead guilty today to one count of a three-count indictment charging threats against the President of the United States. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Michael Nichols, United States Secret Service Resident Agent in Charge of the Albany Resident Office (USSS), and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.
In pleading guilty, Kelly admitted that in May 2024 he posted a threat to kill President Biden on a social media website and that he intended it to be understood as a threat. Responding to a post of President Biden, Kelly told the then-President that he was “[g]onna put a bullet in your head if I ever catch you.”
“We all witnessed the horrible attempt on President Trump’s life last July,” Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III said. “Threatening to kill the President—any President: Republican, Democrat, or otherwise—is not First Amendment protected speech, it is illegal. My office takes threats against any public official seriously, and the conviction of Troy Kelly is a prime example. I thank the Secret Service, HSI, and the New York State Police for their work on this investigation.”
United States Secret Service Resident Agent in Charge of the Albany Resident Office Michael Nichols stated, “Threats made to anyone under the protective purview of the United States Secret Service are a top priority and are investigated thoroughly. We value our investigative partnerships with HSI and the New York State Police, and we greatly appreciate the strong working relationship between the United States Secret Service Albany Resident Office and the Northern District United States Attorney’s Office.”
Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations stated, "Troy Kelly's guilty plea underscores federal law enforcement's shared commitment to treating each and every threat seriously. Today's conviction should send a stark message to those who choose to threaten elected officials and government personnel: we will find you and ensure you are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
At sentencing scheduled for December 22, 2025, Kelly faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years. In addition to any term of imprisonment, Chief Judge Brenda K. Sannes may require the defendant to service a post-imprisonment term of supervised release of up to 3 years and he may be fined up to 250,000. Due to his felony conviction, Kelly will also be prohibited from owning firearms.
The United States Secret Service, and HSI are investigating this case with assistance from the New York State Police are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph S. Hartunian and Cyrus P.W. Rieck are prosecuting the case.
Chicago Man Pleads Guilty in Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud Targeting United States Service MembersRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Chicago, Ill., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to fraud offenses targeting United States service members.
Dwayne D. Adams, 33, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie Epps, Jr., to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud.
Adams conspired with others that sought to defraud United States military service men and women through the use of social media. Adams is the third and final defendant to enter a guilty plea for his role in defrauding active service members of the United States military.
According to the plea agreement, Adams conspired with others that employed a scheme to defraud United States military service men and women. Service members who had recently joined the United States military were contacted through various social media platforms. Upon communicating with each military member, a person within the conspiracy would use the information obtained from the social media platform and then contact the service member claiming to be a senior military official. In their fake role of a senior military member, Adams and others would tell each service member that they were receiving the wrong salary, and they were owed more money than they were being paid. Adams and others involved in the scheme advised each victim that they needed to return their prior pay using a cash application. Adams and others told the victims that they would receive a higher salary rate from the military once they returned their prior pay. If a service member followed these instructions, the members of this scheme would take the monies transferred and would never return any monies to the victim. Adams conspired with others in this scheme by taking the cash application transfers and conducted financial transactions that transferred the victim’s money to accounts that were accessed by all members of the scheme.
Under federal statutes, Adams is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation
Candler Man Sentenced to Prison for Social Security Benefits FraudRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Mark Alan Barnes, 44, of Candler, N.C., was sentenced today to 16 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for Social Security benefits fraud, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
According to court documents, from 2015 to 2020, Barnes collected approximately $77,770 in Social Security Retirement Benefits intended for a beneficiary who was deceased. Instead of reporting the beneficiary’s death to the Social Security Administration (SSA) as required, Barnes continued to collect the beneficiary’s SSA retirement benefits, using a debit card associated with the beneficiary’s bank account to withdraw funds from ATMs in the area.
On February 8, 2025, Barnes pleaded guilty to theft of government funds.
“Stealing Social Security benefits is stealing from every taxpayer,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “For Social Security to work, benefits must go only to those who earned them—not fraudsters. I appreciate the strong partnership of the Social Security Administration in holding fraudsters accountable.”
“Mr. Barnes knowingly engaged in a scheme to steal Social Security benefits,” said Michelle L. Anderson, Acting Inspector General, Social Security Administration. “I would like to thank our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, whose work is essential in holding accountable those who defraud vital benefit programs.”
The Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General handled the investigation.
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of North Carolina to deter theft of government funds and bring to justice individuals who steal government benefits that millions of Americans rely on.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Eric Frick. Mr. Frick is a prosecutor with the Social Security Administration and is assigned to serve as a SAUSA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, where he focuses on prosecuting SSA fraud cases. The SAUSA position is a reflection of the partnership between the SSA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
To report suspected fraud, waste, or abuse against Social Security, you can submit a report online at oig.ssa.gov or contact the SSA-OIG’s fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271.
Brazilian National Sentenced to Six Months in Prison for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully residing in Worcester, Mass. was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.
Thiago Aquino De Paula, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to six months in prison. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In June 2025, Aquino De Paula pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. In April 2025, Aquino De Paula was indicted by a federal grand jury.
Aquino De Paula was deported from the United States on three previous occasions including on or about Nov. 4, 2021. Sometime after his removal, Aquino De Paula illegally reentered the United States without permission. Aquino De Paula was found in Massachusetts after being arrested in Uxbridge for allegedly operating under the influence.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin J. Brown of the Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Branson Man Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Branson, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to tax evasion, by knowingly failing to pay more than $825,297.81 between 2013 through 2024.
Burton Cummings, 43, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie Epps, Jr., to one count of tax evasion, failure to pay over taxes owed to the United States.
Cummings, a former business owner, failed to pay his income taxes in their entirety with the exception of 2015. With the interest owed and penalties, Cummings owes a total of $1,604,729.02 to the United States.
According to the plea agreement, Cummings made false statements to IRS Revenue Officers, when he claimed he had no income. Cummings admitted to submitting false forms and collection statements to the IRS to avoid paying his taxes. Cummings failed to file timely tax returns for numerous years and took significant cash withdrawals from his companies, while failing to disclose the income he received.
Under federal statutes, Cummings is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the IRS – Criminal Investigation.
Baltimore Man Indicted for Illegal Possession of a Firearm While Under Domestic Violence Restraining OrderRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted Delantae Phillips, 37, of Baltimore, Maryland, charging him with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person while under a domestic violence restraining order.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).
According to the indictment, on May 24, 2025, Phillips knowingly possessed a Glock model 21 semi-automatic handgun loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition. At the time of the offense, Phillips was prohibited from possessing a firearm because the District Court of Baltimore County had issued a Final Protective Order against him.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office — in partnership with our federal, local, and state partners — works hard to keep firearms out of the hands of those who are not authorized to carry them. This helps prevent violence and save lives,” Hayes said. “We support prioritizing our residents’ safety and well-being through our commitment to community trust, strategic enforcement, and violence prevention, especially for those experiencing intimate-partner violence.”
“We are committed to working with our state and local partners to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers,” Doerrer said. “Cases like these highlight the excellent work of our local police, local prosecutors, federal agents, and federal prosecutors.”
This indictment follows the U.S. Justice Department’s designation of Baltimore City under Section 1103 of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 (VAWA). The City of Baltimore — along with 77 other communities across 47 states, territories, and the District of Columbia — is focusing on reducing intimate partner firearm violence and prioritizing the prosecution of domestic violence offenders who are prohibited from owning firearms under 18 U.S. Code Section 922(g).
In response, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland is working closely with its federal, local, and state partners — along with Baltimore City community organizations — to reduce violent crime and enhance public safety. This partnership and coordination between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the City of Baltimore ensures that federal resources are leveraged effectively to address intimidate-partner firearm violence.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and BPD for their collaborative efforts in this investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Godwin and Assistant U.S. Attorney LaRai Everett who are prosecuting this case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psn.
# # #
Austin Man Arrested for Threatening Presidential StafferRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – An Austin man was arrested Wednesday on criminal charges related to his alleged threats against a presidential staff member.
According to court documents, on the night of Aug. 25, Thomas Austria Crouse allegedly called the personal phone of an individual working for the President of the United States. When the call went to voicemail, Crouse left a recording in which he allegedly threatened to find the administration official, decapitate them, and kill the victim’s family. Given the violent nature of the voicemail and the references to the victim’s job as a presidential staffer, the voicemail was reported to the FBI. The criminal complaint alleges that further investigation revealed the phone call came from Austin. Crouse was identified as the caller.
The complaint alleges that during an Aug. 26 investigative interview with the FBI, agents urged Crouse to cease making direct threats, to which he agreed. After the interview, however, Crouse allegedly left a series of five new voicemails on the administration official’s phone telling the victim to commit suicide.
Crouse was arrested on Aug. 27 based on a criminal complaint accusing him of transmitting an interstate communication containing a threat to injure the person of another. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The FBI, U.S. Secret Service, and Washington, D.C. Capitol Police are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Roomberg is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
Armed Atlanta Drug Dealer Sentenced to More than 12 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Omari A. Nicks, a convicted cocaine trafficker, was sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison for trafficking methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl out of his Atlanta apartment while illegally possessing a loaded AR-style rifle.
“Nicks is a serial drug trafficker who posed a serious threat to public safety by dealing fentanyl and other dangerous drugs while armed with a loaded, high-powered rifle that he was not allowed to have,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Nicks’s sentence is just one more example of the positive, collaborative impact that law enforcement partners in north Georgia achieve in our communities.”
“When criminals mix deadly drugs with guns, the danger is magnified,” sad Jae W. Chung, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “This sentence makes clear they will be held accountable.”
“Bartow County continues to aggressively target those who sell fentanyl and other dangerous drugs in our community,” said Major Mark Mayton of the Bartow-Cartersville Drug Task Force. “We will continue to work with our partners to identify and arrest those people who are furthering the fentanyl crisis.”
“The Cartersville Police Department takes great pride in working with our federal law enforcement partners, especially when our collaboration results in holding criminals accountable who bring dangerous weapons and drugs into our community,” said Chief Frank McCann of the Cartersville Police Department. “By continuing these partnerships, our goal is to make it clear to all criminal organizations that the City of Cartersville will not be a haven for your illicit activity.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: In January 2025, Nicks was selling methamphetamine and fentanyl from his apartment complex in Atlanta, Georgia to customers who traveled from as far as Bartow County. On February 6, 2025, DEA agents searched Nicks’s apartment after seeing him sell methamphetamine and fentanyl. When agents entered the apartment, Nicks attempted to flee by climbing out a third-story window, but he fell off the side of the building and was arrested by agents.
Inside Nicks’s apartment, agents found approximately two kilograms of methamphetamine, one kilogram of cocaine, 50 grams of fentanyl, a hydraulic press to form powdered drugs into bricks, approximately $5,400 in cash, and an AR-15 style rifle loaded with a 30-round magazine. Law enforcement also recovered approximately 100 grams of heroin that Nicks’s co-conspirator dumped out the window when agents entered the apartment.
Yesterday, United States District Judge Eleanor L. Ross sentenced Nicks, 47, of Smyrna, Ga., to twelve years and six months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Nicks was convicted of conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on April 8, 2025, after he pleaded guilty.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bartow-Cartersville Drug Task Force, and the Cartersville Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Calvin A. Leipold, III and Thomas M. Forsyth, III 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).
This effort is part of an OCDETF operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Anderson County Man Sentenced to 13 Years for $13M Ponzi Scheme and CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Michael J. French, 42, of Pendleton, was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for operating a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme and stalking two TikTok content creators. He was also ordered to pay more than $14 million in restitution.
“French built his scheme on lies, stealing millions from hard-working investors to fund luxury cars and real estate,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “When the fraud collapsed, he turned dangerous—harassing and threatening women, showing up at their homes, and ultimately forcing a standoff with law enforcement. This case shows just how far financial crime can go when fueled by greed and deception. Today’s sentence makes clear: if you defraud and endanger others, you will be held accountable.”
“French’s actions hurt many investors who put their trust in him,” said Kevin Moore, special agent in charge of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “Rather than honoring that trust, he exploited it to fund his own lavish lifestyle and to spiral into harassing social media content creators. The FBI remains steadfast in exposing schemes that prey on innocent people, and we will continue to protect the integrity of our financial systems by upholding the rule of law.”
Evidence put forth at the plea hearing established that French owned MJF Holdings, LLC and MJF Capital, LLC. Beginning in March 2019, through these companies, French offered promissory notes to investors that projected annual returns of 12%. He represented to investors that their funds would be used to provide loans to small businesses and that he had experience in the financial industry, including underwriting the loans in which the investor would be invested. French represented to investors that he would not receive compensation unless the promissory notes earned more than the 12% guaranteed to investors.
These were false representations. French paid previous investors with new investor monies because his investment product was not generating returns. This lulled investors into believing the product was successful, when, in fact, French was spending investor money to maintain a lavish lifestyle that included purchases of luxury and classic cars, a boat, and multiple properties. French also used investor funds to support female TikTok content creators by paying them thousands of dollars each month. The investigation revealed that at times French spent as much as $40,000 per day on the TikTok creators.
At one point, the content creators stopped communicating with French. He became angry with the women and began harassing them through various “burner” phone numbers and fake email accounts. French claimed that he was a sniper, had killed people, and that the police could not protect them. French traveled to one woman’s home unannounced, forcing her to hide in a locked vehicle in the garage with her 2-year-old child. She called 911 as French attempted to force his way into the home. He was arrested by local police before he could reach them.
French was ultimately arrested on the federal charges after a standoff with law enforcement. French barricaded himself in a hotel room, brandished a firearm, and only surrendered after a long series of talks with FBI hostage negotiators.
United States Chief Judge Timothy M Cain sentenced French to 156 months imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. French was ordered to pay $14,750,990 in restitution.
The FBI Columbia Field Office and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins is prosecuting the case.
###
Anchorage man, Indian national charged in nine-year fraud, money laundering schemeRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment last week charging an Anchorage man and an Indian national with conspiring together in a $4.5 million fraud scheme that lasted roughly nine years and impacted at least 28 victims across the U.S. and abroad.
According to court documents, Michael Edward Gregg, 62, of Anchorage, and Vikash Pandey, 36, a foreign national residing in India, and other co-conspirators conducted the alleged scheme by pretending to be employees of different tech support or security businesses to contact primarily elderly and vulnerable individuals. As part of the alleged scheme, co-conspirators contacted victims via email or pop-up messages online indicating a service issue with their computer’s virus protection. Co-conspirators then offered refunds to the customers for disputed charges, typically totaling $400-$500. Then, they falsely stated that they accidentally refunded too much, roughly $40,000-$50,000, and urgently needed that money back.
Co-conspirators typically instructed victims to return the funds by check, wire, cash or Bitcoin. Gregg and another co-conspirator created multiple bank accounts and provided those account numbers to the other co-conspirators to receive fraudulent funds. It is alleged that co-conspirators would often claim the funds did not come through or fabricate a reason why the victims should send more money.
On one occasion in spring 2024, an elderly victim received an email from an antivirus software company indicating she was charged $499.99. The victim contacted a number she believed to be associated with the company and was instructed by a member of the conspiracy to submit an online form for reimbursement. The victim was told she was reimbursed $50,000, when in fact the victim received nothing. Over roughly five months, the victim was repeatedly instructed to send money. The victim sent money via bitcoin ATM, in person delivery of U.S. currency, and mailed cashier’s checks to Gregg. These money transfers totaled over $2 million.
Once Gregg and the other co-conspirators received funds into U.S. bank accounts, Gregg would receive a commission or percentage of the money, often 3-20%, before moving the remaining proceeds to individuals in foreign countries, including, but not limited to, India, Hong Kong and Singapore. Pandey was one of his international contacts allegedly involved in the international money laundering scheme.
Throughout this scheme, financial institutions flagged Gregg’s accounts, or accounts he had control over, and either closed the accounts or restricted their activity. Gregg controlled over two dozen bank accounts allegedly used in the conspiracy.
Gregg and Pandey are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, one count of money laundering conspiracy and one count of international money laundering conspiracy. Gregg is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on Sept. 9, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew M. Scoble of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. Pandey remains at large in India. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison, or a fine of $500,000 or up to twice the value of the laundered money. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Carrie Nordyke of the IRS Criminal Investigation Seattle Field Office made the announcement.
The IRS Criminal Investigation Seattle Field Office is investigating the case, with support from the FBI Anchorage Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Caille Petursson is prosecuting the case.
Fraud schemes have become increasingly sophisticated. Take extra steps to protect your personal and financial information. Do not respond or click links in text messages, emails or social media posts that appear suspicious or are unsolicited. If you or someone you know may be the victim of financial fraud, please contact your local law enforcement or [email protected].
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
Alien Charged with Illegal Voting in Federal ElectionsRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment Tuesday charging a Canadian citizen with illegally registering to vote and voting in federal elections in 2022 and 2024.
“Every single time a noncitizen casts an illegal vote in North Carolina, it steals and nullifies the vote of an actual citizen,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “If the records are correct, this Canadian citizen appears to have voted in New Hanover and Pender County elections over the past 20 years. We intend to prove his illegal conduct in court and put an end to it.”
“Every American deserves to exercise their right to vote without interference in the democratic process. We appreciate the North Carolina Board of Elections partnership and commitment to working together to ensure fair elections in our state,” said James C. Barnacle Jr., the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.
“I am proud of the efforts of our investigators who worked this case prior to handing it off to our law enforcement partners at the FBI. Nothing is more critical to our democracy than confidence in our electoral process, which is why vigorous enforcement of our election laws must be a priority. The NC State Board of Elections team continues to stand ready to assist the U.S. Attorney’s Office as they investigate and prosecute voter fraud in North Carolina,” said Sam Hayes, the Executive Director of the NC State Board of Elections.
According to the indictment, Denis Bouchard, 69, falsely claimed to be a United States citizen to vote in federal elections, including the most recent 2024 presidential election. Bouchard, who has resided in the United States since the 1960s, never obtained U.S. citizenship. Despite his status as an alien, Bouchard certified that he was a U.S. citizen on voter registration applications in 2022 and 2024, when he cast a ballot in the 2024 presidential election and 2022 congressional election.
Bouchard is charged with two counts of 18 U.S.C. § 1015(f) and two counts of 52 U.S.C. § 20511(2)(B). If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment on each count.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after the initial appearance in court today. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case, with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and a referral of the case by the North Carolina Board of Elections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Haughton is prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:25-CR-00083.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Wednesday 27 August 2025
YouTube Scambaiters Help Dismantle $65 Million Multinational Fraud Ring Targeting Thousands of SeniorsRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Twenty-eight alleged members of a Chinese organized crime ring are charged in four federal grand jury indictments with participating in a massive $65 million fraud scheme targeting thousands of seniors across the United States—including a 97-year-old San Diego widow of a Holocaust survivor who lost her entire life savings.
After a nationwide, weeklong takedown in California, New York, Texas and Michigan, 25 of the defendants have been arrested; all are charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS-Criminal Investigations executed more than a dozen search and seizure warrants this week. The searches resulted in the seizure of more than $4.2 million from financial accounts as well as several luxury vehicles, including a 2022 Mercedes-Benz G63, a 2024 Porsche Panamera, and a 2025 GMC Yukon Denali.
Operating since at least 2019 and rooted in Southern California, the criminal network—primarily composed of Chinese nationals, many in the U.S. illegally—worked closely with India-based scam call centers. Fraudsters who took the calls posed as technical support agents, government officials, or bank employees, according to court records.
Victims received unsolicited calls or emails directing them to call various phone numbers, which, unbeknownst to the victims, were for the India-based scam call centers. Once connected, the scammers used scripted lies and psychological manipulation to gain the victims’ trust and often remote access to their computers. The most common scheme involved convincing victims they had received a mistaken refund and pressuring—or threatening—them to return the supposed excess funds via wire transfer, cash, or gift cards.
Victims sending cash were instructed to use overnight or express couriers, addressing packages to fake names tied to false IDs. These were sent to short-term rentals in the U.S. used by conspirators, including the indicted defendants, to collect the fraud proceeds.
Notably, YouTuber Pierogi from “Scammer Payback”— which is known for exposing scammers—played a crucial role in documenting key evidence. In a series of videos, Pierogi from Scammer Payback teamed up with two other YouTubers from “Trilogy Media” to publish videos on their respective YouTube channels.
In coordinated sting operations, Scammer Payback and Trilogy Media baited fraudsters, confronted them on camera, and published those videos to their respective YouTube channels. Videos posted in 2020 and 2021 helped law enforcement identify Zhiyi Zhang, Dudu Chen and Huajian Chen. All three are named in the indictments. The videos also helped shed light on how the conspiracy operated and led to the identification of high-level members of the organization.
For example, Zhiyi Zhang, alleged to be a member of the conspiracy, used short-term rentals under the alias “Cream Pablo” and the fake name “Hans Bum” to receive victim packages. He and others were paid per package and frequently moved locations to evade law enforcement. Zhang alone is linked to at least $1.8 million in losses, according to the government’s memo arguing that Zhang should be detained.
That memo says that the YouTubers Scammer Payback (Pierogi) and Trilogy Media were conducting a sting to expose scammers by posing as victims. During one such operation, Pierogi was told by scammers to send a package of cash to an individual named “Hans Bum” at an address in South San Francisco.
Trilogy Media followed up by physically delivering a decoy package to the address and confronted the person receiving it, who turned out to be Zhiyi Zhang. Zhang revealed his real identity during the confrontation and admitted on camera to receiving packages for money—essentially outing his role in the scheme. The YouTubers passed the footage to law enforcement, who then verified Zhang’s identity using unblurred video, rental records, and other investigative efforts.
Zhang was arrested by federal agents on August 19, 2025, at Los Angeles International Airport.
“Not all heroes wear capes. Some have YouTube channels,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “Our office will continue to be on the cutting edge of law enforcement techniques to ensure justice for vulnerable victims who have been defrauded by Chinese organized crime.”
“This investigation dismantled a predatory criminal organization that carried out a complex fraud scheme, manipulated victims throughout the country, and cost victims their hard-earned life savings” said Shawn Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego. “HSI, the United States Attorney’s Office, and our law enforcement partners diligently pursued this organization to bring them to justice and help the victims that were impacted. HSI is dedicated to protecting our communities and the people of the United States from organizations that prey on the vulnerable for financial gain.”
“This alleged Chinese organized crime ring laundered money for fraudulent Indian call centers who targeted our nation’s elderly citizens,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher of the IRS Criminal Investigation Los Angeles Field Office. “These arrest and seizure warrants demonstrate that IRS-CI is committed to protecting our most vulnerable citizens, while also taking the profit out of crime.”
Episode 1 –
Scammer Payback: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrLZbc-Rfbo
Trilogy Media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=in_Y5q_-F2Y
Episode 2 –
Scammer Payback: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IEgFgO5pKo
Trilogy Media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBZFmIKJINA
Episode 3 –
Scammer Payback: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQuya3ELKGQ
Trilogy Media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCRoxVMmtDw
This multi-year fraud and money laundering investigation was led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of California and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation.
A motion hearing/trial setting is scheduled in 25CR1097-TWR for August 29, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson. Motion hearing/trial setting hearings are scheduled for all other cases on September 19, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Mokhtari.
DEFENDANTS
Case Number 25-cr-1097-TWR
Hua Wang Age: 48 Flushing, NY
Weining Su, aka “Ning Ma” Age: 27 Flushing, NY
Case Number 25-cr-1762-TWR
Hongsen Cao Age: 24 Los Angeles, CA
Case Number 25-cr-1765-TWR
Xiao Lei Xu, aka “Xiaolei Xu” Age: 39 Flushing, NY
Wen Chang Wang, Age: 26 Detroit, MI
Jiawen Cai, aka “Johnny Cai” Age: 28 Flushing, NY
Xinyu Shao Age: 27 Flushing, NY
Zhuhan Yin, aka “Iron Yin” Age: 30 Flushing, NY
[Redacted]
Ziyue Zhao, aka “Chris Zhao” Age: 30 Flushing, NY
Guangli Lin Age: 30 Flushing, NY
Wenzhi Chen Age: 23 Austin, TX
[Redacted]
Jiaxin Wang Age: 24 Flushing, NY
[Redacted]
Haotian Zhang, aka “Kevin Z” Age: 28 Flushing, NY
Dudu Chen, aka “Norris Chen” Age: 31 In Custody
Yuhui Sun, aka “Ian Sun” Age: 27 Flushing, NY
Jiaxin Jiang, aka “YiYi” Age: 26 In Custody
Dexiao Lin, aka “Prozac” Age: 27 Flushing, NY
Zhiyi Zhang, aka “Cream Pablo” Age: 29 Los Angeles, CA
Zhiwei Chen Age: 30 Levittown, NY
Bing Shen Age: 41 Flushing, NY
Zetian Zhang Age: 29 Flushing, NY
Huajian Chen, aka “Marco Chen” Age: 24 Austin, TX
Chongchong Li Age: 29 Los Angeles, CA
Jianhao Gao, aka “Gh Ghao” Age: 31 Flushing, NY
Case Number 25-cr-2208-TW
Cheng Li Age: 28 In Custody
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Count 1 – Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud - Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 1349, 2326
Maximum penalty: Forty years in prison; a maximum $1 million fine
Count 2 – Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(h)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison; a maximum $500,000 fine or twice the amount of monetary instruments involved in the offense, whichever is greatest
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Homeland Security Investigations
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation
New York City Police Department
San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
San Diego Law Enforcement Coordination Center
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBSD)
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
Mountain View (CA) Police Department
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FLDE)
Alachua County (FL) Sheriff’s Department
Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (LA IMPACT)
Irvine (CA) Police Department
La Verne (CA) Police Department
Mesa (AZ) Police Department
Sarpy County (NE) Sheriff’s Department
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Worcester Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Drug Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Worcester for his role in a cocaine distribution conspiracy.
Hector Torres, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to seven years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. In May 2025, Torres pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Torres was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2023.
In or about June 2022, a package sent from Puerto Rico to Worcester was intercepted and found to contain approximately 6.5 kilograms of cocaine. On June 21, 2022, law enforcement executed a controlled delivery of the package. While accepting the delivered package, Torres apologized for not being there earlier, took the package, and set it on the ground in order to sign for delivery. When law enforcement attempted to arrest Torres, he fled on foot and was subsequently apprehended.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Worcester Police Chief Paul B. Saucier made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin J. Brown of the Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Two Self-Professed Religious Leaders Who Used Physical and Psychological Abuse to Coerce Victims to Solicit Tens of Millions in Donations Federally Charged and ArrestedRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Michigan returned a ten-count indictment against two defendants for their alleged roles in a forced labor and money laundering conspiracy that victimized individuals in Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri.
The two defendants, David Taylor, 53, and Michelle Brannon, 56, were arrested today in North Carolina and Florida in a nationwide takedown of their forced labor organization.
“Combating human trafficking is a top priority for the Department of Justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We are committed to relentlessly pursuing and ending this scourge and obtaining justice for the victims.”
“We will use every lawful tool against human traffickers and seek justice for their victims,” said U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. for the Eastern District of Michigan. “A case like this is only possible through a concerted effort with our federal partners across the country and the non-governmental agencies who provide victim support. We thank them all.”
“The indictment of David Taylor and Michelle Brannon demonstrates the FBI’s steadfast efforts to protect the American people from human exploitation and financial crimes, including forced labor and money laundering,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Reuben Coleman of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The alleged actions are deeply troubling. I want to thank the members of the FBI Detroit Field Office, with strong support from our federal and agency partners in the FBI Tampa Field Office, FBI Jacksonville Field Office, FBI St. Louis Field Office, FBI Charlotte Field Office, FBI Houston Field Office, and the Detroit IRS-CI Field Office, in addition to several local, county and state law enforcement partners, for their role in executing this multi-state operation. The FBI in Michigan will continue to investigate those who violate federal law and remain focused on ensuring the protection and safety of our nation.”
“Money laundering is tax evasion in progress, and in this case, the proceeds funded an alleged human trafficking ring and supported a luxury lifestyle under the guise of a religious ministry,” said Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of IRS Criminal Investigation, Detroit Field Office. “IRS-CI stands committed to fighting human trafficking and labor exploitation, and pursuing those who hide their profits gained from the extreme victimization of the vulnerable.”
The indictment alleges that Taylor and Brannon are the leaders of Kingdom of God Global Church (KOGGC), formerly Joshua Media Ministries International (JMMI). Taylor refers to himself as “Apostle” and to Brannon as his Executive Director. Their organization ran a call center that solicited donations for KOGGC/JMMI every day. Taylor established his first call center in Taylor, Michigan, and then operated call centers in other locations in the United States including in Florida, Texas, and Missouri.
Taylor and Brannon, according to the indictment, compelled their victims to work at their call centers and to work for Taylor as his “armor bearers.” Armor bearers were Taylors’s personal servants who fulfilled Taylor’s demands around the clock. Taylor and Brannon controlled every aspect of the daily living of their victims. Victims slept in the call center facility or in a “ministry” house, and Taylor and Brannon did not permit them to leave without permission. Taylor demanded that his Armor Bearers transport women from ministry houses, airports, and other locations to Taylor’s location and ensured the women transported to Taylor took Plan B emergency contraceptives.
In addition, according to the indictment, Taylor and Brannon required victims to work in the call centers long hours without pay or perform other services for Taylor. Taylor set unobtainable daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly monetary donation goals for victims working in the call centers and required victims to follow the orders he created without question. If victims disobeyed an order or failed to reach his monetary goals, Taylor and Brannon punished the victims with public humiliation, additional work, food and shelter restrictions, psychological abuse, forced repentance, sleep deprivation, physical assaults, and threats of divine judgment in the form of sickness, accidents, and eternal damnation.
KOGGC/JMMI received millions of dollars in donations each year through its call centers. Taylor and Brannon used much of the money to purchase luxury properties, luxury vehicles, and sporting equipment such as a boat, jet skis, and ATVs. In total, Taylor received approximately $50 million in donations since 2014.
Defendant David Taylor will appear on the indictment today in Durham, North Carolina. Defendant Michelle Brannon will appear today on the indictment in Tampa, Florida.
Upon conviction, the alleged crimes carry the following penalties:
Conspiracy to Commit Forced Labor: up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000.
Forced Labor: up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000.
Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering: up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine up to $500,000 or twice the value of the properties involved in the money laundering transactions.
This case was investigated by the FBI and IRS-CI. It will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Resnick Cohen for the Eastern District of Michigan and Trial Attorney Christina Randall-James of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll free at 1-888-373-7888, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Further information is available at www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Self-Professed Religious Leaders Who Used Physical and Psychological Abuse to Coerce Victims to Solicit Tens of Millions in Donations Federally Charged and ArrestedRead the Press Release
DETROIT — A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Michigan returned a ten-count indictment against two defendants for their alleged roles in a forced labor and money laundering conspiracy that victimized individuals in Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri.
The two defendants, David Taylor (age 53) and Michelle Brannon (age 56), were arrested today in North Carolina and Florida in a nationwide takedown of their forced labor organization.
“Combating human trafficking is a top priority for the Department of Justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We are committed to relentlessly pursuing and ending this scourge and obtaining justice for the victims.”
“We will use every lawful tool against human traffickers and seek justice for their victims,” said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. “A case like this is only possible through a concerted effort with our federal partners across the country and the non-governmental agencies who provide victim support. We thank them all.”
“The indictment of David Taylor and Michelle Brannon demonstrates the FBI’s steadfast efforts to protect the American people from human exploitation and financial crimes, including forced labor and money laundering,” said Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The alleged actions are deeply troubling. I want to thank the members of the FBI Detroit Field Office, with strong support from our federal and agency partners in the FBI Tampa Field Office, FBI Jacksonville Field Office, FBI St. Louis Field Office, FBI Charlotte Field Office, FBI Houston Field Office, and the Detroit IRS-CI Field Office, in addition to several local, county and state law enforcement partners, for their role in executing this multi-state operation. The FBI in Michigan will continue to investigate those who violate federal law and remain focused on ensuring the protection and safety of our nation.”
“Money laundering is tax evasion in progress, and in this case, the proceeds funded an alleged human trafficking ring and supported a luxury lifestyle under the guise of a religious ministry,” said Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. “IRS-CI stands committed to fighting human trafficking and labor exploitation, and pursuing those who hide their profits gained from the extreme victimization of the vulnerable.”
The indictment alleges that Taylor and Brannon are the leaders of Kingdom of God Global Church (KOGGC), formerly Joshua Media Ministries International (JMMI). Taylor refers to himself as “Apostle” and to Brannon as his Executive Director. Their organization ran a call center that solicited donations for KOGGC/JMMI every day. Taylor established his first call center in Taylor, Michigan, and then operated call centers in other locations in the United States including in Florida, Texas, and Missouri.
Taylor and Brannon, according to the indictment, compelled their victims to work at their call centers and to work for Taylor as his “armor bearers.” Armor bearers were Taylors’s personal servants who fulfilled Taylor’s demands around the clock. Taylor and Brannon controlled every aspect of the daily living of their victims. Victims slept in the call center facility or in a “ministry” house, and Taylor and Brannon did not permit them to leave without permission. Taylor demanded that his Armor Bearers transport women from ministry houses, airports, and other locations to Taylor’s location and ensured the women transported to Taylor took Plan B emergency contraceptives.
In addition, according to the indictment, Taylor and Brannon required victims to work in the call centers long hours without pay or perform other services for Taylor. Taylor set unobtainable daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly monetary donation goals for victims working in the call centers and required victims to follow the orders he created without question. If victims disobeyed an order or failed to reach his monetary goals, Taylor and Brannon punished the victims with public humiliation, additional work, food and shelter restrictions, psychological abuse, forced repentance, sleep deprivation, physical assaults, and threats of divine judgment in the form of sickness, accidents, and eternal damnation.
KOGGC/JMMI received millions of dollars in donations each year through its call centers. Taylor and Brannon used much of the money to purchase luxury properties, luxury vehicles, and sporting equipment such as a boat, jet skis, and ATVs. In total, Taylor received approximately $50 million in donations since 2014.
Defendant David Taylor will appear on the indictment today in Durham, North Carolina. Defendant Michelle Brannon will appear today on the indictment in Tampa, Florida.
Upon conviction, the alleged crimes carry the following penalties:
Conspiracy to Commit Forced Labor: up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000.
Forced Labor: up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000.
Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering: up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine up to $500,000 or twice the value of the properties involved in the money laundering transactions.
This case was investigated by the FBI and IRS-CI. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Resnick Cohen for the Eastern District of Michigan and Trial Attorney Christina Randall-James of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov
Timber Lake Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a man from Timber Lake, South Dakota, convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact without Consent. The sentencing took place on August 25, 2025.
Jaren Loren Lane Mellette, age 27, was sentenced to three years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Mellette was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Mellette was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2024. He pleaded guilty on June 3, 2025.
During the summer of 2023, Mellette groped a 13-year-old girl without her consent. The incident occurred in Corson County, South Dakota, within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, authorizes certain crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country to be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was also brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
Mellette was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Texas Man Sentenced to over 6 Years in Federal Prison for Supplying Firearms to the Sinaloa CartelRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A Texas man was sentenced in federal court today to 78 months in prison for his role in a scheme to supply military-grade weapons to the Sinaloa Cartel.
According to court documents, Edgar Raul Moreno, 50, purchased approximately 10 firearms in 2020 and 2021 that were known to be highly desirable to Mexican drug trafficking organizations (DTO). Additionally, Mexican law enforcement in Sinaloa, Mexico, recovered a belt-fed rifle that had been purchased by Moreno. In August 2021, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents observed Moreno arriving at a Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) dealer in San Antonio, where he completed the transfer and took custody of an M249S belt-fed rifle. Moreno was pulled over by the San Antonio Police Department shortly thereafter.
During the investigation, Moreno stated that he had purchased around 20 firearms for the Sinaloa cartel within a year in exchange for $1,000-$1,400 per firearm purchased. The ATF determined that Moreno bought approximately 20 belt-fed rifles, six other rifles, five handguns, and two shotguns. To date, three rifles purchased by Moreno have been recovered in Mexico, and one pistol was recovered in California.
Moreno was arrested Aug. 23, 2021, and charged in a nine-count indictment Sept. 15, 2021. He pleaded guilty on March 28, 2025, to one count of making a false statement during purchase of a firearm.
“Funneling high-powered weapons to Mexican drug cartels threatens our national security and is inexcusable,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “Firearms trafficking fuels violence on both sides of the border and empowers the cartels that poison our communities. Our office will continue to vigorously prosecute people who ‘lie and buy’ on behalf of cartels or anyone else.”
“This sentence underscores the serious consequences that come with illegally trafficking firearms, especially when those weapons are destined for violent criminal organizations like the Sinaloa Cartel,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel for the ATF Houston Field Division. “Straw purchasing is not a victimless crime—it fuels cartel violence, endangers communities on both sides of the border, and threatens national security. This case is a testament to the relentless efforts of our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local levels, who worked together to dismantle this dangerous pipeline and bring those responsible to justice.”
ATF investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Yuen 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, 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 Neighborhoods (PSN).
###
Texas Man Sentenced to 21 Months in Federal Prison in Connection with Theft of Vehicle from Local DealershipRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Texas man was sentenced today to 21 months in federal prison in connection with the fraudulent purchase of a 2023 Ford Shelby F-150 valued at $130,850 from a local automobile dealership.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2023, Mario Martinez Smiley, 57, of Fort Worth, Texas, fraudulently obtained an expensive truck from a Jackson dealership by representing himself to be another individual and using someone else’s credit card number to make a $5,000 down payment on the truck. Smiley was recruited by an individual in Texas to pick up vehicles in exchange for $1,000 each. Smiley induced a salesperson from the dealership to meet him in Ruston, Louisiana, where he took possession of the truck after posing for a photograph with it.
Smiley was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 4, 2025. Smiley pleaded guilty to wire fraud on May 21, 2025.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis, and Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch made the announcement.
The United States Secret Service and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office are investigating the case through their partnership in the Cyber Fraud Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the case.
Tampa Man Sentenced to More Than 21 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute and Distributing CocaineRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Jose Pabon (45, Tampa) to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to commit that offense. Pabon pleaded guilty in February 2025.
According to court documents, in July 2023, an undercover officer with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office began purchasing cocaine from Pabon’s co-defendant, Joseph White. The investigation revealed that Pabon and Daniel Vega Cabrera, another co-defendant, were White’s sources of supply. Law enforcement officers ordered cocaine from White and observed Pabon deliver the cocaine to White. In total, Pabon delivered over a kilogram of cocaine to White. Pabon was subject to an enhanced penalty in this case because he had two prior drug trafficking convictions.
This case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.
St. Louis Felon Caught with Three Guns Sentenced to 12 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Wednesday sentenced a convicted felon from St. Louis who was caught by police with three guns to 12 years in prison.
Derrick Lamar Rodgers, 34, pleaded guilty in May in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted being caught with three guns on May 24, 2024, when he was arrested by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team. Rodgers, who was being sought on multiple warrants, had a 9mm handgun and plastic baggies with synthetic cannabinoid in a cross-body satchel. Officers also found a shotgun and a stolen Hi-Point 9mm handgun. Rodgers is a felon and is thus barred from possession of a firearm.
In court Wednesday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Lake said Rodgers has an “atrocious” criminal history filled with violent acts, particularly against women.
Per an agreement between both sides, Judge Autrey ran Rodgers’ sentence concurrent with pending cases in St. Louis Circuit Court.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Lake prosecuted the case.
South Bend Man Sentenced to 200 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Martel Scott, 35 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to distribution of 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor.
Scott was sentenced to 200 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.According to documents in the case, Scott sold methamphetamine to buyers in South Bend and Mishawaka on four occasions from July 2024 to October 2024. On the date of his arrest, investigators found approximately five pounds of methamphetamine in his residence and currency exceeding $200,000 in his storage unit.
“Martel Scott distributed substantial quantities of methamphetamine—a drug that has caused grave harm throughout northern Indiana,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Proctor. “Due to the dogged efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement, Scott was brought to justice. His case shows that those who enrich themselves by distributing harmful drugs will suffer serious consequences.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Indiana State Police, the South Bend Police Department, and the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney and Acting Criminal Division Chief Joseph P. Falvey.
Smuggler of Egyptian Antiquities Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Ashraf Omar Eldarir was sentenced by United States District Judge Rachel P. Kovner to six months in prison for smuggling Egyptian antiquities into the United States through John F. Kennedy International Airport. During the course of this investigation, more than 600 Egyptian artifacts were recovered after having been smuggled through Eldadir’s smuggling network. Eldarir previously pleaded guilty in February 2025 to four counts of smuggling.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI); and Francis J. Russo, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, New York Field Office (CBP), announced the sentence.
“The defendant looted Egypt’s cultural treasures and lied to U.S. Customs about them as part of a web of deception he spun to illegally fill his pockets with cash,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Those who steal cultural treasures of other countries and smuggle them into the United States should know that they will be held accountable for their crimes. We commend our HSI and CBP partners for their diligent and important work in this case and look forward to repatriating to Egypt the recovered antiquities.”
“Safeguarding cultural heritage is an often-overlooked yet important aspect of border security, as smugglers frequently exploit similar vulnerabilities to transport stolen artifacts and other illicit goods,” stated CBP Director of Field Operations Russo. “In this case, the profit-driven defendant lied during border inspection to conceal priceless antiquities, but the vigilance of CBP officers uncovered the truth. Every day, our officers work tirelessly to protect both our security and the cultural heritage of nations worldwide, and while doing so, uncover other sophisticated smuggling plots. Strong partnerships with agencies like HSI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are critical to this mission, and CBP remains committed to preserving history while enforcing the law.”
As set forth in the indictment and in other court filings, Eldarir was a prolific trafficker of ancient Egyptian artifacts. On at least four separate occasions from April 2019 to January 22, 2020, Eldarir smuggled ancient Egyptian artifacts into the United States. Each time, Eldarir used fake provenances to sell those artifacts at U.S.-based auction houses. Provenances are documents reflecting the history of ownership and custody of artifacts, which are used to establish that the artifacts are genuine and that they were not illegally excavated or stolen.
On January 22, 2020, Eldarir, travelling from Egypt, arrived at JFK Airport and falsely declared to CBP that he was carrying goods valued at only $300. When CBP officers opened Eldarir’s three checked suitcases, they found the suitcases filled with 590 valuable artifacts that were bubble and foam-wrapped. When the wrapping was opened, loose sand and dirt spilled out of the packaging, indicating that the artifacts had been recently excavated. Among the items recovered by law enforcement officers were gold amulets from a funerary set and wooden tomb model figures with linen garments dating to approximately 1900 BCE. Eldarir was also in possession of a kit of materials used to fabricate documentation for the stolen items. Further investigation following Eldarir’s arrest at JFK Airport led to the recovery of additional illegally imported artifacts that have since been forfeited, along with the 590 artifacts seized at the time of Eldarir’s arrest.
Assistant United States Attorneys William P. Campos and Nomi Berenson are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Amara Padilla. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura D. Mantell of the Office’s Asset Recovery Section is handling forfeiture matters.
The Defendant:
ASHRAF OMAR ELDARIR
Age: 52
Brooklyn, NYE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-243 (S-2) (RPK)
Shipping Company Fined $2M for Maritime Pollution OffenseRead the Press Release
V.Ships Norway A.S. (V.SHIPS) pleaded guilty today to violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships and was sentenced to pay a $2 million fine. V.Ships admitted that oily bilge water and oily waste was discharged from the Motor Tanker Swift Winchester (M/T Swift Winchester) and the discharges were omitted from the Oil Record Book.
“Dumping oil-contaminated waste into the waters around our ports and coasts violates the law and poses an unnecessary health and environmental hazard,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “The crew took pains to hide their illegal activity by knowingly keeping inaccurate records. We will not turn a blind eye to this kind of irresponsible and fraudulent activity.”
“The Gulf of America and the Texas ports are amazing places with great natural beauty. They are also vital to our economy,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs for the Eastern District of Texas. “When a foreign ship operated by a foreign company discharges polluting wastes, it threatens waters that are vital to the United States and the state of Texas. We will hold those responsible for polluting the Gulf of America accountable.”
“The criminal prosecution of this case underlines our commitment to enforcing the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ellison C. Travis for the Middle District of Louisiana. “The illegal discharge of bilge water and oily waste from vessels poses a significant threat to our waters and marine life and by holding those accountable who violate these standards, we send a clear message that we will not tolerate actions that endanger our environment. We remain dedicated to ensuring that the maritime industry operates responsibly and in compliance with environmental laws.”
“Coast Guard Marine Inspectors, Pollution Responders and Investigating Officers undergo rigorous and specialized training to detect and gather evidence of environmental crimes. This expertise alongside our federal partnerships was crucial to the successful prosecution of this violation,” said Capt. Jennifer Andrew, the Commanding Officer of Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur. “The Coast Guard maintains one of the world’s most comprehensive and thorough vessel inspection programs, and we will continue to leverage this robust capability to ensure strict compliance with domestic and international maritime laws.”
Between February 2022 and August 2022, a hose was connected between the incinerator waste oil tank and the sewage holding tank on the M/T Swift Winchester. This allowed oily waste to transfer into the sewage holding tank and then to be discharged directly into the sea, bypassing required pollution prevention equipment. A low-ranking engine crewmember reported this to a Superintendent at V.Ships. The Superintendent investigated the matter and discovered what appeared to be oil in the sewage tank. V.Ships dismissed the Chief Engineer. In August 2022, the new Chief Engineer ordered the engine crew to clean the Oil Water Separator (OWS) filter. The engine crew took the filter onto the deck and hosed it down with a degreaser and the oily waste washed directly overboard through a scupper.
Coast Guard members from U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur conducted an examination, during which an engine room crewmember disclosed the discharges and provided photographic and video evidence documenting the illegal discharges. The M/T Swift Winchester entered Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Aug. 25, 2022, and Port Arthur, Texas, on Sept. 7, 2022, with a knowingly falsified Oil Record Book.
Photo of OWS filter on deck before being unrolled. Photo is from United States v. V.Ships Norway, A.S., number 25-CR-00039 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Photo depicting oily waste draining into scupper. Photo is from United States v. V.Ships Norway, A.S., number 25-CR-00039 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service investigated the case.
Senior Trial Attorney Kenneth E. Nelson and Trial Attorney Lauren Steele of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Batte for the Eastern District of Texas, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Warner for the Middle District of Louisiana prosecuted the case.
Sex Offender Sentenced for Making False Statements to United States ProbationRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Ashley K. Whitaker, age 49, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for knowingly and willfully making a materially false statement on his written monthly reports to the United States Probation Office. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Acting United States Marshal Christopher Amoia.
Whitaker, originally from Lexington, Kentucky, was prosecuted in the Northern District of New York in 2008 for receiving sexually explicit images of an Oswego County minor. After serving a 10 year sentence for that crime, Whitaker has been living in Syracuse, NY, supervised by United States Probation. As a result of his 2008 conviction, Whitaker has been designated a Level 2 sex offender in New York and is required by both state and federal law to register as a sex offender with the Division of Criminal Justice Services. As a part of that registration, Whitaker is required to disclose all internet identifiers and accounts. Upon his release from prison, however, Whitaker created and used an email account that he failed to disclose to the registry, or to U.S. Probation, and then over a series of written monthly reports, falsely claimed to U.S. Probation that he was in compliance with his registration obligations.
Whitaker will have to serve 3 years of supervised release on the false statement charge. In addition, Whitaker’s actions violated the terms of his supervised release for the underlying sex offense. For that, he was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, and 10 years of supervised release, to run consecutive to the false statement sentence. He will continue to be required to register as a sex offender.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone, III said “Sex offender registration, and truthful compliance with United States Probation is an important part of a sex offender’s sentence. These guardrails are put in place to protect the public and to monitor an offender’s transition back into society. These are simple requirements. When sex offenders fail to comply, we will hold them accountable.”
Acting United States Marshal Christopher Amoia, said “The protection of our communities, especially our most vulnerable populations, remains one of our highest priorities. The U.S. Marshals Sex Offender Investigative Division collaborates closely with federal, state, and local partners to track offenders, enforce sex offender registration laws, and to ensure compliance with the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. These efforts are central to the Marshals Service mission of protecting communities and reducing the risk posed by offenders who attempt to evade accountability. The United States Marshals Service will continue to dedicate resources to locating and apprehending sex offenders nationwide, ensuring that those who violate federal law are brought to justice.”
The United States Marshal Service and the United States Probation Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa M. Fletcher, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the Northern District of New York, is prosecuting the case.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Sevierville Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On August 27, 2025, Lucas Ray Hall, 34, of Sevierville, Tennessee, was sentenced to 360 months by the Honorable Thomas A. Varlan, United States District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville. Following his imprisonment, Hall will be on supervised release for 15 years and will be required to register with state sex offender registries and comply with special sex offender conditions.
As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Hall agreed to plead guilty to an indictment charging him with one count of production of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a) and (e).
According to filed court documents, in February of 2024, a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) containing child pornography (CP) images and an imminent threat to a child was sent to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) and the Sevierville Police Department (SPD). Based on the NCMEC information, law enforcement was able to determine the computer used to distribute the CP images came back to the home where the defendant resided. Law enforcement determined the minor victim in the CP images was a seven-year-old related to the defendant.
Hall admitted to producing the CP images of the minor victim using his phone at his home. The defendant further admitted he used the CP images to go onto chat forums and trade for other CP images within the group forum.
U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton of the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement.
The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation by SPD, SCSO, Homeland Security Investigations Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and Knoxville Police Department. This investigation was led by SCSO Detective Jerry Vandergriff.
Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Kolman represented the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), 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 Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc/resources.html and click the tab "resources.”
###
Rochester man arrested, charged with distributing and possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Zachary Guthrie, 32, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with distributing and possessing child pornography, which carry a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that in May and July 2024, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received CyberTips from Instagram that child pornography was uploaded by a user utilizing an IP address in the Rochester, NY area. Subsequently, the uploads were traced back to Guthrie. On September 15, 2024, law enforcement received a report from Microsoft that Xbox user HeadStashClass made the following threat: “im gonna shoot up the local preschool tomorrow for the vine.” Once again, the post traced back Guthrie. In October 2024, a search warrant was executed at Guthrie’s residence, during which law enforcement seized a cell phone. An analysis of the phone recovered more than 200 videos and more than 320 images of child pornography.
In February 2025, NCMEC received another CyberTip from Instagram involving the online enticement of children for sexual acts. A 14-year-old female reported that she had sexually explicit conversations online with an individual later identified as Guthrie. In March 2025, the FBI National Threat Operations Center (NTOC) also received an anonymous tip identifying “Zachary Guthrie” as “soliciting for sex with minor” and “asking local sex workers in the area for girls 12 and under” after a Facebook user posted screenshots of the conversation on Facebook. And in April 2025, Facebook submitted a CyberTip involving child sex trafficking. According to Facebook, a user sent sexually explicit messages to an adult female via Facebook Messenger, offering money to perform sexual acts on her “kid.” Once again, the message traced back to Guthrie.
Guthrie made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Colleen D. Holland and was held pending a detention hearing on August 29, 2025.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
# # # #
Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Steven Christopher Kelban, 50, of Catonsville, Maryland, to 10 years in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for possessing child sexual abuse material as a recidivist offender.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office, Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger, and Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD).
According to his guilty plea, Kelban has two prior child pornography convictions. In 2015, Kelban was convicted of possession of obscene matter of persons under 17 in Shelby County, Alabama. Then in 2016, he was convicted of distributing child pornography in Baltimore County, Maryland.
On November 20, 2023, Kelban was released from prison in Alabama and then returned to Maryland. He registered as a sex offender in Maryland, as required, on November 21, 2023, listing a Baltimore County address.
Then on November 28, BCPD conducted an online investigation of the BitTorrent network to find offenders sharing child pornography. Law enforcement found Kelban’s IP address associated with a torrent that contained more than 2,000 files, including at least one of suspected child sexual abuse material. The IP address matched the device connected to Kelban’s Baltimore County residence, the same address that Kelban used to register as a sex offender one week prior. Additionally, Kelban possessed approximately 150 images and 200 videos of child sexual abuse material on his cell phone.
This case is 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 Attorney’s 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 justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and BCPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Reema Sood who prosecuted the federal case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
# # #
Pleasant Grove couple sentenced for federal drug trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Pleasant Grove couple has received lengthy federal prison sentences for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Holly Candice Lopez, 28, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to commit money laundering and was sentenced to life in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III on August 27, 2025.
Ricardo Ruiz, 30, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 376 months in federal prison by Judge Mazzant on August 27, 2025.
According to information presented in court, Ruiz and his wife, Lopez, were leaders in a drug trafficking organization in Pleasant Grove, distributing kilogram quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. The couple used at least five stash houses in the area to store and distribute illegal narcotics that were imported into the United States from Mexico.
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).
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Dallas Police Department, Mesquite Police Department, McKinney Police Department, Rowlett Police Department, Lewisville Police Department, and Denton County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul B. Morris.
###
Palmetto Man on Federal Supervised Release for Distributing Fentanyl Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Traveous Anderson (39, Palmetto) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture. Anderson faces an enhanced minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison due to his prior conviction. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court records, between April and May 2024, a DEA confidential source conducted multiple fentanyl transactions with Anderson, who conspired with others to distribute the fentanyl. During the course of the conspiracy, Anderson possessed with the intent to distribute over 40 grams of a fentanyl mixture. At the time of the offense, Anderson was serving a term of federal supervised release in connection with a prior conviction for distributing fentanyl.
Anderson’s co-defendant, Alexis Soto Escalante, previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced on June 18, 2025, to 5 years and 10 months’ imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.
Pensacola Man Sentenced for Narcotics TraffickingRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Bennie Charles Deloach, 36, of Cantonment, Florida, was sentenced to 14 years in prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine or 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug that is plaguing our community and threatening the health and safety of our citizens. I deeply appreciate the hard work of our state and federal law enforcement partners to help keep drug traffickers like this defendant off our streets, and my office will not hesitate to aggressively prosecute these offenses to safeguard our community.”
According to court records, a Pensacola Police Department Officer attempted to stop Deloach’s vehicle, as Deloach had active felony warrants. Deloach fled from the officer, hitting a pole and a parked vehicle, and then got out of the vehicle and fled on foot. Officers located narcotics, including a large amount of methamphetamine, in a backpack Deloach dropped, as well as more narcotics in the vehicle. The methamphetamine weighed over 830 grams.
“Effective law enforcement in the war on drugs isn’t just about reacting to crime … it’s about anticipating it, disrupting the supply chains, and working together with all of our law enforcement partners to stop it,” said Chief Brown, Pensacola Police Department. “Illegal use of drugs in our community is something that cannot be tolerated, and we will use all avenues in the war on drugs.”
“Those who distribute methamphetamine in Florida will be held accountable,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “The health and safety of our Florida communities is my top priority – always.”
The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Pensacola Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit theU.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Oswego County Man Sentenced to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Daniel LaRock, 21, of Oswego, New York was sentenced yesterday to 14 years in prison on three counts of possession of child pornography. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.
During his previously entered guilty plea, LaRock admitted that he was convicted of Promoting the Sexual Performance by a Child in June 2024 in Oswego County Court and sentenced to 10 years’ probation. Later that same month, he possessed and distributed child pornography on multiple social media accounts, including videos depicting very young children engaged in sex acts with adults.
In addition to the imprisonment term, United States District Judge Anthony J. Brindisi also imposed a post-imprisonment term of supervised release of 15 years, ordered LaRock to pay $8,000 in restitution to victims, and required him to forfeit the device he used to commit the offenses.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “LaRock received an incredibly lenient sentence of 10 years’ probation by the Owego County Court for committing essentially the same disgusting conduct less than two years ago. Not surprisingly, a sentence of probation for promoting the sexual performance of a child neither deterred LaRock from committing the same type of offense again nor did it protect the public. My Office will continue to work with our federal and state partners to charge and seek just punishment for people who possess child pornography.”
Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations Erin Keegan said: “Daniel LaRock’s repeated exploitation of children underscores his complete disregard for our most helpless, vulnerable populations. Today’s sentence reflects the utmost seriousness of the defendant’s crimes. I thank HSI Syracuse and our law enforcement partners for never wavering on their support for victims of unimaginable crimes and their shared pursuit of justice.”
This case was investigated by HSI with the assistance of the New York State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Gadarian as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Oneida County Man Charged with Receiving and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Win Naing, age 20, of Utica, New York, appeared in federal court yesterday on charges of receipt and possession of child pornography announced 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)
The complaint alleges that in 2023, a cloud storage service reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) the upload of child pornography to the service’s platform by one of its users. Based on geolocation information associated with the internet protocol address linked to the upload, investigators from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office were able to tie the uploads to Naing. During a subsequent search of Naing’s cellular telephone, investigators, including Special Agents from the FBI, found numerous images and videos of child pornography that Naing possessed on the device. Agents also found evidence that some of the material Naing possessed had been downloaded using a social networking application installed on Naing’s cellular telephone.
The charges filed against Naing carry a sentence of between 5 and 20 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life, and require sex offender registration upon release from incarceration. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Naing had his initial appearance on the charges yesterday in Syracuse, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks, and was detained pending further proceedings.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Collecting child pornography is not a victimless crime and the defendant in this case will now suffer the grave consequences of his despicable actions. Anyone who traffics in child pornography in the Northern District of New York should be prepared to face swift and immediate justice and can expect to spend years behind bars.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “As alleged, Mr. Naing had a disturbing amount of child pornography in his possession. The FBI remains committed to relentlessly investigating these appalling predators and ensuring justice is delivered to the victims.”
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The FBI and Oneida County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle is prosecuting the case as a part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Ohio Brother and Sister Lose More Than $1M in Cryptocurrency Investment ScamRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio has filed a civil complaint in forfeiture against cryptocurrency suspected of being fraudulently obtained as part of an investment scam. A victim in Trumbull County and his sister lost more than $1 million of their savings in the scheme.
On Aug. 27, 2025, the United States filed a civil complaint in forfeiture against a total of 325,060 Tether (USDT) cryptocurrency, valued at approximately $325,060. USDT are digital tokens that are circulated through the internet and tied to, or “tethered,” to a fiat currency such as the U.S. dollar. The USDT amount in the complaint is valued at $325,060 at a 1:1 ratio to the dollar.
According to court documents, on, or, about Nov. 24, 2024, an elderly male victim in Bristolville, Ohio, filed a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. The fraud began when he received a text from an unknown number looking for someone named “Zach.” The victim responded and eventually became friendly with the person, who unbeknownst to him, was a scammer. The scammer suggested that they start communicating through the Telegram platform where she went by the username “Shaw Goddess.” The scammer established trust with the victim by painting herself as a successful investor and encouraged the victim to also invest in cryptocurrencies.
At the scammer’s direction, the victim opened a new account with Crypto.com, a virtual currency exchange. Eventually, Crypto.com limited the amount of cryptocurrency that the victim could purchase. To get around that limit, the scammer instructed the victim to open a second account through another virtual currency exchange, Strike.com. The victim wired more than $1 million of his own money to the cryptocurrency accounts. The scammer then instructed the victim to transfer his cryptocurrency assets purchased through Crypto.com and Strike.com to a fake investment platform. The victim also convinced his sister to make investments of more than $600,000.
When the victim tried to withdraw some of his alleged gains from the fake investment platform, he was told that his funds were locked up and could not be withdrawn. Around that same time, his sister also tried to withdraw funds but was told that a 10% tax must be paid upfront. That concerned the victim as he generally knew how taxation worked, and this was inconsistent with his understanding. It was after these two incidents when the victim realized that he was the target of a fraud scheme.
Many virtual currencies publicly record all their transactions on what is known as a “blockchain.” The blockchain is essentially a distributed public ledger, run by the decentralized network of computers, containing an immutable and historical record of every transaction utilizing that blockchain’s technology. The blockchain records every virtual currency address that has ever received virtual currency. It also maintains records of every transaction and all known balances for each virtual currency address.
Through several steps of “blockchain analysis,” federal investigators traced approximately $200,000 of the funds stolen from the victim to a cryptocurrency address on the Tron blockchain. As part of their forensic analysis, they determined that the stolen cryptocurrency was converted to Tether (USDT).
On Dec. 31, 2024, the USDT tokens at the subject cryptocurrency address were frozen by Tether Limited, Inc. At the time of the freeze, the cryptocurrency address had a balance of 325,060 USDT (valued at approximately $325,060). Thereafter, pursuant to a federal seizure warrant issued on March 20, 2025, the 325,060 USDT tokens were transferred by Tether Limited, Inc., to a U.S. law enforcement-controlled virtual currency wallet.
By the complaint in forfeiture filed Aug. 27, 2025, the United States seeks to forfeit the 325,060 USDT in cryptocurrency. In the complaint, the United States alleges that the additional cryptocurrency funds contained in the address, in excess of the victims’ traceable losses, are also subject to forfeiture as the proceeds of other fraudulent activities and are alleged to be involved in money laundering violations.
The claims asserted in the complaint are allegations only. The United States must prove the claims by a preponderance of evidence.
If successful in this forfeiture action, the United States would seek to return the stolen funds to the victims.
The FBI Cleveland Division is actively investigating this case and related cryptocurrency fraud schemes perpetrated on victims throughout the United States. Assistant United States Attorney James L. Morford is leading the prosecution for the Northern District of Ohio.
To report fraudulent conduct involving older adults, contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311 and visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center at IC3.gov to submit a report.
Click here to view the complaint:
complaint_in_forfeiture_8-27-25.pdfNew York-Based Drug Trafficker Sentenced to over Fifteen Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jamell R. O’Neal, age 42, of East Meadow, New York, was sentenced on August 22, 2025, to 188 months in prison by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley, related to his plea of guilty for one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. O’Neal will have to serve a 5-year term of supervised release following his incarceration.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, from September of 2023 through at least February of 2024, federal agents received information about illegal drug trafficking activity taking place in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Agents engaged in surveillance and observed, on both September 20th and September 22nd, O’Neal and a co-conspirator engaging in hand-to-hand drug transactions on the streets of Wilkes-Barre out of at least two different residences. On January 16, 2024, agents observed O’Neal engage in a third transaction out of one of the residences. On February 7, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant, wherein O’Neal was present and taken into custody. Law enforcement recovered a trafficking amount of crack cocaine, fentanyl and crystal methamphetamine, as well as a loaded Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver and drug paraphernalia.
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.
The case was investigated by the Luzerne County Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Honora Berti prosecuted the case.
# # #
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Fraudulent Vehicle Purchase SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that KENNETH RICHMOND (“RICHMOND”), age 65, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on August 14, 2025, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349, and aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A.
According to court documents, in 2022, RICHMOND, and his daughter Kendra Walker (“Walker”), conspired to use fake and stolen personal identifying information to make fraudulent vehicle purchases from a local car dealership. The vehicle purchases were financed through a bank, and several of the loans went into default. This fraud caused a loss of approximately $124,031.41 to the dealership. As part of this scheme, RICHMOND knowingly used a real person’s name, date of birth, and Social Security Number, without permission, to purchase a Dodge Challenger in July of 2022.
The Honorable United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe sentenced RICHMOND to serve four (4) years of imprisonment, followed by three (3) years of supervised release. Judge Ashe also ordered that RICHMOND pay restitution to the victim in the amount of $58,852.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $200.
At the time that RICHMOND committed this scheme, he was on federal supervised release for a prior fraud conviction. On August 13, 2025, United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance revoked RICHMOND’s term of supervised release and sentenced him to two years in prison. RICHMOND has been ordered to serve his two terms of imprisonment consecutively, for a total of six years.
The Honorable Barry W. Ashe set the sentencing for RICHMOND’s codefendant, Kendra Walker, for September 25, 2025.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the work of the United States Secret Service, St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit.
* * *