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19 August 2025
Fugitive wanted for murder charged with firing shots at federal agents in Springfield hotelRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – A Franklin County man has been charged federally after he allegedly shot at deputies with the United States Marshals Service, FBI agents and task force officers from inside a Springfield hotel room when they attempted to execute an arrest warrant on him for murder charges.
On Aug. 8, an arrest warrant was issued for Andre Jordan II, 34, of Reynoldsburg, for murder.
The Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST), a federal task force, adopted the fugitive investigation, which led officials to the Quality Inn in Springfield.
According to charging documents, on Aug. 14, SOFAST tracked Jordan to a room at the hotel and set up to apprehend him. Law enforcement announced their presence to Jordan, who then looked out the window of the room. Following additional announcements, Jordan allegedly fired a shot through the window toward the pool area in the vicinity of officers and then fired an additional round through the front door of the room toward positioned officers.
An affidavit details that officers withdrew to stairwells at the end of the hall for cover. Several occupants of the hotel room, including young children, then exited, after which Jordan allegedly fired several additional rounds.
The Springfield Police Division SWAT Team responded to the scene and hostage negotiators established communication with Jordan. After an hours-long standoff, Jordan surrendered without further incident and was taken into custody.
Jordan was transported to the Clark County jail on his local murder charge and will be transferred into federal custody. He will appear in U.S. District Court in Dayton today at 1:30pm.
Jordan is charged with assault of a federal officer with a deadly weapon, attempted murder of a federal agent, discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; United States Marshal Michael D. Black; Springfield Police Chief Allison Elliott and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth McCormick and Rob Painter are representing the United States in this case.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Former New York City Department of Education Business Manager Sentenced in Bid Rigging SchemeRead the Press Release
The owner of a New York-based budget and procurement consulting company was sentenced today to six months in prison for rigging bids submitted to dozens of New York City public schools. The defendant and his company were also ordered to pay $141,511 in restitution to the victim, the New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE).
Victor A Garrido of Peekskill, New York, and his company, TranscendBS LLC, pleaded guilty on March 19 to rigging bids to NYC DOE from at least as early as November 2020 through at least as late as January 2023. In his plea agreement, Garrido also admitted to fraudulently obtaining over $20,000 in COVID-19 relief unemployment benefits and to failing to file and pay federal or state income taxes for himself or for his company for tax years 2020 to 2023.
“The Defendant stole money from public school students, and taxpayers more generally, all for his own selfish gain,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division and its PCSF partners will aggressively prosecute and hold accountable those who defraud American students and the American taxpayer.”
“Let today’s sentence be a warning to those who attempt to cheat the system. You will be held accountable,” said FBI Operations Director Chad Yarbrough of the Criminal Cyber Branch. “The FBI has zero tolerance for those who attempt to rig the system to benefit themselves, inflicting lasting harm on our communities and undermining the principles of fair competition.”
“Bid-rigging with school contracts is thoroughly unacceptable, as it deprives the school district of vital funds and students of a supportive learning environment — and it is a crime that SCI will continue to tirelessly root out,” said Special Commissioner of Investigation Anatasia Coleman of the Office of the Special Commissioner of Investigation for the NYC School District. “SCI is grateful for its continued partnership with the DOJ Antitrust Division and the FBI in bringing this case to justice.”
“Victor Garrido defrauded the New York State Department of Labor by illegally obtaining pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits. This sentencing underscores the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General's unwavering commitment to safeguard the American workplace from fraud and corruption,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General Northeast Region. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who engage in these criminal activities within our jurisdiction”
According to court documents, Garrido was previously employed by NYC DOE as a business manager where he provided budget and procurement guidance and training to various schools. Shortly after leaving that role, Garrido formed TranscendBS to provide similar services as a consultant to New York City public schools. During the scheme, Garrido, TranscendBS, and their co-conspirators submitted fake, artificially high “competitor” bids to make it appear as if TranscendBS was the lowest bidder for dozens of business consulting services contracts. None of the “competing” bidders actually provided these services. In addition to thwarting NYC DOE’s procurement rules to ensure that TranscendBS obtained the contracts, Garrido priced his services to just under the threshold which would have required additional scrutiny.
The scheme impacted approximately 28 New York City public schools, predominantly in low-income communities. TranscendBS won at least $707,555 in contracts from those schools, resulting in estimated losses to NYC DOE of $141,511.
In connection with his unemployment benefit fraud, Garrido was also ordered to pay $23,100 in restitution to the New York State Department of Labor.
The Antitrust Division’s New York Office prosecuted the case, which was investigated with the assistance of the Special Commissioner of Investigation for the New York City School District, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Labor. Trial Attorneys Helen Christodoulou, Kathryn Carpenter, and Maia Lichtenstein are prosecuting the case.
In November 2019, the Justice Department created the Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF), a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government—federal, state and local. To learn more about the PCSF, or to report information on bid rigging, price fixing, market allocation and other anticompetitive conduct related to government spending, go to www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force. Anyone with information in connection with this investigation can contact the PCSF at the link listed above.
Former Miami Heat Security Employee Pleads Guilty to Selling Stolen MemorabiliaRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A former Miami Heat security officer pleaded guilty today in the Southern District of Florida to transporting and transferring stolen goods in interstate commerce.
According to the facts admitted at the change of plea hearing, Marcos Tomas Perez, 62, stole hundreds of game-worn jerseys and other valuable memorabilia belonging to the Miami Heat and sold them to online brokers. The items, which included rare jerseys, were worth millions of dollars.
Perez, a 25-year retired veteran of the City of Miami Police Department, was employed as a security officer with the Miami Heat from 2016 to 2021 and later worked as an NBA security employee from 2022 to 2025. During his tenure, Perez worked on the game-day security detail at the Kaseya Center, where he had access to a secured equipment room that stored hundreds of game-worn jerseys and other memorabilia set aside for a future Miami Heat museum.
During his employment, Perez stole more than 400 jerseys and other items from the secured equipment room and sold them through various online marketplaces. Perez sold more than 100 stolen items over a three-and-a-half-year period for approximately $1.9 million by shipping them across state lines, often at prices well below their market value. For example, Perez sold a game-worn LeBron James Miami Heat NBA Finals jersey for about $100,000. That same jersey was later sold at a Sotheby’s auction for $3.7 million.
On April 3, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Perez’s residence and recovered nearly 300 additional stolen game-worn jerseys and memorabilia, which the Miami Heat confirmed had been stolen from their facility.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of FBI Miami made the announcement.
FBI Miami is investigating the case. USPIS Miami and Miami Police Department provided invaluable assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Moore is prosecuting the case.
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at 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 25-cr-20346.
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Five Arrested, Accused of St. Louis-Linked Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Five people accused of involvement in a drug distribution ring that smuggled kilograms of cocaine to St. Louis and other areas were arrested Tuesday.
Christopher D. Taylor, 35; Stanford “Stan” Times, 36; Vincent “Lil V” Woods, 38; and Terry Smith, 49, were arrested in the St. Louis area. Rene Garcia, 47, was arrested in Texas.
Arturo Villalobos, now 33, of Texas, has been in custody since April, when he was charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. He was indicted with that same charge on April 30. A superseding indictment on July 24 added charges against the others.
Times, Woods, Garcia, Grant “50” Berry, 47, and Nabor Deleon, 34, of Texas, now face one cocaine conspiracy count and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Villalobos, Berry and Deleon face a second possession count. Taylor, Smith, and Wally Burciaga, 30, face just the cocaine conspiracy count. Berry, Deleon and Burciaga have not yet been arrested.
The indictment accuses all of them in involvement in a cocaine conspiracy from October 2024 to July 2025.
Motions seeking to hold the men in jail until trial say Villalobos was caught with a duffel bag containing 19 kilograms of cocaine, as well as $100,000 cash, part of a history of traveling the country transporting drugs and collecting drug payments. Only a few days later, he traveled to St. Louis to collect payment for a prior shipment of cocaine, the motion says.
Berry, who was caught with 13 kilograms of cocaine, supplied illegal drugs to Woods and Times, who supplied Taylor and Smith, the motions say. A man who purchased cocaine from Taylor was the target of a shooting on Interstate 55 in St. Louis on Nov. 23, 2024, the motions say. The buyer’s car was hit about 26 times. One round entered the northbound lanes of the highway, striking and killing an innocent bystander, the motions say.
Burciaga, an escaped federal prison inmate, was the source of supply of the drugs in Mexico, and Garcia and Deleon are truck drivers who transported the drugs, the motions say.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely an accusation and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Jefferson County Municipal Enforcement Group, the Overland Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Torrie J. Schneider Phillip Voss are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Federal grand jury indicts Georgia man for his role in Jamestown drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jeryel L. Winfield a/k/a Derezz a/k/a Idriys, 51, of McDonough, GA, formerly of Binghamton, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Louis A. Testani, who are handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between 2019, and May 26, 2022, Winfield conspired with Joseph S. Zaso and others, to sell heroin and fentanyl.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Federal Jury Convicts Detroit Man of Federal Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – After two days of trial, a federal jury convicted Antonio Shelby Jr., 32, of Detroit, Michigan, today of possession with intent to distribute quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Evidence at trial showed that on January 10, 2024, a law enforcement officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Shelby in the Institute area of Kanawha County. The officer smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, asked Shelby to exit the vehicle, and told him that the vehicle would be searched. Shelby fled in the vehicle, driving at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour on West Virginia Route 25 and Interstate 64 while trying to elude law enforcement.
The pursuit ended when Shelby crashed his vehicle while attempting to exit I-64 at South Charleston. Shelby was found climbing out of the vehicle and detained by officers. When officers lifted Shelby from the ground, they found a Keltec model P3 AT .380-caliber pistol, loaded and with a round in the chamber, on the ground underneath him. Officers also found a bag in the vehicle containing quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana, digital scales, and $2,495. A quantity of the seized methamphetamine was found packaged in 17 small individual baggies.
Shelby has a criminal history that includes prior felony convictions for fleeing from a police officer and reckless driving causing serious impairment of a body function.
Shelby is scheduled to be sentenced on January 8, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life in prison.
“Shelby endangered the community by trafficking drugs while armed with a gun and also endangered both the public and law enforcement officers when he recklessly fled the traffic stop,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “I commend the law enforcement officers who safely apprehended the defendant and those who investigated this case, and I also commend Assistant United States Attorneys JC MacCallum and Jeremy B. Wolfe and our trial team for securing guilty verdicts on both counts in the indictment.”
The following law enforcement agencies were involved in apprehending Shelby, investigating the case, and securing the convictions at trial: the Nitro Police Department, the Dunbar Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the jury trial.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-197.
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Fort Walton Beach Felon Pleads Guilty to Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Louis Terrell Jones, 42, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possession of a machinegun. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our brave law enforcement officers are increasingly encountering and seizing firearms that have been illegally modified to fire as fully automatic machineguns. My office remains fully committed to fulfilling the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America by targeting these violent criminals with the full force of the law.”
In November 2024, a deputy with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office initiated a routine traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Jones. During the stop, the vehicle was searched and the deputy found a Glock 9 millimeter pistol with a machinegun conversion device attached to it. Jones is prohibited from possessing a firearm because he was previously convicted of multiple felonies, including attempted burglary, possession of a weapon on school property, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and aggravated assault by threat with a firearm.
Jones faces up to twenty-five years’ imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Tharp.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 6, 2025, at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
FBI Snuffs Out Opioid ‘Blaze’Read the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Courtney Linwood “Blaze” Matthews, 40, of Fayetteville, was sentenced today in federal court to 40 years in prison for his role as the leader of a multi-year drug trafficking conspiracy responsible for distributing more than 839 kilograms of cocaine, 9.5 kilograms of heroin, and 3.4 kilograms of fentanyl across Eastern North Carolina. Matthews, who laundered drug proceeds through vehicle purchases and other assets, also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
“Linwood “Blaze” Matthews pleaded guilty to possessing and selling enough fentanyl to kill most of Fayetteville along with 9.5 kg of heroin and 839 kg of cocaine which is 1,854 pounds and is nearly the weight of a Mitsubishi Mirage,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Blaze flooded the area with dangerous opioids and narcotics that hurt Fayetteville families. Now thanks to their tireless work, our law enforcement partners have put that fire out making the community safer.”
“The amount of illegal drugs “Blaze” Matthews is responsible for pumping into our community is staggering. The FBI and our partners are unwavering in our fight against violent crime on our streets,” said James C. Barnacle Jr., the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, the Fayetteville Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and other law enforcement agencies identified Matthews as the head of a large-scale drug trafficking organization. The investigation established that Matthews was one of the most high-volume drug dealers in the area, coordinating with multiple co-conspirators to import and distribute kilograms of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl in Cumberland and Robeson counties. Matthews had previously been convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and marijuana in the Eastern District of North Carolina in 2008.
In September of 2023, law enforcement was able to conduct a controlled purchase of one kilogram of cocaine from Matthews and co-defendant Anthony Mack at a residence owned by Matthews in Fayetteville. During the spring of 2024, investigators used tools to track Matthews’ source of supply and distribution network. During the investigation, agents seized significant quantities of drugs, drug packaging material, more than $213,000 in cash, firearms, and business records showing Matthews was funneling drug money into vehicles and other assets. Evidence showed Matthews wasn’t just moving drugs; he was running a car rental business with assets purchased with drug proceeds, directing others, keeping stash houses, and making sure his operation kept pumping narcotics into the community.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The FBI, the Internal Revenue Service, the Fayetteville Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Webb prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-00177-D-1.
Evansville Sex Offender to Spend 17.5 Years in Federal Prison for Sharing Child Sexual Abuse Files via KikRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Casey Lee Smith, 48, of Evansville, has been sentenced to 17.5 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to two counts of distribution of sexually explicit material involving minors.
According to court documents, in January of 2022, the Evansville Police Department received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, stating that 16 files containing child sexual abuse material had been uploaded to the instant messaging application, Kik, by Casey Lee Smith. The video files included depictions of prepubescent minors and minors under the age of twelve years, as well as depictions of sadistic or masochistic conduct.
Investigators searched Smith’s cellphone and uncovered 95 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material that had been accessed and viewed by Smith, with some involving infants. Investigators also located the Kik application, which Smith did not disclose on his list of social media accounts when updating his sex offender registration information, required annually.
Smith has been a registered sex offender since 2003 due to felony convictions for Child Exploitation and Possession of Child Pornography.
“This dangerous criminal used Kik to share the horrific abuse of the most vulnerable victims,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Those who gather online to revel in the exploitation of children will be identified and prosecuted. I am grateful to the FBI and the Evansville Police Department for their work to ensure that this defendant will serve a significant prison sentence, where our children will be out of his reach.”
“The exploitation of children is among the most heinous crimes we investigate. Every file this defendant shared represented the ongoing abuse of a real child,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “He chose to traffic in the sexual abuse of children, and now he will spend years behind bars, unable to harm our communities. Let this serve as a warning: if you exploit children in any way, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will find you and ensure you face the full consequences of your actions.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant United States Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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
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Epping Man Pleads Guilty for Purchasing Live-Streamed Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
CONCORD – An Epping man pleaded guilty today in federal court for his conduct involving the sexual exploitation of minors, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
David Mendum, 46, pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. U.S. District Judge Paul Barbadoro scheduled sentencing for November 25, 2025.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Mendum was paying child sex traffickers in the Philippines to create live-stream child sexual abuse material and transmit it to him over the internet.
The Department of Homeland Security led the investigation. The New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Epping Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
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Employee’s Smuggling of Drugs into Missouri Prison Leads to 87-Month Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Tuesday sentenced a former state prison employee to 87 months in prison for smuggling contraband into that prison.
Steven M. Reminger, 53, was an electronics technician at the Eastern Reception Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Bonne Terre, Missouri on May 25, 2022, when U.S. Postal Inspectors caught him with a package that contained $4,000 in cash and packages containing fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, K2, THC edibles, marijuana, knives and cell phones.
The investigation began when inmates alerted prison officials about drug smuggling after a number of inmate deaths. One told a Missouri Department of Corrections investigator that Reminger had drugs mailed to a Post Office box in Farmington, Missouri under a fake name. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service learned that Reminger had received about 12 packages between Nov. 13, 2021, and May 24, 2022, at that P.O. box. Reminger told Postal Inspectors that the $4,000 in the final package was his compensation. He said he never opened the individual packages and didn’t know what was inside. He acknowledged that it was “possible” the packages he brought in contained something that contributed to the inmate overdoses, but said “ignorance is bliss.”
Reminger turned over $15,000 in cash that he’d made from smuggling. He used some of the rest of the money to buy a dune buggy and two trailers.Reminger pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in April to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of attempting to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances.
The Missouri Department of Corrections Office of Professional Standards, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Rebar prosecuted the case.
Effingham County man admits to federal charges for financially exploiting an elder out of more than $330,000Read the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – An Effingham County man appeared in federal court to plead guilty to several charges for exploiting an elder out of an estimated $338,773.
Edward L. Stief, Jr., 42, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud and one count of unlawful monetary transactions in criminal derived property. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 2 at the federal courthouse in Benton.
“The defendant posed as a trusted helper, offering lawn care services to gain the victim’s confidence, only to exploit his trust,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “He then deceived this vulnerable victim into leaving a nursing home with false promises of care, just to pocket more money. We will relentlessly pursue such financial predators to protect southern Illinois communities.”
According to court documents, Stief met the victim in May 2023 after becoming acquainted to him while offering lawn care and landscaping services. Shortly thereafter, Stief used several misrepresentations to convince the victim to appoint him as his Financial and Healthcare Power of Attorney.
"After a lifetime of hard work, our seniors deserve to feel safe and secure. Instead, criminals like this defendant shatter that trust, stealing not just their money but their sense of security,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher J.S. Johnson. “FBI Springfield and our partners will continue to hold those who commit elder fraud accountable for their callous and reprehensible actions."
Stief became a signatory on the victim’s bank accounts. In August 2023, he talked the victim into cashing out life insurance policies and deposited most of the victim’s money into Stief’s personal bank accounts. In addition, Stief also took the victim’s gold coin collection, gold necklaces and watches.
In October 2023, Stief persuaded the victim to leave a nursing home facility and move into his full-time care. Under Stief’s care, the victim was not cared for and his medical needs were not met.
Convictions for wire and mail fraud are punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment and monetary transaction in criminally derived property is punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
The FBI Springfield Field Office and the Effingham Police Department contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Howard is prosecuting the case.
The National Elder Fraud Hotline is a service from the U.S. Department of Justice that helps victims over 60 years report crimes and access resources. The hotline is available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. ET, at (833) 372-8311 or (833) FRAUD-11. Callers can remain anonymous, and translation services are available.
Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Timothy D. Luckett, also known as “Fetty” and “Jack Boi,” 32, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 21, 2025, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Rotary Road residence in Huntington where they encountered Luckett. On a kitchen counter in the residence, officers found approximately 454 grams of methamphetamine on one digital scale, approximately 2.5 grams of fentanyl on a second digital scale, and approximately 50 grams of fentanyl in a backpack. Under a dresser, officers found a loaded Ruger .45-caliber pistol, a loaded Sig Sauer Mosquito .22-caliber pistol, a Feather Industries .22-caliber rifle, and ammunition. Officers also found $7,278 in the residence and $380 on Luckett’s person during the search. As part of his guilty plea, Luckett admitted that he used the residence to store and conduct distributions of controlled substances, and that the seized cash was proceeds from his distribution of methamphetamine.
Luckett also admitted to additional criminal conduct. On November 8, 2023, Luckett sold approximately 7.6 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant in Huntington in exchange for $800.
Luckett is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8, 2025, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, and a $10 million fine.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Cabell County Sheriff's Office.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-105.
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Dayton man sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for purchasing opioid cutting agent from China to distribute throughout MidwestRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – Nykiha Astin, 42, of Dayton, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 135 months in prison for purchasing an opioid cutting agent from China.
According to court documents, Astin knowingly conspired with others to purchase at least one kilogram of metonitazene from a source in China. Astin intended to market the drug, what he termed “juice,” in the United States as a cutting agent that, when mixed with fentanyl, would boost the strength and yield of the fentanyl. Astin worked with others to distribute the “juice” in ounce quantities to drug dealers in the Midwest.
Astin was charged federally in May 2024 and pleaded guilty in April 2025. He is one of four defendants convicted in this case.
Dominick S. Gerace, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Andrew Lawton, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Detroit, announced the sentence imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Thomas M. Rose. Deputy Criminal Chief Brent G. Tabacchi and Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders are representing the United States in this case.
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Davenport Man Indicted for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Mauricio Flores (36, Davenport) with possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). If convicted, Flores faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Flores that the United States intends to forfeit a cellphone, which is alleged to have been used in furtherance of the offense.
According to court documents, Flores’s residence was the subject of a search warrant related to activity on a dark web site dedicated to CSAM. Investigators seized devices belonging to Flores and found files containing CSAM on a cellphone.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Muriel Moore.
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 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 locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Coweta County Sex Offender and Bartow County Man Plead Guilty to Child Enticement CrimesRead the Press Release
ROME, Ga. – On August 15, 2025, three defendants, including a convicted sex offender on post-release supervision, pled guilty to federal child enticement and evidence tampering charges. U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg handled the court proceedings himself.
“Protecting children from sexual predators is among the highest priorities for law enforcement at every level,” said U.S. Attorney Hertzberg. “In northwest Georgia, state and local officers collaborate closely with federal agents to keep our kids safe. My office is fully committed to supporting their efforts, and, while I serve as United States Attorney, I will continue to prosecute these important cases personally.”
“These crimes are especially disturbing. Those who engage in child exploitation will be held accountable for their conduct,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “The FBI will remain vigilant and continue our active role to ensure children are protected and justice is sought for victims.”
“The GBI remains dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities and ensuring offenders face justice,” said Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Chris Hosey. “We will continue working alongside our partners to safeguard children from those who seek to exploit them. These guilty pleas send a clear message: those who prey on children will be held accountable.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On March 4, 2025, Christopher Welcher, a registered sex offender who served more than six years in federal prison following a 2016 conviction for distributing visual depictions of child sex abuse, exchanged sexually explicit text messages with an undercover law enforcement officer he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. Welcher told the undercover officer that he “happen[s] to think that 14 is the perfect age [for] kissing, talking, sexting, having sex, and more.” Welcher encouraged the purported 14-year-old to skip school so he could engage in sexual conduct that would constitute aggravated child molestation under Georgia law. Welcher then drove to Floyd County, Georgia to meet the girl near a public high school. Police arrested Welcher upon his arrival at the meeting location and seized his cell phone. A subsequent search of the cell phone revealed hundreds of images of child sex abuse.
On March 12, 2025, Welcher called his wife, Connie Thompson, from the Floyd County Jail. The call was recorded. Welcher and Thompson discussed a plan for Thompson to destroy electronic devices at their home in Grantville, Georgia. Thompson told Welcher, “I’m fixing to bust the f*** out of” the devices, at least one of which contained pornographic images Welcher possessed in violation of his conditions of supervised release. FBI promptly obtained a warrant to search Thompson’s home, but, by the time agents arrived, Thompson had already smashed two digital storage drives and discarded them in the kitchen trashcan. Law enforcement recovered the damaged devices from the trashcan but could not repair them.
Approximately one week later, in an unrelated case, FBI agents arrested William Eric Cooper, a Bartow County, Georgia resident. Between February 6, 2025 and February 24, 2025, Cooper exchanged over 1,000 chat messages with a 15-year-old child. Within the first few messages, the child identified herself as a ninth grader. Many of the subsequent messages were sexual in nature. Cooper directed the child to engage in sexually explicit conduct and send him depictions of it in exchange for his promise to meet her in North Carolina and help her run away from her family. The child did what Cooper instructed. When agents arrested Cooper, they seized cellphones from his car and home. Searches of those devices revealed a sexually explicit video of the 15-year-old child and more than 250 images and videos depicting other minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The enticement charges to which Welcher, 45, and Cooper, 45, pled guilty carry a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum term of 10 years of imprisonment. Welcher faces an additional 5-year mandatory minimum term for the violation of his supervised release conditions. Thompson, 52, faces a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
The defendants’ sentencing hearings have been scheduled for November 21, 2025, before United States District Judge William M. Ray, II.
These cases are being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Georgia Bureau of Investigation with valuable assistance from the Rome/Floyd Metro Drug Task Force, Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Polk County Police Department, and Grantville Police Department.
United States Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg and Assistant United States Attorney Calvin A. Leipold, III are prosecuting the cases.
These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Department of Justice launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Coos County Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Attempting to Sexually Exploit a MinorRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A North Bend, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for sexually exploiting an Oregon child using the social media application Facebook Messenger.
Chistopher Jay Young, 40, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison and 15 years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, on January 20, 2024, Young, using Facebook Messenger, persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct, record the conduct, and send it to him.
On April 11, 2024, federal and state law enforcement officers from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Oregon State Police, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office executed federal search warrants on Young’s home and vehicles. Young was arrested and investigators seized his devices.
During a search of Young’s devices, investigators learned that Young used the minor’s social media account to communicate and request the child sexual abuse material and that Young had the minor’s Facebook login credentials saved in his phone.
On April 16, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a two-count indictment charging Young with attempting to use a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct and attempting to coerce or entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual conduct.
On May 6, 2025, Young pleaded guilty to attempting to use a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from HSI. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, they re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.
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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Central Georgia resident with a prior aggravated assault conviction, who was found guilty at trial of illegally possessing a pistol with an extended magazine during a tense standoff with Baldwin County deputies in 2022, was sentenced to serve more than eleven years in prison.
Dormaine Mitchell, 39, of Milledgeville, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 140 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on Aug. 19. Mitchell was found guilty of one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on April 8, following a two-day trial. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Repeat offenders convicted of violent crimes have no business carrying a gun. Felons who illegally possess firearms will be federally prosecuted for breaking the law and endangering others,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “This case demonstrates the risk our law enforcement partners face daily, and I am thankful for their commitment to public safety.”
“A prohibited person in possession of stolen firearms is a clear and present danger to our communities,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka of the Atlanta Field Division. “We are incredibly grateful for the courage and quick action of our law enforcement partners who responded to this high-risk situation. Their dedication ensured a safe outcome for everyone involved. ATF is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners as we work together to protect the public and pursue justice.”
“The defendant has repeatedly caused issues in our community through his criminal behavior. We are very grateful that his case has gone federal, ensuring he is held accountable for his crimes,” said Baldwin County Sheriff Bill Massee.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, a Baldwin County Sheriff’s deputy observed the defendant driving erratically by running off the side of the road and into oncoming traffic on Vinson Highway near Laboratory Road on Oct. 13, 2022. The officer stopped the vehicle and noticed the driver, Mitchell, had a strong smell of alcohol and slurred speech. Mitchell told the officer he did not have weapons in the car. However, when Mitchell reached for his wallet, the officer saw the extended magazine of a Glock 22 pistol sticking out from between the driver’s seat and the center console. The officer pulled her weapon and commanded Mitchell to put his hands on the steering wheel. The officer then saw Mitchell lower his right hand. The officer called for backup, took cover and gave verbal commands. At some point during their encounter, Mitchell moved the firearm and placed it on the passenger seat of the vehicle. More officers arrived, and Mitchell was taken into custody. While Mitchell was escorted to the police car, he told the officer, “You better be glad it didn’t go bad.” Mitchell has a lengthy criminal history, including a prior aggravated assault conviction in Baldwin County Superior Court. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, along with assistance from the Milledgeville Police Department and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision, investigated the case.
U.S. Attorney Will Keyes prosecuted the case for the Government.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to over Three Years in Prison for Assaulting a Fellow InmateRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jermaine Knight, 36, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today to a total of forty-three months in prison, for assaulting and strangling an inmate in December 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Knight pleaded guilty on July 17, 2025, to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm (prior conviction) and one count of felony strangulation. Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld ordered Knight to serve 20 months of incarceration for the unlawful possession of a firearm (prior conviction) and 23 months of in prison for the felony strangulation, with prison time to be served consecutively and followed by three years of supervised release.
The defendant admitted that on October 9, 2024, he was walking his dog while in possession of a ghost gun when he accidently shot himself in the thigh when his dog lunged on the leash. Officers responded to the scene and though Knight initially lied and said he was shot by an unidentified assailant, Officers conducted a thorough investigation and determined that Knight shot himself.
Knight also admitted that on December 18, 2024, while he was pending trial for the firearm offense, he assaulted and strangled a fellow inmate in the D.C. Superior Court holding cell while both men were waiting for their court hearings. Knight sucker punched the other inmate, hit him in the head and face approximately 15 times, and eventually strangled the inmate for five seconds. Knight then mopped up the inmate’s blood with sandwich bread.
Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department and U.S. Marshal Robert A. Dixon of the Marshals Service.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro, Chief Smith, and U.S. Marshal Dixon commended the work of those investigating the case from the Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. They acknowledged the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Kadian D. Carter, who prosecuted the case.
Colombian National Sentenced to 150 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Import Tons of Cocaine into the United StatesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that Alberto Alonso Jaramillo Ramirez was sentenced today to 150 months in prison for conspiring to import cocaine into the United States. JARAMILLO RAMIREZ pled guilty on March 24, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman, who imposed today’s sentence.
“Our fight against the flood of dangerous drugs from Colombia, Venezuela, and Mexico is about protecting our children and our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Jaramillo Ramirez conspired to traffic massive amounts of cocaine into our country, working with paramilitaries. New Yorkers want him and others like him put out of business.”
According to court documents and statements made during court proceedings:[1]
JARAMILLO RAMIREZ conspired with his co-defendants and other individuals associated with the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (“FARC”)—a violent organization based in Colombia that was dedicated to the overthrow of the Colombian government and responsible for the production and distribution of the majority of the cocaine that eventually reached the U.S.—to source and distribute tons of cocaine destined for the U.S. JARAMILLO RAMIREZ negotiated with individuals he believed to be narcotics traffickers from a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization (the “Mexican DTO”) seeking to establish a cocaine supply line from Venezuela to the U.S. These individuals, however, were actually confidential sources working at the direction of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”).
In recorded communications during the investigation, JARAMILLO RAMIREZ agreed to assist the planned cocaine venture through his connections in Colombia. Specifically, JARAMILLO RAMIREZ agreed to provide connections to sources of supply for ton quantities of cocaine and to other individuals to assist with transportation and security for the planned large-scale cocaine loads. In December 2021, to prove their bona fides and establish the quality of their cocaine supply, JARAMILLO RAMIREZ and his co-defendants sold the confidential sources a five-kilogram sample of cocaine containing a high level of purity—lab tests demonstrated the cocaine was between 86.6% to 89.1% pure—from a FARC-associated farm outside of Medellín. JARAMILLO RAMIREZ was arrested in Colombia in February 2022, at the request of the U.S., while finalizing a much larger partnership with the Mexican DTO, which contemplated the shipment of approximately 500 kilograms of cocaine to the U.S. per week.
JARAMILLO RAMIREZ is the third defendant in this case to be sentenced. On April 11, 2024, Libia Amanda Palacio Mena was sentenced to 168 months in prison, and on April 26, 2024, Alvaro Fredy Cordoba Ruiz was also sentenced to 168 months in prison.
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In addition to the prison term, JARAMILLO RAMIREZ, 56, of Medellín, Colombia, was sentenced to four years of supervised release.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA’s Special Operations Division Bilateral Investigations Unit and Bogotá Country Office, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia for securing the arrest and March 2024 extradition of JARAMILLO RAMIREZ.
This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas S. Bradley, Kaylan E. Lasky, and Kevin T. Sullivan are in charge of the prosecution.
[1] Communications, conversations, and statements discussed and quoted herein are described in substance and in part, and many of these conversations occurred in Spanish.
Chinese National Sentenced for Acting at North Korea’s Direction to Export Firearms, Ammo, Tech to N. KoreaRead the Press Release
An illegal alien from China was sentenced yesterday to 96 months in prison for illegally exporting firearms, ammunition, and other military items to North Korea by concealing them inside shipping containers that departed from the Port of Long Beach, and for committing this crime at the direction of North Korean government officials, who wired him approximately $2 million for his efforts.
Shenghua Wen, 42, of Ontario, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Stephen V. Wilson for the Central District of California
Wen, who has been in federal custody since December 2024, pleaded guilty on June 9 to one count of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and one count of acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government.
Wen is a citizen of the People’s Republic of China who entered the United States in 2012 on a student visa and remained in the U.S. illegally after his student visa expired in December 2013.
Prior to entering the United States, Wen met with officials from North Korea’s government at a North Korean embassy in China. These government officials directed Wen to procure goods on behalf of North Korea.
In 2022, two North Korean government officials contacted Wen through an online messaging platform and instructed him to buy and smuggle firearms and other goods — including sensitive technology — from the United States to North Korea via China.
In 2023, at the direction of North Korean government officials, Wen shipped at least three containers of firearms out of the Port of Long Beach to China en route to their ultimate destination in North Korea. Wen took steps to conceal that he was illegally shipping firearms to North Korea by, among other things, filing false export information regarding the contents of the containers.
In May 2023, Wen purchased a firearms business in Houston, paid for with money sent through intermediaries by one of Wen’s North Korean contacts. Wen purchased many of the firearms he sent to North Korea in Texas and drove the firearms from Texas to California, where he arranged for them to be shipped.
In December 2023, one of Wen’s weapons shipments — which falsely reported to U.S. officials that it contained a refrigerator — left the Port of Long Beach and arrived in Hong Kong in January 2024. This weapons shipment was later transported from Hong Kong to Nampo, North Korea.
In September 2024, Wen — once again acting at the direction of North Korean officials — bought approximately 60,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition that he intended to ship to North Korea.
In furtherance of the conspiracy and at the direction of North Korean officials, Wen also obtained sensitive technology that he intended to send to North Korea. This technology included a chemical threat identification device and a handheld broadband receiver that detects known, unknown, illegal, disruptive or interfering transmissions.
Wen also acquired or offered to acquire a civilian airplane engine and a thermal imaging system that could be mounted on a drone, helicopter, or other aircraft, and could be used for reconnaissance and target identification.
During the scheme, North Korean officials wired approximately $2 million to Wen to procure firearms and other goods for their government.
Wen admitted in his plea agreement that at all relevant times he knew that it was illegal to ship firearms, ammunition, and sensitive technology to North Korea. He also admitted to never having the required licenses to export ammunition, firearms, and the above-described devices to North Korea. He further admitted to acting at the direction of North Korean government officials and that he had not provided notification to the Attorney General of the United States that he was acting in the United States at the direction and control of North Korea as required by law.
The FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; DCIS; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security investigated this matter.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Gerdes for the Central District of California’s Terrorism and Export Crimes Section and Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
California Behavioral Medicine Provider Agrees to Pay $2.75 Million to Resolve Alleged False Claims for Psychotherapy ServicesRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – American Psychiatric Centers, Inc., doing business under the name Comprehensive Psychiatric Services (CPS), has agreed to pay $2.75 million to resolve allegations that CPS violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims to government healthcare payors for certain psychotherapy services.
CPS, which is headquartered in Walnut Creek, Calif., provides behavioral medicine services for individuals and families in the State of California. Since at least 2015, CPS and its healthcare providers have submitted claims to government payors using Current Procedural Terminology codes 90833 and 90836, which are “add-on” codes to be used when psychotherapy services are performed in conjunction with an evaluation and management visit, and which require specific documentation.
The settlement announced today resolves the government’s allegations that, from Jan. 1, 2015, through Dec. 31, 2022, CPS submitted fraudulent claims using these add-on codes in instances where its healthcare providers either had not provided the services described by those codes or had failed to sufficiently document that such services had been provided. CPS will pay $2,615,569.32 to the United States and $134,430.68 to the State of California.
“Providers that participate in federally funded health care programs must abide by the rules and submit proper claims for care that was in fact rendered. To do otherwise is to drain resources from our fellow Americans who rely on Medicare and other government programs. This settlement sends a clear message that we will continue to investigate and pursue any entity that fraudulently seeks to increase profits at taxpayers’ expense,” said United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian.
“Holding health care providers accountable for submitting false claims to Federal health care programs is crucial for ensuring that taxpayer funds are appropriately used and for maintaining the American public’s trust,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey McIntosh of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Working closely with our law enforcement partners, our agency remains dedicated to protecting taxpayer-funded programs that deliver essential behavioral health services.”
“Today’s outcome concludes a collaborative effort to hold Comprehensive Psychiatric Services accountable for its improper billing practices. These actions undermined our Federal health care system, including the Department of Defense’s TRICARE program,” said John E. Helsing, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Western Field Office. “DCIS will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to investigate health care providers that seek to enrich themselves at the expense of the American taxpayer.”
“Veterans and their families expect and deserve the highest quality healthcare delivered in a safe and accountable setting,” said Special Agent in Charge Dimitriana Nikolov with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northwest Field Office. “This settlement is a testament to the VA OIG’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of VA’s healthcare programs and preserving taxpayer funds.”
“False claims increase costs and undermine the integrity of our federal health care programs, including the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program,” said Derek M. Holt, Special Agent in Charge, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Office of the Inspector General (OPM OIG). “We support the work of our law enforcement partners and colleagues to investigate fraudulent medical billing that wastes taxpayer dollars.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Helland handled this matter for the government, with the assistance of Garland He. The investigation and settlement resulted from a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California, HHS-OIG, DCIS, VA OIG, OPM OIG, and the California Department of Justice, Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
Browning man arraigned on manslaughter and gun chargesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - A Browning man accused of killing an individual and possessing an unlawful firearm appeared today for arraignment, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Treyson Lee Sharp, 21, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm. The maximum penalties for involuntary manslaughter are 8 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. The penalties for possession of an unlawful firearm are 10 years of imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided. Sharp was released pending further proceedings.
Count I of the indictment alleges that on or about December 28, 2024, at or near Browning, the defendant, without due caution and circumspection, killed Jane Doe, in the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, that is, he discharged a loaded firearm while pointing it at Jane Doe, killing her.
Count 2 of the indictment alleges that on or about December 28, 2024, at or near Browning, the defendant knowingly possessed a weapon made from a shotgun, which the defendant knew had an overall length of less than 26 inches and a barrel of less than 18 inches, which was not registered to him in the National Firearm Registration and Transfer Record.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley is prosecuting the case. The FBI, ATF, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office, and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
PACER case reference. 25-84.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Bethlehem Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Distribution of Child Pornography, Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Earl Burford, 47, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Judge John M. Gallagher to nine years in prison, six years of supervised release, and $3,000 in restitution, for child pornography and firearms offenses.
The defendant was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in September 2024, then charged by information in March of this year with distribution of child pornography and possession of a firearm by a felon. Burford pleaded guilty to both counts in May, waiving prosecution by indictment.
As detailed in court filings, in August 2024, the FBI learned that a user of the instant messaging application Kik, an account named “freakyfam69,” was using the app to communicate regarding child pornography and child abuse, to include sending and receiving images depicting child pornography.
Investigators received information from Kik that “freakyfam69” used the email address “[email protected]” to register the Kik account.
When law enforcement obtained subscriber and IP login information for that email, it showed that “[email protected]” was subscribed to an Earl Burford, with the IP addresses used to access the email account matching the IP information provided by Kik for the user “freakyfam69.”
Cellular phone records subsequently obtained by the FBI showed that the defendant was the subscriber of the IP addresses in question.
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 FBI Philadelphia’s Allentown Resident Agency and FBI Oklahoma City and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rosalynda M. Michetti.
Benton Man Charged with Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony Devine, age 35, of Benton, Pennsylvania, was indicted on July 24, 2025, by a federal grand jury on two charges of distribution of methamphetamine. The case was unsealed following Devine’s initial appearance and arraignment on August 18, 2025.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment charges Devine with distributing more than five grams of methamphetamine on or about May 30, 2024, in Columbia County, and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine on or about June 5, 2024.
This case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the 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 maximum penalty under federal law for each offense is life imprisonment, a fine, and a period of supervised release following imprisonment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged by indictment are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Beckley Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Leondus Whittenburg, 43, of Beckley, was sentenced today to seven years and 11 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 6, 2023, Whittenburg sold 320 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in the parking lot of a Beckley business near Eisenhower Drive.
Whittenburg has a criminal history that includes multiple prior felony convictions including for drug trafficking in the Southern District of West Virginia.
Whittenburg is among four defendants who pleaded guilty in the case. Phillip Gray, 42, of Oak Hill, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and John Gray, 39, of Oak Hill, pleaded guilty to distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine and both are scheduled to be sentenced on September 24, 2025. Daemien Thompson, 39, of Oak Hill, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 26, 2025.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and the Central Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.
Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons and former Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-31.
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Allied Stone Inc. and Company Official Agree to Pay $12.4M to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Evaded Customs DutiesRead the Press Release
Allied Stone Inc., a Dallas, Texas-based supplier of countertop and cabinetry products, and its President, Jia “Jerry” Lim, have agreed to pay a total of $12.4 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly and improperly evading, or conspiring to evade, antidumping and countervailing duties owed to the United States on quartz surface products imported from the People’s Republic of China (China).
“This settlement reflects our commitment to hold accountable those who evade or conspire to evade duties owed on imported goods, including antidumping and countervailing duties that level the playing field for American manufacturers,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will zealously pursue those who seek an unfair advantage in U.S. markets by evading or conspiring with others to evade duties owed.”
“This case demonstrates that the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas and its partners will use every tool available to ensure compliance with our nation’s trade policy, including customs, duties, and tariffs on foreign imports meant to level the playing field,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson for the Northern District of Texas. “This settlement sends a message that U.S. companies cannot turn a blind eye to the evasion of customs duties.”
“Providing false information to CBP violates the law, and it is imperative that violators face consequences,” said acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Susan S. Thomas of the Office of Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “CBP will always work alongside the Department of Justice to ensure a level playing field for U.S. businesses.”
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, including antidumping and countervailing duties assessed by the Department of Commerce. Antidumping duties protect against foreign companies “dumping” products on U.S. markets at prices below cost, while countervailing duties offset foreign government subsidies. During the relevant time period, quartz surface products from China were subject to both antidumping and countervailing duties.
The settlement resolves allegations that Allied Stone and Mr. Lim knowingly evaded or conspired to evade duties on Chinese quartz surface products that were imported between Sept. 29, 2018 and Feb. 7, 2023. Among other things, the United States alleged that Allied Stone and Mr. Lim misrepresented, caused to be misrepresented, or conspired in the misrepresentation of Chinese quartz surface products as other merchandise subject to lesser duties, such as marble or crystallized glass, to improperly avoid applicable antidumping and countervailing duties. The United States also alleged that Allied Stone and Mr. Lim failed to declare and pay, and failed to ensure that others (including manufacturers and third-party entities serving as the official importers of record) were declaring and paying, applicable antidumping and countervailing duties owed to the United States on entries of Chinese quartz surface products.
The settlement with Allied Stone and Mr. Lim resolves a civil lawsuit filed by relator Melinda Hemphill under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and to share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The lawsuit was filed in the Northern District of Texas and is captioned United States ex rel. Melinda Hemphill v. Allied Stone Inc., et al., No. 21-cv-2955 (N.D. Tex.). As part of today’s resolution, Ms. Hemphill will receive approximately $2,170,875 of the settlement proceeds.
The 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 Northern District of Texas, with assistance from CBP’s Office of Associate Chief Counsel, Gulf Southwest Region and from Trade Regulatory Audit within CBP’s Office of Trade.
Trial Attorney Gavin Thole of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Najib Gazi, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Guiltinan for the Northern District of Texas handled the case.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Allied Stone Inc. and Company Official Agree to Pay $12.4M to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Evaded Customs DutiesRead the Press Release
Allied Stone Inc., a Dallas, Texas-based supplier of countertop and cabinetry products, and its President, Jia “Jerry” Lim, have agreed to pay a total of $12.4 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly and improperly evading, or conspiring to evade, antidumping and countervailing duties owed to the United States on quartz surface products imported from the People’s Republic of China (China).
“This settlement reflects our commitment to hold accountable those who evade or conspire to evade duties owed on imported goods, including antidumping and countervailing duties that level the playing field for American manufacturers,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will zealously pursue those who seek an unfair advantage in U.S. markets by evading or conspiring with others to evade duties owed.”
“This case demonstrates that the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas and its partners will use every tool available to ensure compliance with our nation’s trade policy, including customs, duties, and tariffs on foreign imports meant to level the playing field,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson for the Northern District of Texas. “This settlement sends a message that U.S. companies cannot turn a blind eye to the evasion of customs duties.”
“Providing false information to CBP violates the law, and it is imperative that violators face consequences,” said acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Susan S. Thomas of the Office of Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “CBP will always work alongside the Department of Justice to ensure a level playing field for U.S. businesses.”
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, including antidumping and countervailing duties assessed by the Department of Commerce. Antidumping duties protect against foreign companies “dumping” products on U.S. markets at prices below cost, while countervailing duties offset foreign government subsidies. During the relevant time period, quartz surface products from China were subject to both antidumping and countervailing duties.
The settlement resolves allegations that Allied Stone and Mr. Lim knowingly evaded or conspired to evade duties on Chinese quartz surface products that were imported between Sept. 29, 2018 and Feb. 7, 2023. Among other things, the United States alleged that Allied Stone and Mr. Lim misrepresented, caused to be misrepresented, or conspired in the misrepresentation of Chinese quartz surface products as other merchandise subject to lesser duties, such as marble or crystallized glass, to improperly avoid applicable antidumping and countervailing duties. The United States also alleged that Allied Stone and Mr. Lim failed to declare and pay, and failed to ensure that others (including manufacturers and third-party entities serving as the official importers of record) were declaring and paying, applicable antidumping and countervailing duties owed to the United States on entries of Chinese quartz surface products.
The settlement with Allied Stone and Mr. Lim resolves a civil lawsuit filed by relator Melinda Hemphill under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and to share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The lawsuit was filed in the Northern District of Texas and is captioned United States ex rel. Melinda Hemphill v. Allied Stone Inc., et al., No. 21-cv-2955 (N.D. Tex.). As part of today’s resolution, Ms. Hemphill will receive approximately $2,170,875 of the settlement proceeds.
The 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 Northern District of Texas, with assistance from CBP’s Office of Associate Chief Counsel, Gulf Southwest Region and from Trade Regulatory Audit within CBP’s Office of Trade.
Trial Attorney Gavin Thole of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Najib Gazi, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Guiltinan for the Northern District of Texas handled the case.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Alien from Wuhan, China Enters No Contest Plea to Smuggling Biological Materials into the U.S. for Her Work at a University of Michigan Laboratory and for Lying About the ShipmentsRead the Press Release
DETROIT – Chengxuan HAN, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), pleaded today to three smuggling charges and to making false statements to U.S. Custom and Border Protection Officers, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.
Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Acting Special Agent in Charge Reuben Coleman, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division, Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Jared Murphey, acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Detroit field office.
According to court documents, Han is a citizen of the PRC who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. from the College of Life Science and Technology in the Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) in Wuhan, PRC. In 2024 and 2025, Han sent multiple packages to the United States from the PRC containing concealed biological material. These packages were addressed to individuals associated with a laboratory at the University of Michigan. On June 8, 2025, Han arrived at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport on a J1 visa. Customs and Border Protection officers conducted an inspection of Han, during which Han made false statements about the packages and the biological materials she had previously shipped to the United States. CBP officers also found that the content of Han’s electronic device had been deleted three days prior to her arrival in the United States. At the conclusion of the border inspection, Han was interviewed by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and ICE HSI. During this interview, Han admitted to sending the packages, admitted that the packages contained biological material related to round worms, and admitted to making false statements to the CBP officers during her inspection.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 10, 2025. A conviction for smuggling goods into the United States carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A conviction for making false statements carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison.
United States Attorney Gorgon stated: “This alien from Wuhan, China smuggled round worms and other biomaterials into our country on three separate occasions to circumvent our border protections. One of those times, she wrote that she was sending ‘a fun letter.’ The University of Michigan invited this Chinese national into our state to be a visiting scholar where it was going to give her more than $41,000 in a year to do her worm research at the Life Sciences Institute. Something is wrong in Ann Arbor.”
“Protecting the American people from threats, whether domestic or foreign, remains at the core of the FBI’s mission,” said Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “Anyone who attempts to smuggle biological materials into our country not only puts themselves at risk but also endangers public safety and our national security. The FBI will continue to work closely with our partners to safeguard our nation’s institutions and communities.”
“The guidelines for importing biological materials into the U.S. for research purposes are stringent, but clear, and actions like this undermine the legitimate work of other visiting scholars,” said Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon. “We will not tolerate the smuggling of regulated biological materials through our ports of entry, and this case is another example of our commitment—along with that of our law enforcement partners’—to protecting the homeland from any number of potential threats.”
“ICE HSI will not tolerate malicious foreign actors commandeering our educational institutions to further their schemes,” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “As you can see, we are working across the spectrum of federal law enforcement to this end, and we will dedicate whatever resources necessary to secure the homeland.”
The FBI, CBP and ICE HSI investigated this case.
18 August 2025
“Career Offender” Sentenced to More Than a Decade in Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl, Meth, and CocaineRead the Press Release
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – An Akron man has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to trafficking controlled substances.
Justin A. Corn, 30, was sentenced to 140 months (more than 11 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Benita Y. Pearson after he pleaded guilty in April to the following charges in an indictment:
- One count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- One count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
- One count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Corn was also ordered to serve six years of supervised release after imprisonment and to forfeit $4,740 seized by federal agents. The sentence was imposed by Judge Pearson Aug. 12, 2025.
According to court documents, Corn led Akron police officers on a high-speed chase as they attempted a traffic stop. After hitting speeds of up to 80 mph in a residential neighborhood, the defendant crashed into three civilian vehicles before crashing his own car onto the sidewalk and then fled the scene on foot. Officers conducting a probable cause search of Corn’s vehicle recovered 397.3 grams of methamphetamine, 322.87 grams of fentanyl, and 31.61 grams of cocaine.
During the investigation, authorities discovered that Corn had five prior drug trafficking convictions. Because of the defendant’s significant criminal history, Judge Pearson designated him as a career offender.
This case was investigated by the DEA Detroit Division’s Akron Field Office and the Akron Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter E. Daly for the Northern District of Ohio.
National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day is observed this month, Thursday Aug. 21, 2025. For more information about this and other resources, visit dea.gov/fentanylawareness.
Wyoming Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Ramico Jovon Earvin, a/k/a “Pooh,” 43, of Wyoming, Michigan was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of carfentanil and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“Fentanyl and firearms are a deadly and dangerous combination,” stated United States Attorney Timothy VerHey. “My office remains committed to the fight to remove illegal drugs and weapons from our communities to vigorously prosecute the purveyors of this poison.”
The indictment, unsealed late last week, alleges that on March 4, 2025, Earvin possessed a significant amount of fentanyl and carfentanil, a synthetic opioid that is 100 times more potent than fentanyl itself. The indictment also alleges on the same date, Earvin, a convicted felon, possessed a loaded .45 caliber revolver.
If convicted, Earvin faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and up to life in prison for the drug trafficking charge. The firearm offense carries a statutory maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
In response to the news, the Wyoming Police Department released the following statement: “This seizure of dangerous narcotics exemplifies the Wyoming Police Department’s commitment to ensuring the City of Wyoming remains a safe place to live, work, and visit. Holding those responsible for the distribution of these narcotics accountable remains one of our highest priorities. We are proud to work alongside our local, state, and federal partner law enforcement agencies as we continue our dedication to preserving and strengthening safety for the City of Wyoming.”
The Wyoming Police Department, Kent County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Carowan is prosecuting it on behalf of the United States.
The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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Earvin - IndictmentWest Virginia Business Owner Sentenced for Employment Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
A West Virginia man was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for his willful failure to pay over employment taxes on behalf of his business.
The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Dean E. Dawson, of Hurricane, owned and operated Real Property Consulting Group LLC (RPC Group), a Hurricane, West Virginia, real estate appraisal business. Dawson was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from RPC Group’s employees and paying over those funds to the IRS. The timely payment of these 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.
Between 2015 and 2022, Dawson did not pay to the IRS the taxes withheld from his employees’ paychecks. He also used RPC Group’s business accounts to pay for personal expenses, including personal credit cards and his wife’s home mortgage. He also issued checks to his wife from RPC Group even though she was not an employee of the business. In addition, from 2018 to 2023, Dawson did not file personal tax returns or pay income taxes.
In total, Dawson caused a tax loss to the IRS of about $525,000.
In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers for the Southern District of West Virginia ordered Dawson to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $430,527.56 plus interest in restitution to the United States.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Rebecca A. Caruso of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Storage for the Southern District of West Virginia prosecuted the case.
West Palm Beach Man Faces Drug and MacHinegun ChargesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Justin Stephen Lombard, 22, of West Palm Beach, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of a machinegun. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges.
Lombard appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick on August 8, 2025, for his arraignment at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida. Trial is scheduled for September 22, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. before United States District Court Judge Mark E. Walker.
Lombard faces a maximum of 15 years’ imprisonment.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tallahassee Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph A. Ravelo is prosecuting the case.
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.
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 available 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.
Two Chinese Nationals Charged in South Florida Gift Card Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A federal grand jury in Fort Pierce returned an indictment on August 14, charging two Chinese nationals in connection with a gift card fraud scheme affecting grocery stores throughout South Florida, including St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties.
Cao Yuan Liu, 22, and Linghan Chen, 26, are charged with conspiracy and with possession of 15 or more counterfeit or unauthorized access devices.
According to court records, on December 16, 2024, Liu and Chen entered a grocery store and tampered with gift cards by removing them from the gift card aisle, cutting out or scratching off the PIN and identification numbers, and returning the compromised cards. Once an unsuspecting customer purchased and activated a card, Liu and Chen were able to access the funds.
The store’s surveillance system captured Liu and Chen driving away from the store in a black Bentley SUV with a New York license plate. The following day, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Liu and Chen’s residence, seizing numerous gift cards, including pieces the pair tried to flush down the toilet. A subsequent search of the Bentley SUV on December 23, 2024, uncovered additional gift cards.
Investigators have identified approximately 42 grocery stores across Florida that were targeted in the scheme.
If convicted, Liu and Chen each face up to 15 years imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida and Acting Special Agent in Charge José R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami made the announcement.
HSI Fort Pierce and Martin County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.
Managing Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Lineberger is prosecuting this case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law
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 on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-14043.
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Trio Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing $520,910 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance FundsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Three men have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a COVID-19 fraud scheme that resulted in the theft of $520,910 in unemployment benefits from various state and federal unemployment programs.
DefendantChargesSentenceKamaldeen Karaole, 24, IndianapolisAggravated identity theft; Conspiracy to commit access device fraud; Access device fraud.4 years, 3 months’ imprisonment; 2 years of supervised releaseStephen Olamigoke, 23, Nigeria.Conspiracy to commit access device fraud; Access device fraud.2.5 years’ imprisonment; 2 years of supervised releaseJohnson Omodusonu, 24, IndianapolisConspiracy to commit access device fraud; Access device fraud.2 years’ imprisonment; 2 years of supervised releaseEach defendant was also ordered to pay $520,910 in restitution. At the time Stephen Olamigoke entered his guilty plea, he acknowledged that upon completion of his sentence, he will be subject to removal from the United States
According to court documents, between August and October 2020, the defendants stole 168 Unemployment Insurance (UI) debit cards and associated PIN numbers. These cards, issued by the states of California, Arizona, and Nevada, were being periodically loaded with benefits. None of the cards belonged to the members of the conspiracy—they were all in the names of other real individuals. To obtain the cards, other members of the conspiracy located outside the United States had used stolen personally identifiable information to file numerous false unemployment claims with various state workforce agencies.
Unemployment Insurance is a joint state and federal program that provides temporary financial assistance to workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own.
The trio used 98 of the cards to withdraw cash from various ATMs in and around Indianapolis, often making multiple withdrawals within the span of just a few minutes. In total, they completed 529 withdrawals, stealing $520,910 in benefits.
These funds were intended to support individuals unemployed during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, several federal programs expanded UI eligibility and benefits, including the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program, Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, and the Lost Wages Assistance Program.
“Stealing unemployment benefits meant to help people survive during one of the worst crises in modern history is both heartless and criminal,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “These defendants exploited a system designed to support those in genuine need, and now they are being held accountable for their greed thanks to the diligent work of our federal partners and prosecutor.”
“As the primary federal law enforcement agency charged with investigating fraud against the unemployment insurance program, the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General is committed to relentlessly protecting the integrity of this vital benefit program from those seeking to unlawfully enrich themselves at the expense of American workers. We are grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana for their strong partnership and collaboration. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate these types of allegations,” said Megan Howell, Special Agent-in-Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
“Investigating and bringing to justice those who commit fraud against essential government programs is one of the many things we do as postal inspectors,” said Acting Inspector in Charge Felicia George, of the United States Postal Inspection Service - Detroit Division. “Crimes like this not only deprive real people of critical aid, but also threaten the integrity of the U.S. Mail, which so many Americans rely on for secure and timely delivery of vital benefits. This case is an outstanding example of collaborative efforts between federal agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, working side by side to protect public resources and ensure assistance reaches the individuals and families who truly need it.”
“These defendants shamelessly exploited a national crisis for personal gain, stealing money intended to keep struggling families afloat - families counting on those funds to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table during desperate times,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain unwavering in our commitment to hold accountable anyone who exploits government relief programs and to safeguard public funds from fraud.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Miller, who prosecuted this case.
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Three Evansville Felons Headed to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Three convicted felons residing in Evansville have been sentenced to federal prison for illegally possessing firearms. All three cases are unrelated.
DefendantChargeSentencePrior Felony ConvictionsCodey M. Ritchison, 34Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon9 years, 2 months’ imprisonment; 3 years of supervised releaseDomestic battery; Intimidation; Two counts of carrying a firearm by a felon; Possession of methamphetamine; Two counts of resisting law enforcement; Theft; Residential entryOn October 19, 2023, Evansville Police officers spotted Codey Ritchison in the driver’s seat of a vehicle in the drive-through line at an ice cream shop. At the time, Ritchison had an active felony parole violation warrant. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, he fled on foot with a pistol in his hand. As he ran across Diamond Avenue—a busy, divided, multi-lane street—he dropped the firearm while crossing the median. The pistol was loaded with an extended 25-round magazine.
DefendantChargeSentencePrior Felony ConvictionsRandy Dale Ricketts Jr., 43Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon15 years’ imprisonment; 4 years of supervised releaseStrangulation; Domestic battery with a deadly weapon; Domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury; Battery resulting in serious bodily injuryOn August 20, 2024, Evansville Police responded to a report of a suspicious person with a gun on North Wabash Avenue. Officers located Ricketts nearby. A search of the area uncovered a 9mm handgun under a vehicle with one round in the chamber and a missing magazine. The serial number had been obliterated and was no longer legible. Ricketts was found with a loaded magazine matching the firearm in his front pants pocket.
DefendantChargeSentencePrior Felony ConvictionsDestin Jay Svestka, 28Prohibited person in possession of a firearm13 years, 4 months’ imprisonment; 3 years of supervised releaseThree counts of BurglaryOn May 10, 2024, Evansville Police located a stolen vehicle on the Lloyd Expressway and initiated a traffic stop. The driver, Destin Svestka, ignored the police and fled the scene. Two hours later, Svestka led Warrick County law enforcement on a high-speed chase in the same stolen vehicle, eventually abandoning it in the Bally’s Casino parking lot and fleeing on foot. During the chase, Svestka threw a black bag into the river. After his arrest, the bag was recovered and found to contain a loaded Springfield Armory XDM .45 caliber pistol.
“These are not victimless crimes. These are dangerous individuals with violent criminal histories, caught once again with guns they are prohibited from having,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “When violent offenders have access to firearms, every encounter becomes a potential tragedy. These weapons drastically increase the chance that a situation turns deadly for victims, bystanders, and even law enforcement. Thanks to the work of the ATF and Evansville Police Department, these men are no longer in a position to threaten the safety of our neighborhoods.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Evansville Police Department investigated these cases, as well as valuable assistance provided by the Evansville-Vanderburgh Crime Gun Intelligence Center. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judges Richard L. Young and Matthew P. Brookman.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Todd S. Shellenbarger and Jeremy S. Kemper, who prosecuted these cases.
These cases are 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.
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Thirty Charged in Sweeping Federal Case Targeting Tren de Aragua Members and Associates for Drug Trafficking, Murder-for-Hire, and Firearms CrimesRead the Press Release
DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces two federal indictments that charge 30 individuals, including several alleged leaders and members of designated foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua (TdA), with drug trafficking, murder-for-hire, and firearms offenses. TdA has been linked to brutal offenses including murder, kidnapping, extortion, and human and drug trafficking. Many of TdA’s members have unlawfully entered the United States, bringing the gang’s violence to American communities, including in Colorado.
A federal grand jury has charged 28 individuals after a nine-month investigation which began by targeting criminal activity at an apartment complex in the Denver metro area that had experienced an increase in violent crime and drug activities. The 39-count indictment charges defendants with firearms trafficking; using firearms to commit drug trafficking crimes; possession of firearms and ammunition by illegal aliens; and trafficking controlled substances including methamphetamine, cocaine, and “Tusi”—a narcotic drug originating in Venezuela which contains a variety of controlled substances including ketamine, methamphetamine, and MDMA (Ecstasy), and is typically manufactured to be pink in color. The indictment also charges five of the defendants with conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. ATF officers recovered 69 firearms through this operation, including automatic machineguns. Many of these firearms have been linked to shootings in Denver and Aurora, including carjackings, robberies, and drive-by shootings.
A separate indictment charges Luis Fernando Uribe-Torrealba, 29, and Luis Henriquez-Charaima, 29, with six counts including a conspiracy to traffic firearms, a conspiracy to traffic controlled substances, carjacking, and a conspiracy to commit murder for hire. Colombian authorities arrested Uribe-Torrealba and Henriquez-Charaima in Colombia on July 30, 2025, pursuant to a provisional arrest warrant the United States had requested based on charges in this case. They remain in custody in Colombia pending further extradition proceedings.
Of the 28 defendants in the United States, 24 are in federal custody.
The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations also participated in the investigation. Several other law enforcement agencies made significant contributions to this case, including Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, the Aurora Police Department, and the Denver Police Department. Also, the Colombian National Police and the special response element of its Anti-Extortion Division (GAULA Elite) provided critical investigative support. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of the Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia, provided additional significant assistance in securing the arrests of Uribe-Torrealba and Henriquez-Charaima.
The Violent Crime and Immigration Enforcement Section of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado is handling the prosecution, along with members of Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV).
JTFV was created in 2019 to eradicate MS-13 and now expanded to target Tren de Aragua, and is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. Those include Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; Eastern and Western Districts of North Carolina; Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia; Southern District of Florida; Eastern District of Texas; Western District of Oklahoma; Northern District of Indiana; and the District of Nevada, as well as the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division. Additionally, the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, USMS, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons are essential law enforcement partners with JTFV.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Justice Department 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). In February 2025, Tren de Aragua was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
The charges contained in the indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Case Numbers: 25-cr-0063-SKC, 25-cr-233-RMR, and 25-mj-114-KAS.
Two Havana Men Charged with Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Nicholas Wayne Finley, 27, of Havana, FL, and Jason Dean Atkinson, 42, of Havana, FL, were indicted by a federal grand jury. Finley was charged with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Atkinson was also charged with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.
Both Finley and Atkinson appeared in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick on August 11, 2025, for their arraignment in Tallahassee, Florida. Trial is scheduled for October 20, 2025, at 8:15 a.m. in Tallahassee, Florida before United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle.
If convicted, each man faces up to fifteen years’ imprisonment per count.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain is prosecuting the case.
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.
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 available 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.
Sumter Man Sentenced for Shooting at an Energy Facility and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Donald Ray Hurst, Jr., 35, of Sumter, has been sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison for destruction of an energy facility and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on Aug. 11, 2023, Duke Energy called law enforcement to respond to a power outage near Fish Road in Dalzell. FBI agents and deputies with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office arrived and saw that the regulator bank, which helps distribute power to the local community and businesses, had multiple holes in it that appeared to be from bullets. The damage resulted in a power outage to several thousand customers. The cost of the clean-up and replacement of the regulators was over $100,000. Investigators identified and arrested Hurst as the shooter.
While incarcerated, Hurst was heard on a recorded jail phone call informing someone about a hard drive in his room that needed to be recovered because it “could get someone in trouble.” In a subsequent recorded phone call, Hurst admitted to shooting the regulator bank. He also stated that the hard drive found at his home contained images of child sexual abuse material that he acquired from the dark web.
Agents retrieved the hard drive from the home, and a search warrant on the hard drive revealed several images that were confirmed to be child sexual abuse material by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin
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.
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.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Hurst to 125 months imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime term of court-ordered supervision and $138,000 in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, and Sumter Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lamar J. Fyall and Michael Shedd are prosecuting the case.
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South Bay Tech Startup and CEO Agree to Pay $630,000 to Resolve Allegations That They Improperly Obtained Federal Grant FundsRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO — eBibelot, a technology startup based in Saratoga, California, and its CEO, Melody Fallah-Khair, have agreed to pay $630,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by improperly certifying compliance with the terms of a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant restricting full-time outside employment.
The settlement concerns eBibelot’s 2019 application for a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research grant from NSF. In the application, Fallah-Khair certified that she would serve as the project’s principal investigator and maintain primary employment with eBibelot. The terms of the NSF grant required that principal investigators devote their primary employment to the small business at the time of the award and throughout the award period, a requirement that generally precludes other employment exceeding 19.6 hours per week.
The settlement resolves allegations that, contrary to this certification, Fallah-Khair began working full-time for a multi-national telecommunications company shortly after submitting the grant application and devoted at least 40 hours per week to this outside employment from May 2019 through April 2021. The United States contends that eBibelot failed to disclose its principal investigator’s full-time outside employment in multiple post-award certifications to the NSF. In one such certification, Fallah-Khair was explicitly required to disclose any other employment but reported none.
Under the settlement agreement, eBibelot and Fallah-Khair will pay $630,000.
“Taxpayer-funded research must be conducted with the highest integrity. When recipients of federal funds fail to comply with the terms of the grant, they divert valuable research dollars from deserving small businesses. My Office will continue to use the False Claims Act to protect federal grant programs from fraud and abuse,” said United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian.
“The SBIR program is vital to fostering innovation in small businesses, and protecting it from abuse is essential. I appreciate the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its strong commitment to safeguarding its integrity,” said Megan E. Wallace, NSF’s Acting Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin J. Wolinsky handled this matter for the government, with the assistance of Alan Lopez, Jonathan Birch, and Garland He. The investigation and settlement resulted from a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California and NSF-OIG.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Sacramento Man Sentenced to over 4 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Pill DistributionRead the Press Release
Brayan Missael Nunez-Mendoza, 24, of Sacramento, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb to four years and three months in prison for distribution of fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, on Sept. 29, 2022, Nunez-Mendoza sold approximately 1,000 pills that contained fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl, a fentanyl analogue, to a confidential source for $2,500 in Sacramento, on behalf of a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization. The pills were made to look like prescription oxycodone “M-30” pills.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the California Highway Patrol, the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office, and the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Spencer and Haddy Abouzeid prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Statement of United States Attorney Jay Clayton on Court AppointmentRead the Press Release
“I am honored to continue serving the people of New York together with the talented and hardworking women and men of the Office.”
Rochester Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Rochester, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to the statutory maximum of 10 years of prison, to be followed by three years of federal supervised release, on his conviction for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on James Gilmore, 35.
According to information presented to the Court, on June 9, 2021, law enforcement attempted a traffic stop of a vehicle Gilmore was driving in relation to an active arrest warrant for a parole violation. Rather than pull over, Gilmore fled from the stop, throwing a loaded firearm with an attached extended magazine capable of holding 30 rounds of ammunition from the vehicle during the chase. Gilmore then abandoned the vehicle and continued his flight on foot through a residential area. Although Gilmore evaded law enforcement that night, officers recovered a gray sweatshirt similar to one that officers observed Gilmore wearing as he fled as well as a pill bottle, which was later determined to contain various controlled substances. Forensic testing determined that Gilmore’s DNA was a potential contributor to the DNA profiles found on both the firearm the defendant threw during the vehicle chase and the sweatshirt recovered from the yard through which he ran. An examination of the firearm revealed that it was previously reported stolen.
In arguing for the statutory maximum, the prosecution highlighted that Gilmore’s prior convictions and sentences had not deterred him from engaging in crime. Gilmore’s previous sentences included terms of imprisonment of from two to four years and four to eight years. Additionally, at the time Gilmore committed this federal firearm crime, he was on parole related to his most recent firearm and controlled substances crimes, which involved similar facts, with Gilmore also having led law enforcement on a vehicle chase before abandoning the vehicle and throwing a stolen handgun and packaged controlled substances while fleeing on foot.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan J. McKenna and V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the New Brighton Area Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gilmore.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to 2 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 man from Rapid City, South Dakota, who was convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing occurred on August 15, 2025.
Jayquan Flying Horse, 20, 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.
Flying Horse was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in February 2025. He pleaded guilty on May 5, 2025.
In December 2024, Rapid City police officers arrived at an apartment building in Rapid City for a weapons call. Flying Horse and two others were exiting the building when the police arrived. When officers asked for identification, Flying Horse attempted to avoid them and refused to identify himself. While an officer was attempting to identify Flying Horse, Flying Horse admitted he was carrying a Taurus, 9mm caliber, semi-automatic pistol. Flying Horse had previously been convicted of a felony, was on parole for a felony drug conviction, and knew that he was 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.
Flying Horse was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Putnam County Business Owner Sentenced to Prison for Employment Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Dean E. Dawson, 65, of Hurricane, was sentenced today to one year and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $430,527.56 plus interest in restitution for his willful failure to pay over employment taxes on behalf of his business.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Dawson owned and operated Real Property Consulting Group LLC (RPC Group), a Hurricane real estate appraisal business. Dawson was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from RPC Group’s employees and paying over those funds to the IRS. The timely payment of these taxes is critical to the functioning of the U.S. government because 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.
Between 2015 and 2022, Dawson did not pay to the IRS the taxes withheld from his employees’ paychecks. He also used RPC Group’s business accounts to pay for personal expenses, including personal credit cards and his wife’s home mortgage. Dawson also issued checks to his wife from RPC Group even though she was not an employee of the business. In addition, from 2018 to 2023, Dawson did not file personal tax returns or pay income taxes.
In total, Dawson caused a tax loss to the IRS of about $525,000.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI).
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Trial Attorney Rebecca A. Caruso of the Tax Division and Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-120.
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Philadelphia Man Charged with Impersonating a Federal Officer, Robbery of Auto Repair ShopRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Robert Rosado, 44, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged by indictment with false impersonation of a federal officer and robbery interfering with interstate commerce (Hobbs Act robbery), in connection with the June 8, 2025, robbery of an auto repair shop.
The indictment alleges that Rosado entered the auto repair shop, located on the 6400 block of Harbison Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia, and identified himself as a federal immigration officer. He then allegedly victimized a female employee, forcefully restraining her and stealing $1,000 from the business.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 23 years’ imprisonment and a $500,000 fine.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the FBI Philadelphia Violent Crimes Task Force and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley N. Martin and Special Assistant United States Attorney Meghan A. Farley.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Pensacola Company Sentenced for Violating Federal Environmental LawsRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – ServisMed, LLC, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to engaging in a conspiracy to violate the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (“FIFRA”). John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the guilty plea and sentence.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This company broke the law by exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to enrich itself through the deceptive distribution of a chemical agent that had not been registered or approved for use on humans. This conviction and sentence holds this company accountable for its corporate criminal conduct, and should serve as a deterrent against future criminal schemes that endanger our community.”
Court documents reveal that ServisMed, LLC, which was located on South Palafox Street in Pensacola, was a distribution company licensed to market and sell products that included disinfectant pesticides. During the COVID-19 pandemic, between March and December 2020, ServisMed, LLC, conspired with others to distribute a pesticide product – in this instance purporting to fight COVID-19 – without it being registered with the Environmental Protection Agency as required. This included ServisMed, LLC, distributing such product to a local law enforcement agency as well as attempting to export the product to the foreign countries of Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Registration and proper labeling of pesticide products to be used on humans are intended, in part, to protect citizens of the United States against potential harms in using such pesticides and against potential danger when such pesticides are traveling on American soil during the distribution process for foreign export. Law enforcement was able to stop foreign exports by ServisMed, LLC, and others valued at over $250,000.
Pursuant to the guilty plea, ServisMed, LLC, will pay restitution to the local law enforcement agency in the amount of $13,330; pay a $40,000 fine; forfeit the foreign export products valued at over $250,000; and dissolve as a company.
“The defendant in this case sold unregistered pesticides in the midst of a global pandemic and sought to profit from people’s fears of contracting the coronavirus,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kristopher Martel of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division. “The sentencing demonstrates that corporations will be held criminally responsible for placing the public at risk by failing to ensure the integrity and safety of their products.”
The case was jointly investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigation Division, the Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security Office of Export Enforcement, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Justin M. Keen.
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.
Operation Showdown Update: 18 Defendants Plead Guilty Last Week in Fort Worth, Texas to Drug, Firearms, and Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
The Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Nancy E. Larson announces that on Wednesday and Thursday last week, 18 defendants pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey L. Cureton to federal offenses resulting from a June 2025 initiative called “Operation Showdown,” designed to reduce violent crime in Fort Worth, Texas. These defendants join eight others who previously pled guilty in late July and early August 2025. The charges include assaults on federal agents, and the unlawful possession and trafficking of firearms and illegal drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.
Operation Showdown’s multi-agency initiative spanned only two months but led to federal arrests of 56 defendants and another 20 state arrests in Tarrant County, Texas. The potential sentences of those that pled guilty thus far range from 10 years to 40 years in federal prison. Last week’s 18 guilty pleas before Judge Cureton bring the total number of Operation Showdown guilty pleas to 26. Four more defendants are scheduled to plead guilty in federal court this Wednesday.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives led the initiative with vital participation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Fort Worth Police Department, Texoma High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, the United States Marshals Service, Texas Department of Public Safety, Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations.
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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's OCDETFs and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
Pending charges against the remaining defendants are merely allegations, and each is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Ohio Man Sentenced to Nearly 17 Years in Prison for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – A Cleveland man has been sentenced to nearly 17 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of trafficking fentanyl and illegally possessing firearms.
Richard Woodard, aka RJ, 46, was sentenced to 202 months (approximately 16.8 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Pamela A. Barker after a federal jury convicted him in April for the following charges as outlined in the superseding indictment:
- Two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.
- Two counts of Distribution of Fentanyl.
- One count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; previous conviction for aggravated robbery in 1997.
- One count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
Woodard was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release after imprisonment and to forfeit $13,776 and all firearms seized by federal agents. The sentence was imposed by Judge Barker Aug. 13, 2025.
“This significant sentence protects the public from Mr. Woodard and should deter others from peddling fentanyl to vulnerable populations. Criminals who blatantly and repeatedly disregard the law will face consequences—and years—behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District Ohio. “Our office commends the diligent work of investigators on the FBI Task Force, the Cleveland Division of Police, and our other local law enforcement partners for their dedication to making sure Cleveland’s streets are safer.”
According to court documents, on Aug. 7, 2020, law enforcement was investigating a drug overdose death that occurred July 28, 2020. The investigation led to a suspect identified as Woodard. As agents conducted surveillance on the defendant, they observed several behaviors consistent with drug activity. Woodard was followed to a gas station where he parked the Mercedes SUV he was driving and left the motor running while he went inside the business. As he headed back out to his vehicle, Woodard was arrested for the drug transaction activity that had occurred earlier. Agents unlocked the vehicle’s door to shut off the motor and found plastic bags containing suspected drugs, a digital scale, and two cellphones. During a subsequent search warrant execution of Woodard’s residence, agents seized $13,776 in U.S. currency, two 9mm pistols, two .22LR caliber rifles, and miscellaneous ammunition.
“The FBI continues to focus on crushing violent crime and that includes finding and investigating career criminals who seek to poison our communities by pushing illicit and dangerous drugs into our neighborhoods,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen. “The FBI, together with its local, state, and federal partners, will continue to fight crime by sharing resources, manpower, and intelligence that ultimately disrupts and dismantles traffickers in Northern Ohio. Today’s sentence serves as a reminder, if you are engaged in drug trafficking, we will find you, we will identify you, and we will bring you to justice.”
This case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division’s FBI Task Force and the Cleveland Division of Police.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Margaret A. Sweeney and Vasile C. Katsaros for the Northern District of Ohio.
National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day is observed this month, Thursday Aug. 21, 2025. For more information about this and other resources, visit dea.gov/fentanylawareness.
Ohio Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – A Portage County, Ohio, man has been sentenced to prison for receiving and distributing sexually explicit photos of children.
Daniel Alan Robertson, Age 47, of Ravenna, has been sentenced to 121 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles Esque Fleming, after pleading guilty in May to receipt and distribution of visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and to possession of child pornography, also known as child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Robertson was also ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release after imprisonment and to pay $117,500 in restitution and $10,000 in Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA) assessments.
According to court documents, from about March 1 to Dec. 4, 2024, Robertson used peer-to-peer file sharing programs to download and distribute sexually explicit photos and videos of children, including prepubescent females. During a federal search warrant execution in December 2024, agents seized a computer, two laptops, and several digital storage devices from the defendant’s residence. The investigation revealed that electronic devices were found to contain images and videos of CSAM—including several of children who were under the age of 12—as well as sadistic and violent materials. The visuals were submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for further review and to identify victimized children. More than 20 victims were identified.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol-Office of Investigative Services Computer Crimes Unit.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthamel.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative is led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices throughout the country and marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
To report child exploitation, please visit cybertipline.org, or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.