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Monday 23 June 2025
Tripoli Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who distributed and possessed child pornography pled guilty on Friday, June 20, 2025, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
At the plea hearing, Austin Kingsbury, age 23, from Tripoli, Iowa, admitted that between August 2022 and June 2023, he distributed visual depictions of child pornography. Between December 2022 and June 2023, Kingsbury possessed child pornography, including of prepubescent children, on his cellular telephone.
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 the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Kingsbury remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Kingsbury faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, $62,200 in special assessments, and a lifetime term of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Devra T. Hake and Dillan Edwards and was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, the Tripoli, Iowa Police Department, the Bremer County, Iowa Sheriff’s Office, the Cedar Rapids, Iowa Police Department, the Anchorage, Alaska Police Department, and the Alaska State Troopers Technical Crimes Unit.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 24-CR-2049. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Three New York Residents Charged with Conspiring to Defraud Bank Customers, Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Fanchao Zeng, 33, Zhongzhou Lin, 26, and Yanping Li, 32, all of Queens, New York, were arrested and charged by indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, five counts of bank fraud, two counts each of aggravated identity theft, and aiding and abetting, arising from a scheme to impersonate and defraud numerous bank customers.
The indictment alleges that the three defendants and their co-conspirators repeatedly used stolen bank account information and fraudulently obtained driver’s licenses to access the home equity line of credit (“HELOC”) of a bank customer, transfer funds from the HELOC to an account that the conspirators controlled, and then withdraw those funds.
As detailed in the indictment, Zeng and Lin, with their co-conspirators, identified bank customers who had HELOCs. Zeng, Lin, and Li then submitted fraudulent change of address requests in the HELOC account holders’ names to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, usually via the department’s website. They proceeded to use the department’s website to request a replacement driver’s license for each HELOC account holder, which was mailed to the new address to which the conspirators had access.
Next, Zeng, Lin, Li, and their co-conspirators took steps to prepare the funds available from the HELOCs for theft. Sometimes, they made an online transfer of HELOC funds to an account linked to the legitimate HELOC account holder. Other times, they created a fake business account in the HELOC account holder’s name and transferred HELOC funds to this business account. On other occasions, the defendants and their conspirators caused the transfer of HELOC funds to linked accounts via phone-initiated transfer requests or in-person visits to bank branches.
After these steps, the indictment alleges, the defendants and their co-conspirators traveled to branches of the defrauded banks to steal the HELOC funds. They had individuals of the same ethnicity as the HELOC account holders (“runners”) enter these banks, and, using the fraudulently obtained replacement driver’s licenses, withdraw funds belonging to the HELOC account holders. The runners, who included Li on multiple occasions, did so either by making large cash withdrawals or by purchasing official checks in large amounts.The defendants and their co-conspirators often cashed these official checks at casinos and gambled with the proceeds, in order to hide their fraud.
If convicted, Zeng faces a maximum possible sentence of 131 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $5,000,000 fine. If Lin is convicted, he faces a maximum possible sentence of 159 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $5,750,000 fine. If Li is convicted, she faces a maximum possible sentence of 101 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $4,250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric D. Gill.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.Thirteen People Charged in Takedown of a Major Drug Trafficking NetworkRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Thirteen people have been charged and arrested for their roles in a New York City-based drug trafficking ring, with federal agents seizing nearly 500 kilos of cocaine.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge, New York Division, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Craig A. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge, Albany Field Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Steven G. James, Superintendent, New York State Police (NYSP).
On June 12, law enforcement officers, including from the NYSP, DEA and FBI, conducted searches at 24 locations in New York and New Jersey as part of an operation to break up a drug trafficking network that shipped drugs from California to New York City and then Upstate New York. The searches resulted in the seizure of almost 250 kilos of cocaine, fentanyl pills, other drugs and paraphernalia, a firearm and more than $1 million in cash. Law enforcement also made arrests in Georgia and Pennsylvania.
The searches and arrests on June 12 followed an 18-month-long investigation in which law enforcement seized more than 240 kilos of cocaine, 185 pounds of methamphetamine, and almost 700 pounds of marijuana.
United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “Using an all-hands-on-deck approach, we have smashed a sophisticated, New York City-based drug trafficking organization that was pumping poison into our Upstate New York communities. This case demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to taking back our communities from the criminal organizations that have proliferated in recent years thanks to weak state laws and even weaker state legislators from New York City.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino said: “Over the past year and a half, our DEA team, working alongside our dedicated law enforcement partners, have successfully targeted the Abdelhak drug trafficking organization which has plagued and poisoned our communities here in New York and across the Northeastern corridor with illicit narcotics. While these operations have made a significant impact dismantling this drug trafficking network’s criminal enterprise, the DEA’s mission is far from over. The DEA remains steadfast in our commitment to saving lives, and we will continue to pursue the drug cartels and those individuals responsible for flooding our neighborhoods with these poisonous drugs.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig A. Tremaroli said: “This network’s reach was expansive – moving drugs from California to sell in communities within the Capital Region, North Country, Central New York, Western New York, and New York City. But the reach of our federal task forces is deeper, and these 13 individuals learned the hard way that the FBI, together with our law enforcement partners, will not stand idly by while criminals pedal drugs on our streets.”
NYSP Superintendent Steven G. James said: “This investigation and the arrests that followed reflect our unwavering commitment to protecting the public from the violence and devastation drug trafficking brings to our communities. These individuals were responsible for flooding our streets with lethal narcotics, putting countless lives at risk. By taking down this network, we have removed a serious threat to the safety of neighborhoods across New York. I thank our Troopers and all of our law enforcement partners for their tireless work to safeguard our state.”
According to a criminal complaint, the following people are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances:
- Samer Abdelhak, aka “Semi,” age 35, of Fresh Meadows, New York;
- Leon Chen, aka “Don Eladio,” 29, of Long Island City, New York;
- Michael Harper, aka “Miz,” 38, of Corning, New York;
- Anthony Medina, aka “Tank” and “Fatboy,” 28, of Painted Post, New York;
- Broslloyd Campbell, 42, of Hewlett, New York;
- Anthony Dixon Jr., 41, of Jackson, New Jersey;
- Chaquill Foster, aka “Lo” and “Gucci,” 31, of Schenectady, New York;
- Christopher Smith, aka “Boot,” 39, of Fresh Meadows, New York;
- Jason Hogue, aka “Whispers,” 44, of Lake Placid, New York;
- Christopher Christman, aka “Free,” “Fremont,” and “Puffy,” 42, of Fresh Meadows, New York;
- Cesar Ariel Castro-Sanchez, aka “Dom R,” 31, of Palisades Park, New Jersey;
- Jocelyn Foster, aka “Jozzy,” 29, of Amsterdam, New York; and
- Mikell Butler, 34, of Schenectady, New York.
Nearly all of the defendants have been charged with offenses that carry a minimum term of 10 years and up to life in prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. Each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The NYSP, the DEA’s Capital District Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the FBI’s Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force are investigating this case, with assistance from Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office, the Sheriff’s Offices in Fulton and Montgomery Counties, and the Police Departments in Colonie, Elmira, Gloversville, Johnstown, Niskayuna, Schenectady, and Amsterdam. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyrus P.W. Rieck, Katherine Kopita and Nicholas Walter are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
St. Louis Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Shootings and CarjackingRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Tuesday sentenced a convicted felon who committed an armed 2018 carjacking, a 2021 shooting and two other crimes involving guns to 25 years in prison.
Darnell L. Clemons left a string of victims terrified and traumatized, according to testimony at Monday’s sentencing hearing.
On May 16, 2018, Darnell L. Clemons and a nephew robbed and carjacked the manager of a University City, Missouri restaurant. Clemons stole the victim’s 2015 Toyota Corolla, cash and her phone after placing the muzzle of a handgun to her forehead and stomach.
On July 29, 2021, Clemons’ nephew spotted a gun in a bag belonging to a customer at a Florissant, Missouri gas station and convenience store. The nephew tried to steal the gun, triggering a struggle. Clemons spotted the struggle, ran into the store and shot the victim in the back, resulting in permanent injury. He fired another shot from outside of the store.
On Aug. 4, 2021, following a shootout with unknown individuals in a car, Clemons jumped through a stranger’s window in the O’Fallon neighborhood in St. Louis. Police found a stolen 9mm pistol with the slide locked back and no ammunition, indicating that Clemons had fired it recently. Clemons initially gave his brother’s name to police and claimed that officers planted the gun they found. A witness saw Clemons with the gun and his fingerprint was on the pistol’s magazine, however.
On Dec. 8, 2021, Clemons was arrested on outstanding warrants by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s Fugitive Unit with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations. After a foot chase through the Delmar Loop, officers found a 9mm Glock loaded with a large capacity drum magazine. Clemons again gave his brother’s name and falsely claimed that police had planted the gun. He later told police he “should have shot it out with you all” rather than surrendering, and threatened to kill an officer that he recognized, and that officer’s mother.
Clemons was a “one-man crime wave” for 20 years before that arrest, placing him in the highest criminal history category, according to a sentencing memo. That crime wave included a carjacking committed by Clemons and his nephew at a church and resisting-arrest convictions dating back to age 16. Clemons also “capped off months of domestic abuse by throwing his pregnant girlfriend through a table, causing her to miscarry his own child,” the memo says. He also shot her, the memo says. In a letter to Judge Autrey, Clemons’ former girlfriend said Clemons’ gun went off while he was pistol-whipping her on Mother’s Day. “Hurting people made you laugh, and that's where you found your joy in life,” she wrote in her letter. “To this day, I still deal with not feeling safe, not even when the police would come, because you have successfully broken into my house countless times. Not only are you my worst nightmare, but also the mother of a child's worst nightmare as well.”
“This was a career criminal with no regard for human life and demonstrated a willingness to terrorize communities with violence,” said Mark Zito, Special Agent in Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations Kansas City. “This is exactly the kind of dangerous offender HSI targets: armed, repeat violent criminals who think they can operate without consequence. Let this sentencing serve as a clear warning – if you prey on the public with guns and fear, we will find you, we will build the case, and we will make sure you face the full weight of the justice system.”
Clemons, 38, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty in January in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the University City Police Department, the Florissant Police Department and the St. Louis County Crime Lab investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Bluestone and Matthew Martin prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
St. Albans, Vermont Man Sentenced to 42 Months for Unlawful Possession of Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on June 20, 2025, Shane Hardy, 46, originally of Bedford-Stuyvesant, New York, but more recently residing in St. Albans, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford to a term of 42 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 2-year term of supervised release.
According to court records, Hardy has a serious criminal history that includes a conviction for manslaughter in New York State for which he was incarcerated for over a decade. Despite knowing that he was prohibited from possessing firearms, Hardy expressed interest in firearms and then accepted four stolen firearms as payment for a drug debt and a quantity of cocaine in October 2023. After receiving the stolen firearms, Hardy then facilitated transportation of the guns by carrying them into an SUV that had New Jersey license plates.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Arra. Hardy was represented by Emily Kenyon and Barclay Johnson of the Office of the Federal Public Defender.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Six Members of Interstate Burglary Crew Charged in Connection with Commercial Burglaries in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and DelawareRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Six people have been charged for conspiring to transport stolen property derived from burglarized consignment shops across multiple states, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.
Marco Honesty, 28, Richard Francis, 35, Dominique Hayes, 29, Deandre Dudley, 32, Ilon Coles-Melson, 21, and Marcus Gallmon, 21, residents of Washington, D.C. and Maryland, are each charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to sell and receive stolen property that had crossed state lines.
Honesty appeared on June 13, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen in Newark federal court and was detained. Hayes appeared on May 22, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams in Newark federal court and was detained. Coles-Melson appeared on April 11, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams in Newark federal court and was detained. Gallmon appeared on February 26, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte in Newark federal court and was later released on a $100,000 unsecured bond. Dudley appeared on February 20, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court and was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond. Francis appeared on February 5, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen in Newark federal court and was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
The defendants are part of a commercial burglary ring that committed at least 18 burglaries in multiple states between March and November of 2024, including in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware. On several dates, the defendants broke into the consignment shops in the middle of the night using sledgehammers and other objects, stole dozens of designer handbags and other items from each shop, and transported the stolen goods across state lines.
The charge of conspiracy to sell or receive stolen property carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of up to a $250,000 fine, or twice the amount of money involved in the offense, whichever is greater.
U.S. Attorney Habba credited officers of Homeland Security Investigations under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel, with the investigation leading to the charges. She also thanked the New Jersey State Police, Delaware State Police, Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Philadelphia Police Department, Prince George’s County Police Department, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, Cape May Police Department, Cherry Hill Police Department, Colts Neck Police Department, Englewood Police Department, Guilderland Police Department, Haddonfield Police Department, Livingston Police Department, Manalapan Police Department, Margate Police Department, Millburn Police Department, Montclair Police Department, North Castle Police Department, Roxbury Police Department, Saratoga Springs Police Department, Springfield Police Department, Tenafly Police Department, Warren Police Department, and Watchung Police Department for their assistance.
Anyone who believes they may be a victim, or has information about the theft group or burglaries, is asked to call 1-866-DHS-2-ICE, or call a local field office.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly M. Lyons of the OCDETF/Narcotics Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel:
Marco Honesty: Adrien Moncur, Esq., Paramus, New Jersey
Richard Francis: Timothy Donahue, Esq., Newark, New Jersey
Dominique Hayes: Bruce S. Rosen, Esq., Hackensack, New Jersey
Deandre Dudley: Charles McKenna, Esq., Morristown, New Jersey
Ilon Coles-Melson: Paul Condon, Esq., Jersey City, New Jersey
Marcus Gallmon: Charles Alvarez, Esq., Bloomfield, New Jersey
honesty.complaint.pdfShippensburg Man Indicted for Threatening Former Presidential CandidateRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Steven Hartford, age 37, a resident of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on June 18, 2025, by a federal grand jury for threatening a former presidential candidate.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that, at relevant times, Hartford accessed, controlled, and used TikTok social-media account “thealex13one13.” The Indictment further alleges that on or about July 21, 2024, a media outlet published a 17 second video on its own TikTok account. The video showed the Presidential Candidate with a caption, “Will [the Candidate] be the next Democratic nominee?” At approximately 7:32 p.m., “thealex13one13” commented, “I will assassinate her if she runs for pres.”
The Indictment alleges that, on or about the same date, the same media outlet published a 12 second video on its TikTok account. The video showed the Presidential Candidate with a caption, “could [the Candidate] replace Joe Biden?” At approximately 7:56 p.m., “thealex13one13” commented, “I will assassinate her.” Thereafter, on or about July 22, 2024, “thealex13one13” allegedly made other comments on TikTok about and directed toward the Presidential Candidate, including: “22 250 coming her way”; “5.56 for her”; and “5.56 waiting for her.”
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and the imposition of a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by a court after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Serial Fraudster Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Defrauding a California Electronics ManufacturerRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Thomas Thanh Pham has been sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for defrauding an electronics manufacturing business, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,943,840.
“Fraudsters have flocked to Minnesota for far too long,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “Pham is no exception. He is a serial fraudster who has demonstrated that he will not stop until he is stopped. Thanks to the hard work of law enforcement, for the next 84 months, Pham will be where he belongs—in prison.”
“Bad actors like Pham take advantage of hardworking Americans in order to enrich themselves by defrauding others,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “With this sentence, Pham has been held accountable for his crimes. The FBI and our partners will continue working to stop schemes like this one and protect the public from being exploited.”
Between 2019 and 2020, Thomas Thanh Pham, 53, of Burnsville, devised a scheme to defraud a California based company of approximately $1.2 million. Pham, who was the CEO of Enterprise Products, LLC, purported to provide consulting and financial services to commercial clients involved in engineering and manufacturing. Pham held himself out as a broker with supposed business relationships with large, well-known companies. As a supposed broker, Pham claimed he could arrange service agreements between an electronic manufacturing services company based in San Jose, California (identified as Victim A), and his ostensible business affiliates in the electronics and technology sectors.
Pham began a series of discussions with Victim A, in which Pham pitched that Enterprise Products could facilitate multi-million-dollar manufacturing and repair contracts between Victim A and large electronics companies. None of that was true. To give the appearance of legitimacy, Pham arranged for a friend of his to pose as a corporate executive with Pham and Victim A in supposed contract negotiations. Unbeknownst to Victim A, Pham’s associate was not a business executive. In fact, Pham’s “business executive associate” was a fellow ex-convict whom Pham met while serving a prior federal prison sentence for fraud.
Pham supplied Victim A with bogus documents, including fabricated contracts, correspondence, and business proposals. As part of the scheme, Pham first required Victim A to pay a “deposit bond” in the amount of $1,278,000. Pham’s fraudulent tactics resulted in Victim A agreeing to enter into a contract in September 2019, through which Victim A ostensibly would receive millions of dollars in exchange for repair services. Pham unsuccessfully pitched other phony deals to Victim A that purportedly involved even larger financial contracts deals with other companies.
As part of the scheme and to give the impression that he was fulfilling the fraudulent contract, Pham caused the initial delivery to Victim A in California of approximately 20 samples of electronic devices that supposedly required repairs by Victim A. However, Pham failed to disclose to Victim A that these 20 “sample” devices were, in fact, stolen property. Pham then lulled Victim A into a false sense of security by offering a series of excuses and promises when Victim A either inquired about its money or demanded a refund. Rather than maintain the money securely in a refundable escrow as promised, Pham fraudulently misappropriated Victim A’s funds for a series of unauthorized uses and transactions.
Pham received his first criminal conviction 32 years ago. Since that time, he has been convicted of numerous fraud offenses, as follows:
- Felony Theft of Property, in which Pham unlawfully took a victim’s identifiers in order to fraudulently purchase a $49,000 car.
- Felony False Statements for Property, in which Pham knowingly false statement to fraudulently purchase a vehicle valued at more than $20,000.
- Felony Unlawful Possession of Fraudulent Identification, in which Pham knowingly possessed identification documents of a victim without permission for purposes of defrauding the victim.
- Securing Execution of Document by Deception (Felony), in which Pham attempted to pass a forged check.
- Multiple felony check forgeries.
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, a federal fraud conviction out of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, which Pham used the identities of victim companies to defraud victims out of $1.9 million by deceiving them into shipping high-dollar electronics and computers.
In handing down the sentence today, Judge Ericksen commented that Pham has “proven [himself] to be an efficient and effective perpetrator of fraud” whose crime was “part of a skilled execution of a scheme that he has refined over decades.” At the conclusion of today’s hearing, Judge Ericksen immediately remanded Pham into custody at the government’s request, noting it “was too dangerous and too risky” to the public for Pham “to remain at liberty.”
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew S. Ebert and Rebecca E. Kline prosecuted the case.
Second Sentencing in the Burglary of Dozens of Firearms from a Maryland Pawn ShopRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Niquan Odumn, 23, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 48 months in federal prison for his role in the December 2023 burglary of a Maryland pawn shop that netted dozens of firearms.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department
Odumn, aka “Stickz,” pleaded guilty on March 6 to conspiracy to commit theft from a firearms licensee and to possession of stolen firearms. In addition to the sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson ordered three years of supervised release.
According to the court documents, on Dec. 13, 2023, Odumn and at least four co-conspirators drove in two vehicles from the District to the A&D Pawn Shop, a Federal Firearms Licensee, in Glen Burnie, Maryland.
At the pawn shop, Odumn used a portable saw to cut the locks on a pull-down security gate. Another co-conspirator then used a crowbar-type tool to pry open the main door. Once inside, the quintet grabbed an array of rifles, shotguns, and pistols from the shelves and display racks. They fled with at least 34 firearms.
Odumn was arrested on March 25, 2024, and has been detained since.
Juwon Markel Anderson, 22, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced June 20 to 84 months in prison for his role in the burglary and for his subsequent attempt to sell several of the stolen guns.
Co-defendant Tyjuan McNeal, 27, is scheduled to be sentenced July 1 for conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking. Co-defendant Vincent Lee Alston, 23, pleaded guilty March 6, 2025, to one count of conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking. And co-defendant Cy'juan Hemsley, who pleaded guilty on May 7, 2025, to conspiracy to commit theft from a firearms licensee and to possession of stolen firearms.
This case is being investigated by the ATF Washington Field Division and the Metropolitan Police Department, with assistance from the ATF Baltimore Field Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shehzad Akhtar with valuable assistance from former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Lipes.
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Sacramento Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
Sadie Bramlette, 28, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
According to court documents, between January 2023, and January 2025, Bramlette and her drug trafficking partner, Dejian Johl, 27, of Merced, posted drugs for sale on public forums hosted through social media platforms and on dark web marketplaces. These drugs included fentanyl, methamphetamine, Ecstasy, LSD, ketamine, heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine, Adderall, Xanax, promethazine, Soma, and OxyContin. As part of their drug conspiracy, Johl would process customer orders and payments and then coordinate with Bramlette to fulfill the orders via the United States Postal Service.
As part of her guilty plea, Bramlette agreed to forfeit more than $100,000 in cash, jewelry, and luxury items purchased with drug money during the conspiracy. Over the course of the conspiracy, Johl made at least 1,350 transfers to Bramlette’s Cash App account, the majority of which were drug proceeds and/or money to facilitate their drug trafficking operation.
Bramlette is the second defendant to plead guilty to involvement in drug dealing over the dark web and social media sites. Bramlette’s co-conspirator, Johl, pleaded guilty last week to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hitt is prosecuting the case.
Johl is set for sentencing before U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb on Sept. 22, 2025, while Bramlette will be sentenced on Sept. 29, 2025. Bramlette and Johl each face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. 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.
Russellville Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Larry Douglas Cossey, a multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 22 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the 264-month sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr. Judge Moody also sentenced Cossey to five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Cossey was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 4, 2024, on one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On February 3, 2025, Cossey, 59, of Russellville, Arkansas, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
During an investigation into drug trafficking in the Russellville area, Cossey sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant on January 10, 2023, and January 26, 2023. On April 10, 2023, a Russellville Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Cossey. While speaking with the officer Cossey acknowledged that there was marijuana inside the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and located $13,108 in currency, marijuana wrapped inside rolling paper, a vacuum-sealed bag containing marijuana, a bag containing three jars of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) wax, a baggie containing 33 suspected ecstasy pills, a smoking device with residue inside, two packs of rolling papers, two digital scales, and a safe. Officers also located a key on Cossey’s key ring which opened the safe. Inside the safe, officers located more money and a bag containing 399 grams of methamphetamine.
On June 16, 2023, a Russellville Police Department officer conducted another traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Cossey. After Cossey consented to a search of his vehicle, officers located a baggie containing approximately four grams of methamphetamine; a backpack containing an Arcadia Machine and Tool (AMT), model Backup, .380 caliber firearm with a loaded magazine containing six rounds and one round chambered; a smoking pipe with residue; two digital scales with residue; a baggie containing 200 grams of methamphetamine; another baggie containing approximately five grams of methamphetamine; a bag containing approximately 24 grams of marijuana; three syringes; two THC vape pens; a rubber THC pen; a spoon with residue; empty baggies; and $3,124 in currency.
Cossey’s sentence was enhanced due to his status as a career offender as a result of his criminal history that includes several serious drug convictions, including drug-trafficking convictions, and a felon in possession of firearm conviction.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Pope County Sheriff’s Office, Russellville Police Department, and the 5th Judicial Drug Task Force.
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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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Riverside County Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Prison for Trafficking Cocaine and HeroinRead the Press Release
Jose Miguel Perez, 42, of Corona, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff to 11 years and three months in prison for possessing more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and more than 1 kilogram heroin with intent to distribute, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
According to court documents, Perez was pulled over by law enforcement officers while driving north on Interstate 5 in Fresno County. Deputies seized 56 kilograms of various narcotics in the car’s two hidden compartments. Seven kilograms of cocaine were hidden in the ceiling of the car, while an additional 37 kilograms of cocaine, 10 kilograms of heroin, and 2 kilograms of ketamine were seized from a hidden compartment in the car’s roof.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple prosecuted the case.Raleigh Basketball Scout and Life Coach Sentenced to Prison for Obtaining Nearly $300,000 in Fraudulent COVID-19 Relief Loans in Nationwide SchemeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Earl Lamont Taylor, 52, was sentenced to six years in prison Monday and will be ordered to pay over half a million dollars in restitution to the Small Business Administration. Taylor went to trial in November and ultimately pled guilty to one count each of bank fraud and wire fraud while the jury was deliberating. He received almost $300,000 in fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) COVID-19 loans. This fraud was part of a multimillion-dollar national scheme, and, to date, more than 30 defendants have pled guilty and 29 have been sentenced.
“The Paycheck Protection Program required a degree of trust in American businesspeople,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. “Thankfully, most were worthy of that trust, but Earl Taylor and his co-defendants were not. This sentence sends a message that those who take advantage of programs like PPP will receive serious consequences for their crimes.”
“The defendant conspired to take advantage of critical aid programs intended to provide relief for businesses affected during the pandemic by fraudulently applying for and obtaining COVID-19 program funds,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, Charlotte Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. “Our special agents will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to pursue individuals who try to exploit federal relief programs for their personal gain.”
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Taylor worked with Quentin Jackson and Edward Whitaker to obtain fraudulent PPP loans. Taylor was referred to Whitaker by Jackson, and, with Whitaker’s assistance, Taylor applied for and received loans for two businesses, Get Me Recruited, LLC (a basketball scouting and tournament staging business) and Changing the Game Life Coach (purportedly a life coaching service for young athletes). The total received for both loans was $291,665.50, and Taylor paid Whitaker $72,917.24 for his assistance. In addition to the fraudulent loans, the trial evidence showed that Taylor also cashed alleged “payroll” checks for Jackson on Jackson’s PPP loans.
Information presented at the trial showed that Get Me Recruited, LLC did have business in 2019 and 2020, but employees listed on the loan application testified that they never made more than $2,000 per year and were not regularly salaried employees. The loan application submitted by Taylor listed their annual salaries as being between $110,145 and $128,416. In contrast, Changing the Game Life Coach did not appear to have any meaningful business during the relevant period and employees testified that they had never done any work for the company, and the bank account associated with the business was only open to receive the loan disbursement.
Jackson pled guilty in November 2022 and Whitaker pled guilty in January 2023. Jackson was sentenced to seven years in prison in December.
Other defendants that have been sentenced in the broader “Loanstarters” PPP scheme include:
- Albert Eugene Miller, Jr. [Case No. 5-22-CR-00290-D]
- Jonathan Fleming [Case No. 5-22-CR-00337-D]
- Nekita Hooks [Case No. 5-23-CR-00025-D]
- Denise Coit Alston [Case No. 5-23-CR-00077-D]
- Monica Faye Barnes [Case No. 5:23-CR-00094-D]
- Dontrell Barnes [Case No. 5-23-CR-00094-D]
- Isaac Lamont Dawson [Case No. 5:23-CR-0097-D]
- Irene Edwards [Case No. 5-23-CR-00098-D]
- Natosia Jerome Jenkins [Case No. 5:23-CR-00167-D]
- Ronald L. Jones [Case No. 5:23-CR-00339-D]
- Delvin Dashavone Felder [Case No. 5:23-CR-00198]
- Shun Lamont Gibbs [Case No. 5:23-CR-00346-D]
- Teresa Ann McRae [Case No. 5:23-CR-00313-D]
- Dontae Antonio Murphy [Case No. 5:24-CR-00072]
- Jackson Ndoyo [Case No. 5-23-CR-00118-D]
- Terron Cortez Parker [Case No. 5-23-CR-00081-D]
- Ayyub Abdur Rasheed [Case No. 5:23-CR-00314-D]
- Karim Aziz Razzak [Case No. 5:23-CR-00324]
- Toni A. Smith [Case No. 5:23-CR-00312-D]
- Darian Casteele Tyler [Case No. 5:23-CR-00338-D]
- Shakeerah Kaneisha Yvette Vinson [Case No. 5-23-CR-00027-D]
- Anthony S. Whitaker [Case No. 5:23-CR-00311-D]
- James Elton Watson Case No. 5:23-CR-00323-D]
- Shara Monique Wells [Case No. 5:23-CR-00323-D]
- Kami D. Woodard [Case No. 5-23-CR-00095-D]
- Lenille Woodard [Case No. 5-23-CR-00138-D]
- Quentin Jackson [Case No. 5-22-CR-180-D]
- Everett M. McBride [Case No. 5:24-CR-00036-D]
- Hanif Abdul-Hakim [Case No. 5:24-CR-00109-D]
- Schunda Coleman [Case No. 5-22-CR-00257-D]
- Edward Whitaker [Case No. 5-22-CR-00257-D]
Defendants awaiting sentencing include:
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were economically suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act and additional appropriations authorized up to $649 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Financial institutions issued the PPP loans, which were guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III accepted the plea. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys William M. Gilmore and David Beraka prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-00335-D.
Previously deported Mexican national sentenced to 262 months for methamphetamine distribution, second Mexican national sentenced to 168 monthsRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – Two Mexican nationals were sentenced to lengthy federal prison sentences for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Leopoldo Alonso-Palacios, 38, and Juan Luis Salinas-Leon, 37, both Mexican nationals illegally living in Center, were sentenced to 168 months and 262 months, respectively, by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on June 23, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on March 4, 2025, Alonso-Palacios and Salinas-Leon were stopped while driving on Interstate-20 in Wills Point for speeding. During the stop, they consented to a search of the vehicle, which resulted in the discovery of 937.7 grams of methamphetamine. During his arrest, officers found Salinas-Leon in possession of a firearm. The two men then confessed to having additional methamphetamine at their homes in Center. Federal agents searched the residences, where they discovered large plastic tubs containing chicken lard that tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine, along with paraphernalia such as metal pots and mesh screens, materials commonly used in a methamphetamine conversion lab. At such clandestine labs, methamphetamine concealed in other substances is extracted by applying chemical processes and reconstituted into distributable drugs. In total, agents recovered more than six kilograms of methamphetamine ready for distribution as well as 22 kilograms of liquids in various stages of the conversion process, which also tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine.
Immigration records reveal that both men were unlawfully present in the United States and that Salinas-Leon has been previously prosecuted for illegally entering the country.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive; Gregg County Sheriff's Office; and Wills Point Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.
Previously convicted felon sentenced to 95 months for firearm possession and cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
A man with multiple prior felony convictions was sentenced to 95 months in federal prison for trafficking cocaine while armed, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Nancy E. Larson.
On June 18, 2025, Eric Dwayne Ned was sentenced by United States District Judge Ada Brown to 95 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Court documents reflect that Ned was arrested in June 2021 for evading arrest, unlawful possession of body armor, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, delivery of a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance by state and local authorities. He bonded out of state custody and was arrested again in September 2021 for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and resisting arrest. After bonding out of state custody again, he was arrested a third time in March 2022 for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and delivery of a controlled substance.
Special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives reviewed his March 2022 conduct and initiated federal charges. In addition to Ned’s prior felony convictions for drug offenses and several domestic violence assaults, court records reveal that Ned continued committing violent acts while incarcerated, including engaging in fights with other inmates and jail staff.
ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Boyle prosecuted the case.
Pittsburgh Man Indicted for Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tieriq Pinnix, age 32, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was indicted on June 18, 2025, by a federal grand jury of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Pinnix possessed an FNH, 9-millimeter handgun and ammunition in York County, on March 6, 2025, as a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Northern York Regional Police Department, and the York Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Ford is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Pinnix faces a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Philadelphia Tax Preparer Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Filing False ReturnsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that James Jean, 57, of Yeadon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to three years in prison, a one-year term of supervised release, a $10,000 fine, and restitution of $12,717 by United States District Judge John F. Murphy for knowingly and willfully including false energy credits in tax forms that he prepared for paying customers.
During tax years 2018, 2019, and 2020, the defendant prepared at least 146 returns for his clients that falsely offset tax liabilities or claimed reimbursable credits for money allegedly spent on wind turbines, solar panels, or other energy improvements. Jean inserted the claims for false credits because he wanted to increase client refunds and client satisfaction. His actions caused his clients to understate their tax liabilities by more than $700,000.
In September 2024, the defendant pleaded guilty to an information charging him with one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return, and admitted to filing the other 145 false returns, along with his own false returns for the same three tax years.
The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Abrams.
Peever Man Sentenced to Nearly 6 Years in Federal Prison for Assaulting His Spouse and Causing Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Peever, South Dakota, man for Assault with a Deadly Weapon.
On June 16, 2025, Terry Wayne Sterling Heminger, age 27, was sentenced to five years and ten months in federal prison with three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Heminger was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024. He pleaded guilty on September 30, 2024. His conviction stemmed from an incident on December 23, 2022, when Heminger assaulted his spouse with a hammer. The victim sustained serious bodily injuries to her skull resulting in complete vision loss in one eye and 54% loss in the other. The victim also had to undergo the placement of several metal plates to treat the injuries.
This matter is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribal Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.
Heminger was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Ohio Men Who Robbed Postal Employee Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
TOLEDO, Ohio – Three Lima, Ohio, men who robbed a federal worker while serving on official duty as a postal carrier have been sentenced to prison by U.S. District Court Judge James R. Knepp.
According to the indictment, the robbery occurred on Nov. 30, 2023, while a United States Postal Service letter carrier was on a routine delivery route in Lima. Specially suited keys which unlock postal service bags, drawers, and other authorized receptacles for the deposit of mail were stolen under threat of force and violence to the postal carrier. As a result of this robbery, U.S. mail was stolen on several occasions.
The following sentences were imposed June 20, 2025:
- Ahmir Curtis, 24, was sentenced to 24 months in prison after pleading guilty to robbery of mail, money, or other property of the United States, stealing keys adopted by the post office, and theft of mail. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release, and pay $650 in restitution for damage to federal property.
- Zenesto Martin, Jr., 26, was sentenced to 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to robbery of mail, money, or other property of the United States, stealing keys adopted by the post office, and theft of mail. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release.
- Christian Proby, 26, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison after pleading guilty to robbery of mail, money, or other property of the United States and stealing keys adopted by the post office. He was also ordered to serve two years of supervised release.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Safe Streets Task Force, and the Lima Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank H. Spryszak for the Northern District of Ohio.
The USPIS is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating crimes against postal carriers and crimes involving the U.S. Mail. Anyone having information about blue collection box thefts, or thefts or attempted thefts of mail carriers or mail, should contact USPIS at 1-877-876-2455. All information will be kept confidential.
Ohio Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting 14-Year-Old Girl in New YorkRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – David P. Greulich, 61, of Cleveland, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison by U.S. District Judge David A. Ruiz, after pleading guilty in March to driving more than 400 miles across state lines to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor, to child exploitation, to transporting visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and to possession of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM), also referred to as child pornography. Greulich was also ordered to serve lifetime supervised release after imprisonment and to pay special assessments totaling $35,000. Restitution is to be determined at a later date.
According to court documents, in February 2024, Greulich started communicating with a 14-year old girl residing in Jefferson County, New York, through the Snapchat cellphone application. After chatting with her for several weeks through the app, the defendant drove from his home in Ohio to her home in New York to pick her up on April 20, 2024. He then took her to a hotel where he kept her for two days while he violently and sexually abused her which he recorded on a digital device. Greulich drove across state lines from Ohio to New York a second time on May 11, 2024, to again engage in illicit sexual conduct with the same minor victim. He took video and photographs of the victim which he later emailed to himself.
During a federal search warrant execution of Greulich’s home in Cleveland, investigators seized several electronic devices which were found to contain CSAM, including a cellphone with more than 100 images of the victim by herself as well as with the defendant. Investigators also discovered 14 sexually explicit video files of the victim in his personal cloud storage account.
The investigation was led by the Homeland Security Investigations Cleveland Office, with assistance from the Jefferson County (New York) Sheriff’s Office, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Margaret A. Kane and Segev Phillips.
To report child exploitation, please visit cybertipline.org, or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
North Louisiana Man Receives Life in Prison for the Sexual Exploitation, Trafficking and Production of Child Pornography Involving Children in the PhilippinesRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Richard Dean Hicks, 68, of Pioneer, Louisiana, has been sentenced to life in prison for his involvement in the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children and production of child pornography. United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty sentenced Hicks to life in prison for attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, life in prison for sex trafficking of a minor, 20 years in prison for promotion and solicitation of child pornography, and 30 years on each of the five counts of attempted production of child pornography. He was also ordered to serve a lifetime of supervised release if ever released from prison.
Hicks was convicted by a jury in Monroe in January following a three-day trial. The charges in this case were the result of a nationwide investigation that began in 2012 into individuals who were soliciting child sex traffickers in the Philippines to share child sexual abusive material (CSAM) via live stream video. The individuals under investigation paid money for the child sex traffickers in the Philippines to sexually abuse children, while they watched and directed the sex trafficker’s sexual abuse of the children.
Through this investigation, agents with Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) executed a search warrant at a residence in Philadelphia. As a result of evidence obtained, agents were able to identify an individual in the Philippines who was selling the sexually explicit live webcam shows of female adults engaging in the sexual abuse of underage children. Further investigation led to the identification of an individual in Louisiana, later identified as Hicks, who had been communicating with multiple females in the Philippines. From December 2017 through July 2020, Hicks and the females in the Philippines shared approximately 500 text messages and live video Skype calls wherein Hicks would pay the Philippine females to sexually abuse children as young as 5 years of age while he watched and told the women the type of sexual abuse he wanted them to perform on the children.
Evidence introduced at trial proved that Hicks communicated with these females in the Philippines via text messages and Skype video calls and paid money through Western Union on numerous occasions to view these individuals performing sexually explicit acts with underage children. The payments ranged from $25 to $120.
Agents obtained a federal search warrant for Hicks’ residence in Pioneer, Louisiana, in May 2023 and seized all of his computers and other electronic equipment used to participate in watching these sex shows in exchange for money.
“The fact that this defendant preyed upon not only underage children, but ones from another country who were being sexually abused by others is appalling,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. “For those who do not believe that sex trafficking could be happening near you, this is proof that it can be. Were it not for the diligent efforts of these law enforcement agents whose investigation spread nationwide and even internationally, this defendant would not have been stopped. We applaud their dedication to this case and will continue seeking out those who commit these horrendous acts against children.”
“Sometimes a life sentence doesn’t seem like enough, but we hope this brings some relief to this predator’s victims and their families,” said HSI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune. “HSI special agents used our unique investigative authorities to ensure International borders were not able to protect this criminal from being held accountable.”
"The sentencing of Richard Dean Hicks to life in prison is a significant victory in our ongoing battle against child exploitation and trafficking. This case highlights the critical importance of international cooperation and the tireless efforts of our agents to dismantle networks that prey on innocent children,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI New England Michael J. Krol. “HSI New England remains steadfast in our mission to protect children and bring perpetrators of such despicable crimes to justice. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure that those who exploit and abuse children are held accountable, no matter where they operate.”
The defendant who was arrested in Philadelphia was sentenced to 228 months in prison and a lifetime of supervised release. The female subjects in the Philippines are still the subject of a joint ongoing investigation with the Philippines and U.S. law enforcement. Numerous other females have been arrested. Pursuant to this investigation, there have been over 300 children rescued to date.
This case was investigated by HSI New Orleans with assistance from HSI New England, divisions of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Louisiana ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Task Force, and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, Bureau of Investigations, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Casey N. Stelly and J. Luke Walker.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678.
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New Hampshire Man Sentenced to 78 Months in Kidnapping CaseRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on June 20, 2025, Barry Perez of Lebanon, New Hampshire, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 78 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release. The Court also ordered Perez to pay restitution in the amount of $44,626 and recommended that the Bureau of Prisons not give Perez credit for time Perez has been detained pending the sentencing date. Perez previously pleaded guilty to kidnapping an interstate trucker on January 13, 2023.
According to court records, Perez stole a box truck in Lebanon, New Hampshire, in the early morning hours of January 13, 2023. He drove the stolen truck into Vermont along Interstate 89. He was under the influence of various illegal drugs. After crashing the box truck near Exit 1 on I-89, a tractor trailer driver with an interstate shipment stopped to assist Perez. Perez displayed what appeared to be handgun, but was in fact a pellet gun, to force the trucker to drive Perez further north on I-89. When Perez dozed off, the trucker was able to stop the truck and escape. After a standoff, Perez was arrested in Berlin, Vermont, and taken into custody.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Vermont State Police, and the Berlin Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Van de Graaf. Perez was represented by Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels.
Minnesota Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Minnesota man for Production of Child Pornography. Jason Honetschlager, age 45, was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2023. He pleaded guilty on September 30, 2024.
On June 16, 2025, Honetschlager was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison. He must register as a sex offender upon release.
The investigation discovered that throughout 2023, Honetschlager targeted teenagers in the Milbank, South Dakota, area for sexually explicit images and acts. He enticed minor children via Snapchat and bought them tobacco and marijuana products in exchange for the images and acts. His behavior came to law enforcement’s attention when a video surfaced of him forcing a young teenage girl to perform oral sex on him. The investigation discovered 8 minor victims.
“Honetschlager’s actions are almost unspeakable,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell, “but unfortunately, this type of conduct is becoming more commonplace on social media platforms. We are fortunate to have sophisticated and dedicated law enforcement agents and prosecutors working to hold these offenders responsible, but it is imperative we all join the fight against child exploitation. Talk frequently and openly with your children about their use of social media and be on the lookout for behavior indicative of exploitation, such as abruptly deleting social media accounts or frequently creating new accounts; turning off or hiding devices in the presence of a parent or other adult; clearing web browser histories; and unexplained money or gift cards.”
This case was investigated by the Milbank Police Department, the Division of Criminal Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Honetschlager was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mexican man arrested, charged with illegal re-entryRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jose Antonio Barcena-Ruiz, 41, a citizen and national of Mexico, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with illegal re-entry, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on May 31, 2025, Homeland Security Investigations and Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel encountered Barcena-Ruiz and three others in a vehicle in Clarence, NY. When questioned about his citizenship, Barcena-Ruiz stated that he was from Mexico. When asked for documentation, Barcena-Ruiz provided a Mexican passport and a New Mexico driver’s license but had no additional documentation that allowed him to be present or remain in the United States legally. A records check determined that Barcena-Ruiz was physically removed from the United States in 2008, two times in 2009, and in 2010.
Barcena-Ruiz made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy this morning and was detained.
These investigations are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, under the direction of Acting Field Office Director Steven Kurzdorfer.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Mexican National sentenced to prison for role as drug ring courierRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 33-year-old citizen of Mexico, who was illegally residing in Kent, Washington, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 22 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Martin Alonzo Peinado Torres said in court that he was lured to the U.S. by a Facebook post promising work in construction, but once he had filled out the forms for the “employer” he was told the job was to transport drugs. Peinado Torres claimed the drug ring now had all his family information and threatened family members if he did not comply. U.S. District Judge Kymberly Evanson noted Peinado Torres had no previous criminal history in Mexico or the U.S. saying, “You were lured to the U.S. under false pretenses.”
According to records filed in the case, Peinado Torres became involved with a drug ring already under investigation. Peinado Torres arrived in the U.S. in mid-May and by mid-June investigators had identified him as someone involved with the drug trafficking organization. When search warrants were served on August 2, 2024, at Peinado Torres Kent home, he had more than three kilos of methamphetamine, nearly a kilo of fentanyl pills and a small amount of fentanyl powder and cocaine. He had more than $12,000 in drug proceeds in cash.
In asking for a four-year sentence, prosecutors noted the latest deadly stats on fentanyl overdoses. “In King County, alone, there have been 453 overdose deaths as of June 16, 2025, with 380 of those deaths involving fentanyl. Mr. Peinado’s actions pushed highly dangerous, deadly, and addictive substances into the community, and contributed to the addiction of an unknown number of individuals,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo.
Peinado Torres will likely be deported following his prison term.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and Puyallup Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Casey Conzatti.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Mexican National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Gregorio Perez-Canceco, age 42, a Mexican National residing in York, Pennsylvania, was indicted on June 18, 2025, by a federal grand jury on one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Perez-Canceco was previously removed from the United States on October 4, 2017, through Hildalgo, Texas, and it is alleged that he was subsequently found in the United States without having first obtained legal permission to reenter the country. The indictment also alleges that on May 23, 2025, Perez-Canceco was encountered in York County, Pennsylvania.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is up to ten years of imprisonment, plus a fine and a term of supervised release. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera is prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Mexican National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Hilario Dorantes-Ortiz, age 40, a Mexican National residing in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was indicted on June 18, 2025, by a federal grand jury on one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Dorantes-Ortiz was previously removed from the United States on July 20, 2022, via Brownsville, Texas. The indictment also alleges that on March 7, 2025, Dorantes-Ortiz was encountered in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania without having first obtained legal permission to reenter the country.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This matter was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is up to two years of imprisonment, plus a fine and a term of supervised release. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Menachem Lieberman Sentenced to 52 Months for Fraud on Federal Childcare ProgramsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that MENACHEM “MAX” LIEBERMAN was sentenced today to 52 months in prison for two fraudulent schemes involving federally funded childcare companies. LIEBERMAN previously pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Jennifer H. Rearden, who imposed today’s sentence.
“Max Lieberman defrauded federal childcare programs that provide vital services to our most innocent and vulnerable,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “New Yorkers believe in opportunity, particularly for our children, and by defrauding our Head Start and childcare voucher programs, Max Lieberman exploited our collective belief in opportunity for his own financial gain. The women and men of the Southern District of New York are committed to pursuing those who breach the public trust for illicit, personal financial gain.”
According to the Indictment, public court filings, and statements made in court proceedings:
LIEBERMAN participated in two schemes involving federal grant programs meant to provide assistance for childcare to low-income families.
First, between 2019 and January 2023, LIEBERMAN secretly “owned” and exercised control over a non-profit entity, Project Social Care Head Start Inc. (“PSCHS”), that operated in the New York City area (and which, as a non-profit entity, could not legally be privately owned). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”), which administers the Head Start program, annually granted to PSCHS millions of dollars that were to be used exclusively on the Head Start program and from which earning a profit is prohibited by law. Between 2019 and 2021, LIEBERMAN paid co-defendant Martin Handler $4.7 million to obtain “ownership” over PSCHS, and used his control over PSCHS to impermissibly direct PSCHS’s Head Start funding to his own for-profit companies. In order to protect his control over PSCHS’s funding, LIEBERMAN conspired with others to impair HHS’s ability to provide effective oversight of PSCHS by, among other things:
- Misrepresenting to HHS that PSCHS had an independent board of directors that was monitoring PSCHS,
- Submitting a letter to HHS when it began investigating LIEBERMAN’s involvement that falsely stated there were no conflicts of interest or less-than-arms’-length dealings with LIEBERMAN,
- And coordinating false testimony to HHS investigators.
Second, between July 2020 and January 2023, LIEBERMAN perpetrated a separate fraud that caused harm of nearly $2 million to the New York City Administration for Children’s Services (“ACS”), which administers a federally funded childcare voucher program for low-income families. In July 2020, LIEBERMAN submitted an application to ACS on behalf of PSCHS that contained a false signature of the nominal executive director and included fake receipts for six children that purported to show those children were already attending the program, when in fact the program did not exist and no children attended. When questioned by ACS whether the executive director’s signature was legitimate, LIEBERMAN created and submitted a fraudulently notarized document supposedly from the executive director that falsely affirmed that the signature was accurate. From July 2020 through his arrest in January 2023, LIEBERMAN applied for and received over $1.8 million in ACS reimbursements, even though the program did not actually exist and no children attended the program except for a brief period from September 2022 to October 2022.
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In addition to today’s prison sentence, LIEBERMAN, 48, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay a fine of $200,000, restitution of $1,854,543.35 to ACS, and forfeit $1,774,543.35.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and HHS, Office of the Inspector General. Mr. Clayton also thanked U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General, and the New York City Department of Investigation for their assistance with this investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel H. Wolf, Catherine Ghosh, Jacob R. Fiddelman, and Stephanie Simon are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Nandita Vasantha.
Man at Center of Alien Kidnapping and Smuggling Conspiracy Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A Texas man, who conspired to kidnap and transport aliens and held multiple victims for ransom before instigating a deadly shootout in a quiet, Charlottesville neighborhood, pled guilty recently to federal charges as part of Operation Take Back America.
Ricardo Franco Ordaz, 26, of Cedar Creek, Texas, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to kidnap and one count of transporting an alien resulting in death. At sentencing, Ordaz faces a maximum possible penalty of life in prison.
“Human trafficking and human smuggling generate violence and are real threats to our community and the Justice Department will take all appropriate steps to hold accountable those who attempt to profit off of others trying to enter the country illegally,” Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee said today. “This case serves as an example of the deadly consequences that can occur when individuals use human beings as currency. I am grateful to the Department of Homeland Security and our state and local partners for their work to bring this case to justice.”
According to court documents, in early January of 2023, Ordaz, his co-defendant Jordan Perez, and other co-conspirators, kidnapped multiple victims and held them for ransom, knowing these individuals had entered the United States illegally.
As part of the scheme, Ordaz arranged to pick up two victims from an area near the United States-Mexico border and bring them to a house near Austin, Texas. Once there, Ordaz, and others, held both victims against their will and under armed guard, then called and messaged the victims’ families and friends demanding cash ransom in exchange for their release.
Ordaz exchanged one of the victims in Texas for $5,000 cash, and on January 8, 2023, Perez and a co-conspirator transported another victim to Charlottesville, Virginia, where they arranged to exchange that victim for $10,000 in cash.
During the exchange, when it was revealed that the full $10,000 ransom was not available, an argument and shootout ensued, during which Perez, and another coconspirator, brandished firearms that resulted in the death of one of the kidnappers.
Perez is scheduled to go to trial in December 2025.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Homeland Security Investigations in Harrisonburg investigated the case with assistance from the Charlottesville Police Department, Albemarle County Police Department, and HSI Austin, Texas.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sally J. Sullivan is prosecuting the case.
Man Brandishing Firearm at "No Kings" Protesters Charged with Federal Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Elijah Millar, 19, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was federally charged on Friday, June 20, with the unlawful possession of a firearm, announced Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
According to court documents, Millar went to a “No Kings” protest near Bicentennial Mall in downtown Nashville on June 14, 2025. Millar was dressed in all black, wearing a mask, and was, according to witnesses, carrying a firearm. Witnesses reported to law enforcement that Millar told the protestors that he had a firearm, spat at them, yelled at them, and brandished the firearm. Officers with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) then approached Millar, disarmed him, and arrested him. According to court documents, MNPD seized a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol from Millar at the time. Days later, officers of the Murfreesboro Police Department encountered Millar and recovered another loaded 9mm firearm from his waistband.
According to the federal criminal complaint, in 2023, the Chancery Court in Rutherford County, Tennessee entered an Order appointing an emergency conservator for Millar finding that he was “at risk of substantial harm to his health, safety, and welfare” and prohibiting him from receiving or possessing a firearm. In September 2024, a Chancery Court Judge in Rutherford County issued an “Agreed Order of Limited Conservatorship” for Millar finding him to be a “disabled person needing care” and significantly restricting his access to firearms.
“The right to peaceably protest government action is guaranteed by the First Amendment and cannot be infringed upon by armed individuals whose actions put people in danger,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “Our efforts to hold firearm offenders accountable are designed to keep all members of the public safe from potential violence.”
If convicted, Millar faces a maximum of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Field Office, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, and the Murfreesboro Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Kurtzman and Kathryn Risinger are prosecuting the case.
A complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Las Vegas Jury Convicts Woman for Threats Against Two Federal Judges and Her Probation Officer; San Diego Trial Team Prosecuted the Case in the District of NevadaRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A federal jury has convicted Latonia Smith of cyberstalking and threatening two district court judges and a probation officer, all of whom were involved in her previous federal conviction for death threats she made against lawyers in yet another case.
In the current case, after a six-day trial and less than one day of deliberation, a jury found that Smith threatened U.S. District Judge Richard Franklin Boulware, who presided over Smith’s 2021 trial and sentenced her to 36 months in prison for that offense. The jury also found that Smith targeted U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey, who presided over the defendant’s supervised release, and Shawn Mummey, her probation officer.
At the time of the grand jury’s indictment in the current matter, Smith was on supervised release from that previous federal 2021 conviction. In that case, Smith targeted corporate lawyers involved in defending the 2017 firing of her mother from her job as a guest room attendant at the Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas after she allegedly took a small amount of money from a guest’s room.
“All of these victims felt threatened and emotionally distressed. They then took steps to protect themselves and their families,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California. “Threats directed at members of the judiciary are not only criminal acts, but direct attacks on the rule of law. Intimidation of judges and court personnel erodes public trust and threatens the fair administration of justice for all.”
“The FBI takes threats of violence very seriously and works diligently to protect the communities we serve,” said Rafik Mattar, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Las Vegas, “We will not tolerate threats of violence to any member of our community, particularly those dedicated to safeguarding our democratic process. The defendant’s actions were dangerous and unacceptable. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and investigate those who engage in violent rhetoric—ensuring accountability for anyone who threatens to harass, intimidate, or harm others.”
When Smith was released from federal prison in the first case against her, she was sent to Washoe County jail to face allegations related to an October 31, 2019, armed home-invasion in Reno she allegedly committed against another lawyer involved in the Planet Hollywood case.
Smith was granted bail in early June 2022. Upon her return to Las Vegas, Smith immediately began searching Google for information about Judge Boulware along with his wife, Las Vegas City Councilwoman Nancy Brune, and their family. At the same time, she googled “judges should die.”
Over the next several weeks, the defendant became increasingly frustrated with judges and anyone involved with her prior federal case. On June 23, 2022, the defendant emailed her probation officer and explained, “Some good advice: Life is short, society should be careful who they piss off.” Below the warning, the defendant sent a link to a YouTube video showing a six-minute compilation of cell phone videos from the October 1 mass shooting at the Mandalay Bay Hotel.
Over the next few days, Smith sent a series of emails. Some threatened a mass casualty event: “LET THE SHOW BEGIN. NEVADA IS GOING TO LOVE THIS!!!!” Some were designed to let victims know their loved ones were in jeopardy: “LETS KEEP [YOUR KIDS] IN FOCUS”.
Throughout many of the emails, the defendant made it clear that she had deeply researched the recipients of her threats, accurately identifying where they could be found, either during hobby activities, or in their actual homes. For example, to Judge Jennifer Dorsey the defendant wrote: “Tell Jennifer, Henderson is nice I see why she chose that area. Lots of shops nearby. Smart.” At trial, Judge Dorsey testified that the defendant’s identification of her personal residence inspired her to immediately sell her home and move.
The victims of Smith’s threats testified at trial they were frightened and believed Smith was capable of violently acting on her threats as she had allegedly done in the pending case regarding the armed home invasion targeting the lawyer in Reno.
U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro reported Smith’s threats to U.S. Marshals, who protect the federal judiciary. Judge Navarro testified at the trial, telling the jury that she recognized the danger posed by the defendant and immediately took action. “I emailed the chief of probation; anybody I could get a hold of to prevent a tragedy…I didn’t want to die. I didn’t want my family to die. I didn’t want my coworkers to die.” The Marshals then contacted the FBI.
After two special agents from the FBI interviewed the Smith on June 27, 2022, she was immediately taken into custody, where she has remained. During the interview, when asked what she was thinking about when she was researching mass shooters, Smith responded: “I think what they were thinking.”
The investigation found that Smith, who has a biochemistry degree from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Googled phrases like “judges die,” “how to become a bomb maker,” “how to be a mass shooter,” “buying a gun,” and “ar 15 for sale.” She also watched the compilation of videos from the October 1 mass shooting 13 times over a three-week period. At the same time, the defendant repeatedly searched the names of her targets, some of their children, and some of their home addresses. The jury deliberated for less than a day before returning a guilty verdict on three counts of cyberstalking for the emails sent to Judges Dorsey and Boulware, along with her probation officer. The jury acquitted the defendant on the other two counts of cyberstalking.
The defendant will remain in custody pending sentencing, on a date yet to be determined.
The trial took place in the federal courthouse in Las Vegas. The presiding judge was Senior District Court Judge Michael W. Mosman, from the District of Oregon. Judge Mosman was appointed to preside over the case by special designation of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Smith’s prosecution was initiated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada, out of their office in Reno. In March 2024, the Department of Justice recused the entire U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada and had the prosecution reassigned.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Haden and Francisco Nagel for the Southern District of California, both of whom were named Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in Las Vegas after the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada was recused.
DEFENDANT Case Number 22CR051-MWM
Latonia Dyshawna Smith Age: 31 Las Vegas, NV
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Three Counts of Cyberstalking – Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 2261A
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison, as to each count of conviction
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Laconia Man Sentenced to 87 Months in Federal Prison for the Unlawful Possession of Firearms and the Unlawful Possession of Unregistered FirearmsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Laconia man was sentenced today in federal court for firearms offenses, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.
Joshua McLean, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante to 87 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. In March 2025, McLean pleaded guilty to three counts of possession of firearms and ammunitions by a prohibited person and two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm.
“As a convicted felon, the defendant was prohibited from owning any firearms, yet he chose to surround himself with unregistered and illegal deadly weapons,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “His drug trafficking activity only deepened the threat he posed. This case underscores our commitment to removing armed, prohibited individuals from our communities before they can do greater harm.”
“The sentence imposed reflects the seriousness of the offense,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Scott Riordan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive’s Boston Division. “The defendant’s possession of firearms while trafficking drugs jeopardizes public safety and is compounded by the trafficking of firearms with obliterated serial numbers which only serve illicit purposes.”
According to the court documents and statements made in court, McLean sold six firearms to an undercover officer knowing that some had obliterated serial numbers, and one was a sawed-off shotgun. When law enforcement searched his home, they found another gun, ammunition, and distribution quantities of illegal drugs. McLean was legally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition based on a previous felony drug conviction.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Violent Crime Task Force led the investigation. The Laconia, Manchester, and Tilton Police Departments provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski prosecuted the case.
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Justice Department Sues Washington State over its new anti-Catholic law, Senate Bill 5375Read the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it filed legal action for a complaint in intervention against the State of Washington over its a new state law, Senate Bill 5375, which violates the free exercise of religion for all Catholics, and requires Catholic priests to violate the confidentiality seal of Confession.
Senate Bill 5375 requires Catholic priests to violate their vows to uphold the confidentiality seal that accompanies the sacred rite of Confession, subjecting them to immediate excommunication from the Catholic Church.
As the Justice Department’s lawsuit explains, the violations imposed by this new law on all practicing members of the Catholic Church, including Catholic priests administering the sacrament and Catholic penitents participating in the rite, include deprivations of the Free Exercise of Religion under the First Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
“Laws that explicitly target religious practices such as the Sacrament of Confession in the Catholic Church have no place in our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Senate Bill 5375 unconstitutionally forces Catholic priests in Washington to choose between their obligations to the Catholic Church and their penitents or face criminal consequences, while treating the priest-penitent privilege differently than other well-settled privileges. The Justice Department will not sit idly by when States mount attacks on the free exercise of religion.”
The Department’s motion to intervene in Etienne v. Ferguson is pending before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.
More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
Juniata County Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Larry L. Grove, Jr., age 36, of Mifflintown, Pennsylvania, was indicted on June 18, 2025, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment brought forward a total of eight counts. Six of the counts allege Grove distributed cocaine and methamphetamine on separate occasions between December 2024 and May 2025. It is further alleged that on May 20, 2025, Grove possessed with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine and additional quantities of marijuana. Lastly, the indictment alleged Grove possessed firearms after he was convicted of a felony.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police Troop G VICE Unit, and the Mifflin County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Dukes is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The maximum penalty under federal law for the most serious offense alleged in the indictment is 40 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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June Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the June Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Alejandro Aldave. Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute (Counts 1 and 2); Possession of 3,4-Dichloro-N-[2-(dimethylamino)cyclohexyl]-N-methylbenzamide (U47700”) with Intent to Distribute (Count 3); Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (Count 4); Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 5) (superseding). Aldave, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with two counts of possessing more than 500 grams of cocaine and one count of possessing 3,4-Dichloro-N-[2-(dimethylamino)cyclohexyl]-N-methylbenzamide (U47700”) with intent to distribute. He is additionally charged with maintaining a residence to distribute cocaine and 3,4-Dichloro-N-[2-(dimethylamino)cyclohexyl]-N-methylbenzamide (U47700”). Lastly, Aldave knowingly possessed a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam D. McConney is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-173
Roman Ramos Chacon. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Chacon, 27, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Oct. 2023. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Scaife is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-206
Jesus Reyes Chi. Alien Unlawfully in the United States in Possession of Firearms. Reyes Chi, 36, a Mexican national, is charged with possessing firearms knowing he was an alien unlawfully living in the United States. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jolly is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-207
Jose Guadalupe Peralez Diaz. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Peralez Diaz, 43, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Apr. 2022. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Whipple is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-208Brandon Eugene Fanning. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Fanning, 47, of Wyandotte, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shakema Onias is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-219
Cruz De Jesus Garcia-Dimas. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Garcia-Dimas, 34, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Mar. 2012. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Augustus Forster is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-209Jason Dewayne Glass; Justin Monrow Wilson. Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force and Threat in Indian Country (Count 1); Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (Counts 2 through 4); Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (Count 5); Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Count 6); Carrying and Using a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 7) Maintaining a Durg-Involved Premises (Count 8) Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition (Counts 9 & 10). Glass, 41, of Locust Grove, is charged with engaging in a sexual act by force and threat. He is charged with intentionally assaulting a victim with a firearm, a propane torch, a knife, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Wilson, 49, of Locust Grove, and Glass are jointly charged with knowingly possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possessing a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking, and maintaining a drug house. Additionally, Glass and Willson are charged with possessing numerous firearms and ammunition, knowing they had previously been convicted of several felonies. The FBI, the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey Todd is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-220Kiaona Richelle Hill. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Hill, 43, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing she was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara Heign and Eric O. Johnston are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-211
Bradley Justin Kelley. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Eluding Police Officers in Indian Country. Kelley, 35, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies, and possessing a firearm while drug trafficking. Kelley is further charged with maintaining a residence for drug distribution and possessing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Additionally, Kelley is charged with failing to bring his vehicle to a stop after being directed by a peace officer in an official vehicle with a red light and siren. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nasar is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-203
Jorge Luis Garcia-Lopez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Garcia-Lopez, 27, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in May 2021. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Flynn is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-210
Arturo Hidalgo Luna. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Luna, 59, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Feb. 2003. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Harris is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-212
Jason Allen Lynn. Second Degree Murder in Indian Country. Lynn, 31, a transient and a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, is charged with intending to kill Alan Underwood without premeditation and deliberation, but with intent to do serious bodily harm. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Elmore is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-204
Cale Michael Mitchell Persinger. Assault of a Spouse by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country. Persinger, 25, of Tulsa and a member of the Osage Nation, is charged with assaulting his spouse by strangling her. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Weems is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-221
Austin Dewayne Nation. Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony; Attempted Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Felon in Possession of Firearms; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Nation, 29, of Kellyville, is charged with attempting to possess and distribute methamphetamine received through the mail. He is further charged with attempting to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Additionally, Nation is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies and possessing a firearm while attempting to traffic drugs. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office and the USPS-OIG are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyson McCoy is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-213
Bryan Omar Orozxo-Cahuex. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Orozxo-Cahuex, 30, a Guatemalan national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Dec. 2017. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jolly is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-214
Jose Pacheco-Quezada. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Pacheco-Quezada, 24, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Apr. 2019. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Ihler is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-215Silvia Nicole Ramos-Ramos. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Ramos-Ramos, 23, a Honduran national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Jun. 2023. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Bailey is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-216
Marissa Ayde Ruiz. Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; Carrying a Firearm in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. Ruiz, 33, of Amarillo, Texas, is charged with knowingly possessing more than 500 grams of cocaine with intent to distribute and carrying a firearm while drug trafficking. The Homeland Security Investigations and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Bailey is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-205
Allan Segovia. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Segovia, 42, of Tulsa, is charged with knowingly possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the Tulsa Police Department, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Attila Bogdan is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-222
Jefferson Parish Resident Indicted for Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JELISSA LACOUR (“LACOUR”), age 36, a resident of Jefferson Parish, was indicted on June 20, 2025 with two counts of wire fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
One wire fraud count alleged that LACOUR obtained numerous Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans using falsified tax forms. The other wire fraud count alleged that LACOUR obtained Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) funds in the names of numerous purported renters. According to the indictment, in some instances, the PPP and ERAP applications were for accomplices who sought to benefit from the fraudulent applications, while in other instances, LACOUR misused others’ identities to obtain payments in their names. The aggravated identity theft charges relate to the use of other persons’ identities.
If convicted, LACOUR faces up to 20 years of imprisonment, to be followed by up to three years of supervised release for each wire fraud count, and two years of imprisonment, to be followed by up to one year of supervised release for each aggravated identity theft count. Each count is punishable by a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chandra Menon of the of the Public Integrity Unit.
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Jacksonville Property Management Company to Pay Compensation and Penalties for Imposing Unlawful Charges on U.S. Military ServicemembersRead the Press Release
The Justice Department resolved an enforcement matter against JWB Real Estate Management for violating the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) when it imposed illegal early termination charges on military servicemembers who terminated their leases after receiving military relocation orders.
JWB Property Management, a property management company based in Jacksonville, Florida, imposed early termination fees on at least six members of the U.S. military after they attempted to terminate their leases in accordance with the SCRA.
As a result of the Department’s enforcement, JWB will be required to pay over $39,000 in compensation to the affected servicemembers, as well as a $25,000 civil penalty. The company will also make changes to its policies and training to ensure that it complies with the SCRA in the future.
“Our military families already shoulder the burden of military-ordered moves and deployments,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We will not allow them to be penalized by landlords for answering the call of duty for service.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida is committed to protecting the rights of all our servicemembers,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “Our servicemembers make tremendous sacrifices to protect the rights and freedoms of our citizens and we will combat all forms of discrimination against them to help ensure that they are able to fulfill their military obligations.”
This case was handled by Middle District of Florida Assistant United States Attorneys Alexandra Karahalios and Deputy Chief of the Civil Division Yohance A. Pettis.
The Department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section. Since 2011, the Department has obtained over $483 million in monetary relief for over 148,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov.
Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA may have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil.
Jacksonville Property Management Company to Pay Compensation and Penalties for Imposing Unlawful Charges on U.S. Military ServicemembersRead the Press Release
The Justice Department resolved an enforcement matter against JWB Real Estate Management for violating the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) when it imposed illegal early termination charges on military servicemembers who terminated their leases after receiving military relocation orders.
JWB Property Management, a property management company based in Jacksonville, Florida, imposed early termination fees on at least six members of the U.S. military after they attempted to terminate their leases in accordance with the SCRA.
As a result of the Department’s enforcement, JWB will be required to pay over $39,000 in compensation to the affected servicemembers, as well as a $25,000 civil penalty. The company will also make changes to its policies and training to ensure that it complies with the SCRA in the future.
“Our military families already shoulder the burden of military-ordered moves and deployments,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We will not allow them to be penalized by landlords for answering the call of duty for service.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida is committed to protecting the rights of all our servicemembers,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “Our servicemembers make tremendous sacrifices to protect the rights and freedoms of our citizens and we will combat all forms of discrimination against them to help ensure that they are able to fulfill their military obligations.”
The Department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section. Since 2011, the Department has obtained over $483 million in monetary relief for over 148,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov.
Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA may have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil.
Indianapolis Man Sentenced After Being Caught with Three Firearms and Two Machine Gun Conversion Devices While Out on BondRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Q’Tez Laquan Ginn, 19, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 61 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession of a machine gun.
Machine gun conversion devices, sometimes called “Glock switches” or “auto-sears,” are devices that convert ordinary semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic machine guns. Machine gun conversion devices are themselves considered machine guns under federal law, even when not installed, and are illegal for individuals to possess or sell.
According to court documents, in August of 2024, Ginn was seen carrying an AR style pistol in a parking lot where suspected narcotics trafficking was taking place. Later that day, IMPD officers found Ginn in a vehicle with marijuana and a pistol. Ginn was charged with felony dealing marijuana and taken into custody. At the time of this arrest, Ginn was out on bond for a felony Resisting Law Enforcement charge in Marion County.
While in custody, Ginn made phone calls to family members, directing them to move and store his firearms and controlled substances at a home known to the family. Ginn continued to exert control over the items while he was incarcerated.
In September of 2024, law enforcement officers conducted a judicially authorized search at the home and located a black duffel bag that contained a Glock handgun, two AR-style pistols, and multiple magazines, including two loaded high-capacity drum-style magazines. The Glock handgun and one of the AR-style pistols were found with machine gun conversion devices installed on them.
“Machine gun conversion devices only exacerbate the already dire situation of individuals using firearms for violent purposes. In a city already overwhelmed by gun violence, these devices contribute to further instability for community members and law enforcement,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “I commend the IMPD and ATF for their steadfast dedication to addressing gun violence in our community."
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela Domash, who prosecuted this case.
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Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Edward Kent Stephens, also known as “Squirrel,” 36, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least May 2024 to in and around June 2024, Stephens conspired with another individual to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl in Huntington. As part of his guilty plea, Stephens admitted to conducting distributions of fentanyl in the Huntington area on the individual’s behalf. Stephens further admitted that customers would sometimes contact the other individual, who would direct them to Stephens to arrange and conduct the transaction, and on other occasions customers would contact Stephens directly.
Stephens also admitted to relevant criminal conduct as part of this guilty plea. On three occasions between May 24 and June 27, 2024, Stephens distributed a total of approximately 61 grams of fentanyl. Each transaction was with a confidential informant.
Stephens is scheduled to be sentenced on October 6, 2025, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a $5 million fine.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cabell County Sheriff's Office.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Courtney L. Finney and Joseph F. Adams are prosecuting the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), an enforcement surge that has sought to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-46.
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Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Deangelo Lamont Tell, also known as “Lil D,” 36, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 31, 2023, Tell sold approximately 27.34 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant near the 1800 block of Marshall Avenue in Huntington. As part of his guilty plea, Tell admitted to the transaction and to arranging it beforehand.
Tell further admitted to selling approximately 48.85 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant on February 3, 2023, and to arranging for another individual to sell approximately 55.75 grams of methamphetamine to the confidential informant on February 6, 2023, with both transactions occurring in Huntington.
Tell is scheduled to be sentenced on October 6, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cabell County Sheriff's Office.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-16.
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Honduran Man Sentenced After Unlawfully Using Identification DocumentsRead the Press Release
A Honduran man who unlawfully used fraudulent identification documents was sentenced today to 102 days in prison.
Ramon Calderon-Rivera, age 37, a citizen of Honduras, received the prison term after an April 24, 2025, guilty plea to unlawful use of identification documents.
At the guilty plea, Calderon-Rivera admitted he used a fraudulent Social Security card and a fraudulent California driver’s license to prove his authorization to work in the United States when he completed employment and tax forms in November 2023 at a business in Iowa. The number on the Social Security card was assigned to someone else. Social Security cards and driver’s licenses are documents prescribed by statute or regulation for entry into or as evidence of authorized stay or employment in the United States.
Calderon-Rivera was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Calderon-Rivera was sentenced to 102 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 25-CR-1014. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Hillsborough County High School Teacher Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Firearms to Trinidad-Based Transnational Criminal OrganizationRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Shannon Lee Samlalsingh (46, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to making false statements to a firearms dealer on June 20, 2025. Samlalsingh faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, in 2020 and 2021, Samlalsingh purchased several firearms and firearms components from federally licensed firearms dealers in Hillsborough County and Miami-Dade County where she falsely stated on ATF 4473 forms that she was the actual transferee or buyer of said firearms. In reality, Samlalsingh had received money via international wire transfers from members of a Trinidadian transnational criminal organization with instructions to purchase specific model firearms and firearms components, then transfer them to other members of the transnational criminal organization already in Florida, to smuggle them back to Trinidad. Samlalsingh kept a percentage of the wire transfer funds as compensation. The firearms were smuggled back to Trinidad and Tobago by concealing them in a large wireless speaker and punching bags.
On or about April 21, 2021, authorities at the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad and Tobago seized a shipment from the United States containing two punching bags and other goods. Concealed within the two punching bags were approximately eleven 9mm pistols, two .38 caliber special revolvers, a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, three AR-15 barrel foregrips, 19 lower pistol grip assemblies, 11 forearm bolt assemblies, three AR-15-style barrels with forearm grips, 32 AR-15 magazines, one AR-15 drum magazine, 470 rounds of AR-15 ammunition, 34 9mm magazines, three 9mm drum magazines, 284 9mm rounds, fifteen .38 caliber rounds, 36 shells, six magazine couplers, and two shotgun chokes. Specifically, Samlalsingh purchased a SAR-9 9mm pistol, a Ruger-9 9mm pistol, a Taurus G3 9mm pistol, a Taurus G2C 9mm pistol which were all traced to the April 21, 2021, seizure in Trinidad and Tobago.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of National Security (Transnational Organized Crime Unit) and Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (Special Investigations Unit), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and Adam W. McCall.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Halloween getaway driver sentenced to seven yearsRead the Press Release
VICTORIA, Texas - A 28-year-old Houston man has been ordered to federal prison following his convictions for armed robbery and felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The jury deliberated for less than two hours following a three-day trial before finding Jordan Javon Ashton guilty Feb. 20.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now handed Ashton a total 84-month-term of imprisonment to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard from the robbery victim who described being afraid to work in public and to having nightmares, poor appetite and anxiety. The owner of the stolen truck used in the robbery also provided testimony about how his family is frightened as a result of the theft and that his son was sad because his toys were stolen.
Oct. 31, 2023, Latrayveon McNeal and Jerrell Potts robbed the Morelos Supermercardos in Victoria using a stolen vehicle, gun and license plates. Wearing masks and armed with firearms, they entered the store, threatened employees at the Barri money services counter and stole U.S. currency and cashed checks.
The men fled in a stolen white truck and met up with Ashton, who was armed and waiting. Ashton drove them from the scene, leaving the truck idling in the middle of the road.
The jury saw numerous exhibits to include several photographs and surveillance video from the supermarket, the weapons used in the crime and heard excerpts of 911 calls made on that day.
They also heard that Ashton had previously been convicted of a felony and was on parole during the commission of this crime.
The defense attempted to convince the jury that he withdrew from the conspiracy. They did not believe those claims and found Ashton guilty as charged.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
McNeal, 27, and Potts, 25, both of Houston, previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the crime. Both received 87 months in federal prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of Victoria Police Department, Victoria County Sheriff’s Office and Victoria County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patti Hubert Booth prosecuted the case.
Guatemalan National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rocael Lopez-Lopez, age 32, a Guatemalan National residing in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on June 18, 2025, by a federal grand jury on one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Lopez-Lopez was previously removed from the United States on December 21, 2012, via Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona. The indictment also alleges that on April 28, 2025, Lopez-Lopez was encountered in Franklin County, Pennsylvania without having first obtained legal permission to reenter the country.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This matter was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is up to two years of imprisonment, plus a fine and a term of supervised release. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Greer Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison, Ordered to Pay $2M in RestitutionRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, S.C. — Jennifer L. Bengston Cook, 56, of Greer, was sentenced to three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud. She was also ordered to pay $2.2 million in restitution.
According to statements made in court, Cook was a part-time bookkeeper for a small business in Duncan for more than a decade. During her employment she wrote checks to herself from the company’s bank accounts without permission and deposited them into her personal bank account. To disguise her theft, in the business’ ledger she listed the checks as void, and in QuickBooks she listed the checks as either void, paid to other employees, or paid to vendors. On the memo line of some of the checks, she wrote it was for payroll and listed the payroll dates. In some instances, she paid herself three payroll checks for the same pay period. On some checks, she wrote on the memo line that it was a reimbursement. Cook also used the company's bank account to pay her personal credit card bills.
The criminal conduct was discovered when Cook was on vacation and her supervisor needed to find a record of a vendor payment. After the discovery, Cook's employment was terminated, and law enforcement was notified. She was charged with multiple counts of wire fraud in federal court.
U.S. District Judge Jacquelin D. Austin presided over the case and sentenced Cook to 36 months in federal prison and ordered her to pay $2,276,830.09 in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Watkins handled this prosecution.
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Gloucester County Man Convicted of Distributing Methamphetamine and FentanylRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Gloucester County man was found guilty by a jury on June 11, 2025, for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.
Ian Dudley, 39, of Williamstown, New Jersey, was convicted by a jury of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, contrary to 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a) and (b)(1)(C), in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846; and with six counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and/or fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A), and (b)(1)(C); before U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn in Camden federal court. Sentencing is scheduled for October 22, 2025.
According to the evidence presented at trial:
From June 2023 through October 2023, Dudley conspired with Joseph Watson and others to distribute crystal methamphetamine and fentanyl in Camden County and Gloucester County. During the course of the conspiracy, Dudley sold approximately 17.5 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and approximately one ounce of fentanyl to an undercover federal agent.
The counts of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and two of the counts of distribution of methamphetamine carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Four of the counts for distribution of methamphetamine and/or fentanyl carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison.
U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of L.C. Cheeks, Jr., with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph McFarlane and Josephine Park in Camden.
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Gang Members Charged with KidnappingRead the Press Release
BOSTON –Two alleged members of the Trinitarios gang have been charged with a May 2024 kidnapping in Andover, Mass.. During the alleged kidnapping, the suspects wore law enforcement jackets and held the victim at a location for multiple days.
Isiah Medina, a/k/a “Ice”, 25 and Rodderith Peralta, a/k/a “Mago”, 26, both of Lawrence were charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Both defendants are in custody on unrelated state charges and are alleged to be members of the Lawrence Chapter of the Trinitarios gang. The defendants will appear in U.S. District Court next week.
According to charging documents, Medina and Peralta allegedly burst into the victim’s apartment in Andover on May 5, 2024, and forced him into a vehicle. Nearby residents called 911 and reported the incident and that the victim was screaming for help as men wearing law enforcement raid jackets put the victim into an SUV. The victim was allegedly held for multiple days, until he was released in Lowell, Mass. The victim made numerous statements to police concerning the kidnapping and the circumstances that allegedly aligned with the 911 caller information and physical evidence.
Medina was arrested on an unrelated in case in April 2025, and his phone was searched pursuant to a search warrant. In the cell phone, investigators located videos and photographs allegedly taken while the victim was held captive that depict victim in handcuffs in a basement. During one video, Peralta’s hand, identified by a tattoo, can allegedly be seen interacting with the victim’s face.
The charge of conspiracy to commit a kidnapping provides for a maximum penalty of up to life in prison, and 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; Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Andover Police Chief Patrick Keefe made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lowell Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
1-1_complaint_affidavit.pdf
- Gang Member Sentenced to 28 Years in Prison for Racketeering
Fresno Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl Resulting in Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Lakota Tehya Wakley, 21, of Clovis, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff to eight years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
According to court documents, between Nov. 18, 2024, and Dec. 9, 2024, Wakley conspired with others to distribute fentanyl. The investigation began after a 24-year-old Fresno man overdosed on fentanyl and died. Wakley referred fentanyl users, like the victim, to his co-defendant who would in turn sell fentanyl pills and send Wakley a cut of the profits. At sentencing, Judge Sherriff found that Wakley directly caused the victim’s death.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Fentanyl Overdose Resolution Team (FORT), a multi-agency team composed of Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Fresno Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Calvin Lee and Arin C. Heinz are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas as well as identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers. In July 2018, the Justice Department announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the Eastern District of California and nine other federal districts.