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Wednesday 18 June 2025
Riverside County Woman Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Running $1.7 Million COVID-19 Benefits Fraud She Advertised on InstagramRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An Inland Empire woman was sentenced today to 84 months in federal prison for fraudulently obtaining $1.7 million in COVID-19 pandemic-related jobless benefits, federally-guaranteed small business loans, California Small Business COVID-19 relief grants, and Los Angeles County economic opportunity grants.
Jasmine Unique Mallard-McCarter, 30, a.k.a. “JassyMC,” of Eastvale, was sentenced by United States District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong, who also ordered her to pay $1,765,407 in restitution.
McCarter pleaded guilty on February 28 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
McCarter impersonated others to apply online for government benefits that she used for herself. McCarter also used the personal identifying information provided by her co-conspirators to apply for government benefits on their behalf, knowing those co-conspirators were not eligible for those benefits.
McCarter charged fees to instruct others how to apply for government benefits for which they were not eligible without getting caught. Also, for a fee, McCarter served as a broker for counterfeit documents, such as Social Security cards, driver’s licenses, IRS Forms 1040, W-2s, bank statements, education degrees and transcripts, pay stubs, and doctors’ notes for handicapped placards. In some instances, the McCarter and her co-conspirators used the counterfeit documents to trick the government into paying unjustified benefits.
McCarter advertised her fraud services on Instragram, using handles “JassyMc” and “EliteRealEstateandBusiness.” McCarter referred to herself as the “Jass of All Trades” in social media posts, because she could file fraudulent unemployment insurance applications, file grant applications, and broker counterfeit documents and identification in return for a fee.
According to McCarter’s Instagram posts, she charged a fee for introducing customers to her connection at the California Department of Motor Vehicles, who could help bypass requirements for smog checks, insurance, and registration.
The U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, Employee Development Department Investigations Division, U.S. Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and United States Secret Service investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Brown of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolster efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Central and Eastern Districts of California to jointly head one of the three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. The Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors, as well as those who committed instances of pandemic relief fraud. The Strike Force uses prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. Additional information regarding the Strike Force may be found at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-covid-19-fraud-strike-force-teams.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Prolíficos narcotraficantes guatemaltecos extraditados a los Estados Unidos para enfrentar cargos de asociación delictuosa para el tráfico de drogasRead the Press Release
Steven Ovaldino Lorenzana Alvarenga, alias “Chipi”, y Allan Mendoza, alias “Carnes” y “Carnitas”, ambos de Guatemala, comparecieron hoy ante el Tribunal de Distrito de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito de Columbia tras su extradición el 17 de junio desde Guatemala a los Estados Unidos.
Lorenzana Alvarenga, de 30 años, y Mendoza, de 40, están imputados cada uno por un cargo de asociación delictuosa para importar cinco kilogramos o más de cocaína a los Estados Unidos desde Venezuela, Colombia, México, Guatemala y Honduras, y por un cargo de poseer un arma de fuego para promover un delito de tráfico de drogas.
Según los documentos del tribunal, entre 2006 y 2023, Lorenzana Alvarenga y Mendoza fueron miembros clave de la organización de tráfico de drogas (OTD) Lorenzana, con sede en Guatemala, que transporta cantidades del orden de múltiples toneladas de cocaína desde Sudamérica a México y los Estados Unidos en nombre de varios carteles mexicanos, hondureños y venezolanos. La OTD Lorenzana presuntamente controla varios departamentos de Guatemala y utiliza habitualmente la violencia, incluidos el homicidio, la agresión, el secuestro, el asesinato y la tortura para promover sus actividades de tráfico de drogas. Según se alega, Lorenzana Alvarenga y Mendoza formaban parte de un grupo leal de asociados que rodeaba al líder de la OTD Lorenzana, Haroldo Waldemar Lorenzana Terraza.
Si son declarados culpables, Lorenzana Alvarenga y Mendoza enfrentan una pena máxima de cadena perpetua por el cargo de asociación delictuosa y hasta 30 años de prisión por el cargo de posesión de armas de fuego.
Las extradiciones de Lorenzana Alvarenga y Mendoza marcan otro paso significativo en los esfuerzos del Departamento de Justicia para desmantelar la OTD Lorenzana y llevar a sus miembros ante la justicia. Lorenzana Terraza asumió el liderazgo de la OTD Lorenzana a mediados de la década del 2000, tras la acusación formal, extradición y condena de varios miembros de su familia que anteriormente habían sido líderes clave, incluido el abuelo de Lorenzana Terraza, Waldemar Lorenzana Lima, quien se declaró culpable y fue condenado a 23 años de prisión en febrero de 2020; los tíos de Lorenzana Terraza, Eliu y Waldemar Lorenzana Cordón, quienes fueron condenados a cadena perpetua tras un juicio celebrado en 2016; y la tía de Lorenzana Terraza, Marta Julia Lorenzana-Cordón, quien se declaró culpable y fue condenada a 33 años de prisión en marzo de 2024. Lorenzana Terraza fue imputado junto con Lorenzana Alvarenga y Mendoza por unirse en una asociación delictuosa para importar cinco kilogramos o más de cocaína a los Estados Unidos y por poseer un arma de fuego para promover el delito de tráfico de drogas, y también enfrenta dos cargos adicionales por participar en una empresa delictiva continua y por unirse en una asociación delictuosa para importar heroína a los Estados Unidos. Lorenzana Terraza sigue prófugo, y el Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos ofrece actualmente una recompensa de hasta $5 millones de dólares estadounidenses por información que conduzca a su detención y/o condena.
Matthew R. Galeotti, jefe de la División Penal del Departamento de Justicia, y Robert J. Murphy, administrador interino de la Administración para el Control de Drogas (DEA, por sus siglas en inglés), hicieron el anuncio.
La Unidad de Investigación Bilateral de la DEA y la Oficina de la DEA en la ciudad de Guatemala investigaron el caso. La Oficina de Asuntos Internacionales del Departamento de Justicia, en colaboración con las autoridades del orden público guatemaltecas, INTERPOL y la DEA, prestaron asistencia fundamental para garantizar la detención y extradición de Lorenzana Alvarenga y Mendoza a los Estados Unidos.
Los fiscales Douglas Meisel y Ligia Markman, de la Sección de Narcóticos y Drogas Peligrosas de la División Penal, están a cargo del procesamiento del caso.
Este caso forma parte de la Operación Take Back America (Recuperar a los Estados Unidos), una iniciativa nacional que dirige todos los recursos del Departamento de Justicia para repeler la invasión de inmigrantes ilegales, lograr la eliminación total de los carteles y las organizaciones delictivas transnacionales y proteger a nuestras comunidades de los autores de delitos violentos. La Operación Take Back America optimiza los esfuerzos y recursos de las Fuerzas Operativas contra el Crimen Organizado y las Drogas del Departamento y el Proyecto Vecindarios Seguros.
Prolific Guatemalan Drug Traffickers Extradited to the United States to Face Drug Trafficking Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
Steven Ovaldino Lorenzana Alvarenga, also known as “Chipi,” and Allan Mendoza, also known as “Carnes” and “Carnitas,” both of Guatemala, made their initial appearances today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia following their June 17 extraditions from Guatemala to the United States.
Lorenzana Alvarenga, 30, and Mendoza, 40, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to import five kilograms or more of cocaine into the United States from Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, from 2006 through 2023, Lorenzana Alvarenga and Mendoza were key members of the Guatemala-based Lorenzana drug trafficking organization (“DTO”), which transports multi-ton quantities of cocaine from South America into Mexico and the United States on behalf of various Mexican, Honduran, and Venezuelan cartels. The Lorenzana DTO allegedly controls multiple departments in Guatemala and regularly uses violence, including murder, assault, kidnapping, assassination, and torture in furtherance of their drug trafficking activities. As alleged, Lorenzana Alvarenga and Mendoza were part of a loyal group of associates surrounding the leader of the Lorenzana DTO, Haroldo Waldemar Lorenzana Terraza.
If convicted, Lorenzana Alvarenga and Mendoza face a maximum penalty of life in prison on the conspiracy charge and up to 30 years in prison on the firearm charge.
The extraditions of Lorenzana Alvarenga and Mendoza mark another significant step in the Justice Department’s efforts to dismantle the Lorenzana DTO and bring its members to justice. Lorenzana Terraza assumed leadership of the Lorenzana DTO in the mid-2000s, after the indictment, extradition, and conviction of multiple family members who previously served as key leaders, including Lorenzana Terraza’s grandfather, Waldemar Lorenzana Lima, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 23 years in prison in February 2020; Lorenzana Terraza’s uncles, Eliu and Waldemar Lorenzana Cordon, who received life sentences following a conviction at trial in 2016; and Lorenzana Terraza’s aunt, Marta Julia Lorenzana-Cordon, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 33 years in prison in March 2024. Lorenzana Terraza was charged alongside Lorenzana Alvarenga and Mendoza with conspiring to import five kilograms or more of cocaine into the United States and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and he also faces two additional charges of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise and conspiring to import heroin into the United States. Lorenzana Terraza is still a fugitive, and the U.S. Department of State is currently offering a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction.
Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting Administrator Robert J. Murphy of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) made the announcement.
The DEA Bilateral Investigation Unit and DEA Guatemala City Country Office investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs working with Guatemalan law enforcement authorities, INTERPOL, and the DEA provided critical assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Lorenzana Alvarenga and Mendoza to the United States.
Trial Attorneys Douglas Meisel and Ligia Markman of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Previously Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 45 Years in Federal Prison for Exploiting Minors via SnapchatRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Darren Ringenberg, 30, of Louisville, Kentucky, a registered sex offender, was sentenced to 45 years in federal prison, followed by ten years of supervised release, after being convicted of two counts of sexual exploitation of a child while required to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, in 2019, Ringenberg was previously convicted in Kentucky of twenty counts of Possession of Matter Portraying a Sexual Performance by a Minor and was required to register as a sex offender for life.
Then, after his release from the Kentucky offense, in June 2023, Ringenberg, using the Snapchat username “devil_hell6969,” communicated with a nine-year old girl living in Monroe County, Indiana and coerced her to send sexually explicit images and videos, threatening to hack into her social media accounts and remove all her friends if she did not comply. Ringenberg directed her as to what images to send, how to take the photos and told her that they could meet in person in the future. He also falsely claimed to be sixteen years old and would screen-record and save many of the images and conversations without the child’s knowledge.
After receiving a tip about his illicit behavior online, law enforcement conducted judicially authorized searches of both Ringenberg’s Snapchat account and his residence in Louisville. Investigators found text messages, many of which were sexual in nature, between Ringenberg and various other unidentified minors, including the nine-year-old girl. Also located on his cell phone camera roll were many Snapchat screen recordings of minor victims engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
“Sex offenders often use manipulation and threats to sexually exploit children with utter disregard for the lasting trauma they inflict. I urge parents and guardians to talk to the children in their lives about what they’re doing online and make sure they have trusted adults they can turn to for help,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “I commend the FBI and the Bloomington Police Department for their work to seek justice for this victim and protect other children from this online predator.”
“This case is a tragic reminder that with today’s technology, predators can reach across state lines with a few clicks. While the distance didn’t help protect this child from harm, it did not stop the offender from being brought to justice,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain committed to protecting children and holding offenders accountable – no matter where they are.”
The FBI and Bloomington Police Department 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 MaryAnn T. Mindrum, who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
If you are a victim of child sexual exploitation, please contact your local police department. Resources for victims of child exploitation can be found on our website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/project-safe-childhood
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Portland Man Charged with Assaulting a Federal Law Enforcement Officer Near Local ICE OfficeRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— A Portland man made his first appearance in federal court today after he was charged with assaulting a federal law enforcement officer on Monday near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.
Deni Jungic Wolf, 19, has been charged by criminal complaint with assaulting a federal officer resulting in bodily injury.
According to court documents, on June 16, 2025, approximately 25 people gathered in protest at an ICE office in South Portland where some individuals trespassed onto federal property and erected a make-shift shield wall that blocked vehicle traffic. At approximately 11:00pm the same evening, the crowd was advised that the property was closed and were directed to disperse. Additional federal officers, including Customs and Border Protection Tactical Unit (BORTAC) agents, were dispatched to the location to clear the barricade.
Federal officers approached the barricade holding shields to clear the obstruction. As the officers encountered the barricade, Wolf pushed into the shields with his body. A federal officer grabbed Wolf to prevent him from falling backwards and Wolf punched the officer’s head, knocking the officer’s mask from his face. The officer was exposed to pepper spray and pepper-ball dust that had been deployed to assist in clearing the barrier. Surveillance footage of the incident showed the assailant wearing distinctive red gloves, and Wolf was wearing red gloves when he was arrested.
Wolf made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was released on conditions pending future court proceedings.
Assaulting a federal officer resulting in bodily injury is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and Federal Protective Service (FPS). It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pine Ridge Man and Rapid City Woman Convicted of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man, and a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman, convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencings took place on May 29, 2025, and June 6, 2025, respectively.
Tyler Eagle Elk, 38, was sentenced to two years and nine months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Larissa Ross, 39, was sentenced to one year and eight months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Eagle Elk and Ross were indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in April 2024. Eagle Elk pleaded guilty on March 7, 2024. Ross pleaded guilty on February 7, 2025.
Ross and Eagle Elk worked together to distribute cocaine in the Rapid City area. Investigators became aware of the two when the postal inspector intercepted a package containing approximately a half pound of cocaine addressed to their home. In the course of the conspiracy, Ross and Eagle Elk were involved in the distribution of more than a kilogram of cocaine.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Division of Criminal Investigation. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Eagle Elk and Ross were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Ozark Timeshare Salesman Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Evade TaxationRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – An Ozark, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to one count of attempting to evade or defeat taxation.
Ryan J. McMillin, 52, admitted during his plea that he did not report income he received while employed as a timeshare salesman with four different companies from 2018 to 2023. Because McMillin claimed exempt status on his W-4s his employers did not withhold taxes from McMillin’s paychecks. McMillin also failed to make an income tax return or pay income taxes to the IRS for those six calendar years. McMillin owes the IRS an estimated $581,981 in unpaid taxes.
Under federal statutes, McMillin is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigations.
Ohio Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine PossessionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Demarcus R. Brown, 22, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced today to 100 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Brown was at a residence in Marshall County that was searched by investigators. Officers seized more than 300 grams of methamphetamine and nearly 12 grams of fentanyl. Brown has prior firearms convictions.
Brown will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Ocala Mental Health Counselor Arrested for Aggravated Identity Theft and Fourteen Counts of Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the arrest of Michelle Forsythe (61, Ocala) on an indictment charging her with 14 counts of wire fraud and 1 count of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, Forsythe faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count. For the aggravated identity theft count, she faces a mandatory federal prison sentence of 2 years that must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. The indictment also notifies Forsythe that the United States intends to forfeit $483,511.44, which are alleged to be the proceeds of the offenses.
According to court records, Forsythe is a licensed mental health counselor.
Between January 2016 and December 2022, Forsythe used the names and insurance policy information of 22 individuals without their knowledge or consent to overbill two health insurance companies. Forsythe falsely claimed that she had provided counseling services to these individuals when she had not. As a result of the false billing, the health insurance companies electronically transferred payments to Forsythe for her services. In one instance, Forsythe used the name and health insurance information for an individual whom she had never seen as a patient to fraudulently bill for her counseling services.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.
Nigerian Citizen Sentenced in Fraud and Money Laundering CaseRead the Press Release
Richard Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 17, 2025, Otaniyen Iduozee, a Nigerian citizen who came to the United States on a student visa, was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment for his role in laundering the proceeds of an extensive fraud scheme. Iduozee previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h).
According to court records, the case involved a “romance scam,” which is a fraud scheme—typically targeting elderly or vulnerable Americans—in which the fraudster feigns romantic intentions towards a victim. The fraudster, using a fake or stolen identity, typically meets the victim through an online dating website or application. The fraudster spends weeks or months cultivating a romantic relationship with the victim through online messaging, emails, text messaging, or voice calls, to gain his or her affection and trust. Once the fraudster gains the victim’s affection, he begins to tell the victim about urgent financial needs, such as a business opportunity, a tax debt, or a family illness, and pressures the victim to provide financial assistance, often with the promise of repayment. Those “loans” are never repaid, however, and many victims have lost their life savings.
Court records demonstrate that after obtaining the victims’ funds in this case, the defendants laundered them through multiple transactions and moved the funds overseas. Iduozee was a money launderer for the conspiracy who established and controlled numerous fraudulent bank accounts through which millions of dollars of victims’ funds were laundered. He engaged in laundering transactions that were designed to, and did, remit the victims’ funds back to Nigeria.
At the sentencing hearing, Chief United States District Court Judge Pamela Pepper acknowledged the widespread nature of these types of fraud schemes and the devastating impact they have on victims. Upon completion of his 42-month sentence, Iduozee has agreed to removal from the United States.
“Individuals and groups who engage in these types of schemes not only cause financial loss but also shatter the trust of their victims, inflicting multiple layers of trauma and harm,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Frohling. “I commend the courage of the victims in speaking up and commend the hard work of all involved in seeking to hold the conspirators accountable for their actions.”
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca Taibleson and Carter Stewart.
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New York Man and Chinese National Charged with Running Scams That Took Thousands from Elderly Victims in OhioRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – A federal grand jury has returned a 10-count indictment charging two men with defrauding elderly victims in Northeast Ohio out of thousands of dollars. The victims affected reside in Cleveland Heights, Willoughby, Canton, and Warren.
According to a recently unsealed indictment, Jinrong Shi, 28, of New York, New York, and Jiyang Zhong, 27, a Chinese national residing in Little Neck, New York, were part of a criminal network that targeted senior citizens in Ohio, and elsewhere, with either a “grandparent” or “tech support” scam in May and June 2024.
In tech support scams, victims are led to believe that their electronic devices, or online account, has been compromised. Unsuspecting victims are then persuaded to pay for assistance to resolve the fabricated issues. In grandparent scams, perpetrators impersonate law enforcement, or other authority figures, to convince elderly victims that their grandchildren are in trouble with the law. The victims are told that they must provide immediate financial assistance to help their grandchild out of the legal bind.
The indictment further alleges that once the scam victims were persuaded to withdraw cash from their bank accounts, Shi and Zhong collaborated with a network of co-conspirators to collect it. The defendants used “fraud callers” to speak with victims and gather their addresses and other information. These details were then given to “fraud couriers,” who were tasked with meeting victims to pick up cash, or other items of value, at or near their homes. In an effort to further gain victims’ trust, the fraudulent callers would give them a password and told that a courier they would meet would provide this same password to confirm the validity of the transaction. In other instances, victims were instructed to mail cash to locations which the members of the conspiracy controlled. In total, more than $201,000 was taken from victims in Ohio.
The ill-gotten proceeds from these fraudulent activities were allegedly laundered across state lines through various methods. In attempts to conceal the origins of the funds, conspirators also routed proceeds through cryptocurrency account holders based in China.
Shi has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and concealment of money laundering and faces up to 20 years in prison.
Zhong has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering conspiracy and faces up to 20 years in prison.
If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including each defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, their roles in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentences will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. McDonough for the Northern District of Ohio. The U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Northern District of Ohio would like to acknowledge and thank the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office and the Cleveland Heights Police Department for their cooperation with this matter.
The investigation and prosecution of this case is in response to the Elder Justice Initiative Program originating from the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017 (EAPPA). The mission of the EAPPA and Elder Justice Initiative is to support and coordinate the Department of Justice’s enforcement efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect, financial fraud, and scams that target the nation’s elderly population.
To bring awareness to the financial abuse of senior citizens, the USAO recently issued an announcement warning of scams that target the elderly. Click here to read more about Elder Abuse Awareness Month.
To submit a report of suspected elder financial abuse, visit tips.fbi.gov/home or justice.gov/elderjustice/financial-exploitation.
New York Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Oliver Tejada, 25, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced by United States District Judge Timothy J. Savage to 60 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and forfeiture of $780,837.11, in connection with a scheme to steal more than $1 million from the bank accounts of at least 23 victims. In some instances, the financial institutions were able to reverse the fraudulent transactions, resulting in an actual loss to the banks of $780,837.11.
Tejada was charged by indictment in May 2024 and pleaded guilty in March of this year to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
To carry out their scheme, Tejada and associates obtained confidential bank account information from their victims, some of whom were elderly or retired. After the account information had been secured, the conspirators made phone calls to the various banks to obtain a current balance on the account and attempted to obtain additional information about the accounts.
Once all the necessary banking documentation was secured, Tejada worked with an imposter to steal the cash from the bank. Tejada obtained a fake identification card with the photo of the imposter but the personal identifying information of the victim, and then transported that imposter to a bank branch location, ten out of eleven of which were located within the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
That imposter sometimes secured a bank debit card using the fake identification documents. More often, the imposter made a large withdrawal or placed a large wire transfer to the account of an individual who had been recruited to receive the money. After receiving the wire transfer, the receiving account was quickly depleted.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Livermore.
New Orleans Man Guilty of Fentanyl Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today that DAMERON CARMON (“CARMON”), age 45, of New Orleans, pled guilty on June 12, 2025 to Conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, a quantity of Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21 United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846 before U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier. Judge Barbier scheduled sentencing for September 25, 2025. At sentencing CARMON faces up to twenty years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. There is also a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to the indictment, CARMON conspired with others to maintain multiple residences on Harmony Street as drug-involved premises where fentanyl and heroin were trafficked. CARMON acted as security, and assisted others in the distribution of fentanyl and heroin from these residences. He was arrested by law enforcement as he attempted to flee one of these residences. Firearms and fentanyl were later located in the residence from which CARMON fled.
This case was part of Operation Big Easy. Operation Big Easy was a National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) enforcement initiative of collected firearm casings for the time period of August 1, 2023 to January 31, 2023 that produced data points of high-density shootings and homicides in seven areas of New Orleans related to individuals engaged in criminal activity.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, New Orleans Police Department, and Louisiana State Police. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.
This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballisticinformation-network-nibin.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
New Orleans Man Guilty of Being Felon in Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –NOLAN LONG (“LONG”), age 33, pleaded guilty on June 17, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Darryl J. Papillion to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
According to court documents, on January 10, 2023, New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) detectives observed a group of individuals, including LONG, exhibiting signs that they were carrying concealed firearms. When marked NOPD units arrived in the area to investigate, LONG fled on foot and discarded a loaded Walther P22, .22 caliber pistol before being apprehended. LONG is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his previous felony convictions for simple robbery and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
LONG faces up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.
New Orleans Man Convicted of Attempted Murder Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –KYLE CONERLY, age 32, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on June 18, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
According to court documents, on November 20, 2023, New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers were conducting surveillance on a residence in the Hollygrove neighborhood. When officers moved in to make arrests, CONERLY ran to the backyard of the residence and threw a loaded handgun over the fence. CONERLY is prohibited from possessing a handgun because of prior convictions for attempted second degree murder and manslaughter in Orleans Parish.
CONERLY faces up to 15 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
New Hampshire Couple Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges for 2024 Crime SpreeRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – A New Hampshire couple pleaded guilty in federal court last week to robbery charges stemming from a crime spree in August of 2024.
On June 10, 2025, Christopher Boisvert entered a plea of guilty to the charge of armed bank robbery during a plea hearing before Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss.
On June 12, 2025, Meghan Cox entered a plea of guilty to the charge of conspiring with her accomplice to interfere with commerce by robbery during a plea hearing before Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss.
At sentencing, if the District Court accepts the plea agreements Boisvert and Cox each face up to 20 years’imprisonment. The actual sentence, however, will be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. Both defendants are scheduled for sentencing in September of this year.
According to court records, on August 26, 2024, around 2:06 PM, the Vermont State Police were notified of an attempted robbery at Rolling Twenties, a Cannabis Dispensary located at 440 Rockingham Road in the Town of Rockingham, Vermont. Investigation revealed that in the minutes before the robbery, exterior surveillance video captured a blue Chevrolet Silverado truck parked in front of the business, with its rear license plate obscured by a dark covering.
Two subjects, a male and a female – later confirmed to be Boisvert and Cox – exited the Silverado truck and approached the business on foot. The male was white, with a medium build, and was wearing a grey long-sleeved “Henley” style shirt, gray sweatpants, brown leather boots, a black ball cap, a black face mask, sunglasses, and was carrying one or two dark colored backpacks or duffel bags.
The female, also white, with a medium build, red hair, was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, tight-fitting blue jeans, brown leather boots, wearing a black ball cap, a black face mask, and dark “aviator” style sunglasses. She was also carrying a dark colored bag. Both subjects were wearing blue colored latex gloves. Once inside the business’s lobby, they attempted to enter the retail floor and demanded money and marijuana. An attendant denied entry and both subjects left the business in the blue Silverado truck, traveling south bound on VT Route 5/Rockingham Road towards Bellows Falls, Vermont.
At approximately 2:47 PM, the Bellows Falls Police Department was called to a bank robbery at the TD Bank, 2 Church Street, Bellows Falls, Vermont. Officers determined the bank robbery suspect fit the description of the male subject from the Rolling Twenties attempted robbery minutes earlier. TD Bank surveillance video showed the male wearing the same clothing and disguise as described in the Rolling Twenties attempted robbery and was carrying a black and gray backpack. The male approached an employee and produced a note indicating he wanted 100s (one-hundred-dollar bills) and other large denominations placed into the bag. The male lifted his shirt revealing what appeared to be a wooden handle/grip of an object tucked into his pants. The teller placed money onto the counter and the male subject retrieved the money, placing it into his backpack. An image of the male, who turned out to be Christopher Boisvert, displaying the weapon in his waist band is below:
TD Bank PhotographBoisvert told the employees he had done research, and he knew where their families live – if they try anything, he was going to come back and hurt or kill them. He also said he had a gun inside his backpack and that his girlfriend or wife was waiting in the vehicle outside with a “45[.]” As he was leaving, Boisvert told the employees to wait two minutes before calling the police. In total, Boisvert received approximately $2,500 of U.S. Currency from TD Bank.
About an hour after the Bellows Falls bank robbery, around 3:45 PM, the Brattleboro Police were called to a robbery of the Brattleboro Savings and Loan, located at 972 Putney Road, Brattleboro, Vermont (“Brattleboro Savings and Loan”). Law enforcement investigation revealed a blue Chevrolet Silverado truck with New Hampshire registration plates parked on Black Mountain Road, next to the Putney Road Plaza where the bank is located. Boisvert was wearing the same clothing, hat, mask, footwear, blue gloves, and was carrying a black and gray backpack.
Inside the bank, he approached a teller and told her to put money into the bag. He stated to the teller that he knew the employee’s families and their addresses, and to give him all the money. He also said he had a gun. The teller observed that he possessed an orange handled knife. Several tellers provided him with U.S. Currency; in total the amount was approximately $5,000. Surveillance video showed Boisvert return to the blue Silverado truck. Using a cellular phone, a teller captured photographs of the Silverado fleeing the area. The photographs revealed the rear license plate number of the truck. Law enforcement then confirmed the vehicle was registered to Christopher Boisvert of New Hampshire.
At approximately 4:00 PM, the Cheshire County, New Hampshire Sheriff’s Department located the blue Silverado on Route 9 near the Chesterfield/Keene, New Hampshire town line. Deputies attempted to stop the truck, but it fled, and a pursuit began. Sheriff Deputies and New Hampshire State Police, among other agencies, pursued the truck, ultimately ending the pursuit when the truck entered Massachusetts. The truck was later located abandoned in the parking lot of Athol Memorial Hospital in Athol, Massachusetts.
Law enforcement examined a social media account associated with Boisvert and Cox, and compared known photos of the defendants to the surveillance footage obtained during the investigation. Investigators saw Boisvert was wearing an identical shirt to the one he wore during the robberies. In addition, Meghan Cox had a distinctive tattoo on her neck. A close-up review of the surveillance footage from the Rolling Twenties dispensary shows an object covering the tattoo that appeared to be peeling off her neck.
When they searched the Silverado truck, investigators recovered a 14-inch bowie knife with a wooden handle consistent in appearance with the weapon displayed in the TD Bank surveillance footage, black KN95-style facemasks consistent in appearance with what the defendants were wearing, a small spiral bound notebook containing a handwritten note that matched the same threats articulated to the various robbery victims, a grey “Henley” style shirt, and blue medical gloves. These clothing and disguise items were subsequently tested for DNA that matched Boisvert and Cox.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Vermont State Police, Brattleboro Police Department, Bellows Falls Police Department, Keene, New Hampshire Police Department, Swanzey, New Hampshire Police Department, Cheshire County, New Hampshire Sheriff’s Department, New Hampshire State Police, Athol, Massachusetts Police Department, and the Winchendon, Massachusetts Police Department.
The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Thomas J. Aliberti. Federal Defender Michael Desautels represents Christopher Boisvert and Meghan Cox is represented by Richard C. Bothfeld, Esq.
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).
Nearly 2 dozen charged in large drug and money laundering operation spanning multiple jurisdictionsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A total of 23 people are now in custody for various drug trafficking, firearms and money laundering charges following major law enforcement operations in Houston/Galveston and Rio Grande Valley areas of Texas this week, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Some of those arrested have already begun to make their appearances U.S. Magistrate Judges Christina Bryan in Houston, Andrew Edison in Galveston and Nadia Medrano in McAllen. Others are in state custody on related charges and expected in federal court in the near future.
Grand juries in Houston and McAllen returned the five separate, but related indictments in May. The charges allege crimes that occurred as early as January 2023 for some and between May 2024 and December 2024 for others and involve cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine trafficking, firearms-related offenses and money laundering.
The charges allege some of the individuals were truck drivers delivering drugs north. According to information presented to the court, 10 kilograms of cocaine had been taken to Georgia and money returned to pay drivers and other expenses.
The arrests are the culmination of multiple months-long Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigations dubbed Operation Red Ranger, Borrowed Time and Resurrection. During the investigation and operations, law enforcement also seized over 170 kilograms of cocaine and heroin, over two thousand kilograms methamphetamine, more than 100 firearms and nearly $3 million as well as four properties valued at $1.2 million.
If convicted, many charged with drug trafficking offenses face up to life in federal prison and could pay millions in fines. Those charged with money laundering offenses face up to 20 years, while the firearms convictions carry up to 10 or 15 years in federal prison.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the OCDETF operations with the assistance of U.S. Marshals Service; Texas Department of Public Safety; sheriff’s offices in Fort Bend, Galveston, Chambers, Hidalgo, Harris and Kleberg counties; Texas Attorney General’s Office - Money Laundering Unit; West Tennessee Drug Task Force and police departments in Houston, Katy and Galveston as well as Houston and South Texas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area programs.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leo J. Leo III, Patricia Cook Profit, Michael Day and Roberto Lopez are prosecuting the cases.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s OCDETF and Project Safe Neighborhood.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Multiple Mexican Prison Gang Members Sentenced to Decades in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – Seven members of the Partido Revolucionario Mexicano (PRM) prison gang were sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to a combined 137 years in prison for their roles in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy.
According to court documents, Victor Hinojosa aka Zuko, 35; Martha Gonzalez Ritchie, 64; Jesus Espinoza, 33; and Francisco Espinoza, 29; Ernesto Magdaleno, 56; Armando Ramirez aka Mando, 36; and Danny Suarez, 41, all from Eagle Pass, trafficked cocaine in and around Eagle Pass and Del Rio daily between March 1, 2019, and June 1, 2021. Hinojosa, identified as a sergeant of the PRM, conspired with others by communicating with them through Facebook messenger or cell phone to discuss cocaine distribution activities. Jesus and Francisco Espinoza, Suarez, and another co-defendant would regularly supply Hinojosa with the cocaine. Drug Enforcement Administration agents conducted multiple controlled purchases from Hinojosa throughout their investigation.
All seven defendants were arrested on June 11, 2021. Hinojosa, Jesus Espinoza and Francisco Espinoza each pleaded guilty in 2022 to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Ritchie also pleaded guilty in 2022 to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin.
On June 5, Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses sentenced Hinojosa and Ritchie each to 30 years in prison, Jesus Espinoza to 17 ½ years in prison, and Francisco Espinoza to 19 ½ years in prison. The following week, on June 13, Chief Judge Moses sentenced Magdaleno and Ramirez each to 14 years in prison, and Suarez to 12 years.
“This criminal conspiracy extends way beyond the bounds of narcotics distribution,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “PRM is a violent prison gang that operates on both sides the U.S.-Mexico border. These PRM members who have been convicted and sentenced should reemphasize to other narcoterrorists the level of our resolve when it comes to the eradication of transnational criminal organizations and providing safer border communities.”
Other co-defendants in this case who continue to await their sentence hearings include Rodolfo Jimenez Jr., Eduardo Gloria, Saul Sanchez-Rosas, Yvonne Rodriguez-Torres, Luis Alberto Torres-Marquez, Paulino Ramirez, Louis Iglesias, Martha Perez, and Randy Crioyos.
Co-defendant Carlos Eduardo Saldana Jr. was sentenced in August 2023 to 10 years in federal prison; Kevin Ritchie was sentenced in October 2023 to 35 years imprisonment; Clinton Ritchie was sentenced in July 2024 to 19 ½ years in federal prison; and Carlos Daniel Rodriguez-Urrabazo was also sentenced in July 2024 to 7 years in prison.
The DEA and FBI led the investigation, known as Operation Tequila Sunset. Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Border Patrol, Texas Department of Public Safety, the Eagle Pass Police Department, and the Sheriff’s Offices from Maverick, Dimmitt and Val Verde counties assisted.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Miner prosecuted the case.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Mitchell, South Dakota, Man Sentenced to 23 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine in Rapid City AreaRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Mitchell, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on May 30, 2025.
Cory Linderman, 43, was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Linderman was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in July 2023. He pleaded guilty on March 5, 2025.
Linderman was part of a group of people who worked together to traffic approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine throughout the Rapid City area from 2021-2023. Julian Fuentes was a leader of the group and coordinated shipments of methamphetamine by car from California to Rapid City. From there, the methamphetamine was distributed to sub-distributors of the group, including Linderman, Daniel Bradshaw, and Travis Orr. During his involvement in the conspiracy, Linderman was responsible for distributing approximately 40-50 pounds of methamphetamine.
Julian Fuentes, 37, was sentenced on April 25, 2024, to 20 years in federal prison; Daniel Bradshaw, 31, was sentenced on August 12, 2024, to 14 years in federal prison; Travis Orr, 36, was sentenced on December 6, 2024, to 19 years and seven months in federal prison; Alisa See, 40, was sentenced on January 6, 2025, to 22 years and six months in federal prison; and Reynaldo Garcia-Gonzalez, 43, was sentenced on March 7, 2025, to 22 years and six months in federal prison
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET). UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Linderman was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Missouri Woman Admits Stealing Imprisoned Brother’s Disability BenefitsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A Missouri woman on Wednesday admitted stealing her brother’s Social Security disability payments during the decade he spent in prison.
Lora Houck, 57, of Kahoka, in Clark County, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of theft of government money. She admitted as part of her plea that she was power of attorney for her brother and had control of his bank accounts. During his time in prison, she was aware that he was not entitled to the benefits but used her status as his power of attorney to access his bank accounts and his disability benefits, her plea says. Her brother was in prison from May 2013 to June 2023, but the benefits stopped in September 2021. During that time, Houck stole a total of $157,323.
At Houck’s September 23 sentencing, she faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both prison and a fine.
The Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwendolyn Carroll is prosecuting the case.
Millbourne Borough Official and Former Official Sentenced to Prison for Election Fraud OffensesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that MD Nurul Hasan, 48, and MD Rafikul Islam, 52, both of Millbourne, Pennsylvania, were sentenced at separate hearings today by United States District Judge Harvey Bartle III for election fraud offenses.
In February of this year, the defendants, along with co-conspirator MD Munsur Ali, 48, also of Millbourne, were charged in a 33-count indictment with conspiracy to commit voter fraud, giving false information in registering to vote, and fraudulent voter registration, arising from their scheme, ultimately unsuccessful, to steal Millbourne Borough’s 2021 mayoral election for Hasan.
Hasan, the vice president of the Millbourne Borough Council, pleaded guilty in April to all 33 charges against him — one count of conspiracy, 16 counts of giving false information in registering to vote, and 16 counts of fraudulent voter registration. He was sentenced to 36 months in prison, one year of supervised release, and a $3,300 special assessment.
Islam, a former member of the Millbourne Borough Council, pleaded guilty in April to all seven charges against him — one count of conspiracy, three counts of giving false information in registering to vote, and three counts of fraudulent voter registration. He was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison, one year of supervised release, $1,000 fine, and a $700 special assessment.
Ali, a member of the Millbourne Borough Council, pleaded guilty in April to all 25 charges against him — one count of conspiracy, 12 counts of giving false information in registering to vote, and 12 counts of fraudulent voter registration. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 26.
As set forth in court filings, in 2021, Millbourne held elections for mayor, three seats on its borough council, and tax collector. Defendant Hasan entered the majority party’s primary election for mayor.
The primary election was held on May 20, 2021, and Hasan was defeated in the primary by a vote count of approximately 138 to 120. In the same primary, Ali was one of three majority party candidates for borough council to advance to the general election, while Islam lost his bid for reelection to the council.
After the primary, Hasan decided that he would run as a write-in candidate for mayor in the general election, which was scheduled for November 2, 2021. Ali and Islam agreed to support Hasan in his write-in campaign.
As detailed in court documents and admitted by the defendants, in or about 2021, defendants Hasan, Ali, and Islam conspired and agreed with one another, and other persons known and unknown to the U.S. Attorney, to steal the 2021 general election for Mayor of Millbourne for defendant Hasan through a multi-step process, which included:
(a) obtaining personal identification information of non-Millbourne residents, such as their names, addresses, and dates of birth;
(b) using the personal identifying information to access the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s online voter registration (PAOVR) website and change the voter registration addresses for those non-Millbourne residents to locations within Millbourne;
(c) using the PAOVR website to request that mail-in or absentee ballots for those non-Millbourne residents be sent to addresses accessible by one or more of the defendants;
(d) retrieving the ballots from the Millbourne mailboxes;
(e) impersonating the voters and fraudulently casting write-in votes for defendant Hasan to be mayor;
(f) enclosing the fraudulently completed ballots in envelopes and forging the voters' signatures on the envelopes; and
(g) submitting the ballots in their envelopes to the Delaware County Board of Elections.
The defendants admitted that, to further this conspiracy, they contacted friends and acquaintances whom Hasan and Ali knew did not live in Millbourne, told these non-Millbourne residents that Hasan was running for mayor in Millbourne, asked if they could register the non-Millbourne residents to vote in Millbourne, and then cast mail-in ballots for Hasan to be mayor.
Hasan and Ali persuaded many of their non-Millbourne friends and acquaintances to provide them with personal identification information so that defendants Hasan and Ali could register them to vote in Millbourne. During many of these conversations, Hasan and Ali told their non-Millbourne friends and acquaintances that they would not get in trouble, as long as they did not vote in another election in November 2021.
Hasan and Ali also conspired and agreed to use personal identifying information for other non-Millbourne residents, which the two defendants had obtained from other sources, such as Hasan’s business, to register those nonresidents as Millbourne voters without the knowledge of those non-residents.
Hasan personally did almost all of the fraudulent voter registrations himself, using a computer at his place of business to access the PAOVR website and change the voting addresses for non-Millbourne residents to locations within Millbourne. Every time that Hasan accessed the PAOVR website to change a voter registration address, he provided an email address for the voter. Many times, Hasan provided one of four email addresses that he used and accessed.
To divert suspicion from himself, however, Hasan sometimes provided email addresses belonging to other people, who knowingly and willfully permitted Hasan to use their email addresses to cover up Hasan’s actions. One of those people was Islam, who allowed Hasan to use two of Islam’s email addresses when Hasan fraudulently changed the voter registration addresses for six individuals. Islam also permitted Hasan to use two of Islam’s email addresses when requesting mail-in ballots for five non-Millbourne residents.
In total, the defendants conspired to falsely register nearly three dozen non-Millbourne residents as Millbourne voters and cast ballots for those non-Millbourne residents in the 2021 general election for mayor of Millbourne Borough. Hasan went on to lose the election by a vote of approximately 165 to 138.
“These defendants sabotaged the democratic will of their fellow citizens in deciding Millbourne’s next mayor,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Public trust in the electoral process is critical, and my office is committed to ensuring that our elections remain free and fair. As this case shows, should we find instances of fraud, we won’t hesitate to prosecute those responsible.”
“The electoral process is a pillar of our democracy, so when public officials undermine this system through fraud, they don't only break the law — they compromise the trust built between this process and the American people,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “The FBI remains unwavering in our commitment to protecting the integrity of elections and ensuring those who break these laws are held accountable.”
“Free and fair elections are the bedrock principle that defines American democracy. I appreciate the partnership between my office, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring these criminals to justice,” said Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark B. Dubnoff.
Mexican national who had previously assaulted public servant imprisoned for illegal reentryRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 26-year-old convicted felon who is a Mexican national has been sentenced for unlawfully reentering the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Abelino Hernandez-Torres pleaded guilty Nov. 26, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now ordered Hernandez-Torres to serve 60 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.
Hernandez-Torres has prior convictions for illegal reentry as well as evading arrest with a motor vehicle and assault on a public servant. He was first ordered removed from the United States in 2015 and again in 2019 and May 2, 2020, and returned illegally. He was found in Olmito following his arrest for evading arrest with a motor vehicle Jan. 20, 2021.
Hernandez-Torres will remain in custody transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ana C. Cano prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Mexican national sentenced to six years for coordinating drug shipments into U.S.Read the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 55-year-old Mexican national illegally residing in Raymondville has been ordered to prison for trafficking methamphetamine and heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Reynaldo Galvan-Rico pleaded guilty April 4, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now ordered him to serve 72 months in federal prison. Galvan-Rico is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.
Beginning in March 2019, authorities identified Galvan-Rico as a coordinator in Mexico. The investigation revealed he acted as the point of contact for the drug supplier in Mexico and the drivers transporting narcotics in the United States.
Galvan-Rico was allowed to remain on bond and surrender at a later date.
“A major component of Operation Take Back America is the pursuit and punishment of drug traffickers,” said Ganjei. “Those that seek a quick buck by poisoning our communities through the drug trade should be looking over their shoulder because we are coming for them.”
Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection.
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 on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Watt prosecuted the case.
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national has pleaded guilty in federal court today for illegal possession of firearms.
Jose Montero-Barradas, 34, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to one count of Alien in Possession of Firearms.
According to court documents, Montero-Barradas knew he was present in the United States illegally and unlawfully, when he knowingly possessed two firearms on March 23, 2025. Specifically, on the evening of March 23, 2025, members of the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department were dispatched to a residential area in Kansas City following a report of shots fired. Officers arriving on the scene observed Montero-Barradas walking into a residence with two firearms, which were later recovered.
Under federal law it is illegal for an alien to possess a firearm or ammunition.
Montero-Barradas faces up to 15 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentence of the defendant will be determined by the court based upon the advisory sentencing guidelines and other factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Foley. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.
Operation Take Back America
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).
Memphis Man Sentenced to 150 Months for Gun and Drug-Related OffensesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Quantrese Brazzell, 48, of Memphis has been sentenced to 150 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Interim U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr. for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on December 31, 2022, officers with the Memphis Police Department responded to a suspicious vehicle report at the intersection of East Georgia Avenue and Walnut Street. When officers arrived, Defendant Brazzell was found to be the driver and sole occupant. A search of the vehicle was conducted, and the Defendant was found to be in possession of approximately 500 pressed pills, which were later confirmed to be fentanyl. Additionally, officers recovered a Springfield Arms Saint 5.56 caliber rifle loaded with approximately 31 live rounds.
A federal grand jury for the Western District of Tennessee returned a two-count indictment on December 12, 2023, alleging violations of 21 U.S.C. § 841 (unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute) and 18 U.S.C. §922(g) (a convicted felon in possession of a firearm).
After a four-day trial, a jury found the Defendant guilty as to counts 1 and 2 of the indictment. On June 17, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge Samuel H. Mays sentenced the Defendant to 150 months' imprisonment and three years supervised release consecutive to 18 months' imprisonment in case number 2:16-cr-20153. The Defendant was on federal supervised release for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846 at the time of the offense. This is the Defendant’s fourth federal conviction.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Memphis Police Department, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Kimbril-Parks and Greg Allen prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.
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For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at [email protected]. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Members of Drug Conspiracy Distributing Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Are Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Two members of a drug conspiracy that distributed fentanyl and methamphetamine were sentenced to prison yesterday, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Ashton Durrell Farley, 32, of Hickory, N.C., was sentenced to 235 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Thomas Eugene Ikard, 46, of Lenoir, N.C., was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Farley and Ikard pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney Ferguson is joined in making the announcement by Alicia Jones, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, Sheriff Donald G. Brown II of the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, and Chief Reed Baer of the Hickory Police Department.
Two other members of the drug conspiracy were previously sentenced after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Dustin Eric Wilson, 35, of Charlotte was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Harold Marquis Wilfong, 37, of Hickory, was sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
According to court documents and court proceedings, federal charges were filed against the defendants following a 10-month investigation led by the ATF and the Hickory Police Department (HPD), aimed at reducing drug distribution and drug-induced criminal activity in Catawba County and surrounding areas. The drug trafficking ring operated out of Hickory and distributed large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the area. To identify the drug conspirators and their operations, ATF agents and HPD officers utilized controlled drug purchases, conducted physical surveillance, and executed search warrants. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement determined that members of the drug ring used several residences either as “stash houses” to store drugs and/or guns, or to conduct drug sales and other drug trafficking activities. One of the alleged stash houses was located two blocks from the federal courthouse in Charlotte.
According to court records, during the investigation, law enforcement seized multiple kilograms of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Law enforcement also seized multiple firearms used by some of the traffickers to support their drug distribution, including an AR-15 rifle and a privately made firearm or “ghost gun,” and ammunition.
In making the announcement U.S. Attorney Ferguson commended the ATF, HPD, and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office investigation of this case and thanked the U.S. Marshals Service for their invaluable assistance.
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).
Mason City Pharmacist Sentenced to Federal Prison for Diverting Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
Megan Elsbury, age 43, from Mason City, Iowa, was sentenced June 17, 2025, to 1 month in federal prison, after a February 7, 2025, guilty plea to one count of Acquiring a Controlled Substance by Means of Misrepresentation, Fraud, Deception, and Subterfuge.
In a plea agreement, Elsbury admitted to being employed and working at, at least three difference pharmacies located in Mason City, Iowa from 2008 to 2023. During her employment, Elsbury admitted she diverted controlled substances such as codeine, phentermine, alprazolam, clonazepam, lorazepam, pregabalin, and tramadol, for her own personal use. She created unauthorized prescriptions, and falsified prescription records/inventory, in the names of existing patients, primarily when the pharmacy was closed, filled the prescriptions, paid for the prescriptions, and took the prescriptions for her own personal use.
Elsbury was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 1 month imprisonment. She must also serve a 1-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Elsbury was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshals on July 14, 2025.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Control Division and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-03007.
Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Maryland Man Sentenced to 168 Months in Federal Prison for Coercion and Enticement of a ChildRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Jason Hanif Rehman, 40, of Rockville, Md., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 168 months federal in prison in connection with coercing a minor victim to send him sexually explicit images of herself over the internet.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the FBI Washington Field Office, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Rehman pleaded guilty on Nov. 21, 2024, to one count of coercion and enticement of a minor. In addition to the 14-year prison term, Judge Carl J. Nichols ordered Rehman to serve 10 years of supervised release and to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, in October and November of 2018, Rehman communicated with a 15-year-old girl on Snapchat. Rehman directed her to produce and send him child sexual abuse material. He also sent her explicit photographs of himself. Over the course of five weeks, Rehman continued to coerce the victim into sending him child sexual abuse material and, on at least two separate dates, traveled from Maryland and Washington, D.C. to Virginia where he had sex with her.
A fellow student notified school officials of the minor victim’s communication with an adult male. Investigators identified the male as Rehman. Subsequently, other minors at the school disclosed that Rehman had sent them similarly sexually explicit messages and requests over Snapchat. When investigators located Rehman, he admitted that he had used his Snapchat account to contact the victim and knew she was 15 years old. He also admitted to convincing her to send him explicit photos and admitted to having sexual intercourse with her.
This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force in conjunction with the Fairfax County Police Department. The task force is composed of FBI agents, along with other federal agents and detectives from northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. The task force is charged with investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in the exploitation of children and those engaged in human trafficking. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Burrell for the District of Columbia. and Trial Attorney Angelica Carrasco of the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Maryland Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting a Minor on SnapchatRead the Press Release
Jason Hanif Rehman, 40, of Rockville, MD, was sentenced today to 14 years in prison on one count of coercion and enticement after he used the Snapchat application to coerce a minor victim into sending him sexually explicit images of herself over the internet.
Rehman previously pleaded guilty to the charge on Nov. 21, 2024 in the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia.
According to court documents, in October and November of 2018, Rehman communicated with a 15-year-old victim on Snapchat. In Snapchat messages, Rehman directed the victim to produce and send him child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and sent her explicit photographs of himself. This conduct continued over the course of five weeks, during which Rehman coerced the victim into sending him CSAM and, on at least two separate occasions, traveled from Maryland and Washington, D.C. to Virginia to engage in sexual intercourse with her.
Law enforcement was notified by a student from the victim’s school about the minor victim’s communication with an adult male whom they subsequently identified as Rehman. During the course of the investigation, other minors disclosed being contacted by Rehman over Snapchat. Rehman was located and admitted to contacting the victim through Snapchat, convincing her to send him explicit photos, and having sexual intercourse with her.
Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Interim U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia made the announcement.
The Metropolitan Police Department-Federal Bureau of Investigation (MPD-FBI) Child Exploitation Task Force investigated the case, with substantial assistance from the Fairfax County Police Department.
Trial Attorney Angelica Carrasco of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Burrell for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Operating Drone over Venue Hosting NFL Wild Card GameRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Today, Alexis Perez Suarez, 43, of Baltimore, Maryland, pled guilty to knowingly and willfully violating national defense airspace. After accepting the guilty plea, Magistrate Judge Charles D. Austin sentenced Suarez to one year of supervised probation, 100 hours of community service, and a $500 fine for flying a drone over M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2025, during the National Football League’s Wild Card game in Baltimore.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Greg Thompson of the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT OIG), Mid-Atlantic Regional Office; and Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., Superintendent of the Maryland State Police (MSP).
According to the guilty plea, the Federal Aviation Administration put a temporary flight restriction (TFR) in place for M&T Bank Stadium during the January 11, NFL playoff game, making it a No Drone Zone. The restriction precluded flying any Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), including an UAS under the Exception for Recreational Flyers. A TFR temporarily restricts certain aircraft, including an UAS, from operating within a three nautical mile radius of the stadium.
“Public safety is a top priority, so we’re committed to protecting our airways above mass gatherings. Suarez knew that M&T Bank Stadium was under a temporary flight restriction, yet he flew his drone into the airspace anyway, which is unacceptable,” Hayes said. “There is a zero-tolerance policy for operating Unmanned Aircraft Systems in No Drone Zones. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with our partners, will hold those accountable who ignore the rules and regulations surrounding restricted airspace.”
“It is not just irresponsible and reckless, but illegal to fly a drone over a major sporting event such as a Ravens playoff game. Capturing a photo is not worth the risk of hurting any spectators, players, or employees. As shown by this investigation, the FBI and our partners will hold those caught violating the law fully accountable," Koldjeski said.
“Federal laws regulating the use of drones exist for a reason: to protect people and keep our skies safe,” Thompson said. “Flying drones illegally— especially overcrowded sporting events — is reckless and dangerous. Today’s guilty plea underscores our commitment to working with our partners to hold violators accountable and prevent potential disasters.”
Instituting a TFR is standard practice for stadiums or sporting venues hosting regular or postseason contests for the NFL, Major League Baseball, NCAA Division I, NASCAR Cup, Indy Car, and Champ Series Race. The TFR goes into effect one hour before the scheduled start time and lasts until one hour after the end of a qualifying event.
During the wild-card game, NFL Security temporarily suspended the game due to the serious threat posed by the incursion of an unidentified and unapproved drone. MSP Troopers and FBI Special Agents tracked the movement of the drone over the stadium and deployed to the area where the drone landed. Although Suarez had left the scene, law enforcement identified him and traced him to his residence.
Suarez admitted that the drone was not registered, and that he lacked the required training and licensing, including a remote pilot certificate, to operate a UAS. Suarez also admitted in his plea that he flew the drone directly over the stadium despite knowing about the flight restrictions. According to the complaint’s affidavit, Suarez captured approximately seven photos of the Stadium while flying over the game with thousands of people below his flight path.
There is a zero-tolerance policy regarding UAS/drone use anywhere within the FAA’s No Drone Zone. Anyone who attempts to fly a UAS/drone in any prohibited manner is subject to arrest, prosecution, fines, and/or imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, DOT OIG, and MSP for their work in the investigation, and the FAA Office of Security & Hazardous Materials Safety and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their substantial assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert I. Goldaris who is prosecuting the federal case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Marshall County Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Ryan Bobby Schnettler, 34, of Benwood, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Schnettler was on supervised release for a prior child pornography charge. U.S. Probation conducted home inspections and found three undocumented phones. A search of the phones uncovered hundreds of images of child pornography and evidence of chats with underage females. Schnettler admitted that he portrayed himself as a 17-year-old within teen chat and kid chat room websites. Schnettler has prior convictions of second-degree sexual assault, failure to register as a sex offender, and possession of child pornography
Schnettler will serve 10 years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Probation Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Man from Dominican Republic sentenced for transporting illegal aliensRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Silvestre German Andujar, 53, a citizen of the Dominican Republic living in Hamilton, Ontario, who was convicted of alien smuggling for commercial advantage and private financial gain, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maeve E. Huggins and Paul E. Bonanno, who handled the case, stated that on January 3, 2024, Andujar, an alien, and three other individuals who were not citizens or nationals of the United States, traveled on a motorized raft vessel on the Niagara River from Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, Canada. Andujar piloted the vessel across the United States-Canada border. U.S. Border Patrol Agents responded to the area as Andujar and the others got off the vessel, prompting them to flee. Simultaneously, law enforcement observed co-defendant Luis Davis German Soriano, who had driven from New Jersey to an agreed upon location in Youngstown, NY, to pick-up Andujar and the others, driving in the area near the vessel’s landing spot on the shoreline. Officers conducted a traffic stop. Soriano provided conflicting information as to the purpose of his travel but was released by officers. He then drove back to the pick-up location and picked up Andujar and the others inside the van.
On January 4, 2024, U.S. Border Patrol Agents, parked on the Niagara Scenic Parkway near Blairville Road in Youngstown, observed Soriano operating the van that contained Andujar and the three passengers. Agents stopped the van on Youngstown-Lockport Road in Ransomville, NY. All four occupants in the van were arrested and official immigration records checks conducted.
Luis Davis German Soriano was previously convicted and sentenced.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Martin B. Coombs, and the Lewiston Police Department, under the direction of Chief Frank Previte.
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Man Who Fatally Shot SLED K9 Sentenced to over 12 Years for Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. —James Robert Peterson, 38, of Prosperity, has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on June 11, 2024, Peterson was found in possession of a firearm while law enforcement attempted to arrest him on a felony state warrant. He has prior convictions that prohibit him from possessing firearms. Peterson used the gun to fatally shoot South Carolina Law Enforcement Division K9 Officer Coba during the incident.
United States District Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin sentenced Peterson to 150 months imprisonment, to be followed by a term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Peterson was sentenced to 33 years in state prison earlier this year for first-degree burglary, attempted murder, cruelty to a police dog, and resisting arrest with a deadly weapon.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle E. Klein is prosecuting the case.
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Long Island Child Therapist Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Renee Hoberman, also known as “Rina,” a licensed social worker, pleaded guilty to receipt and distribution of child pornography. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Joanna Seybert. When sentenced, Hoberman faces a minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, and up to 20 years in prison.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI); and Patrick Ryder, Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department, announced the guilty plea.
“The defendant, a licensed social worker, admitted to distributing extremely vile and unthinkable videos depicting the horrific sexual abuse of babies. The videos the defendant distributed and sought for her own perverse pleasure showed the most innocent members of our society being restrained and violently raped,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The defendant’s crimes should outrage and offend every decent member of our society. My Office will relentlessly pursue predators like this defendant who victimize those who often cannot speak for themselves. We will work tirelessly to ensure that those who harm children and perpetuate the plague of child sexual abuse and child pornography are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to HSI and the Nassau County Police Department for their work on the case.
As set forth in court filings and on the record at today’s plea proceeding, Hoberman admitted to using encrypted social media messaging applications to upload, receive, and trade digital videos and images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, including several videos of infants six months to one year of age being physically restrained and raped by an adult male as the infants cried and frantically screamed for the duration of the videos. The defendant also engaged in multiple online “chats” concerning child sexual molestation. In these chats, the defendant, posing as the father of several minor children, claimed to have sex with the children and punish them by getting naked, stripping the children naked, and spanking them while the other children watched. The defendant invited another user to visit “his” family in New York to spank and sexually abuse the children. In addition, the defendant described sexually abusing “his” children and their friends, and then uploaded and sent two videos containing child sexual abuse material, claiming that these videos depicted the defendant’s own children.
According to public records and as alleged in court documents, during the same time period that Hoberman was distributing child sexual abuse material online, she was also working as a therapist with an organization based in Melville, New York, which serves children up to the age of 17.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Anyone with information about sexual exploitation by the defendant is asked to contact HSI’s tip line: 1-877-4-HSI-TIP or website: https://www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form.
The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorney Kaitlin McTague is in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Janelle Robinson.
The Defendant:
RENEE HOBERMAN (also known as “Rina”)
Age: 37
Plainview, Long IslandE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-463 (JS)
Local felon sentenced for transporting illegal aliens after high-speed chaseRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 23-year-old Laredo man has been sentenced to federal prison for transporting illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Braulio Ivan Rueda pleaded guilty Feb. 27.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña has now ordered Rueda to serve a total of 21 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
On Nov. 25, 2024, several people ran from the Rio Grande River into an SUV with fictitious plates. Rueda was driving. When authorities tried to block the vehicle, four Guatemalan nationals fled towards the river.
Rueda sped away and led authorities on a three-mile chase before stopping in a commercial parking lot and attempting to escape on foot.
Authorities soon took him into custody and located the four illegal aliens.
He admitted he needed money and agreed to smuggle the aliens for “easy money.” One had said he arranged in Guatemala to be smuggled into the United States and picked up near Laredo.
Rueda will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Border Patrol, Laredo Police Department, Webb County Sheriff’s Office and Webb County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Homero Ramirez is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Lobbyist Who Evaded Payment of More than $2 Million in Taxes Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Eston “Dusty” Melton III, a lobbyist operating in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties, was sentenced on June 17, 2025, to 18 months in federal prison for evading the payment of over $2 million in federal income taxes.
According to court documents and Melton’s plea agreement, Melton owned and operated a lobbying business in both Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties. For tax years 2005 through 2014, Melton filed personal federal income tax returns showing a total tax liability of $1,313,840. With penalties and interest, his total tax debt rose to $2,143,381. Melton made payments totaling $62,100 toward this debt. Additionally, the IRS collected $537,231 through liens and levies.
Between 2012 and 2021, in order to prevent the IRS from collecting his growing tax debt, Melton engaged in a sophisticated scheme to conceal his assets and income in an effort to prevent the IRS from collecting on his increasing tax debt. When an IRS Revenue Officer indicated the IRS intended to levy (or foreclose) on Melton’s house, Melton appeared to cooperate by attempting to sell the house. Melton purported to try to sell the house himself, while actually taking steps to undermine the sale. Melton finally sold the house six years after purporting to put it on the market.
Melton also took other actions to avoid IRS collection efforts. He paid roughly $80,000 in cash from his lobbying business to his wife. He transferred all his clients to a new lobbying business that was supposedly owned by his wife, then continued providing lobbying services there for little or no pay. Melton helped his wife purchase a home solely in her name, using funds primarily from his own business, and transferred ownership of cars and life insurance policies to her as well.
In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg ordered Melton to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $1,736,586 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Bryne for the Southern District of Florida, and Emmanuel Gomez, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Osborne for the Southern District of Florida prosecuted the case.
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-80001.
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Lee County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lee County man, Curtis Phillips, 45, was sentenced on Monday, to 360 months, by U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to his plea agreement, on March 17, 2023, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office encountered Phillips passed out in a vehicle in the driveway of a residence. A search of the vehicle revealed over a kilogram of pure methamphetamine, a quantity of fentanyl, $8,000 in cash, and a set of digital scales for drug trafficking purposes. On June 18, 2024, Phillips was again encountered passed out in a vehicle by law enforcement. At his feet, law enforcement located a loaded firearm. Phillips admitted to possessing the firearm and knowing that he had been convicted of a felony, and therefore was prohibited from possessing the weapon.
Under federal law, Phillips must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Paul C. McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; John Nokes, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; Sheriff Jospeh Lucas, Lee County Sheriff’s Office; and Sheriff Tara Chadwell, Owsley County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the ATF, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and Owsley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paco Villalobos is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Las Vegas Man Convicted of Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography Following Multiple Prior Child Pornography ConvictionsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – After a one-day bench trial, a Las Vegas man was found guilty on Monday for one-count of receipt of child pornography and one-count of possession of child pornography. As a result, he faces at least 15 years in federal custody.
According to court documents and the evidence presented at trial, on June 12, 2023, Leonard Shove was found in possession of a cell phone that contained multiple images and videos which constitute child pornography. Shove was on federal supervised release at the time of the offense, and in accordance with the terms of his release, the U.S. Probation Office conducted a search of his possessions and discovered the cellular device in his backpack. The FBI subsequently took possession of the cellular device and continued the investigation.
United States District Judge Cristina D. Silva presided over the bench trial on June 16, 2025. Shove was convicted of one-count of receipt of child pornography and one-count of possession of child pornography. He had multiple prior convictions related to the possession and receipt of child pornography.
Shove is set to be sentenced on September 22, 2025. As a result of his conduct, and his prior convictions, he faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and statutory maximum of 40 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Rafik Mattar for the FBI Las Vegas Division made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the U.S. Probation Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Jean Ripley and Daniel Schiess prosecuted the case. The case was initially indicted by Trial Attorney Supriya Prasad.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
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Largest Ever Seizure of Funds Related to Crypto Confidence ScamsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a civil forfeiture complaint in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against more than $225.3 million in cryptocurrency. According to the complaint, the U.S. Secret Service and the FBI used blockchain analysis and other investigative techniques to determine that the cryptocurrency is connected to the theft and laundering of funds from victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes, commonly referred to as cryptocurrency confidence scams.
The civil action was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Shawn Bradstreet of the San Francisco Field Office, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani of the San Francisco Field Office.
The complaint alleges that the cryptocurrency addresses that held the over $225.3 million in cryptocurrency were part of a sophisticated blockchain-based money laundering network that executed hundreds of thousands of transactions and was used to conceal the nature, source, control, and ownership of proceeds derived from cryptocurrency investment fraud. The scam operators dispersed proceeds across an extensive group of cryptocurrency addresses and accounts on the blockchain to conceal the source of the illicitly obtained funds.
As part of the investigation of the laundering network, dozens of victims across the country were confirmed to have lost funds through the belief that they were making legitimate cryptocurrency investments, with more than 400 suspected victims around the world. The complaint discussed millions of dollars in victim losses.
“Under my leadership, with the support of President Trump and Attorney General Bondi, the U.S. Attorney’s office for the District of Columbia is taking a leading role in the fight against crypto-confidence scams, partnering with law enforcement throughout the country to seize and forfeit stolen funds and rip them from the hands of foreign criminals, all with the eye toward making victims whole,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro.
“Today’s civil forfeiture complaint is the latest action taken by the Department to protect the American public from fraudsters specializing in cryptocurrency-based scams, and it will not be the last,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These schemes harm American victims, costing them billions of dollars every year, and undermine faith in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Our investigators and prosecutors are relentlessly pursuing these scammers and their ill-gotten gains, and we will relentlessly pursue recovery of victim funds.”
“This seizure of $225.3 million in funds linked to cryptocurrency investment scams marks the largest cryptocurrency seizure in U.S. Secret Service history,” said Special Agent in Charge Shawn Bradstreet of the U.S. Secret Service’s San Francisco Field Office. “These scams prey on trust, often resulting in extreme financial hardship for the victims. The U.S. Secret Service, FBI, and our private partners worked diligently to trace these illicit transactions, identify victims and seize these funds so that they can eventually be returned to their rightful owners.”
“Cryptocurrency investment schemes can have devastating and long-lasting consequences for victims, far beyond just financial losses,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani of the San Francisco Field Office. “In this case, hundreds of victims lost millions of dollars to an elaborate scheme, and I commend the work of the FBI San Francisco investigative team and the United States Secret Service, San Francisco Office who worked tirelessly to return stolen assets to the victims. The FBI continues to aggressively pursue the criminals behind these heartless frauds, working alongside our federal partners and the private sector to disrupt malicious networks and recover funds for those targeted.”
According to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, cryptocurrency investment fraud caused more than $5.8 billion in reported losses in 2024 alone.
This investigation is being handled by the U.S. Secret Service San Francisco Field Office and the FBI San Francisco Field Office. The Department of Justice thanks Tether for its proactive assistance in this investigation.
This case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Rosenberg and Rick Blaylock, Jr., of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and Trial Attorneys Stefanie Schwartz and Ethan Cantor of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS).
Members of the public who believe they are victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud and other cyber-enabled crime should contact the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at https://www.ic3.gov. If you believe you may be a victim of one of the scams alleged in the government’s complaint, add the code “BT06182025” in the narrative of your complaint, and if you have previously filed a related complaint, make note of the prior complaint in the narrative.
verified_complaint_25-cv-1907.pdfKansan sentenced to 30 years in prison for creating child pornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas resident was sentenced to 30 years in prison for charges related to child sexual abuse materials (CSAM).
According to court documents, Chloe Wade Gullotto, 25, of Leavenworth pled guilty to one count of production of child pornography and one count of receipt of child pornography.
From September 2023 to November 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a series of CyberTips about images and videos connected to a cloud account belonging to Gullotto. During an interview with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the defendant admitted to using a cellphone to download CSAM and to create CSAM images.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey McCormick prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.###
KC Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Meth Trafficking, Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Ks., man was sentenced in federal court for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Christopher R.P. Beaman, 59, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard Sachs to five years for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and five years for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The Court ordered the sentences to run consecutively for a total sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole. The Court also sentenced Beaman to three years of supervised release following incarceration.
On Nov. 26, 2024, Beaman pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of knowingly possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking offense.
On July 1, 2023, Independence, Missouri Police Department officers pulled over a black Mazda truck with expired plates and missing door handles. The driver of the vehicle was later identified as Beaman. During the traffic stop, officers observed two clear glass pipes and a bowl that appeared to be drug paraphernalia. Officers asked Beaman to step out of the car and directed him to the rear of the Mazda truck. One of the officers was about to conduct a probable cause search of the truck when Beaman fled on foot. Officers chased Beaman and were ultimately able to subdue him after utilizing a Taser and forcefully handcuffing him.
When investigators searched the Mazda truck, they discovered a black, Taurus, .45 caliber revolver with an obliterated serial number. They also found approximately 23.3 grams of methamphetamine.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Jury convicts Du Quoin felon of possessing a firearmRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – A southern Illinois jury found a Du Quoin man guilty of possessing a firearm as a felon in Franklin County.
A jury convicted Marcus T. Moore, 42, of one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
“To help protect the public and keep guns away from dangerous individuals, convicted felons lose the right to legally possess firearms. As this case demonstrates, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work to hold repeat criminal offenders accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
According to court documents, a Sesser police officer initiated a traffic stop on Moore’s vehicle on Sept. 10, 2023. After Moore failed a field sobriety test, he fled on foot as officers attempted to take him into custody. He was apprehended after being tased, and a firearm was discovered secured to his ankle.
Moore had a prior federal conviction from 2007, which prohibited him from legally possessing a firearm. Moore was on federal supervised release at the time of his arrest.
Moore’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 7 at the federal courthouse in Benton. Convictions for felon in possession of a firearm are punishable by up to 15 years’ imprisonment.
The Sesser Police Department led the investigation with support from ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Sanders and Tom Leggans are prosecuting the case.
Jamaican National Extradited to United States for Participating in Lottery and Romance Scheme Targeting Elderly Arizona ResidentRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On June 12, 2025, Sherwayne Benjamin Bellinfantie, a.k.a. “Ice Man,” of Jamaica, was extradited to the United States to face charges related to a romance and sweepstakes scheme that targeted an Arizona resident. A federal grand jury in Tucson indicted Bellinfantie in March 2022 for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. Bellinfantie was arrested in Jamaica on an extradition warrant on July 3, 2023.
The indictment alleges that from December 2015 through January 2019, Bellinfantie and his co-conspirators participated in a romance and sweepstakes scheme targeting an elderly 85-year-old resident of Vail, Arizona. Using a fictitious name, Bellinfantie and his co-conspirators deceived the victim by leading her to believe she was engaged in a romantic relationship. In furtherance of the scheme, one of the co-conspirators would send flowers with love messages to the victim’s residence. The co-conspirators also falsely represented to the victim that she had won the lottery or another monetary prize to induce her into sending them money to pay “taxes” or other “fees.” As a result of the scheme, the victim lost over $400,000.
A conviction for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering each carries a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison.
An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The FBI Phoenix Division’s Tucson office conducted the investigation in this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance with securing the arrest and extradition of Bellinfantie to the United States.
CASE NUMBER: CR-22-0523-TUC-RCC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-095_Bellinfantie# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Indian National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Defrauding Elderly Americans While on Student VisaRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – An Indian national who was living in the U.S. on a student visa was sentenced in a federal court in Austin to 63 months in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to court documents, Kishan Rajeshkumar Patel, 20, of Navsari, Gujarat, conspired with co-defendant Dhruv Rajeshbhai Mangukiya and others to defraud elderly victims out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and gold from July 2024 through August 2024. The conspiracy used various online phishing methods and impersonated U.S. government officials, while Patel fraudulently received the cash and gold from victims, conveying a portion to co-conspirators and keeping a percentage for his own benefit. To date, the investigation has determined that the conspiracy defrauded at least 25 victims with a total intended loss of at least $2,694,156.
Patel was arrested by the Granite Shoals Police Department on Aug. 24, 2024, after he retrieved a box represented to contain $130,000 from a victim’s residence. He was transferred into federal custody on Aug. 29 and pleaded guilty on March 18. Patel’s sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman.
“This defendant took advantage of his visa status in our country and participated in an international fraud scheme,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “Patel defrauded vulnerable American citizens out of millions of dollars by impersonating government officials and preying on his victims' fears of adverse government action. Today’s sentence demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to prosecuting the perpetrators of such nefarious schemes and achieving justice for the victims.”
“The FBI is deeply committed to protecting the American people from the devastating effects of financial fraud. We prioritize and aggressively pursue those who prey on our elderly population,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI's San Antonio Field Office. “We want to thank our colleagues at the Granite Shoals Police Department for their professionalism and dedication to the citizens they serve.”
Mangukiya pleaded guilty June 16 and awaits his sentence hearing.
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Henneke prosecuted the case.
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Illegal Alien Found Guilty of National Defense Area Violation in El Paso TrialRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – On Tuesday in El Paso, Senior U.S. District Judge David Briones found an Ecuadorian national guilty of one count of improper entry by an alien and one count of entering military property.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Dario Javier Trejo-Burbano knowingly and unlawfully entered the United States on May 8, 2025, through the National Defense Area, a restricted area established by the Department of the Army.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Susanna Martinez and Chris Skillern are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Honduran National Sentenced to 6 Months for Re-Entry of Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – EDGARDO AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ (“AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ”), age 29, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on June 17, 2025, for re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ was sentenced to 6 months in federal prison.
According to court documents, AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ reentered the United States after he was previously deported on June 8, 2018. The Pacific Enforcement Response Center issued a detainer on December 22,2024, after AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ, was booked into Orleans Justice Center after being arrested for several state charges and the Pacific Enforcement Response Center issued a detainer on March 5,2025, after the subject was arrested and booked into Jefferson Parish on municipal and traffic attachments.
On March 7, 2025, Enforcement and Removal Operations New Orleans picked up AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ after he was released from local custody and turned over to immigration on the active detainer. Department of Homeland Security record checks reflect that AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ was last deported on June 8, 2018, to Honduras.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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).
Honduran National Sentenced for Re-Entry of a Deported AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ActingU.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that HIBIS TURCIO-SANCHEZ (“TURCIO-SANCHEZ”), age 45, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on June 17, 2025, for re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Sections 1326(a) and (b)(1).
According to court documents, TURCIO-SANCHEZ re-entered the United States after he was previously deported on October 17, 2016.
TURCIO-SANCHEZ was sentenced to time served before United States District Judge Susie Morgan.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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Honduran National Sentenced for Re-Entry of Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ActingUnited States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that ROSSEL GEOVANNY RECINOS ARITA (“ARITA”), age 30, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on June 17, 2025, after previously pleading guilty to re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court documents, ARITA, a Honduran national, was found in St. Tammany Parish on or around February 24, 2025. He had previously been deported to Honduras on June 19, 2018.
ARITA was sentenced by United States District Judge Susie Morgan to time served.
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).
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.
Hays man sentenced to more than 4 years in prison for death on the Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Hays man who fatally stabbed a woman on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 51 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $4,050 in restitution, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Tonylee Andrew Sears, 24, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to one count of voluntary manslaughter.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in the early hours of January 13, 2024, law enforcement responded to reports of a stabbing at Sears’ home. Officers found the victim, Jane Doe, on the floor of the living room, bleeding. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officers interviewed both Sears and a witness. The witness said he and Jane Doe had gone over to Sears’ house to drink alcohol and hang out. According to the witness, Sears and Jane Doe got into an argument that escalated. Sears ultimately grabbed a knife from the kitchen and stabbed Jane Doe while she was on the ground. The witness pulled Sears off Jane Doe and called 911. Sears threw the knife in the kitchen sink.
When Sears was interviewed, he also told officers he and Jane Doe had gotten into an argument during which Jane Doe said something about Sears’ parents—both of whom are deceased—that aggravated him. Jane Doe and Sears then ended up in a scuffle on the floor. Sears admitted he stabbed her while they were rolling around on the floor.
During the investigation, officers recovered a knife from the kitchen sink, which still had blood on the blade and on the handle. Additionally, Jane Doe’s body was autopsied. The autopsy report concluded Jane Doe’s cause of death was a stab wound to the trunk: a knife pierced her heart, almost immediately killing her.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services.
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Hancock County Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jennifer Ann Miller, 38, of Colliers, West Virginia, was sentenced today for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Miller, also known as “Jennifer Reagan” and “Jenn,” sold methamphetamine on several occasions in 2022. On July 12, 2022, during a traffic stop, officers found Miller in possession of approximately361 grams of methamphetamine. Miller pled guilty to that offense.
While on pretrial release, Miller continued selling methamphetamine. On June 4, 2024, a grand jury returned a second Indictment against Miller, charging her with four counts of distribution of methamphetamine. Miller pled guilty to one count, and the government agreed to dismiss the remaining charges against her.
Miller was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and 33 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine. The sentences will run concurrent to each other, for a total sentence of 78 months’ incarceration.
Miller will serve 3 years of supervised release following her prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Nogay prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the Weirton Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.