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Wednesday 23 July 2025
Sioux City Man Sentenced to More than Five Years for Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Romario Pierre-Louis, age 30, from Sioux City, was sentenced July 18, 2025, to more than 5 years in federal prison, after a March 6, 2025, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.
Evidence in the case revealed just after midnight on October 15, 2024, law enforcement was called to a domestic assault disturbance. Law enforcement was informed that Pierre-Louis was armed and was pointing a gun at people in the area. When officers arrived on scene, a witness stated that after the dispute Pierre-Louis was seen carrying a rifle wrapped in a blanket along with a couple of pistols to a nearby residence. The weapons were recovered from the neighbor’s house, where Pierre-Louis tried to hide them. Pierre-Louis admitted to law enforcement he knew he was not able to have firearms due to being a felon. Pierre-Louis was convicted in 2019 of armed carjacking in Cook County, Illinois for which he served six years in state prison. He had recently been released from that sentence.
Pierre-Louis was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 63 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Pierre-Louis is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by Sioux City Police department and the United States Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol Tabaco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-4085.
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Shiprock Man Pleads Guilty After Crash That Left Passenger with Life-Threatening InjuriesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man pleaded guilty to federal charges after a 2018 drunk driving crash seriously injured his passenger.
According to court records, January 11, 2018, Philbert Mark, 46, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was driving on Navajo Route 13 while extremely intoxicated and consequently crashed his car. Mark’s passenger sustained permanent and life-threatening serious bodily injuries as a result of the crash.
Mark pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. At sentencing, Mark faces up to 10 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Mark will be subject to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.
View the Plea Agreement (Mark)_0.pdfSenegalese National Charged with Assaulting Federal Officers at 26 Federal PlazaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs for the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, announced today the arrest and filing of a Complaint charging BASS NDIAYE with assaulting federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) officers and using a deadly and dangerous weapon. The incident occurred on July 18, 2025, at 26 Federal Plaza in New York, New York, where immigration processing is conducted. The defendant was presented this afternoon before Magistrate Judge Ona Wang.
“Bass Ndiaye’s alleged attempt to attack multiple ICE officers by wielding a dangerous weapon endangered numerous members of law enforcement and nearly a dozen civilians,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “The safety of federal law enforcement and the communities they protect is paramount, and we will prosecute those who threaten that safety to the full extent of the law.”
“ICE arrested Bass Ndiaye—an illegal alien from Senegal—on July 17,” said DHS Assistant Secretray Tricia McLaughlin. “While in custody, he attempted to stab law enforcement officers and others surrounding him. Now, this dangerous criminal will face justice for his violent actions. Make no mistake: attacks on law enforcement are on the rise. Secretary Noem stands with the brave men and women of law enforcement as they risk their lives to remove criminal illegal aliens and protect Americans.”
According to the allegations contained in the Complaint:[1]
On or about July 18, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m., NDIAYE was being processed at 26 Federal Plaza in New York, New York, and awaiting transport to an immigration detention center.
While in the processing room, NDIAYE seized a pair of scissors. NDIAYE began slashing the scissors in the air and wielding them as a weapon, moving aggressively toward and attempting to stab several security guards, ICE officers, a Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent, and the approximately dozen other detainees in the room, among others.
Due to the quick actions and training of the officers and security guards in the area, NDIAYE was ultimately restrained.
* * *
NDIAYE, 22, of Senegal, is charged with one count of assaulting an officer of the U.S. using a deadly or dangerous weapon, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie Arffa is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
u.s._v._ndiaye_complaint.pdf
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Salinas Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – Gregory Smith, aka “OG Nutty” and “GNutty,” was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman handed down the sentence.
Smith, 54, who previously resided in Salinas, was originally charged by complaint on Nov. 1, 2021, as part of an illegal firearms crackdown that led to charges being filed against multiple defendants in South Bay counties, and subsequently by a one-count information on Sept. 8, 2022.
On April 9, 2024, he pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). According to court documents and the plea agreement, on Feb. 10, 2021, Smith sold approximately 41.8 grams of methamphetamine and a privately manufactured pistol, also known as a “ghost gun,” to an individual in Salinas for $1,425. The following week, on Feb. 17, 2021, Smith sold approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine to the same individual in Salinas.
In its sentencing memorandum, the government argued that Smith’s conduct presented a danger to the community and noted his estimated 54 prior parole violations.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Freeman also sentenced the defendant to a three-year period of supervised release and ordered him to pay a $100 special assessment. Smith was immediately remanded back into custody to begin serving his sentence.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Topper made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Neal C. Hong prosecuted the case with the assistance of Sahib Kaur. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the ATF, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Investigative Unit, the Salinas Police Department, and the California Highway Patrol.
Saint Francis Man Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years in Federal Prison for Assault with a Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a man from Saint Francis, South Dakota, who was convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. The sentencing took place on July 21, 2025.
Samuel Iron Shell, age 23, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Iron Shell was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2024. He pleaded guilty on April 24, 2025.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on December 24, 2024, within the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. Iron Shell and his significant other, a female, were at a residence near St. Francis when, at one point, Iron Shell got angry and began striking the woman on the head with a broomstick. The victim attempted to shield her head with her hand, and Iron Shell then struck her hand. The victim suffered a broken finger.
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 Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Iron Shell was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Salvadoran with Prior Violent Felony History Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Jairo Hernandez, 35, of the country of El Salvador, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison for Illegal Reentry by a Removed Alien. The plea and sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This criminal alien repeatedly flouted the United States’ immigration laws, and committed acts of violence against law enforcement while unlawfully present in our country. My office stands ready to work hand-in-hand with our law enforcement partners to detain, prosecute, and remove violent criminal aliens like this one to keep our communities safe.”
According to court records, Hernandez was previously prosecuted in 2018 for Illegal Reentry by a Removed Alien. He was then deported and reentered the United States sometime in 2020. On November 10, 2022, he was convicted and sentenced for resisting a law enforcement officer with violence for having previously resisted officers who were responding to a domestic incident, breaking one officer’s ankle.
“HSI is committed to upholding the rule of law, including the laws that provide the cornerstone of our immigration system,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “When criminal illegal aliens repeatedly violate our immigration laws, they demonstrate a willful disregard for our legal processes. Enforcement, alongside our state, local and federal partners, is essential to maintaining the integrity of our borders and the safety of our communities.”
An ICE detainer has been lodged against Hernandez, meaning he will begin deportation proceedings after he serves his sentence. The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Welch prosecuted this case.
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, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to 2½ Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on July 21, 2025.
William Janis, 25, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. This sentence was ordered to run consecutively to a state custody sentence Janis is serving for a prior drug conviction.
Janis was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in February 2025. He pleaded guilty on April 28, 2025.
In December 2024, Janis was contacted by law enforcement officers after he was seen yelling outside an apartment complex in Rapid City and trying to gain access inside. Officers learned Janis had an active warrant, and he was subsequently arrested. After being arrested, Janis informed officers he had a firearm in his waistband. Officers located and seized a 9mm pistol. Janis had previously been convicted of a felony, was on parole for a felony drug conviction, and knew he was also prohibited from possessing firearms pursuant to his parole agreement.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Janis was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Prolific international money launderer sentenced to 15 years in prisonRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Paraguay-based transnational money launderer was sentenced today to 15 years in prison.
According to court documents, Federico Ezequiel Santoro Vassallo, aka Capitan, 46, was a close associate of Uruguayan national Sebastian Enrique Marset Cabrera, 29, who, as alleged in an indictment, is a transnational drug-trafficker responsible for moving ton quantities of cocaine worth millions of dollars from South America to Europe. Santoro served as a transnational money launderer for drug-trafficking organizations and facilitated the movement of millions of dollars of drug proceeds from various countries in Europe to South America and elsewhere.
Santoro and his co-conspirators arranged for the collection of narcotics proceeds and utilized couriers and tokens to covertly deliver bulk illicit currency, typically in euros. Santoro’s co-conspirators specialized in placing the illicit currency into the global banking system. He then would direct the movement of the funds internationally, usually via bank wire transfer. Santoro typically directed that the funds be delivered in U.S. dollars and a correspondent bank in the United States would facilitate the transaction.
Santoro used at least seven businesses to facilitate the transmission of money and hid the location and ownership of the assets being laundered by using unrelated companies, all registered as purportedly doing business in different, unrelated industries. Santoro used businesses registered in South America and Asia to receive the laundered drug proceeds and concealed the source of the funds by creating false invoices to justify the wire transfers.
Santoro threatened violence to protect his money laundering activities. Santoro laundered millions of dollars of drug proceeds and, in a span of less than five months, directed the movement of more than $11 million in drug-trafficking funds through U.S. banks. As payment, Santoro took a percentage of the illicit bulk cash proceeds that he laundered.
As part of the sentence, the Court entered an Order of Forfeiture in the amount of $11,537,860.47.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Louis A. D’Ambrosio, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Special Operations Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston Jr.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and law enforcement partners in Paraguay provided substantial assistance to secure the arrest and extradition of Santoro Vassallo.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony T. Aminoff and Catherine Rosenberg prosecuted the case.
Anyone with information about Marset’s operation, including his drug trafficking, money laundering, and use of (or threats to use) violence, or about his location, is urged to contact the DEA by email at [email protected].
This investigation 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.
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. 1:23-cr-143.
Prince George’s Man Pleads Guilty to Cares Act Unemployment Insurance FraudRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland –Zakria Hussain, 28, of Prince George’s County, Maryland, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, relating to the submission of fraudulent CARES Act unemployment insurance (UI) claims.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer, National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), and Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office.
According to the plea agreement, beginning in at least March 2021, and continuing until about August 2022, Hussain and his co-conspirators engaged in a scheme to defraud the United States, the State of Maryland, multiple financial institutions, and multiple individuals, including at least six identity theft victims. The co-conspirators submitted false and fraudulent UI benefits claims to the Maryland Department of Labor (MD-DOL), Maryland’s agency that is responsible for processing the claims. As part of the conspiracy, the defendants fraudulently obtained more than $3.5 million in unemployment insurance benefits. Hussain personally participated in UI claims resulting in losses exceeding $550,000, but less than $1.5 million, and he used debit cards issued in the names of aggravated identity theft victims to obtain UI fraud funds.
Company 1, which provided professional support services to the MD-DOL to review UI claims and administer UI benefits, employed co-conspirators Bryan Nushawn Ruffin, 27, of Woodbridge, Virginia, and Kiara Smith, 27, of Fort Washington, Maryland. As detailed in the plea agreement, Hussain and his co-conspirators possessed and used computers that Company 1 issued to Ruffin and Smith to access non-public UI data and databases maintained by the MD-DOL. Ruffin and Smith then granted Hussain and his co-conspirators access to MD-DOL databases which they used to change information on existing UI claims.
This included the contact email address, online account password, and payment method for existing UI claims. The co-conspirators furthered the scheme by using the identity theft victims’ personal identifying information (PII). They also used their access to the MD-DOL databases to upload and approve documents submitted in support of fraudulent UI claims, remove fraud holds on UI claims, certify weeks for determining UI benefits, and engage in other actions to facilitate the fraudulent UI benefits payments. During the scheme, the MD-DOL believed they were disbursing UI benefits to debit cards/accounts of UI applicants, but the accounts were allegedly opened and controlled by Hussain and his co-conspirators.
Hussain faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for the wire fraud conspiracy and a mandatory sentence of two years, consecutive to any other imposed sentence, for aggravated identity theft. Co-Defendants Ruffin, Smith, and Ahmed Hussain, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, aka “Oso,” already pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Co-Defendants Lawrence Nathanial Harris, 31, of Temple Hills, Maryland, aka “Manman” and “Biggbank,” and Terry Chen, 25, of Bowie, Maryland, aka “Mike Livingston” and “2Trunt Up” are awaiting trial.
Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Zakria Hussain’s sentencing is currently set for December 19, at 10 a.m.
The District of Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.
For more information about the Department’s response to the pandemic, visit justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DOL-OIG and the FBI for their work in the investigation and the MD-DOL for its assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Gruber, Paul A. Riley, and Joseph L. Wenner, who are prosecuting the case, and recognized the Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force and Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber for their valuable assistance.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Political Organizer and Former President of City Council of Atlantic City Sentenced to 24 Months for Submitting Fraudulent Mail-In BallotsRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – An Atlantic County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for his role in the procurement, casting, and tabulation of fraudulent mail-in ballots submitted in connection with the general election held on November 8, 2022, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.
Craig Callaway, 64, a former member and President of the City Council of Atlantic City and a political organizer who assisted campaigns for elected offices in New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb in Camden federal court to an Information charging him with depriving, defrauding, and attempting to deprive and defraud the residents of the State of New Jersey of a fair and impartially conducted election process by the fraudulent procurement, casting, and tabulation of ballots.
“Today’s sentence sends a clear message to those who seek to undermine New Jersey’s electoral process: that such conduct will result in serious consequences. The sentence also reflects our Office’s commitment to protecting free and fair elections, one of the bedrock principles of our democracy.”
- U.S. Attorney Alina Habba
“The right to vote is a fundamental aspect of our democracy, one that the FBI and our law enforcement partners strive to protect. Craig Callaway’s nefarious plot to hijack mail-in ballots resulted in his arrest and subsequent sentencing, and serves as a reminder to like-minded criminals, voter fraud will not be tolerated in New Jersey,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Beginning in or about October 2022, approximately one month before the general election held on November 8, 2022 (the “2022 General Election”), Callaway and others who were working at Callaway’s direction approached numerous individuals in Atlantic City, promising to pay them between approximately $30 and $50 to act as purported authorized messengers for voters who supposedly wished to vote by mail.
After receiving Vote-By-Mail Applications from Callaway or his subordinates, these purported messengers entered the Atlantic County Clerk’s Office carrying anywhere from one to four completed Vote-By-Mail Applications. Inside the County Clerk’s Office, as instructed by Callaway or his subordinates, these individuals provided County Clerk’s Office personnel proof of identification and signed the Vote-By-Mail Applications in the authorized messenger portion before handing those signed applications to office personnel. Further as instructed by Callaway or his subordinates, these purported messengers waited while office personnel processed the applications and, if the applications were approved, provided to the purported messengers mail-in ballots for the voters listed on the applications.
Under New Jersey law, a messenger is required to deliver any mail-in ballot they received directly to the voter who requested the ballot and must certify that they would do so. However, after receiving mail-in ballots, these purported messengers left the County Clerk’s Office and handed the ballots to Callaway or his subordinates, instead of delivering the ballots to the voters.
Many of the mail-in ballots collected by Callaway or his subordinates were ultimately cast in the names of voters who have confirmed that they did not vote in the 2022 General Election—either in-person or by submitting a mail-in ballot—and that they did not authorize Callaway, his subordinates, or anyone else, to cast ballots for them in the 2022 General Election. Many of these mail-in ballots were counted towards the 2022 General Election.
In addition to the prison term, Chief Judge Bumb sentenced Callaway to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy; the FBI’s Atlantic City Resident Agency's Public Corruption Task Force, including the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William Reynolds; the Atlantic City Police Department, under the direction of Officer-in-Charge Chief James A. Sarkos; and the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan; as well as special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone; the Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bethanne M. Dinkins; and the postal inspectors of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Philadelphia Division, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen, with the investigation leading to today’s sentence.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney James H. Graham of the Special Prosecutions Division.
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Defense counsel: Megan J. Davies, Esq.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for Assaulting a Family Member within the Pine Ridge ReservationRead 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 Pine Ridge, South Dakota, who was convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on July 21, 2025.
Cole Waters, 37, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Waters was indicted for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury by a federal grand jury in December 2024. He pleaded guilty on May 9, 2025.
On November 16, 2024, in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, Waters used a pistol to beat his nephew several times. Waters first used the pistol to strike his nephew’s face, causing him to fall down. Then, when his nephew tried to get back up, Waters struck his nephew with the pistol again, on the back of his head. Waters used the pistol to hit his nephew a final time on the back of his shoulder. Waters’ nephew suffered serious bodily injury, including a fracture to his face and numbness and scarring elsewhere.
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 Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
Waters was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Philadelphia Man Sentenced to Nearly 14 Years in Prison for Distribution, Attempted Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Pascal Gedeon, 31, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Judge Kai N. Scott yesterday to 165 months’ imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for child pornography offenses.
The defendant was charged by indictment in May 2021 and pleaded guilty in May of last year to two counts of distribution and attempted distribution of child pornography, charges arising from Gedeon’s sharing of videos and images involving the graphic sexual abuse of children, including toddlers, via his Tumblr blog.
As detailed in court filings and statements, Gedeon ran a Tumblr blog called “younger-are-the-best,” where he posted thousands of images — including 14 lurid video files — depicting the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Moreover, the defendant participated in chat conversations with other Tumblr users, in which he exchanged images containing child pornography. The defendant also admitted to law enforcement that he had uploaded and shared child pornography through multiple other online platforms.
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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Eileen Castilla Geiger and Kelly Harrell.
Pensacola Woman Faces Federal Charges for Fraudulent Tax Return SchemeRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Khristine Harper, 41, of Pensacola, Florida has been indicted in federal court for 20 counts of aiding or assisting in preparation of false tax return and one count of identity theft. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.
Harper appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho on July 21, 2025, for her arraignment at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida.
If convicted, she faces up to 65 years’ imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
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.
Orlando Couple Agrees to Pay More Than $88,000 Related to Improperly Received PPP Loan FundsRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Anthony and Lisa Terry have agreed to pay $88,677.62 to resolve allegations that they improperly received funds from four loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES), the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act (Economic Aid Act).
This settlement resolves liability related to two PPP loans issued to Anthony Terry and two PPP loans issued to Lisa Terry. According to the settlement agreement, from June 2020 through April 2022, the Terrys received four PPP loans totaling over $81,000, despite their ineligibility for such loans or forgiveness because the Terrys are individuals and not small businesses. Upon being contacted by the United States, the Terrys cooperated with the investigation.
The United States became aware of the Terrys’ loans during an investigation in a prior criminal case, where a former tax preparer was sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a scheme to defraud the United States of COVID-related disaster loan proceeds. The defendants in that criminal case admitted they had devised a scheme to solicit others to fraudulently apply for PPP loans the CARES Act provided.
“The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to investigating and holding responsible those who failed to follow the rules of the PPP program,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to investigate and pursue and, where appropriate, federally prosecute those individuals and entities that engage in improper uses of PPP loan proceeds.”
The resolution obtained in this case was the result of a coordinated effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and the Small Business Administration. The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Bloor, with assistance from the Small Business Administration, Office of General Counsel.
The civil claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination or admission of liability.
Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud affecting COVID-19 government relief programs can be reported by visiting the webpage of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can also report it by using the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Oregon Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Swatting and Bomb Threats Scheme That Targeted Jewish Hospitals in New York City and Long IslandRead the Press Release
Earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn, Domagoj Patkovic was sentenced by United States District Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr. to 60 months’ imprisonment for conspiring to make threats and conveying false information about explosives. The defendant made hoax bomb threat phone calls to historically Jewish hospitals and care centers in New York City and on Long Island.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentencing.
“The defendant endangered patients and diverted precious law enforcement resources to advance his hateful agenda against people of the Jewish faith. His actions fed a rising tide of antisemitism in America,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office will continue to prosecute dangerous bomb threats and swatting schemes to the fullest extent of the law, especially those motivated by hate, and those targeting vulnerable communities in hospitals and care centers.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the New York City Police Department and the Nassau County Police Department for their assistance on the case.
“Domagoj Patkovic will spend significant time in prison for his targeting of Jewish hospitals across the New York metro area with hoax bomb threats,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia. “These hoax threats, motivated by Patkovic’s insidious antisemitic views, wasted law enforcement resources and put innocent lives at risk. The FBI will continue to bring to justice individuals who utilize swatting and false bomb threats to cause panic and unrest in our communities.”
As set forth in the indictment and in court filings, beginning at least as early as May 2021, the defendant and others made anonymous phone calls in which they made violent threats, including threats to detonate explosive devices, to Jewish hospitals and care centers within the Eastern District of New York, among other targets throughout the United States.
The defendant himself made threats in at least six separate calls to hospitals and also on a call with local law enforcement who had responded to a 911 call from one of the hospitals. To amplify his hate-filled actions, the defendant livestreamed the calls to others on an online social media and electronic communications platform. On several occasions, local police responded to the scene and conducted bomb sweeps. On at least one occasion in September 2021, the hoax bomb threat resulted in a partial evacuation and lockdown of an entire hospital on Long Island. No explosive devices were ultimately found in any of the locations.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander A. Solomon, Laura Zuckerwise, and Andrew D. Reich are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney James Donnelly of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Paralegal Specialist Wayne Colon.
The Defendant:
DOMAGOJ PATKOVIC
Age: 31
Portland, OregonE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-317 (RER)
Operation Grayskull Culminates in Lengthy Sentences for Managers of Dark Web Site Dedicated to Sexual Abuse of ChildrenRead the Press Release
Operation Grayskull Eradicated Four Dark Web Child Abuse Sites and Led to the Convictions of 18 Offenders to Date, Who Have Collectively Received More than 300 Years in Prison
MIAMI – Today, the Justice Department announced the results of Operation Grayskull, a highly successful joint effort between the Department of Justice and the FBI that resulted in the dismantling of four dark web sites dedicated to images and videos containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). To date, the operation has led to the convictions of 18 offenders, including a Minnesota man who was sentenced yesterday to 250 months in prison and lifetime supervised release for his involvement with one of these dark web sites. He was also ordered to pay $23,000 in restitution.
“Yesterday’s sentencing reaffirms our steadfast commitment to protecting our children, the most vulnerable among us, from those who exploit and harm them through the despicable trade in child sexual abuse material,” said U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida. “Thomas Peter Katsampes and his co-conspirators ran some of the darkweb’s most heinous networks, enabling horrific crimes against innocent victims, but Operation Grayskull has shut these sites down and delivered justice. We applaud the FBI and our international partners for their tireless work, and let this be a clear warning: we will relentlessly pursue and prosecute anyone engaged in such atrocities, no matter how they attempt to cover their tracks.”
“Today’s announcement sends a clear warning to those who exploit and abuse children: you will not find safe haven, even on the dark web,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These offenders thought that they could act without consequences, but they were wrong. Thanks to the relentless determination of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners we have exposed these perpetrators for who they are, eliminated their websites and brought justice to countless victims.”
“This operation represents one of the most significant strikes ever made against online child exploitation networks,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “We’ve not only dismantled dangerous platforms on the dark web, but we’ve also brought key perpetrators to justice and delivered a powerful message: you cannot hide behind anonymity to harm children.”
Thomas Peter Katsampes, 52, of Eagan, Minnesota, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise and conspiracy to distribute child pornography on Feb. 27. According to court documents, Katsampes joined a dark web site dedicated to CSAM in 2022, advertised and distributed CSAM over the website, including CSAM depicting prepubescent children, and eventually worked his way up to a staff position on the web site, which, among other things, involved moderating the site, enforcing the site’s rules for posting CSAM, and advising the site’s users about how to post CSAM.
In addition to Katsampes, eight individuals have been convicted and sentenced in the Southern District of Florida for their involvement in running the primary site targeted by Operation Grayskull.
DefendantResidenceCase StatusSelwyn David RosensteinBoynton Beach, FloridaPleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography, five counts of advertisement of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
Sentenced on Dec. 12, 2022, to 28 years in prison and ordered to pay $80,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Matthew Branden GarrelRaleigh, North CarolinaPleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
Sentenced on Aug. 1, 2023, to 20 years and 10 months in prison and ordered to pay $158,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Robert Preston BoylesClarksville, TennesseePleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
Sentenced on Aug. 15, 2023, to 23 years and four months in prison and ordered to pay $7,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Gregory Malcolm GoodSilver Springs, NevadaPleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
Sentenced on Aug. 22, 2023, to 25 years and 10 months in prison and ordered to pay $93,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
William Michael SpearmanMadison, AlabamaPleaded guilty to engaging in a child exploitation enterprise.
Sentenced on Jan. 23, 2024, to life in prison and ordered to pay $123,400 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Joseph Addison MartinTahuya, WashingtonPleaded guilty to engaging in a child exploitation enterprise.
Sentenced on April 18, 2024, to 42 years in prison and ordered to pay $174,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Joseph Robert StewartMilton, WashingtonPleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
Sentenced on April 18, 2024, to 23 years and 9 months in prison and ordered to pay $19,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Keith David McIntoshGrand Rapids, MichiganPleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography, both as a person with a prior conviction for possession of child pornography.
Sentenced on Dec. 19, 2024, to 55 years in prison.
The website’s leaders advertised and distributed CSAM, promulgated rules for the website, enforced the rules by banning or scolding users who violated them, held staff meetings, recruited members to serve as staff members, recommended users for promotion, edited and deleted user posts, praised individuals for participating in and contributing to the website, kept records of CSAM posts made by individual members, and paid for and maintained the website servers, among other things.
Operation Grayskull resulted in the dismantling of a total of four sites dedicated to images and videos depicting child sexual abuse. These websites were some of the most egregious on the dark web, and they included sections specifically dedicated to infants and toddlers, as well as depictions of violence, sadism, and torture. The websites also contained detailed advice on how to avoid detection by law enforcement – for example, by using sophisticated technologies.
In other judicial districts around the country, nine additional individuals have been convicted for their involvement with these websites, including the following:
Charles Hand, of Aberdeen, Maryland, was prosecuted in the District of Maryland and was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison;
Michael Ibarra, of Wenatchee, Washington, was prosecuted in the Eastern District of Washington and was sentenced to 12 years in prison;
Clay Trimble, of Fordyce, Arkansas, was prosecuted in the Eastern District of Arkansas and was sentenced to 18 years in prison;
David Craig, of Houston, Texas, was prosecuted in the Southern District of Texas and was sentenced to nine years in prison;
Robert Rella of Chesapeake, Virginia, was prosecuted in the Eastern District of Virginia and was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison;
Samuel Hicks, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was prosecuted in the Northern District of Indiana and was sentenced to 16 years in prison;
Richard Smith of Dallas, Texas, was prosecuted in the Eastern District of Texas and was sentenced to 14 years in prison;
Patrick Harrison, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was prosecuted in the Western District of Michigan and was sentenced to five years and ten months in prison.
Thomas Gailus, of Webbers Falls, Oklahoma, was prosecuted in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and his sentencing is pending.
Two other individuals in the United States died before being charged for their involvement with the websites. The operation also resulted in arrests in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Estonia, Belgium, and South Africa.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit and Miami Field Office, West Palm Beach Resident Agency investigated the cases.
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Schiller of the Southern District of Florida, Acting Deputy Chief Kyle P. Reynolds, and Trial Attorney William G. Clayman of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) coordinated the operation and prosecuted the defendants in the Southern District of Florida.
Substantial assistance for the cases prosected in the Southern District of Florida was provided by FBI Field Offices and Resident Agencies in Huntsville, Alabama; Reno, Nevada; Clarksville, Tennessee; Raleigh, North Carolina; Madison, Wisconsin; Tacoma, Washington; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Minneapolis, Minnesota; CEOS’s High Technology Investigative Unit; and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern District of Alabama, District of Nevada, Middle District of Tennessee, Eastern District of North Carolina, Western District of Wisconsin, Western District of Washington, Western District of Michigan, and District of Minnesota.
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. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-80053.
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Operation Grayskull Culminates in Lengthy Sentences for Managers of Dark Web Site Dedicated to Sexual Abuse of ChildrenRead the Press Release
Today, the Justice Department announced the results of Operation Grayskull, a highly successful joint effort between the Department of Justice and the FBI that resulted in the dismantling of four dark web sites dedicated to images and videos containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). To date, the operation has led to the convictions of 18 offenders, including a Minnesota man who was sentenced yesterday to 250 months in prison and lifetime supervised release for his involvement with one of these dark web sites. He was also ordered to pay $23,000 in restitution.
“Today’s announcement sends a clear warning to those who exploit and abuse children: you will not find safe haven, even on the dark web,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These offenders thought that they could act without consequences, but they were wrong. Thanks to the relentless determination of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners we have exposed these perpetrators for who they are, eliminated their websites and brought justice to countless victims.”
“This operation represents one of the most significant strikes ever made against online child exploitation networks,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “We’ve not only dismantled dangerous platforms on the dark web, but we’ve also brought key perpetrators to justice and delivered a powerful message: you cannot hide behind anonymity to harm children.”
“Yesterday’s sentencing reaffirms our steadfast commitment to protecting our children, the most vulnerable among us, from those who exploit and harm them through the despicable trade in child sexual abuse material,” said U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida. “Thomas Peter Katsampes and his co-conspirators ran some of the darkweb’s most heinous networks, enabling horrific crimes against innocent victims, but Operation Grayskull has shut these sites down and delivered justice. We applaud the FBI and our international partners for their tireless work, and let this be a clear warning: we will relentlessly pursue and prosecute anyone engaged in such atrocities, no matter how they attempt to cover their tracks.”
Thomas Peter Katsampes, 52, of Eagan, Minnesota, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise and conspiracy to distribute child pornography on Feb. 27. According to court documents, Katsampes joined a dark web site dedicated to CSAM in 2022, advertised and distributed CSAM over the website, including CSAM depicting prepubescent children, and eventually worked his way up to a staff position on the web site, which, among other things, involved moderating the site, enforcing the site’s rules for posting CSAM, and advising the site’s users about how to post CSAM.
In addition to Katsampes, eight individuals have been convicted and sentenced in the Southern District of Florida for their involvement in running the primary site targeted by Operation Grayskull.
DefendantResidenceCase StatusSelwyn David RosensteinBoynton Beach, FloridaPleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography, five counts of advertisement of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
Sentenced on Dec. 12, 2022, to 28 years in prison and ordered to pay $80,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Matthew Branden GarrellRaleigh, North CarolinaPleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
Sentenced on Aug. 1, 2023, to 20 years and 10 months in prison and ordered to pay $158,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Robert Preston BoylesClarksville, TennesseePleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
Sentenced on Aug. 15, 2023, to 23 years and four months in prison and ordered to pay $7,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Gregory Malcolm GoodSilver Springs, NevadaPleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
Sentenced on Aug. 22, 2023, to 25 years and 10 months in prison and ordered to pay $93,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
William Michael SpearmanMadison, AlabamaPleaded guilty to engaging in a child exploitation enterprise.
Sentenced on Jan. 23, 2024, to life in prison and ordered to pay $123,400 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Joseph Addison MartinTahuya, WashingtonPleaded guilty to engaging in a child exploitation enterprise.
Sentenced on April 18, 2024, to 42 years in prison and ordered to pay $174,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Joseph Robert StewartMilton, WashingtonPleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
Sentenced on April 18, 2024, to 23 years and 9 months in prison and ordered to pay $19,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Keith David McIntoshGrand Rapids, MichiganPleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography, both as a person with a prior conviction for possession of child pornography.
Sentenced on Dec. 19, 2024, to 55 years in prison.
The website’s leaders advertised and distributed CSAM, promulgated rules for the website, enforced the rules by banning or scolding users who violated them, held staff meetings, recruited members to serve as staff members, recommended users for promotion, edited and deleted user posts, praised individuals for participating in and contributing to the website, kept records of CSAM posts made by individual members, and paid for and maintained the website servers, among other things.
Operation Grayskull resulted in the dismantling of a total of four sites dedicated to images and videos depicting child sexual abuse. These websites were some of the most egregious on the dark web, and they included sections specifically dedicated to infants and toddlers, as well as depictions of violence, sadism, and torture. The websites also contained detailed advice on how to avoid detection by law enforcement – for example, by using sophisticated technologies.
In other judicial districts around the country, nine additional individuals have been convicted for their involvement with these websites, including the following:
- Charles Hand, of Aberdeen, Maryland, was prosecuted in the District of Maryland and was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison;
- Michael Ibarra, of Wenatchee, Washington, was prosecuted in the Eastern District of Washington and was sentenced to 12 years in prison;
- Clay Trimble, of Fordyce, Arkansas, was prosecuted in the Eastern District of Arkansas and was sentenced to 18 years in prison;
- David Craig, of Houston, Texas, was prosecuted in the Southern District of Texas and was sentenced to nine years in prison;
- Robert Rella of Chesapeake, Virginia, was prosecuted in the Eastern District of Virginia and was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison;
- Samuel Hicks, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was prosecuted in the Northern District of Indiana and was sentenced to 16 years in prison;
- Richard Smith of Dallas, Texas, was prosecuted in the Eastern District of Texas and was sentenced to 14 years in prison;
- Patrick Harrison, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was prosecuted in the Western District of Michigan and was sentenced to five years and ten months in prison.
- Thomas Gailus, of Webbers Falls, Oklahoma, was prosecuted in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and his sentencing is pending.
Two other individuals in the United States died before being charged for their involvement with the websites. The operation also resulted in arrests in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Estonia, Belgium, and South Africa.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit and Miami Field Office, West Palm Beach Resident Agency investigated the cases.
Acting Deputy Chief Kyle P. Reynolds and Trial Attorney William G. Clayman of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Schiller of the Southern District of Florida coordinated the operation and prosecuted the defendants in the Southern District of Florida.
Substantial assistance for the cases prosected in the Southern District of Florida was provided by FBI Field Offices and Resident Agencies in Huntsville, Alabama; Reno, Nevada; Clarksville, Tennessee; Raleigh, North Carolina; Madison, Wisconsin; Tacoma, Washington; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Minneapolis, Minnesota; CEOS’s High Technology Investigative Unit; and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern District of Alabama, District of Nevada, Middle District of Tennessee, Eastern District of North Carolina, Western District of Wisconsin, Western District of Washington, Western District of Michigan, and District of Minnesota.
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. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 360 months for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Daron J. Brown (Brown), age 34, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 23, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, for production of child pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Brown to 360 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Brown’s release from prison, he will begin a lifetime term of supervised release.
On October 29, 2023, a school social worker reported concerns about minor victim’s relationship with an adult male to a school resource officer (SRO). Through investigation, the SRO learned minor victim became involved with Brown after Brown contacted minor victim via Facebook. Brown told minor victim he was 19 years of age, going on 20. At the time, Brown was a 33-year-old registered sex offender after being convicted in 2018 of Criminal Attempt, First Degree Sexual Assault in Douglas County District Court, Douglas County, Nebraska. Others close to minor victim also expressed concern about minor victim’s relationship with Brown.
While investigating, law enforcement seized Brown’s cell phone, and a cell phone Brown gave minor victim. On Brown’s phone, investigators located 532 images and 250 videos depicting Brown and minor victim engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Many images and videos were consistent with images and videos located on the phone taken from minor victim. Investigators also located sexually explicit images of minor victim, which were taken as screenshots during a Facetime call between Brown and minor victim. Brown knew minor victim to be under 18 years of age.
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 United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Omaha Couple Pleads Guilty to Bringing in and Harboring AliensRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that on July 17, 2025, Miguel Angel Salazar-Zuniga, age 37, originally of Mexico, entered a plea of guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Ryan C. Carson in Omaha to bringing in and harboring an alien. On July 18, 2025, Angela Rocio Urrutia Cruz, age 35, originally of Colombia, entered a plea of guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Ryan C. Carson in Omaha to bringing in and harboring an alien. Magistrate Judge Carson set the sentencing hearings for Salazar-Zuniga and Urrutia Cruz for October 15, 2025, at 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM before United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher. Salazar-Zuniga and Urrutia Cruz each face penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Both Salazar-Zuniga and Urrutia Cruz agreed to forfeit their residence on North 34th Street in Omaha which was used to facilitate the commission of these crimes.
Urrutia Cruz and Salazar Zuniga owned and operated two businesses, MASU Construction, LLC and Angela’s Cleaning Services, LLC. Salazar-Zuniga and Urrutia Cruz owned a residence on North 34th Street in Omaha.
From on or about May 1, 2022, through May 28, 2025, Salazar-Zuniga and Urrutia Cruz encouraged and induced multiple individuals to come to, enter, and reside in the United States.
Salazar-Zuniga admitted that a Mexican national, who illegally crossed into the United States in November 2024 near Nogales, Arizona with his wife and children, resided with Salazar-Zuniga and Urrutia Cruz on North 34th Street in Omaha. This individual paid Salazar-Zuniga and Urrutia Cruz $300 a month for rent and worked for Salazar-Zuniga at MASU Construction LLC being paid $800 a week.
Urrutia Cruz admitted he arranged a Colombian citizen to be illegally crossed into the United States in September 2023. Specifically, Urrutia Cruz sent this individual three money transfers to pay for food and to pay for a “coyote” to help him illegally cross into the United States. Urrutia Cruz also helped arrange the coyote to take the individual across the border. When encountered by United States Border Patrol agents, the individual provided Salazar-Zuniga and Urrutia Cruz’s Saratoga address as his destination. Once in the United States, Urrutia Cruz bought the individual a plane ticket from San Diego to Omaha. This individual resided with Urrutia Cruz and Salazar-Zuniga on North 34th Street in Omaha and paid $160 a month to Urrutia Cruz and Salazar-Zuniga to cover rent and other expenses. The induvial also worked for Urrutia Cruz’s cleaning business.
This case is part of the Take Back America Task Force, led by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal 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.
This case was primarily investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
Norwalk Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JELSON PEREZ, also known as “Spank,” 42 of Norwalk, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking narcotics trafficking in and around Norwalk.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and Norwalk Police Department began investigating a drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in the Norwalk area. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that the organization was coordinating the transportation of kilogram-quantities of cocaine from Texas and Ohio, and kilogram-quantities of fentanyl and heroin from New York City, and distributing the narcotics in and around Norwalk through a network of individuals, including Perez. The investigation also revealed that Perez brokered the purchase of a firearm for another member of the organization.
Perez and several associates were arrested on April 29, 2024. In association with the arrests, investigators executed multiple federal search warrants and seized approximately 15,000 dose bags of suspected fentanyl, approximately 350 grams of raw heroin, quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine, a 9mm handgun and ammunition, and a 2021 Ford F-150.
Perez has been detained since his arrest. On April 30, 2025, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and quantities of heroin and cocaine.
This ongoing investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, the Norwalk Police Department, the Darien Police Department, the Stamford Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, and Danbury Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and Kenneth L. Gresham through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking in Franklin CountyRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A New York man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to possessing heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base with the intent to distribute those substances.
According to court records, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the suspected trafficking of illegal narcotics from an Avon residence. In July 2020, investigators executed a search warrant and found Oscarlin Peguero Ortiz, 27, inside the residence. During a search of the residence, law enforcement seized approximately 85 grams of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl and 40 grams of crack cocaine. Investigators also seized digital scales, drug paraphernalia, and over $8,000 in cash.
Ortiz faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, and at least three years and up to life of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Maine State Police, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
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New Jersey Construction Company Owner Sentenced for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A New Jersey construction company owner was sentenced yesterday to 15 months in prison for evading employment tax penalties assessed against him.
The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Joseph Caravella, of Randolph, owned several masonry companies in New Jersey. From 2008 to 2016, the IRS assessed approximately $650,000 in Trust Fund Recovery penalties against Caravella for causing three masonry businesses that he owned to not pay their federal employment taxes. The timely payment of federal employment taxes is critical to the functioning of the U.S. government because, for example, they are the primary source of funding for Social Security and Medicare. The federal income taxes that are withheld from employees’ wages also account for a significant portion of all federal income taxes collected each year. Congress empowered the IRS to impose a penalty equal to the amount of the unpaid taxes — called a Trust Fund Recovery Penalty — against any responsible individual who fails to ensure that these taxes are paid timely. Caravella pleaded guilty to attempting to evade these Trust Fund Recovery penalties.
From around March 2008 through April 2019, Caravella sought to evade the payment of these penalties by placing companies that he controlled in the names of nominee owners and avoiding the use of a bank account in his own name to prevent the IRS from levying the funds. Also during that time, Caravella continued to cause his businesses not to pay employment taxes, resulting in an additional loss of $1.2 million to the IRS.
In total, Carvalla caused a tax loss to the IRS of $1,885,519.39.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Alina Habba for the District of New Jersey made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Hayter L. Whitman of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Fell for the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case.
Muscatine Men Sentenced to Federal Prison Related to Events Surrounding Officer Involved ShootingRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – Two Muscatine men were sentenced on July 22, 2025, to federal prison for drug and gun crimes, related to an officer involved shooting in Muscatine on May 29, 2024.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, on May 29, 2024, Juan Aldo Beltran Delgado, 34, and Isidro Barajas, Jr., 30, drove to a residence in Muscatine, Iowa, to await the delivery of a package they expected to contain more than 4.5 pounds of methamphetamine. Law enforcement observed Beltran Delgado and Barajas pick up the package from the residence and attempted to stop their vehicle. Beltran Delgado was driving the vehicle and drove over 100 miles per hour through Muscatine, drove through multiple red lights, attempting to evade law enforcement. Ultimately, Beltran Delgado crashed into two other vehicles near Highway 61 and Cedar Street. After crashing, both Beltran Delgado and Barajas fled from the car on foot carrying firearms. Officers arrived in the area and Beltran Delgado shot at officers. Officers were able to take both Beltran and Delgado and Barajas into custody.
Beltran Delgado was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release, following his plea to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and carrying and discharging a firearm during an in relation to his drug trafficking. Barajas was sentenced to 32 years in federal prison, followed by a ten-year term of supervised release, following his plea to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, carrying and displaying a firearm during an in relation to his drug trafficking, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Department of Public Safety, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Muscatine Police Department, Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, Muscatine County Drug Task Force, Johnson County Drug Taskforce, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
More Than $2.5 Million Recovered from Vancouver Real Estate Developer Convicted for Fraudulently Obtaining Covid-Relief FundsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced today that more than $2.5 million was collected from a real estate developer and part-time resident of Vancouver, Washington, for fraudulently obtained Covid-relief program funds.
According to court documents, between 2020 and 2022, Michael James DeFrees, 63, submitted loan applications and obtained Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under false pretenses. In the applications, DeFrees falsely indicated that he had never been convicted of any disqualifying criminal offense or recently placed on parole or probation. In reality, at the time he submitted the applications, DeFrees was on probation following a 2017 felony conviction in the Western District of Washington for falsifying records in a bankruptcy proceeding. After receiving the loan payouts, DeFrees laundered a portion of the proceeds through a business entity not listed in his applications and spent the funds on personal expenses.
On February 9, 2024, DeFrees was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for fraudulently obtaining Covid-relief program funds and laundering a portion of the proceeds. DeFrees was also ordered to forfeit $1.2 million and pay $1,346,481 in restitution to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Soon after, the Asset Recovery Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed liens against DeFrees’s real properties and obtained writs of execution to levy and sell his personal assets, including a 2016 Duckworth boat, a 2006 Ford F350, a 2006 MTI racing boat, two Honda Yeti snow bikes, and a 2011 Land Rover. The Asset Recovery Unit recovered the full restitution and forfeiture judgment amounts, more than $2.5 million, from the sale of DeFrees’s seized assets and one real property. The funds collected for restitution will be returned to the SBA, and funds collected to satisfy the forfeiture judgment will go to the Assets Forfeiture Fund, which pays for expenses related to the seizure, management, forfeiture and disposal of forfeitable assets.
“Defendants who attempt to shield their assets from collection do so at their own peril, as the U.S. Attorney’s Office will aggressively pursue full payment from defendants who owe restitution to their victims,” said Katie de Villiers, Chief of the Asset Recovery Unit for the District of Oregon. “The money recovered for victims—here, the taxpayers—is a direct result of the dedicated investigators, paralegals, and attorneys who work diligently, day in and day out, to ensure justice through their collection efforts.”
This case was investigated by the SBA Office of Inspector General, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), and the FBI. Enforcement of the restitution order and collection of the forfeiture judgment was handled by Alex DeLorenzo, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. The United States Marshals Service levied assets subject to the writs of execution and coordinated with auction companies across the country to liquidate the seized assets.
Mobile Man Sentenced to 156 Months in Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – Joseph Ambrose Wilburn, Jr., of Mobile, Alabama, was sentenced to 156 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents, on April 11, 2024, the Mobile Police Department received information about an active arrest warrant for Wilburn in connection to him using a firearm to kidnap and sexually assault a woman. Later that day, Wilburn was stopped pursuant to a traffic stop where he was found to be in possession of two additional firearms. Wilburn has multiple prior felony convictions including multiple convictions of Domestic Violence – Assault, and convictions of Criminal Trespass, Possession/Receipt of a Controlled Substance, and Reckless Endangerment, among others. As a convicted felon, Wilburn is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Wilburn was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm and pleaded guilty to the charge. United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moore sentenced Wilburn to 156 months in prison followed by a 3-year term of supervised release for illegally possessing the firearm.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Mobile Police Department investigated the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica S. Terrill and Jimmy L. Thomas prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Middleton Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Scott Chier, 63, Middleton, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 10 years in federal prison for possessing child pornography. The prison term will be followed by 15 years of supervised release. Chier was also ordered to pay $45,000 in restitution to the victims of his crime. Chier pleaded guilty to the offense on April 30, 2025.
After receiving information about an IP address associated with Chier distributing child pornography, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Chier’s residence in Middleton on July 27, 2022. Images of child pornography were located on electronic devices owned by Chier. Chier was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 3, 2022, but resolution of his case was delayed pending resolution of a legal issue by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson found that Chier’s conduct was very serious due to the nature of the images that Chier possessed, Chier’s distribution of the images, and Chier’s prior conviction for similar conduct. Judge Peterson explained that he was imposing the sentence to protect the public and deter Chier from further criminal conduct.
The charge against Chier was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and the Waukesha, Hartford, and Middleton Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Pfluger and Elizabeth Altman prosecuted this case.
This investigation was a part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.
Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Deputy Charged with Receipt and Production of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Carle Miranda Blum, 51, a sworn uniformed deputy with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, was arrested today following the filing of a federal complaint charging her with receipt of visual depictions involving the sexual exploitation of minors and production of visual depictions involving the sexual exploitation of minors.
According to the complaint, Blum received multiple videos and images of the victim, who was 17 years old at the time, engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In the spring of 2025, Blum traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, where she recorded multiple videos of herself engaging in sex acts with the then-minor victim.
The charge of production of visual depictions involving the sexual exploitation of minors carries a mandatory-minimum of 15 years in prison and a statutory maximum of up to 30 years. The charge of receipt of visual depictions involving the sexual exploitation of minors carries a mandatory-minimum of 5 years in prison and a statutory maximum of up to 20 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne and Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of FBI Miami made the announcement. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office provided assistance in the investigation. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and FBI Atlanta assisted in Blum’s apprehension and arrest.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ilana R. Malkin and Major Crimes Deputy Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Astigarraga are prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate better, 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.
To report suspected human trafficking or to obtain resources for victims, please call 1-888-373-7888; text “BeFree” (233733), or live chat at HumanTraffickingHotline.org. The toll-free phone, SMS text lines, and online chat function are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Help is available in English, Spanish, Creole, or in more than 200 additional languages. The National Hotline is not managed by law enforcement, immigration, or an investigative agency. Correspondence with the National Hotline is confidential, and you may request assistance or report a tip anonymously.
“To report online child sexual exploitation, use the electronic Cyber Tip Line or call 1-800-843-5678. The Cyber Tip Line is operated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in partnership with the HSI and other law enforcement agencies.”
To learn more about the National Resource Hotline, visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. To learn more about the U.S. Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking, visit www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
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 24-mj-02786.
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Member of Interstate Cargo Theft Conspiracy Found Guilty at Federal TrialRead the Press Release
NEW ALBANY- A federal jury has found Juan D. Perez-Gonzalez, 51, of Florida, guilty of conspiracy, possession of goods stolen from interstate commerce, and interstate transportation of stolen property for his role in a year-long conspiracy to steal millions of dollars in high-end electronics and other products from shipping facilities and cargo trucks in southern Indiana and other states.
Five co-conspirators in this case have entered guilty pleas for their roles in the operation and will be sentenced at later dates:
DefendantGuilty PleaSentencing DateCarlos Enrique Freire-Pifferrer, 46, of Louisville, KYConspiracy; two counts of Interstate transportation of stolen propertyAugust 22, 2025Jose Antonio Gomez-Pifferrer, 33, of Louisville, KYConspiracy; two counts of Interstate transportation of stolen propertyOctober 24, 2025Dalwy De Armas-Rodriguez, 38, of Louisville, KYConspiracyAugust 28, 2025Luis Velazquez, 58, of Jacksonville, FLConspiracy; interstate transportation of stolen propertyAugust 22, 2025Richard Alameda, 47, of FloridaConspiracySeptember 4, 2025According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, between December 2021 and May 2023, Perez-Gonzalez and his co-conspirators conspired to steal tractor-trailers containing commercially available, high-end electronics and other items, which they later resold at a discount for profit.
The co-conspirators traveled from various locations, including Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio to target various distribution facilities used by national companies such as Meta, Microsoft, and L Brands. The group surveilled these facilities and followed semi-tractor trailers as they departed. When a driver stopped to rest, refuel, or park, the conspirators stole the entire tractor-trailer.
In many instances, the group abandoned the stolen tractor nearby and reattached the trailer to a different semi-tractor they operated. To evade law enforcement, they painted over logos and identifying numbers and use different license plates on the solen trailers.
They transported the stolen cargo to Miami, Florida, where it was sold to buyers, including co-defendant Richard Alameda, for a fraction of its retail value. The group carried out at least 14 separate cargo thefts, resulting in the theft of over $2 million in Oculus virtual reality headsets from a Meta facility, $940,000 in Microsoft products, $1 million in Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret merchandise, $669,000 in Harmon-JBL audio products, $180,000 in Logitech products, and $480,000 worth of Bose audio speakers, among other stolen items.
This is Perez-Gonzalez’s third federal conviction for cargo theft. First, in 2009, he stole two semi-trailers loaded with $500,000 worth of liquor from a distribution facility in Jeffersonville, Indiana. He was convicted in the Western District of Kentucky and sentenced to 23 months in prison. Then, in 2014, while on supervised release for the 2009 offense, Perez-Gonzalez again engaged in a scheme to steal cargo from tractor-trailers, using nearly identical methods as the most recent offense. He was convicted in the Southern District of Indiana and sentenced to 105 months in prison.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Indiana State Police, and Kentucky State Police investigated this case. U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt presided over the trial and will sentence Perez-Gonzalez at a later date.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Rinka and Matthew Barloh, who prosecuted this case.
This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Indiana Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Member of Frankford-Based Drug Gang Sentenced to 75 Years in Prison for Killing Philadelphia Police Sergeant James O’Connor, Kaseem Rogers, Tyrone Tyree, and Dontae Walker, and Additional Drug, Gun, and Violent CrimesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Hassan Elliott, aka “Haz,” 26, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Juan R. Sánchez to 900 months in prison, five years of supervised release, and a special assessment of $2,500 for the fatal shootings of Philadelphia Police Sergeant James O’Connor, Kaseem Rogers, Tyrone Tyree, and Dontae Walker, and numerous other crimes arising from the defendant’s membership in a violent drug trafficking organization known by several names, including “SG1700” and “L-Block,” which operated in the Frankford section of Northeast Philadelphia.
Elliott, along with Khalif Sears, aka “Leaf” and “Lil Leaf,” 23, Kelvin Jimenez, aka “Nip,” 34, and Dominique Parker, aka “Dom,” 34, all of Philadelphia, were charged in March 2023 by superseding indictment with conspiracy to engage in a racketeer influenced corrupt organization (RICO), violent crimes in aid of racketeering, to include murder, stemming from the killings of victims Rogers, Walker, Tyree, and Sergeant O’Connor, and numerous related offenses.
Elliott and Sears pleaded guilty this January to RICO conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, causing the death of Sergeant O’Connor by firearm, and multiple drug, gun, and violent offenses.
Jimenez and Parker were convicted at trial in March of all charges against them, including racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, maintaining a drug-involved premises, assaults in aid of racketeering, firearms offenses, and related crimes. Jimenez was also convicted of the murder of Kaseem Rogers, and Parker of the murder of Dontae Walker.
On March 13, 2020, Elliott, Sears, and others previously indicted were inside a stash house on the 1600 block of Bridge Street, when Sergeant O’Connor and other members of the Philadelphia Police Department SWAT team arrived with an arrest warrant for Elliott for the March 2019 murder of Tyrone Tyree. As Sergeant O’Connor and his fellow officers ascended the staircase to the second floor of the residence and repeatedly announced their presence, Elliott fired a semiautomatic assault rifle 16 times, striking and killing Sergeant O’Connor.
Sears, Parker, and Jimenez will be sentenced at a later date.
“Hassan Elliott murdered a police officer who was protecting and serving his community,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Unfortunately, Philadelphia Police Department Sergeant James O’Connor is only one of many victims of SG1700’s rampage of violence. The punishment Mr. Elliott received today is justice for these outrageous crimes, and our efforts — past, present, and future — to prosecute anyone who harms law enforcement will forever honor the sacrifice of Sergeant O’Connor.”
“Hassan Elliott is now facing justice for the murder of Sergeant O’Connor and his other victims,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Philadelphia Field Division. “Criminal gang members can’t hide from the mayhem they inflict, especially when their violence turns against the law enforcement officers who protect our communities. Thanks to the diligent and meticulous work in partnership with the Philadelphia Police Department and U.S. Attorney’s Office, Elliott and those who enabled him are being held accountable for these heinous crimes.”
The case was investigated by the ATF and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley Martin, Christopher Diviny, and Lauren Stram.
Massachusetts Man Receives 20-Year Sentence for Role in Penobscot and Aroostook County Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Brockton, Massachusetts man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for his role in a drug trafficking ring that stretched from Massachusetts to northern Maine.
U.S. District Judge Stacey D. Neumann sentenced Daviston Jackson, 28, to 20 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. On January 21, 2025, Jackson and his co-defendant, Daquan Corbett, were found guilty of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl following a two-week long trial.
According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, Jackson and others trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot and Aroostook counties and elsewhere. Together with Corbett, Jacksonorganized and conducted the conspiracy’s operations through a network of dealers. Jackson delivered and arranged for the delivery of large quantities of the two drugs from an out-of-state supplier and then distributed those drugs through a network of dealers in Penobscot and Aroostook counties. Proceeds from the sale of the drugs were collected and returned to Massachusetts by Jackson and others.
Twenty-two defendants have been convicted in this and related cases for their part in a widespread drug trafficking conspiracy. To date, 21 of the defendants have been sentenced, while only Corbett awaits sentencing:
Sentenced:
- Andrew Adams (32, Aroostook County) – 10 years
- Matthew Catalano (38, Penobscot County) – 165 months
- Christopher Coty (44, Bangor) – 4 years
- Jason Cunrod (42, Caribou) – 48 months
- Blaine Footman (38, Bangor) – 5 years
- Nicole Footman (41, Holden) – 3 years
- Dwight Gary, Jr. (54, Medway) – Time served (approx. 5 months)
- Carol Gordon (53, Bangor) – Time served (approx. 31 months) plus 6 months of community confinement
- Thomas Hammond (26, Charleston) – 84 months
- Joshua Jerrell (30, Orrington) – Time served (approx. 36 months)
- James King (55, Caribou) – 165 months
- Shelby Loring (29, Bangor) – Time served (approx. 32 months)
- Danielle McBreairty (34, Glenburn) – 20 years
- John Miller (24, Caribou) – 54 months
- Aaron Rodgers (43, Bangor) – Time served (approx. 33 months)
- Wayne Smith (33, Bangor) – 85 months
- Joshua Young (48, Presque Isle) – Time served (approx. 2 months) plus 24 months home detention
- Tamara Davis (29, Fall River, MA) – Time Served (approx. 14 months)
- Sarah McBreairty (36, Dixmont) – 60 months
- James Valiante (42, Linneus) – 36 months
- Daviston Jackson (28, Brockton, Mass.)
Awaiting sentencing:
- Daquan Corbett (30, Brockton, Mass.)
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the Maine State Police and the police departments in Orono, Bangor, Brewer, Caribou, Presque Isle and Houlton. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also recognized the cooperation and coordination provided by the Maine State Attorney General’s Office and the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Mexican Woman Pleads Guilty to Fraud OffensesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Maria Victoria Borja-Avila, 47, of the country of Mexico, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of Passport Fraud, Falsely Representing U.S. citizenship, and Aggravated Identity Theft. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This defendant tried to lie, cheat, and steal her way into this country, but thanks to the diligent investigatory work of our federal partners she’ll spend time in a prison cell before being removed. My office will continue to aggressively pursue violations of our nation’s immigration laws.”
Court documents reflect that Borja-Avila, an alien and national of Mexico, presented false information in a U.S. Passport Application to the Santa Rosa County Clerk’s Office on August 14, 2023. She purported to be an actual U.S. citizen, and presented said U.S. citizen’s birth certificate, a fraudulent Florida driver’s license, and used said citizen’s personally identifiable information in the application.
Borja-Avila faces a mandatory two years’ incarceration on her Aggravated Identity charge concurrent to any other charge, and up to ten years’ imprisonment based on her Passport Fraud charge. An ICE detainer has been lodged against Borja-Avila, and she will begin deportation proceedings after she serves his federal prison term. Borja-Avila’s imprisonment could be followed by up to a 3-year term of supervised release, meaning if she returns to the United States during such timeframe, she will potentially face an additional period of incarceration related to violating his supervision.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer H. Callahan.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 16, 2025, at 1:00 pm at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District T. Kent Wetherell.
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, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Lynchburg Store Owner Indicted on Federal Food Stamp Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
LYNCHBURG, Va. – A federal grand jury in Charlottesville returned an indictment today charging a Lynchburg store owner with federal food stamp and wire fraud.
Rajan Babbar, 59, of Lynchburg, Virginia, the owner of Taste of India, a medium-sized grocery store in Lynchburg, is accused of fraud regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program. SNAP was established by the United States Government to alleviate hunger and malnutrition among low- and middle-income families by increasing their food purchasing power and ability.
The grand jury has charged Babbar with one count of SNAP benefits fraud, three counts of wire fraud, and four counts of transacting in criminally derived property.
According to the indictment, in 2016 Babbar filed paperwork with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) for Taste of India to become a SNAP retailer. In December 2016, FNS approved Babbar’s application.
Beginning in or around April 2021, it is alleged that SNAP sales at Taste of India skyrocketed from their previous levels. In the three-year span between 2018 and 2020, the average monthly SNAP sales at the store were approximately $5,324 per month. In 2021 and 2022, the average monthly SNAP sales were approximately $53,147 per month. In 2023 and 2024, the average monthly SNAP sales were approximately $60,385 per month.
The indictment alleges that Babbar permitted individuals to exchange their SNAP benefits for cash. Babbar allegedly rang-up false transactions for nonexistent food items and other products. He then provided those individuals with cash for approximately one-half the value of the SNAP benefits.
Along with the eight criminal counts, the indictment includes a notice of forfeiture seeking to criminally forfeit approximately $383,232 in funds, along with a commercial real estate property in Lynchburg.
United States Attorney C. Todd Gilbert, Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the USDA-OIG, and Stephen Farina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement.
The USDA-OIG, FBI, and Lynchburg Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Brett is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lowcountry Babysitter Indicted for Child Sex CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Florence returned a 10-count indictment against Brandon Brill, 26, of Berkeley County, for production and attempted production of child sexual abuse material and coercion and enticement of minors.*
The indictment alleges that Brill was a nanny and childcare provider in the District of South Carolina. From as early as June 2023 until his arrest on various state charges in February 2025, Brill used his position of trust and access to children to exploit at least six minor victims. Brill would regularly invite the children he cared for and/or who lived in the same neighborhood as him over to his house to play video games and have sleepovers. Further, Brill would use the minors he had access to by virtue of his position as a nanny and childcare provider to gain access to additional minors. Brill faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Mount Pleasant Police Department, and the Moncks Corner Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower is prosecuting the case.
All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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* The term “child pornography” is currently used in federal statutes and is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a person less than 18 years old. While this phrase still appears in federal law, “child sexual abuse material” is preferred, as it better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the child. The Associated Press Stylebook also discourages the use of the phrase “child pornography.”
Lewiston Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Lewiston man pleaded guilty on Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Portland to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, in January 2025, Lewiston police officers stopped a vehicle operated by Kulmiye Abukar Idris, 35, for traffic violations. Officers searched the vehicle and found a handgun. Idris was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for gross sexual assault.
Idris faces up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and supervised release for three years. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Lewiston Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from the Androscoggin County District Attorney’s Office.
Project Safe Neighborhoods: This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psn.
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Lake County Woman and Federal Inmate Arrested for Smuggling Drugs into PrisonRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the arrest of Michelle Nicole Marie Brannon (36, Lake County) and Robert Hayes (46, Hillsborough County) on a federal indictment. Brannon is charged with one count of making a materially false statement or representation to a federal agency and one count of providing contraband to a federal prisoner. If convicted, she faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison. Hayes is charged with one count of possession of contraband by a federal prisoner. If convicted, Hayes faces a maximum of 5 years in federal prison.
According to the court records, Brannon and Hayes are brother and sister. On April 27, 2025, Brannon visited Hayes, an inmate at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County. As Brannon was being screened before the visitation, she made a materially false representation to a corrections officer that she did not have any narcotics in her possession. Subsequently, she was caught providing Hayes with buprenorphine, a Schedule III controlled substance. Federal inmates are prohibited from possessing controlled substances in the prison facility.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.
Lake County Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Gregory Coleman III (28, Leesburg) has entered a guilty plea to an indictment charging him with one count of possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a convicted felon. Coleman faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A federal grand jury indicted Coleman on December 12, 2023.
According to the court records, Coleman has been convicted of four state felonies, including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting law enforcement with violence, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, and possession of cocaine. Following these convictions, on November 4, 2023, Coleman sold a firearm to a confidential source who was working in cooperation with federal agents. Coleman told the source he had more firearms but wanted to keep them for himself. As a convicted felon, Coleman is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Eustis Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Justice Department Supports Seattle’s Motion to Terminate Police Department Consent DecreeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division today announced that it has filed a response in support of the City of Seattle’s Motion to Terminate the Consent Decree in United States v. City of Seattle. The decree required reforms in the Seattle Police Department’s practices regarding use of force, crisis intervention, stops and detentions, supervision and accountability. With support from the Justice Department, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) achieved sustained substantial compliance.
The Justice Department brought this case pursuant to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 and the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Civil Division and the Special Litigation Section of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division jointly investigated and found that the Seattle Police Department (SPD) had engaged in a pattern or practice of unnecessary or excessive force that violated the Constitution and federal law. The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington entered the consent decree in 2012.
“We congratulate the Seattle Police Department on its achievement of sustained substantial compliance with this thirteen-year-old consent decree,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. “This Civil Rights Division will continue to work with police departments across the country to help make America’s communities safe again.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington, believes the district court should terminate the consent decree and monitorship, which have been in place for 13 years,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller for the Western District of Washington. “Seattle has been held up as an example of successful police reform and has done recent work on its crowd control policies and accountability systems. We trust it will continue to lead the way on constitutional policing.”
Justice Department Supports Seattle’s Motion to Terminate Police Department Consent DecreeRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division today announced that it has filed a response in support of the City of Seattle’s Motion to Terminate the Consent Decree in United States v. City of Seattle. The decree required reforms in the Seattle Police Department’s practices regarding use of force, crisis intervention, stops and detentions, supervision and accountability. With support from the Justice Department, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) achieved sustained substantial compliance.
The Justice Department brought this case pursuant to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 and the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Civil Division and the Special Litigation Section of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division jointly investigated and found that the Seattle Police Department (SPD) had engaged in a pattern or practice of unnecessary or excessive force that violated the Constitution and federal law. The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington entered the consent decree in 2012.
“We congratulate the Seattle Police Department on its achievement of sustained substantial compliance with this thirteen-year-old consent decree,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. “This Civil Rights Division will continue to work with police departments across the country to help make America’s communities safe again.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington, believes the district court should terminate the consent decree and monitorship, which have been in place for 13 years,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller for the Western District of Washington. “Seattle has been held up as an example of successful police reform and has done recent work on its crowd control policies and accountability systems. We trust it will continue to lead the way on constitutional policing.”
Justice Department Announces Formation of Strike Force to Assess Evidence Publicized by ODNIRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice announced the formation of a Strike Force to assess the evidence publicized by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and investigate potential next legal steps which might stem from DNI Gabbard’s disclosures.
This Department takes alleged weaponization of the intelligence community with the utmost seriousness.
Upon the formation of the Strike Force, Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated:
“The Department of Justice is proud to work with my friend Director Gabbard and we are grateful for her partnership in delivering accountability for the American people. We will investigate these troubling disclosures fully and leave no stone unturned to deliver justice.”
Jury Convicts Man Who Targeted Metro Air Support Helicopter in St. Louis with LaserRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A jury on Wednesday found a man guilty of a crime for temporarily blinding Metro Air Support pilots with a laser pointer.
Jurors in U.S. District Court in St. Louis took roughly 20 minutes to convict Joshua J. Johnson, 44, of one felony count of knowingly aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft. The trial started Tuesday afternoon with jury selection.
Evidence and testimony at the trial showed that shortly before 9:45 p.m. on August 9, 2024, Johnson used a blue laser to target a marked Metro Air Support helicopter that was flying over the Benton Park neighborhood in St. Louis in support of other officers. A St. Louis County Police Department pilot and a St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department pilot were temporarily blinded when blue light flooded the cockpit. As the blue light started to wane, the officers were able to track the beam to the driver’s side of a vehicle below them. The officers then tracked the vehicle as it drove down the street. The driver aimed the laser at the helicopter again. The officers continued to track the vehicle and provided updates to officers on the ground, who stopped the vehicle and arrested the sole occupant – Johnson. After initially denying that he pointed the laser, he later admitted that he was responsible. He also admitted that fact in calls from jail.
Laser pointers are widely available and range in power. The strongest models can permanently blind air crews. Those who point lasers at aircraft can also be subject to civil penalties of up to $11,000 imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration. Pilots reported 12,840 laser strikes to the FAA in 2024.
Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on October 30. The crime carries a potential punishment of up to five years in prison.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Metro Air Support Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mohsen Pasha and Derek Wiseman are prosecuting the case.
Jamaican National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Human SmugglingRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A Jamaican national was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio on Tuesday to 70 months in prison for his role in a human smuggling conspiracy that placed lives in jeopardy.
According to court documents, Bryan Adamson, 52, was involved in the coordination of at least 14 alien smuggling events for a human smuggling organization (HSO) between May 6, 2021, and April 28, 2022. He was responsible for recruiting drivers, hiring scouts, paying drivers and co-conspirators, and communicating/coordinating directly with co-conspirators to facilitate the further transport of aliens that arrived in Laredo from Mexico.
In May 2021, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Antonio began investigating the criminal activity of an HSO that smuggled hundreds of aliens from Laredo to San Antonio inside tractor trailers. HSI was able to link at least 19 human smuggling events involving the actual apprehension of over 900 aliens to this HSO. The HSO would smuggle aliens from Mexico to Laredo, where they would be kept in stash houses before being transported to San Antonio in tractor trailers. The loads ranged from approximately 30 aliens to more than 100 aliens traveling in a single trailer.
Several of those smuggling events involved dangerous conditions inside the trailers, including the event on May 6, 2021, in which the San Antonio Police Department received 911 calls regarding a tractor trailer that was in transit with individuals sticking their hands out of a small door in the trailer. The area surrounding the opening had been ripped apart by the individuals inside the trailer in their attempts to escape. Forty-one aliens were apprehended, including one who had to be transported to the hospital for treatment due to displaying symptoms of dehydration. Two of the aliens were unaccompanied minors. One of the aliens told HSI that he was positioned by the trailer doors and observed several people inside having trouble breathing. The aliens stated there had been over 100 people in the trailer and the temperature inside the trailer was high due to the number of bodies, causing them to fear for their lives. When officers arrived, they observed that several of the aliens appeared to be disoriented and were asking for water.
On June 15, 2022, Adamson was charged with one count of transporting illegal aliens. A second count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and placing the life of a person in jeopardy was added in a superseding indictment on Aug. 17, 2022. Adamson was arrested on June 23, 2022. He pleaded guilty to both charges on May 1, 2025.
In addition to Adamson’s imprisonment, Adamson was ordered to spend three years on supervised release. U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez also ordered that Adamson forfeit $164,250 and two firearms along with ammunition and accessories. “Human smuggling crimes don’t just violate borders—they endanger lives, exploit vulnerable people, and finance some of the most dangerous criminal organizations our world has ever known,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “This sentencing sends the message that we will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases and intend to hold those involved accountable.”
“This sentencing underscores the life-threatening risks posed by transnational human smuggling networks that prioritize profit over people,” said Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “The defendant’s actions not only violated federal law but posed a risk to human life. We will continue working with our international and domestic partners to protect our communities and uphold the rule of law.”
Seven of Adamson’s co-defendants have already been sentenced. Fredi Zagala-Servin and Sedrick Zelitis Smith were sentenced to 97 months and 84 months in prison, respectively. Mark Algie Holliday, Norman Lee Walker, Jr., Ronnie Joe Branch and Eliseo Loredo were each sentenced to 30 months in prison. Rodney Edward Shavers was sentenced to time served on Feb. 26 after being in custody since Dec. 31, 2022.
Debbie Marie Gonzales pleaded guilty in May and is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 17, while Francisco Arredondo-Colmenero awaits further proceedings following his arrest in Mexico.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Brown prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Gattinella handled the forfeiture on the case.
This investigation was coordinated under 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 Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 390 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 350 U.S. convictions; more than 300 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.
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.
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Jamaican National Charged with Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England, today announced that DWAYNE CLAUD SINGH, 37, a citizen of Jamaica residing in New Haven, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
Singh was arrested today. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and was ordered detained pending a hearing that is scheduled for July 28.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in 2014, Singh was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court of drug, weapon, and forgery offenses and was sentenced to five years of imprisonment. In December 2017, the U.S. Immigration Court in Hartford ordered Singh removed to Jamaica for violations of the Immigration and Nationality Act. He was deported to Jamaica in January 2018.
It is further alleged that Singh illegally reentered the U.S. and has been using Connecticut and California identifying documents in the name of “Kevin Anthony Smith,” and a Facebook profile in the name of “Poochie Gully.” Singh also has an active state arrest warrant for breach of peace and threatening offenses, which was issued by the Connecticut Superior Court in March 2023.
If convicted of the charge of unlawful reentry, Singh faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
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).
Jacksonville Convicted Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty to Escaping from Halfway HouseRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Brian Keith Speights (68, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to escaping from federal custody at a halfway house in Jacksonville. At sentencing, Speights will face up to five years in prison. Speights was arrested on January 20, 2025, in Jacksonville and has been in federal custody since that time. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 19, 2025.
According to court documents, in 2019, Speights was sentenced to serve 90 months in federal prison after being convicted of using his Jacksonville residence to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, and for possessing several firearms in furtherance of illegal drug trafficking. In May 2024, the Federal Bureau of Prisons lawfully transferred Speights into the custody of the Bridges Reintegration Center (Bridges), a halfway house located in Jacksonville. As part of his application requesting this transfer that he signed on May 7, 2024, Speights acknowledged that he remained in the custody of the Attorney General of the United States, and if he failed to remain within the limits of his confinement at Bridges, his failure to do so would be deemed as an escape.
On January 2, 2025, Speights knowingly and willfully escaped by leaving the Bridges Reintegration Center without authorization and failing to return. On January 20, 2025, he was located at a residence in Jacksonville and arrested by deputies from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Inmate Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Assaulting Former Cellmate with Contraband KnifeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that DA’QUAN TUCKER was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Philip M. Halpern to 57 months in prison for repeatedly stabbing his former cellmate in the head and face with a 6‑inch contraband knife on April 3, 2024, while incarcerated at Federal Correctional Institution (“FCI”) Otisville. In March 2025, TUCKER pled guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possessing contraband in prison.
“Da’Quan Tucker brutally attacked a fellow inmate in the prison yard at FCI Otisville without provocation by repeatedly stabbing him in the head and face with a contraband knife,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Violence like this risks the lives and safety of inmates and prison staff and will not be tolerated in federal prison. Today’s sentence demonstrates that such conduct will be met with serious punishment.”
According to the Indictment, court filings and statements made in court:
On April 3, 2024, TUCKER was incarcerated at FCI Otisville, where he was serving a sentence related to a robbery he committed in July 2023 while he was on supervised release. That day, TUCKER, without provocation, repeatedly stabbed another inmate—his former cellmate—in the head and face using a six-inch contraband knife. Following the assault, TUCKER told prison staff that he would attack the victim again if he had the chance and would try to kill him.
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In addition to the prison term TUCKER, 23 of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Mr. Clayton thanked the staff of FCI Otisville for their assistance and praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force.
This case is being prosecuted by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shaun E. Werbelow and Justin L. Brooke are in charge of the prosecution.
Importers Agree to Pay $6.8M to Resolve False Claims Act Liability Relating to Voluntary Self-Disclosure of Unpaid Customs DutiesRead the Press Release
Manchester, New Hampshire, based Global Plastics LLC (Global Plastics) and Melville, New York, based Marco Polo International LLC (Marco Polo), both subsidiaries of MGI International LLC, have agreed to pay $6.8 million to resolve their civil liability under the False Claims Act for knowingly failing to pay customs duties on certain plastic resin imported from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that MGI International and its subsidiaries took a number of significant steps entitling them to credit for cooperating with the government.
To enter goods into the United States, an importer must declare, among other things, the country of origin of the goods, the value of the goods, whether the goods are subject to duties, and the amount of duties owed. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) collects applicable duties.
In 2024, MGI and its subsidiaries disclosed to CBP and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire that, beginning in May 2019, Global Plastics and Marco Polo failed to declare the correct country of origin and value on certain entries of plastic resin products manufactured in the PRC and, as a result, failed to pay the proper duties owed to CBP.
“The Department will pursue those who gain an unfair trade advantage in U.S. markets, including those who knowingly evade or underpay duties owed on foreign imports,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “As today’s settlement reflects, when importers fail to pay customs duties owed, they can mitigate the consequences by making timely self-disclosures, cooperating with investigations, and taking appropriate remedial measures.”
“Companies doing business in the United States must play by the rules, including paying full custom duties owed for imports,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack for the District of New Hampshire. “This resolution demonstrates that when companies self-disclose misconduct, cooperate fully with the government’s investigation, and take meaningful corrective action, they can receive credit for those admissions. We will continue to hold accountable those who attempt to avoid paying what they owe to the federal government, while also recognizing responsible corporate behavior.”
“When companies use unfair trade practices and fraudulent methodologies to avoid paying customs duties, it robs the American people of revenue and undermines our economy,” said acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Susan S. Thomas of the Office of Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “I am proud that CBP was able to work with the Department of Justice to help ensure a level playing field for law abiding businesses.”
MGI cooperated with the United States’ investigation by, among other things: making a timely voluntary self-disclosure of the potential violations; performing a thorough and independent internal investigation; preserving, collecting, and disclosing facts not known to the government but relevant to its investigation; conducting an analysis of potential damages that was shared with the government; and implementing appropriate remedial actions, including disciplining personnel and making improvements to compliance procedures. As a result, MGI, Global Plastics, and Marco Polo received credit under the Department’s guidelines for taking disclosure, cooperation, and remediation into account in False Claims Act settlements.
This resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire, with assistance from the CBP’s Office of Chief Counsel.
This matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Raphael Katz of the District of New Hampshire and Senior Trial Counsel Art J. Coulter of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Note: Read the Settlement here
Illinois Man Sentenced to 48 months’ Imprisonment for Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on July 22, 2025, Ronald Pallek (55) of McHenry, Illinois, was sentenced to 48 months’ incarceration for executing an investment fraud scheme that resulted in a loss of over $1.6 million to over 100 investors in Illinois and Wisconsin.
According to court records, Pallek engaged in a years’ long scheme during which he convinced friends, friends of friends, and family members to give him money to invest. Pallek promised these investors that he could double their money using an “iron condor” strategy of investing even though Pallek knew that he had never been able to generate such profits. Despite losing his victims’ funds in the market or spending them for his own benefit, Pallek continued to solicit additional victims, even promising commissions to those he previously had defrauded. During the scheme, Pallek repeatedly sent falsified earning statements to his victims, lied about his purported successes, and made Ponzi-style payments to prior victims with new victim funds. The investigation also revealed that Pallek used the funds to pay for his own living expenses, including his mortgage and for his car, and for gambling activities.
In announcing his sentence, United States District Judge Brett Ludwig noted that Pallek engaged in a “serious criminal enterprise” and kept his scheme going by “cultivating trust with friends and acquaintances” and through repeated “acts of deceit and false conduct.”
In addition to the 48-month period of incarceration, Pallek was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,679,250.00, and to serve a period of 3 years of supervised release.
“Mr. Pallek abused the trust of his victims, targeting hard-working individuals and small business owners,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Frohling. “The sentence in this case reflects not only the significant financial but also the long-lasting emotional harm Mr. Pallek inflicted, and I commend everyone involved in holding him accountable and seeking justice for his victims.”
“Mr. Pallek deceived investors and caused significant financial and emotional harm through a Ponzi-like scheme,” said FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle. “The FBI will continue its relentless pursuit of investigating those who hide behind financial fraud as one part in our mission to protect the American people. We continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure that justice is served.”
“The cruelty of this scheme wasn’t just in the dollars stolen—it was in the betrayal. This defendant exploited the trust of those closest to him, using friends and family like an ATM to fund his lifestyle,” said Jason Bushey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “Investment fraud doesn’t just drain bank accounts—it corrodes trust and weakens the financial systems we all rely on. IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to pursue those who exploit personal relationships for personal gain.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie F. Stewart.
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Illinois Man Sentenced to 41 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Yesterday, Kareim J. Coverson, 37 years old, of Calumet City, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Phillip P. Simon after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor.
Coverson was sentenced to 41 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $614,597.50 in restitution to the victims of the offense.According to documents in the case, between approximately May 2019 and June 2020, Coverson participated in a scheme to fraudulently obtain over $3.3 million from the proceeds of large business checks stolen out of the mail. Coverson and his co-conspirators registered fictitious corporations with the Indiana and Illinois Secretaries of State, opened fraudulent corporate bank accounts, and deposited the stolen checks into the fraudulent accounts. The actions of Coverson and his associates resulted in an unrecovered loss of over $1 million to the affected businesses and financial institutions.
Coverson is the last of 10 defendants to be convicted and sentenced in this case and a related prosecution arising from the same scheme. In April 2024, Coverson’s brother, Oliver Coverson, was sentenced to 96 months in prison for his role as the organizer of the scheme. Earlier this year, Defendant Scott Vue received a prison sentence of 51 months for his role in the offense, which included opening fraudulent bank accounts, depositing stolen checks, and recruiting additional participants to the conspiracy.
“The Coverson brothers and their associates assembled a large criminal conspiracy that caused millions of dollars of harm to businesses and banks throughout the United States. These defendants stole from small and large businesses alike, disrupting the flow of commerce, and compromising the mail and financial systems on which everyday Americans rely to conduct their business,” said Proctor. “As the court’s sentences in this case demonstrate, such conduct is not tolerated in the Northern District of Indiana and will be met with serious consequences.”
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary D. Heater.
Illegal alien sent to prison for role in nationwide scheme to sell fake Texas paper vehicle tagsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – The final man in a large-scale conspiracy to commit wire fraud in relation to the sale of hundreds of thousands of fraudulent Texas paper license plates has been ordered to prison, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Emmanuel Padilla Reyes, 35, pleaded guilty May 13.
U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks has now ordered Reyes to serve 60 months in federal prison and to pay $22 million in restitution to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard testimony from the family of a victim killed by a truck bearing a fraudulent paper license plate that one of Reyes’ dealerships had issued. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that there were many more victims just like this one whose lives Reyes harmed and changed, and that this was not a victimless crime.
“The defendant’s criminal scheme was not only illegal in itself, but also facilitated scores of other crimes, such as armed robberies and drive-by shootings,” said Ganjei. “Texas motorists deserve to know vehicles on the roadways alongside them and their families are genuinely licensed, rather than the instruments of crime.”
“This case led not only to arrests and prison sentences for those behind a national multimillion-dollar scheme, but it also led to changes in the way temporary tags are issued in Texas. Changes that just went into effect July 1,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI Houston Field Office. “That’s impactful, and I’m so proud of our law enforcement partners and the FBI Houston case team who made it all happen.”
Reyes and co-conspirators sold over 550,000 tags using the internet and messaging apps, without selling any vehicles. He used aliases, including a stolen identity, to obtain car dealer licenses for the scheme. The fake tags allowed buyers to evade registration, insurance and law enforcement detection, enabling crimes such as robberies and drive-by shootings.
In Texas, used car dealers must obtain an independent General Distinguishing Number to access the state’s eTag portal and issue temporary buyer tags. At the time of the indictment, the system lacked data entry restrictions. Reyes used fake identities and documents to obtain licenses for two fictitious dealerships, “King’s Ranch Autoland” and “Texas Motor Company,” then advertised Texas buyer tags for sale on Facebook and Instagram.
Reyes will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Co-defendants Leidy Areli Hernandez Lopez, 45, Octavian Ocasio, 53, and Daniel Christine-Tani, 36, were also charged and convicted in the scheme and were sentenced to prison. Lopez, also in the United States illegally, failed to report to prison. A federal grand jury returned an indictment Feb. 20 charging her with failure to surrender. Lopez is considered a fugitive, and a warrant remains outstanding for her arrest. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI at 713-693-5000.
The FBI conducted the investigation with assistance from Travis County Constable Office - Precinct 3, Houston Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and New York Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Belinda Beek and Adam Goldman are prosecuting the case.
Hunting show host receives lifetime hunting ban in KansasRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Georgia man was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered forever banned from hunting and fishing in Kansas after illegally hunting game.
According to court documents, Matt Jennings, 35, of Bowdon, Georgia, pleaded guilty to two counts of illegal taking of a white tail deer in interstate commerce.
On November 11, 2022, Jennings killed an antlered deer near Florence, Kansas. His antlered deer tag did not allow him to take a deer in this part of the state. The next day the defendant drove to Oklahoma where he fraudulently registered the kill in Oklahoma using an Oklahoma electronic tag.
On November 19, 2022, the defendant killed another antlered deer near Wakeeney. Although he had a valid tag for that area of Kansas, killing of a second antlered deer in the same year is a violation of state law. He illegally exceeded the bag limit of one antlered deer per season.
The defendant hosts a hunting show titled “The Game”. These two illegal hunts were featured as part of his show.
A federal judge ordered Jennings to pay $15,000 in restitution to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, pay a $10,000 fine, and forfeit the antlers from the white tail deer he illegally hunted.
During his five-year probation, Jennings is prohibited from guiding, hunting, trapping, fishing, or being with anyone engaged in those activities in Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks investigated the case with assistance provided by the U.S. Secret Service, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Missouri Department of Conservation, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster prosecuted the case.
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Fort Thompson Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzling Funds from the Crow Creek Sioux TribeRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a woman from Fort Thompson, South Dakota, who was convicted of Embezzlement from an Indian Tribal Organization. The sentencing took place on July 21, 2025.
Mariah Pearl Sazue, age 35, was sentenced to three months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $44,627.25 in restitution to the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Sazue was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2024. She pleaded guilty on April 17, 2025.
Sazue served as the Human Resources Director for the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe between June 2022 and May 2024. In December 2022, Sazue began submitting timesheets with forged signatures and grossly inflated overtime hours. In total, Sazue received $44,627.25 in excess overtime pay before being fired for fraud in May 2024. When confronted, Sazue claimed she would never take advantage of the tribe.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
Sazue was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.