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13 November 2025
Clinton Man Found Guilty of Illegal Machinegun PossessionRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – On October 2, 2025, following a two-day jury trial, a federal jury convicted a Clinton man for illegal possession of a machinegun. The trial and jury verdict occurred during the government shutdown.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Lennell Antonio Moore, Jr., 28, was stopped by Capitol Police for a traffic violation in Jackson. Officers conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle and located three Glocks pistols with attached machinegun conversion devices (MCDs a/k/a switches). Two were in the center console, directly next to Moore, along with a drum magazine that held approximately 40-rounds of ammunition.
Moore is scheduled to be sentenced on January 28, 2026. Moore faces a maximum penalty of ten years. He is currently being held in federal custody.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson made the announcement.
The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Capitol Police Department, and the Jackson Police Department investigated the case.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matt Allen and Amber Jones.
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).
Climate Activist Sentenced in Defacing Degas Exhibit at National Gallery of ArtRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Timothy Martin, 55, of Raleigh, North Carolina, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to two years of supervised release for his role in the April 27, 2023, defacement of Edgar Degas’ Little Dancer, Age Fourteen, at the National Gallery of Art, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
A jury found Martin guilty on Apr. 7, 2025, of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and injury to a National Gallery of Art exhibit.
In addition to the two months of supervised release, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson ordered Martin to serve 150 hours of community service that must include 20 hours of cleaning graffiti. He must also stay out of Washington, D.C. and not visit any museum. Judge Berman Jackson also ordered Martin to pay $4,062. in restitution.
According to evidence introduced in court, Martin and co-defendant Johanna Smith, 54, of Brooklyn, NY, smeared paint on the case and base of Edgar Degas’ Little Dancer, Age Fourteen, a sculpture which has drawn visitors for years to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Following the attack, a group called Declare Emergency claimed credit.
Martin and Smith agreed, along with other co-conspirators, to enter the National Gallery of Art for the purpose of injuring the exhibit and entered the museum armed with water bottles filled with paint. Martin and Smith handed their phones to other co-conspirators and waited until patrons cleared the area in front of the Little Dancer. The pair proceeded to smear paint on the case and base of the exhibit, at times smacking the case with force. Prior to the attack, members of the conspiracy had alerted the Washington Post. Two reporters from the Post recorded and photographed the offense, as did additional members of the conspiracy
Smith and Martin caused over $4,000 in damage, including material and labor costs, and the exhibit was removed from public display for 10 days so that it could be repaired.
Smith pleaded guilty December 15, 2023, to one count of causing injury to a National Gallery of Art exhibit. She was sentenced to 60 days in prison, followed by 24 months of supervised release and ordered to pay a $3,000 fine and $4,062 in restitution.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, specifically the FBI’s Art Crime Team, with assistance from National Gallery of Art Police, and U.S. Park Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron A. Tepfer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
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Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
Clarksdale Man Sentenced to 30 Months for being a Felon in Possession of a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – A Clarksdale man was sentenced on November 4, 2025, to 30 months of incarceration for being a felon in possession of a firearm in Hinds County. The defendant was also ordered to pay a fine and serve 3 years of supervised release following his incarceration.
According to court documents, Kyler Seamster, 29, was found by law enforcement agents to be in possession of a stolen firearm during a street level narcotics operation executed by Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics throughout Jackson in 2024. Seamster had previous felony convictions for grand larceny and residential burglary in Tallahatchie County.
Seamster was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 24, 2025, and pleaded guilty on August 5, 2025. Seamster will continue serving a concurrent 15-year state sentence for trafficking in stolen firearms out of Madison County.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, Patrick A. Lemon and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement.
The ATF investigated this case with the assistance of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.
Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brett Grantham prosecuted the case.
This case was investigated by the ATF as 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).
Cincinnati fentanyl dealer sentenced to 18 years in federal prisonRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A local multi-kilogram drug trafficker – who was captured on camera in February 2024 shooting a rival fentanyl dealer repeatedly in the chest, after losing a bet over who sold more potent fentanyl – was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 216 months in prison.
According to court documents, Robert Lee Howard, 34, of Cincinnati, was primarily a multi-kilogram dealer of fentanyl, but also sold cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana.
In June 2024, agents recorded the defendant advising he was waiting on 23 pounds of methamphetamine to come in the mail in five separate packages. Agents intercepted one of those packages and discovered it contained more than four kilograms of 96 percent pure crystal meth.
That same month, Howard’s car was shot up while he was driving around Cincinnati. The next day, he was recorded on calls offering to pay $10,000 total for “friends from Chicago” to come to Cincinnati and solve his “problem” by “putting [the rival fentanyl dealer] on a T-shirt.”
Agents then executed a search warrant at Howard’s primary residence in Price Hill – where four young children also lived – and arrested him. At Howard’s home, they discovered more than nine kilograms of fentanyl, cocaine, an industrial size pill press, press parts and other supplies for making fake “ecstasy” pills with fentanyl, body armor, ammunition and AK-47 magazines. Howard had multiple firearms lying out on his bedroom floor amongst scattered vials of fentanyl, including a Mini Draco style rifle and two pistols with extended magazines.
Howard was charged by federal criminal complaint in June 2024 and pleaded guilty in July 2025.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Joseph O. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Detroit; West Chester Police Chief Brian Rebholz; Cincinnati Interim Police Chief Adam Hennie; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Pittsburgh Division; announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jeffery P. Hopkins. Assistant United States Attorney David P. Dornette is representing the United States in this case.
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Chroma Systems Solutions Agrees to Pay over $1.9 Million to Resolve Allegations of PPP Loan FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Chroma Systems Solutions, Inc. (Chroma Systems) has agreed to pay over $1.9 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations that the company falsely certified its eligibility for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan.
As detailed in the settlement agreement, Chroma Systems admitted that in January 2021 it applied for a second draw PPP loan and certified that it was eligible to receive the loan under the PPP rules. When it applied, Chroma Systems, together with its foreign affiliate, had over 1,800 employees.
Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and the Economic Security Act (CARES Act) on March 29, 2020, to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain approved expenses through the PPP. On May 5, 2020, the SBA issued guidance that explained that, for purposes of meeting size eligibility requirements (i.e. whether the applicant is a “small business concern” or otherwise falls below the cap on employee headcount) an applicant must count all of its employees and the employees of its U.S. and foreign affiliates, absent a waiver of or an exception to the affiliation rules. SBA’s guidance also made clear that it would only enforce this rule prospectively, i.e. for applications made on or after May 5, 2020. On Jan. 8, 2021, SBA announced the availability of a second round of PPP loans, known as the “second draw” PPP loans. Businesses with more than 300 employees were not eligible for second draw loans.
The settlement credits Chroma Systems for cooperation under the Department of Justice’s Guidelines for Taking Voluntary Disclosure, Cooperation and Remediation into Account in False Claims Act Matters.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and the U.S. Small Business Administration made the announcement today. Assistant United States Attorney Steven Sharobem of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the case.
Cheyenne trio sentenced for trafficking fentanylRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Smith announced that three co-conspirators have recently been sentenced for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Beginning in September of 2024, detectives with the Cheyenne Police Department Community Action Team began an investigation into the distribution of fentanyl in the Cheyenne area. All three convictions were obtained through plea agreements resulting in a minimum of 12 years in federal prison.
According to court documents, through surveillance and interviews, investigators were able to track Brady Ehlers and Ashley Haberman’s movements as they purchased fentanyl from Colorado and distributed it in Laramie County. Detectives obtained search warrants, resulting in the seizure of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia from Ehler’s vehicle and their shared hotel room. The investigation also revealed that they were redistributing the fentanyl for several months and that one redistributor, Stacy Scrak, sold the fentanyl to another person who overdosed. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Cheyenne Police Department investigated the crime.
U.S. Attorney Smith said, “It is devastating to see the impact that this terrible drug has had across our nation. Knowing that fentanyl has a high rate of death, it makes it that much harder to understand how people can put profit over human life. I am grateful for the strong alliance between the Cheyenne Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration, and I commend their work on this case.”
Brady Joseph Ehlers, 35, of Evanston was sentenced to a total of 168 months’ imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie Morrison prosecuted the case. A criminal complaint was filed Nov. 16, 2024, and Ehlers pleaded guilty on Feb. 28. U.S. District Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on April 15. Case No. 25-CR-00026
Ashley Nicole Haberman, 40, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to a total of 144 months’ imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie Morrison prosecuted the case. A criminal complaint was filed Nov 26, 2024, and Haberman pleaded guilty on March 18. U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence in Casper on June 5. Case No. 25-CR-00033.
Stacey Claire Scrak, 28, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for the distribution of fentanyl. Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. Scrak was arrested on complaint Feb. 19 and pleaded guilty on April 17. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Oct. 8 in Cheyenne.
Case No. 24-CR-00067
Cheyenne restaurant owner sentenced for filing false tax returnRead the Press Release
CHEYENNE, WYOMING – Shu Ping Chen, 48, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison with no supervised release for filing a false tax return. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on October 28 in Cheyenne. Chen was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $293,270 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and $66,426 to the State of Wyoming, a $75,000 fine, and $35,000 towards the cost of prosecution.
According to court documents, Chen owned and operated China Buffet restaurant in Cheyenne where she was responsible for the restaurant’s day-to-day operations and financial reporting. From at least 2018, Chen knowingly provided false financial information to her Certified Public Accountant (CPA), fully aware that the CPA would use this information to prepare and file her tax returns. Specifically, for tax years 2018 through 2022, Chen willfully underreported the restaurant’s gross cash receipts by providing false figures to her CPA. The total underreported amount over the five-year period was $959,693.94, resulting in a tax loss of $293,270 to the IRS and $66,426 to the State of Wyoming.
On January 4, 2024, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) executed search warrants at both the restaurant and Chen’s residence. During the search, Chen was caught attempting to destroy business records.
Chen waived indictment and pleaded guilty to the charges on August 5, following the filing of an Information on July 11. The case was investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation division.
“Tax fraud is a serious crime that undermines the integrity of our tax system and places an unfair burden on honest taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Darin Smith. “This sentence demonstrates the commitment of IRS-Criminal Investigation to holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring that everyone pays their fair share.”
Casamero Lake Woman Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter in Fatal Hit-and-RunRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Casamero Lake woman pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter after striking and killing a pedestrian on a dirt road while driving drunk.
According to court documents, on or about August 6, 2024, Debbie Rojack, 45, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, hit and killed John Doe on a dirt road after drinking a 6-pack of beer the day of the incident. John Doe’s body was found on the side of the road four days later. The cause of death is listed as blunt force trauma. Investigators located car parts in the area of John Doe’s body which later came back to a vehicle owned by Rojack.
On October 4, 2024, Special Agents spoke to Rojack again, who stated that she had heard that someone was killed in the same canyon where her accident had occurred and confirmed that she was the only person in the vehicle at the time of the accident.
Rojack pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. At sentencing, Rojack faces up to eight years in prison. Upon her release from prison, Rojack will be subject to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
California Man Who Distributed Hundreds of Pounds of Meth in Dubuque Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who distributed hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine and cocaine to co-conspirators in the Dubuque, Iowa, area, was sentenced today to more than 15 years in federal prison.
Juan Jose Ruiz, age 29, from Visalia, California, received the prison term after an April 24, 2025 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine.
Evidence at sentencing showed that in 2021, Ruiz was responsible for distributing 200 pounds of methamphetamine and 2,000 grams of cocaine to other members of a drug-trafficking organization based in Dubuque, Iowa. In December 2021, Ruiz was driving a car from California to Iowa, when law enforcement stopped him in Colorado. Law enforcement searched his car and, under cutout doors in the metal floor of the car, found 25 pounds of ice methamphetamine.
Ruiz was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Ruiz was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
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).
Ruiz is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force, Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, Dubuque Police Department, Quad City Metropolitan Enforcement Group, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Criminalistics Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-1006.
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Court Proceedings During Government ShutdownRead the Press Release
Despite the recent government shutdown, federal courts across the nation utilized various resources to guarantee the continuity of justice and continued to operate on essential cases, including criminal prosecutions, immigration hearings, and civil rights violations.
This press release outlines the significant court hearings that were conducted in the Middle District of Louisiana during this period, highlighting their importance in maintaining legal processes and upholding citizens’ rights.
Damian R. Raby, age 42, of Gonzales, Louisiana, was sentenced by U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick to 216 months in federal prison following his convictions for conspiracy to launder money and obstructing the administration of the internal revenue laws, relating to a multimillion-dollar scheme to defraud a COVID-19 economic relief program. Raby must serve three years of supervised release upon completing his term of imprisonment. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Raby was ordered to pay $2,603,678,04 in restitution to the U.S. Treasury and forfeit an additional $2,045,241.58.
Trisha Milstead, age 53, of Newport, Tennessee, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson to 21 months in federal prison following her conviction for wire fraud. Milstead must serve three years of supervised release upon completing her term of imprisonment. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Milstead was ordered to pay $2,623.58 in restitution.
Antonio Felipe Belda, age 39, of Ontario, Canada, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles to 120 months in federal prison following his conviction for possession of child pornography. Belda must serve five years of supervised release upon completing his term of imprisonment. In addition to the term of imprisonment, the Court imposed a fine of $17,000, ordered Belda to pay $6,000 in restitution, and ordered him to register as a sex offender upon his release. Belda may also be deported from the United States upon completing his sentence.
Quarles James Harris, age 51, of Zachary, Louisiana, pled guilty before Chief Judge Shelly Dick to bank robbery and related firearms offenses.
Six individuals pled guilty before Judge Brian A. Jackson to various charges, including firearm and drug trafficking offenses resulting from an investigation into a drug trafficking organization based out of Ascension Parish. This case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
- Leroy Miles, age 46, of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and oxycodone, possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime;
- Joseph Brown, age 38, of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and oxycodone, and distribution of heroin and fentanyl;
- James Miles, age 48, of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and oxycodone;
- Corey Powe, age 56, of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, for possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime;
- Marishell Ealem, age 39, of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and oxycodone, and distribution of heroin and fentanyl; and
- Destiny Renee McBride, age 35, of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and oxycodone.
A federal grand jury returned an eight-count indictment charging Anisha Devall Hunter, age 47, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, with wire fraud. Hunter appeared for her arraignment and pled not guilty to the pending charges. An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty at trial or through a guilty plea.
U.S. Attorney Kurt Wall stated, “The resilience exhibited by my office and the judiciary during this challenging time underscores the commitment to maintaining the rule of law. We remain committed in our service to the communities within the Middle District of Louisiana.”
Brockton Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking and Possessing a Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced on Oct. 3, 2025 in federal court in Boston for possessing with intent to distribute over 70 grams of fentanyl and possessing a handgun loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition.
Edson Gomes, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Patti B. Saris to 10 years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. In June 2025, Gomes pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition.
Gomes was arrested on Aug. 14, 2023, after law enforcement encountered him in a Brockton apartment building. During the interaction, the bottom of a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson pistol was observed protruding from Gomes’s pant pocket. The firearm had a defaced serial number and was loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition. Four bags of fentanyl weighing approximately 72 grams and $1,488 in cash were also located in Gomes’s pockets. A search warrant was subsequently obtained for the apartment and other items associated with drug dealing were also located.
At the time of his arrest, Gomes was on supervised release for a prior federal drug dealing conviction. In June 2017, Gomes was sentenced to 71 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. As a condition of his supervised release, Gomes was banned from entering the City of Brockton without permission. At the Oct. 3, 2025 hearing, Gomes was also sentenced to 24 months in prison for violating his supervised release, which was the statutory maximum penalty.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police, the Brockton Police Department and the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Cutshall of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Brazilian National Sentenced to Prison for Selling Firearms Without a LicenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully living in Worcester was sentenced on Oct. 23, 2025 for engaging in the business of selling firearms without a license.
Israel Dos Santos, 25, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy to two years in prison. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In July 2025, Dos Santos pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license.
Between May 2024 and July 2024, Dos Santos sold nine firearms to a cooperating witness without the required license in exchange for cash. In addition to firearms, Dos Santos also sold ammunition and magazines, some of which were large capacity magazines. One firearm had an obliterated serial number.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Framingham and Worcester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Crowley and John Reynolds of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Brazilian National Sentenced to Prison for Receiving and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national, residing in Lynn, Mass., was sentenced on Oct. 8, 2025 in federal court in Boston for receiving and possessing over 100 files of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Wernher Heideriqui, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearn to 66 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, during which time Heideriqui will be required to register as a sex offender. The defendant will be subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In April 2025, Heideriqui pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Heideriqui was arrested on June 9, 2023 after being smuggled across the U.S. border into Canada.
In August 2021, an investigation began following a CyberTip regarding the trafficking of CSAM. During a search of Heideriqui’s residence and person in May 2023, multiple electronic devices, including phones and computers, were located and seized. Forensic examination of the devices revealed that two devices had over 100 files depicting adult men raping children as young as four years old.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lynn Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Soto of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Brazilian National Sentenced for Selling a Dozen Firearms and Ammunition Without a LicenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully living in Fall River and on Cape Cod was sentenced on Oct. 3, 2025 for selling 12 firearms and large capacity magazines without a license.
Alason Ferreira-Peixoto, 23, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley to 35 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In June 2025, Ferreira-Peixoto pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license and one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license.
Between June 2024 and August 2024, Ferreira-Peixoto sold 12 firearms to cooperating witnesses without the required license in exchange for cash. Ferreira-Peixoto also conspired with others to obtain the firearms in South Carolina and sell them in Massachusetts. In addition to firearms, Ferreira-Peixoto also sold ammunition and magazines, some of which were large capacity magazines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Barnstable and Fall River Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Crowley and John Reynolds of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Brazilian National Sentenced for Selling Firearms Without a License and ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully living in Milford was sentenced on Oct. 24, 2025 in federal court in Worcester for conspiracy and engaging in the business of selling firearms without a license.
Rafaell Martins Ferreira, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Margaret R. Guzman to time-served (approximately 13 months) followed by two years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In July 2025, Martins Ferreira pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license and one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license.
Between February and March 2024, Martins Ferreira sold two firearms to cooperating witnesses without the required license. In addition, Martins Ferreira indicated he had access to additional firearms. One of these firearms included a large capacity magazine (capable of holding more than 15 rounds of ammunition).
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Milford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Crowley and John Reynolds of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Brazilian National Sentenced for Selling Firearms Without a License and ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully residing in Florida was sentenced on Oct. 29, 2025 in federal court in Worcester for conspiracy and engaging in the business of to sell firearms without a license.
Marcos Alves Silva, 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Margaret R. Guzman to 18 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In June 2025, Silva pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license and one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license.
Between March 2024 and June 2024, Silva shipped nine firearms to individuals in Massachusetts. In addition to firearms, Silva also sold ammunition and magazines, some of which were large capacity magazines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Milford Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Crowley and John Reynolds of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Brazilian National Sentenced for Selling 11 Firearms Without a LicenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully living in Milford was sentenced on Oct. 7, 2025 for selling firearms and ammunition without a license.
Vanderson Rocha Oliveira, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Margaret R. Guzman to three years in prison followed by two years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In July 2025, Rocha Oliveira pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license and one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license.
Between March 2024 and September 2024, Rocha Oliveira sold 11 firearms to cooperating witnesses without the required license. In addition, three more firearms shipped from Florida were intercepted by law enforcement. Rocha Oliveira conspired with others to deliver the firearms and to obtained them from Florida. In addition to firearms, Rocha Oliveira also sold ammunition and magazines, some of which were large capacity magazines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Milford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Crowley and John Reynolds of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Brazilian National Sentenced for Conspiracy to Obtain Driver's Licenses for Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national illegally residing in Danbury, Conn. was sentenced on Oct. 2, 2025 for conspiring to obtain driver’s licenses for ineligible applicants, principally illegal aliens.
Helbert Costa Generoso, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to nine months in prison. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In June 2025, Helbert Costa Generoso pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to unlawfully produce and possess with intent to transfer identification documents and one count of furnishing a false passport to another for use. In December 2024, Costa Generoso was charged along with four co-conspirators.
From in or about November 2020 through in or about September 2024, Costa Generoso and his alleged co-conspirators fraudulently procured driver’s licenses for illegal alien customers who resided in states that prohibited illegal aliens from obtaining driver’s licenses. Prior to July 2023, illegal aliens residing in Massachusetts were not permitted to obtain Massachusetts driver’s licenses. Beginning in 2019, illegal aliens residing in New York became eligible to obtain New York driver’s licenses.
Costa Generoso and his alleged co-conspirators conspired to fraudulently obtain New York driver’s licenses for illegal alien customers who did not reside in New York, including Massachusetts residents, and after July 2023 to fraudulently obtain Massachusetts driver’s licenses for illegal alien customers who did not reside in Massachusetts. In exchange for fraudulently obtaining the driver’s licenses, the co-conspirators allegedly typically charged approximately $1,400 per customer. Costa Generoso also charged $1,400 to obtain fraudulent foreign passports in the customers’ names, to be used as identification in the driver’s license applications.
In New York, before obtaining a driver’s license, applicants were required to pass a written permit test and complete driver’s education coursework from a New York driving school. Online permit test-takers were required by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) to take a picture of themselves with a web camera during the test. This was to ensure that the test-taker was indeed the applicant and that there was not a person sitting with and helping the applicant with the test.
To avoid the customers having to take the permit tests, the co-conspirators allegedly conspired to obtain several pictures of the customers sitting down, making it look as if the customers were taking the tests. They also allegedly conspired to complete the permit tests for the customers online and, when prompted by the NY DMV to take pictures during the tests, they uploaded the pictures that the customers previously provided – purporting to show that it was the customers who were taking the tests, not the defendants. Costa Generoso and his alleged co-defendants also conspired to create fraudulent driver’s education certificates of completion, purportedly from New York driving schools, and conspired to forge the signatures of driving school staff on the fake certificates.
The NY DMV also required that applicants appear at a NY DMV location and provide documents to prove their identity and residence in New York. The co-conspirators allegedly conspired to meet Massachusetts-based customers at locations in Massachusetts – typically several customers at a time – and drive them to NY DMV branch locations. When they arrived at the NY DMV locations, the defendants allegedly gave the customers fraudulent documents falsely purporting to demonstrate that the customers resided in New York. The customers provided these fake records to the NY DMV staff, and the NY DMV relied on the misrepresentations to issue New York driving permits to the customers. The co-conspirators allegedly conspired to arrange for the NY DMV to mail the permits to locations in New York that were controlled by the defendants and provided the permits to the customers in-person. The defendants then allegedly conspired to schedule road driving license tests for the customers with the NY DMV and, again, drive the customers to New York for them to take the road tests. If the customers passed the tests, the NY DMV sent the driver’s licenses to mailing addresses in New York that the defendants allegedly controlled, and the defendants then provided the licenses to the customers.
The defendants allegedly conspired to obtain Massachusetts driver’s licenses for out-of-state residents, in generally the same manner as they obtained the New York licenses for Massachusetts residents. Collectively, the co-conspirators allegedly fraudulently applied for licenses for more than 1,000 customers, obtained licenses for more than 600 of the customers and collected at least hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Costa Generoso is the second defendant to plead guilty in the case. In September 2025, defendant Cesar Agusto Martin Reis was sentenced to time served (290 days in prison), for his role in the conspiracy.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Kelly Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the NY DMV Division of Field Investigation; the Boston, Danbury (Conn.) and Waterbury (Conn.) Police Departments; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut; and the New York State Inspector General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Brazilian National Convicted of Role in Large-Scale Human Smuggling RingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national illegally residing in Worcester, Mass., pleaded guilty on Oct. 22, 20025 to his involvement in a conspiracy to smuggle aliens into the United States, money laundering conspiracy and illegal reentry. Case is part of significant international law enforcement operation targeting alien smugglers in United States and Brazil.
Flavio Alexandre Alves, a/k/a “Ronaldo,” 41, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to bring aliens to and transport aliens within the United States, one count of conspiracy to launder money and one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for Dec. 12, 2025. The defendant was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint with human smuggling in March 2025 and remains in federal custody.
According to the charging documents, Alves was previously convicted of human smuggling offenses in the Central District of California in 2004 and subsequently deported to Brazil in February 2005. Sometime after his removal, Alves illegally re-entered the United States and has been residing in the United States without immigration status.
In April 2022, an investigation began into a human smuggling organization (HSO) operating in the United States, Brazil and Mexico, that smuggles Brazilian nationals through Mexico, across the U.S.-Mexico border and into the United States for financial gain and laundering the proceeds. The investigation identified Alves as domestic-based smuggler for the HSO who joined the organization in 2021. Alves coordinated with co-conspirators in Brazil and Mexico to facilitate the transportation of aliens from Brazil into the United States, launder funds to Mexico to support the HSO and collect smuggling fees paid by or on behalf of the Brazilian nationals being smuggled.
Specifically, Alves was responsible for purchasing airline tickets for aliens – including families and groups – to various places within the United States. This included purchasing airline tickets for Brazilian nationals to travel from border cities to other locations across the United States shortly after the aliens were encountered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and released from detention. Between May 2021 and August 2022, Alves purchased more than 100 individual airline tickets from Tucson or Phoenix shortly after CBP encounters, to destination cities throughout the United States.
Alves sent money to aliens and smugglers located in Mexico to pay for expenses associated with transit into the United States. Bank and financial records obtained during the investigation revealed that Alves sent hundreds of thousands of dollars in money transfers to facilitate the travel of aliens who were later encountered by immigration authorities illegally crossing into the United States, and paid smugglers in Mexico for their role in the HSO. Additionally, Alves utilized different methods to conceal the nature and frequency of the transfers, including using in-person money transfer services at various locations throughout Massachusetts; providing different variations of his name and home address; and having other close associates conduct the transactions on his behalf.
Alves also collected payments from aliens as the fee for being smuggled into the United States – taking a percentage of the fee as his “cut” and transferring the remainder of the money to other members of the HSO based in Mexico.
The investigation and arrest of Alves was coordinated under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) and the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) Program. JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security , has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA is comprised of detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Office of Enforcement Operations and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, DEA and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 355 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 315 U.S. convictions; more than 260 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.
The ECT program is a partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI and focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence and prosecutorial resources. ECT also coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.
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 Neighborhood (PSN).
The charge of conspiracy to bring aliens to, or transport an alien within, the United States in violation of law provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to launder money provides for sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and up to $250,000 fine. The defendant is subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Brasília, Brazil Attaché Troy Clausen for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations made the announcement today. Substantial assistance was provided by HSI Offices in Brasilia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Philadelphia; HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C; U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force; and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorney Alexandra Skinnion and Acting Deputy Chief Frank Rangoussis of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights & Special Prosecutions Section.
Bradenton Woman Indicted for Passport Fraud and Theft Related to Government FundsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Jane Doe, a/k/a Rosario Alaniz (69, Bradenton), with one count of passport fraud, two counts of Social Security fraud, five counts of wire fraud, and two counts of theft of government funds. If convicted, Doe faces a maximum penalty 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count, up to 10 years’ imprisonment for the passport fraud count and each theft offense, and a maximum of 5 years in prison for each count of Social Security fraud.
According to the indictment, Doe fraudulently obtained a United States passport and using this fraudulent identity received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from the Department of Agriculture, as well as benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) through disability insurance benefits. Doe failed to disclose employment, fraudulently securing payments when either no payment was due or in a greater amount than authorized. Doe has received government benefits of approximately $183,800.
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.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, the Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.
NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
Bloomfield Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Bloomfield man was sentenced to 208 months prison for sexually abusing an incapacitated minor victim.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, between February 26 and February 27 of 2016, Donovan Pete, 44, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, engaged in and attempted to engage in a sexual act with a sleeping minor victim.
Pete pled guilty to sexual abuse. Upon his release from prison, Pete will be subject to 15 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Bibb County murderer sentenced to 25 years on federal firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Sterling Breynard Bell was sentenced to federal prison for firearms charges related to the murder of a young woman whose body was found along a highway near Macon, Georgia, nearly a decade ago.
“The diligence of a federal special agent solved a murder and prevented the conviction of an innocent man,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “By using tools designed to test ballistics, the federal agent linked a gun seized from Bell to shell casings recovered from a murder scene two years earlier. The man initially charged the murder was exonerated, and Bell was brought to justice.”
“This case underscores the vital role that the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network plays in solving violent crimes,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “By linking the firearm used in this tragic murder to Sterling Bell, our agents demonstrated the power of technology in the pursuit of justice.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On August 7, 2016, the body of 27-year-old Kendra Roberts was found along a highway near Macon, Georgia. Roberts had been shot multiple times at close range, including twice to the face and once to the back of the head. The next day, Roberts’s boyfriend was charged with the murder.
Roberts’s boyfriend remained in custody for months. However, without realizing any connection to Roberts’s murder, the Clarkston Police Department seized a Glock 9mm pistol from Sterling Bell just ten days after the murder. The Bibb County deputies who were investigating Roberts’s murder were unaware that Bell had purchased that Glock mere weeks before the murder by lying to the seller about his daily drug use.
In 2018, an ATF special agent used the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to confirm that Bell’s gun was the murder weapon. ATF continued to investigate Bell and learned that he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and refused to take his prescribed medication. Bell was arrested on federal firearms charges in October 2018, while the charges against Roberts’s boyfriend were dismissed. Bell later admitted to killing Roberts and was sentenced by a state judge to 20 years of imprisonment with the possibility of parole after serving 1/3 of the sentence.
On October 1, 2025, Chief U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May sentenced Sterling Breynard Bell, 35, of Clarkston, Georgia, to 25 years in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. While on supervised release, Bell will be required to submit to mental health and substance abuse treatment. On July 3, 2025, Bell pleaded guilty to one count of false statements to a federal firearms licensee and two counts of illegal possession of a firearm as an unlawful user of a controlled substance.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laurel B. Milam and Phyllis Clerk prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Belen Man Pleads Guilty to $50,000 Unemployment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Belen man pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges after submitting 21 fraudulent unemployment insurance applications using stolen identities during the pandemic.
According to court documents, between June 18, 2020, to October 15, 2021, Joseph Anthony Martinez, 44, submitted 21 fraudulent unemployment insurance claim applications through the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions using his own name, variations of his name, and the stolen identities of others. To that end, Martinez provided false employment information and opened bank accounts in other individuals' names without authorization to receive the fraudulent payments totaling more than $50,000.
Martinez pleaded guilty to two counts of mail fraud and one count of theft of government property. At sentencing, Martinez faces up to 20 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Martinez will be subject to one year of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General investigated this case with assistance from NM Workforce Solutions and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office. Deputy U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Brawley is prosecuting the case.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Baltimore County Woman Sentenced for Impersonating Nurses and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Thomasina E. Amponsah, 51, of Baltimore County, Maryland, to 38 months in federal prison for making false statements in connection to health care matters and aggravated identity theft. Amponsah used stolen nursing licenses to obtain employment as a registered nurse (RN) and licensed practical nurse (LPN) but never held a nursing license or credential of her own.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).
According to the plea agreement, beginning in or about September 2019, and continuing until in or about August 2023, Amponsah used stolen nursing credentials and false educational and professional histories. This helped her to obtain health care work as a purported licensed nurse at no less than 40 facilities in Maryland. Most of the facilities served as skilled nursing facilities that provided in-patient rehabilitation and medical treatment centers and were staffed with trained medical professionals.
These facilities billed for services that Amponsah provided to health care benefit programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. Other facilities included a Baltimore City public school and multiple nursing homes. Amponsah earned more than $145,000 in wages from working at these facilities with her false credentials.
On or about August 21, 2019, Amponsah submitted a job application to Nursing Facility 1. In her application, Amponsah fraudulently used a Maryland nursing license number issued to Identity Victim T.R.S. She also provided a duplicated picture of Identity Victim T.R.S.’s nursing license to Nursing Facility 1.
Additionally, on her application, Amponsah modified her name to falsely include Identity Victim T.R.S.’s last name as part of her purported name. In her purported professional and educational history, Amponsah also claimed that she previously served as an LPN supervisor, and that she held a nursing degree from Florida State University, although neither claim was true.
As a result of this fraudulent application, Nursing Facility 1 hired Amponsah as an LPN. Nursing Facility 1 terminated Amponsah after she admitted forging a physician’s signature for Tramadol — an opioid painkiller — on a controlled medication prescription form and then faxing the form to a pharmacy.
Amponsah also admitted she used a second stolen identity to obtain nursing positions. On or about July 18, 2021, Amponsah submitted an online job application to Staffing Agency 1. Nurses who work for Staffing Agency 1 can sign up for nursing shifts at partner facilities. On her Staffing Agency 1 application, Amponsah used a Florida nursing license number that belonged to Identity Victim E.A. She also provided a duplicated picture of Identity Victim E.A.’s nursing license to Staffing Agency 1 and submitted a fictitious resume.
Additionally, Amponsah used her fabricated application to obtain employment in numerous other skilled nursing facilities. In total, between July 18, 2021, and October 9, 2022, Amponsah worked for at least 21 different skilled nursing facilities in connection with her fictitious Staffing Agency 1 application.
Through Staffing Agency 1, Amponsah also obtained several shifts at Nursing Facility 2 in October 2022. During these shifts, Amponsah failed to administer prescribed medication to multiple patients and falsified the corresponding medical records. Although Nursing Facility 2 and Staffing Agency 1 confronted and eventually terminated Amponsah for working as an unlicensed nurse, she continued applying for and accepting employment as a licensed nurse using Identity Victim T.R.S.’s and Identity Victim E.A.’s credentials through August 2023.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the HHS-OIG for its work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph L. Wenner and Sean R. Delaney, who prosecuted the case, and recognized Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Phelps and Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber, for their valuable assistance.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Attleboro Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzling More Than $400,000Read the Press Release
BOSTON – The former office manager for a Franklin environmental services business pleaded guilty on Oct. 15, 2025 in federal court in Boston to embezzling more than $400,000 from her employer.
Marie Hobson, 54, of Attleboro, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and one count of filing a false tax return. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Jan. 22, 2026. Hobson was charged on Oct. 1, 2025.
Between December 2019 and March 2025, Hobson inflated her own payroll by adding approximately $268,046 in phony expense reimbursements, such as uniform costs even though Hobson did not wear a uniform in her position. To conceal the thefts, Hobson manipulated her employer’s accounting software to make it appear she was only receiving her weekly salary. Hobson also misused her company-issued credit card to pay for country club memberships, vacations, cruises, timeshares and personal residence costs totaling more than $105,000.
To further conceal her scheme, Hobson failed to report the funds that she embezzled on her federal income tax filings for tax years 2021 through 2024, resulting in a tax loss to the government of approximately $81,000.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, restitution and forfeiture. The charge of filing a false tax return provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Thomas E. Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. The Franklin Police Department provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rilwan Adeduntan of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Atlanta Man Convicted at Trial for Trafficking Thousands of Methamphetamine Pills and Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – In October 2025 a federal jury convicted an Atlanta, Georgia, man for engaging in a yearslong methamphetamine-trafficking conspiracy, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
According to court documents and evidence presented at a weeklong trial, Kenyatta Lee Frazier, 44, manufactured and distributed tens of thousands of pressed methamphetamine pills throughout Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi between September 2022 and August 2024. The jury reviewed numerous photos and videos of the pills that Frazier took with his cell phones after manufacturing them with an illegal pill press machine. Frazier marketed and sold the pills as “ecstasy” to his various customers.
In April 2023, agents arrested Frazier and a coconspirator during a traffic stop in Mobile after they had delivered 2,000 pressed methamphetamine pills to a customer in Mississippi. A court-authorized CCTV recording device installed in the truck in which Frazier was a passenger captured Frazier discussing drug deals, illicit profits, and the quality of his so-called “ecstasy” pills with coconspirators. When agents searched the truck, they found a loaded .380 caliber pistol that Frazier had concealed behind the plastic molding in the floorboard area near where he had been sitting. The pistol had previously been reported stolen out of Pinellas County, Florida.
The jury reviewed text messages in which Frazier had shared photos of the same pistol in an effort to sell it, as well as a recorded jail call in which Frazier admitted that he “stuffed” the pistol so that police would not find it. At the time Frazier illegally possessed the pistol, he previously had been convicted of at least eight felonies, including robbery, aggravated assault, firearms offenses, thefts, and drug crimes.
Frazier’s convictions carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years to life in prison. He will be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Jeffrey U. Beaverstock in February 2026.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Roller and George May are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Artesia Drug Dealer Gets 20-Year Federal SentenceRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Artesia man was sentenced to 240 months in prison for selling pure methamphetamine and fentanyl pills to an undercover agent.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records, on April 3, 2024, Sammie Joe Peralta, 49, sold 859 grams of pure methamphetamine and fentanyl pills to an undercover Homeland Security Investigations agent at a gas station in Artesia, New Mexico. When Peralta was arrested, he was found with three handguns and an additional 126 grams of pure methamphetamine.
Peralta pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Upon his release from prison, Peralta will be subject to five years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Jason T. Stevens, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations - El Paso, made the announcement today.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from Pecos Valley Drug Task Force, and the Eddy County Sherrif’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Kirk Williams is prosecuting the case.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Armed career criminal sentenced to 15 years in prison for federal drug and firearms offensesRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Farmville man was sentenced yesterday to 15 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, Oxycodone, and marijuana.
According to court documents, on Feb. 7, 2024, law enforcement observed Tyrone Lamont Fowlkes, 42, in an idling pickup truck in a parking lot in Nottoway County. When a deputy approached the vehicle and tapped on the window, Fowlkes fled at high speed and the deputy pursued. Fowlkes eventually crashed into a tree, totaling the vehicle and causing serious injuries to himself.
From the truck, law enforcement recovered three firearms, three digital scales, $948.84, 198 grams of cocaine, four methamphetamine pills, 60 Oxycodone pills, and 455 grams of marijuana. One of the firearms had been stolen.
On Aug. 9, 2024, with several arrest warrants arising from the Feb. 7, 2024, incident still outstanding, law enforcement observed Fowlkes driving an SUV in Nottoway County. During a traffic stop, a police K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. Inside the vehicle, law enforcement found three firearms, a large-capacity magazine, two digital scales, $1,260, 117 grams of cocaine, 20 grams of methamphetamine, 24 Oxycodone pills, and 321 grams of marijuana.
Fowlkes was found guilty in 2008 and again in 2011 of distributing cocaine and in 2021 of possessing with intent to distribute marijuana for a 2019 incident during which he possessed a firearm. As a convicted felon, Fowlkes cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
Lindsey Halligan, 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 sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr. The Nottoway County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation of this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick J. McGorman 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 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 No. 3:25-cr-25.
Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 25 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has sentenced Darius Lavon Williams (40, Hudson) to 25 years in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
According to court documents, deputies with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Williams. During a search of the vehicle, deputies located two firearms, two ounces of cocaine, an ounce of fentanyl, over two ounces of cocaine base, marijuana, THC wax, psylocibin gummies, and a digital scale. Williams has an extensive criminal history, including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, felon in possession of a firearm, and eight prior convictions for sale of cocaine.
This case was investigated by the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David P. Sullivan.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
Albuquerque Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man has been charged with federal drug and weapons offenses after U.S. Marshals arrested him on a supervised release violation last month.
According to court documents, on September 8, 2025, Orlando Mario Jude Serrano, 44, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service on an active federal warrant for violating his supervised release. During the arrest in Albuquerque, agents recovered approximately 1,283 grams of fentanyl pills, 364 grams of methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and a Glock pistol equipped with a machinegun conversion device inside a camera bag and lunch bag Serrano was carrying and inside his vehicle.
Serrano was previously convicted in 2015 for drug trafficking and felon in possession of a firearm.
Serrano is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the current charges, Serrano faces no less than 10 years and up to life in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Jason T. Stevens, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, made the announcement today.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Oliver Stephanz is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Alabama Doctor Pleads Guilty to $6 Million Telemedicine Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Alabama-based doctor pleaded guilty on Oct. 1, 2025 in federal court in Boston to a $6 million telemedicine fraud scheme involving medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME) and genetic testing primarily used to detect mutations in genes that could indicate a higher risk of developing certain types of cancers.
Tommie Robinson, 43, pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Jan. 14, 2026. Robinson was charged in August 2025.
Between December 2018 and March 2021, Robinson worked with telemedicine companies to sign medical documentation, including doctors’ orders, for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment and genetic testing. The orders Robinson signed were pre-populated based on telemarketing calls made to Medicare beneficiaries. Robinson generally did not contact the beneficiaries himself and had no medical relationship with the beneficiaries. DME suppliers and laboratories ultimately submitted claims to Medicare for these signed orders. As a result of Robinson’s participation in this scheme, over $6 million in claims were submitted to Medicare for DME and genetic testing that were medically unnecessary, based on false documentation and tainted by kickbacks.
The charge of health care fraud provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Robert Coviello, Special Agent in Charge, Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Division; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; Kelly M. Lawson, Acting Regional Director, U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Boston Regional Office; and Patrick Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge, Defense Criminal Investigation Service, North East Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard Locker of the Health Care Fraud Unit and Alexandra Brazier and Lindsey Ross of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Units are prosecuting the case.
Adams Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
BOSTON –An Adams, Mass. man pleaded guilty on Nov. 4, 2025 in federal court to the producing child sexual abuse material.
Brian Warner, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a child before U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun, who scheduled sentencing for Feb. 12, 2026.
According to charging documents, between July 2016 and December 2016, Warner employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of that conduct.
The charges of sexual exploitation a child and attempted sexual exploitation of a child provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.
Acting United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline G. Merck of the Springfield Office is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Child Sexual Abuse Material and Sex Offenders
James Arthur Ostermeier, 61, with no permanent address, was sentenced to time served, approximately seven months and ten days, with five years of supervised release for failing to register as a sex offender. According to court documents, the defendant is a sex offender who was living in Laramie and then Uinta Counties. As a sex offender, he is required to check in the with the Offender Registrar and he stopped showing up for his registration checks in November 2024. The defendant left Wyoming and had been living in several states, none of which he registered in as a sex offender as required by law. The U.S. Marshals Service and the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. Ostermeier was indicted on March 20 and pleaded guilty on April 18. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Oct. 2 in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-00058.
Adrean Ray McClendon, 25, of Laramie, Wyoming, was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release to follow for possession of child pornography. The court ordered the defendant to pay $21,000 in restitution to the victims. According to court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a report from MediaLab/Kik about a user suspected of possessing child pornography. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force initiated the investigation which led to McClendon, residing in a Laramie hotel. A search of his room uncovered multiple electronic devices. Forensic analysis confirmed the devices belonged to McClendon and contained over 600 images of child sexual abuse material including infants, toddlers, and prepubescent children, some of which he distributed to other users on Kik. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie M. Morrison prosecuted the case. McClendon was indicted on Jan. 15 and pleaded guilty on July 1. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Oct. 7 in Casper. Case No. 25-CR-00018
Violent Crime
Brooke Ellen Friday-Goggles, 27, of Fort Washakie, was sentenced to 23 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release on a charge of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. According to court documents, on Jan. 26, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Wind River Police Department (WRPD) was dispatched to a report of an assault. When officers arrived, the defendant was intoxicated and claimed to be the victim, but she had no physical injuries. Officers discovered the victim inside the residence with lacerations, scrapes and bruises, with her knee appearing dislocated. Witnesses confirmed the defendant had attacked the victim. The victim was flown out of state for surgical treatment of fractures to her knee and leg and an injury to her ankle. The BIA-WRPD and the FBI investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson prosecuted the case. Friday-Goggles was indicted on March 20 and pleaded guilty on May 28. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Oct. 3 in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-CR-00047.
Firearm Offenses
Alexander Christopher Schwab, 32, of Evergreen, Alabama, was sentenced to 41 months with three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court records, on Jan. 26, Wyoming Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on the defendant’s vehicle. The Trooper smelled marijuana and a K9 alerted to the presence of a controlled substance. During a search of the vehicle, Troopers located multiple firearms and large capacity magazines. The defendant is a previously convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms. The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive and the Wyoming Highway Patrol investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case. Schwab was indicted on March 20 and pleaded guilty on July 1. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Oct. 1 in Casper. Case No. 25-CR-00048.
Christopher Dakota Daniel Pierce, 39, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on Jan. 9, 2025, Campbell County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Pierce’s residence for a domestic disturbance. On scene, deputies received consent to search the home and ultimately located six firearms to which Mr. Pierce had access. Mr. Pierce is a previously convicted felon and cannot legally possess firearms. The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer prosecuted the case. Pierce was indicted on May 21 and pleaded guilty on July 18. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Oct. 15 in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-CR-00090
Steven Michael Harvey, 61, of Sherdan, Wyoming, was sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for being in possession of an unregistered firearm. According to court documents, in March 2024, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) executed a search warrant of Harvey’s storage unit. Inside, law enforcement found six rifles, one pistol, and one suspected silencer. Two of the rifles had barrels of less than sixteen inches in length. In addition, Mr. Harvey did not properly register the firearms after inheriting them from a friend. DCI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer prosecuted the case. Harvey was indicted on Nov. 20, 2024, and pleaded guilty on July 21. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Oct. 16 in Casper. Case No. 24-CR-00172
Dietz Dunnie Pongah, III, 27, with no fixed address, was sentenced to 45 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on Oct. 9, 2024, the defendant, while intoxicated, took a vehicle without permission from a residence on the Wind River Indian Reservation and drove it through fields and fences before being apprehended by law enforcement. Inside the vehicle, officers discovered a sawed-off .22 caliber rifle with ammunition, which DCI determined contained the defendant's DNA. Pongah is a previously convicted felon and unable to possess a firearm. DCI and the Wind River Police Department investigated the crime. Michael J. Elmore Prosecuted the case. Pongah was indicted on May 21 and pleaded guilty on Aug. 5. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Oct. 27 in Casper.
Robert Alexander, 43, from Lyman, Wyoming, was sentenced to 121 months’ imprisonment with four years of supervised release to follow for aiding and abetting in the distribution of methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, between August and December 2024, Wyoming agents conducted six controlled buys of methamphetamine from Alexander’s co-conspirator totaling 614.6 grams. A search of the defendant’s home he shared with his co-conspirator uncovered large quantities of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, firearms, and ammunition. The defendant admitted to possessing the drugs and firearms, aiding in methamphetamine distribution, and being prohibited from possessing firearms. DCI investigated the crime and Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. Alexander was indicted on May 21 and pleaded guilty on Aug. 25. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Oct. 2 in Casper. Case No. 24-CR-00083
Drug Trafficking
Jade Mikel Shane, 46, of Evans, Colorado, was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, in February 2024, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) began an investigation into drug trafficking in Sheridan and Campbell Counties. Through the investigation, agents learned the defendant used his residence as a storage and distribution hub for large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl. A search warrant executed on September 5, 2024, led to the seizure of significant amounts of controlled substances and numerous firearms. DCI and Weld County, Colorado, Drug Task Force investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. Shane was indicted on Jan. 15 and pleaded guilty on June 5. U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Oct. 8 in Casper. Case No. 25-CR-00016
Kolter Kekich, 30, from Sheridan, Wyoming, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment with four years of supervised release to follow for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) agents learned the defendant was involved in the distribution of drugs in Sheridan County. On February 11, the defendant and his dating partner rented a room at a motel in Sheridan and left 320 grams of methamphetamine under the bed sheets where hotel staff located it and alerted law enforcement. Later that day, agents attempted to arrest the defendant, but he fled resulting in a high-speed pursuit that ended in a wreck. While refusing to exit his vehicle after the wreck, the defendant began to consume large amounts of drugs resulting in an overdose. Law enforcement located additional drugs, drug paraphernalia and $1,360 inside the vehicle. DCI and the Sheridan Police Department investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Elmore and Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. Kekich was indicted on May 21 and pleaded guilty on Aug. 8. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Oct. 28 in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00084
Drug and Firearm OffensesScott VanGoethen, 54, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, in December 2024, detectives with the Cheyenne Police Department received information that the defendant was distributing methamphetamine in the community. Through surveillance, sources of information, and eventually evidence, detectives discovered that the defendant was driving to Colorado to obtain large amounts of methamphetamine, then selling it to his neighbors, who were in turn distributing it. Detectives seized 15 firearms along with ammunition during a search of his property. The defendant is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and Cheyenne Police Department investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer prosecuted the case. VanGoethen was arrested on complaint March 21 and pleaded guilty to an Information on July 14. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Sept. 30 in Casper. Case No. 25-CR-00101
Jonathan Dennis Roberts, 41, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced to 138 months’ imprisonment with four years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, in September 2023, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) launched an investigation into drug trafficking in Campbell County. Over the course of the investigation, which extended into 2024, agents conducted controlled drug purchases and tracked Roberts traveling to Colorado to restock his supply. Roberts was known to possess numerous firearms, some of which he traded for drugs. On December 5, 2024, he was arrested during a traffic stop in Converse County, where deputies seized a loaded handgun and 377 grams of methamphetamine. A later search of his residence by agents uncovered nine firearms. DCI investigated the crime with the assistance of ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. Roberts was arrested on complaint Feb. 6 and pleaded guilty to an Information on May 9. U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Oct. 9 in Casper. Case No. 25-CR-00079
Pedro Jose Rosales-Trujillo, 56, of Chihuahua, Mexico, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States upon completion of his sentence. According to court documents, on June 23 the defendant, going by the name Rafael Quintero-Trujillo, was arrested by the Cheyenne Police Department for a failure to pay warrant stemming from a criminal trespass in Albany County. Fingerprints taken at the time of detention indicated Quintero-Trujillo was actually Rosales-Trujillo, a citizen of Mexico. Agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were contacted. They determined that Rosales-Trujillo had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed at least 11 times beginning in 1989. The records also indicated a lengthy criminal record accompanying each deportation. ICE investigated the crime and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Oct. 22 in Casper. Case No. 25-CR-00103
Roberto Lezama-Amayo, 35, of Puebla, Mexico, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on Aug. 15, the defendant was encountered at the Sweetwater County jail after being arrested on state charges. Agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) determined that Lezama-Amayo had not applied for permission to reenter the U.S. after being formally removed in August 2019. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Oct. 27 in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-CR-00140Public Lands Violations
Jessica Wells, 37 of Eufaula, Oklahoma, was sentenced to serve a 21-day term of incarceration with credit for 2 days served and ordered to pay $2,040 in fines and court costs for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. According to documents, on July 27, Wells was driving a motor vehicle in Yellowstone National Park with a breath alcohol concentration of 0.133%. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes prosecuted the case. Wells pleaded guilty and was sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick on Oct 14 in Mammoth.
Illegal Re-Entry of a Previously Deported AlienMarvin Olina-Zuniga, 42, of Choluteca, Honduras, was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States upon completion of his sentence. According to court documents, on July 6, the defendant was arrested in Sweetwater County for possession of a controlled substance. Fingerprints taken at the time of detention indicated Olina-Zuniga is a citizen of Honduras and agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were contacted. They determined that Olina-Zuniga had previously been removed from the U.S. in November 2018 and had not applied for permission to reenter. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Sept. 10 in Casper. Case No. 25-CR-00105
Pedro Jose Rosales-Trujillo, 56, of Chihuahua, Mexico, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States upon completion of his sentence. According to court documents, on June 23 the defendant, going by the name Rafael Quintero-Trujillo, was arrested by the Cheyenne Police Department for a failure to pay warrant stemming from a criminal trespass in Albany County. Fingerprints taken at the time of detention indicated Quintero-Trujillo was actually Rosales-Trujillo, a citizen of Mexico. Agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were contacted. They determined that Rosales-Trujillo had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed at least 11 times beginning in 1989. The records also indicated a lengthy criminal record accompanying each deportation. ICE investigated the crime and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Oct. 22 in Casper. Case No. 25-CR-00103
Roberto Lezama-Amayo, 35, of Puebla, Mexico, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on Aug. 15, the defendant was encountered at the Sweetwater County jail after being arrested on state charges. Agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) determined that Lezama-Amayo had not applied for permission to reenter the U.S. after being formally removed in August 2019. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Oct. 27 in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-CR-00140About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.Operation Take Back America
Operation Take Back America is 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. It also streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).Victim Witness Program
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to ensuring victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime
Appointment of New United States Attorney for the Middle District of LouisianaRead the Press Release
The U.S. Department of Justice, Offices of the United States Attorneys, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kurt Wall as the new United States Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana. Mr. Wall officially took office on October 14, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Wall brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to justice, having previously served as Assistant District Attorney in East Baton Rouge Parish where he remained for 13 years before being hired as the Director of the Criminal Division at the Louisiana Department of Justice. After serving in that position for just over seven years, Mr. Wall returned to the courtroom as the Chief Felony Prosecutor in the 21st Judicial District which is comprised of Livingston, Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes.
Throughout his career as a prosecutor, Mr. Wall has successfully handled a wide variety of cases which include numerous violent crimes such as capital murders, sex offenses and robberies. He has also successfully prosecuted hundreds of cases involving child pornography, white collar crimes and public corruption.
His extensive background and relevant experience positions him to effectively lead the Middle District of Louisiana in the pursuit of justice and the enforcement of federal laws. In his new role, Mr. Wall will oversee all federal prosecutions within the Middle District of Louisiana, collaborate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, and work on initiatives to combat all aspects of federal crimes.
U.S. Attorney Wall stated, “I am honored to have been selected by President Trump to serve as the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana. I look forward to working closely with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to implement a plan that will make a real impact on reducing crime in our community.”
7-Eleven Robbery Results in Four Year Prison TermRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Kevin Bing, 31, of Washington D.C., was sentenced in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the burglary of a 7-Eleven store in March 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
Bing pleaded guilty on August 12, 2025, to one count of second-degree burglary. On October 15, 2025, the Honorable Judge Jennifer Di Toro sentenced Bing to four years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, with which the defendant agreed, on March 19, 2025, Bing and three unidentified accomplices went to a closed 7-Eleven store in the 5200 block of 3rd Street Northeast and used a prybar to force open the front door. They then brought a hydraulic prying tool into the store and used it to force open an ATM machine, from which they stole U.S. currency. The perpetrators also stole a cell phone from one of the store’s employees before fleeing the store.
Bing was arrested on March 20, 2025 and has been in custody since.
Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S Attorney Michael Roberts, who prosecuted the case.
Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
12 November 2025
Quad Cities Men Sentenced to Federal Prison in Violent RICO ConspiracyRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – Two Quad Cities men were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a racketeering conspiracy, which engaged in a years-long pattern of violence, including murder, attempted murder, and drug trafficking.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at trials and sentencings, the racketeering conspiracy involved Fifth Street gang members. The Fifth Street Gang is also known as the “Arsenal Courts Posse,” “Zone Fifth,” “Fifth Street Mafia,” “Rock Town Money Getters (RTMG),” and “Money Team.” The Fifth Street gang operated as a criminal enterprise responsible for numerous acts of violence, including murder and attempted murder in the Davenport and Rock Island area. The criminal enterprise was connected to dozens of shooting investigations and at least seven homicides over the course of two decades.
SENTENCES
Rasheem Damonte Bogan, 34, was sentenced on October 9, 2025, to 27 years in federal prison for racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of ammunition charges, followed by three years of supervised release. On June 1, 2020, Bogan and seven co-defendants went to Necker’s Jewelers to commit a burglary. While there, the group encountered a man they mistakenly believed to be a rival gang member. Bogan and others fired 33 rounds from four firearms, seriously injuring the victim.
Kylea Dapri Cartwright, Jr., 29, was sentenced on November 6, 2025, to 30 years in federal prison for racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of ammunition charges, followed by three years of supervised release. Cartwright was also ordered to pay $29,732.23 in restitution. Following a six-day jury trial, Cartwright was found guilty of racketeering conspiracy and possessing ammunition as a felon. Evidence at trial demonstrated that on July 5, 2020, Cartwright fired four rounds from a .40 caliber pistol toward a man on West Third Street in Davenport, resulting in the victim’s death. Cartwright used the same pistol that another Fifth Street Gang member had fired during the Necker’s Jewelers shooting a month earlier.
ADDITIONAL DEFENDANTS
In total, 14 defendants, including Bogan and Cartwright, were convicted of federal crimes related to the Fifth Street Gang’s criminal conduct between April 2006 and February 2024. The 12 co-defendants were sentenced as follows:
- Don Christopher White, Jr. was sentenced to 480 months’ imprisonment;
- Raheem Jacques Houston was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment;
- Deaguise Ramont Hall was sentenced to 400 months’ imprisonment;
- Brandon Deshane Branigan was sentenced to 226 months’ imprisonment;
- Michael Linn Cross was sentenced to 216 months’ imprisonment;
- Devell Carl Lewis was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment;
- LaShawn D. James Hensley was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment;
- Simmeon Terrell Hall was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment;
- Ricky Lee Childs, Jr. was sentenced to 160 months’ imprisonment;
- Timothy Justin Beaver was sentenced to 235 months’ imprisonment;
- Devante Atwell French was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment; and
- Cortez Deangelo Cooper, Jr. was sentenced to 162 months’ imprisonment.
STATEMENTS
“This was a thorough and relentless investigation. Our officers stayed committed, and prosecutors were steadfast in seeking justice,” said Davenport Police Chief Jeffery Bladel. “Gun violence will never be tolerated in our community. These dangerous individuals showed no regard for human life and are now being held accountable. I’m incredibly thankful for our investigators, officers, and partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office whose dedication has made our city safer. The message is clear: if you commit violent acts, you will be held accountable.”
“This case represents years of tireless investigative work and close collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies to dismantle one of the most violent criminal organizations operating in the Quad Cities,” said United States Attorney David C. Waterman for the Southern District of Iowa. “The sentences imposed send an unequivocal message: those who bring violence, guns, and drugs into our communities will be held fully accountable under federal law. And let me be clear—anyone who threatens or attempts to harm our law enforcement partners will face the full force of the federal government. Our office will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the men and women who safeguard our communities every day, working together to restore safety, stability, and peace to our neighborhoods.”
* * *
United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport and Rock Island Police Departments, with assistance from the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Department of Criminal Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Drug Enforcement Administration.
New Scam Center Strike Force Battles Southeast Asian Crypto Investment Fraud Targeting AmericansRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, together with major federal law enforcement and interagency partners, announced the creation of the first District of Columbia Scam Center Strike Force to secure America against Southeast Asian cryptocurrency-related fraud and scams.
Joining in the announcement were Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Department of Justice, FBI Deputy Assistant Director Gregory A. Heeb, and Assistant Director Kyo Dolan of the United States Secret Service, Office of Field Operations.
Chinese transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) are using cryptocurrency investment scams and a variety of confidence scams to steal the life savings of everyday Americans. Often using U.S. social media networks or text messages to U.S.-based cell phones, the scammers first gain the trust of their targeted victims. Over time, the scammers convince their victims to invest in real cryptocurrency, only to then trick their victims to transfer those funds into fake cryptocurrency investment websites and applications. Many of those websites are hosted by companies in the United States, but once funds are transferred, the cryptocurrency is quickly laundered into other accounts outside of U.S. jurisdiction.
These schemes, which fraudsters refer to as “pig butchering” because they are “fattening” up their victims, are often run out of scam compounds in Southeast Asia. Workers in the compounds often are victims of human trafficking, held against their will, abused, and guarded by armed groups as they are instructed to target Americans. In some of the Southeast Asian countries where these compounds operate, scam-generated revenue is so massive that it amounts to nearly half of the country’s GDP. Recent reporting estimates that this scam industry defrauds Americans of nearly $10 billion per year.
“Scam centers are creating a generational wealth transfer from Main Street America into the pockets of Chinese organized crime. As the prosecuting office in the nation’s capital, my office has the authority to charge foreign defendants and seize foreign property,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “President Trump wants the United States to be the global center of the world’s cryptocurrency industry. So it is absolutely crucial that Americans understand the safe use of this commodity. We will expose and prosecute the criminals who would abuse their trust so that all Americans can feel secure in their investments.”
U.S. Attorney Pirro specifically called on U.S. corporations to partner in the initiative. “Working together in public-private partnership, we must secure the U.S. infrastructure, which is being used as an instrument to defraud Americans in these scams.”
"The FBI is committed to the important work of the Scam Center Strike Force," said FBI Criminal Division Deputy Assistant Director, Gregory Heeb. "The lasting impact from the highly sophisticated, transnational financial crimes emanating from scam centers can be devastating to victims and their families. It is the FBI's job to stop these criminals, and with the help of our partners around the globe, we will do just that."
“Since 2019, the U.S. Secret Service has seen a major uptick in cryptocurrency investment scams,” said Assistant Director Kyo Dolan of the United States Secret Service. The organizations behind these scams leverage an ‘ecosystem of criminality,’ often weaving an intricate web of illicit activities together to perpetrate their schemes. In fiscal year 2025 alone, the U.S. Secret Service has responded to approximately 3,000 victims who contacted us regarding cryptocurrency investment schemes.”
The new Scam Center Strike Force combines the power, reach, and resources of the U.S. Attorney’s Office with the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, the FBI, and the U.S. Secret Service to crackdown and disrupt these schemes. The Scam Center Strike Force is also seeking to use all government tools available, partnering with the State Department, the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the Department of Commerce.
The Scam Center Strike Force is investigating the worst scam compounds located in Southeast Asia. Strike Force teams focus on identifying and pursuing key leaders—including Chinese organized crime affiliates operating in Cambodia, Laos, and Burma—to bring them to justice.
The Strike Force also is working to seize and disable the U.S.-based facilities and infrastructure that provide the manner and means to execute these scams, which includes U.S. internet service provider and social media accounts scammers use to prey on Americans. The Strike Force will collaborate with U.S. companies to sever access to the scam centers, and prevent U.S. infrastructure from being weaponized against American citizens.
As announced today, the Strike Force is already up and running.
The Strike Force Crypto Seizure team has seized and forfeited $401,657,274.33 in crypto currency from these schemes, and announced today the filing of forfeiture proceedings for $80 million in stolen funds. The Crypto Seizure team is focused on recovering stolen funds and returning them to victims.
The Strike Force Burma team conducted operations against two scam centers located in Burma. At the Tai Chang scam compound, the team seized websites used to victimize Americans. At another Burmese scam center, the team is seeking warrants to seize satellite terminals used to connect the facilities to the internet and enable fraud and money laundering. Today, the Treasury Department designated the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), and other entities related to these scam compounds, as specially-designated nationals (SDN). Established by the Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control, the SDN list contains the names of individuals, groups, and entities, such as terrorists, narcotics traffickers, and transnational criminal organizations, whose assets are blocked and with whom U.S. persons are generally prohibited from conducting business.
A Strike Force Regional team investigated a network of Bali scam centers. The suspects, directed by Cambodia-based facilitators, targeted more than 150 U.S.-based victims. Information the Strike Force provided to local police was critical and essential to the prosecution of 38 Indonesian nationals.
The Strike Force also deployed FBI agents to Bangkok to embed with the Royal Thai Police War Room Task Force to combat scam compounds, such as KK Park in Burma.
The Scam Center Strike Force will use every tool available to help secure Main Street Americans from these scams. With its interagency and public partners, the Strike Force will educate Americans on how to identify these scams, prevent generational wealth from flowing into the pockets of international and domestic criminals, and work with unwavering focus to return stolen funds to victims.
The Scam Center Strike Force is a collaboration of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia; DOJ’s Criminal Division, including the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Fraud Section, and Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the U.S. Secret Service. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island is also collaborating on the initiative.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen P. Seifert and Kevin Rosenberg represent the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia on the Strike Force. Today’s cryptocurrency seizures were handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Blaylock and Trial Attorneys Ethan Cantor and Stefanie Schwartz of DOJ’s Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section, with the FBI San Francisco, San Diego, Phoenix, Nashville, and Honolulu Field Offices, and the U.S. Secret Service San Francisco and Memphis Field Offices. Today’s seizures related to Tai Chang were handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jolie Zimmerman and Trial Attorney Ethan Cantor with the FBI San Diego Field Office, and additional Burma seizures were handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jolie Zimmerman, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Raj Datta, and the FBI Washington Field Office.
If you have been defrauded out of your money by a Southeast Asian Scam Center scheme, please contact the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
McCurtain County Residents Plead Guilty to Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Eric Dean Sparkman, age 39, of Idabel, Oklahoma, and Reginald Dondrale Bailey, age 46, of Haworth, Oklahoma, both entered guilty pleas to charges relating to a federal drug conspiracy.
Sparkman pleaded guilty to one count of Drug Conspiracy, punishable by a term of 10 years to life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine, and one count of Distribution of Methamphetamine, punishable by a term of 10 years to life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine.
Bailey pleaded guilty to one count of Drug Conspiracy, punishable by a term of 10 years to life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine.
The Indictment alleged that on August 28, 2024, Sparkman, Bailey, and defendants known and unknown to the Grand Jury knowingly and intentionally conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The Indictment further alleged that on August 28, 2024, Sparkman knowingly and intentionally distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the pleas and ordered the completion of presentence investigation reports.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentences to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Both defendants were ordered into the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Wittlinger represented the United States.
Maryland Man, Twice Convicted at Trial of Making Violent Threats Against Federal Judges, Sentenced to Five Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Keith Dougherty, 70, of College Park, Maryland, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison and three years of supervised release by United States District Judge Gerald A. McHugh for making violent threats against federal judges.
The defendant was charged by indictment in July 2024. In May of this year, Dougherty was convicted at trial of one count of threatening to assault and murder United States judges with the intent to impede, intimidate, and interfere with them while they were engaged in the performance of official duties, and with the intent to retaliate against them on account of their performance of official duties, and three counts of mailing threatening communications.
As detailed in court filings and proven at trial, the defendant mailed and/or filed motions containing threatening language directed at federal judges, on numerous occasions and in several federal districts. He had already been prosecuted and convicted by a federal jury in December of 2021 for such filings and served a 41-month prison term in that case, followed by a three-year period of supervised release.
Just months into that supervised release, he uttered more threatening communications, so his supervised release was revoked, and he was returned to prison. While back in prison serving the violation sentence, he again mailed and/or filed the same sort of threatening language, resulting in the July 2024 charges and May trial conviction.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph LaBar.
Note: the posting of this press release was delayed, due to the federal government shutdown from October 1, 2025, to November 12, 2025.
Lancaster County Man Pleads Guilty to Bomb Hoax Targeting the 2024 U.S. OpenRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Aidan Getchius, 21, of Strasburg, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Judge John M. Gallagher to one count of conveying false information and hoaxes.
The defendant was charged with that offense by information in September of this year. With today’s plea, he has waived prosecution by indictment.
As detailed in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, on September 2, 2024, at 12:12 p.m., the United States Tennis Association (“USTA”) was sent a threat via direct message on X (formerly known as Twitter), stating that “I’m inside Louis Armstrong with a bomb that will go off at 1 pm est.” The message was sent from the X profile “GetchiSoto,” an account created and operated by Getchius.
At the time, a Round of 16 (quarterfinals) match in the United States Open women’s division was in progress in the Louis Armstrong Stadium at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York. The stadium was not evacuated, but the New York Police Department conducted a sweep for explosive devices.
While Getchius claimed in the direct message to have a bomb in Louis Armstrong Stadium, he knew he did not possess an explosive device in or near the stadium and was merely seeking to disrupt the women’s match in progress.
The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on March 10 and faces a maximum possible term of five years’ imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Josh A. Davison.
Note: the posting of this press release was delayed, due to the federal government shutdown from October 1, 2025, to November 12, 2025.
Johnston County Resident Sentenced for Failure to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Joses Ric-E Beck, a/k/a Ric-E Beck, age 38, of Ravia, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for one count of Failure to Register as Sex Offender.
The charge arose from an investigation by the United States Marshals Service and U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services.
The Indictment alleged that Beck was convicted of Lewd or Indecent Proposals to a Child Under Sixteen in the State of Oklahoma on August 12, 2008, and was required to register as a sex offender, and that from August 30, 2023, until December 20, 2023, Beck failed to register and update his registration despite entering, leaving, or residing in Indian country, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Beck will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Morgan Muzljakovich and Nicole Paladino represented the United States.
Illegal alien sex offender sentenced for second unlawful reentryRead the Press Release
Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 45-year-old man from Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, has been ordered to federal prison for illegally reentering the United States after removal, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
David Antonio Varcenas-Aguilar pleaded guilty Sept. 2.
U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now ordered Varcenas-Aguilar to serve 27 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, the court noted he was sentencing Varcenas-Aguilar at the highest sentence pursuant to the federal sentencing guidelines because of his serious criminal history which involve violence against another.
Varcenas-Aguilar has a felony conviction for aggravated sexual assault of a child. Authorities first removed him from the United States in 2015, but he unlawfully returned shortly thereafter.
On July 12, law enforcement discovered Varcenas-Aguilar hiding in the brush near the Rio Grande during a linewatch operation.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel Castro 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 and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Illegal alien charged with assaulting immigration officer with stainless steel mug, resulting in serious injuriesRead the Press Release
Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
HOUSTON – A 33-year-old El Salvadorian national has appeared in federal court on charges of attacking and injuring an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Walter Leonel Perez Rodriguez will now remain in custody pending further criminal proceedings.
“ICE officers place their lives on the line every day to protect our country, and they deserve to be protected in return. Anyone who chooses violence over lawfulness will be met with swift charges in the Southern District of Texas,” said Ganjei. “The Department of Justice, and this office, stand firmly with law enforcement.”
According to the criminal complaint, authorities conducted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Tahoe Nov. 4. Rodriguez allegedly got out of the vehicle and ran as law enforcement identified themselves.
The charges allege Rodriguez threw a 32-ounce stainless steel mug filled with hot coffee on an ICE officer, striking him in the face. The officer fell to the ground and lost consciousness, according to the charges.
The officer was taken to a hospital and treated for second-degree burns to his neck and arms and a laceration to his upper lip that required 18 stiches, according to the allegations.
The criminal complaint alleges authorities first removed Rodriguez from the United States in 2013, and he returned at least two more times.
If convicted of assaulting, resisting or impeding a federal officer causing bodily injury, Rodriguez faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
FBI and ICE – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Keri Fuller and Byron Black 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 OCDETF and Project Safe Neighborhood.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Goshen Man Sentenced to 180 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – On November 12, 2025, Orlando Rodriguez-Roman, 43 years old, of Goshen, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after a jury found him guilty of attempted possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and unlawful possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor.
Rodriguez-Roman was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, federal agents intercepted a package addressed to a residence in Goshen that contained over 1,000 grams of cocaine. Agents removed the cocaine from the package and delivered it to its destination. Rodriguez-Roman later took possession of the package and placed the package’s contents, along with an additional amount of cocaine and methamphetamine, inside of a garbage bag. Agents converged on him as he was leaving his home, and Rodriguez-Roman fled in his car, leading police on a high-speed chase through a residential neighborhood. During the chase, he threw the trash bag containing the drugs out of his car. After arresting Rodriguez-Roman, police searched his house and found a loaded handgun, three rifle magazines loaded with a total of nearly 80 rounds of ammunition, and other items used to package and store drugs.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service including the USPS Forensic Laboratory Services, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Elkhart County Intelligence and Covert Enforcement Unit and the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lydia T. Lucius and Katelan McKenzie Doyle.
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.
Former martial arts and gymnastics instructor sentenced to 168 months for receiving and possessing child sexual abuse materialRead the Press Release
Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
GALVESTON, Texas – A 42-year-old Alvin man has been sentenced for receiving and possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Franklin Joseph Perkins pleaded guilty Feb. 3.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey V. Brown has now sentenced Perkins to 168 and 120 months for the receipt and possession convictions, respectively. They will run concurrently for a total 168-month-term of imprisonment. Perkins will serve 10 years on supervised release following the completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Perkins will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
At the hearing, the court heard additional information related to Perkins work as a gymnastics and martial arts instructor who gave female teens massages claiming to be a massage therapist. The investigation revealed Perkins never had a license to provide such services. The court also heard how Perkins commented to a 13-year-old that she had a sexy body and that after she had turned 14, he gave her alcohol and touched her breasts and tried to force himself on her. Her victim impact statement detailed how she trusted Perkins as her gymnastics coach and how she felt manipulated and betrayed by him. In handing down the prison terms, the court noted that child pornography cases are ugly cases with real victims.
Perkins previously worked at the Kuk Sool Won martial arts studio and Gulf Coast Gymnastics, both located in Alvin.
The investigation revealed a user with a Google account had uploaded files possibly depicting child sexual abuse material onto their servers. Law enforcement linked Perkins to that account and determined he had been using various Google accounts and his cell phone to receive and possess child pornography.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation along with Pearland Police Department, Galveston County Sheriff’s Office and the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Leo and Colton Turner prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood - a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Deer Park resident sentenced for running unlicensed financial scheme involving $2.3 million checkRead the Press Release
Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
HOUSTON – A 66-year-old man has been ordered to federal prison for operating an illegal money transmitting business, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Bobby Charles Lee Sr. pleaded guilty June 30.
U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth Hoyt has now ordered Lee to serve 33 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Hoyt imposed strict supervised release conditions, including limits on company and bank account ownership and restrictions on Lee’s access to technology. Lee must also pay restitution to two victims in specific amounts to be determined.
At the hearing, the court heard that Lee continued to move illicit funds while on bond. Prior to imposing the sentence, Judge Hoyt noted Lee’s conduct was among the “most outrageous” he had seen in 37 years on the bench. He told Lee “at your age, you still have not come home to right” and questioned why Lee had not bothered to tell his family about his criminal case.
From 2020 through 2024, Lee operated an unlicensed money-transmitting business that moved funds through multiple personal and business accounts without the required state license or federal registration.
Lee allowed others to deposit and transfer funds into accounts he controlled and accepted negotiable instruments others had mailed to him. Authorities flagged several transactions as suspicious or fraudulent, prompting banks to close multiple accounts linked to the scheme.
In March 2024, Lee deposited a counterfeit $2.3 million U.S. Treasury check and used the proceeds to enrich himself and his spouse, including purchasing a Cadillac vehicle. Authorities later seized the vehicle and recovered approximately $2.1 million that remained from the fraudulent funds.
Lee was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
IRS Criminal Investigation and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration conducted the investigation with assistance from the FBI and Deer Park Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Bauman and Kimberly Ann Leo prosecuted the case with assistance from Kristine Rollinson of the Asset Recovery Section.
Dan Bishop Becomes United States Attorney for the Middle District of North CarolinaRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – James Daniel “Dan” Bishop has assumed office as United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina on interim appointment by Attorney General Pam Bondi, effective today.
“I’m eager to lead the Middle District prosecutors and staff and to forge an unprecedentedly collaborative relationship with the men and women of federal, state and local law enforcement in all its counties in order to make and keep North Carolinians safe,” Bishop said. “I’m most grateful to President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for this additional opportunity to serve, and I’m thrilled to be home. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina is going to break new ground in effective service to the law, the Department of Justice, and the President of the United States.”
As U.S. Attorney, Bishop is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Middle District of North Carolina, encompassing 24 central counties spanning Durham to Yadkin and the borders of Virginia to South Carolina, comprising approximately 3 million North Carolinians. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including immigration violations, gang violence, and National Security, drug trafficking, and violent crimes. The office also represents the United States in civil actions and debt collections.
Before becoming U.S. Attorney, Bishop served as the Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget. He served in Congress from 2019 to 2025 for districts that included portions of the Middle District and as a member of the North Carolina House and Senate for a Mecklenburg district from 2015 until his first election to Congress. Bishop served as a Mecklenburg County Commissioner from 2004 to 2008. For 29 years until entering Congress, Mr. Bishop was a litigator handling complex commercial cases.
Bishop received his bachelor’s degree in business administration with highest distinction from the University of North Carolina in 1986 and his Juris Doctor with high honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1990.
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Cuban Air Force Pilot Indicted for Immigration FraudRead the Press Release
MIAMI – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe and United States Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones announce the unsealing of an indictment charging Luis Raul Gonzalez-Pardo Rodriguez (64, Cuba) with fraud and misuse of visa, permits, and other documents, and making a false statement to a federal agency. If convicted on all counts, Gonzalez-Pardo Rodriguez faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
“This man’s past as a longtime military pilot for the evil Castro regime — which has wrought untold suffering on the Cuban people — should have been front and center in his immigration file,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice will vigorously prosecute anyone who lies about their past to take advantage of America’s immigration system.”
According to the indictment, on or about April 20, 2025, Gonzalez-Pardo Rodriguez presented or caused to be presented a Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status containing false statements to the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Specifically, the false statements pertained to his prior membership in the Cuban Revolutionary Air and Air Defense Force from 1980 to 2009. In the Form I-485 Application, the indictment alleges that Gonzalez-Pardo Rodriguez falsely stated he had never received any weapons or military training, never participated in any group of any kind that used weapons or threatened to use weapons, and never served in a military or police unit, when in reality, he received such training and served in the Cuban military as part of the Air Defense Force. The indictment included a photograph depicting Gonzalez-Pardo Rodriguez in the Air Defense Force:
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.
FBI Miami is investigating the case, with assistance from the FBI Jacksonville Field Office, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), and U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Miami Field Office. The Middle District of Florida and Southern District of Florida are partners in this investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Milliron for the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida and Assistant United States Attorney Abbie D. Waxman from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
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Cuban Air Force Pilot Indicted for Immigration FraudRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe and United States Attorney and Jason A. Reding Quiñones announce the unsealing of an indictment charging Luis Raul Gonzalez-Pardo Rodriguez (64, Cuba) with fraud and misuse of visa, permits, and other documents, and making a false statement to a federal agency. If convicted on all counts, Gonzalez-Pardo Rodriguez faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
“This man’s past as a longtime military pilot for the evil Castro regime — which has wrought untold suffering on the Cuban people — should have been front and center in his immigration file,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice will vigorously prosecute anyone who lies about their past to take advantage of America’s immigration system.”
According to the indictment, on or about April 20, 2025, Gonzalez-Pardo Rodriguez presented or caused to be presented a Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status containing false statements to the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Specifically, the false statements pertained to his prior membership in the Cuban Revolutionary Air and Air Defense Force from 1980 to 2009. In the Form I-485 Application, the indictment alleges that Gonzalez-Pardo Rodriguez falsely stated he had never received any weapons or military training, never participated in any group of any kind that used weapons or threatened to use weapons, and never served in a military or police unit, when in reality, he received such training and served in the Cuban military as part of the Air Defense Force. The indictment included a photograph depicting Gonzalez-Pardo Rodriguez in the Air Defense Force:
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.
FBI Miami is investigating the case, with assistance from the FBI Jacksonville Field Office, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), and U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Miami Field Office. The Middle District of Florida and Southern District of Florida are partners in this investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Milliron for the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida and Assistant United States Attorney Abbie D. Waxman from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
Chinese National Pleads Guilty and is Sentenced for Smuggling a Dangerous Biological Pathogen into the U.S. While Working at a University of Michigan LaboratoryRead the Press Release
DETROIT – Yunqing Jian, 33, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China, pleaded guilty today to charges of smuggling a biological pathogen into the United States and then lying to FBI agents about it, and was sentenced to time-served, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.
Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division and Marty C. Raybon, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The FBI arrested Jian in June in connection with allegations related to Jian’s and her co-defendant, Zunyong Liu’s, smuggling into America a fungus called Fusarium graminearum, which causes “head blight,” a disease of wheat, barley, maize, and rice, and is responsible for billions of dollars in economic losses worldwide each year. Fusarium graminearum’s toxins cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects in humans and livestock.
According to court records, Jian received Chinese government funding for her work on this pathogen in China. Jian’s electronics contain information describing her membership in and loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party. Jian’s boyfriend, Liu, works at a Chinese university where he conducts research on the same pathogen and that he first lied but then admitted to smuggling Fusarium graminearum into America—through the Detroit Metropolitan Airport—so that he could conduct research on it at the laboratory at the University of Michigan where his girlfriend, Jian, worked.
“We must stop Chinese Nationals who are smuggling potentially catastrophic biomaterials. We cannot allow these smugglers to work in the shadows at the University of Michigan. This felony conviction and sentence are a small but important measure against secret biological threats from China. We remain thankful for the work of our elite federal partners—ICE, HSI, FBI, and CBP,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon.
"Today’s guilty plea underscores the critical role CBP plays in protecting the United States from biological threats that could endanger public health and harm our agricultural economy,” said CBP Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon. “This case highlights the dangers posed by individuals attempting to smuggle potentially hazardous materials into the country, even under the guise of academic research. The successful resolution of this complex investigation, involving CBP offices nationwide and our federal partners, demonstrates our unwavering commitment to securing America’s borders and safeguarding national security. I commend the dedication and expertise of all those involved in bringing this case to justice."
“Smuggling biological pathogens into the United States from China is a threat to the citizens of Michigan and America as a whole,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “FBI Detroit works around the clock to disrupt any threats to national security no matter when and from where they come. This outcome would not be possible without the exceptional efforts of the FBI Detroit Counterintelligence Task Force, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations and HSI.”
The FBI and CBP investigated this case.