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Wednesday 22 July 2026
Chinese National Indicted for Role in Gift Card Fraud Conspiracy in Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in the District of New Hampshire returned an indictment yesterday charging a Chinese national and resident of Lynnfield, Massachusetts, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in an international gift card fraud conspiracy.
According to the indictment, Jinbin Ren, 38, and co-conspirators, acquired gift cards stolen from victims through romance fraud, elder fraud, hacking, theft, and other scams. The conspirators then used the gift cards to purchase and ship high-value electronics to Ren’s warehouse in Salem, New Hampshire. These electronics were then consolidated and reshipped to China. The conspirators used WeChat, a Chinese messaging application, to coordinate purchases, sales, shipments, and payments through cryptocurrency. Electronics found in Ren’s warehouse were traced to fraudulently obtained gift cards from American victims across multiple states.
The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan for the District of New Hampshire, Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Grimming of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Acting Inspector in Charge Jason Buckley of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division.
The case is being investigated by HSI New England, IRS Criminal Investigations Boston, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston, and the Concord, NH Police Department.
Trial Attorneys Emily Cohen and Madison Albrecht of the Justice Department’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Chen for the District of New Hampshire are prosecuting the case.
The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section’s (MNF) mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.
MNF’s Money Laundering and Forfeiture Unit investigates and prosecutes sophisticated money laundering schemes involving financial facilitators, gatekeepers, and other individuals and entities laundering criminal proceeds, and litigates complex civil forfeiture cases to recover assets on behalf of victims.
This prosecution is also part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Charlotte Man Sentenced for Selling Guns and Fentanyl Connected to the Death of a Cary ManRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Kenneth Mark Rosado, age 40, to 15 years in federal prison for selling guns and fentanyl that led to the fentanyl overdose death of a 21-year-old Cary man. On October 21, 2025, Rosado pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Between 2023 and 2024, he sold 57 guns, knowing those weapons would end up in the hands of criminals on the streets. On November 20, 2024, he was federally charged in Charlotte with trafficking guns. A judge released him and placed him into a drug treatment center while that case was pending. On April 7, 2026, Rosado pleaded guilty to dealing in firearms without a license after his firearms case was transferred from the WDNC to the EDNC.
“The arrest and prosecution of this drug and gun dealing thug should give people of Eastern North Carolina a sense of relief,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “We will not tolerate despicable bottom-feeders who push poison and guns into our communities. Simple Lesson: Drugs Kill, Prison Awaits – Do Right.”
In January 2025, while in the treatment center awaiting trial, Rosado met and befriended a 21-year-old Cary man. Through their relationship, he indicated to the Cary man that he provides drugs. Rosado then absconded, fleeing to Charlotte where he met the 21-year-old victim in a hotel room. He sold fentanyl to the victim, who returned to Cary, used the fentanyl, and died. The victim’s parents discovered his dead body in his bedroom in the family room the following day.
Despite the fatal episode, Rosado continued selling drugs without remorse. Undercover officers subsequently carried out a controlled purchase of fentanyl from him, during which he admitted to routinely acquiring dealer‑level quantities of the drug.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Cary Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department investigated this case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. 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. 5:25-CR-63-M and 5:26-CR-1-M.
Boston Man Charged in Connection with Jail AssaultRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man has been charged with allegedly attacking a fellow inmate at the Norfolk County Correctional Center.
Javon Sylvester Coleman, a/k/a “J-Dott,” 22, of Boston was charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to kill or cause bodily injury to a witness, victim or informant with intent to retaliate against such person for providing information to law enforcement.
According to the charging documents, Coleman and others discussed the victim’s perceived status as an informant on a recorded jail call moments before the attack. Coleman allegedly boasted that he was about to “up that rank,” meaning increase his status within the jail by committing an act of violence. Coleman and his co-conspirators allegedly discussed different ways they could harm the victim (to whom they referred using the movie references “Ratatouille” and “Stuart Little”), such as finding a mousetrap and putting it on the victim’s tongue.
Surveillance video showed Coleman approach the victim from behind as the victim was seated watching television. Coleman allegedly punched the unsuspecting victim repeatedly from behind and knocked him to the ground. Coleman then got on top of the victim and allegedly strangled the victim with his hands around the victim’s neck, while calling him a “rat” and a “snitch.” The assault continued until corrections officers intervened and pulled Coleman off the victim.
The charge of conspiracy to kill or cause bodily injury to a witness, victim or informant with intent to retaliate provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Cutshall and Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Beebe Man Responsible for Fentanyl Pills that Killed Individual Sentenced to 27 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—The primary distributor in a fentanyl conspiracy responsible for the distribution of thousands of pills, including one that resulted in a death, will spend the next 27 years in federal prison. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.
Trent Porter, 38, of Beebe, was sentenced to 324 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after his conviction for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death. There is no parole in the federal system.
A federal grand jury indicted Porter, along with co-defendants Lamont Kirk, 50, and Willie Johnson, 43, both of Little Rock, in the fentanyl conspiracy that resulted in the death of an individual identified in court documents as D.R. In addition to the conspiracy charge, Porter was charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. For their role in the conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl that resulted in death, on October 29, 2025, Kirk was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison and on November 7, 2025, Johnson received a sentence of more than 14 years.
All three defendants pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge in separate hearings on June 25, 2025, following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Little Rock Police Department (LRPD). On August 20, 2023, LRPD officers responded to a distress call at a residence in Little Rock. Officers found D.R. deceased from what a state medical examiner concluded was a lethal dose of fentanyl. It is believed that D.R. died after ingesting a single fentanyl pill. The investigation revealed that D.R. obtained the fentanyl that caused the death from Kirk, at Kirk’s residence, the day that D.R. died.
On August 23, 2023, DEA and LRPD officers searched Kirk’s residence, locating a firearm and a small amount of narcotics. Through continued investigation, officers discovered that Kirk obtained the pills he sold to D.R. from Johnson two days prior. Then, officers surveilling Johnson conducted a traffic stop on Johnson’s vehicle. Officers located 99 pills in Johnson’s pocket that were confirmed to contain fentanyl. As the investigation continued that same day, officers learned that Johnson obtained the fentanyl pills he was selling to Kirk from Porter.
After locating and conducting surveillance on Porter, officers made contact with Porter in his vehicle. Porter had 308 fentanyl pills in a bottle in his pocket. Officers then brought Porter back to his residence, where they located an additional 1,617 fentanyl pills throughout the house.
Porter was on active parole and had several prior felony convictions, including for multiple counts of possession with intent to deliver controlled substances, maintaining a drug premises, aggravated assault, possession of firearms by certain persons, breaking and entering, fleeing, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Because Porter has at least two prior convictions for a violent felony or serious drug offense, he is classified as a career offender.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Little Rock Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Givens.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Barrio Azteca Member Pleads Guilty to Racketeering and Drug Conspiracy Charges Related to 2010 U.S. Consulate Murders in JuarezRead the Press Release
A Bario Azteca gang member pleaded guilty today in federal court in El Paso, Texas, for being part of a racketeering and drug trafficking conspiracy which included acting as the lookout in the murders by Barrio Azteca members of a U.S. Consulate Juarez employee, her husband, and the husband of another U.S. consulate employee.
Enrique Guajardo Lopez, also known as “Kiki,” 59, of Juarez, Mexico, pleaded guilty today to racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute and import drugs. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Lopez faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
According to court documents and information presented in court, Lopez is one of 35 Barrio Azteca members and associates based in the United States and Mexico who were charged in the third superseding indictment in 2011 for allegedly committing various criminal acts, including racketeering, narcotics distribution and importation, retaliation against persons providing information to U.S. law enforcement, extortion, money laundering, obstruction of justice, and murder. Of the 35 defendants, 10 Mexican nationals were charged for their role in the March 13, 2010 murders of U.S. Consulate employee Leslie Ann Enriquez Catton; her husband Arthur Redelfs; and Jorge Alberto Salcido Ceniceros, the husband of a U.S. Consulate employee. All the defendants have been apprehended, and 30 have pleaded guilty. Three defendants have been convicted at trial and one committed suicide before the conclusion of his trial. One defendant remains pending trial.
The Barrio Azteca (BA) is a violent street and prison gang that began in the late 1980s and expanded into a transnational criminal organization. In the 2000s, the BA formed an alliance in Mexico with “La Linea,” which is part of the Juarez Drug Cartel (also known as the Vincente Carrillo Fuentes Drug Cartel or VCF). The purpose of the BA-La Linea alliance was to battle the Chapo Guzman Cartel and its allies for control of the drug trafficking routes through Juarez and Chihuahua. The drug routes through Juarez, known as the Juarez Plaza, are important to drug trafficking organizations because they are a principal illicit drug trafficking conduit into the United States. The gang has a militaristic command structure and includes captains, lieutenants, sergeants, and soldiers — all with the purpose of maintaining power and enriching its members and associates through drug trafficking, money laundering, extortion, intimidation, violence, threats of violence, and murder. The BAs were directly involved in drug trafficking, and BA members would also conduct enforcement operations for VCF, including acting as hit men to commit murders and assaults. On the day of the Consulate murders, Lopez acted as a lookout for other BA members who targeted and murdered the victims. Enriquez was four months pregnant, and her fetus was also killed.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas, Acting Special Agent in Charge Conal Whetten of the FBI El Paso Field Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Mark Putnam of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) El Paso Field Division made the announcement.
This case is being prosecuted by Deputy Chief Jay Bauer of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, Trial Attorney Amy Schwartz of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Spitzer of the Western District of Texas. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico and the Criminal Division’s Offices of International Affairs and Enforcement Operations provided significant assistance in this case.
The case was investigated by the FBI El Paso Field Office, Albuquerque Field Office (Las Cruces Resident Agency); DEA Juarez; and DEA El Paso. Special assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Immigration and Customs Enforcement; the U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Diplomatic Security Service; the Texas Department of Public Safety; the Texas Department of Criminal Justice; El Paso Police Department; El Paso County Sheriff’s Office; El Paso Independent School District Police Department; Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission; New Mexico State Police; Dona Ana County, New Mexico Sheriff’s Office; Las Cruces, New Mexico Police Department; Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility and Otero County Prison Facility New Mexico.
Armed Illegal Alien from Mexico Faces Multiple Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – An illegal alien from Mexico is facing multiple child sexual exploitation charges and a firearms offense, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
A federal grand jury returned a criminal indictment, charging Francisco Rosales Ortiz, 41, with 10 counts of production of CSAM, possession and access with intent to view CSAM, and unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien.
According to allegations in the indictment, between June 2025 and March 2026, in Gaston County, Ortiz attempted to, and did, use a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct multiple times for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the sexual abuse. It is further alleged that during that time, Ortiz also knowingly possessed and accessed with intent to view child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The indictment also alleges that Ortiz illegally possessed three firearms, two pistols and a rifle, while being an alien unlawfully and illegally in the United States.
“We are not going to stand by while illegal aliens come to our country and exploit our children,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “There are plenty of people in line to legally come to the United States. They should not be forced to the back of the line for someone like Ortiz, who is charged with sexually abusing a child and illegally possessing firearms.”
“Homeland Security Investigations is committed to protecting our communities from those who seek to exploit the most vulnerable among us—our children. HSI will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate and bring to justice individuals who commit these heinous crimes,” said Mark M. Zito, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Carolinas. “We will use every tool at our disposal to ensure that offenders are held accountable and that our neighborhoods remain safe places for children to grow and thrive.”
If convicted, Ortiz faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 325 years in prison, which includes 30 years in prison for each count of production of CSAM; up to 10 years in prison for possession and access with intent to view CSAM; and a maximum of 15 years in prison for the firearms offense. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Homeland Security Investigations handled the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Cervantes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.
The charges against the defendant are allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Arlington man sentenced to nine years in prison for downloading child sexual abuse materialRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Arlington man was sentenced today to nine years in prison for receipt of child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, Patrick Wanamaker, 35, viewed, downloaded, and possessed images and videos depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. On Oct. 1, 2025, federal authorities searched Wanamaker’s residence and recovered nine electronic devices, eight of which belonged to Wanamaker. On Wanamaker’s cellphone and laptop, investigators identified 81 CSAM images, which he had downloaded between December 2015 and October 2023.
A forensic analysis also revealed that Wanamaker had emailed himself Mega links containing CSAM. The Mega links exclusively contained CSAM images and videos, including depictions of the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers. In total, the links included 279 images and 777 videos. Wanamaker accessed these links at various times between January 2022 and October 2023.
The FBI Washington Field Office's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Clement and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Minghella prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:26-cr-53.
Arizona Man Sentenced to over 21 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring with Others to Distribute Fentanyl in Western South DakotaRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that United States District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced an Arizona man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on July 20, 2026.
John Parrado, 38, was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Parrado was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in September 2025. He pleaded guilty on January 5, 2026.
In 2025, Parrado conspired with other people to obtain fentanyl and distribute it in South Dakota. He received much of his supply from out of state through the U.S. mail. Ultimately, Parrado was personally involved in the distribution of 400 grams of the drug in the state.
“This is another step forward in eliminating these deadly substances from our state,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “My deepest thanks go out to the strong detective work of the Rapid City Police, the DEA, ATF, and Postal Inspection Service, working together to reel in this fentanyl dealer and put him away.”
This case was investigated by the Rapid City Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Peterson prosecuted the case.
Parrado was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving his sentence.
Antiques and Art Dealer Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge Stemming from $2.1 Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DAVID L. JOHNSON, 66, of Greenwich, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in New Haven to an offense stemming from his embezzlement of more than $2 million from an elderly victim and his estate.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Johnson operated an antiques business, Antique Treasures LLC, and an auction business, Greenwich Auction, both based in Stamford. In approximately October 2018, an individual (“the victim”) executed a power of attorney, will, and trust naming Johnson as the victim’s agent, executor, and successor trustee, respectively. Johnson was not a beneficiary of the victim’s estate or trust. The victim died at the age of 87 in August 2020. After the victim’s death, Johnson stole more than $436,000 from one of the victim’s federal tax refund checks. The investigation revealed that Johnson stole a total of $2,168,719.24 from the victim and his estate.
To date, Johnson has paid approximately $1.1 million in restitution.
Johnson pleaded guilty to money laundering, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 30.
Johnson has been released on a $250,000 bond since his arrest on December 18, 2025.
This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.
22-Year-Old Humberty J. Carrillo-García Charged with 5 Counts of Threatening Interstate CommunicationsRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On July 16, 2026, a grand jury returned an indictment against Humberty Jesús Carrillo-García, 22, from Gurabo, for making threatening interstate communications between March and June 2026 in violation of 18 U.S.C. 875(c), announced Héctor Ramírez-Carbó, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The defendant was arrested on July 20, 2026, and remains detained pending trial.
“This individual made statements about his desire to do harm to various groups of people, including federal and state law enforcement, and motivated others to commit acts of violence against multiple groups of people. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has no tolerance for illegal threats, especially threats that target innocent people,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ramírez-Carbó. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect our community from those individuals who jeopardize our public safety.”
“This individual publicly expressed a desire to commit acts of violence against multiple groups—including federal and state law enforcement, members of our armed forces, religious communities, and the public at large—and attempted to motivate others to do the same. Threats of domestic terrorism, religious‑motivated violence, and harm against our servicemembers or public institutions are intolerable. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has zero tolerance for illegal threats designed to intimidate or endanger innocent people,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ramírez‑Carbó. “We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to protect our community and respond decisively to anyone who threatens our public safety.”
“Threatening federal government employees, and inciting violence of any kind, against members of our community, is unacceptable and the FBI will not allow this type of behavior to impact the quality of life of our people,” said Carlos Goris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are generally joyful communities, where this type of violence is unheard of, and we will continue to work with our local, and federal law enforcement partners to keep it that way. As always, we encourage anyone to report suspicious behavior to the FBI and local authorities, before it's too late.”
According to the indictment and the motion for detention, Carrillo-García used TikTok and X (previously Twitter) to post threats to do harm to various groups. The defendant identified himself as a Nazi, has emphasized his idea/desire of killing Jewish people, American soldiers, and other groups. He has also highlighted his desire to carry out a terroristic attack. The defendant posted videos of himself speaking about his desire to do harm to various groups of people and to bomb different locations – with the intent to scare people. Here are examples of Carrillo-García’s interstate threats published on social media:
- The Defendant posted publicly on X pictures of himself holding a knife and stating that he would use it to tear apart American soldiers and Jews, as well as another picture of himself with a machete.
- The Defendant posted a public video in which he says that arms must be taken up against the United States, and he calls on the listener to shoot at North American soldiers, hit and stab Jews, burn “gringo” businesses, and to burn Jewish synagogues and Judeo Cristian churches including Jehovah’s Witnesses and Pentecostal churches.
- The Defendant posted a public video in which he says that police and CIA agents must be killed.
- The Defendant posted a public video in which he states that various locations must be bombed, including the White House, Fort Buchannan, Camp Santiago, First Bank, Oriental Bank, Banco Popular, and the United States Post Office.
- The Defendant posted public videos in which he states and demonstrates with a knife and stick that “yankees” and “gringos” should be cut and beat to death, and he also states that Police of Puerto Rico must be killed.
Each of the five counts of conviction carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. If the defendant is found guilty, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Vance Eaton of the Violent Crimes Division is prosecuting the case. The FBI’s San Juan Cyber and Violent Crimes Divisions are in charge of the investigation.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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16 Charged in Trafficking Ring Allegedly Operating Out of a Mansfield Car WashRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Sixteen individuals have been charged for their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking ring operating out of a car wash in Mansfield, Ohio. The charges are the result of a three-year-long investigation by federal and local officials.
According to the superseding indictment filed July 8, the defendants are alleged to be responsible for trafficking large quantities of controlled substances in Richland County and the surrounding areas. Oxycodone was obtained from suppliers in Detroit, Cleveland, and Toledo which co-conspirators redistributed in Mansfield. The drugs and proceeds, were then stored at the New Millinium Car Wash and at a residence on Johns Avenue, both in Mansfield.
Throughout the investigation, agents seized approximately 895 grams of cocaine, 127 oxycodone pills, and 50 grams of cocaine base (crack), as well as 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1,980 pressed fentanyl tablets, and 120 grams of powdered fentanyl. Agents also seized cash proceeds totaling more than $61,832 and numerous illegally possessed firearms during the investigation.
Individuals were apprehended in a series of coordinated arrests. One defendant, Carl Henderson, 56, of Los Angeles, California, remains at large.
A federal grand jury returned an 18-count indictment charging the following individuals with Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Cocaine Base (Crack), and Oxycodone:
- Calvin Caldwell, aka Petey, 67, of Mansfield, Ohio
- Carl Henderson, 56, of Los Angeles, California
- Damell Owens, 48, of Cleveland, Ohio
- Leon Moses, aka Lee, 47, of Toledo, Ohio
- Phillip Douglas Jr., 44, of Fraser, Michigan
- Robert Wade, aka Hollywood, 53, of Mansfield, Ohio
- Nashone Howard, aka Black, 53, of Mansfield, Ohio
- Edward Brooks, 67, of Ontario, Ohio
- Joann Robertson, 73, of Mansfield, Ohio
- Effie James, 69, of Mansfield, Ohio
- Jaynell Thornton, 67, of Mansfield, Ohio
- Timothy Moyer, 67, of Mansfield, Ohio
- Paul Baumer, 59, of Mansfield, Ohio
- Dreama Henderson, 42, of Mansfield, Ohio
- David George, 55, of Mansfield, Ohio,
- Toni Crawford, 66, of Mansfield, Ohio
Caldwell was additionally charged with:
- Distribution of Oxycodone
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Oxycodone
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
- Felon in Possession of Ammunition; prior convictions include Aggravated Trafficking in 1995, Possession of Drugs in 2004, Distribution of Cocaine Base in 2008, and Trafficking in Cocaine in 2014
- Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
- Distribution of Cocaine Base (Crack)
- Distribution of Oxycodone
- Maintenance of Drug Premises
Owens was additionally charged with:
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; prior convictions include Felonious Assault in 2004, and Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Cocaine and Cocaine Base in 2013
- Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
Howard was additionally charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm; prior convictions include Aggravated Battery/Great Bodily Harm in 1991; Possession of Controlled Substances and Manufacture/Deliver Controlled Substances in 1994.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney David Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio, Special Agent in Charge Joshua Del Manzo of the FBI Cleveland Division, and Mansfield Police Chief Jason Bammann.
This case was investigated by the FBI Mansfield Resident Agency and the Metro-Richland County (METRICH) enforcement unit with assistance from the Mansfield Police Department, Richland County Sheriff Department, and the Marion County Drug Task Force (MARMET). The U.S. Marshals Service and Wyandot County Sheriff Office assisted with the arrests. The Richland County Prosecutors office provided valuable legal support throughout the investigation.
The prosecution is being led by Assistant United States Attorney Vasile Katsaros for the Northern District of Ohio.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Each defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Tuesday 21 July 2026
Wichita man sold pipe bombs and drugs to ATF undercover agentRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man was sentenced to 126 months in prison for after selling illegal drugs and explosive devices to an undercover federal agent.
According to court documents, Adam C. Garcia, 31, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of drug conspiracy.
Between March 2024 and April 2024, an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) purchased cocaine, fentanyl, and pipe bombs either directly from Garcia or from a coconspirator acting under Garcia’s direction.
Analysis showed the total amounts sold to the agent as 316.05 grams of fentanyl, 67.59 grams of cocaine, and three explosive devices.
“Selling narcotics is pretty bad by itself but in combination with pipe bombs, this kind of criminal behavior could easily turn deadly,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Had these explosive devices ended up in the wrong hands and been detonated against law enforcement or civilians, it could have been a disaster. We can all rest easier knowing that ATF is working hard to keep these devices off the street.”
Federal prosecutors charged three other defendants in this case. Anthony Stephen Dennis, 27, of Wichita was sentenced to 46 months in prison after pleading guilty to drug conspiracy.
Jonathan Scott Peacock, 42, of Wichita was sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to making an explosive device.
Paola Michelle Sosa-Rios, a Mexican national living in Wichita, also pleaded guilty to criminal charges related to this case and is awaiting sentencing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kari Burks prosecuted the case.
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Wichita brothers sentenced for drug trafficking crimesRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – Two Kansas brothers were sentenced to prison for offenses related to a drug trafficking ring that moved fentanyl across state lines into Kansas.
According to court documents, Raashad Robinson, 30, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of drug conspiracy. He was sentenced to 300 months in prison.
Starting in March 2024, Raashad Robinson drove from Kansas to Arizona and back five times to obtain fentanyl for distribution in Wichita. While returning to Kansas in September 2024, he was stopped by officers in Stratford, Texas. Officers found fentanyl powder and fentanyl pills while searching the vehicle. Raashad Robinson admitted to law enforcement that he supplied fentanyl that he and his co-conspirators sold in Kansas.
A federal grand jury indicted seven other defendants in connection with the drug trafficking ring including Raashad’s brother Eddie Robinson, 31, of Wichita. Eddie Robinson was sentenced to 120 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Martel Costello, 30, and Jevante Oliver, 34, 22, both of Wichita pleaded guilty to crimes related to this case and are awaiting sentencing. Emmanuel Recinos, 27, and Lisandro Ruiz-Uzagarra, 28, both of Phoenix, Arizona, and James Wilkinson, 31, of St. Joseph, Missouri, pleaded guilty to crimes related to this case and are awaiting sentencing.
“Raashad Robinson and Eddie Robinson saw selling drugs as a way to make easy money. When Raashad Robinson decided to drive thousands of miles between Wichita and Phoenix to transport fentanyl, he didn’t know he was actually on the road to federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Wichita Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak is prosecuting the case.
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Vanderwagen Man Pleads Guilty to AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Vanderwagen man pleaded guilty to an assault that left the victim with serious injuries.
According to court documents, on March 10, 2025, Larry Begay, 66, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted John Doe with an exercise bar and the assault caused serious bodily injury.
Begay pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and faces up to ten years in prison at sentencing.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.
Two Philadelphia Men Sentenced to Decades in Prison for 2022 Armed Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that two Philadelphia men have each been sentenced to some two decades in prison for conspiring to carry out a string of gunpoint robberies throughout the city in 2022. Three people were shot in two separate incidents during the defendants’ crime spree.
Lance Ryan, 28, was sentenced this afternoon to 262 months in prison and five years of supervised release by United States District Chief Judge Wendy Beetlestone. Ryan pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy to commit robbery which interferes with interstate commerce, two counts of robbery which interferes with interstate commerce, and two counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Co-defendant Rodney Whiting, 33, was sentenced by Chief Judge Beetlestone last month to 231 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release. Whiting pleaded guilty in February to conspiracy to commit robbery which interferes with interstate commerce, four counts of robbery which interferes with interstate commerce, and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
As detailed in court filings and statements, between May and October 2022, Whiting, Ryan, and an accomplice, charged separately, agreed to rob several commercial businesses across Philadelphia, either in pairs or as a group, using a least one privately manufactured semi-automatic pistol (a “ghost gun”). Law enforcement’s investigation revealed that several businesses the men targeted were within one block of Whiting’s residence on the 6800 block of Ogontz Avenue.
On May 23, 2022, Whiting and the accomplice robbed a 7-Eleven on Mascher Street, stealing approximately $200 and tobacco products while the accomplice pointed the ghost gun at the cashier. The next day, Whiting, Ryan and the accomplice attempted to rob patrons at a bar in South Philadelphia. When a patron intervened in the robbery and confronted Whiting, Ryan fired the ghost gun into the crowded barroom and struck one victim in his leg and another victim in his hand. The trio fled the bar empty-handed.
On June 2, 2022, Whiting and the accomplice brandished the ghost gun at an employee of a Little Caesar’s Pizza on Ogontz Avenue and stole approximately $200 from the register.
On June 17, 2022, Whiting and an accomplice attempted to rob the Ogontz Minimart, where the accomplice pointed the ghost gun at the cashier and demanded that he open the security door. When the cashier reached for the alarm, Whiting threw a brick through the security door and smashed the glass; the accomplice then pointed the ghost gun through a hole in the glass and fired one shot, striking the cashier in his leg. Whiting and the accomplice fled the store empty-handed.
On September 6, 2022, Ryan and the accomplice brandished a pistol at an employee of a dry-cleaning business on Ogontz Avenue and stole approximately $100 from the register. On September 10, 2022, Ryan went to a neighboring laundromat on Ogontz Avenue, pointed a pistol at the owner of the business, and stole approximately $2,000 from the register.
Finally, on October 4, 2022, Whiting, Ryan, and their accomplice entered the Dollar General store on the 6000 block of North Broad Street, where the accomplice pointed the ghost gun at the store’s cashier, Whiting corralled two customers away from the register area, and Ryan stole approximately $1,500 from two registers. After the robbery, the three men fled in different directions. Whiting was arrested while running from Philadelphia Police officers on Ogontz Avenue, and their accomplice was also arrested on Ogontz Avenue in possession of the ghost gun and the money stolen from Dollar General. Ballistic evidence confirmed that the trio used that same ghost gun to commit the shootings on May 24, 2022, at the South Philadelphia bar and on June 17, 2022, at the Ogontz Minimart.
A warrant was later issued for Ryan’s arrest, and he was taken into federal custody on December 1, 2022, while hiding at a residence in Baltimore, Maryland.
As part of his guilty plea, Ryan also admitted that he used a firearm to rob the Three Tree Grocery on South 6th Street on September 3, 2022.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Philadelphia Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin Ashenfelter and Special Assistant United States Attorney Meagan Gordon.
Two Men Charged with $52 million COVID-19 Tax Credit Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A California man was arrested yesterday after a grand jury sitting in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania returned an indictment charging him with conspiracy, mail fraud and money laundering.
According to the indictment, Christopher Slater was part of a multi-state conspiracy to defraud the United States of more than $52.7 million by filing hundreds of false tax returns claiming Paid Sick and Family Leave Credit (SFLC) and Employee Retention Credit (ERC) credits. Congress authorized the SFLC tax credit to reimburse businesses for wages paid to employees who were on sick or family leave and could not work because of COVID-19. Congress authorized the ERC to incentivize businesses to keep employees on their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This indictment alleges that Christopher Slater orchestrated a multi-state fraud scheme that sought more than $50 million in taxpayer-funded pandemic relief funds,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “This brazen fraud is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The Fraud Division will continue to hold anyone accountable who steals from American taxpayers and abuses programs intended to provide relief during a national crisis.”
Slater allegedly conspired with others to recruit business owners, use their information to file false tax returns and then launder the proceeds of the fraud. In total, Slater allegedly caused at least 290 false tax returns to be filed for 35 businesses claiming over $52.7 million in COVID-19 tax credits, of which the IRS paid out over $32.2 million.
The indictment also charged Mark Keagel, of York, Pennsylvania, with money laundering, conspiracy and theft of government property. Keagel owned two defunct businesses whose information he allegedly passed on to one of Slater’s co-conspirators. According to the indictment, Slater’s associates filed false tax returns on behalf of Keagel’s businesses. In response, the IRS mailed approximately $3.6 million in fraudulent Treasury checks to Keagel, who then allegedly laundered those proceeds.
If convicted, Slater faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison for each of the seven mail fraud and mail fraud conspiracy counts. Slater and Keagel also face a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison for each of the money laundering and money laundering conspiracy counts. Keagel faces a sentence of up to ten years in prison for each count of theft of government property.
Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller of the Middle District of Pennsylvania the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant Deputy Chief Ezra Spiro of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma of the Middle District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Two Men Charged in $52 million COVID-19 Tax Credit Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller announced that a California man was arrested on Monday after a grand jury sitting in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania returned an indictment charging him with conspiracy, mail fraud and money laundering.
According to the indictment, Christopher Slater was part of a multi-state conspiracy to defraud the United States of more than $52.7 million by filing hundreds of false tax returns claiming Paid Sick and Family Leave Credit (SFLC) and Employee Retention Credit (ERC) credits. Congress authorized the SFLC tax credit to reimburse businesses for wages paid to employees who were on sick or family leave and could not work because of COVID-19. Congress authorized the ERC to incentivize businesses to keep employees on their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Slater allegedly conspired with others to recruit business owners, use their information to file false tax returns and then launder the proceeds of the fraud. In total, Slater allegedly caused at least 280 false tax returns to be filed for 35 businesses claiming over $52.7 million in COVID-19 tax credits, of which the IRS paid out over $32.2 million.
The indictment also charged Mark Keagel, of York, Pennsylvania, with money laundering, conspiracy and theft of government property. Keagel owned two defunct businesses whose information he allegedly passed on to one of Slater’s co-conspirators. According to the indictment, Slater’s associates filed false tax returns on behalf of Keagel’s businesses. In response, the IRS mailed approximately $3.6 million in fraudulent Treasury checks to Keagel, who then allegedly laundered those proceeds.
“This indictment alleges that Christopher Slater orchestrated a multi-state fraud scheme that sought more than $50 million in taxpayer-funded pandemic relief funds,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division.
“This brazen fraud is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The Fraud Division will continue to hold anyone accountable who steals from American taxpayers and abuses programs intended to provide relief during a national crisis.”
“This indictment shows our Office’s longstanding commitment to prosecuting fraudsters and protecting our tax dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller.” “This Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to stop these schemes and protect taxpayers hard earned money.”
“IRS-Criminal Investigation is committed to protecting the integrity of our financial system by disrupting complex financial crimes and pursuing those responsible, stated Yury Kruty, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Philadelphia Field Office.”
If convicted, Slater faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison for each of the seven mail fraud and mail fraud conspiracy counts. Slater and Keagel also face a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison for each of the money laundering and money laundering conspiracy counts. Keagel faces a sentence of up to ten years in prison for each count of theft of government property.
Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller of the Middle District of Pennsylvania made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant Deputy Chief Ezra Spiro of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma of the Middle District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
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Two Individuals Sentenced for Staged Automobile Accident ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ADONTE TURNER (“A. TURNER”), age 28, of New Orleans; and TIFFANY TURNER (“T. TURNER”), age 55, also of New Orleans, were sentenced on July 17, 2026 for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, announced the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
According to court documents, on November 13, 2017, A. TURNER, and T. TURNER were passengers in a vehicle that intentionally struck a tractor-trailer in the area of Interstate 10 near Paris Road in New Orleans. A. TURNER, and T. TURNER made false police reports, filed fraudulent lawsuits, lied during deposition testimony, and sought unnecessary medical treatment in furtherance of their fraud.
U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced both A. TURNER and T. TURNER to eighteen (18) months of probation. A mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 will also be imposed.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni, of the Public Integrity Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera, Deputy Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Acting Criminal Chief and Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
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Two Illegal Aliens and Marietta Man Face Federal Charges After Seizure of Nearly 500 Pounds of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Juan Rueda-Palacios and Lourdes Prudente Blanco, both illegal aliens from Mexico, and Alan Hernandez, of Marietta, Georgia, are facing federal drug charges related to the recent seizure of nearly 500 pounds of methamphetamine from a vehicle in Brookhaven, Georgia, and an apartment in Sandy Springs.
“These charges reflect the commitment of my office and our law enforcement partners to dismantle large‑scale drug trafficking operations that endanger our community,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “If you choose to traffic dangerous drugs in our community, we will investigate, arrest, and prosecute you.”
“This investigation reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting communities from the deadly drugs and violence tied to drug trafficking organizations,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “These defendants trafficked dangerous narcotics while unlawfully present in the United States, creating a serious threat to public safety. Working side by side with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, DEA will continue removing drugs, guns, and violent offenders from our streets.”
“This amount of methamphetamine flooding our streets would have devastated countless lives and families,” said Steven N. Schrank, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “Meth is not just a drug—it brings violence, addiction, and fear into our neighborhoods. Our message is clear: if you try to poison our communities with dangerous drugs, we will find you and bring you to justice. HSI and our partners are committed to keeping our communities safe and standing up for the families who call Georgia home.”
“Nearly 500 pounds of methamphetamine will never reach Georgia's communities because of the relentless work and collaboration of local, state, and federal law enforcement,” said Chris Hosey, Director, Georgia Bureau of Investigation. “This investigation should serve as a warning to those who seek to traffic drugs in Georgia: we will relentlessly pursue those who bring these deadly substances into our communities and work tirelessly alongside our partners to ensure the safety of every Georgian.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On April 2, 2026, Rueda-Palacios and Prudente allegedly drove a vehicle from Ellenwood, Georgia to a shopping center in Brookhaven and abandoned it with roughly 130 pounds of methamphetamine inside. Agents arrested Hernandez and retrieved the drugs after observing Hernandez enter and exit the vehicle later that day.
On July 15, 2026, agents arrested Rueda‑Palacios and Prudente. A search of their Sandy Springs apartment the same day uncovered approximately 350 pounds of methamphetamine along with a Mexican passport belonging to Rueda‑Palacios. Allegedly, neither Rueda‑Palacios nor Prudente is lawfully present in the United States, and Rueda‑Palacios returned illegally after having been deported in 2013.
Juan Rueda-Palacios, 47, and Lourdes Prudente Blanco, 48, both of Mexico, and Alan Hernandez, 34, of Marietta, Georgia, appeared in federal court yesterday on a criminal complaint charging them with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Rueda-Palacios was also charged with illegally reentering the United States.
Members of the public are reminded that the criminal complaint only contains charges. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office provided substantial assistance to the investigation.
Assistant United States Attorneys Amy Schwarzl and Sandy Strippoli are prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.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.
Twelve Indicted in National Cargo Theft Conspiracy Targeting Nike in West TennesseeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Twelve people have been indicted in the Western District of Tennessee and are facing federal charges for their involvement in an organized cargo theft conspiracy targeting Nike’s North American Logistics Center in Memphis, Tennessee, according to recently unsealed indictments. The charges are the culmination of a multi-year investigation by FBI’s Cargo Theft Task Force. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the unsealing of the indictments today.
As alleged in the indictment and documents submitted to the District Court: Between July 2021 and continuing to on or about June 19, 2024, the defendants worked together and with others to transport stolen Nike retail product throughout the United States. The investigation revealed the co-defendants stole at least $2 million in Nike product during this timeframe.
In a typical theft, the defendants would identify product that they wanted to resell, locate it in the Nike warehouse, and place shipping labels to predetermined locations throughout the United States where they would retrieve and resell the stolen product.
The individuals named in the indictment are:
- Roy Harvey, Jr., 39, of Los Angeles, CA
- Bereket Abraham, 39, of Los Angeles, CA
- Jorge Cuellar, 30, of Los Angeles, CA
- Keith Cannon, 40, of Memphis, TN
- Cadarian Mack, 35, of Memphis, TN
- Julian Baker, 36, of Memphis, TN
- Cortez Spencer, 39, of Memphis, TN
- Roderico McClellan, 33, of Memphis, TN
- Damon Johnson, 30, of Memphis, TN
- Joel Deluna, 42, of Chicago, IL
- Michael Perkins, 40, of Olive Branch, MS
- Marquesio Robinson, 47, of Charlestown, IN
On May 21, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging all twelve individuals with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, and one defendant with interstate transportation of stolen property. The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Memphis is proudly known as ‘America’s Distribution Center’, and organized cargo theft conspiracies disrupt and harm crucial interstate commerce and businesses here in West Tennessee and across America. In order to protect the critical economic and logistics infrastructure of Memphis, we will always aggressively prosecute those who threaten it."
“As alleged, these twelve defendants stole millions of dollars’ worth of merchandise and sold those stolen goods at the direct expense of sellers, shippers, and buyers,” said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “Organized cargo theft doesn’t just steal products – it steals time, trust, and profitability across the entire supply chain. Those who conspire to disrupt commerce and harm consumers will be met with a coordinated law enforcement response. The FBI’s Cargo Theft Task Force is committed to ridding our supply chains of organized crime and will relentlessly pursue those who seek to exploit or disrupt it.”
This case was investigated by the FBI Nashville Field Office with assistance from the FBI Chicago Field Office and the FBI Los Angeles Field Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Lynn Crum and Special Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Cohenmeyer, of the United States Navy Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.
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For more information, please contact the media relations team at [email protected]. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates
Truck driver admits hauling illegal aliens instead of carrotsRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 61-year-old Houston man has pleaded guilty to transporting illegal aliens.
Rodney William Gipson admitted that, despite nearly 30 years as a commercial truck driver, he knew or recklessly disregarded the fact he was illegally transporting two dozen illegal aliens in his truck.
On Feb. 19, Gipson drove a tractor-trailer to the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint. He claimed he was transporting a load from the Rio Grande Valley to Houston, but a K-9 soon alerted to the rear of the trailer.
At secondary inspection, law enforcement discovered 24 illegal aliens hidden inside the vehicle. They also found a cargo document showing the truck was supposed to be hauling a load of carrots.
Gipson was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
Sentencing will be set a later date before U.S. District Judge David S. Morales. At that time, Gipson faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith is 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 immigrants, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Ten Charged in Grant County Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Ten individuals have been charged in a federal indictment alleging they participated in a Grant County drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl throughout southwest New Mexico between 2023 and 2026.
According to court documents, Margarita Encarnacion Dominguez, 43, is alleged to have led a Grant County drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl between August 2023 and June 2026. The indictment alleges Dominguez obtained narcotics from Arizona-based supplier Marco Elias Martinez, 32, coordinated couriers to transport drugs and cash between Arizona and New Mexico, collected payments through wire transfers and electronic payment applications, and redistributed methamphetamine and fentanyl through a network of family members and associates.
The indictment alleges Martinez supplied Dominguez with multi-pound quantities of methamphetamine and hundreds of grams of fentanyl for redistribution throughout southwest New Mexico. Investigators allege the two regularly communicated about drug shipments, payments, couriers, inventory levels, and customer demand. On multiple occasions, Dominguez allegedly sent couriers carrying thousands of dollars in cash to Arizona to purchase narcotics, while Martinez coordinated the delivery of methamphetamine and fentanyl to New Mexico.
The indictment further alleges that Dominguez relied on several co-conspirators to distribute narcotics and transport drug proceeds. Her son, Danny Joe Muñoz, 26, is alleged to have possessed and distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl obtained through the conspiracy. Her nephew, Joshua Jake Padilla, 33, allegedly sought methamphetamine and fentanyl for redistribution and used cellular phones to coordinate drug transactions. Angelica R’Shae Salas, 32, and Michael Joseph Alirez, 41, allegedly purchased methamphetamine from Dominguez, pooled money to finance narcotics purchases, and made trips to Arizona to retrieve drug shipments on behalf of the organization.
According to the indictment, Patrick Flores, 40, acted as a courier and distributor for the organization and, on August 2, 2024, allegedly delivered approximately 3.1 kilograms of methamphetamine and approximately 200 grams of fentanyl to Dominguez. Cynthia Jimenez, 42, allegedly received distribution quantities of methamphetamine from Dominguez and participated in financing additional narcotics purchases. Tania Diaz, 33, a Mexican national illegally present in the United States, is alleged to have assisted with financial transactions and communications related to drug trafficking activities.
The indictment also alleges members of the conspiracy discussed buying, selling, and exchanging firearms in connection with narcotics trafficking. In addition, Martinez and Flores are charged with conspiring to obstruct justice after allegedly arranging for the seizure and destruction of Dominguez’s cellphone to prevent investigators from accessing communications related to the conspiracy. Martinez is separately charged with transmitting interstate threats after allegedly threatening to kill a courier and the courier’s brother following the loss of a narcotics shipment in April 2025.
The indictment charges Dominguez with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, multiple counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, distribution of methamphetamine, and multiple counts of using a communication facility to further a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on the most serious charges, she faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison.
Martinez is charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, multiple counts of using a communication facility to further a drug trafficking crime, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and transmitting interstate threats. If convicted on the most serious drug trafficking charges, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison.
Muñoz is charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison.
Padilla is charged with conspiracy, attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, and using a communication facility to further a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on the most serious charges, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison.
Salas is charged with conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and using a communication facility to further a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on the most serious charges, she faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison.
Alirez is charged with conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and using a communication facility to further a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on the most serious charges, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison.
Jimenez is charged with conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted on the most serious charges, she faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison.
Flores is charged with conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and related drug trafficking offenses. If convicted on the most serious charges, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison.
Diaz is charged with conspiracy and using a communication facility to further a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on the most serious charges, she faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison.
In separate but related cases, Joseph De La Torre, 35, is charged with federal drug trafficking and firearms offenses. According to court documents, agents executing a search warrant at his residence on July 16, 2026, recovered methamphetamine, a substance that tested presumptively positive for cocaine and fentanyl, packaging materials commonly associated with narcotics distribution, and a loaded handgun.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today on behalf of the Homeland Security Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Devon Aragon Martinez, Renee Camacho and Judith Crews are prosecuting these cases.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Region II CORE 7 is comprised of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Customs and Border Protection – Office of Field Operations (OFO), U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) and Air and Marine (AMO), Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), United States Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Joint Task Force North (JTF-N), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), United States Marshal Service (USMS), Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DSS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS), El Paso Police Department (EPPD), New Mexico State Police (NMSP), West Texas / New Mexico High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA), Albuquerque Police Department, New Mexico Sixth Judicial District, Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics Agency, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Districts of Western Texas and New Mexico.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Smith County sex offender guilty of child pornography violationsRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Tyler man previously convicted of a child pornography violation, has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
John Matthew Emerson, 42, pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography on July 21, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell.
According to information presented in court, Emerson, while on supervised release for a prior conviction for possession of child pornography, was found in possession of a cellular phone containing child pornography.
Emerson faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case is 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 (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Jackson.
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Shots Fired, Drugs Land Wheeling Man in PrisonRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A shots-fired investigation has resulted in a lengthy prison sentence for a Wheeling, West Virginia, man, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
Roland N. Copney, 37, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison for a methamphetamine offense. The investigation began in March 2024 after reports of shots fired on Wheeling Island led officers to a South Broadway Street residence linked to Copney. A search warrant executed at the home uncovered nearly 200 grams of methamphetamine, a 9mm shell casing, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia. A subsequent search of the property revealed additional methamphetamine, cocaine, two firearms, and more ammunition. Copney has a criminal history that includes domestic violence and assault.
“Violent offenders will not be tolerated in the Northern District of West Virginia,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. “Protecting our communities is our highest priority. If you combine drugs and firearms, you will face a lengthy sentence.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Sheep Spring Man Charged in StabbingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Sheep Spring man has been charged in federal court with assault after allegedly stabbing another individual.
According to court documents, on July 12, 2026, Justin Brown, 50, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, attended a gathering in Sheep Springs, New Mexico. After arriving, Brown allegedly became aggressive and, during an ensuing confrontation, stabbed another individual in the left forearm and inflicted cuts on the victim's abdomen and back. The victim fled the scene in a vehicle with another adult and four minor children while Brown allegedly attempted to gain access to the vehicle and pursued it as it drove away.
Medical records showed the victim suffered a stab wound to the left forearm requiring 16 staples, as well as superficial cuts to the abdomen and back.
The investigation further revealed that, earlier in the evening, Brown allegedly threatened another attendee with a box cutter-style knife and sent threatening text messages before the assault. Witnesses reported that a second victim also suffered a cut during the incident.
During a post-arrest interview with investigators, Brown allegedly admitted to using a box cutter to stab the male victim and cut a female victim. Brown claimed he acted because he believed the victims were attempting to harm him.
Brown is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing. If convicted of the current charge, Brown faces up to 10 years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Seventh Defendant Pleads Guilty in Atlanta to Milledgeville Meth Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The final of seven defendants involved in a methamphetamine trafficking network sourcing methamphetamine from Atlanta for distribution in Milledgeville, Georgia, has been brought to justice resulting from an Operation Take Back America investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office.
“This case demonstrates our firm commitment to work with law enforcement to rid our communities of armed drug trafficking networks and ensure repeat offenders in the Middle District of Georgia face the consequences of their actions,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. "I want to thank our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners for their tireless efforts to keep our communities safe."
“Drug trafficking organizations don’t just deal drugs—they bring guns, violence, and instability into our neighborhoods,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “The significant prison sentences imposed, and guilty plea reflect the serious danger these defendants posed, and the harm caused by flooding our communities with methamphetamine and other illicit drugs.”
Cory Wilson, 41, of Milledgeville, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine on July 20 and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison up to a maximum of life in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and a maximum $10 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for October 10.
The following codefendants previously pleaded guilty, and some have been sentenced:
Ruby Fogg, 39, of Austell, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 324 months in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release on June 10, after she previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Robert Matthew Wood, 43, of Marietta, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 262 months in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release on June 10, after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Desmond Glenn, 35, of Milledgeville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Feb. 17 and faces a maximum of life in prison and a $10 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 12.
Rodney May, 38, of Milledgeville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine on Dec. 17, 2025, and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison up to a maximum of life in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release and a maximum $20 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 12.
Tony Baker, 39, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 92 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on June 10, after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
Katherine Short-Barcenas, 36, of Milledgeville, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine on Dec. 17, 2025, and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison up to a maximum of life in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and a maximum $10 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 12.
U.S. District Judge Marc T. Treadwell is presiding over the case. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents and statements referenced in court, federal agents began investigating a group of individuals distributing methamphetamine in the Baldwin County, Georgia, area beginning in early 2023. Between April 25, 2023, and July 31, 2023, agents conducted four separate controlled purchases from Glenn totaling approximately 162 grams of methamphetamine. Under surveillance, Glenn was recorded selling methamphetamine and other controlled substances to people in Baldwin County as well as obtaining large amounts of methamphetamine from several sources of supply, including Fogg, who was the leader of the criminal network. Short-Barcenas and Wilson, members of this drug trafficking ring, sold methamphetamine twice to a confidential source in early March 2023, as part of this investigation.
Fogg was working closely with Wood to obtain and distribute large amounts of methamphetamine. Fogg and Wood often rented hotel rooms in Atlanta where they stored and sold narcotics. On Nov. 14, 2023, Fogg directed Glenn to pick up methamphetamine from Wood at an Atlanta area hotel, at a time she was making a trip to deliver drug proceeds to Jackson, Georgia. May and Baker traveled with Glenn to the Atlanta hotel; on the return trip, their vehicle was stopped by law enforcement, and nearly one kilo of methamphetamine was found in a bag, along with a smaller amount in the floorboard. Officers also found a firearm tucked between Glenn’s seat and the center console, and another firearm in the backseat. A search warrant was executed at Glenn’s Milledgeville home, where officers found an additional 64.68 grams of methamphetamine and five firearms in his bedroom. Glenn was previously convicted of robbery by force in Baldwin County, Georgia. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.
Two days later, on Nov. 16, 2023, Fogg and Wood were arrested; the hotel they were renting was searched, and an additional 154.97 grams of methamphetamine was located, plus drug paraphernalia.
Fogg has three prior criminal felony methamphetamine distribution convictions in Douglas County, Georgia, Superior Court.
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.
The DEA and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Rutland, Vermont Man Charged with Attempted Convenience Store RobberyRead the Press Release
BURLINGTON – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on June 25, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Todd Bussino, age 42, of Rutland, Vermont, with interfering with commerce by attempted robbery.
Bussino entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on July 21, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Bussino also appeared on allegations he violated his federal supervised release. Judge Doyle ordered that Bussino be detained pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled.
According to court records, on June 14, 2026, Bussino walked into a Rutland convenience store while wearing a hat and mask, displayed a box cutter, and demanded the money in the cash register. The cashier told Bussino no and retreated to the store’s office. Bussino attempted to open the register himself, failed, and left the store after stealing a beverage.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Bussino is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Bussino faces up to 20 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the Rutland City Police Department and the FBI.
The prosecutor is First Assistant United States Attorney Ophardt. Bussino is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.
Richmond man sentenced after being caught with drugs and a firearm while on supervision for the same crimes in the same placeRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to a year and three months in prison for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
According to court documents, on July 10, 2025, Richmond Police observed several individuals loitering around a vacant unit in the Southwood Apartment Complex in Richmond, including Atio Terrain Walton, 23. The officers, who were familiar with Walton, searched him and found a knotted baggie containing over five grams of cocaine base hidden in Walton's underwear. They also located a handgun on a chair in the apartment and recognized it as the same firearm Walton possessed in an image he had posted on Instagram.
On June 10, 2025, one month before this offense, Walton was convicted of possession of seven grams of cocaine and a concealed firearm with an extended magazine while in the Southwood Apartment Complex. Walton was on supervised release for the prior conviction at the time he committed the latest offense. As a previously convicted felon, Walton cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
The FBI’s Richmond Field Office and the Richmond Police Department investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine E. Groover and Stephen E. Anthony prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-155.
Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Dawaun Shunard Jackson, 40, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced in federal court to 20 years in prison for one count of attempted enticement of a minor and one count of penalties for registered sex offenders. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This predator has clearly shown from his repeated crimes that the only way we can guarantee the safety of our children from his continued sexual deviance is by keeping him locked away in federal prison. My office is happy to oblige, and he’ll spend the next two decades behind bars. I deeply appreciate the excellent, collaborative work of the Tallahassee Police Department and the FBI to identify and stop offenders, like this defendant, from harming our kids, and my office will back up their great work with aggressive prosecutions to keep those sexual predators off our streets.”
Court documents reflect that between November 20 and 22, 2025, the Tallahassee Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other state and federal law enforcement agencies, conducted an undercover operation focused on identifying individuals using the internet to sexually exploit children. During the operation, an undercover officer posed as a 15-year-old girl and posted an ad on a website known for the solicitation of escorts. Court records show that the defendant responded to the ad and believed that he was communicating with a minor child, and that the defendant offered money in exchange for sex with the child and arranged to meet in Tallahassee. Further investigation that the defendant was a registered sex offender. After the defendant was arrested, his cell phone was seized as evidence, and a subsequent search of the device confirmed that he communicated with the undercover officer who posed as a 15-year-old girl.
After serving his term of 20 years’ imprisonment, Jackson will have to serve a lifetime term of supervised release. He will also have to continue registering as a sexual offender.
“Children should never become the target of someone seeking to exploit them,” said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell. “Our investigators work alongside our federal partners every day to identify offenders, intervene before they can harm a child, and hold them accountable. This sentence sends a clear message that those who prey on children will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.”
“Predators who target children should know there is no place to hide,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “Protecting children from sexual exploitation remains one of the FBI’s highest priorities. The FBI, alongside our partners, will use every resource available to identify, investigate and bring child predators to justice.”
The case involved a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Tallahassee Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
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 theU.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 https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Pittsfield Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Pittsfield man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Springfield to conspiring to traffic large quantities of cocaine in Western Massachusetts.
Theodore Warren, a/k/a “Monty,” 42, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and four counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Oct. 20, 2026. In December 2024, Warren was charged with his co-conspirator Lavante Wiggins, the former Dean of Pittsfield High School.
According to the charging documents, Wiggins, the former Dean of Students at Pittsfield High School, allegedly operated a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed large amounts of cocaine in and around the Pittsfield area. Warren was a trusted member of the DTO who served as a runner for Wiggins. According to the charging documents, in August 2024, Wiggins expressed concern that he was under investigation and that he would send Warren to complete drug sales and deliver cocaine on his behalf. It is alleged that one of Wiggins’ customers amassed a debt of more than $34,000 for cocaine that Wiggins provided on credit. Warren and, allegedly, Wiggins went about collecting on that debt while continuing to supply large amounts of cocaine to the customer. Specifically, Wiggins allegedly directed Warren to distribute cocaine to the customer on four separate occasions between September and December 2024: approximately 91 grams of cocaine on Sept. 10, 2024; approximately 100 grams of cocaine on Oct. 14, 2024; 125 grams of cocaine on Oct. 31, 2024; and 150 grams of cocaine on Dec. 10, 2024.
The charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $2 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Holyoke, Springfield, Chicopee, West Springfield, Easthampton and Pittsfield Police Departments; Berkshire, Hampden and Franklin County Sherriff’s Offices; Massachusetts State Police; and the Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches, Chief of the Springfield Branch Unit, is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Pelican Rapids Man is 68th Defendant to be Convicted in Feeding Our Future Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced that Abdirashid Bixi Dool, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud for his role in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme of more than $330,000. He is the 68th Feeding Our Future defendant convicted.
Dool pleaded guilty on July 13, 2026, and faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
According to court documents, from about March 2021 through December 2021, Dool and his co‑conspirators submitted fraudulent reimbursement claims to Feeding Our Future on behalf of two Minnesota nonprofit organizations, Bilaal Mosque, Inc. and Multicultural Resource Center, Inc. (MRC). Although the nonprofits claimed to be operating meal sites in Pelican Rapids and Moorhead, Minnesota, that served tens of thousands of meals to children, the actual number of meals served was only a fraction of what was reported.
As part of the scheme, Dool knowingly submitted falsified meal count sheets, inflated food purchase invoices, and fabricated rosters of children purportedly served at the sites. On some occasions, he knowingly and falsely claimed the sites served over 40,000 meals per week.
In total, between approximately March 2021 and February 2022, Bilaal and MRC claimed to have served over 505,000 meals to children. The fraudulent submissions led the Minnesota Department of Education to pay nearly $1.1 million in federal child‑nutrition funds to the two nonprofit entities.
“This guilty plea is another step toward restoring integrity to programs meant to support children and families, and it highlights the importance of strong interagency cooperation to stop the fraud and seek accountability for taxpayers,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen.
“Programs like the Federal Child Nutrition Program were created to help children at a time when many families were struggling just to put food on the table,” said Adam Jobes, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “Exploiting that hardship for personal gain is a betrayal of the public’s trust. Working shoulder to shoulder with our federal law enforcement partners, IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to follow the financial trail, expose these schemes, and hold accountable those who steal from programs meant to help our most vulnerable.”
“The conviction of Abdirashid Dool reflects the FBI’s commitment to protecting Minnesotans and holding offenders accountable wherever they attempt to operate. The FBI, alongside our partners in the IRS-CI and the United States Attorney’s Office, will continue to aggressively pursue cases across the state to ensure those who misuse American taxpayer dollars are brought to justice,” said FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson.
“Today's guilty plea showcases our commitment to holding accountable the criminal actors who abused the U.S. Mail in an effort to commit widespread fraud and to divert funds intended for those most in need,” said Bryan Musgrove, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service's Denver Division. “We stand ready with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who exploit taxpayer funded benefit programs through fraud schemes.”
“Financial fraud threatens the integrity of our communities, and HSI is unwavering in our commitment to confront it,” said Homeland Security Investigations St. Paul Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy. “By working side by side with our partners, we ensure those who commit these crimes are held accountable and justice is served.”
This case is part of an ongoing federal investigation into fraud involving pandemic‑related child‑nutrition programs.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca E. Kline, Matthew C. Murphy, and Austin L. Bowyer are prosecuting the case.
Note: Previous press release detailing Dool’s charges here. This press release has been updated on July 24, 2026, to correct the number of Feeding Our Future defendants convicted. Previous versions misstated this figure. Dool is the 68th defendant convicted.
Owner of Long Island Ambulette Services Company Sentenced to Prison for Multimillion Dollar Healthcare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Adnan Arshad, also known as “Eddie,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack to 97 months in prison for conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with a scheme to steal over $19 million from Medicaid. Arshad was also ordered to pay forfeiture of over $19 million, including the forfeiture of several real properties and vehicles.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Naomi Gruchacz, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI); and Raymond A. Tierney, Suffolk County District Attorney, announced the sentence.
“While taxpayers footed the bill, Arshad financed a lavish lifestyle with multimillion-dollar homes and luxury vehicles. Today’s sentence sends a clear message that those who defraud public healthcare programs for personal enrichment should take notice of the price this defendant will now pay for his greed,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office and the Administration are vigorously prosecuting criminals like the defendant who treat Medicaid like their own personal piggy bank.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the Office of the New York State Comptroller and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the New York State Attorney General's Office for their work on the case.
“The defendant in this case brazenly defrauded the Medicaid program of tens of millions of dollars for transportation services that were never provided,” stated HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Gruchacz. “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable individuals who, to satisfy their own greed, exploit federal health care programs.”
“Adnan Arshad and his co-conspirators orchestrated a scheme that siphoned millions from Medicaid, depriving vulnerable patients of resources and fueling a lavish lifestyle built on fraud,” stated IRS-CI New York Special Agent in Charge Chavis. “This sentencing demonstrates that IRS Criminal Investigation will relentlessly pursue those who exploit public healthcare programs for personal gain. Today, justice has caught up with those who treat taxpayer dollars as their own.”
“Healthcare fraud on this scale does not stay hidden, and it will not go unpunished. This defendant saw hard-earned taxpayer funds meant for the less-fortunate as nothing more than a way to line his pockets. He billed Medicaid for transportation that never happened to finance a lavish lifestyle at the public's expense," stated Suffolk County District Attorney Tierney. “My Office is proud to stand with our federal partners to ensure that this defendant answers for his greed and forfeits what he stole.”
As set forth in court filings and facts presented in court, Arshad owned MTK Taxi LLC in Montauk, Long Island, and co-owned All-Star Taxi LLC, in Ronkonkoma. From approximately December 2020 to his arrest in June 2024, Arshad and his co-conspirators orchestrated a scheme to defraud Medicaid by paying illegal health care kickbacks to Medicaid beneficiaries in exchange for ordering transportation services through their companies, including transportation purportedly for methadone treatment at addiction treatment centers. In reality, Arshad’s companies generally did not provide the medical transportation services for which they billed Medicaid. Instead, they submitted millions of dollars in fraudulent claims for nonexistent rides, including claims for individuals who were deceased, hospitalized or incarcerated.
Arshad and his co-conspirators also inflated their Medicaid reimbursements by directing beneficiaries to request transportation to addiction treatment centers in New York City, despite the availability of numerous treatment centers on Long Island, and by instructing beneficiaries to provide false pickup addresses to make the trips appear longer and therefore more lucrative. Through this scheme, the transportation companies owned or operated by Arshad and his co-conspirators billed Medicaid over $16 million for trips to three addiction treatment centers in New York City.
Arshad used the illicit proceeds to expand and perpetuate the scheme by purchasing several additional transportation vehicles and to finance a lavish lifestyle, including the purchase of multimillion-dollar homes and luxury vehicles, such as a Ferrari and multiple BMWs and Mercedes.
To date, at least five of Arshad’s co-conspirators have pleaded guilty for their participation in the scheme and are awaiting sentencing.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Toporovsky and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Milito of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Janelle Robinson. Assistant United States Attorney Tanisha Payne of the Office’s Asset Forfeiture Section is handling forfeiture matters.
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people.
The Defendant:
ADNAN ARSHAD (also known as “Eddie”)
Age: 47
Mount Sinai, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-231 (JMA)
Oregon Payment Processing Broker Sentenced for $14 Million Dollar Wire Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A payment processing broker who facilitated stealing money from businesses bank accounts was sentenced Monday to three years in prison. Through his scheme, sham merchants stole and attempted to steal $14 million dollars from victims’ bank accounts.
According to court documents, Jeremy Todd Briley, 47, of Happy Valley, Oregon, worked as a payment processing broker. Acting on behalf of clients (merchants), Briley identified payment processors in the U.S. for his clients to use in processing charges. Briley’s two largest clients were sham companies that falsely represented that they provided online marketing services to businesses. Instead, they stole from victims by fraudulently debiting their bank accounts, causing over $14 million in unauthorized debits and attempted debits.
“Jeremy Todd Briley was not an innocent middleman. He knew these sham companies were taking millions of dollars from victims’ bank accounts without permission, yet he helped them keep the scheme running and worked to hide the fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “This sentence sends a clear message that those who knowingly help fraudsters steal from others will be held accountable.”
From February 2017 to December 2023, Briley obtained and maintained payment processing relationships for those sham companies so that they could process fraudulent debits, knowing that the sham companies were fraudulently debiting bank accounts. Despite repeatedly receiving information that the debits processed on behalf of the sham companies were not authorized by the victims, Briley concealed the fraudulent activities of the sham companies in various ways, and he arranged for a payment processor to deceive banks by manipulating return rates on the fraudulent debits.
Briley was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $460,000 in proceeds of the fraud.
In April 2026, Briley pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones; Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group; and Special Agent in Charge Vincent R. Zehme of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), Chicago Region, made the announcement.
The USPIS and FDIC-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Daniel Zytnick of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Grosnoff for the Southern District of Florida handled forfeiture.
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 numbers 25-cr-20350.
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Ohio Man Sentenced to 108 Months in Prison for Creating and Distributing Videos Depicting Monkey Torture and MutilationRead the Press Release
An Ohio man was sentenced to prison today in connection with his involvement with online groups dedicated to creating and distributing videos depicting acts of extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys.
Nicholas T. Dryden, of Cincinnati, was sentenced to 108 months in prison and three years of supervised release for creating so-called “animal crush videos,” and for conspiring to create and distribute animal crush videos.
According to court documents, in 2023 Dryden paid a minor residing in Indonesia to create videos of monkeys being tortured and abused. Dryden sold the resulting videos through various online groups which he administered to numerous other individuals.
According to statements of facts signed by Dryden, the videos in question included depictions of baby and adolescent monkeys being tortured in a multitude of ways, including having their genitals burned and cut off.
“The conduct perpetrated by these defendants was reprehensible,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Energy and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “Congress has said clearly that this conduct has no place in our society, and the Department of Justice stands ready to prosecute those who engaged in these heinous practices to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Dryden, who resided in Cincinnati, paid a minor on the other side of the world to film the torture and abuse of monkeys and then sold those videos to others,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II for the Southern District of Ohio. “This sadistic and obscene conduct is unacceptable in any civilized society and Dryden will rightfully spend time in prison for his actions.”
“This was an extraordinarily disturbing and heinous case of animal cruelty,” said Assistant Director Doug Ault of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement. “Orchestrating the deliberate torture and murder of baby primates is unconscionable. Our agents worked tirelessly to support the pursuit of justice. Today’s sentencing reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable and sends a clear warning to anyone who would commit such acts: we will find you, and you will be held accountable.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and FBI investigated the case.
Senior Trial Attorney Adam C. Cullman of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section is prosecuting the case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Oakley for the Southern District of Ohio also helped prosecute the case.
Notorious Fugitive Arrested in Connection with $547 Million Medicare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A foreign national was arrested yesterday on criminal charges related to his orchestration of a scheme to defraud Medicare over half a billion dollars for unnecessary genetic testing.
Khalid Satary, 54, was charged by indictment in 2019 in the Eastern District of Louisiana as part of one of the largest health care fraud schemes ever charged by the Department of Justice. According to the indictment and court documents, from 2016 to 2019, Satary owned and operated several diagnostic testing laboratories throughout the United States that billed Medicare for expensive and medically unnecessary genetic tests. Satary allegedly conspired with dozens of patient recruiters, telemarketing call centers, and telemedicine companies to utilize deceptive marketing campaigns and illegal kickbacks and bribes to generate cancer genetic test samples that reimbursed between $10,000 to $20,000 per sample. Through his laboratories, Satary billed Medicare for over $547 million. He also allegedly paid millions of dollars in illegal kickbacks and bribes to doctors and patient recruiters. In connection with the indictment, the government seized 16 bank accounts and restrained real estate from Satary.
“This defendant allegedly orchestrated a massive fraud scheme that preyed on thousands of elderly patients, deceiving them into undergoing expensive, medically unnecessary tests and fraudulently billing the government for more than half a billion dollars,” said Acting Attorney General Blanche. “Thanks to the outstanding work of our partners at the FBI, this defendant was brought back from overseas to face justice in the United States. Our message to fraudsters is clear: If you steal from American taxpayers and exploit vulnerable patients, we will find and prosecute you, no matter where you are.”
“This defendant is alleged to have engaged in a massive fraud scheme that preyed on elderly patients, duped them into taking expensive and unnecessary genetic tests, and billed the United States more than half a billion dollars,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “As today’s arrest shows, there is no safe haven for fraudsters who seek to exploit vulnerable Americans or our Nation’s critical health care programs.”
“The arrest of Khalid Ahmed Satary and return to the U.S. is the third Most Wanted Fraudster capture from this FBI and our partners in just 5 weeks – continuing the historic run of success for this new initiative,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Satary was indicted in 2019 on charges on Health Care Fraud Conspiracy, allegedly stealing $547 million from 2016-2019 by fraudulently billing Medicare for expensive and medically unnecessary genetic tests, using deceptive marketing campaigns, illegal kickbacks, and bribes. This is another subject who exploited a program dedicated to helping our most vulnerable and instead stole for himself. Satary has been on the run since 2022, but we got him thanks to great work and coordination from the interagency and our overseas partners.
This is just the latest example showing President Trump’s and Vice President Vance’s White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud will not be deterred in our mission to track down each and every fraudster who allegedly steals from American taxpayers. And it’s yet another high value target returned from overseas by this FBI - the 27th such transfer since June.”
“Medicare fraud targets vulnerable populations and defrauds taxpayers out of millions of dollars,” said United States Attorney David I. Courcelle for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “In this case, the defendant allegedly targeted elderly, disabled and other vulnerable consumers, nationwide, luring them into a fraudulent scheme that generated massive taxpayer losses. Compounding these allegations, it is also alleged that the defendant failed to appear at a court hearing by fleeing the country. Mr. Satary’s eventual apprehension demonstrates the Department of Justice’s unflagging commitment to protect taxpayers’ monies and prosecute those who violate the public trust.”
“HHS-OIG’s investigation of this case uncovered an alleged scheme that exploited vulnerable Medicare beneficiaries through medically unnecessary genetic testing and caused hundreds of millions of dollars in losses to federal health programs. This fugitive’s capture is an important step toward accountability,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Miranda L. Bennett of HHS-OIG. “We appreciate the coordinated efforts that resulted in his arrest abroad and return to the United States. HHS OIG will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure individuals who engage in health care fraud are held accountable, no matter how long they attempt to evade justice.”
Following indictment, Satary was released on bond, over the government’s objection, with a condition not to work in the health care field. While on bond, Satary allegedly conspired with Houston-based laboratories in Texas to continue submitting fraudulent genetic testing claims to Medicare. In December 2022, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Satary in the Eastern District of Louisiana. Satary failed to appear for a court hearing and is alleged to have subsequently fled the country. On July 20, 2026, he was apprehended by regional partners in the Middle East and was found to be in possession of a fake Mexican passport under a fake name, depicted below. He was subsequently transferred into U.S. custody.
Khalid Satary after being apprehended in July 2026 (left), and the fake Mexican passport in his possession (right) Khalid Satary’s arrival at Washington Dulles International Airport.Satary made his initial appearance today in the Eastern District of Virginia. He is charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive illegal health care kickbacks and bribes, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, 10 years in prison for the counts of health care fraud and conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and five years in prison for the count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive kickbacks
On June 4, the FBI announced the creation of the Most Wanted Fraudsters List. The list included Herb Kimble, a fugitive in a $1.2 billion telemedicine and durable medical equipment scheme, who, on June 8—just four days later—was apprehended in the Philippines and was soon after charged as part of the 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. On June 23, Satary was added to the Most Wanted Fraudsters List, and he was apprehended less than a month later, despite being on the run for over three years.
The FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case. The Department thanks its government partners—including U.S. Customs and Border Protection International Operations— in the Middle East for their cooperation in the apprehension of this health care fraud fugitive.
Assistant Chief Justin M. Woodard and Trial Attorney Andrew Tamayo of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Thor Pogozelski for the Southern District of Florida.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion since 2007. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
New York Woman Sentenced for Multiple Fraud OffensesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A New York woman was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for bank fraud, false use of a passport, and aggravated identity theft.
U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock Jr. sentenced Lisa Campos, 59, to time served, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Campos had already served approximately 28 months in custody. Campos was also ordered to pay $8,000 in restitution. Campos pleaded guilty on May 23, 2024.
According to court records, in May 2023, Campos attempted to withdraw funds from a credit union account belonging to two victims. Campos presented a fake United States passport card as identification. She was successful in withdrawing $8000 from one credit union and made two additional unsuccessful attempts at other branch locations. Shortly after leaving the third branch, Campos was located by Freeport Police Department officers and provided them with the purported passport card and a debit card, both in one of the victim’s names.
The U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service investigated the case, with assistance from the Sanford, Topsham, and Freeport Police Departments.
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New York Man Charged with Arson After Setting Fire at Entrance of Federal BuildingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, and Regional Director of the U.S. Federal Protective Service (“FPS”), Robert D. Sooter, announced charges against ANDREW ARRABACA after he set a fire outside of 26 Federal Plaza, sending flames and smoke up the outside of the building. ARRABACA was arrested yesterday and presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky.
“As alleged, the defendant caused a scene of destruction and mayhem by setting a fire at the entrance to a federal building in lower Manhattan which houses thousands of federal employees and receives hundreds of visitors daily,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “I am thankful for the brave, swift response of our law enforcement partners who stopped the defendant before he could cause greater harm. Once again, our bravest ran to the fire. Anyone who commits reckless acts that endanger New Yorkers and federal employees on federal property will be subject to serious federal criminal charges.”
“Andrew Arrabaca allegedly attempted to disrupt and harm the individuals and infrastructure of 26 Federal Plaza,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “His alleged acts appear to have been motivated by his anti-Government and anti-ICE beliefs. His unlawful conduct was immediately thwarted by the heroic response of the Federal Protective Service Officers, NYPD Officers, FBI Special Agents, and FBI Police Officers. FBI New York has zero tolerance for violence targeted at federal employees who choose to serve all Americans.”
“As alleged in the complaint, Andrew Arrabaca traveled to a government building in Lower Manhattan armed with weapons and explosive devices,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Because of the quick and brave actions of law enforcement, no one was seriously injured, and Arrabaca was taken into custody. This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face and the importance of the NYPD’s work with our federal partners to keep the people of New York City safe.”
“The Federal Protective Service is dedicated to safeguarding federal property and ensuring the safety of all who work in and visit these facilities,” said FPS Regional Director Robert D. Sooter. “Our mission is to protect federal buildings, their occupants, and visitors by providing comprehensive law enforcement services. Safety is a top priority; we remain committed to maintaining secure environments that support the vital work of our nation’s government.”
As alleged in the Complaint:(1)
On the morning of July 20, 2026, ARRABACA set off several fireworks in front of the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building at 26 Federal Plaza and shot a BB rifle in the direction of the building. ARRABACA then poured a bucket of flammable liquid onto the ground outside one of the building entrances and ignited the liquid. The liquid exploded into flames. ARRABACA was captured on video footage shooting the BB gun, pouring and igniting the liquid, and running from the scene, as pictured below in still images from surveillance videos:
After setting the fire, ARRABACA retrieved a box of fireworks from a utility wagon that he had wheeled to the area and threw the box into the fire. Law enforcement agents apprehended and arrested ARRABACA just as an explosion sounded from the direction of the fire.
ARRABACA was wearing military-style camouflage pants, a belt with tactical pouches containing BB pellets and carbon dioxide cartridges, and a helmet bearing several phrases, including, “Kill yourself.” A cross-body bag containing a knife and matches was concealed under ARRABACA’s clothing, and a New York driver’s license for ARRABACA was recovered from ARRABACA’s person.
As pictured below, after ARRABACA’s arrest, law enforcement agents searched the wagon and recovered numerous items, including a BB rifle and a pellet rifle, a machete, two hatchets, a mallet, a hammer, and what appeared to be several fireworks, including a cylindrical, multi-shot consumer firework with a printed label reading “Nuclear Warhead” and a black and yellow radiation symbol. A sign on the wagon bore the phrase “ICE Off Our Streets.”
During a recorded, Mirandized post-arrest interview, ARRABACA stated, in substance and in part, that he was motivated to act by anti-government beliefs, including a belief that government authorities were unlawfully harming people, and that he had targeted the building entrance because he previously observed that it was a busy one.
At the time of ARRABACA’s actions, the entrances to the Federal Building were guarded by law enforcement officers and/or government-contracted security guards and there were numerous individuals in the immediate vicinity of the Federal Building. As pictured below, some individuals were just feet away from ARRABACA as he poured and lit a flammable liquid, creating a fireball.
Multiple individuals were evaluated for injuries, including at least one victim who appeared to have been hit with debris from the fire and/or explosion, resulting in a gash on the back of the victim’s head.
* * *
ARRABACA, 43, of Poughkeepsie, New York, is charged with destruction of property owned or leased by the United States by means of fire or explosives and causing personal injury or substantial risk of injury, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.
The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding response of the FPS and the FBI New York Field Office. Mr. Clayton also praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the NYPD, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the assistance of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section.
This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit and General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jane Chong, Samantha Fry, and Varun A. Gumaste are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
^
As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the Complaint to date constitutes only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.
New York Man Admits his Role as Part of International Ring Targeting Cell Phone Shipments for TheftRead the Press Release
Newark, N.J. – A New York man admitted to engaging in a conspiracy to receive and transport stolen goods causing losses of more than $1,500,000, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
Raimond Cabrera De Leon, 33, of New York, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Jamel K. Semper in Newark federal court on July 16, 2026, to an information charging him with conspiring to receive and transport stolen goods.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Cabrera De Leon was part of an international and nationwide ring involved in the widespread theft of electronic device shipments from FedEx and other carriers. The ring identified valuable packages to steal through two primary means: (1) the creation and use of automated computer scripts to scrape data from the public and customer-facing tracking systems of FedEx and Victim-1, a major U.S. cellular provider; and (2) bribing corrupt Victim-1 employees to provide confidential information about Victim-1 customers, including orders, names, tracking numbers, and delivery addresses. This criminal network operated in layers with some members, referred to as “dispatchers,” obtaining and selling the delivery information and others, referred to as “runners,” purchasing this delivery information and stealing the packages. Cabrera De Leon operated a major “fence” location out of a residential building in the Bronx, New York, where an almost constant stream of people brought stolen devices for sale.
The conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the value of the gain or loss, whichever is greater.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited Homeland Security Investigations, New York Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Pete Gizas, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, the New York City Police Department under the direction of Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William A. Daniel and Chief Walter Laurencio with the investigation leading to this plea.
U.S. Attorney Frazer also thanked the Dominican Republic’s Procuraduría Especializada Contra los Crímenes y Delitos de Alta Tecnología (PEDATEC), (Specialized Prosecutor's Office for High Technology Crimes and Offenses) and HSI’s Newark Field Office for their collaboration in this matter.
In 2024, New Jersey experienced a surge of over 400 identified package thefts targeting cellular devices. To combat this threat, Union County Prosecutor’s Office partnered with New Jersey State Police Real Time Crime Center North and FBI Newark to spearhead a task force of investigators from impacted jurisdictions along with federal, state, and county agencies to collaborate on emerging intelligence. Through private sector partnerships, collusive employees were identified. Prospective delivery information was also shared among the task force to proactively identify, surveil, and arrest individuals involved in package theft within New Jersey. The following agencies are credited with contributing:
Cranford Police Department, Sparta Police Department, Moorestown Police Department, Barnegat Police Department, Paterson Police Department, Belleville Police Department, Department of Homeland Security-U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations, Port Authority Police Department, Edison Police Department, Woodbridge Police Department, Rahway Police Department, Elizabeth Police Department, Kenilworth Police Department, Plainfield Police Department, Westfield Police Department, Summit Police Department, Linden Police Department, Scotch Plains Police Department, Berkeley Heights Police Department, Union County Police Department, Mountainside Police Department, Hillside Police Department, Fanwood Police Department, Clark Police Department, New Providence Police Department, Roselle Police Department, Roselle Park Police Department, Springfield Police Department, Union Police Department, Wayne Police Department, South Amboy Police Department, Brick Police Department, Wyckoff Police Department, Rutherford Police Department, Carlstadt Police Department, Oakland Police Department, Glen Rock Police Department, Fort Lee Police Department, Montvale Police Department, Little Falls Police Department, Wallington Police Department, Englewood Police Department, Leonia Police Department, Bloomfield Police Department, Fair Lawn Police Department, Closter Police Department, Verona Police Department, Elmwood Park Police Department, Clifton Police Department, Woodcliff Lakes Police Department, Cresskill Police Department, Palisades Park Police Department, Hillsdale Police Department, Franklin Lakes Police Department, Warren Township Police Department, Caldwell Police Department, Fairview Police Department, New Milford Police Department, Bergenfield Police Department, Branchburg Police Department, Wayne Police Department, Paramus Police Department, Jersey City Police Department, Secaucus Police Department, Randolph Police Department, Teaneck Police Department, Middlesex Police Department, Montvale Police Department, Manalapan Police Department, Toms River Police Department, Riverdale Police Department, Morristown Police Department, Dover Police Department, Roxbury Police Department, Montville Police Department, Parsippany Police Department, Denville Police Department, Chatham Township Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, North Brunswick Police Department, New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Trevor A. Chenoweth and Andrew Kogan of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
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Defense counsel: Sarah Sulkowski, Esq.
deleon.information.pdfMichigan Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
TOLEDO, Ohio – A 29-year-old man was sentenced for a drug offense and for assaulting a federal officer while the officer was performing his official duties.
Damarko Amir Kimble, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced to 121 months (10.08 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary after pleading guilty in April to Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer. He was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release after imprisonment.
According to court documents, on Oct. 7, 2024, federal officers encountered Kimble at a service plaza parking lot on the I-80/90 turnpike in Sandusky County. Kimble’s rental vehicle had expired registration tags. A K-9 working with the officers alerted to the presence of illegal substances in Kimble’s vehicle. During a probable cause search of Kimble’s vehicle, a backpack was located on the rear floorboard. The backpack contained a plastic bag that officers suspected to be methamphetamine. The substance was later analyzed at a forensic laboratory and confirmed to be 577.7 grams of pure methamphetamine. As the officers attempted to arrest Kimble, he rushed towards one of them and knocked him off his feet, throwing him to the ground. Kimble attempted to flee but was apprehended.
The investigation was led by the U.S. Border Patrol Sandusky Bay Station.
Assistant United States Attorney Dexter L. Phillips for the Northern District Ohio led the prosecution.
Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to 12 ½ Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Terry Detroit Page, 54, of Pineville, N.C., was sentenced today to 151 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for distributing methamphetamine, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
According to filed court documents and the sentencing hearing, law enforcement initiated an investigation into Page for drug trafficking in and around Charlotte. Using a confidential informant, law enforcement conducted multiple drug buys with Page of methamphetamine and fentanyl. In January 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Page’s residence. During search of the residence, law enforcement seized narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and two firearms, including a rifle. Page has a prior criminal conviction, and he is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Page is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte 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.
Mendota Man Faces Life in Prison After Federal Jury Finds Him Guilty of Violent Attacks in Aid of MS-13Read the Press Release
After an 11-day trial, a federal jury today convicted Oscar Armando Orellana Guevara, 28, of Mendota, of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise and attempted murder for his ongoing involvement in MS-13, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
For nearly a decade, members of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS‑13) gang terrorized Mendota through violence, extortion, drug trafficking, and enforcement of gang rules. A federal grand jury ultimately charged multiple members, including Orellana, with conspiring to participate in a racketeering enterprise aimed at protecting MS‑13 territory, enhancing its reputation, disciplining members, and raising money for the gang.
Attempted Murder of JBH
According to court documents and testimony during the trial, on Aug. 28, 2020, Orellana and other MS-13 members were at a river near Mendota, when they heard music coming from another spot. They discovered the individual playing the music was JBH, whom they targeted because he because he was related to a government informant who was cooperating with law enforcement against MS-13.
Unable to retaliate against the cooperator, who was in prison, the group attacked JBH instead. Upon arriving at the scene, Orellana yelled out “I’m from the Mara and today is your last day to live” and then chased JBH across the river into an orchard. There, he forced the victim to his knees before stabbing him 10 times.
JBH was treated at a hospital for multiple stab wounds, including chest wounds that nearly punctured a lung and eviscerating wounds that penetrated his abdominal cavity and damaged his intestines.
Racketeering Conspiracy
In addition to the attempted murder of JBH, court documents and trial testimony showed that Orellana participated in the MS-13 enterprise for years, including by selling drugs, extorting people, patrolling for rival gang members, and participating in plans to murder others.
On Aug. 12, 2018, Orellana participated in the stabbing of a rival Bulldog gang member. While riding in an SUV, Guevara and others spotted IR near a convenience store, confronted him, chased him, and stabbed him before fleeing.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC), and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation with assistance from the Mendota Police Department, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, and the Madera County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Veneman-Hughes, Ross Pearson, and Justin Gilio are prosecuting the case
Another defendant in the case, Martin Leiva-Leiva, remains set for trial on racketeering conspiracy and six counts of capital murder on June 7, 2027.
Orellana is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill on Nov. 5, 2026. Orellana faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Sacramento is composed of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Northern California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.
Memphis Man Sentenced to over 24 Years in Prison for Distributing Heroin and Carfentanil, Resulting in Fatal OverdoseRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A federal Judge has sentenced Steven McCurdy, 46, (aka "Stephen McCurdy", aka "Kroger Man", aka "Plug Tunchii") to over 24 years in prison for distributing heroin and carfentanil that resulted in death. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.
On May 11, 2020, victim W.B. and a witness purchased what they believed to be heroin from the defendant, McCurdy, who the witness knew as "Kroger Man". The victim and witness then went to the witness’s home in Byhalia, Mississippi, where they took the drugs recently sold to them by McCurdy.
Later that night, the witness awoke and found W.B. unresponsive. The witness called 911. First responders arrived within minutes, where W.B. was pronounced deceased on the scene. An autopsy was conducted by the Mississippi Medical Examiner’s Office. The cause of death for the victim was determined to be a combination of heroin and carfentanil toxicity.
Another witness called by the Government during trial identified McCurdy as the person they knew as "Kroger Man", aka "Plug Tunchii", an individual who had sold the witness narcotics around the time of May 2020.
In his statement to FBI agents upon his arrest, McCurdy admitted to selling marijuana and narcotics but claimed no one had overdosed on his products.
On April 2, 2026, after a three-day jury trial, the jury rendered a verdict of guilty. On July 17, 2026, after hearing proof and arguments from the parties, Chief U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced McCurdy to a period of 292 months' incarceration, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “Distribution of illegal narcotics is NOT a victimless crime and poses an immense threat to public safety. The drug seller, at every level of distribution, is at the root of the pervasive cycle of drug abuse. In order to prevent needless addiction, injury, violence, and death in our communities, we must act with urgency to stop and punish drug dealers that deliver death to our fellow citizens.”
“Steven McCurdy fueled the distribution of dangerous drugs and narcotics, including heroin and carfentanil,” said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that individuals who profit from poisoning our communities will be held accountable. The FBI and our partners remain steadfast in our mission to protect our communities and will continue to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those who distribute deadly drugs.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Byhalia Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Bryce H. Phillips and Wendy K. Caceres, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Erica Ronquillo, of the United States Army Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
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For more information, please contact the media relations team at [email protected]. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Member of 10-Person Robbery Crew Targeting Chicago Suburbs Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A member of a crew that conspired to commit 11 brazen daytime robberies in the Chicago suburbs has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Between January 2022 and March 2023, PERRY MAPLE, 23, participated directly in three armed robberies of armored trucks and ATMs in Calumet City and Orland Park. During one armed robbery, Maple drove a stolen car to a bank in a crowded shopping plaza, shoved an ATM technician to the ground, and pointed a gun in the technician’s face as he and his co-defendant stole approximately $155,000 from the ATM. Maple and his co-defendant committed the violent robbery on a Friday afternoon with innocent bystanders mere feet away. In the other two robberies, Maple acted as a getaway driver. Maple and his co-defendants stole nearly $700,000 during the three robberies.
In June 2024, Maple and 10 other members of the armed robbery crew were charged in federal court in connection with 11 armed robberies of armored trucks, ATMs, and banks. On March 26, 2026, Maple pleaded guilty to federal charges of robbery and armed robbery, and on July 16, 2026, U.S. District Judge Robert W. Gettleman sentenced Maple to 15 years in prison.
Maple’s sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elie Zenner and Simar Khera.
“Along with his co-conspirators, defendant repeatedly and violently robbed armed armored truck couriers and ATM technicians at gunpoint,” AUSA Zenner argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Each robbery was a high-stakes, high-reward robbery, and defendant willingly risked getting into a deadly shootout for the chance at hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen proceeds.”
Melvindale Man Charged with Threatening to Kill ICE AgentsRead the Press Release
DETROIT – Michael Gary Petersen, 41, of Melvindale, Michigan, was arrested on July 16, 2026, and charged with making threats to kill ICE agents and other law enforcement officers, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. announced.
Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Jared Murphey, acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Detroit and acting Field Office Director Matthew Putra, Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations Detroit.
The criminal complaint charges Petersen with threatening to assault or murder a law enforcement officer, and interstate communications involving threats. Between January and July of 2026, Petersen posted a series of messages to his social media accounts in which he threatened law enforcement officers, as well as social media users, who opposed Petersen’s views. He repeatedly encouraged his social media followers to shoot law enforcement officers in the face, admonishing others to “[n]ever trust officers. Death to them all.” Petersen warned his readers, “Wait till we start throwing grenades and start shooting armor piercing rounds at these agents.” On June 7, 2026, Petersen declared that the ICE Agent involved in the shooting of Renee Good “…can’t escape a bullet. It’s coming soon. Just wait. ;).” In response to a user who disagreed with Petersen, he replied, “I have a bullet with your name on it.”
“Threats against law enforcement are an attack on the rule of law. These brave Americans protect us. And we will do our part to protect them,” said Gorgon.
“Disagreement with laws is one thing but the allegations here involve threatening to shoot officers in the face and throw explosive devices,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “We take these types of threats extremely seriously and HSI special agents will vigorously investigate these cases and bring them to justice.”
“The men and women of ICE are enforcing the immigration laws of the land as passed by Congress,” said ICE ERO Detroit acting Field Office Director Matthew Putra. “For them to be allegedly targeted for simply doing their duty according to federal law is unconscionable.”
A criminal complaint is only a charging document and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eaton Brown.
Marcus Hook Man Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that James I. Watts, aka “Chubbs,” 41, of Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 276 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, by United States District Judge Juan R. Sánchez for drug trafficking and gun offenses.
The defendant was charged by superseding indictment in May 2023 and pleaded guilty in September of last year to two counts each of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
As detailed in court filings and statements, Watts was the leader of the Crown Royal Gang (“CRG”), a street gang involved in trafficking large quantities of narcotics, including methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, in Northeast Philadelphia.
The FBI, in conjunction with the Philadelphia Police Department (“PPD”), began investigating the CRG’s activities in early 2020. In October of that year, investigators began conducting surveillance operations pertaining to the CRG in the vicinity of the Oxford Village Housing Project (6150 Algon Avenue), specifically targeting a yellow Ford E250 van parked on the 1000 block of Benner Street within the housing project. Investigation revealed that the van was registered to the defendant.
On numerous occasions from October 2020 through March 2021, investigators saw members of CRG, including Watts and several co-defendants, place in or remove small items or bags to and from the yellow Ford van. On March 12, 2021, investigators observed CRG members, including the defendant, congregating near the vehicle. During this time, investigators saw Watts remove a black plastic bag from the yellow Ford van, enter a white Acura TL with the bag, and leave the area.
PPD officers conducted a traffic stop of the Acura shortly thereafter, and Watts, the operator and sole occupant, was determined to have a suspended Pennsylvania driver’s license. He was removed from the vehicle, patted down for officer safety, and found to be in possession of $4,000 cash. After a PPD narcotics K-9 gave positive alerts for drugs on both the Acura and the Ford van, search warrants for the vehicles were obtained and executed, with over a kilogram of cocaine and varying quantities of crystal meth, heroin, oxycodone pills, and crack recovered. In addition, drug packaging paraphernalia, numerous cell phones, and four handguns were recovered from the vehicles.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Philadelphia Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Everett Witherell and Lindsey Mills.
Louisville Man Sentenced to 75 Years in Federal Prison for 9 Federal Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Jefferson County man was sentenced today to 75 years in federal prison after being convicted in March, following a week-long jury trial, of three counts of sexual exploitation of children, two counts of receipt of child pornography, two counts of distribution of child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography and one count of commission of a felony against a child by a person required to register as a sex offender.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Paul L. Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
Quinnton Dawson, 35, was sentenced to 75 years in federal prison followed by a life term on supervised release. The Court ordered Dawson to pay $3,000 in restitution to the victim.
In January of 2022, Dawson was convicted in Jefferson Circuit Court of 25 counts of possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor, one count of distribution of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor, and one count distribution of sexually explicit images without consent–first offense pursuant to indictment number 20-CR-002017. Dawson was sentenced to five years in prison but was granted shock probation in May 2022.
While released on shock probation, Dawson used his Yahoo email account to send and receive images and videos of child sexual abuse material on July 13 and 15, 2022. In August 2022, using the images and videos he traded on the internet as motivation, inspiration, and a script, Dawson engaged in the production of child pornography when he used an electronic storage device to record himself engaging in sexual acts with a 4-year-old child.
United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “Nothing can restore the innocence that Dawson stole from these young child victims with his depraved conduct. Fortunately, these victims will never have to worry about being harmed by Dawson again because he will now serve out his remaining days behind bars at a federal prison. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our local and federal law enforcement partners, our Office will continue to seek justice for vulnerable victims and hold child predators to full account under federal law.”
Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson stated, "This sentence is a reflection of the FBI's commitment and dedication to protecting our nation's children and to holding accountable those who choose to exploit their vulnerability. We know that we cannot get back the innocence lost, but we hope some semblance of peace is gained knowing Quinnton Dawson will never experience freedom again. Rest assured, FBI Louisville is working hard every single day, alongside our law enforcement partners, to remove child predators from our communities."
Chief Paul L. Humphrey stated, "No punishment can undo the harm inflicted on a child, but this sentence ensures a dangerous offender will spend the rest of his life where he belongs: behind bars and off the streets of our community. I want to commend our detectives and federal partners whose relentless work helped bring this case to justice. We will continue working together to aggressively pursue anyone who exploits children."
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the LMPD.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danielle M. Yannelli prosecuted the case with the assistance of paralegal Carissa Moss.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
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Louisiana Company Settles Matter Alleging Receipt of Improper CARES Act Loans for over $2.9 MillionRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A company providing inspection, repair and maintenance services based in Harvey, Louisiana, with offices in Hackensack, New Jersey, entered into a settlement agreement with the United States resolving allegations that the company violated the False Claims Act by taking a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan to which it was not entitled, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
According to the allegations in the complaint and the contentions of the United States in the settlement agreement:
In January 2021, CAN USA, Inc. applied for and received a $2 million PPP loan. Under the eligibility rules in effect at that time, businesses with more than 300 employees were not eligible for PPP loans. Applicants were instructed that the 300-employee limit included employees working for the applicant’s affiliates. In its loan application, CAN USA certified that it was eligible for the loan and that it employed no more than 300 employees. However, CAN USA was not eligible for its loan because, inclusive of employees working for the company’s foreign affiliates, CAN USA had more than 300 employees. After receiving the PPP loan, CAN USA sought and received forgiveness of the total amount of the loan, plus accrued interest.
CAN USA fully cooperated in the investigation and resolution of this matter. In accordance with the terms of the settlement agreement, CAN USA will pay the United States $2,916,900. The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties, called relators, to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. In this matter, the relator is receiving $291,690 as the share.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney David V. Simunovich of the Health Care Fraud and Opioid Enforcement Unit in Newark.
The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Clearwater Metrics LLC v. CAN USA Inc., Civil Action No. 26-3469 (D.N.J.).
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
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canusa.agreement.pdfCounsel for CAN USA, Inc.: Duris Holmes, Esq., New Orleans, LA
Counsel for Relator ClearWater Metrics, LLC: Jason Marcus, Esq., Atlanta, GA
Leader of “delivery service” drug trafficking ring sentenced to prisonRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – An illegal alien from Mexico was sentenced to 20 years in prison as the ringleader of a drug trafficking ring supplied by a Mexican cartel. A Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) investigation led to the convictions of Jose Antonio Heredia-Chang, 34, and approximately a dozen defendants who either worked for or were clients of his operation.
According to court documents, Heredia-Chang pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
In February 2023, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) launched an investigation into a drug trafficking ring in the Kansas City metro area. Agents determined Heredia-Chang to be the leader of a network that distributed methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and other narcotics. Buyers/distributors in Kansas City placed orders with Heredia-Chang, then he dispatched drivers to deliver the narcotics.
Agents gathered evidence tying Heredia-Chang to illegal narcotics and firearm sales. Further evidence proved Heredia-Chang was communicating with collaborators in Sinaloa, Mexico, to acquire and transport methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin, and that Heredia-Chang operated other distribution bases in Seattle, Washington, and Denver, Colorado.
“Thanks to the meticulous work of the Homeland Security Task Force, the Heredia-Chang delivery service is no longer importing poison like methamphetamine and fentanyl into our communities and those involved in the organization are in prison, including a dangerous illegal alien” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Destroying these trans-national criminal organizations is at the core of why HSTFs were established. We applaud everyone involved in putting Mr. Heredia-Chang behind bars for the next two decades.”
“Today’s sentencing is the culmination of an investigation that shed light on the cartel members lurking in the shadows of our communities, inflicting fear and intimidation while pushing fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine around town,” DEA St. Louis Field Division Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer said. “These actions will not stand, and the DEA remains committed to working alongside our partners to remove these threats from our streets.”
“Heredia-Chang ran a drug distribution network from the palm of his hand, dispatching drivers to deliver methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine across the country while arranging firearms deals by phone,” said Special Agent in Charge Bernard “Butch” Hansen of the ATF Kansas City Field Division. “His operation stretched from Mexico to Kansas City, Denver, and Seattle. This 20-year sentence reflects the tireless work of ATF, DEA and our Homeland Security Task Force partners across multiple jurisdictions, along with the skilled prosecutors who built the case that ultimately held the man directing this organization accountable.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Faiza Alhambra prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Kansas City comprises agents and officers from FBI; HSI; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas.
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Las Vegas Man Pleads Guilty to Committing Three Armed Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
According to court documents, from January 9, 2025, to January 25, 2025, Denzel Brishard Jones robbed a bank in North Las Vegas and a bank and a credit union in Henderson. During the three robberies, he brandished an XBG BB-gun to make a display of force that reasonably caused the employees to fear bodily harm.
“Violent crime has no place in our community. Armed robberies terrorize innocent employees and bystanders,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “Our office will continue to aggressively prosecute anyone who uses a firearm to threaten, intimidate, or steal.”
Jones pleaded guilty to three counts of armed bank robbery. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 75 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for October 8, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI, the Henderson Police Department, and the North Las Vegas Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melinda Brewer is prosecuting the case.
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Kansas City Woman Sentenced for Making False Statements to a Financial Institution and Preparing Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City woman was sentenced in federal court yesterday for her role in two separate fraudulent schemes.
Bianca Cobbins, 43, was sentenced by United States District Judge Greg Kays, to 45 months in federal prison, followed by a four-year term of supervised release, for making false statements to a financial institution, as well as aiding in the preparation of false tax returns, resulting in an actual loss of $312,656.00 and an intended loss of $36,128.32. Cobbins was also ordered to pay full restitution to the victims of her crimes. This successful prosecution is one of many federal fraud cases pursued under the leadership of President Donald Trump and through the establishment of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
In December 2019, Cobbins obtained personal information belonging to a victim, including the victim’s legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and credit score. Utilizing this information, Cobbins obtained a fraudulent driver’s license containing the victim’s personal information and a photograph of another individual, Quanisha Capelton. Cobbins and Capelton then utilized the fraudulent driver’s license to apply for a checking account at a local financial institution.
After opening the checking account, Cobbins manufactured two fraudulent paystubs. The paystubs falsely indicated that the above-mentioned victim worked for a healthcare company in Kansas City, Mo., and that the victim’s paychecks were directly deposited into the fraudulently opened checking account. Cobbins and Capelton then used the fraudulent driver’s license and paystubs to apply for a consumer loan at the above-mentioned local financial institution as well as other loans at various financial institutions and consumer loan companies. This criminal activity resulted in an intended loss of $36,128.32.
Quanisha Capelton was previously charged, convicted, and sentenced to the Bureau of Prisons for her use of the victim’s personal information.
In a separate scheme, Cobbins, a professional tax preparer who owned and operated a tax preparation business in Kansas City, Mo., knowingly prepared false federal tax returns for tax years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. In many instances, Cobbins attached fraudulent Schedule C forms to her clients’ returns to fraudulently inflate her clients’ refunds. Specifically, the fraudulent Schedule C forms falsely claimed business profits and/or losses, all to ensure her clients received the maximum amount of earned income credit.
In total, Cobbins fraudulently prepared at least 60 false federal tax returns, resulting in an actual loss of $312,656.00.
This case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Nicholas P. Heberle. It was investigated by the United States Secret Service, IRS-CI, and the Lee’s Summit, Missouri Police Department.
National Fraud Enforcement DivisionOn April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired