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Friday 8 August 2025
Justice Department Reaches Proposed Settlement with Greystar, the Largest U.S. Landlord, to End Its Participation in Algorithmic Pricing SchemeRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division filed a proposed settlement today to resolve the United States’ claims against Greystar Management Services LLC as part of its ongoing enforcement against algorithmic coordination and other anticompetitive practices in rental markets across the country.
Greystar, the largest landlord in the United States, manages almost 950,000 rental units across the country. As alleged in Plaintiffs’ complaint, Greystar and other landlords, including five co-defendants, shared competitively sensitive data to generate pricing recommendations using RealPage’s algorithms, which also included anticompetitive rules that aligned competitors’ pricing. In addition, Greystar and other landlords discussed competitively sensitive topics — including pricing strategies, rents, and selected parameters for RealPage’s software — directly with each other.
“American greatness has always depended on free-market competition, and nowhere is competition more important than in making housing affordable again,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will continue to vigorously pursue President Trump’s pro-consumer agenda.”
“The Trump-Vance Administration is committed to promoting competition to help working class Americans pay for life’s necessities — including rent,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Whether in a smoke-filled room or through an algorithm, competitors cannot share competitively sensitive information or align prices to the detriment of American consumers.”
If approved by the court, the proposed consent decree would require Greystar to:
- Refrain from using any anticompetitive algorithm that generates pricing recommendations using its competitors’ competitively sensitive data or that incorporates certain anticompetitive features;
- Refrain from sharing competitively sensitive information with competitors;
- Accept a court-appointed monitor if it uses a third-party pricing algorithm that is not certified pursuant to the terms of the consent decree;
- Refrain from attending or participating in RealPage-hosted meetings of competing landlords; and
- Cooperate with the United States’ monopolization claims against RealPage.
As required by the Tunney Act, the proposed settlement, along with a competitive impact statement, will be published in the Federal Register. Any interested person should submit written comments concerning the proposed settlement within 60 days following the publication to Danielle Hauck, Acting Chief, Technology and Digital Platforms Section, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice, 450 Fifth Street NW, Suite 7050, Washington, DC 20530. At the conclusion of the public comment period, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina may enter the final judgment upon finding it is in the public interest.
Greystar is a residential property manager headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina.
Justice Department Ends Half-Century-Old Desegregation Cases in Florida and MississippiRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division announced today the dismissal of two desegregation cases in Hendry County, Florida, and Copiah County, Mississippi, concluding matters that have remained on the docket for more than half a century.
The cases of Hendry County, Florida and Copiah County, Mississippi were first filed in 1970, each in connection with unlawful operations of dual school systems based on race. After thorough review, the Civil Rights Division determined that both Counties are unitary in their schools, eliminating the vestiges of prior de jure segregation to the extent practicable. On Aug. 5, the Court formally dismissed the case of Hendry County with prejudice. On Aug. 6, the Court formally dismissed the case of Copiah County with prejudice.
“In this administration, we are ending prolonged court oversight that does not reflect the reality in classrooms today,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. “After fifty-five years of federal control, these local school districts can use taxpayer dollars that were spent on monitoring for past vestiges of racism, and can redirect those funds instead for the direct benefit of students.”
Note: Click to read the court filings for Hendry County, Florida and Copiah County, Mississippi.
Jacksonville Man Arrested for Attempting to Entice A 13-Year-Old Child to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Tony Leroy Bartley, Jr. (37, Jacksonville) with using his cellphone and the internet to attempt to entice a 13-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Bartley faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. On August 5, 2025, Bartley was arrested by FBI agents in Ponte Vedra Beach. He remains in custody pending a detention hearing set for August 11, 2025.
According to court documents, between June 17 and July 30, 2025, an FBI agent (UC) in Jacksonville was conducting an undercover operation on an online social media application (“app”) to identify adults who were seeking to make online contact with and engage in sexual activity with children. On July 25, 26, and 29, 2025, the UC and app user “keven” exchanged several private online messages on the app and via text message. After the UC advised “keven” that “she” was only 13 years old, “keven” suggested that they engage in sexual activity. App user “keven,” who was subsequently identified as Bartley, asked the “child” about her sexual experience, described sexual acts that he wanted to perform on the “child,” and sent an explicit photo of himself to the “child.”
A criminal complaint 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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 and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Islesford Man Pleads Guilty to Providing False Information to a Firearms DealerRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: An Islesford man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Portland on Wednesday to providing false information to a federal firearms dealer.
According to court records, William Heutz, 32, purchased a Glock Model 19 9mm pistol from a licensed federal firearms dealer in February 2023. In filling out a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Form 4473 required for the purchase, Heutz indicated that he was the firearm’s actual buyer. However, according to electronic messages obtained by investigators, he straw purchased the pistol for another individual, who provided money for the purchase. Heutz kept the money left over from the exchange and transferred the firearm to that individual.
Heutz faces up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 followed by up to three years of supervised release. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
ATF investigated the case.
Straw Purchasing: A straw purchase is an illegal firearm purchase where the actual buyer of the gun, being unable to pass the required federal background check or desiring to not have his or her name associated with the transaction, uses a proxy buyer who can pass the required background check to purchase the firearm for him/her.
Project Safe Neighborhoods: This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. To learn more information about Project Safe Neighborhood, visit www.justice.gov/psn.
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Illegal aliens sentenced for drug trafficking and possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming announced today that a drug trafficking case involving two illegal aliens in possession of firearms resulted in lengthy sentences for both defendants.
Oscar Espinoza-Duarte (Espinoza), 32, of Chihuahua, Mexico was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release to follow for two counts of distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting that offense; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. German Ortiz-Esparza (Ortiz), 35, of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, was sentenced to 120 month’s imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for the distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting that crime and being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.
During an investigation into drug trafficking activities in the District of Wyoming, including the Wind River Indian Reservation (WRIR) and surrounding communities, Agents of the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) received information that Espinoza and Ortiz were known to supply methamphetamine to multiple distributors on the WRIR. Through the investigation, agents learned that Espinoza and Ortiz were frequently driving to Denver to pick up large quantities of methamphetamine and returning to the area of the WRIR where they sold it to distributors.
According to court documents, on Feb. 25, agents arrested both men at Espinoza’s trailer. Ortiz had 8 grams of cocaine and a 9mm pistol on his person and Espinoza had a .45 caliber pistol. In the trailer agents found a pound of methamphetamine, three additional firearms, including a pistol with an obliterated serial number, and over $5,000 in cash.
Espinoza and Ortiz were indicted on March 20. Espinoza pleaded guilty on May 14 and Ortiz pleaded guilty on May 15. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced Ortiz on Aug. 5 and Espinoza on Aug. 7 in Casper.
This crime was investigated by the DCI, FBI and the Safe Trails Task Force, and assisted by state and local law enforcement, BIA and ICE. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist. This conviction 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 transactional criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Case No. 25-CR-00050
Illegal Immigrant Who Murdered the Mother of His Children Gets 24 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Mario Miguel Banegas Deras, 43, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today in Superior Court for the beating, stabbing, and strangulation death of Maria Magdalena Ayala Guardado in Northwest, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Banegas Deras pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed on April 15, 2025. Superior Court Judge J. Michael Ryan sentenced Banegas Deras to 24 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release.
“This illegal lowlife killed the mother of his children in the most heinous way, after abusing her throughout their relationship,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. “Domestic violence is something that we will not tolerate from anyone, particularly those who are not legal citizens of this country who break the law. For any woman in a violent relationship please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.”
According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 6:30 a.m. on December 15, 2024, 42-year-old Mario Miguel Banegas Deras, went to 744 Girard Street, NW, where he had lived with the victim, Maria Magdalena Ayala Guardado, and their 3 children until approximately one week before the murder, after Ms. Ayala told him to leave the home due to continued physical and emotional abuse. On that day, Banegas Deras entered the apartment building and made his way to the lower level where he exited the building at the storage/garage area and attempted to open the garage door. When he couldn’t get in the garage, the defendant re-entered the building where he waited in hiding for the victim to make her way to the garage, as she did every day. Ninety minutes later, Maria Magdalena Ayala Guardado exited the building, unlocked and then entered the garage. The defendant, who had been watching her through a small window, followed her into the garage and immediately closed the door. Once the defendant had Ms. Ayala trapped inside the garage, he killed the victim by strangling her, hitting her in the head over fourteen times with a brick, and stabbing her in the neck. Thirty-five minutes after closing the garage door, Banegas Deras called 9-1-1 and reported that he’d just killed his wife by strangling her. The defendant was placed under arrest at the scene.
Shortly after the defendant’s arrest, the government obtained a Warrant of Removal/Deportation with the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Upon completion of his sentence, the defendant will be deported to his country of origin, Honduras.
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 Assistant U.S. Attorney, Marybeth Manfreda, who prosecuted the case.
Illegal Aliens with Violent Histories, Multiple DWIs Sentenced in AustinRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – Multiple violent offenders in the U.S. illegally were sentenced to federal prison in Austin this week.
Nery Flores-Flores, of Mexico, was sentenced to 65 months in prison for illegal re-entry. Flores-Flores was arrested by the Kinney County Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 9, 2024, for criminal trespass and evading arrest near Brackettville. He was remanded into federal custody on Feb. 21 and pleaded guilty May 12. Flores-Flores had previously been removed from the U.S. four times and granted two voluntary returns. He has also prior convictions for illegal re-entries, felon in possession of a firearm, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence/battery, and grand theft auto.
Mexican national Angel Mireles-Maldonado was sentenced to 51 months after he was encountered at the Travis County Jail in October 2024. He had been arrested and convicted for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and sentenced to 10 months. Prior to that, he had been convicted of three DWIs and assault causing bodily injury. Additionally, Mireles-Maldonado has been convicted of illegal re-entry twice before and removed from the U.S. four times.
Angel Navarro-Miranda, also a Mexican national, was sentenced to 12 months and one day for illegal re-entry. He was encountered at the Travis County Jail on March 12 after being arrested for DWI, collision involving damage. Prior to his arrest in March, Navarro-Miranda had been convicted of DWI four times between August 2000 and May 2009. He had previously been removed from the U.S. in September 2010.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
These cases are 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).
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Illegal Alien Sentenced to 120 Months in Federal Prison for Trafficking Drugs and Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
BOISE – Edwin Reyes-Parra, 22, of Mexico, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl while in possession of a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced today.
Between June and October 2024, Reyes-Parra distributed over 4 pounds of methamphetamine and smaller amounts of fentanyl and fluorofentanyl into the community. In December 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence and located 75.5 grams of fentanyl, a firearm, and $2,000.00 in cash. Prior to the execution of the warrant, Reyes-Parra attempted to flush drugs down the toilet. Upon completion of his sentence, Reyes-Parra, an alien born in Mexico and without legal authority to be in the United States, is likely to be deported back to Mexico.
Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Nampa Police Department Special Investigations Unit, the Boise Police Department, the High Desert Drug Task Force, the Oregon State Police, and the Payette County Narcotics Task Force, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Morse and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kane Venecia prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney position.
The High Desert Drug Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach. They are supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Illegal Alien Sentenced for Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Salvador Diaz-Hermosillo, age 39, a Mexican national unlawfully present in the United States, was sentenced to 6 months in prison for one count of Illegal Alien in Possession of a Firearm.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Sallisaw Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division.
On March 12, 2025, Diaz-Hermosillo pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on January 31, 2025, Diaz-Hermosillo, an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States, who knew of his status, knowingly possessed a semi-automatic rifle within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
Illegal aliens are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5).
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).
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Diaz-Hermosillo was remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dak T. Cohen represented the United States.
Husband and Wife Indicted for Starving Child to DeathRead the Press Release
Ft. Stewart Army Base, Liberty County, GA: A federal grand jury, in the Southern District of Georgia, indicted a husband and wife for murdering their child, Vyolet Kelley, by depriving her of adequate nourishment and medical care.
On August 8, 2025, a federal court unsealed a federal indictment charging Brandon M. Kelley, 29, and Stacey D. Kelley, 26, of Ft. Stewart, GA, with several charges related to the unlawful death of their child. The federal grand jury indicted them for Felony Murder and two counts of Second Degree Murder, all counts alleging that the child died because she was deprived of adequate nourishment and medical care while living at Fort Stewart Military Reservation. The family lived at Fort Stewart because Brandon Kelley was an enlisted soldier during the time outlined in the indictment.
“The allegations in this case are heartbreaking on many levels. Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue justice,” said Acting United States Attorney Tara M. Lyons.
The case was investigated by the United States Army Criminal Investigative Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy P. Dean and E. Greg Gilluly, Jr. Upon conviction, the Kelleys face potential penalties up to life in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
For any questions, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
38-25
Honduran National Sentenced to 5 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Yesterday, Herlin Yovany Guerrero-Zelaya, 53 years old, of Honduras residing in Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to felony reentry of removed alien, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor.
Herlin Yovany Guerrero-Zelaya was sentenced to 5 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release.According to documents in the case, Guerrero-Zelaya’s criminal history includes two prior driving under the influence convictions, and multiple other driving related offenses. He was previously removed from the United States on four separate occasions in 1999, 2015, and twice in 2017.
“Herlin Yovany Guerrero-Zelaya illegally reentered the country after already having been removed on four separate occasions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Proctor. “Illegal reentry of this kind is a federal crime, and just like any other federal crime, it will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted in this District. My thanks go out to the law enforcement professionals who brought this case to a just end.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily Morgan.
Honduran Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa – A Honduran citizen was sentenced on August 8, 2025, to 18 months in federal prison for illegally returning to the United States after being deported.
According to public court documents, Mario Fernando Padilla Barahona, 28, had previously been deported from the United States once in 2020. In September 2024, law enforcement encountered Padilla Barahona when he was arrested for operating while intoxicated after he drove on the wrong side of the road, lost control of his vehicle, and crashed into a utility pole. Prior to his 2020 removal, Padilla Barahona was convicted of online solicitation of a minor in the Texas District Court for Montgomery County.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Padilla Barahona will be required to serve a two-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Hobbs Woman Sentenced for High-Speed Chase that led to Fentanyl and Meth BustRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Hobbs woman involved in a high-speed chase with law enforcement was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses uncovered during an investigation into a significant fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution operation.
According to court records, on October 19, 2023, agents with the Lea County Drug Task Force (LCDTF) received information that a vehicle traveling in Hobbs, New Mexico, contained fentanyl pills and methamphetamine. Agents located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Amber Dawn Rogers Johnson, 39, was identified as the passenger. The vehicle was registered to both Johnson and the driver.
During the traffic stop, agents observed a handgun in the front passenger seat near Johnson. A canine unit alerted to the odor of narcotics, and the vehicle was towed pending a search warrant.
On October 20, 2023, a search warrant was executed, revealing approximately 425 grams of fentanyl pills, 98 net grams of pure methamphetamine and three firearms.
On November 9, 2023, LCDTF agents tracked a vehicle, Johnson’s was a passenger in, to Tatum, New Mexico and attempted a second traffic stop, however the driver fled from officers over the Texas border. Deputies from the Yoakum County Sheriff's Office located the vehicle and began to pursue from Yoakum County into Gaines County where the Gaines County Sheriff's Office joined the pursuit.
During the pursuit, Johnson shot at Yoakum County Sheriff’s Deputies and threw a backpack containing narcotics and firearms from the vehicle before fleeing back over the state border into Hobbs, New Mexico where they were located by LCDTF agents after Johnson and the driver crashed the vehicle and fled on foot. Officers pursued and arrested them a short time later.
Yoakum County Sheriff’s Deputies located the backpack Johnson threw out of the vehicle. Inside the back was 1,129 grams of fentanyl pills and 814 grams of methamphetamine. Deputies also located two firearms nearby.
When LCDTF agents searched the vehicle, they located another 13 grams of methamphetamine, 616.6 grams of liquid fentanyl, multiple loaded rifles, magazines and ammunition, including hollow point bullets. In total, approximately 827 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 1.7 kilograms of fentanyl, and five firearms were seized on November 9, 2023.
On April 7, 2025, Johnson pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
Upon her release from prison, Johnson will be subject to five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Omar Arellano, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, made the announcement today.
The DEA’s El Paso Division investigated this case with the assistance of the Lea County Drug Task Force, Yoakum County Sheriff's Office and the Gaines County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Williams is prosecuting this case.
Grand Jury Returns 4-Count Indictment Charging Two Defendants with Assaulting Federal Officers at Immigration Protest in Downtown Los AngelesRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A federal grand jury today indicted a Los Angeles woman and a South Bay man on charges that they assaulted federal officers stationed at a federal building in downtown Los Angeles – property that one of them defaced – during an anti-immigration enforcement protest last month.
Erin Petra Escobar, 34, of the Palms neighborhood of Los Angeles, is charged with one felony count of assault on a federal officer or employee and one misdemeanor count of depredation of government property.
Nick Elias Gutierrez, 20, of Hawthorne, is charged with two felonies: one count of assault on a federal officer or employee and one count of assault on a federal officer or employee resulting in bodily injury.
The defendants’ arraignments are scheduled for August 15 in United States District Court in Los Angeles. Both Escobar and Gutierrez are free on $5,000 bond.
According to the indictment and court documents previously filed in this case, a small group of protesters on July 17 gathered near the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and United States Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles. The group was protesting federal immigration enforcement operations that had recently been occurring. Various entrances to the Roybal building clearly indicate that it is federal property.
A federal officer saw a protester – later identified as Escobar – using a permanent marker to write on and damage federal property. Minutes later, officers approached Escobar and attempted to detain her.
While the officers attempted to detain Escobar, a second protester – later identified as Gutierrez – used both hands to grab the shoulder straps of an officer’s bulletproof vest and began shaking the officer. The officer, helped by two other federal officers, attempted to detain Gutierrez. During the ensuing struggle, one of the officers dislocated his left ring finger.
Escobar and Gutierrez eventually were detained and arrested. While in custody and en route to a nearby holding cell, Escobar audibly filled her throat with saliva and spat into the face of one of the officers.
An indictment contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If convicted, Escobar would face a statutory maximum sentence of eight years in federal prison for the assault charge and up to one year in federal prison on the depredation charge. If convicted, Gutierrez would face up to 20 years in federal prison for the assault resulting in injury count and a maximum sentence of eight years in federal prison for the assault count.
The United States Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Protective Service is investigating this matter.
The General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.
Ghanaian Nationals Extradited for Roles in Criminal Organization That Stole More Than $100 Million Through Romance Scams and Other FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Christopher G. Raia, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging four Ghanaian nationals, ISAAC ODURO BOATENG, a/k/a “Kofi Boat,” INUSAH AHMED, a/k/a “Pascal,” DERRICK VAN YEBOAH, a/k/a “Van,” and PATRICK KWAME ASARE, a/k/a “Borgar,” for their roles in an international criminal organization that stole more than $100 million from victims via romance scams and business email compromises. They further announced Ghana’s extradition of BOATENG, AHMED, and VAN YEBOAH, who arrived in the U.S. on August 7, 2025, and will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. ASARE remains at large. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian.
“As alleged, Isaac Oduro Boateng, Inusah Ahmed, Derrick van Yeboah, and Patrick Kwame Asare led and participated in an international fraud ring that engaged in a massive conspiracy to defraud vulnerable people and steal from businesses,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Offshore scammers should know that we, the FBI, and our law enforcement partners will work around the world to combat online fraud and bring perpetrators to justice.”
“The defendants have been brought to the United States to be held accountable for their alleged roles in scamming companies and vulnerable Americans out of over $100 million,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. “Deceiving businesses using email compromise campaigns and tricking innocent elderly victims through fraudulent companionship in order to exploit their trust and finances is not merely appalling but illegal. The FBI will continue to ensure anyone who preys on companies and vulnerable Americans online is made to face the criminal justice system.”
As alleged in the Indictment:[1]
BOATENG, AHMED, VAN YEBOAH, and ASARE were high-ranking members of a criminal organization based in Ghana that committed romance scams and business email compromises against individuals and businesses located across the U.S.
Many of the conspiracy’s victims were vulnerable older men and women who were tricked into believing that they were in online romantic relationships with people who were, in fact, fake identities assumed by members of the conspiracy. Once members of the conspiracy had gained the trust of their victims, they deceived those victims into sending their money to the enterprise or into helping them launder funds from other victims. The conspirators also committed business email compromises to trick and deceive businesses into wiring funds to the enterprise. In total, the conspiracy stole and laundered more than $100 million from dozens of victims.
After stealing the money, the fraud proceeds were then laundered to West Africa, where they were largely funneled to individuals called “chairmen,” who directed the activities of other members of the conspiracy. BOATENG and AHMED were considered chairmen of the organization.
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BOATENG, 36; AHMED, 40; VAN YEBOAH, 40; and ASARE, 39, each of Ghana, are charged with one count of wire fraud conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of money laundering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to receive stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of receipt of stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI. He also thanked Ghana and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for their assistance.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with the International Cooperation Unit of the Office of the Attorney-General of Ghana to secure the extraditions to the United States. Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office, the Ghana Police Service – INTERPOL, Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority, and Ghana’s National Intelligence Bureau all provided significant assistance to ensure the success of these extraditions.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mead and Mitzi Steiner are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
u.s._v._boateng_et_al_indictment.pdf
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitutes only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.
Four Men Arrested and Federally Charged Following Multi-Agency Child Exploitation OperationRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, the Ellsworth AFB Office of Special Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the FBI conducted a joint sex-trafficking and child exploitation operation during the 2025 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
“This sophisticated sting operation pulled together local, state, and federal law enforcement resources to take dangerous sexual predators off the streets and out of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “We are fortunate here in South Dakota to have officers, agents, and detectives who collaborate each and every day to protect children throughout the state. Now that the operation has safely concluded, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is pleased to announce that four local men have been arrested and will be held to account in federal court.”
The operation resulted in federal charges against the following four men who were all separately arrested while attempting to meet with a person who they believed to be a 14-year-old girl for the purposes of engaging in sexual activity:
- Elmer Hopper, 36, Rapid City—charged with Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.
- Beau Remington, 23, Black Hawk—charged with Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet and Attempted Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor.
- Jayson “Javi” Gomez, 30, Rapid City—charged with Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.
- Joshua Michael Allen, 36, Hermosa—charged with Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.
“All the individuals who were arrested in this operation are South Dakota residents,” said South Dakota ICAC Task Force Commander Toby Russell. “This is a sad statistic for our state, but it is a reminder why these operations and investigations are so important. The level of support, cooperation, and teamwork between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies during this operation is unique and does not happen elsewhere. This operation is truly a team effort. All the law enforcement personnel who participated in this operation and the members of the South Dakota ICAC Task Force work tirelessly every day to keep the children of South Dakota safe. They should all be commended for their tenacity and professionalism in how they pursue these offenders.”
The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction for Attempted Enticement of a Minor is 10 years up to life in federal prison, along with a minimum term of supervised release of five years up to life.
These cases are brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The cases are being federally prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox.
The charges are merely accusations, and all four defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Fort Wayne, Indiana Man Charged with Transportation and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on August 7, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Marco Antonio Jimenez Gonzalez, 27, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, with transportation and possession of child pornography.
Gonzalez’s arraignment on the indictment will occur on August 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle.
According to court records, Gonzalez attempted to reenter the United States at the Highgate Springs Port of Entry on July 23, 2025. During the reentry process, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers found child sexual abuse material, also known as child pornography, on Gonzalez’s cell phone and laptop. Law enforcement arrested Gonzalez that same day.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Gonzalez is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Gonzalez faces up to 40 years of imprisonment and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years if convicted on all counts. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations.
The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Joshua L. Banker. Gonzalez is represented by Brooks McArthur, Esq.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Former State Trooper Sentenced to Prison for Conspiracy to Falsify CDL Test ScoresRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Massachusetts State Police (MSP) trooper was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his role in a conspiracy to falsify records by giving passing scores to certain Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) applicants, including individuals who had failed or did not take the CDL skills test as required by federal law.
Perry Mendes, 64, of Wareham, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to one month in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release with the first two months on home confinement. The government recommended a sentence of one year in prison and a fine of $5,500.
In July 2025, Mendes pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to falsify records, three counts of falsifying records and two counts of making false statements. In January 2024, Mendes was charged in a 74-count indictment along with five others in the alleged conspiracy and related schemes.
Members of MSP’s CDL Unit were responsible for administering CDL skills tests. Test requirements for CDLs are established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The CDL skills test is a demanding, in-person test that consists of three segments: Vehicle Inspection, in which an applicant is tested on their knowledge of the vehicle; Basic Control Skills, in which an applicant is tested on their ability to perform certain maneuvers; and the Road Test, in which an applicant is tested on their ability to drive a commercial vehicle on an open roadway. Only drivers who have passed the test and thereby proved they are capable and qualified to drive a commercial vehicle may be issued a CDL, with the primary goal of public safety.
Between January 2019 and April 2022, Mendes conspired with others to give automatic passing scores to at least 17 CDL applicants on their skills tests regardless of whether they actually passed, using the code word “golden handshake” or “golden,” for short, to identify applicants who would receive special treatment.
In July 2025, Mendes admitted to his role in the alleged conspiracy, including that he cut skills tests short for “golden” applicants; that he entered false information on CDL score sheets indicating that certain applicants had passed the skills test when they had not; and that he reported passing scores for one applicant he knew had never taken the skills test.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Brian C. Gallagher, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine J. Wichers and Adam W. Deitch of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit are prosecuting the case.
Former Mustang Public Schools Payroll Services Director to Serve 18 Months in Federal Prison After Defrauding School District and Filing False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – KIM WEINRICH, 68, of Mustang, has been sentenced to serve 18 months in federal prison for committing wire fraud and making and subscribing a false tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to public records, between 2014 and April 2022, Weinrich was employed by Mustang Public Schools (the “District”) as Payroll Supervisor and was later promoted to Director of Payroll Services in 2021. In her roles with the District, Weinrich administered, processed, and reconciled the bi-monthly payroll for the District’s employees. Beginning in July 2016, Weinrich manipulated the District’s payroll accounting software to increase her net pay each pay period, and deposited the stolen funds into her personal bank account. Weinrich’s scheme resulted in several District employees underreporting their federal and state withholdings, which reduced the amount of their tax refunds. In all, between July 2016 and April 2022, Weinrich defrauded the District out of approximately $470,000.
“Simply put, Weinrich stole taxpayer money intended for the benefit of students, families, and employees of Mustang Public Schools,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “I applaud the efforts by the investigators and prosecutors to safeguard public funds, especially those that support Oklahoma’s education, and hold Ms. Weinrich accountable.”
Public records further indicate that Weinrich manipulated the District’s payroll accounting software to make it appear as if she paid substantial amounts in federal income taxes, when in reality, Weinrich had no federal income taxes withheld. On April 5, 2022, Weinrich filed a federal tax return where she reported an income that was substantially lower than the actual income received due to the fraud.
On December 3, 2024, Weinrich was charged by Information with wire fraud and making and subscribing a false tax return. On December 12, 2024, Weinrich pleaded guilty and admitted that she adjusted payroll amounts to herself to increase her income, manipulated payroll software to make it appear as if she were paying substantial amounts in federal and state income taxes when in fact she was not, and filed a federal tax return declaring she only made $91,295 while knowing the actual income received was substantially more.
At the sentencing hearing on July 30, 2025, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Weinrich to serve 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Wyrick also ordered Weinrich to pay $595,970.21 in total restitution, with payable $470,385.21 to Mustang Public Schools and $125,585.00 payable to the IRS. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the substantial amount of money embezzled by Weinrich and her repeated fraudulent conduct.
This case is the result of an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigation and the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cole McFerren prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Floyd County Felon Charged with Threatening to Assassinate President TrumpRead the Press Release
ROME, Ga. - Jauan Rashun Porter was arrested and detained today on federal charges of knowingly and willfully making a threat against the President of the United States.
“The allegations against Porter are serious and required a swift, decisive, and collaborative response,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “We do not tolerate threats against public officials or law enforcement officers, and Porter will now face the consequences of his actions.”
“The United States Secret Service takes threats against a protectee very seriously. We will investigate every threat, and if warranted, prosecute those who make threats to the fullest extent of the law,” said Robert Donovan, Deputy Special Agent in Charge, Atlanta Field Office, United States Secret Service.
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On July 26, 2025, Porter allegedly joined a TikTok livestream about President Trump captioned “Alligator Alcatraz,” commenting: “So there’s only one way to make America great and that is putting a bullet in between Trump’s eyes.” Over the next several minutes, Porter allegedly made further comments about killing President Trump, including the following statements:
- “I’m gonna kill Donald Trump. I’m gonna put a 7.62 bullet inside his forehead.”
- “I’m gonna watch him bleed out and I’m gonna watch him die . . . I’m gonna do that.”
When asked by the livestream host about federal agents coming to his door, Porter allegedly stated, “I’m gonna kill them too.”
During their investigation, Secret Service agents, Floyd County police officers, and State of Georgia probation officers conducted searches of Porter’s apartment and found two pipes, pistol ammunition, and Tannerite (an explosive). Porter has prior convictions for terroristic threats, influencing a witness, mutiny in a penal institution, drug possession, battery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and domestic violence. He is currently on probation.
Jauan Rashun Porter, 29, of Rome, Georgia, was charged by a criminal complaint on August 7, 2025, with making threats against the President. U.S. Magistrate Judge Walter E. Johnson ordered that Porter be detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for August 12, 2025 at 2:30 p.m.
Members of the public are reminded that the criminal complaint only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the United States Secret Service. The Floyd County Police Department, Floyd County District Attorney’s Office, and Georgia Department of Community Supervision provided valuable assistance in the investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Brian Michael Pearce is prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Florida Men Plead Guilty to Alien Smuggling Conspiracy Involving 69 AliensRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Two Miami men have pleaded guilty to federal charges for their roles in a conspiracy to smuggle aliens into the United States by sea.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between July 2024 and March 2025, Ezequiel Perez Benitez, 37, and Miguel Avoy, 36, participated in at least three alien smuggling ventures.
As part of the conspiracy, “go-fast” boats would travel from Miami-Dade County to the territorial waters of the Bahamas. During each return trip to the United States, the boats were intercepted in United States waters by U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP-AMO) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). Overall, the conspiracy involved 69 aliens of various nationalities, including China and Ecuador.
The conspiracy also involved the transportation of aliens within the United States after they had entered the country unlawfully. A third co-defendant, Baisheng An, a Chinese national, pleaded guilty on June 9 to charges related to conspiracy and the transportation of aliens. An was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in during an investigative operation targeting the human smuggling network.
All aliens interdicted at sea were either prosecuted for illegal reentry into the United States, returned to their country of departure, in this case the Bahamas, or turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), for further immigration proceedings.
Several additional co-conspirators have been charged in separate, related cases.
Avoy was sentenced to 24 months in prison for his role in the conspiracy. Perez is scheduled to be sentenced on October 30 at 10:30 a.m. in Miami. He faces up to 10 years in prison, followed by up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.
United States Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jose R. Figueroa of HSI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
HSI Miami investigated the case with assistance from CBP-AMO and USCG, Southeast Coast Guard District.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Tanner Stiehl is prosecuting the case.
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-10027.
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Film Production Accountant Charged in Six-Count Federal Indictment with Embezzling More Than $1.9 Million from Indie FilmsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A film production accountant from the San Fernando Valley has been charged in a federal grand jury indictment alleging he embezzled more than $1.9 million from the film productions that employed him, using the illicitly obtained funds to stay at Las Vegas hotels and socialize with pornographic actresses, the Justice Department announced today.
Joshua Mandel, 46, of Woodland Hills, is charged with six counts of wire fraud. He is expected to make his initial appearance and be arraigned on September 10 in United States District Court in Los Angeles.
According to the indictment returned on Thursday, Mandel owned the Woodland Hills-based company First J Productions Inc., where he served as both its CEO and chief financial officer. He also worked as a film production accountant who specialized in accounting services for independent films. As a production accountant, Mandel oversaw cash flow, payroll, and expenses for the film productions. He also added funds to prepaid debit cards issued by CASHét Card that are commonly used in the film industry and was an authorized user for bank accounts belonging to the production companies.
From 2019 to 2023, Mandel misappropriated funds belonging to the film productions by writing unauthorized checks, making unauthorized wire transfers, and moving funds into a CASHét Card account he controlled called “Fun Fun Fun.”
Mandel also used the embezzled money to maintain his lifestyle, including paying hundreds of thousands of dollars to various young women, including pornographic actresses, and more than $129,000 to a woman he met through a “sugar daddy” website; spending more than $24,000 at Las Vegas hotels, clubs, and shows; and purchasing more than $12,000 in luxury items from Louis Vuitton. To hide his scheme, Mandel used funds from one production company to pay expenses incurred by another.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted of all charges, Mandel would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each count.
The FBI is investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Alexander B. Schwab, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, is prosecuting this case.
Federal Jury Convicts Sequoyah County Resident of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of A MinorRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Justin Floyd Qualls, a/k/a Jay Qualls, age 40, of Muldrow, Oklahoma, was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country.
The jury trial began with testimony on August 5, 2025, and concluded on August 7, 2025, with the guilty verdict.
During the trial, the United States presented evidence that in May 2024, Qualls knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a child who had not attained 12 years of age. The crime occurred in Adair County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation of Oklahoma, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The guilty verdict was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Timothy M. Reif, U.S. Judge for the United States Court of International Trade, sitting by assignment in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the trial in Muskogee and ordered the completion of a presentence report. The sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. Qualls will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals until sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessie K. Pippin and Emily Wittlinger represented the United States.
Federal Indictment Charges Woman with Defrauding FEMA After Tropical Storm HeleneRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A federal grand jury in Asheville returned a criminal indictment charging Peggy Lee Cantrell, 40, of Marion, North Carolina, with defrauding the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) following Tropical Storm Helene, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
“Disaster relief resources were intended to help Western North Carolina get back on its feet after the devastation left by Helene,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “Knowing that federal funding is often followed by federal fraud, my office is committed to ferreting out such fraud and our work is far from over. We will continue to bring to justice those who fraudulently used taxpayer money for personal gain because full recovery from Helene is going to take every available dollar.”
On September 27, 2024, Tropical Storm Helene struck the Western District of North Carolina, causing massive devastation, including extensive property damage and loss of life. On September 28, 2025, Tropical Storm Helene was declared a major disaster, and federal agencies were able to provide relief to affected individuals and entities in the impacted areas through financial assistance for repairs of impacted properties. FEMA made financial assistance and benefits available to individuals and families who were affected by the storm (victims). Victims, including renters and property owners, who lost the use of their residences could qualify for FEMA benefits. Specifically, victims could seek relief for home repair, personal property damage, transportation, medical expenses, and housing assistance, among other benefits.
According to allegations in the indictment, on or about February 22, 2025, Cantrell filed an application for disaster assistance with FEMA for a dwelling she claimed was located at 193 Beaver Creek Road, in Marion, and was damaged by Tropical Storm Helene. The indictment alleges that, in the application, Cantrell asserted that she rented the property and that the damaged dwelling was her primary residence. On or about February 27, 2025, Cantrell allegedly amended her FEMA application’s residential status from renter to owner of the damaged dwelling. Contrary to her claims, the indictment alleges that Cantrell never lived at, rented or owned a residence or structure at that location. In fact, no dwelling existed at that location at the time the storm struck the area, and Cantrell was residing in Wake County, well outside the effects of Tropical Storm Helene. Then on February 28, 2025, Cantrell falsely represented to a FEMA inspector that she owned the residential trailer that was destroyed, but not the land where the trailer was placed.
According to allegations contained in the indictment, on or about March 8, 2025, Cantrell submitted a handwritten letter to FEMA attesting that the information she provided was “true and correct.” She allegedly wrote that she had purchased the dwelling from J.W. of South Carolina for $8,500 and that she had lived at 193 Beaver Creek Road for 25 years. She also falsely attested that that all of her important personal documents “got washed away by Hurricane Helene.” In connection with her application, and as part of her fraudulent scheme, Cantrell also allegedly filed a falsified “Residential Property And Owner’s Association Disclosure Statement,” to support her claim that she had purchased 193 Beaver Creek Road in 2005, from an individual identified as R.E., knowing that was not a true statement. The indictment alleges that, in the Disclosure Statement, Cantrell used the name and signature of R.E., without R.E.’s consent or knowledge, in order to convince FEMA of the validity of her claim for benefits.
On March 12, 2025, FEMA paid Cantrell’s false claim and wired $30,631.59 to Green Dot Bank in Pasadena, California. It is alleged that Cantrell withdrew funds from a credit union in Marion, North Carolina.
Cantrell appeared in federal court this morning. She is charged with fraud in connection with a major disaster or emergency benefits and aggravated identity theft. If convicted, she faces up to 30 years in prison for the disaster benefits fraud charge and two years in prison for the aggravated identity theft charge, to be served consecutive to any other prison term imposed.
The charges against Cantrell are allegations and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney Ferguson commended the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General and FEMA’s Fraud Investigations and Inspections Division for their investigation of the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville is prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina is committed to protecting federal disaster relief programs from waste, fraud and abuse. To report suspected disaster-related fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) at 1-866-720-5721, or online at www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm.
Española Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges in 2023 AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Española man pleaded guilty to federal assault charges for attacking a woman in 2023, causing her serious bodily injuries.
According to court records, in the early morning hours of September 21, 2023, Isiah Gutierrez-Arquero, 29, an enrolled member of the Santa Clara Pueblo, punched and kicked Jane Doe. He threw her against a wall, sat on her chest, and strangled her with both hands. As a result of the assault, Jane Doe sustained serious bodily injuries.
Gutierrez-Arquero pleaded guilty to assault by strangulation and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. At sentencing, Gutierrez-Arquero faces up to 10 years in prison for each felony charge. Upon his release from prison, Gutierrez-Arquero will be subject to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Jones is prosecuting the case.
Dulce Man Pleads Guilty to AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Dulce man pleaded guilty to assaulting a man and causing severe injuries.
According to court records, on February 2, 2025, James William Julian, 25, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Indian Tribe, assaulted John Doe by repeatedly punching him the face. As a result of the assault, John Doe suffered serious bodily injury.
Julian pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Julian will remain in custody pending sentencing. At sentencing, Julian faces up to 10 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Julian will be subject to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.
Dominican National Previously Convicted of Drug Distribution Indicted for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national unlawfully residing in Worcester has been indicted for illegally reentering the United States after deportation. The defendant was previously convicted and sentenced for illegal reentry in 2020 and subsequently removed from the United States.
Jose Luis Urena-Vasquez, 48, is charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.
According to court filings, Urena Vasquez was encountered by immigration officials in 2008 while serving an 11-month sentence for drug distribution in the Essex County House of Corrections. Upon completion of his sentence, Urena Vasquez was placed into removal proceedings and was deported to the Dominican Republic on March 25, 2009.
Sometime after his removal, Urena Vasquez illegally reentered the United States. In 2018, he was charged in Lawrence District Court with armed assault to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm. He then fled the state and in July 2018, Urena Vasquez was arrested in Florida on the state charges and returned to Massachusetts to face trial. In October 2018, he was indicted by a federal grand jury for unlawful reentry of a deported alien and pleaded guilty to the offense in May 2019. He was subsequently sentenced in April 2020 to eight months in prison to be served consecutively with pending charges in Essex Superior Court – and three years of supervised release.
According to the indictment filed today, Urena-Vasquez was removed from the United States in February 2024. It is alleged that sometime after his 2024 removal, Urena-Vasquez unlawfully re-entered the United States.
This charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien whose removal was subsequent to a conviction for the commission of an aggravated felony provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation 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 and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. 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 defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
District of Arizona Charges 172 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct this WeekRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – During the week of enforcement operations from August 2, 2025, through August 8, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 172 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 77 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 73 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 18 cases against 22 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Recent matters of interest include:
United States v. Josue Sanchez: On August 5, 2025, a Pinal County Sherriff’s Detective attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle that was travelling at a high rate of speed on interstate 10. The vehicle quickly exited I-10 and abruptly drove off into the desert before coming to a stop. The vehicle’s doors opened, and three subjects fled on foot. Two of the subjects were wearing camouflage clothing. As the detective drove towards the three subjects, all three stopped and were taken into custody. The driver was identified as Josue Sanchez, an 18-year-old United States citizen. The two subjects in camouflage clothing were determined to be citizens of Mexico, illegally present in the United States. Sanchez was on federal probation for transporting illegal aliens at the time he was arrested. Sanchez was charged by criminal complaint with Transportation of an Illegal Alien, in violation of Title 8, U.S.C., § 1324(a)(1)(A)(ii) and 1324(a)(1)(B)(ii). Case Number: 25-MJ-05345-PHX-DMF
United States v. Luis Alberto Romero Garcia: On July 9, 2025, a Payson Police Department officer conducted a vehicle stop on a minivan for traffic violations. The officer discovered eleven passengers in the minivan. The driver and passengers were citizens of Mexico, illegally present in the United States. Because the officer did not have federal authority to detain the occupants of the minivan and was unable to prolong the traffic stop, the occupants were released. The officer contacted Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Agents located and conducted a stop on the minivan in Phoenix on August 5, 2025. At the time of the vehicle stop, agents observed more subjects in the minivan than seats or seatbelts, with two subjects lying on the vehicle floorboards unrestrained. Two subjects were unaccompanied minors. One minor was lying on the floor of the minivan. The eleven passengers were determined to be citizens of Mexico, illegally present in the United States. The driver, Luis Alberto Romero Garcia, was also determined to be a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States. Romero Garcia was charged by criminal complaint with Transportation of an Illegal Alien, in violation of Title 8, U.S.C., § 1324(a)(1)(A)(ii) and 1324(a)(1)(B)(ii). Case Number: 25-MJ-05369-PHX-DMF
United States v. Gilberto Trevizo-Garcia: On August 7, 2025, Gilberto Trevizo-Garcia was charged by criminal complaint with Re-entry of a Removed Alien in violation of Title 8, U.S.C. § 1326(a) and (b)(1). Trevizo-Garcia had been previously removed from the United States in 2023 after being convicted of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Controlled Substances, and Manufacture and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance in the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio. Romo-Ortiz was sentenced to 78 months of incarceration, and 3 years of supervised release in the Ohio case. Case Number: 25-mj-05368-PHX-DMF
These cases are 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).
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-132_August 8 Immigration Enforcement
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials and Drug and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Rodney Williams was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography, possession of methamphetamine and cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. Senior U.S. District Judge Susan Illston handed down the sentence.
Williams, 55, of San Francisco, was charged by information on Oct. 7, 2024. On May 16, 2025, he pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of child pornography, one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of cocaine, and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
According to the plea agreement, on or about July 24, 2024, law enforcement conducted a search of Williams’s home and vehicle in the Potrero Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, which led to the finding of his iPhone. Williams admitted that his iPhone contained 555 images and 147 videos depicting child sexual abuse materials, and that at least one of these files depicted a minor under 12 years old. Separately, Williams also admitted that on or about April 3, 2024, he knowingly possessed nine video files in his digital storage account depicting child sexual abuse materials, including at least one file that depicted a minor under 12 years old.
Law enforcement also found controlled substances and firearms during the July 24, 2024, search. Specifically, Williams possessed with intent to distribute nearly 3.8 kilograms of methamphetamine and over 1 kilogram of cocaine. Williams also acknowledged possessing approximately 100 grams net weight of heroin and approximately 17 grams of fentanyl. He also possessed 11 firearms and two other weapons, including two AK-style rifles, two AR-style rifles, a semiautomatic .22 caliber rifle, a bolt-action rifle, five semiautomatic handguns, a revolver handgun, and a shotgun, as well as over 116 pounds of ammunition of multiple calibers. In addition, he had body armor, as well as various firearm magazines and accessories, such as optical scopes and a firearm suppressor. At the time Williams possessed the firearms and ammunition, he had been convicted of multiple felonies, including, among others, assault with a firearm on a person and harmful material sent to induce a minor.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Brannigan, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Topper made the announcement.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Illston also sentenced the defendant to a five-year period of supervised release and ordered him to pay $89,000 in restitution to victims of the child sexual abuse material he possessed. The defendant was immediately remanded into custody to begin serving his sentence.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli J. Cohen prosecuted the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI, ATF, and the San Francisco Police Department.
Colorado Man Pleads Guilty to Years-Long Scheme to Defraud the IRS and for Operating a Multi-Million Dollar Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Colorado man pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring to defraud the United States and tax evasion related to his promotion and use of an illegal tax shelter. He also pleaded guilty to wire fraud related to his operation of a fraudulent investment scheme.
The following is according to court documents and other statements made in court: from 2018 through 2023, Timothy McPhee, of Estes Park, promoted a fraudulent tax shelter to taxpayers across the country. The tax shelter was made up of a private family foundation and three trusts called a business trust, family trust, and charitable trust. McPhee taught clients who purchased the tax shelter how to use the trusts and foundation to evade paying federal income taxes on nearly all their income.
Among other directions, McPhee instructed clients to assign nearly all their business income to the trusts and to file false tax returns that made it seem as if that income belonged to the trusts, not the client. He also told clients to spend the money in the trust bank accounts on their own personal expenses and to fraudulently claim those expenses as deductions on the trust tax returns. As a result, clients who used the tax shelter paid taxes on only about 2% of their income. But because the clients funded the trusts, controlled the money in the trusts, and benefitted from the trust funds, the income funneled to the trusts was taxable to the clients themselves. In pleading guilty, McPhee acknowledged that he gave directions to clients that he knew directly contradicted IRS guidance and that he deliberately ignored warnings from accountants and attorneys that the tax shelter was fraudulent and illegal.
In total, use of the tax shelter caused a loss to the United States of about $45 million in unpaid federal income taxes.
McPhee also personally used the tax shelter to conceal from the IRS more than $5 million in income earned from 2016 through 2021. In so doing, McPhee did not pay approximately $1.8 million in federal income taxes he owed those years.
From January 2023 through May 2024, McPhee also operated and promoted a fraudulent investment scheme called the “ROI Cash Flow Fund.” McPhee promoted the ROI Cash Flow Fund as an opportunity for investors to earn a 3% monthly payout on a principal investment. He falsely told investors that the ROI Cash Flow Fund would generate monthly returns by sending the investors’ funds to a third-party borrower who would engage in foreign exchange currency trading. In total, based on McPhee’s false representations, investors sent more than $8 million to bank accounts he controlled.
In reality, however, McPhee did not send the investors’ funds to a borrower as promised. Instead, he used investor funds to make monthly 3% payouts to investors. He also spent investor funds on his own personal expenses and investments, including by sending more than $2 million in investor funds to a bank account he held in the name of one of his trusts.
McPhee is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 23. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiring to defraud the United States, a maximum penalty of five years in prison for tax evasion, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for wire fraud. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.
The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Lauren K. Pope and Amanda R. Scott of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
Colby accountant pleads guilty to defrauding clientsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN, – A Kansas businessman pleaded guilty to various charges related to defrauding clients of his accounting firm by falsely claiming money he had stolen was being used to pay business expenses.
According to court documents, Quintin Flanagin, 45, of Colby pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, one count of bank fraud, one count of false statements, and one count of money laundering.
Flanagin, a certified public accountant (CPA), used his status as a signatory on the accounts of his clients’ business, Diamond M. Farms, to make unauthorized transactions between December 2021 and August 2022. He wrote multiple checks and initiated wire transfers totaling approximately $409,710 to Middle Finger Ranch under the guise of being payments for farm operations. Middle Finger Ranch is a fictitious business name that Flanagin connected to his personal bank account. Flanagin actually used the illegally obtained funds to pay for the construction on his new home.
Flanagin is scheduled to be sentenced on October 30, 2025. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak is prosecuting the case.
Cleveland Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 20 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – A Cleveland man has been sentenced to more than 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to trafficking fentanyl and illegally possessing firearms.
Gerald M. Cook Jr., 38, was sentenced to 248 months (over 20 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Pamela A. Barker after he pleaded guilty in March to the following charges in an indictment:
- One count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm; previous convictions for drug trafficking in 2018, 2014, and 2011.
- Three counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances.
- One count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
Cook was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release after imprisonment and to forfeit all firearms seized by federal agents. The sentence was imposed by Judge Barker Aug. 6, 2025.
“We have no tolerance for dangerous drug traffickers who make illegal profits by harming others. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will persist in our goal to end fentanyl’s grip on so many of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District Ohio. “I would especially like to commend the efforts of the DEA, the Willoughby Police Department and our other local partners for their hard work and dedication to protecting the public.”
According to court documents, on Aug. 16, 2020, Willoughby Police Officers observed a black Porsche Cayenne run a red light and then pull into the parking lot of a nearby hotel. The driver of the Porsche, later identified as Cook, got out of the vehicle and walked into the hotel’s lobby. Officers who were in pursuit of the vehicle followed it to the parking lot. As they looked through the window of Cook’s parked Porsche, they observed a loaded Taurus PT 1911 pistol in the center console area in plain view. Cook was prohibited from possessing firearms based on prior felony convictions for drug trafficking.
In September 2020, as part of a separate investigation, detectives with the Suburban Police Anti-Crime Network (SPAN) received information that a drug dealer nicknamed “JR” was selling fentanyl from a house in Euclid, Ohio. SPAN detectives subsequently identified “JR” as Cook, who had multiple outstanding arrest warrants. SPAN detectives then conducted two controlled purchases of fentanyl from Cook at the house. On Oct. 2, 2020, SPAN detectives and investigators with the Cleveland DEA executed a search warrant at Cook’s residence, resulting in the seizure of more than 100 grams of fentanyl analogue mixtures, two handguns, ammunition, and various tools of the drug trade, including digital scales and mixing materials.
“Mr. Cook’s days of distributing poison in our communities has come to an end. This sentence will further protect our community and should serve as a warning to anyone willing to cash-in on suffering for profit,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Lawton for the DEA Detroit Division. “Partnerships, such as with Willoughby PD and SPAN, are crucial in our efforts to keep communities safe from drugs.”
This case was investigated by the DEA Detroit Division's Cleveland Field Office, the Willoughby Police Department, and the Suburban Police Anti-Crime Network (SPAN). SPAN is a law enforcement partnership whose members include the Lyndhurst, Mayfield Heights, Mayfield Village, Richmond Heights, and Highland Heights Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James P. Lewis and Kevin E. Bringman for the Northern District of Ohio.
National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day is observed later this month on Thursday Aug. 21, 2025. For more information about this and other resources, visit dea.gov/fentanylawareness.
Citizen of the Dominican Republic Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Immigration OffensesRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KELVIN PRADO-ROBLES, also known as FRANKELY ROBLES-GUZMAN, 49, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to fraud and immigration offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Prado-Robles has never held legal immigration status in the U.S. In January 2008, he was sentenced in the District of Delaware to 24 months of imprisonment for false representation of citizenship, passport fraud, and identity theft offenses. He was deported to the Dominican Republic in February 2009. In February 2011, Prado-Robles was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Newark, New Jersey. He was again deported in September 2011.
Prado-Robles illegally reentered the U.S. and, beginning in late 2017, conspired with Domingo St. Hilaire Rosario and Jamie Pinto to use stolen identities to obtain vehicles and motorcycles at dealerships in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. As part of the scheme, Rosario arranged for a car or motorcycle to be purchased or leased from a dealership in the name of an identity theft victim, and Prado-Robles or Pinto impersonated the identity theft victim at the dealership to complete the paperwork. Rosario supplied his co-conspirators with fraudulent identification documents bearing the victim’s personal identifying information, and with a fraudulent photo identification that contained the identifying information of the victim and a photograph of a co-conspirator. The conspirators intended to sell or export the vehicles.
Through this scheme, they acquired at least 13 vehicles and attempted to acquire at least two more. Some of the vehicles were recovered by law enforcement and returned to the dealers. The thefts caused more than $200,000 in losses to the dealerships.
Rosario and Prado-Robles fled to the Dominican Republic in approximately 2018.
Prado-Robles was arrested in New Mexico in June 2023 and, under the name “Kelvin Prado-Roble,” was charged in the District of New Mexico with illegal reentry. He pleaded guilty to the offense and, in November 2023, was sentenced to 10 months of imprisonment. He was transferred to the District of Connecticut in June 2024 and is currently detained.
Prado-Robles pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of reentry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 31.
Rosario was extradited from the Dominican Republic in May 2020, pleaded guilty to fraud and identity theft offenses, and on October 20, 2021, was sentenced to 65 months of imprisonment.
Pinto pleaded guilty to conspiracy, fraud and identity theft offenses, and on October 27, 2021, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.
This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with substantial assistance from the Vernon Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.
Brazilian National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully residing in Milford has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.
Wadriam Jose Ferreira Do Carmo, 23, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper on Aug. 6, 2025 to time served (approximately 79 days in prison). The defendant is subject to deportation. Ferreira Do Carmo pleaded guilty in July 2025 to unlawful reentry of deported alien.
On June 2, 2023, United States Border Patrol arrested Ferreira Do Carmo after determining he illegally entered the United States. He was subsequently deported from the United States on July 20, 2023. Thereafter, on an unknown date and at an unknown location, Ferreira Do Carmo allegedly reentered the United States without being inspected.
On May 6, 2024, immigration authorities became aware that Ferreira Do Carmo was unlawfully present in the United States after he was arrested by local law enforcement in Sherborn on an outstanding warrant. On May 19, 2025, Ferreira was arrested by law enforcement at his last known residence in Milford.United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston; and Robert Tusino, Chief of the Milford Police Department made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Brandon, SD Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing and Distributing Methamphetamine in the Sioux Falls AreaRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange has sentenced a woman from Brandon, SD, who was convicted of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute. The sentencing took place on August 4, 2025.
Wendy Faye Stricherz, 49, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Stricherz was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute by a federal grand jury in January 2024. She pleaded guilty on May 8, 2025.
Investigators with the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force learned that Stricherz was traveling to Las Vegas, Nevada, to pick up methamphetamine that she then trafficked to others out of her home and at a local bar in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In October 2023, investigators executed a search warrant at Stricherz’s home and found methamphetamine and distribution materials in both her home and in a vehicle in which she was traveling. Altogether, Stricherz is believed to have trafficked more than four pounds of methamphetamine in the Sioux Falls area.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the Brandon Police Department, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Stricherz was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Bloomington Felon Sentenced to Thirty-Six Months in Prison for Possession of Firearms and Distributing CocaineRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Bloomington, Illinois man, Dandre Antwan Williams, 36, of the 1200 block of Orchard Road, was sentenced on August 7, 2025, to 36 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and the distribution of cocaine.
At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge Jonathan E. Hawley, the government provided information that in April 2024, Williams possessed and sold a Russian firearm, a Taurus .38 firearm loaded with 4 rounds of special ammunition, and 48.6 grams of cocaine. As a convicted felon, Williams was prohibited from possessing firearms. During the hearing, Judge Hawley also found that one of the firearms had a defaced serial number.
Williams was indicted in October 2024 and pled guilty in March 2025. He has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest in October 2024.
The statutory penalties for a felon in possession of a firearm are, not more than 15 years imprisonment, up to 3 years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. The statutory penalties for distribution of cocaine are not more than 30 years imprisonment, up to 6 years of supervised release, and up to a $2,000,000 fine.
The Peoria Area Federal Firearms Task Force, comprised of agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Peoria Police Department; the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department; Illinois Department of Corrections; and the Illinois State Police, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Williams 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.
Billings woman sentenced to 10 years in prison for distributing methamphetamineRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings woman who trafficked methamphetamine in the Billings area was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Julia Renee Arvizo, 47, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that beginning in September 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated several methamphetamine dealers in the Billings area, one of whom was identified as Julia Arvizo.
In September and October of 2023, the DEA used confidential sources to purchase just under a pound and a half of pure methamphetamine from Arvizo. In November 2023, Arvizo told one confidential source it was no problem to provide three pounds of methamphetamine at one time.
During the investigation, law enforcement learned Arvizo traded methamphetamine for firearms, and a co-defendant estimated distributing between a quarter of a pound and a half a pound of methamphetamine for Arvizo every day.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Patten prosecuted the case. The DEA conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Baltimore Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and CocaineRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Today, Khalil Dunaway, 29, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing with the intent to distribute controlled substances.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis, Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) – Washington Division, and Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD).
According to the guilty plea, in November 2023, BCPD detectives observed Dunaway conducting multiple hand-to-hand drug transactions in Baltimore County, Maryland. Based on surveillance, detectives observed that Dunaway regularly spent daytime hours at a Pikesville, Maryland residence, but then spent nighttime hours at a Middle River, Maryland residence before returning to the Pikesville residence during the day. On December 18, 2023, investigators conducted search warrants at both residences.
During their search of the Pikesville residence, investigators recovered a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol; taurus Ultra-Light .38 caliber pistol; Camouflage AR-15 style ghost gun rifle; Glock switch; and miscellaneous firearm magazines and ammunition. Additionally, law enforcement uncovered approximately 969 grams of fentanyl packaged for distribution; approximately 1273 grams of cocaine, some of it packaged for distribution; sifters, respirators, and goggles used for packaging controlled substances for distribution; digital scales and drug paraphernalia; three backpacks containing kilo presses; and various cutting agents used for packaging controlled substances for distribution.
At the Middle River residence, investigators discovered a Glock 33 .357 caliber pistol; Glock 21 .45 caliber pistol, which was reported stolen from Georgia; Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol; Rossi .22 caliber revolver loaded with seven rounds of ammunition; pistol brace; and miscellaneous firearm magazines and ammunition. Law enforcement also found approximately 63 grams of fentanyl; approximately 145 grams of cocaine; a plate and scale with controlled substance residue, used for packaging controlled substances for distribution; assorted jewelry, including silver ingots and watches with a total fair market value of approximately $63,128; approximately $32,042 in U.S. currency; and multiple phones.
A search of Dunaway’s vehicle parked at the Middle River address yielded approximately 60 suboxone strips, additional phones, and a digital scale.
Investigators also reviewed footage from a security camera that showed the interior of the Pikesville residence between October and December 2023. Via the footage, investigators observed Dunaway regularly mixing, preparing, and packaging narcotics for distribution while wearing a respirator.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DEA and Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. O’Donohue III who prosecuted the case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
Armed Robber Who Targeted an Elderly Resident on Metro Gets 60 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Kevin Freeman, 20, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today in Superior Court to five years in prison for robbing an elderly man on a Metro train while armed with a knife, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Freeman pleaded guilty on May 5, 2025, to one count of robbery while armed. Today, the Honorable Judge Jennifer Di Toro sentenced Freeman to 60 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Judge Di Toro also ordered that Freeman’s sentence run consecutively to his probation revocation sentence in a separate criminal case in which Freeman was convicted of robbery on the Metro in June of 2024. As such, Freeman will serve an aggregate sentence of 90 months’ incarceration. Finally, Judge Di Toro declined to sentence Freeman under the Youth Rehabilitation Act given his recent conviction for similar conduct in June of 2024.
According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 10:56 p.m. on January 16, 2025, Freeman boarded an orange line train wearing a face mask. He sat across the car from the 72-year-old victim, who was on his way home from work. Freeman waited until the other passengers left the train then moved to the seat directly next to the victim. He demanded the victim’s money and grabbed at the victim’s pockets while holding a large knife. The victim fought back against Freeman – a man 50 years his junior – and almost succeeded in stopping the robbery. However, around two minutes into the struggle, Freeman managed to grab the victim’s iPhone 15, valued at $800, and cash from the victim’s pants pockets before fleeing the train.
Joining in the announcement was Chief Michael Anzallo of the Metro Transit Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Anzallo commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metro Transit Police Department, particularly Detective Adrian Rodriguez. They also acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliot Folsom, who prosecuted the case.
Armed Drug Trafficker Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER PURVIS, 29, pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 7, 2022, New Britain Police attempted to stop a car in which Purvis was an occupant. As officers approached the car, Purvis accelerated at a high rate of speed. The car crashed a short time later and Purvis and others ran from the scene. A search of the car revealed quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, and a loaded Glock 9mm handgun that had been reported stolen. Analysis of the firearm and drug packaging revealed the presence of Purvis’ DNA.
At sentencing, which is scheduled for October 31, Purvis faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Purvis is currently serving a 72-month federal sentence for trafficking fentanyl and cocaine in northern Vermont in 2022.
This case has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and the New Britain Police Department. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, Middletown, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth and Christopher Lembo.
Allentown-Area Pharmacy and Its Owner Agree to Pay $825,000 to Resolve Allegations of False Claims Act LiabilityRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that West End Services, Inc. will pay $825,000 to resolve liability allegations under the False Claims Act.
West End Services, Inc. (“WES”) and its owner-pharmacist, Christopher Leon, have agreed to pay $825,000 to the federal government, based on their ability to pay, to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by billing Medicare for prescription medications that were not actually dispensed. During the period of January 1, 2014, to February 24, 2019, WES billed Medicare for prescription drugs that were not actually dispensed to Medicare beneficiaries. These medications included, but were not limited to, Latuda, Humira, Abilify, Invega Sustenna, Seroquel, Acyclovir, Flovent, and Truvada.
“Pharmacy fraud remains a priority for our office and taxpayer dollars should be spent on needed medications, not wasted on fraud and abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Pharmacies and pharmacists have a responsibility to serve as gatekeepers of a closed system of prescription drug distribution. That responsibility was allegedly used for profit here. This investigation and resolution illustrate this District’s continued emphasis on combatting healthcare fraud, including pharmacy fraud. One of the most powerful tools to combat this type of waste, fraud, and abuse is the False Claims Act, and this District maintains one of the most active affirmative civil dockets in the country.”
Other similar pharmacy fraud settlements include:
- Pennmark Pharmacy (2024)
- Future Pharmacy Inc. and JJ Pharmacy (2023)
- Fountain Hill Pharmacy (2023)
- Northeast Discount Pharmacy (2022)
- Murray-Overhill Pharmacy, Inc. (2022)
- LAN Apothecary, Inc. (2021)
- G&A Somerton Pharmacy LLC (2019)
“As U.S. Attorney Metcalf said, this investigation further solidifies this District’s focus on holding pharmacies and healthcare providers accountable for their handling of controlled substances, and the importance of maintaining on honest inventory balance, instead of putting profits at the forefront,” said Maureen Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the Philadelphia Regional Office of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “Pharmacies are integral partners in patient care, and they are expected to act with integrity. We take allegations of pharmacy fraud seriously, and today’s settlement reflects our commitment to working with our partners to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent in an appropriate manner — on needed services, not wasted on fraud and abuse.”
This investigation was conducted by the Department of Health and Human Service Office of Inspector General. For the United States Attorney’s Office, Assistant United States Attorney Alfred J. Vogt and former Assistant United States Attorney Deborah W. Frey handled the investigation, with contributions from auditor George Niedzwicki.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
Albany Woman Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Manufacture and Distribute a Synthetic Cannabinoid and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Maya McIntosh, age 33, of Albany, was sentenced on July 31, 2025, for conspiracies to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and controlled substance analogue, distribution and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and controlled substance analogue, and unlawful possession and use of a means of identification.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Lynelle Maginley-Liddie, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction, made the announcement.
McIntosh admitted in her prior guilty plea that beginning no later than January 2023 through July 2024, the defendant manufactured, distributed, and possessed with intent to distribute the substance MDMB-4en-PINACA, a synthetic cannabinoid, and conspired to do so with others. More specifically, McIntosh ordered constituent chemicals, which were shipped to the residences of McIntosh and a coconspirator. McIntosh combined those chemicals in her residence to create MDMB-4en-PINACA in liquid form. McIntosh then sprayed and soaked the liquid onto copy paper and business envelopes. McIntosh placed those documents into U.S. Priority Mail Express envelopes addressed to inmates at various correctional facilities in New York State. McIntosh disguised the envelopes as legal mail by stamping the names of actual attorneys in the return address portion of the envelopes, without their knowledge or permission, to make it appear is if the parcels were sent by attorneys and contained legitimate legal paperwork instead of a controlled substance. McIntosh used social media to sell the sheets and envelopes soaked in MDMB-4en-PINACA to others. McIntosh’s customers paid her to mail the MDMB-4en-PINACA-soaked papers to inmates at the facilities.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said, “Maya McIntosh endangered the health and safety of hardworking corrections officers and prison staff when she manufactured a synthetic drug and smuggled it into correctional facilities through the U.S. Mail. Now she will spend 8 years behind bars herself. I’m grateful for the collaboration between the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, New York City Department of Correction Special Investigation Unit, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York that achieved this result.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to dedicate the resources necessary to combat drug trafficking. McIntosh’s sentencing is a result of a coordinated effort to keep contraband out of the U.S. Mail and in this case, out of correctional facilities,” said Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. “When the U.S. Mail is used to transport illegal drugs, it is taken very seriously. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service works diligently to preserve the integrity of the mail by investigating and bringing to justice, those who use it illegally.”
“Maya McIntosh utilized brazen and deceptive methods to ship and smuggle synthetic narcotics into New York State correctional facilities, endangering correctional employees and others exposed to these harmful substances. This sentence reflects the seriousness of her crimes,” said Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge for HSI Buffalo. “I commend HSI Albany personnel and our partners with the USPIS, the New York City Department of Correction, and the Northern District of New York, for ensuring that Ms. McIntosh faces the consequences of her actions.”
"Maya McIntosh's sentencing should stand as a warning to anyone seeking to introduce contraband into prisons and jails: we will find you and you will be punished," said NYC Correction Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie. "The violence and loss of life prevented by the vigilance of the dedicated DOC staff who identify and investigate the presence of illegal substances in our jails cannot be understated. I commend these staff, and partners at DOCCS, USDOJ, and the U.S. Postal Service, for this coordinated effort to successfully stem the tide of dangerous substances entering our jails."
Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release to follow McIntosh’s term of imprisonment and ordered her to forfeit more than $42,000 of proceeds of the offense.
This case was investigated by USPIS, HSI Buffalo Field Office, and the New York City Department of Correction Special Investigation Unit, with assistance from HSI New York Field Office, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and the Albany Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie prosecuted the case.
Armed Drug Trafficker Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Seth Dewayne Talbot, 45, of Laurel Hill, Florida was sentenced by District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II to 180 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I commend our state and federal law enforcement partners for their outstanding work in investigating and arresting this armed drug trafficker. Methamphetamine is a deadly drug that is plaguing our communities, and my office will continue to support the excellent work of our law enforcement partners by aggressively prosecuting the criminals who flood our streets with these dangerous drugs.”
According to court records, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office began investigating Talbot after receiving information in October of 2024 that he was selling illegal narcotics. In November of 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Talbot’s residence, and investigators located over 180 grams of methamphetamine, two loaded firearms, a box of ammunition, and United States currency in Talbot’s bedroom. Talbot has multiple prior felony convictions.
“Methamphetamine is a highly addictive and insidious poison that destroys communities. Mr. Talbot’s drug trafficking activities demonstrated a clear disregard for our north Florida communities by putting countless lives in danger while possessing firearms that he was clearly prohibited from possessing,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “The men and women of the DEA will continue to work tirelessly with our local and state law enforcement partners to ensure those, like Mr. Talbot, who put the safety of our communities at risk are held accountable for their actions.”
“We are proud of our ongoing successful partnerships to target drug traffickers and remove them from our county. Whether they’re operating in populated areas or rural communities, our combined efforts and persistence continue to pay off,” said Sheriff Eric Aden, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Thursday 7 August 2025
Zuni Woman Indicted for Child Abuse Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni woman has been indicted on federal charges for her alleged role in the death of a minor child.
According to court documents, on January 26, 2025, Miranda Cachini, 26, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, allowed a minor child to be placed in a dangerous situation which resulted in the child’s death.
Cachini is charged with abuse of a child resulting in death and will remain in third-party custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Cachini faces up to 18 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 Zuni Pueblo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.
View the Indictment (Cachini).pdfAn indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Wayne county man pleads guilty to child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Joseph Hudson, III, 26, of Williamson, N Y, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography following a previous conviction for the sexual abuse of a minor before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. The charge carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that on March 14, 2024, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received information from Microsoft that an individual had uploaded nine files of suspected child pornography to a Microsoft platform. The tip was shared with the New York State Police, who traced the uploads to Hudson, a registered sex offender. Hudson was previously convicted of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree for engaging in sexual contact with a child less than 11 years old.
A search warrant was executed at Hudson’s residence, during which investigators seized Hudson’s computer. A forensic examination recovered approximately 111 images and 112 videos of child pornography depicting the sexual abuse and exploitation of prepubescent minors, to include minors being subjected to violence.
The plea is the result of of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 4, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.
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Waterbury Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty to Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MALIK WRIGHT, 22, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in July and August 2024, Waterbury Police made a controlled purchase of narcotics from Wright and observed him conducting additional hand-to-hand drug sales. On August 29, 2024, investigators saw Wright stash a satchel in the tire area of an abandoned car in a vacant lot near Coe Street and High Street, and then conduct another apparent drug sale. Officers took Wright into custody and located the satchel, which contained fentanyl and cocaine, a scale, and a loaded .40 caliber handgun with a 23-round magazine.
At sentencing, which is scheduled for November 19, Wright faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Wright has been detained since his arrest.
This case has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Waterbury Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Freismuth through Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.
Washington man sentenced to 20 years for cyberstalking, child pornography crimesRead the Press Release
JUNEAU, Alaska – A Washington man was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in prison, and, upon release, will serve the rest of his life on supervised release for child pornography and cyberstalking crimes that directly impacted least 61 minor victims.
According to court documents, in January 2024, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) discovered that someone was uploading pornographic photos of teenage minors to the internet. HSI agents identified Kaden Ollila, 21, of Tacoma, Washington, as the individual who used different usernames and profiles to upload and distribute these images on pornographic websites.
An investigation revealed that on multiple occasions between January and February 2024, Ollila messaged two separate adult victims through online platforms or text messages. The messages included videos or photos depicting the adult victims individually engaged in sexual acts that occurred when those victims were around 14 years old. On one occasion, Ollila also sent a victim sexually explicit images of at least two other minor females.
Ollila also messaged victims on platforms like TikTok and Instagram detailing sexual acts that he and other men engaged in while looking at photos of the victims. He also harassed victims by detailing violent sexual fantasies he wished to perform on them.
Court documents explain that Ollila maintained a large collection of child sexual abuse materials, including “morphed” nude images he created with the head and faces of adults and minors.
Ollila directly victimized at least 61 minors from southeast Alaska, mainly Juneau, and northern California, mainly Redding, through his conduct. Court documents explain that Ollila used similar conduct to affect at least 95 additional individuals, including adults and minors.
Ollila was indicted on March 20, 2024, and pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography and two counts of cyberstalking on Nov. 7, 2024. In handing down the sentence, the Court recognized the 16 victims who bravely came forward during the hearing to share their stories and the weight they held in deciding an appropriate sentence.
“Kaden Ollila used technology to harass, stalk and terrorize victims across Alaska, California and elsewhere and reveled in the torture he caused. Now, he will spend 20 years behind bars—the statutory maximum penalty for the crimes he committed,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “I want to thank the HSI investigators and our prosecutors for diligently seeking justice for the victims in this case by holding Mr. Ollila accountable for his disturbing conduct.”
HSI remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting children from predators who exploit technology to harm them," said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Seattle Acting Special Agent in Charge Colin Jackson. "Ollila targeted dozens of victims across multiple states, and thanks to the diligent efforts of our agents, he is now being held accountable for his actions."
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Reed prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Vermont Man Sentenced for Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced today that on August 4, 2025, Travis Collins, age 43, of St. Albans City, Vermont, was sentenced by Judge William K. Sessions III to a term of imprisonment of 12 months and one day, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Sessions ordered that Collins’ sentence was to begin on the date the sentence was imposed, and would not count the time Collins spent in pretrial custody.
According to court records, on January 9, 2024, Collins was arrested in downtown Burlington, Vermont on outstanding State of Vermont warrants. At the time he was arrested, Collins was wearing a backpack that contained a loaded pistol. The pistol, which had an obliterated serial number, was later determined to have been stolen.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The prosecutor was Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Cate. Collins was represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Valparaiso Man Ordered to Pay $123,523 in Restitution as part of Conviction for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Yesterday, Alan Jones, 55, years old, of Valparaiso, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge James T. Moody after pleading guilty to a federal felony for mail fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor.
Jones was sentenced to 12 months of probation and ordered to pay $123,523 in restitution to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
According to documents in the case, Jones was employed by an environmental consulting company located in Chesterton, Indiana. Jones and the company were hired by gas station owners to manage and perform remediation work related to underground storage tank leaks. The State of Indiana created a state trust fund, administered by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, to help reimburse those remediation costs. Jones submitted false and fraudulent applications for reimbursement of costs that were not actually incurred and caused state funds to be paid to the consulting company for which it, and Jones, were not entitled.“Alan Jones participated in a scheme to fraudulently obtain public money from the State of Indiana,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Proctor. “This district is committed to prosecuting those who defraud government programs. I want to thank the combined team of state and federal law enforcement professionals for the thorough investigation which supported this prosecution.”
“The defendant’s fraudulent billing scheme undermined the financial integrity of Indiana’s trust fund for the cleanup of leaking underground storage tanks,” stated Special Agent in Charge Allison Landsman. “Protecting our air, land, and water and addressing the damage from these leaks is crucial. The EPA remains steadfast in collaborating with state partners to prosecute those who commit fraud and jeopardize essential environmental initiatives.”
This case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin F. Wolff.
Two More FCI Dublin Correctional Officers Plead Guilty to Sexually Abusing Female InmatesRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Former Bureau of Prisons correctional officers Jeffrey Wilson and Lawrence Gacad pleaded guilty today to sexually abusing female inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, Calif., which operated as a low-security federal prison for females. Wilson also admitted to making false statements to federal investigators.
Wilson and Gacad were charged by information on June 25, 2025. They are the eighth and ninth correctional officers to have either pleaded guilty or been convicted at trial as part of an ongoing federal investigation into sexual abuse of inmates at FCI Dublin.
“There is zero tolerance for federal correctional officers who violate their positions of trust and authority. And that is especially true where they use those positions to sexually abuse individuals in their custody,” said United States Attorney Craig Missakian. “Our investigations remain ongoing, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law anyone who engages in these despicable acts.”
“The pattern of abuse of inmates at FCI Dublin is inexcusable. Gacad and Wilson’s guilty pleas are the eighth and ninth convictions of Federal Bureau of Prisons employees for sexually abusing inmates at that institution. The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General will continue to aggressively investigate these heinous crimes, and with our partners, vigorously pursue justice for the victims of sexual abuse,” said Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeremy Hunt.
“These guilty pleas mark yet another step toward accountability for a culture of predation that thrived for far too long behind the walls of FCI Dublin. Female inmates were exploited by those with power and access when they were most vulnerable,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani. “The FBI and our partners remain resolute in our work to expose every individual who used their position to harm, and to help restore the dignity stolen from the women who survived abuse.”
According to his plea agreement, Wilson was employed from July 2021 to September 2022 as a correctional officer at FCI Dublin, where he served as a health technician/paramedic. In that role, he was responsible for providing emergency assessment and medical care to the female inmates. Around August 2021, Wilson began interacting with a victim inmate after she started taking medication prescribed to her for seizures. He encouraged the victim to transfer from the prison to the FCI Dublin Camp where there were fewer medical staff who would see their interactions.
Wilson admitted to engaging in sexual acts on multiple occasions with the victim. He also provided the victim with a $60 pre-paid credit card and a cellphone while she was at the FCI Dublin Camp. The victim used that cellphone to take naked pictures of herself and send them to Wilson.
When he was interviewed by special agents from the DOJ OIG, Wilson falsely stated that he never had sexual contact with the victim inmate and that he had never given her contraband.
According to his plea agreement, Gacad was employed from July 2021 to June 2022 as a correctional officer at FCI Dublin. Between March and June 2022, Gacad kissed and groped a victim inmate. The victim lived in one of the housing units where Gacad was sometimes assigned as the guard on duty. Gacad also admitted that he exchanged handwritten notes and emails with the victim, some of which were sexually explicit. To disguise his identity, Gacad used email accounts that he set up using fake names.
Gacad resigned from the BOP after the abuse was discovered, but continued to exchange emails with the victim and speak with the victim on video chats that she had with her parents.
Both Wilson and Gacad were released on bond. Wilson is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 6, 2025, and Gacad is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 19, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers.
Wilson faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each count of sexual abuse of a ward in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2243(b) and eight years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the count of false statements to a government agency in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2). Gacad faces a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the count of abusive sexual contact in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2244(a)(4). Any sentence will be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
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As part of the Department of Justice’s ongoing investigation into FCI Dublin, 10 FCI Dublin correctional officers have been charged with crimes related to the sexual abuse of the female prisoners at the facility. The status of these cases is below:
DefendantCase NumberStatusWarden Ray J. Garcia4:21-cr-00429-YGRConvicted on all counts by jury on Dec. 8, 2022; sentenced to 70 months in prisonCO John Bellhouse4:22-cr-00066-YGRConvicted on all counts by jury on Jun. 5, 2023; sentenced to 63 months in prisonCO Darrell Smith (a/k/a “Dirty Dick Smith”)4:23-cr-00110-YGRIndicted on Apr. 13, 2023; trial scheduled for Sept. 2, 2025Chaplain James Highhouse4:22-cr-00016-HSGPleaded guilty on Feb. 24, 2022; sentenced to 84 months in prisonCO Ross Klinger4:22-cr-00031-YGRPleaded guilty on Feb. 10, 2022; sentenced to one year of home confinementCO Enrique Chavez4:22-cr-00104-YGRPleaded guilty on Oct. 27, 2022; sentenced to 20 months in prisonCO Andrew Jones4:23-cr-00212-YGRPleaded guilty on Aug.17, 2023; sentenced to 96 months in prisonCO Nakie Nunley4:23-cr-00213-YGRPleaded guilty on Sept. 5, 2023; sentenced to 72 months in prisonCO Jeffrey Wilson4:25-cr-00180-YGRPleaded guilty on Aug. 7, 2025; sentencing scheduled for Nov. 6, 2025CO Lawrence Gacad4:25-cr-00181-YGRPleaded guilty on Aug. 7, 2025; sentencing scheduled for Nov. 19, 2025Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Paulson, Alethea Sargent, Sailaja Paidipaty, and Molly Priedeman are prosecuting these cases with the assistance of Veronica Hernandez, Soana Katoa, and Amala James. The prosecutions are the result of an investigation by the DOJ OIG and the FBI.