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18 September 2025
Government Contractor to Pay over $4 Million to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. B Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba announced today that a government contractor based out of Bayonne, New Jersey, will pay $4,043,810.56 to resolve allegations that it improperly employed unauthorized aliens to work on Navy ships.
The settlement resolves allegations that, from May 2017 through December 2020, Bayonne Drydock and Repair Corporation (“Bayonne Drydock”) utilized multiple subcontractors that were owned and/or controlled by Bayonne Drydock’s Risk Manager to perform work on government contracts, and that those subcontractors were employing individuals who were not authorized to work in the United States. Following a notice that one of the subcontractors was employing unauthorized workers, Bayonne Drydock’s Risk Manager purportedly terminated that employee, but that same month took affirmative steps to assist another subcontractor to employ unauthorized aliens, who continued to work on Navy ships. Bayonne Drydock’s Risk Manager previously pleaded guilty to a criminal charge of knowingly hiring and continuing to employ unauthorized aliens. In total, Bayonne Drydock was alleged to have employed approximately 52 unauthorized aliens on government contracts.
Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Habba credited the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Newark Field Office under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy, and the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher Silvestro for the investigation of the allegations against Bayonne Drydock.
The United States is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark C. Orlowski of the U.S. Attorney’s Health Care Fraud and Opioids Enforcement Unit in Newark.
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Defense Counsel: Matthew Beck, Esq., Chiesa, Shahinian and Giantomasi, Roseland, New Jersey.
bayonnedrydock.agreement.pdfGeorgia Men Sentenced for Arrest Warrant ScamRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – Four Georgia men were sentenced for their role in a nationwide fraud conspiracy.
According to public court documents, between March 2022 and April 2024, Russell Tafron Weatherspoon, 26, Karl Andre Dieudonne, 23, Demonte Tequis Brazil, 32, and Gregory Lamar Scorza, 25, ran a multi-state fraud scam. The scammers led victims in several states across the United States, including Iowa, to believe that an arrest warrant had been issued for them for failing to appear in court. The scammers used names of local law enforcement officers and used an application that spoofed law enforcement phone numbers. The victims were told they would be arrested if a cash bond was not posted. The victims were directed to a bond company or other location to meet and pay a bond for failing to appear as an expert witness pursuant to a subpoena. The scam involved the use of legal terminology, purported court proceedings, and threats of arrest to authenticate the scam.
Weatherspoon led and organized these activities from a Georgia state prison. A drone was used to fly over the prison and drop cell phones into the yard that were then utilized by inmates to make the scam calls. Weatherspoon was in prison following his 2020 convictions for aggravated assault and violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.
Weatherspoon was sentenced on April 9, 2025, to 130 months in federal prison. Dieudonne was sentenced on May 13, 2025, to 36 months in federal prison. Brazil was sentenced on May 13, 2025, to 51 months in federal prison. Scorza was sentenced September 9, 2025, to 72 months in federal prison. One additional man has been charged in the conspiracy but has not yet been arrested.
After completing their terms of imprisonment, each defendant will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Victim restitution was also ordered.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Council Bluffs Police Department, Iowa City Police Department, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations, Iowa State Patrol, Omaha Police Department, and Eppley Airport Police.
Guatemalan National Illegally Residing in the United States Indicted on Fraud Charges Related to the Sponsorship of Unaccompanied Alien ChildRead the Press Release
An indictment unsealed today in the Middle District of Louisiana charges a Guatemalan national residing illegally in the United States with fraud related to the submission of an application to sponsor an unaccompanied alien child (UAC).
“As alleged, this defendant made fraudulent misstatements to the U.S. government to try to sponsor an unaccompanied child in the United States,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti, of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Defendants who lie to secure the care and custody of an unaccompanied child threaten the government’s ability to ensure that the child is placed in a safe environment with a proper caregiver. The Criminal Division is fully committed to protecting vulnerable children and delivering justice to those who violate the law.”
“I would like to thank our prosecutor and our partners for their tireless work on this matter,” said U.S. Attorney Ellison C. Travis. “We are committed to eliminating the exploitation of minors and their families by unscrupulous traffickers, and appreciate the resources which were brought to bear by federal authorities to bring this defendant to justice.”
“Deliberately attempting to defraud a government program designed to safeguard vulnerable children is a reprehensible act that demands accountability,” stated Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “In close coordination with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to rigorously pursue those who attempt to exploit the Unaccompanied Alien Children’s program and ensure they are held fully accountable under the law.”
According to court documents, Felix Coc Choc, 29, of Rogers, Arkansas submitted an application to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) under penalty of perjury to sponsor and obtain custody of a UAC after the UAC entered the United States illegally.
As alleged in the indictment, after a 16-year-old Guatemalan UAC entered the United States illegally in January 2023, Coc Choc submitted an application to sponsor the UAC. Coc Choc allegedly falsely claimed to be the UAC’s brother and asserted that his own name was J.C.J. as listed on a Guatemala national identification card that he submitted in support of the sponsorship application. After initially denying that he was using another individual’s identity, Coc Choc admitted to the misrepresentation. Coc Choc then filed a sponsorship application in his true name. ORR denied this application as a result of the alleged fraud.
Coc Choc is charged with one count of making a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement, and one count of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on the false statement count, and a mandatory consecutive penalty of two years in prison on the aggravated identity theft count.
These charges are the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in the Americas, including Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, Colombia, and the Caribbean that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, the Northern District of New York, the District of Vermont, and the Southern District of Florida. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS), the Office of Enforcement Operations (OEO), and the Office of International Affairs (OIA), among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, DEA, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 415 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 355 U.S. convictions; more than 305 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.
The Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General is investigating the case. Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) Legal Attaché team in Guatemala, HSI’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking in Washington, D.C., and ORR have provided valuable assistance.
JTFA Trial Attorneys Aaron Jennen and Nicole Lockhart, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Craig of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case, with substantial assistance from Samantha Usher of the Justice Department’s Healthcare Fraud Unit.
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 other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Grand Blanc Man Indicted for Illegally Purchasing Firearms for OthersRead the Press Release
FLINT – A Grand Blanc, Michigan man was arraigned today on an indictment charging him with illegally purchasing firearms for others, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. Several of the firearms were later recovered from felons and some were recovered at crime scenes.
Joining in the announcement was James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) – Detroit Field Division.
Charged was Kobe Y. Patterson, 24.
According to the indictment, Patterson purchased several firearms from local firearms dealers on behalf of others. When purchasing the firearms, Patterson lied claiming he was the actual purchaser of the firearms when in fact he knew he was purchasing the firearms for others. Patterson was also charged with illegally possessing a machinegun.
When a gun buyer lies to a firearms dealer to purchase a gun for someone else this is called a “straw purchase.” Most often straw purchases occur because either the actual buyer cannot pass the required background check, or the actual buyer wants to avoid having their name associated with the purchase. Straw purchasing is a serious threat to public safety because it undermines background check laws and contributes to the illegal gun market.
“Patterson’s straw purchases are dangerous because they undermine our ability to keep firearms away from criminals and other prohibited persons,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon. “If you straw purchase a gun, we will prosecute you.”
“Patterson is a gun violence enabler! He represents the worst in our community by trafficking firearms to people unable to legally obtain and possess them,” said ATF Detroit Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “The message is clear: If personal greed takes you to a place where you illegally traffic firearms, your next destination on your greed journey is federal prison.”
This case was investigated by special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, with assistance from the Grand Blanc Township Police Department and the Flint Township Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Vance.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Fort Belknap man sentenced to 7 years in prison for assault on the Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Fort Belknap man who assaulted an individual with a baseball bat on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 84 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Jeremy Owen Walker, 39, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on July 15, 2023, law enforcement was dispatched to the emergency room at Harlem Hospital to investigate a possible assault. The victim, Jane Doe, told law enforcement she had been sleeping at her house when the defendant, Jeremy Owen Walker, burst into her room and beat her with a baseball bat. According to Jane Doe, Walker came to the house and left with another person who was not involved in the assault.
Walker hit Jane Doe on the head with the baseball bat, and when she put her arms up to protect her head, he hit her arms as well. Walker broke Jane Doe’s arm so the bone was visible, and she was diagnosed with a compound fracture of her left arm and a fractured wrist. She underwent surgery to repair the fractures in July 2023. During surgery, medical hardware was placed in her arm and she experienced prolonged complications from her injury and the hardware. She underwent a second surgery in December 2023 to remove a broken plate and screws from her arm.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services.
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Former State Department Budget Analyst Sentenced to 12 Months for Embezzling More than $650,000Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Levita Almuete Ferrer, 65, of Montgomery Village, Md., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 12 months and one day in prison for embezzling more than $650,000 from the U.S. State Department over a two-year period, using the funds to fuel her gambling addiction, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Ferrer, aka Levita Brezovic, pleaded guilty April 30, 2025, to theft of government property. In addition to the 12-month prison term, Judge Christopher R. Cooper ordered Ferrer to serve three years of supervised release, to pay $657,347.50 in restitution to the U.S. government, and to not gamble or visit any casinos
Joining in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Brockschmidt of the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Inspector General, and Deputy Assistant Director George Semertsidis of the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service Office of Special Investigations.
As part of her guilty plea, Ferrer admitted that she abused her signature authority over a State Department checking account between March 2022 and April 2024 while working as a Senior Budget Analyst in the State Department’s Office of the Chief of Protocol. She issued 60 checks payable to herself and three checks payable to another individual with whom she had a personal relationship. She printed and signed each check and then deposited all 63 checks, which totaled $657,347.50, into her personal checking and savings accounts.
After her guilty plea, Judge Cooper set release conditions, which prohibited Ferrer from going to casinos. But the same day that she pled guilty, Ferrer went to the MGM National Harbor casino. She returned to the MGM a week later, gambling on high-limit slot machines. Once the government learned of Ferrer’s casino visits, it brought her behavior to the attention of the Court. As a result, Judge Cooper revoked her release and ordered her detained pending sentencing.
Ferrer perpetrated her embezzlement scheme by abusing the signature authority that she had over a State Department checking account. Specifically, between March 2022 and April 2024 while working as a Senior Budget Analyst in the State Department’s Office of the Chief of Protocol, she issued 60 checks payable to herself and three checks payable to another individual with whom she had a personal relationship. She printed and signed each check and then deposited all 63 checks, which totaled $657,347.50, into her personal checking and savings accounts.
Ferrer attempted to conceal her scheme by using a common QuickBooks account at the State Department. After entering her name as the payee on checks in QuickBooks and then printing them, she often changed the listed payee in QuickBooks from herself to an actual State Department vendor. As a result, anyone viewing those entries in the QuickBooks system did not see Ferrer’s name as the payee on the checks unless they accessed an audit trail.
This case was investigated by the State Department’s Office of Inspector General and Diplomatic Security Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kondi Kleinman with assistance from former Paralegal Specialist Sona Chaturvedi.
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Former Plantation Bookkeeper Sentenced to Federal Prison for $9.8 Million Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A former bookkeeper from Plantation has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for orchestrating a multi-year embezzlement scheme that stole $9.8 million from her employer.
On September 15, Chief U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga imposed the sentence on Hava Yfrah Austin, 58. The Court also ordered forfeiture and restitution. Austin previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud and filing a false income tax return, after failing to report the stolen funds on her return.
According to court records, Austin owned and operated Accounting Solutions Today, P.A., a bookkeeping and tax services business in Broward County. Austin was also the long-time bookkeeper for the victim company, where she had signature authority over its bank accounts.
From 2018 through April 2024, Austin embezzled approximately $9.8 million. Austin executed unauthorized wire transfers from the victim company’s accounts to her own business and used much of the stolen money to gamble at local casinos and through online gaming platforms.
To conceal her theft, Austin falsified accounting entries in the victim company’s ledgers, often creating fraudulent entries under fake but similar-sounding vendor names.
“This defendant betrayed the trust placed in her, stole nearly $10 million, and gambled it away,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “Our Office will hold accountable those who abuse positions of trust and conceal their crimes, and we will ensure victims see justice and restitution.”
“The IRS-CI enforces the nation’s tax laws with particular emphasis on cases where individuals abuse positions of trust and steal what belongs to others through fraudulent schemes designed to conceal their misconduct,” said Special Agent in Charge Emmanuel Gomez of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office. “In this case, the defendant booked a one-way ticket overseas- but thanks to our complex financial investigation, the only one-way trip she’s taking is straight to prison.”
U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones and Special Agent in Charge Gomez made the announcement.
IRS-CI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Juenger prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Grosnoff is handling asset forfeiture.
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 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 25-cr-20239.
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Former Georgia Poll Worker Sentenced for Threatening to Bomb Voting LocationRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A former Georgia poll worker was sentenced to prison after admitting to mailing a letter that contained threats to bomb a Jones County precinct and harm poll workers, and for lying to the FBI during the investigation.
Nicholas Wimbish, 26, of Milledgeville, was sentenced to serve 20 months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release and ordered to pay a $2,000 fine by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Sept. 18. Wimbish previously pleaded guilty to one count of conveying false information and making hoaxes on Feb. 14. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Ensuring the security of our polling places is essential. Americans must be able to express their political choices at the ballot box without fear of violence or harm,” stated U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “These threats undermine the core values of our nation, and we will vigorously pursue justice in such matters.”
“The FBI takes all threat-to-life matters very seriously,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “This case demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to hold accountable anyone who tries to intimidate a public official or interfere with the election process.”
According to court documents and statements referenced in court, Wimbish was employed as a poll worker at the Jones County Elections Office in Gray, Georgia, on Oct. 16, 2024, when he had a verbal altercation with a voter. Later that evening and into the early hours of Oct. 17, 2024, Wimbish conducted relevant online research and then drafted a letter posing as the voter threatening to bomb the polling place. Wimbish mailed the threatening letter to the Jones County Elections Superintendent from a “Jones County Voter” on Oct. 17, 2024. It arrived at the election office on Oct. 22, 2024.
Wimbish admitted he intended the letter to appear as if it came from the voter and added details to make it seem like the voter was targeting Wimbish and other poll workers. For example, it said, "Yesterday I had your young liberal woke idiot Nicholas Wimbish give me hell," that "he tries to influence peoples votes in line," and that "I researched a newspaper article about Nicholas Wimbish and other woke liberal fraudsters impostering to be patriots." The letter threatened that Wimbish and others "should look over their shoulder," that "I know where they all go," that "I know where they all live because I found home voting addresses for all them," that "the liberal young men will get beatdown if they fight me," that "they will get the treason punishment by firing squad if they fight back," and that "they should watch every move they make looking over their shoulder." Further, the letter threatened to "rage rape" the "ladies" and warned them to "watch every move they make and look over their shoulder." Below the typewritten letter, Wimbish wrote a note by hand, "PS boom toy in early vote place, cigar burning, be safe." Wimbish admitted he knew that a "boom toy" was a term for an explosive device. Wimbish also acknowledged that he lied to FBI agents investigating the mailed threat and falsely stated that he believed the Jones County voter sent the letter and that he had not conducted online research on himself. The letter was found on Wimbish's computer.
The FBI Atlanta Field Office investigated the case.
U.S. Attorney Keyes prosecuted the case for the Government with assistance from the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN) and DOJ’s Criminal Division's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS).
Former Financier Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding Elderly Family Member of $8.4 MillionRead the Press Release
Miami – A former financier previously disciplined by the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission has been sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for defrauding his elderly family member out of approximately $8.4 million.
Brett Thomas Graham, 61, was sentenced on September 16 by U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks after pleading guilty to wire fraud.
According to court documents, Graham began assisting his widowed family member in 2017. Graham helped her retain a financial advisor in November 2018. The following year, the family member sold a New York townhouse for approximately $9 million. Within months, Graham began diverting money from her accounts into his own, using the stolen money to finance overseas vacations, luxury jewelry purchases, artwork, and other personal expenses.
In 2020, Graham obtained power of attorney over his family member’s finances, which obligated him to act in her best interest. Instead, Graham exploited that authority to continue his fraud. That December, Graham falsely claimed to the financial advisor that $250,000 was needed to cover the family member’s “higher medical & care expenses.” Graham spent the funds on himself. In November 2022, Graham requested an additional $400,000, citing “[a]mazing [investment] opps…” More than $300,000 of that money was spent on his credit card, art, travel, and rent.
Law enforcement was able to seize jewelry and art purchased with fraud proceeds for approximately $2 million.
“Exploiting an elderly family member to steal millions is unconscionable,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “We will hold fraudsters accountable and protect seniors from abuse.”
U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones and Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office made the announcement.
FBI Miami investigated the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office appreciates the assistance of the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli S. Rubin prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra Demirci handled asset forfeiture.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
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 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 25-cr-20103.
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Former Essex County Sheriff’s Officer Admits Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A former Essex County Sheriff’s Officer admitted to his role in a bank fraud conspiracy, United States Attorney Alina Habba announced.
Ryan L. Terry, 32, of Piscataway, pleaded guilty on September 11, 2025, before U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas to an Information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of bank fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Terry, who served as a police officer with the Orange Police Department at the time he conspired to commit bank fraud, was part of a multi-person operation that stole checks from the mail, deposited those checks into bank accounts controlled by the enterprise, and then withdrew the proceeds before the bank or the victims became aware of the illegal activity.
For example, in June 2023, Company-1 mailed out a business check for over $50,000. That check was stolen and thereafter the payee information was altered to enable it to be deposited into an account controlled by Terry and his co-conspirators. Then in July 2023, after the stolen check cleared, Terry and his co-conspirators withdrew the money from the account and split the proceeds.
Terry then continued to actively recruit other members to the conspiracy. Specifically, he recruited individuals who had long-standing bank accounts to continue the scheme of depositing stolen checks and withdrawing the funds before the bank or the victims of the stolen checks were aware of the fraud.
The bank fraud conspiracy and the bank fraud charges both carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. Sentencing is scheduled for January 21, 2026.
U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark, and the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey S. Smith of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division and Thomas S. Kearney of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.
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Defense counsel: Charles Simmons, Esq., East Orange, New Jersey.
terry.information.pdfFormer Charity Employee Sentenced to 40 Months in Prison for Stealing Nearly $700,000Read the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel on Thursday sentenced a former charity employee who embezzled $690,902 over more than a decade to 40 months in prison.
Judge Sippel also ordered Joelle Fouse, 58, to repay the money.
Fouse was the manager/director of finance and human resources for Promise Community Homes, formerly known as Rainbow Village, a charity that provides housing and resources for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She was responsible for payroll, expense reimbursement and maintaining the charity’s books and records.
Fouse caused 71 unauthorized payroll deposits totaling $139,810 and 181 unauthorized expense reimbursement payments totaling $407,186 to be made to her personal bank accounts. She also used the charity’s credit card to make 184 unauthorized personal purchases totaling $133,210. Her theft, and the unauthorized payments, caused the charity to overpay payroll taxes by approximately $10,694.
Fouse’s “significant embezzlement” was “in addition to the generous salary and benefits the charity was already providing her,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith wrote in a sentencing memo. “While depriving the disabled residents of the charity of much needed and essential resources, Defendant used the stolen charitable funds for extravagant purchases for such things as vacation travel, expensive clothing and handbags, entertainment, restaurant meals, and to fund her own side businesses which provided her with additional income.”
Fouse also lied about graduating college with an accounting degree for years, Goldsmith wrote, when she was actually academically disqualified from continuing in school.
In a letter to Judge Sippel, Promise Homes Executive Director Matt Elmore wrote that Fouse’s embezzlement while the charity was “stretching every dollar” and “making difficult decisions about which projects to fund” robbed clients of vital services. The $8,000 of the charity’s money Fouse spent at Louis Vuitton “could have funded a new ramp for a resident who can no longer navigate stairs,” he wrote. The $5,000 she spent on “bottle service at the Ritz-Carlton could have covered urgent repairs-HVAC systems, water heaters, essential appliances-for multiple homes.”
Her crime, Elmore wrote, poisoned their workplace and damaged the charity’s reputation. “We are now forced to spend valuable time and resources reassuring donors-many of whom have supported us for decades that we remain trustworthy and financially stable. Every hour we spend restoring confidence is an hour not spent serving our residents,” he wrote.
Elmore also said that Fouse was always the first and strongest advocate for raising the rent of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living on fixed incomes, “because she needed to fund her own lavish lifestyle. That is a level of heartlessness I struggle to comprehend.”
Fouse used the money to pay for personal expenses for herself and relatives including travel, clothing, entertainment, restaurant meals and rent payments. To cover up her crimes, she created false financial reports, doctored receipts, made false entries in the charity’s financial records and prevented the charity’s officials from accessing records which would have disclosed her scheme.
Fouse worked for the charity from October 2012 through December 2023, when she was terminated and her employer contacted federal authorities. She pleaded guilty in April of 2025 to three felony counts of wire fraud.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith prosecuted the case. Officers of Promise Community Homes cooperated substantially in the investigation.
Former Bank of O’Fallon executive sentenced to prison for swindling $2 million in check kiting fraud schemeRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district judge sentenced the former second-in-command of the Bank of O’Fallon to 63 months’ imprisonment after he admitted to federal charges for engaging in a fraud scheme to obtain more than $2 million.
Andrew P. Blassie, 70, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of interstate transportation of security or funds obtained by fraud. In addition to imprisonment, he was ordered to pay $2,461,887.67 in restitution.
“Blassie’s prison sentence underscores the severity of his crimes to betray his clients, employer, family, and community,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “The outstanding work by the investigators and the Bank of O’Fallon’s vital cooperation to dismantle this scheme delivered justice and helped to protect the integrity of our financial system.”
According to the indictment, Blassie served as the Executive Vice President for the Bank of O’Fallon and defrauded the bank out of $1,972,887.67 in a check kite scheme from September 2023 through September 2024 during his employment.
Blassie admitted to falsely inflating the balance of his personal checking account at the Bank of O’Fallon by depositing checks he knew to be backed by non-sufficient funds. He deposited checks with non-sufficient funds from four personal accounts at three other banks and one credit union into the Bank of O’Fallon account.
“The U.S. Secret Service is committed to pursuing criminal actors who seek to rip off law-abiding citizens and undermine our nation’s financial system in the process. This was an outrageous scheme that hurt innocent victims,” said acting Resident Agent in Charge David Bolin, of the U.S. Secret Service’s Springfield Resident Office. “I am proud of our agency’s work in this case. Thanks to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Illinois as well as our federal and local law enforcement partners who helped to bring justice for the victims, including the O’Fallon Police Department.”
Blassie paid nearly $2.7 million for personal expenses from the falsely inflated account thus using funds belonging to the Bank of O’Fallon. As the former Executive Vice President, Blassie used his position to conceal his fraud from the Bank of O’Fallon by scrubbing his name and account number from suspected kiting reports.
“Today’s sentencing brings justice to the defendant, who violated his position of trust as Executive Vice President at the Bank of O’Fallon. He defrauded the bank of approximately $2 million through a check kiting scheme that he used to enrich himself,” said Special Agent in Charge Vincent R. Zehme, of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC OIG), Chicago Region. “This case exhibits the FDIC OIG’s steadfast commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to hold bank insiders, and other perpetrators of fraud, accountable for their role in such schemes, especially those that threaten the safety and soundness of our Nation’s financial institutions.”
From August 2022 through September 2024, Blassie also persuaded a couple from Lebanon, Illinois, to give him $489,000 of their retirement savings. In return for this investment, Blassie gave the couple two promissory notes. He agreed to pay the couple interest on the notes and used money he obtained through his check kite scheme to pay some of that interest.
As security for his promissory notes, Blassie pledged 128 of his and his wife’s shares of the holding company which owns the Bank of O’Fallon.
“Today’s sentencing holds accountable and brings to justice a former bank executive who abused his position to defraud Bank of O’Fallon and its customers,” said Don Daley, Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Western Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “We are proud to have worked with our law enforcement partners to achieve this result. We will continue to vigorously pursue those who undermine the safety and soundness of our banking institutions.”
According to the indictment, Blassie later sold most of these shares and did not use those funds to repay the Lebanon couple. This left the couple with no means of recourse when Blassie later defaulted on the promissory notes.
“Bank officials who abuse their positions of public trust for personal gain pose an unacceptable threat to the integrity the Federal Home Loan Bank system,” said Korey Brinkman, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General’s Central Region. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates our ongoing commitment to investigating thoroughly allegations of fraud involving bank officials and supporting the prosecution of those charged with these offenses. We are proud to work with our investigative partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure insider fraudsters are held accountable under the law.”
Officials with the Bank of O’Fallon have fully cooperated with law enforcement during the investigation.
The O’Fallon Police Department, U.S. Secret Service, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General made contributions to the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe Gross prosecuted the case.
Former Assistant District Attorney in Lafayette Convicted of Conspiracy and Bribery Charges in Federal CaseRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – A federal jury has found Gary Haynes, 67, of Lafayette, guilty of conspiracy to engage in bribery, bribery, use of a facility interstate commerce in aid of bribery, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and obstruction of justice after a nearly two-week long trial, announced Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. After deliberating for nearly two and one half hours, the jury returned their verdict. The indictment charged Haynes with conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, two counts of using his cell phone in aid of bribery, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and obstruction of justice.
Evidence presented at the trial revealed that Haynes conspired with Dusty Guidry and Leonard Franques to solicit bribes and kickbacks and to accept things of value while working as an Assistant District Attorney at the 15th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Haynes oversaw the D.A.’s Office’s Pretrial Intervention (PTI) program which was a program set up to provide an alternative to criminal prosecution for certain criminal offenders. Haynes approved defendants to participate in the program and then directed them to take classes from Franques’s companies. Those defendants paid money to take classes through Franques’s companies to complete the program and obtain dismissal of the criminal charges against them from Haynes. Haynes, Guidry, and Franques agreed that Haynes would receive kickbacks in exchange for accepting people into the PTI program, directing those people to Franques’s companies, and then dismissing the charges against the people who enrolled in and paid for the courses that Franques’s companies provided.
Haynes and his co-conspirators discussed several ways to conceal the nature of the money that Haynes would receive from the kickback scheme, including having Haynes reactivate a defunct company during the conspiracy to hide the proceeds from the kickbacks or potentially providing him with a new truck rather than funnel the kickbacks directly to him. Haynes directed a coconspirator to alter, destroy, and conceal documents and records to prevent their availability in a future proceeding.
Franques pleaded guilty on January 12, 2024, to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. Guidry pleaded guilty on March 23, 2023, to two counts of conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds and one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. Both Guidry and Franques are scheduled to be sentenced on October 1, 2025.
Haynes faces a sentence of 65 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
The case was investigated by the FBI and IRS - Criminal Investigation. The prosecution team included Assistant United States Attorneys John Luke Walker and John W. Nickel, and Steven Loew of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section.
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Former Antioch Police Officer Found Guilty of Conspiracy Against RightsRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – A federal jury today convicted former Antioch police officer Devon Wenger of one count of conspiracy against rights. The jury’s verdict follows a seven-day trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White.
Wenger, 33, was previously employed as a police officer with the Antioch Police Department. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Wenger conspired with other Antioch Police Department officers to use unreasonable force to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate residents of Antioch, California.
“Public trust must be at the forefront of the duty to protect. By using unnecessary and unreasonable force under the guise of law enforcement, Wenger betrayed the community he was entrusted to protect. Officers who hold themselves above the law and dishonor their oath of office will be held to account. The people of Antioch deserve no less,” said United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian.
“Today’s conviction makes clear that when an officer violates the civil rights of those he was sworn to protect, it will not be overlooked or excused. This marks the second time a jury has held Devon Wenger accountable, and it reflects the FBI’s commitment to pursuing justice in every instance where authority is abused. We will continue working with our partners to ensure that those who betray the public’s trust face consequences,” said FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Agustin Lopez.
According to the evidence at trial, Wenger and two other Antioch Police Department officers, Morteza Amiri and Eric Rombough, communicated with each other and others about using and intending to use excessive force against individuals in and around Antioch. The uses of excessive force included deployment of a K9, deployment of a 40mm “less lethal” launcher, and other unnecessary violence. The evidence showed that Wenger and others deployed uses of force as punishment to subjects beyond any punishment appropriately imposed by the criminal justice system. Wenger also withheld details about uses of excessive force from police reports and other official documents.
The jury convicted Wenger of one count of conspiracy against rights in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 241. The court dismissed a second count that charged Wenger with deprivation of rights under color of law in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242.
Wenger was previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute steroids and obstruction of justice following a jury trial in April 2025.
The Court ordered Wenger remanded to custody pending sentencing, which is scheduled for Dec. 2, 2025. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Any sentence will be imposed by the Court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The case is being prosecuted by the National Security & Special Prosecutions Section and the Oakland Branch of the United States Attorney’s Office. This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Office of the Contra Costa County District Attorney.
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These civil rights charges against Wenger were brought as part of an investigation into the Antioch and Pittsburg police departments that resulted in multiple charges against 10 current and former officers and employees of these two police departments for various crimes ranging from the use of excessive force to fraud. The status of these cases, all of which are before Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White, is below:
Case Name and NumberStatute(s)Defendant
(Bold: multiple case numbers)
StatusFraud
23-cr-00264
18 U.S.C. §§ 1349 (Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud; 1343 (Wire Fraud)Patrick BerhanSentenced to 30 months custody, 2 years supervised release concurrent with 24-cr-157 on 9/5/24Morteza AmiriSentenced to 84 months custody, 3 years supervised release concurrent with 23-cr-269 on 6/24/25Amanda Theodosy a/k/a NashSentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release 11/15/24Samantha PetersonSentenced to time served, 3 years supervised release 4/24/24Ernesto Mejia-OrozcoSentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release on 9/19/24Brauli Jalapa RodriguezSentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release on 10/25/24Obstruction
23-cr-00267
18 U.S.C. §§ 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations); 1512(c)(2) (Obstruction of Official Proceedings); 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law)Timothy Manly WilliamsPleaded guilty 11/28/23, status conference 10/7/25Steroid Distribution
23-cr-00268
21 U.S.C. §§ 846 (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids), 841(a)(1), and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Possession with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids)Daniel HarrisPleaded guilty 9/17/24, status conference 10/7/2521 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids);
18 U.S.C.§ 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations)
Devon WengerConvicted at trial 4/30/25, sentencing pendingCivil Rights
23-cr-00269
18 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law); § 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations)Morteza AmiriSentenced to 84 months custody, 3 years supervised release concurrent with 23-cr-264 on 6/24/2518 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law)Eric RomboughPleaded guilty 1/14/25, status conference 10/7/2518 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law)Devon WengerConvicted at trial 9/18/25, sentencing 12/2/25Steroid Distribution
24-cr-00157
21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Possession with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids)Patrick BerhanSentenced to 30 months custody, 2 years supervised release concurrent with 23-cr-264 on 9/5/24Bank fraud
24-cr-00502
18 U.S.C. § 1344(1), (2) (Bank fraud)Daniel HarrisPleaded guilty 9/17/24, status conference 10/7/25Final Los Valles drug trafficking organization defendant sentenced for his role in distributing loads of cocaine into the United StatesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Honduran national was sentenced on Sept. 16 to four years in prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
According to court documents, Erlis Antonio Leon Castellanos was an important part of an international drug trafficking organization based in Honduras known as “Los Valles” (Valle DTO). The Valle DTO moved multi-metric-ton loads of cocaine from Honduras to Guatemala, before it was moved to Mexico and ultimately the United States. The Valle DTO used helicopters and commercial trucks to transport cocaine from Honduras to Guatemala, where the cocaine was transferred to co-conspirators associated with Mexican drug trafficking organizations that smuggled the cocaine into the United States for redistribution. Some members of the Valle DTO imported smaller quantities of cocaine from Honduras directly into the United States using human couriers, who would travel on commercial airlines.
Leon Castellanos owned property near the Honduras-Guatemala border. The Valle DTO sent cocaine loads to Leon Castellanos at his property, where Leon Castellanos stored them before he and other DTO members smuggled the cocaine into Guatemala on its way to the United States. Leon Castellanos began by accepting cocaine loads of approximately 15 to 20 kilograms and eventually accepting loads of hundreds of kilograms at a time. Leon Castellanos also delivered cocaine to another DTO member who was responsible for coordinating the northward travel of the drugs. Between 2011 and 2014, Leon Castellanos personally transported cocaine over the border. He is the final defendant of 15 indicted in the case to be captured and sentenced.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Siddhartha Patel, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Sacramento Field Office; and Christopher C. Goumenis, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Guatemala to secure the arrest and March extradition of Leon Castellanos.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Guatemala to secure the arrest and March extradition of Leon Castellanos.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristin S. Starr and Philip Alito prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs).
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:14-cr-135.
Federal Inmate Serving Life Sentence Receives 30 More Years for Cellmate’s MurderRead the Press Release
TERRE HAUTE- Jeremy Mack, 50, has been sentenced to 30 years and 5 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to murder in the second degree. Mack was also ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution.
According to court documents, in 2021, Jeremy Mack was an inmate at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, Indiana, serving a life sentence imposed by the Northern District of Ohio for Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking and Drug Trafficking, Sex Trafficking of Children by Force, Fraud or Coercion, Witness Tampering and Obstruction of Justice.
On September 3, 2021, at approximately 9:28 p.m., correctional officers responded to an inmate duress alarm in the general population housing unit. Upon arrival, the officers found inmate Jeremy Mack standing near the door with the lights off. Officers instructed Mack to turn on the light and immediately observed blood on Mack’s hands and forearms. His cellmate, Stephen Cannada, was lying on the floor in a pool of blood.
Officers attempted CPR and other life-saving measures on Cannada but were unsuccessful. He was later pronounced deceased by medical staff. The medical examiner ruled the official cause of death to be multiple stab wounds to the neck and abdomen.
“This additional sentence underscores our office’s commitment to ensuring accountability, even within the walls of a federal prison. The sentence imposed reflects the gravity of this crime, and we hope it brings a sense of justice and closure to the family and loved ones of Mr. Cannada,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana.
“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: violence within our correctional system will not be tolerated. Even individuals already serving lengthy prison terms are accountable under the law when they commit further acts of violence. The FBI remains committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure that every life is protected, and justice is upheld – no matter where the crime occurs,” said Timothy O’Malley, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Indianapolis.
"Today's sentencing sends a clear message - those who threaten or harm others will be held accountable. The safety and security of our facilities will always be the BOP’s top priority in our mission to ensure public safety,” said a BOP Spokesperson.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Prisons investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayson W. McGrath, who prosecuted this case.
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Former University Postdoctoral Scholar Sentenced to Prison for Distribution and Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Dylan Kelby Rogers, 39, formerly of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison for distribution and receipt of child pornography. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “These crimes deserve swift and severe punishment not only because they involve the sexual exploitation of minors, but because those minors continue to be re-victimized each time these horrific videos and images of their exploitation are shared. I am proud of the outstanding investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners in this case, and my office remains committed to using the full force of the law to hold accountable the predators who victimize our children.”
Court documents reflect that in December 2024, Rogers, a local university postdoctoral scholar, reported to the Tallahassee Police Department that he was extorted online. During an interview with a federal agent, Rogers explained that he and an individual had watched child pornography on an online application and showed the agent a folder on his cell phone that contained several child pornography videos. Law enforcement seized Rogers’s cell phone and conducted a forensic examination of it. A search of the phone revealed more than 30 illegal videos. Rogers’s cell phone also contained evidence of his communications with other online users about child pornography.
“The exploitation of children is one of the most heinous crimes we face, and the Tallahassee Police Department remains dedicated to bringing offenders to justice, said Chief Lawrence Revell. “This case highlights the importance of strong partnerships in protecting our most vulnerable.”
“Dylan Rogers’ actions represent a deeply disturbing betrayal of trust and highlight the alarming prevalence of child exploitation crimes in our society,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “This is not just a law enforcement issue but a societal challenge that requires vigilance, education, and collaboration across all sectors to protect the most vulnerable among us. HSI, alongside our partners, remains unwavering in our efforts to tirelessly combat the scourge of child exploitation, bring offenders to justice, and safeguard our children from harm.”
Rogers’ imprisonment will be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, meaning if he violates any of the conditions of his supervision, he will potentially face an additional period of incarceration. Additionally, Rogers was ordered to pay restitution to victims and he will be required to register as a sex offender.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.
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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Executive of Miami-Based Seafood Wholesale Company Pleads Guilty to Price-Fixing ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Miami – The vice president of a Miami-based seafood wholesaler pleaded guilty on September 16 to conspiring with competitors to fix prices for the purchase of stone crab claws and spiny lobster in Florida.
According to documents filed with the court, Dennis Dopico, of Miami, was a vice president for a company that operated a seafood processing center that sold stone crab claws and spiny lobsters. Between 2023 and 2025, Dopico conspired with competing companies and their employees to suppress and eliminate competition by fixing the prices paid to fishermen for stone crab claws and spiny lobsters. This conspiracy deprived fishermen in Florida the benefits of competition, depressing the prices paid to fishermen for their harvests.
“Price fixing cheats fishermen, squeezes restaurants, and makes families pay more at the table,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “We will protect honest competition from the boat to the dinner table.”
“Criminal conspiracies to deprive hardworking Americans the right to earn a fair wage are untenable in a free society. As the defendant admits, his price fixing conspiracy unfairly took money out of the pockets of hardworking fishermen for years,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Omeed Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division and its law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to ensure that hard working Americans are paid competitively for an honest day’s work.”
“This case highlights the serious consequences of undermining the integrity of our nation’s natural resource markets,” said Assistant Director Doug Ault, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement. “Price-fixing schemes not only disrupt fair competition but also threaten American businesses and the sustainability of our valuable fisheries. We remain committed to working with our federal partners to hold accountable those who exploit our natural resources for unlawful profit.”
Dopico and his co-conspirators exchanged text messages and calls in which they coordinated and agreed on the prices they would pay fishermen and would adjust the prices together as the respective harvest seasons progressed. For example, on Sept. 28, 2023, following communications with a co-conspirator about spiny lobster prices Dopico replied “[d]on’t show text to anyone[.] Confidential,” to which the co-conspirator responded, “I give you my word. We’re working together now not against each other[.]” Later, on Oct. 13, 2023, the same co-conspirator texted Dopico new stone crab claw prices. Dopico responded, “[l]et me know what you do. I am matching your prices. It’s the one we like the most.”
In the plea agreement, Dopico admitted that the volume of commerce attributable to him and related to the conspiracy was approximately $8 million.
Dopico pleaded guilty to one felony count of restraining trade by conspiring to fix prices, in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act. The maximum penalty for individuals is 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine. The maximum penalty for corporations is a $100 million criminal fine. The fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine.
The court set Dopico’s sentencing hearing for Jan. 5, 2026. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services is investigating this case.
The Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal Section is prosecuting the case with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, or visit www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.
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 25-cr-20393.
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East Tennessee Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On September 18, 2025, Michael Robert Potter, 38, of Rocky Top, TN, was sentenced to 188 months by the Honorable Thomas A. Varlan, United States District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville. Following his imprisonment, Potter will be on supervised release for 10 years and will be required to register with state sex offender registries and comply with special sex offender conditions.
As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Potter agreed to plead guilty to an indictment charging him with one count of distribution of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(2).
According to filed court documents, from April 2023 to May 2023, investigators with the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security Investigations – Internet Crimes Against Children (HSI-ICAC) Task Force conducted online investigations into the trafficking of child pornography. This investigation led to the identification of an IP address utilized by Potter which contained numerous files depicting child pornography and child sexual abuse. In October 2023, a federal search warrant was executed which found Potter to be in possession of several pieces of computer equipment which contained over 20,000 images and over 500 videos depicting child pornography and child sexual abuse.
U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton of the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement.
The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation by HSI-ICAC and Knoxville Police Department. This investigation was led by HSI-ICAC Task Force Officer Thomas Evans.
Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Kolman represented the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006, by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.
For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc/resources.html and click the tab "resources.”
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Derry Man Indicted for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
CONCORD –A Derry man was indicted for distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
Joseph Baran, 55, was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint. He appeared in federal court on August 21, 2025.
According to court documents, Baran was involved in the collection and distribution of CSAM as part of a technically sophisticated, anonymous, online group.
The investigation was led by the FBI’s Headquarter-based Child Exploitation Operational Unit, with assistance from the FBI’s Boston Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo is prosecuting the case. Trial Attorney Kaylynn Foulon for the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section at the U.S. Department of Justice provided valuable assistance.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Defendants Charged in First Wave of Housing Stabilization Fraud CasesRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Eight defendants have been federally charged with wire fraud for their roles in a massive housing stabilization fraud scheme, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.
“Today we announce the first wave of charges in a massive fraud in Minnesota’s housing stabilization program,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “I want to be clear on the scope of the crisis. What we see are schemes stacked upon schemes, draining resources meant for those in need. It feels never ending. I have spent my career as a fraud prosecutor and the depth of the fraud in Minnesota takes my breath away. The fraud must be stopped.”
The Scheme to Defraud the Housing Stabilization Services Program
As set forth in the charging documents, the defendants devised and carried out schemes to defraud federally funded health care benefits collected within Minnesota’s Housing Stability Services Program. The HSS Program dates back to July 2022, when Minnesota became the first state in the country to offer Medicaid coverage for Housing Stabilization Services. The Program was designed to help people with disabilities, including seniors and people with mental illnesses and substance use disorders, find and maintain housing. Rather than provide such help, the defendants obtained and misappropriated millions of dollars in program funds that were intended as reimbursements for services provided to those people.
The Program permitted reimbursements for four principal kinds of services: (1) housing consultation; (2) housing transition services; (3) housing sustaining services; and (4) moving expenses.
By design, the Program had low barriers to entry for new providers and for beneficiaries. The Program also had minimal requirements for reimbursement. The HSS Program’s low barriers to entry and minimal records requirements for reimbursement combined to make the Program susceptible to fraud.
Before the Program’s inaugural year, the Program was predicted to cost about $2.6 million annually. That proved to be inaccurate. In 2021 alone, the Program paid out more than $21 million in claims. That figure ballooned in the following years: $42 million in 2022, $74 million in 2023, $104 million in 2024. In just the first six months of 2025, the Program paid out another $61 million.
A federal investigation revealed that many Program providers defrauded the system. These providers acquired the names of Program-eligible beneficiaries from facilities like addiction treatment centers. They then used those individuals’ information to submit inflated and fake reimbursement claims. In this fashion, the providers acquired substantial pay-outs of taxpayer money to which they were not entitled. They used those ill-gotten gains for their own enrichment.
United States v. Moktar Aden et al., 25-cr-349 (MJD/JFD)
(Brilliant Minds Services LLC)
- Defendant Moktar Hassan Aden, age 30
- Defendant Mustafa Dayib Ali, age 29
- Defendant Khalid Ahmed Dayib, age 26
- Defendant Abdifitah Mohamud Mohamed, age 27
In April 2022, Aden and his co-defendants, Dayib and Ali completed paperwork to enroll Aden’s company, called Brilliant Minds Services LLC, as an HSS Provider. With Abdifitah Mohamed, those defendants then purported to service individuals in need through Brilliant Minds from an office suite in the Griggs-Midway Building in St. Paul, Minnesota. Mohamed also operated another program provider called Foundation First Services LLC, which has offices in the same building. Through Foundation First, Mohamed claimed to provide Program-reimbursable consultation services to other HSS providers, including Brilliant Minds.
The defendants, along with their employees at Brilliant Minds, were supposed to provide housing consulting, transitioning, and sustaining services to qualifying people in need. Instead, the defendants caused the submission of fake and inflated bills and provided only a fraction of their claimed total.
In all, between approximately September 2022 and April 2025, Brilliant Minds submitted reimbursement claims totaling about $2.3 million. From such claims, in 2024, Brilliant Minds LLC was one of the ten highest-billing HSS providers state-wide.
The defendants diverted some of those taxpayer dollars to their conspirators, and they kept much for themselves. From about April 2023 through about May 2025, each of the defendants personally pocketed between about $300,000 and $400,000 from Brilliant Minds. The defendants also shared a Platinum American Express credit card, on which they accrued nearly half a million dollars in charges to fund and enhance their lifestyles. The defendants paid those charges using Brilliant Mind’s company accounts.
United States v. Christopher Falade, et al., 25-cr-351 (JMB/DJF)
(Faladcare Inc.)
- Defendant Christopher Adesoji Falade, age 62
- Defendant Emmanuel Oluwademilade Falade, age 32
Christopher Falade and his son, Emmanuel Falade, worked together to run Faladcare Inc. as a provider in the HSS Program.
The Falades, along with their employees at Faladcare, were supposed to provide housing consulting, transitioning, and sustaining services to qualifying people in need.
Instead, over the course of years, the Falades and their conspirators created and submitted Program reimbursement claims that were inflated and fraudulent. By doing so, Faladcare received Program payments far exceeding the HSS services they had actually provided. In all, the Falades claimed to service about 100 different beneficiaries and for such services claimed to be entitled to over $2.2 million. The Falades diverted much of their fraud proceeds to their conspirators, including to their Faladcare employees.
United States v. Asad Ahmed Adow, 25-cr-354 (ADM)
(Leo Human Services LLC)
- Defendant Asad Ahmed Adow, age 26
Asad Adow was the owner and principal of Leo Human Services LLC, a company based out of a business suite in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.
Adow operated Leo as an HSS Provider from a residence in Blaine, Minnesota and a business suite in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.
Asad Adow directed his employees at Leo Human Services to bill as much as they could. At the same time, Adow made clear to those employees that he would not scrutinize the purported billable hours his employees submitted. In this way, Asad Adow incentivized his employees, who were paid hourly wages, to inflate their hours. As the company owner and principal, Asad Adow made more money when his employees overrepresented their billings—which Asad Adow then submitted for Program reimbursement.
Asad Adow also trained his employees at Leo to create notes detailing the purported services they provided. The HSS Program does not require providers to submit such notes to receive reimbursements. However, Asad Adow directed his employees to create service notes so that the company would have them in case DHS ever conducted an audit. Once again, Asad Adow knew that his employees were manufacturing notes that falsely represented their having provided Program services.
Ultimately, based on inflated and fraudulent claims, Leo Human Services received about $2.7 million in Program funds based on the company’s claims to have provided services to about 250 beneficiaries.
Asad Adow diverted much of those taxpayer dollars to his conspirators, including his employees at Leo and his brother, Anwar Adow. Asad Adow also spent proceeds from his scheme to invest in real estate in Kenya, to lease an apartment in Roseville, Minnesota and a 2024 BMW X4, and to fund his lifestyle.
United States v. Anwar Ahmed Adow, 25-cr-353 (PAM)
(Liberty Plus LLC)
- Defendant Anwar Ahmed Adow, age 25
Anwar Adow was the owner and principal of Liberty Plus LLC, a company based out of a business suite in Roseville, Minnesota. In April 2024, Anwar Adow applied to be an HSS provider. Anwar Adow thereafter purported to service individuals in need through Liberty from a business suite in Roseville, Minnesota.
Anwar Adow directed his employees at Liberty Plus to bill as much as they could. At the same time, Anwar Adow made clear to those employees that he would not scrutinize the purported billable hours his employees submitted to him. In this way, Anwar Adow incentivized his employees, who were paid hourly wages, to inflate their hours. As the company owner and principal, Anwar Adow made more money when his employees overrepresented their billings—which Anwar Adow then submitted for Program reimbursement.
Ultimately, based on inflated and fraudulent claims, Liberty Plus received more than $1.2 million in Medicaid funds for services purportedly provided to approximately 200 beneficiaries.
Anwar Adow diverted much of those taxpayer dollars to his conspirators, including his employees at Liberty and his brother, Asad Adow. Anwar Adow also spent proceeds from his scheme to lease a 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA, to make investments, and to fund his lifestyle.
“Fraud in the Housing Stabilization Services program not only drains money from hardworking taxpayers, it also deprives vulnerable populations of resources to maintain safe housing," said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “Exploiting this program undermines the financial and physical security of the community amid a housing and addiction crisis. The FBI is relentless in working with our law enforcement partners to root out this fraud and prosecute those who enrich themselves at the expense of the community.”
“The charges filed today represent another big blow to organized program fraud in Minnesota,” said Adam Jobes, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “The Minnesota Housing Stabilization Service program was supposed to be a groundbreaking resource to provide stability, assistance, and dignity to seniors and individuals with disabilities. Instead, program funds were diverted to the pockets of greedy opportunists. IRS-CI is proud to partner with our federal and state agencies in investigations like these and will continue to provide our expertise and resources to fight back against those who have chosen to make their living exploiting some of our most vulnerable citizens. The public has the right to expect their hard-earned tax dollars are being used judiciously.”
“The fraud detailed in the criminal charges announced today reflects a calculated effort on the part of the defendants to significantly exploit a program designed to serve vulnerable populations and taxpayers at large” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “Our agency remains committed to working together with our federal and state law enforcement partners to identify and bring to justice those who defraud our nation’s healthcare programs.”
“Funding provided through Housing Stabilization Services is intended to help Minnesotans achieve a stable, housed future. When criminals selfishly defraud these programs they are not only committing a crime, but they are depriving others of services that can be life-changing, and defrauding all taxpaying Minnesotans,” Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel W. Bobier are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Defendant Charged in Ponzi Scheme Targeting Harvard Business School ClassmatesRead 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 VLADIMIR ARTAMONOV with securities fraud, investment adviser fraud, and wire fraud. ARTAMONOV was arrested today in Elkridge, Maryland, and will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas R. Miller in the District of Maryland. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon.
“As alleged, Vladimir Artamonov betrayed investors, including friends and former Ivy League classmates, by promising a low-risk, high-return investment strategy, when in fact he gambled away investor money and paid off previous investors to continue his scheme,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “We will continue to protect the investment markets from schemes that may wear the disguise of sophistication, but in the end are just theft.”
“Vladimir Artamonov allegedly misappropriated more than four million dollars in investments from fellow alumni through false assurances of little risk and high reward,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. “The defendant allegedly exploited the prestige of a well-respected university and investment company to unlawfully procure investments, which he used to pay for personal expenses. The FBI will never tolerate those who seek to financially enrich themselves by betraying the trust and wallets of their investors.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment:[1]
From at least September 2021 through February 2024, ARTAMONOV defrauded numerous investors who participated in an investment opportunity he called “Project Information Arbitrage.” ARTAMONOV, who graduated from Harvard Business School in 2003 and subsequently worked in the financial services industry, used his professional network to solicit investments from classmates and other alumni of Harvard Business School. ARTAMONOV represented to investors that he would use their funds to execute an information arbitrage strategy focused on investments by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire”). According to ARTAMONOV, due to its reputation, when Berkshire made new investments in publicly traded companies, and those investments became widely known, those companies’ share prices increased significantly. ARTAMONOV represented to investors that he could identify Berkshire’s new investments ahead of their public disclosure in filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by reviewing public insurance company filings made by Berkshire’s affiliates with state regulators. By identifying Berkshire’s new investments and purchasing securities of those companies before the rest of the market, ARTAMONOV claimed he could achieve significant returns with little associated risk. ARTAMONOV raised in excess of $4 million from investors.
In reality, ARTAMONOV defrauded investors. Instead of executing the strategy that he had pitched to investors, ARTAMONOV primarily traded in risky short-term options that, for the most part, did not overlap with Berkshire’s investments or otherwise implement the arbitrage opportunity that ARTAMONOV had presented. ARTAMONOV lost millions of dollars in investor funds, often within days of his receipt of such funds. ARTAMONOV then concealed those losses from investors while soliciting additional investments and repeatedly claiming that profitable investments were on the horizon. ARTAMONOV sent messages to one investor assuring him that it was “[a]lmost certain we will make a ton of money” soon, and that they would “brag” about their “crazy gains” at the Harvard Business School reunion.
When investors eventually demanded the return of their funds, ARTAMONOV repaid old investors with new investors’ funds, or declined to repay investors altogether. Ultimately, ARTAMONOV returned less than $400,000 to investors. Of the approximately $4 million he raised for Project Information Arbitrage, ARTAMONOV lost most of the funds or used them to pay for personal expenses, including lodging, food and alcohol, and transportation.
* * *
ARTAMONOV, 46, of Elkridge, Maryland, is charged with one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of investment adviser fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 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 defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Clayton also thanked the New York Attorney General’s Office, which separately filed civil proceedings against ARTAMONOV, and expressed appreciation for the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Varun A. Gumaste is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
u.s._v._artamonov_indictment.pdf
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
D.C. Man Arrested for Hate Crime MurderRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Edgar Arrington, 38, of Washington, D.C., was arrested and charged with a homicide that occurred in the early morning hours of July 5, 2025, in Northeast D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Arrington made his initial appearance before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Heide Herrmann earlier today, where Judge Herrmann found probable cause that Arrington committed the offense of first-degree murder while armed, with a hate crime enhancement (gender identity), and ordered that Arrington be held without bond pending a preliminary hearing on October 7, 2025, before Judge Danya Dayson.
According to court documents, Arrington, a stranger to the victim, Daquan Johnson, ridiculed Johnson for being transgendered as Johnson walked by Arrington on the sidewalk. Arrington continued his harassment of Johnson by hurling slurs at Johnson, ultimately retrieving a firearm from his clothing and shooting the unarmed victim multiple times throughout the body. Johnson died as a result of the injuries.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna Payyappilly.
Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
These charges are merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Cincinnati man pleads guilty to laundering proceeds of romance fraud conspiracy that scammed dozens of victims out of more than $2 millionRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Richard Opoku Agyemang, 41, of Cincinnati, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to laundering the proceeds of a romance fraud conspiracy involving more than $2 million in loss to dozens of victims.
As part of the romance fraud scheme, other individuals used stolen photographs and false information to create profiles on dating websites and establish online romantic relationships with victims. Victims were tricked into sending money under the false pretense that doing so would support a romantic partner they had met online for things like medical expenses.
According to court documents, victims sent more than $2 million by either wiring money or depositing checks to accounts controlled by Agyemang.
Agyemang was charged federally in April 2024. He pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering stemming from a transfer of $32,000 of fraud proceeds in 2022.
His plea agreement recommends a sentence of up to 41 months in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Pittsburgh Division, announced the guilty plea entered on Sept. 17 before U.S. District Judge Matthew W. McFarland. Assistant United States Attorneys Julie D. Garcia and Ebunoluwa A. Taiwo are representing the United States in this case.
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California Drug Dealer Sentenced to 55 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Hagåtña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Anthony Kenneth Johnson, age 68, from Merced, California, was sentenced on September 17, 2025, in the District Court of Guam to 55 months imprisonment for Distribution of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). The Court also ordered three years of supervised release following imprisonment, forfeiture of $1,000 in drug proceeds, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee. In addition, defendants convicted of a federal drug offense may no longer qualify for certain federal benefits.
On August 17, 2017, United States Postal Inspectors intercepted a package containing 23.09 grams of methamphetamine. After delivering the package under surveillance, the recipient, Kevin Mayberry, admitted to receiving the drugs and identified Johnson as the sender. At the time, Johnson was on supervised release after serving 244 months for a previous methamphetamine conspiracy conviction.
In March and April 2020, after a 20-month revocation of his supervised release, Johnson sent two more packages of methamphetamine to Mayberry. The first contained 7.99 grams, for which they agreed on a $250 payment. Postal Inspectors sent a money order to Johnson, which he cashed. The second package contained 25.53 grams. Johnson indicated he wanted $1,000 for the drugs, using the term “zip” for an ounce of methamphetamine. Postal Inspectors sent two money orders totaling $750, which Johnson cashed. In total, Johnson distributed 56.61 grams of methamphetamine, all with a purity of at least 80 percent.
Co-conspirator Kevin Mayberry previously pled guilty to Attempted Possession of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride with Intent to Distribute and was sentenced to 110 Months in Federal Prison.
“Drug trafficking by offenders under post-conviction supervision will not be tolerated, regardless of the quantity involved,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “This investigation is another example of the benefits of multi-agency partners working together to keep our communities safe.”
“This sentence sends a message that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service will not allow the U.S. Mail to be used to distribute harmful narcotics in Guam or anywhere else.” said U.S. Postal Inspection Service San Francisco Division Inspector in Charge Stephen Sherwood. “I would like to thank our partners on the task force including the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency, the Guam Police Department, and the Guam Army National Guard Counterdrug Program for their valuable work keeping dangerous substances out of the mail and out of the community.”
This investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Guam Police Department, with prosecution handled by Assistant United States Attorney Devarup Rastogi in the District of Guam.
Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possession of a Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Derek Samuel James Hunter, 37, of Pensacola, Florida was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to a possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
According to court records, in October 2024, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Medical Services responded to a possible shooting in Penscaola. At the scene, Hunter was found in possession of a loaded semiautomatic handgun. Hunter has prior felony convictions for Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of Cocaine.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the outstanding work of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the investigative assistance provided by our federal law enforcement partners, this violent felon has been taken off our streets and put back behind bars where he belongs. My office will not hesitate to aggressively prosecute these crimes to fulfill the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the violent criminals who have victimized our communities for too long.”
The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Escambia 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.
CEO of Georgia Company Convicted in International Bribery and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
Miami – A federal jury in Miami convicted a U.S. businessman on September 15 for his role in a nearly five-year long scheme to bribe Honduran government officials and to launder money to secure business for a Georgia-based manufacturer of law enforcement uniforms and accessories.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Carl Alan Zaglin, 70, of Marietta, Georgia, agreed to pay bribes to Honduran officials in order to obtain and retain business with Comité Técnico del Fideicomiso para la Administración del Fondo de Protección y Seguridad Poblacional (TASA), a Honduran governmental entity that procured goods for the Honduran National Police and other Honduran security agencies.
“Bribery and money laundering schemes that funnel millions through our District to corrupt foreign officials will be met with the full force of federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “This verdict sends a clear message: those who seek to buy influence abroad, distort fair competition, or launder dirty money through South Florida will be held accountable.”
“Instead of playing by the rules, Carl Zaglin unfairly sought to get ahead and enrich himself by paying bribes to Honduran officials,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Bribing government officials to win business undermines the rule of law and distorts competitive markets. Today’s verdict reaffirms the Criminal Division’s commitment to rooting out corruption and providing an equal playing field for American businesses.”
The trial evidence showed that, between March 2015 and November 2019, Zaglin, the owner and CEO of Atlanco LLC (Atlanco), orchestrated the payment of hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to Honduran officials — including former TASA Executive Director Francisco Roberto Cosenza Centeno (Cosenza) and former TASA Titular Director Juan Ramon Molina — in order to secure contracts with TASA worth more than $10 million. The bribes were paid through Aldo Nestor Marchena, a third-party intermediary then residing in Boca Raton, Florida, who received $2.5 million in payments pursuant to sham invoices authorized by Zaglin. In exchange for the bribes, Cosenza and other Honduran government officials assisted Zaglin, Marchena and others in obtaining contracts for the sale of uniforms and other goods for the Honduran National Police and securing payment on the contracts. Marchena, Cosenza, and Molina all previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the scheme.
To conceal the scheme, Zaglin, Marchena, Cosenza, and their co-conspirators used coded and oblique language like “commissions” and “fees” to refer to bribes and “Miami” to refer to Marchena, “the guys” and “the others” to refer to foreign officials, sham “Brokerage Agreements” falsely detailing legitimate services, and they communicated using personal email accounts and encrypted messaging applications. The conspirators laundered the bribes by moving funds from Atlanco to Marchena’s front company in the United States to accounts held for the benefit of Honduran officials in the United States, Belize, and elsewhere.
The jury convicted Zaglin of one count of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), one count of violating the FCPA, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on both the FCPA count and the FCPA conspiracy count, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the money laundering conspiracy count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Charges in the form of a criminal indictment against Zaglin, Marchena, and Cosenza were unsealed on Dec. 20, 2023. Marchena and Cosenza previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on June 5, 2025 and Aug. 13, 2025, respectively. Molina pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on Dec. 11, 2024.
The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami Field Office investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and authorities in Belize, Colombia, and Spain provided assistance with the investigation.
Trial Attorneys Peter L. Cooch and Clayton P. Solomon of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli S. Rubin for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA and Foreign Extortion Prevention Act (FEPA) matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA and FEPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.
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Browning woman sentenced to one year in prison for assault on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Browning woman who assaulted an individual on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced yesterday to 13 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Kodie Rae Ground, 30, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on May 29, 2024, John Doe was sitting in his parked car in Browning, Montana. Kodie Ground knocked on the window and asked for a ride. Although Doe declined to give her a ride, she opened the door, got in the car, and told him to take her somewhere. Ground refused to get out of the car, so Doe said he would take her to the police station. En route, Doe continued to ask Ground to get out of the car, and she continued to refuse. Doe tried to get her out while stopped at a traffic light, and she became angry. Ground beat John Doe on the head while holding an unknown object. She took the keys out of the ignition and exited the car. When Doe got out of the car, Ground threw his keys at him and walked away.
Doe went to Blackfeet Hospital because he could not move the left side of his body. A CT scan revealed he had a subdural hematoma (a brain bleed), so he was flown to Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, where he underwent a craniotomy.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the BIA and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.
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BofA Securities Inc. Resolves Criminal Investigation with Justice Department Pursuant to Part I of the Criminal Division’s Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure PolicyRead the Press Release
BofA Securities, Inc. (BoAS) a North Carolina-based financial institution, has agreed to resolve a criminal investigation involving alleged market manipulation schemes by former BoAS employees pursuant to Part I of the Criminal Division’s Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy (CEP). As part of the resolution, the Justice Department has declined to prosecute BoAS, and BoAS will disgorge approximately $1.96 million and contribute approximately $3.6 million to a victim compensation fund it will establish and administer.
The Justice Department’s investigation found evidence that from in or about November 2014 through approximately April 2020, two BoAS traders on the bank’s U.S. Treasuries desk separately engaged in schemes to manipulate the secondary (or “cash”) market, and one of those employees also engaged in a scheme to manipulate the futures market for U.S. Treasuries by entering spoof orders — that is, orders placed without the intent to execute them at the time they were placed. Collectively, these two former employees entered more than one thousand suspected spoof orders during the relevant time period. One of the traders, Tyler Forbes, pleaded guilty in April 2022 to manipulating U.S. Treasury securities prices.
In May 2025, the Justice Department revised the CEP to increase transparency and encourage voluntary self-disclosure. The Justice Department announced today that it resolved its investigation against BoAS after considering the factors set forth in the updated CEP, including (1) BoAS’s timely and voluntary self-disclosure of the misconduct; (2) BoAS’s full and proactive cooperation in this matter, including providing all known relevant facts about the misconduct; (3) the nature and seriousness of the offense; (4) BoAS’s timely and appropriate remediation, including the termination of the junior trader, an internal review of the trading of all traders on its U.S. Treasuries desk, an internal review of its compliance program and internal controls, a thorough and systematic root-cause analysis, significant investment in and improvements to its surveillance programs and parameters, enhancements to its broader compliance program, and the implementation of external testing of its internal controls; (5) the absence of aggravating circumstances; and (6) BoAS’s agreement to disgorge its gains and provide victim compensation.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia of the FBI New York Field Office; and Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Criminal Investigations Group made the announcement. The FBI and USPIS are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Sara Hallmark and John J. Liolos of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
Belgian National Sentenced to Prison after Defrauding Investors in a $5M Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Belgian national in the United States operated a $5 million Ponzi scheme over the course of five years was sentenced today to 60 months’ imprisonment.
Kenny Dirk Van Der Spek, 36, who was living in South Jordan, Utah, pleaded guilty to securities fraud, wire fraud and money laundering in May 2025, after he defrauded approximately 75 investors, and used at least $3 million on real estate, a personal chef, a new 2022 Chevrolet Corvette, online gambling and more.
In addition to Van Der Spek’s term of imprisonment, a U.S. District Court Judge sentenced him to three years’ supervised release and ordered he pay full restitution in the amount of $4,107,282.97 to the victims. He also was ordered to comply with the forfeiture of real property in Martinsville, Virginia and Spanish Fork, Utah. See prior press release: Belgium National and Utah Business Owner Charged After Allegedly Running a $5M Ponzi Scheme
According to court documents and admissions made at Van Der Spek’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, Van Der Spek was the owner and manager of K & K Strategies, LLC, which he marketed as a “hedge fund.” Between December 2017 to November 2023, Van Der Spek, convinced investors to invest in his company by making false promises and misrepresentations about investor funds. Van Der Spek, who was not licensed to sell securities, told investors K & K Strategies was legally operating a hedge fund and that he was licensed to do so. He represented to investors that their investments with K & K Strategies were succeeding, showing them fabricated financial records, when in reality, investors were suffering losses. He also displayed a “live stream” of trades on K&K Strategies’ website so that investors could “watch [their] money grow.”
As part of Van Der Spek’s criminal conduct, Van Der Spek promoted K & K as a “mom and pop hedge fund,” accepting investments as low as $500 and specifically targeting “smaller investors” – Investors who had little or no safety net beyond their slowly and meticulously accumulated savings. To those targets, Van Der Spek stated that he wanted to “help people who didn’t have much money.”
“This was not a crime of opportunity. Van Der Spek specifically planned and targeted vulnerable investors and caused substantial financial hardships for victims in Utah and other states,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. “Stealing hard earned money from our citizens is a serious offense, and it will not be tolerated in the District of Utah. We will continue to prosecute and seek justice for victims who suffer from these types of crimes.”
“Van Der Spek’s 'mom and pop hedge fund' had a devastating financial impact on hardworking Utahns, exploiting them for personal gain and taking millions to support his lavish lifestyle,” said Robert Cummings, Director of the Utah Division of Securities. The Division received complaints about Van Der Spek, which led to an investigation into his fraudulent activities and ultimately resulted in his arrest and conviction. “We are grateful to Utah’s law enforcement, the Financial Crime Task Force, the FBI, and the Department of Justice for their diligent work in apprehending Mr. Van Der Spek and holding him accountable. We encourage everyone to visit securities.utah.gov to verify the proper license of anyone providing investment advice before investing their money.”
“Like many fraudsters, Mr. Van Der Spek was motivated by greed, spending his victims’ money on luxuries for himself,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. “Most of the victims in this case didn’t have the money to lose, resulting in financial and emotional devastation that will cause lasting harm. The FBI and our partners continue to seek accountability for those who exploit others for financial gain.”
“Mr. Van Der Spek chose to live a life of fraud built on the backs of hardworking Americans,” said IRS-CI Acting Special Agent in Charge, Jarom Gregory of the Phoenix field office. “He deliberately targeted his investment scheme to prey upon those who had the least to give and the most to lose. IRS-CI employs some of the world’s best financial investigators and working together on a team with our law enforcement partners we have been able to bring some measure of justice for the people victimized by Mr. Van Der Spek.”
The case was investigated by the Utah Division of Securities, FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Phoenix Field Office.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Sachiko J. Jepson and Assistant United States Attorney Mark Y. Hirata, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Bay City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Robbing Sunrise Family Credit UnionRead the Press Release
BAY CITY — Tony McGillen, 45, of Bay City was sentenced today to 152 months in federal prison for robbing the Sunrise Family Credit Union in Essexville, U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. announced.
Gorgon Jr. was joined in the announcement by Reuben C. Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Ludington imposed sentence on McGillen following his guilty plea to bank robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to court documents, on April 9, 2024, McGillen robbed the Sunrise Family Credit Union at gunpoint. McGillen threatened multiple tellers and got away with $7,901 in cash. Thanks to tips from the community, the FBI in Bay City identified McGillen and arrested him just over two weeks later.
"The sentencing of Tony McGillen, who was convicted of bank robbery and brandishing a firearm, demonstrates that tough consequences follow such crimes, including multiple years in federal prison,” said Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “Thanks to the hardworking members of the FBI Bay City Resident Agency, in partnership with the Hampton Township Police Department, the Michigan State Police and the successful prosecution of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, Mr. McGillen will be off the streets. I also want to extend my gratitude to the members of the community, including local businesses, whose cooperation was instrumental in bringing justice to those affected by this offender.”
This investigation was conducted by Bay City Resident Agency of the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Orr.
Arraignment for Man Who Punched His Girlfriend Repeatedly in the FaceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Nyzir Miles, 22, of Washington, D.C., was arraigned today at a hearing before the Honorable Robert Salerno on charges of assault with significant bodily injury and other charges stemming from multiple assaults on his former girlfriend in late 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
A grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia indicted Miles on September 10, 2025, on one felony charge of assault with significant bodily injury, as well as four additional misdemeanor charges: two charges of simple assault and two charges of obstructing, preventing, or interfering with reports to or requests for assistance from law enforcement agencies, medical providers, or child welfare agencies.
According to the government’s evidence, on September 2, 2024, around 11:00 p.m., near the 700 block of Decatur Place NE, Miles and his girlfriend had been driving around when they got into an argument and he punched her in the face. Several hours later, Miles again became angry with the victim, and, after taking her cell phone, began to punch the victim repeatedly in the mouth, causing her mouth to fill with blood to the point where the victim was reportedly choking and unable to breathe. An ambulance transported the victim to Howard University Hospital, where she was diagnosed with a dental fracture and several loose teeth, and a wire was inserted to hold her teeth in place. Approximately two months later, on November 10, 2024, Miles again assaulted the same victim and also reportedly interfered with the victim requesting assistance from law enforcement.
Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Lieberman and was also investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Janki Kaswala.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Alexandria man convicted of repeat child sexual abuse material chargesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A district court judge yesterday convicted a prior sex offender of distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) while on supervised release.
“Following his previous conviction for child sexual abuse material, Antonio Gonzalez knew what he was doing was illegal and knew the consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Instead of embracing a respect for the law and the vulnerable lives it protects, Gonzalez returned to his previous crimes with no regard for those harmed by sexual exploitation. We will tirelessly prosecute anyone engaging in these detestable crimes, and we will continue to pursue anyone who refuses to reform.”
“This defendant continued to sexually exploit children online while on court-ordered supervision, following an earlier conviction for similar conduct,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Thanks to the tireless efforts and enduring dedication of our law enforcement partners and prosecutors, this defendant has been held accountable for his continued exploitation of children and now faces a fifteen-year mandatory minimum sentence.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in April 2024, law enforcement began investigating Antonio Rudy Gonzalez, 41, for distributing CSAM on Kik, a mobile-based messaging platform. Gonzalez sent images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct to multiple other Kik users. In 2013, Gonzalez was convicted in the Eastern District of Virginia of distribution of child pornography.
Gonzales is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 27, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of fifteen years and up to 40 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema delivered the verdict.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Strobbe and Trial Attorney Nadia Prinz of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-213.
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
George Ostertag, 38, of Rawlins, Wyoming, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on Jan. 24, 2024, Ostertag was pulled over for a traffic violation. A K9 drug dog alerted to controlled substances in the car and a subsequent search uncovered a 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number wedged between the driver’s seat and the center console. Prior to this incident, Ostertag was convicted of a felony and unable to legally possess a firearm. The Wyoming Highway Patrol and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer prosecuted the case. Ostertag was indicted on May 16, 2024, and pleaded guilty on June 17, 2025. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Sept. 9, in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00084
Drug and Firearm Offenses
Barry Joe Barrera, 41, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to 152 months’ imprisonment with four years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and use of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) began investigating Barrera in December 2024 on suspicion of distributing methamphetamine. Throughout the investigation, agents made controlled purchases, including purchasing firearms and observed Barerra traveling to and from Colorado to replenish his supply of methamphetamine. On January 9, 2025, as Barrera and two others were returning from Colorado, the Wyoming Highway Patrol attempted a traffic stop in Converse County. The driver fled and a pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, someone tossed a bag of methamphetamine out the window, which law enforcement recovered. Wyoming DCI and the Department of Homeland Security investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie R. Morrison prosecuted the case. Barrera was arrested on complaint Feb. 27 and pleaded guilty on May 9. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Sept. 11 in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-CR-00074
Illegal Re-Entry of a Previously Deported Alien
Juan Olvera-Venegas, 35, of Guanajuato, Mexico, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States upon completion of his sentence. According to court documents, on May 16, the defendant was arrested in Goshen County for possession of a controlled substance. Fingerprints taken at the time of detention indicated Olvera-Venegas is a citizen of Mexico and agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were contacted. They determined that Olvera-Venegas had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed multiple times beginning in 2013. The records also indicated a lengthy criminal record accompanying each deportation. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson prosecuted the case. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Sept. 11 in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-CR-00097About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include: Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Operation Take Back America
Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. It also streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Victim Witness Program
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to ensuring victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime
56th Defendant Pleads Guilty in Feeding Our Future Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Today, Abdullahe Nur Jesow, age 65, became the 56th defendant to plead guilty in the massive Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.
“On the very day we secured our 56th conviction in the Feeding Our Future fraud cases, we have also brought the first wave of charges in the Housing Stabilization fraud scheme,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “I am proud of the extraordinary work of our prosecutors, federal agents, and law enforcement partners who are working around the clock to expose these crimes. But the truth is they should not have to. Minnesota deserves better.”
Jesow was one of eight defendants charged in United States v. Hassan, et al., 22-cr-224 (NEB/DTS). This group, the S&S Catering group, purported to run food program sites, including on Lake Street in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The group worked together to steal and then launder $17.4 million in Federal Child Nutrition Program money that was meant to feed hungry children during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Today, Jesow pled guilty before District Judge Nancy E. Brasel to money laundering for his role in the scheme. Jesow had been set to proceed to trial before Judge Brasel on October 14, 2025. One defendant now remains in that trial.
Jesow operated a Federal Child Nutrition Program site called Academy For Youth Excellence. Academy For Youth Excellence purported to run a site and serve meals out of Benadir Hall, a banquet hall located above S & S Catering. Benadir Hall was listed on the site application for Academy For Youth Excellence that scheme leader Aimee Bock submitted to MDE on December 30, 2020. Academy For Youth Excellence contracted with S & S Catering to act as a vendor to provide the food that the site was to serve or deliver to children under the federal food program.
Beginning in December 2020, Jesow and his co-conspirators claimed to serve approximately 2,500 meals a day to children, seven days a week. By April 2021, Jesow and his co-conspirators claimed to serve approximately 5,000 meals a day to children, seven days a week. As Jesow knew, these numbers were grossly inflated. In support of their false claims, Jesow’s co-conspirators prepared and submitted fraudulent meal counts, attendance rosters, and invoices.
In total, during the period between December 2020 to September 2021, Academy For Youth Excellence claimed to have served more than 1.7 million meals. In reality, Academy for Youth Excellence only provided a fraction of those meals. Based on these claims, Jesow’s co-conspirators received $4,286,088 in Federal Child Nutrition Program funds, Jesow received approximately 5% of that amount, and then returned the bulk of it to the co-conspirators in cash or check payments, laundering the proceeds of the fraud scheme.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Jacobs, Daniel W. Bobier, and Melinda A. Williams are prosecuting the case.
17 September 2025
Wounded Knee Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Committing Child Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a man from Wounded Knee, South Dakota, convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The sentencing took place on August 18, 2025.
Anfernee Rondeau, 28, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Rondeau was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2024. He was found guilty following a federal jury trial in May 2025.
Evidence offered at trial established that on the evening of April 4, 2024, Rondeau, his girlfriend, and his girlfriend’s 6-year-old daughter returned home after an evening of drinking. Both adults were intoxicated. Rondeau, his girlfriend, and the child went into a bedroom. A short while later, a 13-year-old witness heard the child crying. When the 13-year-old went to check on the child, she observed Rondeau on top of the child. Rondeau’s pants were partially unzipped and pulled down. The child’s pants and underwear were pulled down. The 13-year-old witness acted heroically and pushed Rondeau off the child. The 13-year-old wrapped the child in a blanket and carried her to another family member inside the house. Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety law enforcement responded and arrested Rondeau.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Rondeau was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Violent felon sentenced to 10 years for possessing firearms, body armor following parole violationRead the Press Release
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – A Fairbanks man was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison, and upon release, will serve three years on supervised release for possessing multiple firearms and body armor as a felon.
According to court documents, on June 4, 2024, an arrest warrant for a parole violation was issued for George Romero, 37. Romero was on parole for a 2006 felony State conviction for murder, assault and robbery.
On June 6, 2024, law enforcement officials located Romero at a residence in Fairbanks and observed Romero walking around the residence and loading camping gear into a vehicle. The vehicle departed the residence with Romero and drove to a nearby intersection, where Romero began unloading the camping gear. Romero was wearing a camouflage poncho, had multiple bags and began to carry the supplies toward the tree line.
Law enforcement officers deployed to apprehend Romero. SWAT officers called out verbal instructions and Romero complied with most orders before he was arrested. Law enforcement searched his person and found body armor, multiple firearms, handgun magazines and loose ammunition. They also found another pistol in the bag he was carrying.
On Nov. 20, 2024, a federal grand jury in Alaska indicted Romero for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for being a violent felon in possession of body armor. On April 4, 2025, a jury convicted Romero on all charges. In handing down the sentence, the Court emphasized the need to protect the community from Romero’s actions.
“Mr. Romero is a violent felon who repeatedly disregards the law and remains a serious threat to our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “Fortunately, the recent interaction with law enforcement did not escalate, and this sentence ensures the community will be safeguarded from the defendant for another decade. This sentence reflects the gravity of his crime and sends a strong message that those who illegally possess firearms and related supplies—especially individuals with violent histories—will face severe federal penalties.”
“George Romero has consistently demonstrated defiance to authority and a lack of respect for the law,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Romero, a convicted felon, armed himself with multiple firearms, ammunition and body armor and fled to avoid arrest for a parole violation. FBI Anchorage will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office to keep our communities safe.”
“George Romero has a long and violent history, and his decision to arm himself with multiple firearms and body armor while on parole showed once again the threat he posed to Alaskans,” said Alaska State Trooper Colonel Maurice Hughes. “This sentence ensures that he will no longer endanger our state. The Alaska State Troopers remain committed to working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to hold violent offenders accountable and ensure public safety across our great state.”
The Alaska State Troopers, Fairbanks Area Narcotics Team (FANT), FBI Anchorage Field Office, Fairbanks Resident Agency and ATF Anchorage Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Vosacek and Trial Attorneys from the Antitrust Division, David Bernhardt and Lauren Weed prosecuted the case.
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United States Files Suit Against California-Based Health Plan for Alleged False Claims to California’s Medicaid ProgramRead the Press Release
The United States has filed a complaint under the False Claims Act in a lawsuit against Local Initiative Health Authority for Inland Empire Health Plan doing business as Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), a California Local Initiative Health Plan based in Rancho Cucamonga, California. IEHP contracted with California’s Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to arrange for the provision of health care services to Riverside County and San Bernardino County residents under Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program. The government’s complaint alleges that IEHP violated the False Claims Act by making false statements to Medi-Cal and knowingly retaining overpayments.
“The Medicaid program provides critical health care services,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brenna Jenny of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s complaint demonstrates our continued commitment to protect the integrity of the Medicaid program, and the taxpayer dollars that support it, from health insurers that knowingly seek to divert program funds for their own financial benefit.”
“Today’s lawsuit against IEHP shows our steadfast commitment to hold accountable insurers that brazenly compromise the Medicaid system,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “We will take every measure to restore integrity and accountability to the Medicaid system and ensure that patient care – not financial gain – is the primary focus of our health care system.”
Beginning in January 2014, Medi-Cal was expanded to cover the previously uninsured “Medi-Cal Expansion” population: adults between the ages of 19 and 64 without dependent children with annual incomes up to 133% of the federal poverty level. The federal government fully funded the expansion coverage for the first three years of the program. Under its contractual arrangement with DHCS, IEHP received funding to serve the Medi-Cal Expansion population. If IEHP did not spend at least 85% of those funds on “allowed medical expenses,” IEHP was required to pay back to the state the difference between 85% and what it actually spent. California, in turn, was required to return that amount to the federal government.
The United States’ complaint alleges that IEHP developed schemes to misuse surplus Medi-Cal Expansion funding, falling into two broad categories: (1) sham incentive programs and (2) an extra-contractual retroactive rate increase. Through these schemes, IEHP misspent Medi-Cal Expansion funding for impermissible purposes, including spending on administrative expenses, other patient populations, and simply giving away federal funding in exchange for no value in return. The complaint further alleges that IEHP was motivated by a desire to conserve its other funding, thus enriching itself.
The complaint alleges that, to make the spending appear legitimate, IEHP deceived the state by making false statements — which it knew would be relayed to the federal government — about the nature, timing, and purpose of its payments to providers. For example, IEHP internally admitted it was giving providers “free money” but asserted to DHCS that the payments were part of a metric-based incentive program rewarding providers with good performance. IEHP also disguised payments for consultants and technology services as incentive payments by funneling those payments through providers and backdated spending to fall during earlier time periods. According to the United States’ complaint, those payments allegedly were not “allowed medical expenses” permissible under the contract between DHCS and IEHP.
The United States’ pursuit of this lawsuit illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800‑HHS‑TIPS (800-447-8477).
This case is being handled by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, in coordination with the California Department of Justice and with valuable assistance from HHS-OIG and DHCS.
The United States is represented in this matter by Fraud Section Trial Attorney Mary Beth Hickcox-Howard and Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Desmond Jui and Jack D. Ross for the Central District of California.
The claims asserted in the complaint are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
United States Files Lawsuit Against San Bernardino County-Based Health Plan for Alleged False Claims to California’s Medicaid ProgramRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The United States has filed a complaint under the False Claims Act in a lawsuit against Local Initiative Health Authority for Inland Empire Health Plan doing business as Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), a California Local Initiative Health Plan based in Rancho Cucamonga.
IEHP contracted with California’s Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to arrange for the provision of health care services to Riverside County and San Bernardino County residents under Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program.
The government’s complaint alleges that IEHP violated the False Claims Act by making false statements to Medi-Cal and knowingly retaining overpayments.
“Today’s lawsuit against IEHP shows our steadfast commitment to hold accountable insurers that brazenly compromise the Medicaid system,” said Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “We will take every measure to restore integrity and accountability to the Medicaid system and ensure that patient care – not financial gain – is the primary focus of our health care system.”
“The Medicaid program provides critical health care services,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brenna Jenny of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s complaint demonstrates our continued commitment to protect the integrity of the Medicaid program, and the taxpayer dollars that support it, from health insurers that knowingly seek to divert program funds for their own financial benefit.”
Beginning in January 2014, Medi-Cal was expanded to cover the previously uninsured “Medi-Cal Expansion” population: adults between the ages of 19 and 64 without dependent children with annual incomes up to 133% of the federal poverty level. The federal government fully funded the expansion coverage for the first three years of the program. Under its contractual arrangement with DHCS, IEHP received funding to serve the Medi-Cal Expansion population. If IEHP did not spend at least 85% of those funds on “allowed medical expenses,” IEHP was required to pay back to the state the difference between 85% and what it actually spent. California, in turn, was required to return that amount to the federal government.
The United States’ complaint alleges that IEHP developed schemes to misuse surplus Medi-Cal Expansion funding, falling into two broad categories: (1) sham incentive programs and (2) an extra-contractual retroactive rate increase. Through these schemes, IEHP misspent Medi-Cal Expansion funding for impermissible purposes, including spending on administrative expenses, other patient populations, and simply giving away federal funding in exchange for no value in return. The complaint further alleges that IEHP was motivated by a desire to conserve its other funding, thus enriching itself.
The complaint alleges that, to make the spending appear legitimate, IEHP deceived the state by making false statements—which it knew would be relayed to the federal government—about the nature, timing, and purpose of its payments to providers. For example, IEHP internally admitted it was giving providers “free money” but asserted to DHCS that the payments were part of a metric-based incentive program rewarding providers with good performance. IEHP also disguised payments for consultants and technology services as incentive payments by funneling those payments through providers and backdated spending to fall during earlier time periods. According to the United States’ complaint, those payments allegedly were not “allowed medical expenses” permissible under the contract between DHCS and IEHP.
The United States’ pursuit of this lawsuit illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800 HHS TIPS (800-447-8477).
This case is being handled by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, in coordination with the California Department of Justice and with valuable assistance from HHS-OIG and DHCS.
The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant United States Attorneys S. Desmond Jui and Jack D. Ross of the Civil Division’s Civil Fraud Section and Justice Department Fraud Section Trial Attorney Mary Beth Hickcox-Howard.
The claims asserted in the complaint are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
U.S. District Court Appoints Craig H. Missakian as United States Attorney for the Northern District of CaliforniaRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California has approved the appointment of Craig H. Missakian as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of California. Chief U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg administered the oath of office to U.S. Attorney Missakian this afternoon.
Mr. Missakian has been serving in the position of United States Attorney since May 27, 2025, following his appointment for 120 days by Attorney General Pamela Bondi, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546.
“I am grateful to the judges of the Northern District of California for their decision and for the opportunity to continue working with the talented women and men of this Office to serve the people of this remarkable district. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is entrusted with the important responsibilities of protecting our communities and upholding the rule of law, and our commitment to the mission remains deep and unwavering,” said United States Attorney Missakian.
As the United States Attorney, Mr. Missakian serves as the chief federal law enforcement officer in the Northern District of California, home to nearly nine million residents in 15 counties spanning from Del Norte in the north to Monterey in the south, more than 300 public companies centered in Silicon Valley, and three major metropolitan areas in San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Seeks Potential Victims in Case Against St. Louis Doctor and StaffRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – In July of 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Missouri announced that a federal grand jury charged physician David A. Parks, clinical manager and clinical research coordinator James M. Bilderback, and front desk assistant Michelle J. Scheer with crimes related to the clinic at which they worked, located at 3960 Lindell Boulevard in St. Louis. The indictment alleges that from at least July 6, 2016, through Dec. 31, 2021, the three conspired to knowingly and intentionally prescribe controlled substances outside of the usual course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose. The conspiracy’s goal was to maximize their patient population and, in turn, their profit, the indictment says. Parks and Bilderback, the indictment alleges, also conspired to defraud Medicare, Missouri Medicaid and private health insurers by billing them for claims for services that falsely and fraudulently identified Parks as the provider, including at times when Parks was out of the country.
On August 15, 2025, U.S. Magistrate Judge John M. Bodenhausen issued an order directing the government to employ alternative victim notification procedures so that any member of the community who believes they may be a crime victim is made aware of their potential rights.
The government is asking members of the community who believe they may be a victim of illegal prescribing of controlled substances or fraudulent billing practices by Dr. David A. Parks, James Bilderback or Michelle Scheer to please email [email protected] to reach the Victim-Witness Unit at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Missouri.
Former patients of Parks or their families may still be facing the aftermath of illegal prescribing of controlled substances or fraudulent billing practices. The victim-witness program provides information, services and support to individuals during federal prosecutions.
Case updates will be provided on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr. Please also be aware of these free, confidential resources that may be of assistance:
- Always call 911 if it’s a life-threatening emergency.
- To find supportive services, dial 2-1-1 to call United Way. Operational hours are 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. If you call after hours, please leave a message. Phone calls will be returned the next business day. 2-1-1 provides information and referral service that connect people to vital community, health and social services provided by a range of nonprofit, government and tribal agencies.
- SAMHSA has a national helpline to assist with finding behavioral health support or substance use management at 800-662-HELP (4357), TTY: 800-487-4889, or online at https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/. Calls are manned 24/7 and are routed to the DHSS Division of Behavioral Health during DHSS operational hours.
- Help is available 24/7 through Missouri's Crisis Hotline (https://dmh.mo.gov/behavioral-health/treatment-services/specialized-programs/crisis-services), 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you or someone you know is in a mental health, suicide or substance use crisis; reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or the 988 Lifeline Chat.
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
- Always call 911 if it’s a life-threatening emergency.
Two now in custody for international kidnappingRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 30-year-old Lumberton resident is set for a detention hearing following his arrest for kidnapping two minor children and taking them to Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Authorities have taken Luis Angel Rodriguez into custody. He made his initial appearance and is set for a detention hearing Sept. 19 at 1 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott Hacker.
Carolina Rodriguez is also charged and remains in custody. Law enforcement arrested her in June.
The indictment, returned in August, alleges that on or about Sept. 1, 2024, Carolina and Luis Angel Rodriguez kidnapped two children, both under the age of 16, and took them to Mexico.
Authorities also located the children and have reunited them with their guardians.
If convicted, Luis and Carolina Rodriguez face up to three years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Legat Mexico City, Monterrey Sub-office and San Juan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexa D. Parcell is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Two Mexican Nationals Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Multiple DeportationsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that two Mexican nationals convicted separately of illegally reentering the United States after multiple prior deportations have been sentenced to prison.
David Gonzalez-Castillo, 47, was sentenced by United States District Judge Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro to two years in prison for illegal reentry. Upon completing his prison sentence, he will be removed from the United States again.
Gonzalez-Castillo had been removed from the U.S. four times before: in March 2009, July 2009, and twice in August 2009, after encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Texas and the U.S. Border Patrol in Arizona.
In October 2024, ICE learned that Gonzalez-Castillo had been arrested by the Coatesville (Pa.) Police Department. ICE officers took the defendant into custody in March of this year, after he was convicted of simple assault in the Chester County Court of Common Pleas. Gonzalez-Castillo was charged by federal indictment with illegal reentry in April and pleaded guilty in May.
Saul Lopez Rodriguez, 32, was sentenced by United States District Judge Joshua D. Wolson to six months in prison for illegal reentry. Upon completing his sentence, he will be removed from the United States again.
Lopez Rodriguez had previously been removed from the country four times, including in November 2012, December 2012, and March 2013, after encounters with the U.S. Border Patrol in Arizona. In March 2016, the U.S. Border Patrol encountered the defendant in New Mexico. He was arrested, charged by information with illegal reentry in the District of New Mexico, pleaded guilty, and was removed from the country in April 2016.
In July 2024, ICE became aware that Lopez Rodriguez had been arrested by the Norristown (Pa.) Police Department, with the defendant subsequently pleading guilty to reckless driving. ICE took him into custody in June of this year, after law enforcement encountered him during a traffic stop. Lopez Rodriguez was charged by information with illegal reentry in July and pleaded guilty the same month, waiving prosecution by indictment.
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 Neighborhoods (PSN).
The cases were investigated by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Francis Weber and Erica Kivitz.
Two Florida Men Charged for $34.8M Fraud Scheme Targeting Medicare BeneficiariesRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed Friday charging two Florida men for their roles in a scheme to submit approximately $34.8 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary products. As part of the scheme, the defendants and their co-conspirators targeted thousands of Medicare beneficiaries and, through deceptive telemarketing, persuaded them to accept medical equipment that they did not need, such as orthotic braces and continuous glucose monitors.
“The defendants are alleged to have perpetuated a scheme that involved the submission of $34.8 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary medical equipment,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “That money, which came from American taxpayers, was intended to benefit Americans in need of medical care. Friday’s arrests send a clear message to those who would defraud our healthcare system: the public fisc is not your private purse, and we will aggressively prosecute those that steal from benefit programs.”
“Greed-fueled fraud schemes, like billing for medically unnecessary medical equipment, are a threat to both taxpayer-funded health care programs and patients alike,” stated Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Working shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to aggressively investigate such allegations to hold fraudsters fully accountable.”
“The harm done by these actors cannot be overstated,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division, “The FBI will continue to pursue those who seek to damage our healthcare system and defraud everyday Americans seeking aid."
According to court documents, Kenneth Charles Kessler III, 42, of Miami-Dade County, Florida, and Michael Andrew Gomez, 42, of Broward County, Florida, are charged in connection with their ownership and operation of seven durable medical equipment (DME) supply companies based in Florida. Kessler and Gomez are accused of paying illegal kickbacks and bribes to purported marketing companies that targeted thousands of Medicare beneficiaries with deceptive and aggressive telemarketing campaigns. The indictment alleges that these marketing companies obtained the beneficiaries’ personally identifiable information and arranged for purported telemedicine companies to generate doctors’ orders for unnecessary medical equipment. Kessler and Gomez allegedly used these doctors’ orders to submit false and fraudulent claims to Medicare through their network of DME companies.
Kessler and Gomez are both charged with conspiracy to commit health care and wire fraud, two counts of health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and to offer and pay health care kickbacks, and two counts of offering and paying kickbacks in connection with a federal health care program. If convicted, Kessler and Gomez each face up to 65 years in prison. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the FBI are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Aisha Schafer-Hylton and Owen Dunn of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Tohono O’odham Man Indicted on Multiple Charges Involving Minor VictimRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Last week, a federal grand jury in Tucson returned a 4-count indictment against Allman Rivas, 36, of Menagers Dam, located on the Tohono O’odham Nation, for Attempted Coercion and Enticement, Transfer of Obscene Material to Minors, and Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Minor by Force, Fraud, or Coercion, and Sexual Extortion.
Pursuant to the complaint and indictment filed in this case, between June 26, 2025, and July 19, 2025, Rivas sent multiple Facebook messages to a minor victim to entice her to go to his residence for sexual encounters. During this period, Rivas also sent the minor victim photographs of his genitals. At one point, Rivas offered to pay back a small loan to the minor victim if the minor victim engaged in oral sex. Finally, when the victim refused to engage in sexual acts with Rivas, Rivas threatened the minor victim to coerce them to engage in sexual contact or sexual intercourse. Rivas is an enrolled member of the Tohono O’odham Indian Nation.
A conviction for Attempted Coercion and Enticement carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison with a maximum term of life. A conviction for Transfer of Obscene Material to Minors carries a maximum term of 10 years in prison, and a conviction for Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Minor by Force, Fraud, or Coercion carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison with a maximum term of life. Finally, a conviction for Sexual Extortion carries a term of imprisonment of between 5 and 15 years. Each conviction also carries a maximum fine of $250,000.
“Protecting our youth from sexual offenders is one of the highest priorities of this office,” said United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “These crimes are among the most serious we prosecute because they target the most vulnerable members of our community. Working closely with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who attempt to exploit children.”
"Safeguarding all children from violence, coercion and exploitation is a top priority for the FBI," said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke. "The FBI will continue to work with our federal, state, local, tribal, and law enforcement partners to identify, prioritize and investigate anyone who seeks to harm the most vulnerable among us."
The Tohono O’odham Police Department and the FBI Phoenix Division’s Tucson office conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Nathaniel J. Walters and Alessandra C. Bermudez, District of Arizona, Tucson, are handling the prosecution.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
CASE NUMBER: CR-25-03845-RM (EJM)
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-150_Rivas# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Three Philadelphia Correctional Officers, Their Former Supervisor Charged in Connection with Violation of Inmate’s Constitutional RightsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that three correctional officers and their former supervisor were arrested and charged by indictment, in connection with the violation of an inmate’s constitutional rights and an attempt to cover it up.
Jahaan Andrews, 34, Oneil Murray, 31, and Mumin Hart, 43, all of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were correctional officers (“C.O.s”) at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility (“CFCF”). Georgia Malloy, 58, also of Philadelphia, was a lieutenant with the Philadelphia Department of Prisons (“PDP”) and the officers’ supervisor at CFCF.
The indictment alleges that, on or about October 6, 2020, Andrews detained Inmate 1, a pretrial detainee, in a holding room, purportedly because Inmate 1 was wearing the wrong color jumpsuit. Andrews, Murray, and Hart, along with C.O. Ronald Granville, charged elsewhere, and another C.O. subsequently removed Inmate 1 from the holding room and escorted him to his cell, to conduct a strip search of Inmate 1 and have him change into the correct jumpsuit.
The indictment further alleges that, once inside Inmate 1’s cell, the group of correctional officers ordered Inmate 1 to strip. Andrews, Murray, Hart, and Granville then punched, kicked and assaulted Inmate 1 numerous times, knocking him to the ground. As a result of the assault, Inmate 1 was hospitalized with injuries to his face, ribs, and scrotum, and had to undergo emergency surgery.
After any use of force by a C.O. against an inmate, PDP correctional officers who used force, and those who witnessed another C.O. use force, were required to complete reports about what happened, prior to the end of their shift.
The indictment alleges that, from about October 6, 2020, to October 31, 2020, the four defendants and Granville conspired to falsify records, with the intent to impede, obstruct, and influence the investigation and proper administration of a matter within the jurisdiction of the FBI.
As alleged, Andrews, Murray, and Hart wrote their use of force reports about the October 6 incident, and Malloy her investigation report, so that they exaggerated the aggressiveness of Inmate 1 and disclosed as little of the true nature of the force the C.O.s used against him as they believed was necessary, to avoid scrutiny of their conduct by their superior officers and others. The reports also falsely claimed that Granville did not use force in the October 6, 2020, incident.
All four defendants are charged with conspiracy.
Andrews is also charged with two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, two counts of falsification of records, and making a false statement to the FBI.
Murray is also charged with two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law and two counts of falsification of records.
Hart is also charged with two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law and falsification of records.
Malloy is also charged with two counts of falsification of records.
If convicted, Andrews faces a maximum possible sentence of 70 years of incarceration, Murray a maximum possible sentence of 65 years of incarceration, and Hart and Malloy a maximum possible sentence of 45 years of incarceration.
The case was investigated by the FBI, with significant assistance from the Philadelphia Department of Prisons, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Everett Witherell and Michael Miller.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Thomas Encil Blake Sentenced to 228 Months in Prison for Receiving and Producing Child Pornography with ToddlersRead the Press Release
DETROIT – Thomas Encil Blake, age 28, of Brownstown, Michigan, was sentenced today to 228 months in prison by Judge Laurie J. Michelson for production of child pornography and receipt of child pornography, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon announced today. Blake received 60 months in prison for receipt of child pornography, which will be served concurrent to his 228-month sentence for producing child pornography with a six-year-old.
Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Matthew Stentz, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations-Detroit.
Local law enforcement became aware of Blake in 2023 after the father of a 13-year-old girl found nude images of an adult man on his daughter’s phone. Local law enforcement reported the incident to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), who identified Blake as living in Southeast Michigan. In February 2024, HSI executed a search warrant at Blake’s residence and discovered numerous devices containing over 8,000 images and over 6,000 videos of child pornography, including files depicting infants, toddlers, and bestiality. When interviewed by HSI, Blake admitted to downloading and sharing child pornography via social messaging applications.
Blake frequently babysat for individuals close to him, including children who were between approximately 5 and 6 years old. HSI later found videos and images on Blake’s iPhone that depicted Blake committing sex acts over and on top of the children while they slept.
“This wicked man produced the vilest materials. He committed appalling crimes against little children that were entrusted to his care. And then he was ensnared by the work of his hands. We are thankful for the justice that was delivered through this court,” U.S. Attorney Gorgon said.
“We will hold sexual predators accountable for the torment they inflict on innocent children,” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz. “Our HSI special agents will continue to investigate crimes of exploitation in collaboration with our law enforcement partners. We are working everyday toward justice for the victims and survivors of these crimes wherever they may be.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary Zurek and Ann Nee. Restitution matters are being handled by Jessica Nathan.
Texas Mexican Mafia Felon Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A Crystal City man was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 180 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Mario Zavala, 39, was convicted for organized criminal activity with the Texas Mexican Mafia in August 2013. On Nov. 6, 2024, he was arrested on a warrant and admitted to possessing a loaded .40 caliber pistol in his residence. Additionally, Zavala had maintained his ties to the Texas Mexican Mafia and continued to distribute narcotics—namely cocaine and methamphetamine.
Zavala was indicted for one count of felon in possession of a firearm on Dec. 4, 2024, and he pleaded guilty March 5, 2025. U.S. District Judge Ernest Gonzalez presided over the court proceedings.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
ICE, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Zavala County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Ellis-Dotson prosecuted the case.
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Stillwater Man Sentenced After Being Convicted of Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Stillwater man was sentenced today after being convicted by a federal jury for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Flint Donavan Luster, 37, to 70 months imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release.
According to evidence presented at trial, Luster was pulled over by a Tulsa County Sheriff’s deputy for a traffic violation in September 2023. The deputy discovered that the truck Luster was driving was stolen, and he was taken into custody. Upon searching the truck, deputies found a puzzle box that contained 437 grams of methamphetamine inside.
During the trial, law enforcement testified to a previous search warrant conducted on Luster's home. During that search, law enforcement found evidence that supported that Luster was distributing drugs, such as scales, firearms, cash, and additional methamphetamine. Further evidence presented at trial showed that Luster was buying methamphetamine in Tulsa and distributing it in smaller areas.
Luster will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Payne County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Bailey and Attila Bogdan prosecuted the case.
Stamford Man Charged with Fentanyl and Cocaine Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Stamford Police Chief Timothy Shaw today announced that BRANDON TURNER, also known as “Bizz,” 31, of Stamford, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with fentanyl and cocaine trafficking offenses.
Turner, who had been detained in state custody for unrelated offenses, appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in Bridgeport and was ordered detained.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Stamford Police Department’s Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit identified Turner as a narcotics distributor. In July 2024, investigators made a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Turner. On April 21, 2025, employees of an apartment complex where Turner had been employed as a maintenance worker found a tool bag in a storage room that contained approximately 790 grams of fentanyl and one kilogram of cocaine. The investigation, which included a review of surveillance camera and the use of DNA analysis, determined that Turner had placed the bag in the storage room. A related court-authorized search of Turner’s vehicle revealed additional quantities of fentanyl and cocaine.
The complaint charges Turner with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The DEA’s Bridgeport HIDTA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk, Stamford, and Stratford Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.
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 (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).