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31 July 2025
Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WACO, Texas – A Mississippi man was sentenced in federal court to 240 months in prison for distribution of child pornography, involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.
According to court documents, Foster Denzel Harris, aided and abetted by another, knowingly distributed and attempted to distribute visual depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct in violation of federal statute.
In 2022, the victim in this case reported to FBI that she had been exploited when she was 16 years old, and living in Killeen. Between 2016 and 2022, while using KiK social media application on her phone, Harris extorted $21,000 dollars from her, threatening to expose her if she didn’t pay.
“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that those who exploit children by distributing child sexual abuse material will be held fully accountable,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp. “The pain these victims silently endure is immeasurable, and the FBI will relentlessly pursue anyone who preys on them. We applaud the extraordinary courage of the victim in this case, whose fortitude to come forward enabled us to obtain a measure of justice and put a stop to the continues abuse. If you have information about child exploitation, contact your local FBI office or submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov.”
This 20-year sentence is the maximum sentence allowed under the statute. Harris was also ordered to pay $31,429.00 in restitution to the victim and placed on lifetime supervised release.
This case was investigated by the FBI San Antonio Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Gloff prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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.
Man Sentenced to Eleven Years in Prison for Robbing Taxi and Rideshare Drivers in ChicagoRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man who robbed two taxi drivers and a rideshare driver at gunpoint in Chicago has been sentenced to eleven years in federal prison.
ANTHONY REED committed the violent robberies within a week in February 2022. In each of the robberies, Reed threatened to kill the driver if they did not hand over their money and other belongings. During one of the robberies, Reed used the butt of his gun to hit the driver in the head.
The robberies were as follows:
Feb. 4, 2022: Reed stole a tablet and cell phone from a Flash Cab taxi driver.
Feb. 5, 2022: Reed stole $120 in cash, a tablet, and cell phone from a Flash Cab taxi driver.
Feb. 8, 2022: Reed stole a wallet containing $200 to $400 in cash, as well as a cell phone and jacket from an Uber driver.
Reed, 28, of Chicago, has been in law enforcement custody since his arrest in 2022. He pleaded guilty earlier this year to three counts of robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp, Jr. sentenced Reed to eleven years in federal prison.
The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Larry Snelling, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.
“Over the course of only four days, defendant robbed three victims at gunpoint while the victims were doing their job,” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret A. Steindorf and Paul Schied argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “A significant sentence is warranted to protect the public from defendant’s criminal appetite and deter defendant from committing future violent acts.”
Man Convicted for Stabbing Metro Transit Police Sergeant in the FaceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Erik Schleehauf, 43, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty today for actions stemming from his April 15, 2025, attack on a Metro Transit Police Sergeant, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
After a jury trial in Superior Court, Schleehauf was found guilty of one count each of assault of a police officer while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault with serious bodily injury. The Honorable Robert Salerno scheduled sentencing for October 3, 2025.
“The conviction of this defendant, who violently stabbed a Metro Transit Officer for legally pursuing him after he refused to pay his Metro fare, is a perfect example of the violent behavior that will not be tolerated here in the District,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. “This violent attack while people are commuting using the transit system threatens the safety of everyone in our communities, and, in this case, the brave transit officer, severely injured in this attack, who was just doing his job.”
At around 2:26 p.m., on April 15, 2025, at the Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro Station, an MTPD Sergeant observed Schleehauf evade his fare by jumping over the glass gates on his way out of the Metro Transit System. The MTPD Sergeant followed the defendant as he tried to leave the station using the escalator. After Schleehauf refused to provide his identification and ignored the MTPD Sergeant’s efforts to stop him, the MTPD Sergeant deployed OC spray. Schleehauf pulled out a sharpened metal bolt, placed it between his knuckles and swung repeatedly at the MTPD Sergeant. Schleehauf repeatedly stabbed MTPD Sergeant in the face, causing puncture wounds in his cheek and lower jaw—just above his neck, which resulted in nerve damage that continues to this day.
Schleehauf was arrested at the scene.
Joining in the announcement was Chief Michael Anzallo of the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
This case was investigated by the Metro Transit Police Department and the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nickolas Reck.
Lexington Woman Sentenced for Impeding the Arrest of a FugitiveRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Lexington, Ky., woman, Xochitl Sonia Navarro, 45, was sentenced on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove to 36 months in prison, for assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers in the performance of their official duties.
According to Navarro’s plea agreement, on October 8, 2024, ICE-ERO officers began an operation to arrest Jorge Iban Cuellar-Avendano, a citizen of Mexico who had illegally re-entered the United States. Cuellar-Avendano had previously evaded arrest by fleeing in a vehicle. On this occasion, officers observed the fugitive and Navarro, the driver, get into the vehicle. When officers approached the vehicle, Navarro refused to open its doors, and attempted to evade the officers by lunging, accelerating and attempting to flee. In doing so, three officers suffered cuts, abrasions, and bruising; one officer was knocked to the ground and dragged by the vehicle, causing deep lacerations on both arms. Officers ultimately had to break the window to stop the vehicle.
Under federal law, Navarro must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence. Upon her release from prison, she will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. Separately, Cuellar-Avendano was sentenced to 12 months in prison for illegal reentry into the United States after a prior deportation or removal, and will be subject to deportation following service of his sentence.
Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Sam Olson, Director, Department of Homeland Security, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, (ICE-ERO) Chicago Field Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by ICE-ERO. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Walker is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Kenner Woman Pleads Guilty to FEMA FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – Acting U.S. Michael M. Simpson announced that SONJA LEE (“LEE”), age 49, pled guilty on July 29, 2025, to filing a false claim with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 287.
According to the indictment, LEE, filed a false claim with FEMA for financial assistance alleging that, after Hurricane Ida, her primary residence and personal property were damaged, knowing that her claim was false.
At sentencing, LEE faces up to five years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. LEE also will be ordered to pay restitution to FEMA.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Tiwana Wright of the Financial Crimes Unit handled the prosecution.
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Jamestown woman sentenced for her role in drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Holly Berenguer, 43, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, was sentenced to time serve and four years’ supervised release by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated on September 5, 2021, a Jamestown Police Officer arrested Berenguer on an active bench warrant for failure to appear in Jamestown City Court. While she was being processed, police personnel discovered a white powdery substance and $450 hidden in Berenguer’s clothes. The substances field tested positive for heroin and methamphetamine. As part of the conspiracy, between September 2020, and September 2021, Berenguer distributed large amounts of heroin and fentanyl in the Jamestown area.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino.
Ithaca Man Arrested for Enticement of a Minor and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – David Pastorello, age 42, of Ithaca, New York, was arrested Tuesday evening and had his initial appearance on Wednesday on charges of enticement of a minor and distribution of child pornography. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
The complaint alleges that Pastorello sent text messages to a girl under the age of 12, repeatedly requesting that the child have sex with him. Pastorello also sent the victim indecent images of himself, in addition to two images constituting child pornography under federal law. Later, Pastorello entered the victim’s apartment without permission before fleeing. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Prior to this offense, in May 2025, Pastorello was arraigned in Tompkins County Court for the New York State offense of possessing a sexual performance by a child less than 16 years old. In July 2025, just a few days prior to the incident that gave rise to the federal charges, Pastorello pled guilty in Cortland County Court to the New York State offense of disseminating indecent material to a minor. The Cortland County case was reset for sentencing. Pastorello was out on bond in both pending state cases.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Thanks to the quick work of federal, state, and local law enforcement, children have been protected and a dangerous predator has been apprehended. Despite having committed other crimes relating to child sexual abuse, Pastorello was allowed by state authorities to be out of custody. His new crimes demonstrate how dangerously unwise that decision was. Pastorello will be held fully accountable for the federal offenses he has committed.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Mr. Pastorello, a repeat offender with an alarming criminal history, is a dangerous predator who is now facing serious federal charges. These charges would not have been possible without the incredible assistance and coordination provided by our partners from the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office, Ithaca Police Department, and New York State Police. Our communities should know the FBI is committed to leveraging these strong partnerships to bring the full weight of the federal government down on these disturbing predators looking to harm our children.”
Following the initial appearance, Pastorello was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending further proceedings.
If convicted of enticement of a minor, Pastorello faces a maximum term of life in prison and a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and for distribution of child pornography, a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute(s) the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Pastorello would also be required to register as a sex offender if convicted.
The FBI and New York State Police are conducting this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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.
Illumina Inc. to Pay $9.8M to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Arising from Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in Genomic Sequencing SystemsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – llumina Inc. has agreed to pay $9.8 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act when it sold to federal agencies certain genomic sequencing systems with cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Illumina is a Delaware corporation, headquartered in California, that manufactured and sold genomic sequencing systems throughout the United States.
The settlement resolves allegations that, between February 2016 and September 2023, Illumina sold government agencies genomic sequencing systems with software that had cybersecurity vulnerabilities, without having an adequate security program and sufficient quality systems to identify and address those vulnerabilities. Specifically, the United States contended that Illumina knowingly failed to incorporate product cybersecurity in its software design, development, installation, and on-market monitoring; failed to properly support and resource personnel, systems, and processes tasked with product security; failed to adequately correct design features that introduced cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the genomic sequencing systems; and falsely represented that the software on the genomic sequencing systems adhered to cybersecurity standards, including standards of the International Organization for Standardization and National Institute of Standards and Technology.
“Companies that sell products to the federal government will be held accountable for failing to adhere to cybersecurity standards and protecting against cybersecurity risks,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This settlement underscores the importance of cybersecurity in handling genetic information and the Department’s commitment to ensuring that federal contractors adhere to requirements to protect sensitive information from cyber threats.”
“This settlement demonstrates our continuing commitment to combat cybersecurity risks by ensuring that federal contractors protect private and sensitive government information.” said Acting U.S. Attorney Sara Bloom for the District of Rhode Island.
“This settlement demonstrates our continued commitment to work with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to ensure companies fulfill their contractual obligations,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Silvestro of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Northeast Field Office, the law enforcement arm of the Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General. “Safeguarding the validity of Department of Defense research and data is vital to supporting the warfighter.”
“Significant damage can result from a failure to adhere to required cybersecurity standards, especially when the systems involved include sensitive genomic data,” said Special Agent in Charge Roberto Coviello of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners remain dedicated to ensuring that entities who do business with the government uphold their cybersecurity obligations.”
The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government when a defendant has submitted false claims for government funds and receive a share of any recovery. The settlement in this case provides for the whistleblower, Erica Lenore, a former Director for Platform Management, On-Market Portfolio at Illumina, to receive $1,900,000 as her share of the settlement. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex. rel. Lenore v. Illumina Inc., No. 1:23-cv-00372 (D.R.I.).
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island, with assistance from DCIS, the Army Criminal Investigation Division, the HHS Office of the Inspector General, Department of Commerce Office of the Inspector General, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
The matter was investigated by Trial Attorney Erin Colleran of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Sara Bloom of the District of Rhode Island.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Note: Read the Settlement here
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Illumina Inc. to Pay $9.8M to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Arising from Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in Genomic Sequencing SystemsRead the Press Release
Illumina Inc. has agreed to pay $9.8 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act when it sold to federal agencies certain genomic sequencing systems with cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Illumina is a Delaware corporation, headquartered in California, that manufactured and sold genomic sequencing systems throughout the United States.
The settlement resolves allegations that, between February 2016 and September 2023, Illumina sold government agencies genomic sequencing systems with software that had cybersecurity vulnerabilities, without having an adequate security program and sufficient quality systems to identify and address those vulnerabilities. Specifically, the United States contended that Illumina knowingly failed to incorporate product cybersecurity in its software design, development, installation, and on-market monitoring; failed to properly support and resource personnel, systems, and processes tasked with product security; failed to adequately correct design features that introduced cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the genomic sequencing systems; and falsely represented that the software on the genomic sequencing systems adhered to cybersecurity standards, including standards of the International Organization for Standardization and National Institute of Standards and Technology.
“Companies that sell products to the federal government will be held accountable for failing to adhere to cybersecurity standards and protecting against cybersecurity risks,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This settlement underscores the importance of cybersecurity in handling genetic information and the Department’s commitment to ensuring that federal contractors adhere to requirements to protect sensitive information from cyber threats.”
“This settlement demonstrates our continuing commitment to combat cybersecurity risks by ensuring that federal contractors protect private and sensitive government information.” said Acting U.S. Attorney Sara Bloom for the District of Rhode Island.
“This settlement demonstrates our continued commitment to work with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to ensure companies fulfill their contractual obligations,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Silvestro of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Northeast Field Office, the law enforcement arm of the Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General. “Safeguarding the validity of Department of Defense research and data is vital to supporting the warfighter.”
“Significant damage can result from a failure to adhere to required cybersecurity standards, especially when the systems involved include sensitive genomic data,” said Special Agent in Charge Roberto Coviello of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners remain dedicated to ensuring that entities who do business with the government uphold their cybersecurity obligations.”
The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government when a defendant has submitted false claims for government funds and receive a share of any recovery. The settlement in this case provides for the whistleblower, Erica Lenore, a former Director for Platform Management, On-Market Portfolio at Illumina, to receive $1,900,000 as her share of the settlement. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex. rel. Lenore v. Illumina Inc., No. 1:23-cv-00372 (D.R.I.).
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island, with assistance from DCIS, the Army Criminal Investigation Division, the HHS Office of the Inspector General, and the Department of Commerce Office of the Inspector General.
The matter was investigated by Trial Attorney Erin Colleran of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Sara Bloom of the District of Rhode Island.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Note: Read the Settlement here
Hogback Man Charged After Violent Altercation Involving Firearm Leaves Woman InjuredRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Hogback man is facing federal charges after an argument escalated into violence in front of multiple witnesses
According to court documents, on June 19, 2025, Renaldo Descheny, 43, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted Jane Doe by strangling her and striking her in the face with a firearm. The assault resulted in a laceration requiring hospital treatment. During the altercation, Descheny also pointed the firearm at multiple individuals and discharged the weapon several times, including firing towards the vehicle as the victims attempted to flee.
Descheny is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Descheny faces up to 10 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
H-Block Gang Member Sentenced for Drug Distribution and Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A member of the violent Boston-based gang, H-Block, was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for drug distribution and firearms charges.
Jerry Gray, 28 of Roxbury, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to 51 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. In April 2025, Gray pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Gray was one of 10 H-Block gang members and associates charged in August 2024 following a multi-year investigation of H-Block that began in 2021 in response to an uptick in gang-related drug trafficking, shootings and violence. According to court documents, over 500 grams of cocaine, cocaine base (crack cocaine) and fentanyl, as well as over 20,000 doses of drug-laced paper were seized during the investigation.
In February 2024, Gray, a long-time H Block gang member, sold crack cocaine to a cooperating witness, and then subsequently stole “buy” money from the cooperating witness during a controlled purchase in March of 2024. At the time of Gray’s arrest in August of 2024, a Glock pistol, along with numerous rounds of various calibers of ammunition, were located in his residence. Gray was on probation in Suffolk Superior Court for two separate firearm-related convictions at the time of the offenses.
According to the charging documents, the H Block Street Gang is one of the most feared and influential city-wide gangs in Boston. Originally formed in the 1980s as the Humboldt Raiders in the Roxbury section of Boston, the gang re-emerged in the 2000s as H Block. Current members of H Block have a history of violent confrontation with law enforcement, including an incident in 2015 when a member shot a Boston Police officer at point blank range without warning or provocation.
Gray is the fourth H-Block defendant to be sentenced in the case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Andrew Murphy of the U.S. Secret Service Boston Field Office; Ted E. Docks Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement. The investigation was supported by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office; Massachusetts Department of Corrections; and the Braintree, Quincy, Randolph and Watertown Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit and Jeremy Franker of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section prosecuted the cases.The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Gunrunner Who Illegally Trafficked More than 200 Firearms to DC Area Sentenced to 84 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Michael Pittman, 30, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 84 months in federal prison in connection with trafficking more than 200 illegal firearms from Georgia and North Carolina to the Washington D.C. area where he sold many of them to convicted felons, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Pittman pleaded guilty on April 14, 2025, to conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking.
“It’s bad enough we have a gun problem in D.C. but even worse when you traffic them in from other states,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “Firearms traffickers present an immediate danger to the community. My office will aggressively prosecute these criminals and take them off the street for a significant amount of time.”
In addition to the 84-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Tanya S. Chutkan ordered Pittman to serve three years of supervised release.
Joining in the announcement was Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
According to court documents, from at least April 2023 through May 2024, Pittman rented cars and drove to Georgia and North Carolina where he purchased guns from illegal firearm suppliers. Pittman re-sold the firearms in the D.C. area, advertising them through different means. He took photos of the firearms displayed on his bed with prices.
Between April 2023 through May 2024, Pittman obtained, advertised, or sold 200 or more firearms.
On May 30, 2024, Virginia State Police arrested Pittman in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, as he was returning to D.C. from a buying trip. Pittman fled from a traffic stop before he crashed and ran into the nearby woods. Police recovered Pittman’s backpack which contained 16 firearms, an additional firearm he had dropped, and two firearms he had left in his vehicle.
Law enforcement subsequently obtained a warrant and searched Pittman’s residence. In Pittman’s home, law enforcement recovered hundreds of rounds of ammunition, firearm cleaning and repair tools, firearm magazines, and three additional firearms. Law enforcement also observed the same red-and-black patterned bed spread observed in the images from Pittman’s phone.
Pittman has one prior felony conviction for second degree assault in Prince George’s County, Maryland, for which he was sentenced to two years in prison suspended as to all but 30 days.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division with valuable assistance from the Virginia State Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron A. Tepfer and Sarah Martin.
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Greensboro Woman Sentenced in Conviction with Multi-Million Dollar Urine Drug Testing SchemeRead the Press Release
Greensboro, NC – A Greensboro woman was sentenced to 44 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release in connection with a scheme to submit claims for fraudulent urine drug testing screens to Medicaid, announced Clifton T. Barrett, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
Jasmine Hoyle, 35, pled guilty to one count of health care fraud and one count of money laundering on April 9, 2025. In addition to prison time and supervised release, the court also ordered Hoyle to pay restitution totaling $6,299,738.89.
According to court documents, Hoyle owned and operated two businesses located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina: Harvest Focused & Consulting Services, LLC and The Ultimate Sacrifice. Both of these businesses billed Medicaid for services that were not performed, including significant quantities of urine drug tests. For example, on 97 occasions between August 2020 and July 2022, Harvest Focused submitted claims to Medicaid for urine drug tests for a Medicaid beneficiary who had never heard of Harvest Focused or The Ultimate Sacrifice, never received services from those companies, and did not provide any urine for urine drug testing.
Over the course of the scheme, Medicaid reimbursed Harvest Focused and The Ultimate Sacrifice over $6 million. Hoyle used the fraudulently proceeds on personal expenses, including the purchase a Dodge Challenger.
“Stealing taxpayer dollars from a program that enables our most vulnerable citizens to access health care is reprehensible,” said U.S. Attorney Barrett. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to supporting investigation and prosecution of Medicaid fraud. We thank the federal and state agencies that partner in this effort.”
“Health care providers that fraudulently bill Medicaid for services not provided divert valuable taxpayer funds intended for some of the most vulnerable populations,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly J. Blackmon with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of Medicaid and other federally funded health care programs.”
“Taxpayer’s money allocated to the Medicaid budget is used to provide healthcare services to our vulnerable populations,” said Special Agent-In-Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, IRS-CI Charlotte Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents, together with our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office will identify, investigate, and prosecute those who enrich themselves by stealing from the federal government and subsequently the taxpayers.”
“This case is a great example of a successful joint investigation, where we followed the financial footprint of the defendant to uncover evidence and bring them to justice. The resulting prison sentence sends a strong message that we will continue to aggressively purse and investigate those who engage in fraudulent schemes,” said Acting U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge J. “Buck” Buckley, of the Atlanta Division.
Hoyle’s former business partner, LaTameria Davis, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States on July 8, 2025. Davis’s sentencing is scheduled to take place on September 26, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Greensboro, North Carolina. Davis faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a period of supervised release of up to three years, and monetary penalties.
The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, Medicaid Investigations Division, Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service are investigating the case, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Waid and Special Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Spillman.
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Fugitive Member of Chilean ATM Crew Arrested after ATM Bombing in San RamonRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A member of an ATM robbery crew has been arrested and charged with bank robbery and conspiracy to commit bank robbery arising from a string of robberies from banks and ATMs throughout California, Oregon, and Washington, Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez announced.
According to court documents, Diego Ananias Arellano Diaz, aka Fabio Cristian Hernandez, was arrested July 29, 2025, in Newport Beach for his participation in a conspiracy to break into and steal money from financial institutions between May and October 2024. To avoid detection, the crew rented short-term vacation properties near their intended targets and used cars rented on the black market. Conspirators identified ATMs in vulnerable locations and then, using construction-crew disguises, blowtorches, cellphone jammers, and other sophisticated tactics, broke into the ATMs and stole their cash. More than 29 banks and credit unions were targeted during the period of the conspiracy, with more than $4 million in cash taken.
On Oct. 31, 2024, a grand jury returned an indictment charging 11 defendants with conspiracy to commit bank robbery and bank robbery. Arellano was separately charged by complaint as “John Doe 2” on Oct. 21, 2024, and again as Diego Arellano once his true name was learned on May 14, 2025.
According to the San Ramon Police Department, Arellano was identified as the one of the suspects responsible for a bombing and burglary of an ATM in a Target in San Ramon that occurred on July 20, 2025. Court records reflect that Arellano is also charged in the Los Angeles Superior Court with assault with a deadly weapon under an alias, Fabio Hernandez.
Arellano is presently in state custody and is expected to make his appearance in federal court following state proceedings.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the police departments of the cities of Burbank, Citrus Heights, Clovis, Elk Grove, Fresno, Garden Grove, Modesto, Newport Beach, Rocklin, Roseville, Sacramento, and San Ramon, and the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Office, and the Seattle Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California also received assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the District of Oregon, the Central District of California, and the Western District of Washington. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert L. Veneman-Hughes and Justin J. Gilio are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, the defendant face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison for bank robbery and five years in prison for conspiracy to commit bank robbery. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Founder of Punjabi Devils Motorcycle Club Stockton Charged with Firearms Offenses, including Unlawfully Possessing a Machine GunRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment today against Jashanpreet Singh, 26, of Lodi, charging him with unlawful dealing of firearms; unlawful possession of a machine gun; and possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle, Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez announced.
According to court documents, Singh was the founder of the “Punjabi Devils” Motorcycle Club, a Stockton based outlaw motorcycle gang (OMG) associated with the Hells Angels. On June 6, 2025, Singh attempted to sell several weapons to an undercover officer, including a short-barreled rifle, three other assault weapons, three machine gun conversion devices, and a revolver. A subsequent search of Singh’s residence resulted in the discovery of additional firearms, including a machine gun, another machine gun conversion device, and a silencer.
Firearms (including machine guns and a short-barreled rifle), firearms parts (including a silencer and high-capacity drum magazines) and other items seized from Singh’s vehicle and residence on June 6, 2025
Officers also discovered a single “pineapple”-style capped and fused hand grenade, as well as what law enforcement believed was a military electronic capped “claymore” mine. The Explosives Ordinance Detail of the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department bomb team destroyed these items at the scene.
Singh was initially facing state charges in San Joaquin County related to these offenses. On July 21, 2025, he failed to appear at a court appearance and the state court issued a bench warrant for his arrest. On July 23, 2025, the FBI received an alert from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection that Singh had booked a ticket to India and was scheduled to depart from the San Francisco International Airport on July 26, 2025. On that date, officers located and arrested Singh at the airport before he could flee. Singh remains in federal custody.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; Enforcement and Removal Operations; Homeland Security Investigations; the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office; the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office Explosive Ordinance Detail; the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit; the Stockton Police Department; and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alex Cárdenas and Adrian Kinsella are prosecuting the case.
If convicted of unlawful dealing in firearms, Singh faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of possession and transfer of a machine gun, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and if convicted of unlawful possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle, he faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case 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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.
Former Guam Corrections Officer Sentenced to 120 Months in Federal Prison for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
Hagåtña – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announces that, Raymond T. Tammed, age 30, from Piti, Guam, was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment in the U.S. District Court of Guam for Attempted Enticement of a Minor, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b). The Court also ordered five years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory assessment fee. Under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, Tammed must register in every jurisdiction he resides, works, and goes to school.
In May of 2024, federal investigators conducted an internet-based operation to identify and arrest individuals seeking to engage in sexual activity with minors on Guam. During that operation, Tammed contacted an undercover agent posing as a 13-year-old girl. Despite believing that he was conversing with an underage girl, Tammed sent sexually explicit messages, sought to arrange a sexual encounter, and sent the undercover agent a selfie and a picture of his genitals. Tammed later arranged to meet the undercover agent at the Andersen Air Force Base Visitors Center, where Tammed was arrested upon arrival.
“This case demonstrates the dangers faced by our children during online activity,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “We will continue these undercover operations to protect our communities from sexual predators. I applaud the efforts of law enforcement in bringing Tammed to justice.”
“Keeping our children safe from exploitation and abuse is the highest priority. By taking predators like Tammed off the street, we are ensuring the safety of the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas. “HSI will continue to seek justice to keep our children safe with zero tolerance for this heinous crime.”
Investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and Air Force Office of Special Investigations Service, Detachment 602.
This case was prosecuted by Benjamin K. Petersburg, Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Guam.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
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Former Federal Prison Employee Admits to Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A former teacher at Federal Corrections Institution Gilmer has admitted to smuggling methamphetamine and other contraband into the prison for an inmate.
Jordyn Peters, age 29, of Burnsville, West Virginia pled guilty to providing a prohibited object in prison – methamphetamine. According to court documents, over a three-month period in 2024, Peters delivered methamphetamine to an inmate in exchange for $4,000 while employed at FCI Gilmer.
Peters faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Justice Office of Inspector General investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Florida Woman to Pay $400,000 to Settle Allegations of Falsifying Diagnoses in connection with an Amherst Compounding PharmacyRead the Press Release
CONCORD –Georgina Exposito of Florida, owner of 3rd Party Services of Florida, agreed to pay $400,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by submitting false claims to Medicare and TRICARE based on fake medical diagnoses, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.
According to the settlement agreement and the complaint in partial intervention, Exposito and her company altered patients’ medical diagnoses to obtain prior authorizations on behalf of pharmacies, including PerforMix Specialty Pharmacy, a compounding pharmacy located in Amherst. This resulted in the submission of false claims to Medicare and TRICARE.
“Submitting false claims to federal health care programs like Medicare and TRICARE undermines the integrity of our health care system and diverts critical resources away from patients who need them,” said U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “Accountability in cases like this helps restore trust in our health care system and ensures taxpayer dollars are protected.”
“The submission of falsified prior authorization requests undermines an important safeguard against unnecessary Medicare costs,” said Special Agent in Charge Roberto Coviello of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This settlement highlights HHS-OIG’s ongoing commitment to combatting fraud in the taxpayer-funded Medicare program, and we will continue to thoroughly pursue allegations of False Claims Act violations.”
The False Claims Act permits whistleblowers to file civil lawsuits alleging that false claims have been submitted to the United States. This FCA settlement resolves allegations against Georgina Exposito’s company originally brought in a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower. As part of the settlement the whistleblower will receive a portion of the settlement amount.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. The United States’ case against the other defendants named in the complaint in partial intervention continues.
This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Defense, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Raphael Katz.
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Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to 20 YearsRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Alfred Denmark, Jr. (49, Reddick) to 20 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl and 500 grams of cocaine, distribution of more than 500 grams of cocaine, and possession of two firearms by a convicted felon. The court also ordered Denmark to forfeit $186,220 in cash, a Highpoint rifle, a Highpoint 45mm pistol, and ammunition, which are traceable to proceeds of the drug offenses and that he possessed as part of the criminal activity. Denmark pleaded guilty on April 22, 2025.
According to court documents, during an ongoing investigation on September 7, 2023, Denmark distributed a kilogram of cocaine to an individual named Tasha Ervin. Deputies from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Ervin later that day after she left Denmark’s residence. The deputies arrested Ervin and seized the cocaine. Later during the investigation, on November 12, 2024, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Denmark’s residence. During the search, agents located more than 12 kilograms of fentanyl, 3 kilograms of cocaine, a rifle, a pistol, and $186,200 in cash.
Ervin pleaded guilty to her role in this case. She was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST), and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney A. Tysen Duva.
Federal jury convicts four conspirators in vast Hampton Roads drug-trafficking ringRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A federal jury yesterday convicted four defendants charged in a 127-count superseding indictment relating to a Hampton Roads-based drug trafficking conspiracy.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, federal law enforcement opened an investigation into large-scale drug trafficking activity at Lux Auto in Newport News around June 2021. The conspirators used the business as a base of operations, storing illegal drugs in vehicles throughout the parking lot of Lux Auto. Members of the organization were frequently armed with handguns and other weapons. Between August 2020 and August 2023 at major airports in the Mid-Atlantic area, law enforcement seized almost $400,000 in drug proceeds and 1,000 pounds of marijuana and contraband relating to the conspiracy.
Members of the organization had varying roles and responsibilities. The leaders engaged with the sources of supply outside Virginia and arranged for the purchase of large loads of marijuana. They also instructed other members of the organization to arrange for couriers to fly to the sources of supply, deliver money to them, and return to Virginia with the marijuana. The leaders further arranged for midlevel members to receive marijuana from couriers and distribute it to customers or have subordinate dealers sell the marijuana.
Cortez Dayshawn Bumphus, aka Co, 32, was convicted of continuing criminal enterprise; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana; conspiracy to launder money; being a felon in possession of a firearm; possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime; maintaining a drug-involved premises; and use of a communication facility in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Dilquon Best, aka Quon or DQ, 33, was convicted of continuing criminal enterprise; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana; conspiracy to launder money; and use of a communication facility in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Earvin Jerome Moore, aka Gooch, 45, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana; maintaining a drug-involved premises; and use of a communication facility in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Kamani Johnson, aka Komma or Kazz, 30, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana, and interstate travel in aid of racketeering.
Thirty-one other defendants pled guilty previously.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Dominique Evans, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen accepted the verdict.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric M. Hurt and Luke Bresnahan are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyson C. Yates, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-cr-54.
Federal Grand Jury in Chicago Indicts Man for Felony Assault of Law Enforcement Officers for Alleged Attack During ArrestRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal grand jury in Chicago has indicted a man for felony assault of three law enforcement officers for an alleged attack during the execution of an arrest warrant.
The assaults occurred on the afternoon of July 17, 2025, in the lobby of the Kane County Sheriff’s Department in St. Charles, Ill., according to the indictment and a criminal complaint previously filed in the case. Two officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations approached FRANCISCO JAVIER ACEVEDO-CALDERA and informed him that they had a warrant for his arrest, the charges allege. Acevedo-Caldera, who had recently been bonded out of the Kane County Jail, resisted the arrest, kicked one of the officers, head-butted the other officer, and then bit a Kane County Sheriff’s Deputy who offered to assist the ICE-ERO officers, the charges allege. The officers were eventually able to subdue Acevedo-Caldera and execute the arrest warrant.
Acevedo-Caldera, 39, who resided in Aurora, Ill., remains detained in federal custody. The indictment charges him with three counts of forcibly assaulting a law enforcement officer. Two of the counts are punishable by a maximum sentence of twenty years in federal prison, while one of the counts is punishable by up to eight years. Arraignment in federal court has not yet been scheduled.
The indictment was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Shawn L. Byers, Field Office Director for ICE-ERO in Chicago. Valuable assistance was provided by the Kane County Sheriff’s Department. The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Finch.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
acevedo-caldera_indictment.pdf acevedo-caldera_complaint.pdfFederal Grand Jury in Chicago Indicts Five Individuals for Alleged Covid-Relief FraudRead the Press Release
CHICAGO – A federal grand jury in Chicago has indicted five individuals for allegedly fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars in small business loans and other benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act.
GEORGE KAVROULAKIS, ATHANASIOS INTZES, ADAM JABER, HASSAN KURDI, and ABDALLAH ISSA engaged in fraud related to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (EIDL), and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program (PUA)—three sources of relief under the CARES Act, according to an indictment unsealed this week in the Northern District of Illinois. The indictment charges Kavroulakis, 33, of Tinley Park, Ill., with nine counts of wire fraud; Intzes, 35, of Orland Park, Ill., with five counts of wire fraud; Jaber, 34, of Chicago, with nine counts of wire fraud; Kurdi, 35, of Chicago, with four counts of wire fraud; and Issa, 26, of Tinley Park, Ill., with four counts of wire fraud. Each count is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison.
The defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges. A status hearing is scheduled for Aug. 14, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Lindsay C. Jenkins.
The indictment alleges that the defendants defrauded lenders and the U.S. Small Business Administration of millions of dollars in PPP loans and EIDL funds. In 2020 and 2021, the defendants submitted numerous fraudulent applications on behalf of themselves, other individuals, and corporate entities purportedly owned by some of the defendants, the indictment states. The applications contained materially false statements and misrepresentations about the defendants’ companies, including the number of purported employees, revenue and payroll amounts, and other expenses, the indictment states.
The indictment further accuses Kavroulakis, Jaber, and Intzes of causing the disbursement of approximately $750,000 in fraudulent PUA benefits in Illinois and California. The defendants obtained the PUA benefits by submitting materially false statements and misrepresentations regarding the unemployment status of themselves and others, the indictment states.
Much of the fraud proceeds was used for the defendants’ personal benefit, including the purchase of multiple Mercedes-Benz vehicles and a Rolex Submariner watch, the indictment states.
The indictment was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, Robert Collins, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Central Region, Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, and Megan Howell, Special Agent-in-Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward A. Liva, Jr. and Beth E. Palmer.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Anyone with information about attempted fraud involving Covid-19 is encouraged to report it to the Department of Justice by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or filing an online complaint at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
kavroulakis_et_al_indictment.pdfFederal Charges Filed Against Niceville Man for Multi-Million Dollar Fraud and Tax Crime AllegationsRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Sidney Marc Wilson, Jr., 47, of Niceville, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on charges related to a multi-year scheme to defraud victims out of millions of dollars. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.
Wilson’s next court appearance is set for August 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. before United States Magistrate Judge Hope Thai Cannon.
The Indictment charges Conspiracy to Commit Wire and Mail Fraud; Mail Fraud; Wire Fraud; Money Laundering; and Subscribing to Materially False Tax Returns.
If convicted, Wilson faces up to twenty years’ imprisonment on the fraud charges, up to ten years’ imprisonment on the money laundering charges, and up to three years’ imprisonment on the tax charges.
The case is being jointly investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national unlawfully residing in Lawrence pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.
Eddy Antonio Perdomo, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Aug. 6, 2025. Perdomo was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2025.
Perdomo was deported from the United States to the Dominican Republic on Oct. 3, 2023. Sometime after his October 2023 removal, Perdomo illegally reentered the United States without permission.
The charge of illegal reentry provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston; and Lawrence Police Chief Maurice Aguiler made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Department of Justice, CIA Transmit Declassified Durham Documents to Senator Chuck GrassleyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice transmitted the declassified Appendix of the Durham Report to the Senate Judiciary Committee following collaboration with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). This transmission advances President Donald J. Trump’s directive for maximum transparency and underscores the Attorney General’s commitment to that objective. It also fulfills a request for disclosure by Senate Judiciary Chairman Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), whose leadership on this issue has been instrumental.
This latest transmission to Senate Republicans follows the Department’s recent disclosure of information related to the FBI’s handling of the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server and mishandling of classified information.
Following the transmission of new Durham documents, Attorney General Pamela Bondi, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and FBI Director Kash Patel released the following statements:
“Today, the Department of Justice provided Chairman Grassley with previously classified information relating to Special Counsel Durham’s investigation into possible coordination between the Clinton campaign and the Obama administration to interfere with the 2016 presidential election. This Department of Justice, alongside the CIA, is committed to truth and transparency and will continue to support good-faith efforts by Congress to hold our government accountable.” – Attorney General Pamela Bondi
“Today, CIA and the Department of Justice under Attorney General Pam Bondi are taking a bold step forward in declassifying the underlying intelligence in the Durham appendix showing the false Trump-Russia collusion narrative for what it was – a coordinated plan to prevent and destroy Donald Trump’s presidency. CIA stands with the Department and is committed to transparency and rebuilding trust in the IC. The American people deserve the opportunity to see the evidence for themselves.” – CIA Director John Ratcliffe
“The American people deserve the full, unfiltered truth about the Russia collusion hoax and the political abuse of our justice system it exposed. Today’s declassification and release of documents tied to the Durham report is another step toward that accountability. The FBI will continue working tirelessly with our federal partners at DOJ, CIA, and more to uncover the facts that should have been brought to light years ago. I’m grateful to Chairman Grassley for his steadfast leadership on this issue, and I look forward to our continued partnership in exposing one of the most shameful frauds ever perpetrated on the American public.” – FBI Director Kash Patel
Convicted federal sex offender sentenced to 10 years in prison for possessing child sex abuse materialRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Terry man who possessed child sex abuse material was sentenced today to 120 months in prison to be followed by 30 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. He was also ordered to pay a $100 and a $5,000 special assessment.
Ronald Orrin Schultz, Jr., 45, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to one count of possession of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on June 18, 2023, a file of suspected Child Sex Abuse Material (CSAM) was uploaded to KIK. The video file depicted a prepubescent male engaged in sexual activity with an adult. The Cybertip associated with the upload identified an IP address, screen name, and email address with the KIK account.
The investigation determined the upload originated from a residence in Terry, Montana. Law enforcement was aware that Schutlz, a convicted federal sex offender, lived there. A search warrant was obtained and executed on March 14, 2024. During the search, Schultz denied knowing anything about KIK. He did, however, identify where his electronic media would be discovered during the search and law enforcement collected it. A subsequent review of Schultz’s cellphone connected him to the KIK account. His other electronic media showed Schultz had an interest in minor females and he corresponded in a sexual nature with those he believed to be underage. The search warrant return relating to Schultz’s KIK account were even more incriminating and, for example, contained a limited number of CSAM images as well as videos of him masturbating and making representations that he likes underage girls and a willingness to go to jail as a result.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Prairie County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison Following Robbery Spree of Six Indianapolis BusinessesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Javonte Smith, 34, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to six counts of interference with commerce by robbery, three counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, between November 21 and December 2, 2023, Smith went on an armed robbery spree in Indianapolis, Indiana, during which he robbed six businesses- often while armed with a handgun- and stole a total of $14,797 in cash.
DateVictim BusinessNovember 21, 2023Family Dollar; W. 38th St.November 22, 2023Family Dollar; E. 38th St.November 23, 2023McDonalds; N. Emerson Ave.November 24, 2023Walmart; Fall Creek Dr.November 27, 2023Walmart; N. Keystone Ave.December 2, 2023Kroger; E. 16th St.Following the final robbery on December 2nd, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Officers followed Smith to a Motel 6 and arrested him. He was found wearing distinct shoes, black pants, and a blue dress- clothing he had been seen wearing on surveillance footage during several of the robberies. During a search of his vehicle, officers found additional disguises used in the crimes, including a black coat and black wig, medical mask, sunglasses, black gloves, a black puffer jacket, a brown coat, and a blue hooded sweatshirt. Officers also recovered a black Taurus handgun and the keys to a recently stolen GMC Terrain.
At the time of his arrest, Smith had previously been convicted of multiple felonies; including resisting law enforcement, fraud on a financial institution, robbery, and two counts of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. These prior felony convictions prohibit Smith from ever legally possessing a firearm.
“This defendant terrorized hard-working people just trying to do their jobs and earn a living,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Thanks to the swift work of our law enforcement partners, his violent crime spree was brought to an end, and he will now face serious federal prison time. This office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of repeat offenders who use firearms to commit violence in our communities.”
“This sentence reflects the serious consequences awaiting those who choose violence and intimidation to commit their crimes. His action put lives at risk and threatened the safety of our community,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy O’Malley. “The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to hold violent offenders accountable and get them - and the illegal weapons they carry - off our streets.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nate Walter, who prosecuted this case. SAUSA Walter is prosecuting violent crime cases as a part of the partnership with the City of Indianapolis to identify, investigate, and federally prosecute violent crimes taking place in Marion County.
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.
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Colombian National Pleads Guilty to Orchestrating Scheme to Submit Fraudulent Asylum ApplicationsRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Carlos Adolfo Haeckermann Cardenas pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to orchestrating in a scheme to submit dozens of false and fraudulent asylum applications to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Haeckermann, 62, a Colombian national residing in Doral, Fla., was indicted by a federal grand jury on Nov. 13, 2024. Under the plea agreement, Haeckermann pleaded guilty to all four counts in the indictment, which each charge him with aiding and abetting a false statement on an immigration document, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1546(a) and 2.
In pleading guilty, Haeckermann admitted he operated a business, first in Colombia and then in the United States, in which he charged fees to guide Colombian nationals through the visa and asylum application processes, including by telling his clients what to say on their applications and in their interviews to gain permission to travel to, or to remain in, the United States. Specifically, Haeckermann frequently instructed his visa-applicant clients to inflate their professional status and business interests in, and their personal connections to, Colombia to deceive U.S. immigration officers into believing the applicants would return to Colombia without overstaying their visas. He also often embellished—and, in some cases, outright concocted—his asylum-applicant clients’ stories of persecution in Colombia to deceive U.S. immigration officers and to bolster his clients’ chances of being granted asylum in the United States.
The four counts to which Haeckermann pleaded guilty related to asylum applications submitted by four of Haeckermann’s clients between November 2019 and May 2020. With respect to those four applications, Haeckermann made up a story of alleged political persecution that he recycled among each of the four applicants after changing inconsequential details. At Haeckermann’s urging and direction, all four of these applicants included the falsified story in their asylum applications. Haeckermann admitted that he also worked on dozens of other fraudulent asylum applications.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Criminal Fraud Investigations Branch Chief Jeff Rusinek made the announcement.
Haeckermann was released on bond. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Nov. 5, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria. Haeckermann faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine on each count. Any sentence will be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Parker is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Lance Libatique. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by DSS and USCIS.
Chester County Woman Indicted for Allegedly Running Years-Long Immigration Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Fatima DeMaria, 65, of Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, was arrested and charged by indictment with eight counts of asylum fraud and eight counts of mail fraud. DeMaria is the owner and operator of Immigration Matters Legal Services, currently located in Oxford, Pa.
The indictment alleges that the defendant falsely represented herself to clients and prospective clients as an immigration attorney who could help undocumented aliens obtain employment authorization or “work permits.” However, DeMaria was neither a licensed attorney, nor accredited or authorized by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (“EOIR”) to represent individuals in immigration proceedings.
As alleged, from at least December 2021 to July 2024, DeMaria prepared, and caused to be prepared, fraudulent Form I-589 asylum applications in her clients’ names, without their knowledge or consent, knowingly making, and aiding and abetting the making of, false and material misstatements in the I-589 asylum applications.
For example, the defendant caused to be stated on each asylum application that the applicant was “seeking asylum or withholding of removal” based on “political opinion” and “Torture Convention.” Her clients, however, were not seeking asylum based on either of these categories, and never informed DeMaria or anyone at Immigration Matters Legal Services of facts that could make them eligible for asylum under either of these categories.
According to the indictment, DeMaria placed, and caused to be placed, her clients’ signatures on the Form I-589 asylum applications, certifying under penalty of perjury that the applications and supporting evidence were true and correct, again without her clients’ knowledge or consent.
The indictment further alleges that the defendant, and those acting at her direction, failed to advise clients that the mechanism through which she would help them obtain work permits from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) was by filing frivolous Form I-589 asylum applications. Nor did the defendant advise clients that, if the asylum applications filed on their behalf were rejected or referred by USCIS, it would result in their being placed in removal proceedings, at which point the filing of the baseless asylum application could jeopardize their eligibility for future immigration benefits.
According to the indictment, DeMaria charged her clients approximately $6,000-9,000 per individual, and $12,000-$15,000 per couple, for her purported legal services in conjunction with their applications. As alleged in the indictment, she also frequently had her clients pay her in cash or peer-to-peer transactions that were deposited into her personal bank accounts, hundreds of thousands of dollars of which were withdrawn at casinos.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 240 years’ imprisonment and a $4 million fine. The government is also seeking forfeiture of the defendant’s alleged ill-gotten earnings, which are alleged to be at least $1 million.
This is an ongoing matter, with investigators seeking to identify additional potential victims of Fatima DeMaria. Anyone with information on DeMaria’s activities at Immigration Matters Legal Services is asked to contact the FBI via one of these online forms:
Seeking Victim Information in Fatima DeMaria/Immigration Matters Investigation
Se Solicita Información en la Investigación de Fatima DeMaria/Immigration Matters
The case is being investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. USCIS, the Diplomatic Security Service, and the Coast Guard Investigative Service provided assistance. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sara Solow and Eileen Castilla Geiger.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
California Defense Contractor and Private Equity Firm Agree to Pay $1.75M to Resolve False Claims Act Liability Relating to Voluntary Self-Disclosure of Cybersecurity ViolationsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Defense contractor Aero Turbine Inc., of Stockton, and private equity company Gallant Capital Partners LLC, of Los Angeles, have agreed to pay $1.75 million to resolve their liability under the False Claims Act for knowingly failing to comply with cybersecurity requirements in an Aero Turbine contract with the Department of the Air Force. In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that Aero Turbine and Gallant took significant steps entitling them to credit for cooperating with the government.
“Government contractors must follow required cybersecurity standards to protect sensitive defense information,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “When defense contractors fail to comply with cybersecurity requirements, they can mitigate the consequences by making timely self-disclosures, cooperating with investigations, and taking prompt remedial measures.”
“Every defense contractor must provide adequate security to safeguard covered defense information,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez. “We commend Aero Turbine and Gallant for disclosing the issue and promptly cooperating to address it. We encourage others to follow their example of self-reporting to resolve violations.”
“Protecting the integrity of the Department of Defense (DoD) procurement processes is a top priority for the DoD Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” said Director Kelly Mayo of DCIS. “Failing to comply with DoD contract specifications and cybersecurity requirements puts DoD information and programs at risk of exploitation. DCIS will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to investigate allegations of false claims on DoD contracts.”
“This case serves as a reminder that cybersecurity transcends mission sets. Ensuring companies adhere to robust cybersecurity safeguards is integral to maintaining the Air Force’s operational edge against adversaries,” said Special Agent in Charge Caroline Galinis of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Procurement Fraud Detachment 1. “AFOSI’s Procurement Fraud team, alongside investigative partner agencies and the Department of Justice, played a critical role in protecting U.S. national security interests.”
The settlement resolves the liability of Aero Turbine and Gallant under the False Claims Act for knowingly submitting or causing others to submit false or fraudulent claims for payment on a Department of the Air Force contract, which were allegedly false or fraudulent because they had not complied with the contract’s cybersecurity requirements. From January 2018 to February 2020, Aero Turbine allegedly failed to implement certain cybersecurity controls in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171 that, if not implemented, could lead to significant exploitation of the system or exfiltration of sensitive defense information.
In addition, from June to July 2019, Aero Turbine and Gallant allegedly failed to control the flow of, and limit unauthorized access to, sensitive defense information by providing a software company based in Egypt with files containing such information, even though the software company and its foreign citizen personnel were not authorized to receive sensitive defense information under the Air Force contract. After learning of the issues, Aero Turbine and Gallant provided the government with multiple written self-disclosures, cooperated with the government’s investigation of the issues, and took prompt remedial action.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, DCIS, AFOSI, and the Air Force Materiel Command Law Office Procurement Fraud Division. The matter was handled by Fraud Section attorneys Robin Overby and Christopher Terranova and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Thiess.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Note: Read the Settlement here.
California Defense Contractor and Private Equity Firm Agree to Pay $1.75M to Resolve False Claims Act Liability Relating to Voluntary Self-Disclosure of Cybersecurity ViolationsRead the Press Release
Defense contractor Aero Turbine Inc., of Stockton, California, and private equity company Gallant Capital Partners LLC, of Los Angeles, have agreed to pay $1.75 million to resolve their liability under the False Claims Act for knowingly failing to comply with cybersecurity requirements in an Aero Turbine contract with the Department of the Air Force. In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that Aero Turbine and Gallant took significant steps entitling them to credit for cooperating with the government.
“Government contractors must follow required cybersecurity standards to protect sensitive defense information,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “When defense contractors fail to comply with cybersecurity requirements, they can mitigate the consequences by making timely self-disclosures, cooperating with investigations, and taking prompt remedial measures.”
“Every defense contractor must provide adequate security to safeguard covered defense information,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez for the Eastern District of California. “We commend Aero Turbine and Gallant for disclosing the issue and promptly cooperating to address it. We encourage others to follow their example of self-reporting to resolve violations.”
“Protecting the integrity of the Department of Defense (DoD) procurement processes is a top priority for the DoD Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” said Director Kelly Mayo of DCIS. “Failing to comply with DoD contract specifications and cybersecurity requirements puts DoD information and programs at risk of exploitation. DCIS will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to investigate allegations of false claims on DoD contracts.”
“This case serves as a reminder that cybersecurity transcends mission sets. Ensuring companies adhere to robust cybersecurity safeguards is integral to maintaining the Air Force’s operational edge against adversaries,” said Special Agent in Charge Caroline Galinis of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Procurement Fraud Detachment 1. “AFOSI’s Procurement Fraud team, alongside investigative partner agencies and the Department of Justice, played a critical role in protecting U.S. national security interests.”
The settlement resolves the liability of Aero Turbine and Gallant under the False Claims Act for knowingly submitting or causing others to submit false or fraudulent claims for payment on a Department of the Air Force contract, which were allegedly false or fraudulent because they had not complied with the contract’s cybersecurity requirements. From January 2018 to February 2020, Aero Turbine allegedly failed to implement certain cybersecurity controls in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171 that, if not implemented, could lead to significant exploitation of the system or exfiltration of sensitive defense information.
In addition, from June to July 2019, Aero Turbine and Gallant allegedly failed to control the flow of, and limit unauthorized access to, sensitive defense information by providing a software company based in Egypt with files containing such information, even though the software company and its foreign citizen personnel were not authorized to receive sensitive defense information under the Air Force contract. After learning of the issues, Aero Turbine and Gallant provided the government with multiple written self-disclosures, cooperated with the government’s investigation of the issues, and took prompt remedial action.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, DCIS, AFOSI, and the Air Force Materiel Command Law Office Procurement Fraud Division. The matter was handled by Fraud Section attorneys Robin Overby and Christopher Terranova and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Thiess.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Note: Read the Settlement here.
CEO and Medical Director Charged in $500M COVID-19 Test Billing FraudRead the Press Release
DETROIT – Two individuals were charged for their involvement in a $500 million, nationwide scheme that involved billing Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and other health insurance programs for COVID-19 testing services that were never rendered, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced today.
Cemhan “Jimmy” Biricik (age 46) of Boca Raton Florida, and Dr. Martin Perlin (age 74) of Fairfield, Connecticut were charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and more than 50 substantive counts of health care fraud. Biricik was the sole member and Chief Executive Officer of Fast Lab Technologies, LLC (Fast Lab). Dr. Perlin was Fast Lab’s Medical Director and provider responsible for ordering the majority of the tests. Both defendants were arrested this morning.
According to the Indictment, during the Covid-19 pandemic, New York-based Fast Lab operated a website offering “free” covid tests. When individuals went to the website to order tests, they were asked to provide their insurance information. Fast Lab then used this insurance information to fraudulently bill Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE and numerous private insurances for both antigen (“rapid”) and PCR (“laboratory) tests, across multiple dates for each beneficiary. Specifically, Fast Lab’s claims represented that (1) the antigen tests had been observed by medical professionals, (2) saliva samples were collected by medical professionals, and (3) PCR testing was performed on those samples. In reality, the vast majority of antigen tests—if taken at all—were taken at home and not observed by medical professionals; saliva samples were never collected nor returned to Fast Lab; and PCR testing was never performed. Dr. Perlin was the ordering physician for these tests, despite not having a treating relationship with the beneficiaries. Further, Fast Lab would regularly submit insurance claims before the test kits were even delivered to the beneficiaries. In total, Biricik billed or caused to be billed more than $500 million in claims and was paid more than $50 million.
Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Chicago Regional Office; Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division; Special Agent in Charge Derek M. Holt of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Office of the Inspector General; Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Employee Benefits Security Administration Janet Dhillon (DOL-EBSA); Detroit Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Silvestro, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS); Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd, Detroit Field Office, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); Special Agent in Charge Megan Howell, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG); Acting Inspector in Charge Sean McStravick, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Owen Cypher, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Michigan and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU).
The public is reminded that an Indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated by Special Agents from HHS-OIG, FBI, OPM-OIG, DOL-EBSA, DCIS, MFCU, IRS-CI, DOL-OIG, USPIS, and the U.S. Marshal’s Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Regina R. McCullough and Ryan A. Particka. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan T. Nees of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York also provided assistance.
Burbank Man Found Guilty of Federal Criminal Charges for Embezzling $2.2 Million in Money and Property Left to Elderly VictimRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – A San Fernando Valley man was found guilty by a jury today of embezzling approximately $2.2 million from an estate left to an elderly victim by the victim’s late brother.
Jamal Nathan Dawood, 54, a.k.a. “Jimmy Dawood,” of Burbank, was found guilty of six counts of wire fraud and nine counts of money laundering.
According to evidence presented at a seven-day trial, during the second half of 2019, Dawood offered to assist the victim with the management of real estate properties and retirement savings that the victim had inherited from the victim’s deceased brother. Specifically, Dawood helped the victim open a trust account at a bank for the purpose of managing the retirement savings.
Without the victim’s knowledge or authorization, Dawood then initiated wire and online banking transfers from the victim’s trust account to Dawood-controlled accounts. Without the victim’s knowledge or permission, Dawood also wired money from the victim’s trust account to people with whom Dawood had personal and business relationships.
Dawood convinced the victim to transfer ownership of his home and his late brother’s real estate holdings to various companies. Dawood falsely represented that the victim would retain an ownership interest in his residence and the inherited real estate through these companies. In fact, Dawood and other individuals close to him controlled these companies.
In total, Dawood fraudulently obtained at least $2,202,688 in the victim’s money and property. The illicitly obtained funds were used to purchase real estate in La Crescenta and Fontana.
United States District Judge James V. Selna scheduled a December 8 sentencing hearing, at which time Dawood will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count and up to 10 years in federal prison for each money laundering count.
The FBI investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin N. Spencer and Melissa S. Rabbani of the Orange County Office are prosecuting this case.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 3 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific Time. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
Information about the Department of Justice’s Elder Fraud Initiative is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to failure to register as a sex offender. Defendant served in United States Navy in April 1998 when he was convicted of sodomy, assault and intent to rape a minor under the age of 12.
Adrian Martinez, 56, pleaded guilty to one count of failing to register as a sex offender before U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin who scheduled sentencing for Oct. 28, 2025. In April 2025, Martinez was arrested and charged.
Martinez is a Level 3 sex offender who was previously convicted while serving in the United States Navy of committing sodomy with a person under the age of 12; taking indecent liberties upon the body of a female under 12 years of age (4 counts); and assault with intent to rape a person under the age of 12, in violation of Uniformed Code of Military Justice.
Following his conviction, Martinez was sentenced to a 40-year period of incarceration. Martinez served approximately 11 years of his 40 year sentence and was released from custody in February of 2009. Martinez was required to register as a sex offender and update his registration any time he moved or changed employment. At some point after Sept. 30, 2022, Martinez moved out of his Boston residence and did not notify law enforcement of his change in registered address. Boston Police attempted to contact Martinez but were unsuccessful in their attempts.
Martinez faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to lifetime supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Kevin Neal, Acting United States Marshal for the District of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and a member of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Bloods Gang Member Apprehended in Durham in Possession of a Firearm while on Post-Release Supervision SentencedRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO – A Durham, North Carolina man was sentenced today in Greensboro to 8 years in prison after pleading guilty to a firearm charge, announced United States Attorney Clifton T. Barrett of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
WILLIAM LOVELL HARPER, age 26, was sentenced to a total of 96 months imprisonment plus 3 years of post-release supervision by the Honorable William L. Osteen, Jr., United States District Judge for the MDNC.
According to court records, on September 4, 2024, officers apprehended HARPER on Hillsborough Road in Durham and recovered a loaded handgun from his person. At the time of his apprehension, HARPER had three active warrants for his arrest, including one stemming from a robbery in Durham on March 2024 and another for violating his post-release supervision. HARPER had been previously convicted of Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury and Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon in Beaufort County in 2017, as well as Conspiracy to Commit Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill in Craven County in 2018. Thus, at the time of the instant offense, HARPER was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
In 2023, HARPER admitted that he was a member of the Bloods criminal street gang.
In April of this year, HARPER was convicted of Robbery of a Dangerous Weapon and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon in Durham County for conduct occurring on March 28, 2024. He received a sentence of 11 to 146 months. 60 months of today’s federal sentence will run consecutively to HARPER’s state sentence.
HARPER pleaded guilty on April 10, 2025, to one count of felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
The case was investigated by the Durham Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Durham County District Attorney’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric Iverson.
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Berkeley County Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Travis Jackson Latta, 38, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison for the unlawful possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute eutylone.
According to court documents and statements made in court, officers were responding to a domestic violence call and encountered Latta with a firearm. He is prohibited from possessing firearms because of a prior conviction of attempt to kill in retaliation against a witness. Latta, during a separate investigation, was also found in possession of eutylone, known as “Boot,” which he intended to unlawfully distribute.
Latta will serve 15 years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the Martinsburg Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Armed Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that JAHREEK BUSH was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas to 117 months in prison for trafficking fentanyl and cocaine while armed with a loaded firearm. BUSH was previously convicted, following a five-day jury trial, of six counts of distributing or possessing with intent to distribute narcotics and one count of carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
“Jahreek Bush dealt highly dangerous drugs, including fentanyl that he falsely branded as heroin, and he illegally carried a loaded gun while doing so,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Armed drug traffickers fuel violence and overdoses in our communities. This Office and our law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to bring to justice those who put innocent lives at risk.”
According to allegations contained in the Superseding Indictment, the evidence offered at trial, and matters included in public filings:
From January through April 2023, BUSH sold cocaine and fentanyl—which BUSH falsely billed as heroin—in Monticello, New York. On April 25, 2023, as BUSH arrived at a parking lot in Monticello for a drug deal, BUSH was arrested by officers from the New York State Police and the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office. At the time of his arrest, BUSH was wearing a fanny pack containing a loaded 9-millimeter semi‑automatic handgun, more than 100 individually wrapped packages containing fentanyl, and plastic bags containing additional fentanyl and cocaine. Images of the handgun and packages are shown below.
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In addition to the prison term, BUSH, 29, of Monticello, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, the New York State Police, and the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office in connection with this investigation.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Vasu, Benjamin Levander, and Courtney Heavey are in charge of the prosecution.
Armed Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficker Is Sentenced to over 24 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Kyle Heath Clark, 38, of Candler, N.C., was sentenced today to 295 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for drug and gun charges, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
According to court documents and court proceedings, between June 2023 to February 2024, Clark trafficked fentanyl and methamphetamine in Buncombe County and surrounding areas. During the investigation, law enforcement seized from Clark’s vehicles, his storage unit, his hotel room, and from his person 11 total firearms, including an AR-type rifle, ammunition, over 64 grams of fentanyl and 1.9 kilograms of methamphetamine, digital scales, drug paraphernalia, and over $25,900 in cash. Clark has multiple prior felony convictions, and he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On February 10, 2025, Clark pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a felon. He remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending placement by the federal Bureau of Prisons.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina, the Asheville Police Department, the Waynesville Police Department, the Cherokee Indian Police Department, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office, the Swain County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher S. Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Armed Felon Indicted After Barricading Himself in Home with over Ten Pounds of Methamphetamine and Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced today that Patrick Nowicke, 44, of Wahiawa, Hawaii, was indicted today with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on July 13, 2025, law enforcement arrested Nowicke at his residence in Wahiawa, Hawaii for terroristic threatening in the first degree. The arrest followed a multi-hour armed barricade between Nowicke and law enforcement. During a subsequent search of Nowicke’s residence, law enforcement seized over ten pounds of methamphetamine, an illegal short-barreled rifle, a 9mm privately made firearm, ammunition, a suspected silencer, and a suspected smoke grenade.
If convicted of the charged offenses, Nowicke faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, including a combined mandatory minimum of 25 years for the drug and firearm charges, and fines of up to $10 million.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Honolulu Police Department.
It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara D. Ayabe.
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 Neighborhoods (PSN).
Andover Man Pleads Guilty for Producing and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse ImagesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – An Andover man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court for producing and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.
Dale Howe, age 37, pleaded guilty in federal court to three counts of Production of Child Pornography and one count of Possession of Child Pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Paul J. Barbadoro scheduled sentencing for November 5, 2025.
According to the charging documents and statements made in court, the defendant provided the minor victim with drugs and sexually assaulted the minor victim. The defendant created images of the sexual abuse, which were found during a search of his phone. The defendant distributed at least three of the child sexual abuse images through a social media platform. The defendant was also in possession of more than 3,500 files of unrelated CSAM.
The charges for Production of Child Pornography provide for a sentence with a minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years. The charge for Possession of Child Pornography provides for a sentence with a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Andover Police Department, and the New Hampshire State Police, the Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office, New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) and the Derry Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S Attorneys Heather A. Cherniske and Anna Z. Krasinski are prosecuting the case.
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Airport services worker at Dulles International Airport pleads guilty to smuggling cocaineRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Peruvian citizen pled guilty today to importing cocaine into the United States.
According to court documents, José Luis Castillo Rojas, 43, was employed by an airport services company at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Castillo Rojas held a Special Access Seal that provided him unescorted access to customs security areas within the airport, including access to international flights and secure baggage areas.
On April 24, Castillo Rojas arrived at IAD on COPA Airlines Flight 404 from Tocumen International Airport in Panamá City, Panamá, with one cargo bag and one backpack. During an authorized inspection of Castillo Rojas’ cargo bag, Customs and Border Protection officers discovered multiple packages of cocaine, totaling 1.95 kilograms and more than $54,000 in counterfeit U.S. currency. An inspection of his cellphone revealed a text message conversation in which Castillo Rojas discussed retrieving the cargo bag from an individual in Peru and payment for delivering the bag to an individual in the United States.
Castillo Rojas is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 6. He faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Christopher Heck, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C.; and Christine Waugh, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Washington, D.C. made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff accepted the plea.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lyndi McVey and David Lubitz and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Harvey are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-188.
Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – James C. Mobley, 43, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced to a total of 15 years in federal prison following his conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the sentence.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This sentence ensures that our community will be safer and sends a strong message that there are real and severe consequences for federal firearm offenses. Thanks to the outstanding work of our law enforcement partners, this armed felon has been called to account for his continued criminal conduct.”
On July 11, 2024, Gainesville Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop of Mobley. During a search of Mobley’s vehicle, officers located a loaded revolver and various narcotics. Mobley pleaded guilty the day his trial was set to commence on April 28, 2025. Mobley was sentenced as an armed career criminal due to his numerous felony convictions for serious drug offenses.
“We have zero tolerance for gun crimes in our community. My message to those who choose to bring guns and drugs to our streets – we will find you, and we will work with all our criminal justice partners to hold you accountable. Our community deserves safety,” said Chief Nelson Moya, Gainesville Police Department.
Mobley’s imprisonment will be followed by five years of supervised release. This conviction was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Gainesville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Harley W. Ferguson and Adam Hapner prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
27 Convicted as Part of Drug Trafficking Organization Directed from Oklahoma Prisons Using Contraband Cell PhonesRead the Press Release
One Defendant Received Life Sentence and 26 Others to Serve Nearly 235 Years Collectively
OKLAHOMA CITY – ZACHARY CLARK, 35, BRANDON HORNE, 42, and JOHNNY ROSS, 32, all inmates in the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in directing a major methamphetamine drug-trafficking organization from behind prison walls, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
As a result of a two-year-long investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (OBN), law enforcement seized approximately 90 kilograms of methamphetamine, 22 firearms, and nearly $350,000 in drug proceeds. The investigation also led to the arrests of 27 individuals throughout Oklahoma. All 27 individuals have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced to serve nearly 235 years collectively, in addition to one life term, in federal prison.
“Inmates using contraband cell phones behind prison walls orchestrated an entire network to traffic deadly poison in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “Dismantling this operation required a united front between federal and state agencies, committed to stop the flow of drugs and hold the traffickers accountable. I commend the diligent work of law enforcement and prosecutors to destroy this criminal network.”
“The arrest, conviction and sentencing of members of this organization and its leadership has undoubtedly made neighborhoods throughout Oklahoma a safer place for our children and families,” said Joseph B. Tucker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of DEA Dallas. “The DEA will continue to work hand in hand with our state and local law enforcement partners to hold those distributing poison in our communities accountable for their actions.”
“The results from this investigation have no doubt saved lives. These individuals were responsible for orchestrating the distribution of large shipments of meth onto the streets of Oklahoma while behind bars,” said OBN Director Donnie Anderson. “As meth continues to be one of Oklahoma’s leading killers, my agency is committed to working with our state and federal partners to arrest and prosecute those who threaten the safety of our citizens.”
According to public record, in early 2024, Ross, Clark, and Horne were all inmates in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC). Despite being incarcerated, Ross, Clark, and Horne were all able to run a significant drug trafficking organization (DTO) with connections to the Irish Mob Gang, through the use of contraband cell phones. They relied on individuals who were not incarcerated to facilitate the distribution of the drugs—mainly methamphetamine—and collection of drug proceeds. Ross was indicted by a federal Grand Jury on April 16, 2024, for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Clark and Horne were separately indicted by a federal Grand Jury about a month later, on May 21, 2024, also for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.
Clark, Horne, and Ross each pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy, and 24 other individuals have been charged in related cases in federal court with a mixture of drug and firearm offenses.
The defendants charged and sentenced as a result of this investigation include:
- Zachary Clark was sentenced to life in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy.
- Brandon Horne was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy.
- Johnny Ross was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy.
- Tiffany Manovsky, 42, was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for two counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
- Jerry Ward, 54, was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy
- Mondale Larue Golston, 33, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
- Kelly Dwayne Russell, 43, was sentenced to 170 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy and being a felon in possession of firearms.
- Sarah Christine Annesley, 39, was sentenced to 165 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
- Teresa Denise Dill, 34, was sentenced to 132 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of firearms.
- Logan Eugene Stapleton, 36, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
- Ronni Kita-Jean Love, 36, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy.
- Jennifer Delacy Smith, 44, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for distribution of methamphetamine.
- Armando Neri, 43, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of firearms.
- Troy Hickey, 35, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for distribution of methamphetamine.
- Sharla Jo Cummins, 39, was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
- Sarah Deanne Fryhover, 37, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
- Tina Jane Combes, 49, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
- James Buchannon Wiyninger, 50, was sentenced to 80 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy.
- Tabitha Sue Frair, 40, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of firearms.
- Gloria Leshell Bills, 30, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
- Clayton Frank Adcock, 47, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
- James Russell Kearney, 54, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
- Carlos Alfredo Herrera Jimenez, 31, was sentenced to 44 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for drug conspiracy.
- Jacqueline Lynette Aguilar Avila, 43, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
- William Ray Cooper, 51, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
- Tera Michell Warren, 39, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
- Emily Walker, 38, was sentenced to a five-year term of federal probation for drug conspiracy and being a drug user in possession of firearms.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. It is a part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Anderson, Jason Harley, and David McCrary prosecuted the above cases.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
30 July 2025
West Melbourne Man Sentenced to 15 Years on Fentanyl and Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger today sentenced Darrell Lamar Corbin (35, West Melbourne) to 15 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Corbin pleaded guilty on January 3, 2025.
According to court documents, Corbin possessed and intended to distribute over 400 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl and over 5 grams of methamphetamine. These drugs were found throughout Corbin’s apartment after law enforcement executed a search warrant at the home. Law enforcement also seized drug distribution paraphernalia, including digital scales, pill presses, and an electronic money counter from the apartment.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Melbourne Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. Sowell.
Warwick Man Admits to Trafficking Two Kilos of CocaineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Warwick man has been convicted in federal court for trafficking two kilos of cocaine, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Manuel Jose Miranda, 36, pleaded guilty today to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
In September 2024, U.S. Postal Inspectors intercepted a package addressed for delivery to Miranda’s residence that was found to contain two kilos of cocaine. The package was resealed and delivered to the residence by an undercover Postal Inspector and remained under law enforcement surveillance until Miranda retrieved the package from outside the front door. As law enforcement began to close in on the residence, Miranda was heading down the driveway on a motorcycle. He was ordered to stop and get off the motorcycle. The parcel containing the two kilos of cocaine was located inside Miranda’s backpack.
Miranda is scheduled to be sentenced on November 4, 2025. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter I. Roklan.
The matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigation, and the Warwick Police Department.
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Upper Darby Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding a Religious Organization and a Political OrganizationRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Willie Jordan, 68, of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Judge Harvey Bartle III to two counts of wire fraud.
Jordan was charged with those offenses in an information unsealed today, in connection with two separate fraud schemes he conducted.
As detailed in court filings and statements made in court, the defendant was a deacon and trustee for Religious Organization #1, located in Philadelphia, Pa. Jordan was responsible for managing and overseeing various financial matters involving Religious Organization #1, including collecting funds for the organization, depositing those funds in the organization’s bank accounts, and paying the organization’s expenses.
Religious Organization #1 placed defendant Jordan in a position of trust and allowed him to exercise almost total control over its funds. The defendant did not receive a salary from Religious Organization #1. Rather, he received his salary from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where he was a Director of Operations for a state senator.
From at least in or about January 2020 through at least in or about January 2024, Jordan exploited Religious Organization #1 for his personal financial benefit. On a regular basis, the defendant improperly issued checks to himself from Religious Organization #1’s business checking account, and made it appear that such checks were to reimburse him for expenses that he incurred on behalf of Religious Organization #1. In fact, Jordan did not incur those expenses and simply issued those checks for his personal benefit. The defendant engaged in this activity fraudulently and without the knowledge or permission of Religious Organization #1, its trustees, or members.
As part of this scheme, Jordan issued approximately 82 fraudulent checks to himself totaling approximately $57,384, resulting in significant losses to Religious Organization #1.
As presented in court filings and statements, Political Organization #1 was one of 66 wards in Philadelphia and a subdivision of Political Organization #2, which represented the interests of a political party in the City of Philadelphia.
From in or about 1996 through in or about April 2025, the defendant was the elected leader of Political Organization #1 and controlled and managed the organization’s finances. Jordan did not receive a salary from Political Organization #1.
From at least in or about January 2020, through at least in or about January 2024, Jordan exploited Political Organization #1 for his personal financial benefit. He opened two bank accounts in name of Political Organization #1, made himself the sole signatory on the accounts in the name of Political Organization #1, and obtained, for both accounts, debit cards that he controlled.
On a regular basis, the defendant improperly conducted financial transactions, through debit card charges, checks, and ATM cash withdrawals, using Political Organization #1’s bank accounts to transfer the funds of Political Organization #1 to himself or others, for his personal benefit.
Jordan used Political Organization #1’s funds for personal purchases at airlines, car dealerships, furniture stores, grocery stores, and other retail establishments. He also used those funds to pay his personal credit card bills, utility bills, and cellular telephone bills. In or about the summer of 2023, Jordan used the funds of Political Organization #1 to pay more than $12,500 in expenses for a family member’s funeral. The defendant engaged in these personal financial transactions without any benefit flowing to Political Organization #1 and without the knowledge or permission of any of its members.
As part of this scheme, Jordan defrauded Political Organization #1 and its members of at least $85,607.
The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on November 19 and faces a maximum possible term of 20 years’ imprisonment for each count of wire fraud.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen and Special Assistant United States Attorney James E. Price.
United States Attorney's Office to Participate in Community Events During National Night OutRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa will join their law enforcement partners, neighbors, and communities in National Night Out events on August 5, 2025, across the district.
“National Night Out is a perfect opportunity for neighbors to join with their law enforcement and community partners to demonstrate that crime does not rule the night,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy T. Duax. “Keeping our neighborhoods safe is a true team effort. National Night Out allows us to acknowledge the accomplishments of our neighborhood organizations that keep communities safe, and to thank our law enforcement officers for putting their lives on the line for us.”
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country.
National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization.
Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe.
For more information, visit https://natw.org/.
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United States Attorney's Office to Participate in Community Event During National Night OutRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia will join their law enforcement partners, neighbors, and communities for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston announced today. During this year’s National Night Out, the office will participate in the community event scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Orchard Manor in Charleston.
Additional National Night Out events are scheduled throughout the Southern District of West Virginia, including in Beckley, Dunbar, Huntington, Parkersburg, and Ravenswood.
“National Night Out is a great way to connect with the communities we serve,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “We make our streets safer when we build trust, strengthen relationships, and foster cooperation.”
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country.
National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization.
Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe.
For more information, visit https://natw.org/.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
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U.S. Attorney announces immigration case updates for the Eastern District of VirginiaRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, announced today case updates on 11 immigration cases in the district.
On Jan. 20 the President signed executive orders addressing the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. Protecting the American People Against Invasion recognized that enforcing our Nation’s immigration laws is critically important to the national security and public safety of the United States, and that it is the policy of the United States to faithfully execute the immigration laws against all inadmissible and removable aliens, particularly those aliens who threaten the safety or security of the American people. The order tasked the Department of Justice with prioritizing the prosecution of criminal offenses related to the unauthorized entry or continued unauthorized presence of aliens in the United States. Securing Our Borders prioritizes the pursuit of criminal charges against illegal aliens who violate immigration laws and against those who facilitate their unlawful presence in the United States.
According to court records, on March 4, 2000, Mexican national Noe Medrano Nuñez, 51, was convicted in Dallas for carrying a firearm on an alcohol premises. Pursuant to a final order of removal, Medrano Nuñez was removed from the United States on June 1, 2000. On Dec. 13, 2024, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) learned that Medrano Nuñez had illegally reentered the United States and was residing in Hampton. On June 3, Medrano Nuñez pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. He remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 4:25-CR-7
On Oct. 21, 2011, Honduran national Wuender Santos-Gonzalez, 39, was convicted in Fairfax County of forgery of public records. Pursuant to a final order of removal, on Jan. 13, 2012, Santos-Gonzalez was removed from the United States. Santos-Gonzalez illegally reentered the United States and on May 18, 2013, was encountered by ICE agents near Carizo Springs, Texas. On Dec. 18, 2013, Santos Gonzalez was convicted in federal court in Texas for illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal and on Aug. 11, 2014, was removed again. On June 22, 2016, U.S. Border Protection agents encountered Santos Gonzalez near Amado, Arizona. On April 18, 2017, Santos-Gonzalez was federally convicted for illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal and on April 25, 2017, was removed yet again. On Feb. 28, ICE agents learned that Santos Gonzalez had once again illegally reentered the United States and was in the Richmond area. On June 10, Santos Gonzalez pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 3:25-CR-73
Pursuant to a final order of removal, on Feb. 17, 2017, Honduran national Roger Alfonso Marin, 55, was removed from the United States. ICE agents learned that Marin had illegally reentered the United States following a traffic violation on Dec. 25, 2024. On July 15, Marin pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 3:25-CR-84
On June 16, 2014, Guatemalan national Hamilton Estuardo Marroquin-Barillas, aka Jair Figueroa, Haminton Barillas, Jose Carlos Gonzalez, or Alexander Jaramillo, 32, illegally entered the United States and, on Nov. 20, 2018, was removed from the United States pursuant to a final order of removal. Marroquin-Barillas illegally re-entered the United States and, on May 16, 2021, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Chesterfield County. On Dec. 10, 2021, he was arrested and charged with grand larceny (auto theft), again in Chesterfield County. On April 15, Marroquin-Barillas was charged in the Eastern District of Virginia with illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal. He pled guilty on May 14 and remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 3:25-cr-69
On Aug. 27, 2015, Salvadoran national Alfredo Dubon-Navarro, 30, was arrested near Roma, Texas, for illegally entering the United States and, pursuant to an expedited order of removal, was removed from the country. On Sept. 5, 2015, Dubon-Navarro was arrested near Rio Grande City, Texas, for illegally entering the United States and was removed again on Sept. 7, 2015. ICE agents encountered Dubon-Navarro on July 7, 2019, at the Henrico County Jail following his arrest for assault and battery on a family member. During processing, Dubon-Navarro stated that he had previously misrepresented himself to be a Mexican citizen and admitted that he is a citizen and national of El Salvador. On Aug. 30, 2019, Dubon-Navarro was removed from the United States to El Salvador. On April 6, ICE agents learned that Dubon-Navarro was once again illegally present in the United States following a DWI arrest in Henrico County. On May 22, Dubon-Navarro pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 3:25-CR-78
On Oct. 11, 2006, pursuant to a final order of removal, Salvadoran national Walter Caceres Chavarria, 50, was removed from the United States. Caceres Chavarria illegally reentered the United States and, subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction in 2009, was removed again on Jan. 13, 2009. ICE agents learned that Caceres Chavarria had unlawfully returned to the United States following an arrest in Fairfax County. Caceres Chavarria was indicted on a charge of illegally reentering the United States after removal for an aggravated felony conviction. A federal judge convicted Caceres Chavarria on July 14. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 1:25-cr-79
On March 30, 2015, Guatemalan national Otilio Herrera Morales, 40, was removed from the United States pursuant to a final order of removal. On Jan. 2, ICE agents learned that Herrera Morales was illegally present in the United States when he was detained at the Fairfax County Jail. On July 23, Herrera Morales pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 1:25-CR-207
After unlawfully entering the United States, Honduran national Walter Lagos-Duron, 38, was convicted in Michigan in 2012 of driving without a license. Later in 2012, Lagos-Duron fraudulently obtained the identities of multiple individuals and used their personal information to illegally withdraw money for himself. He was convicted in 2013 of felony identity theft and was removed from the United States pursuant to a final order of removal. After illegally reentering the United States, in 2024 Lagos-Duron sexually assaulted two minors, ages four and five, in Virginia. Lagos-Duron pled guilty to sexual battery of a child under the age of six and must register as a sex offender. On May 12, Lagos-Duron pled guilty to illegal reentry subsequent to a felony conviction. On July 29, Lagos-Duron was sentenced to two years in prison and remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 1:25-CR-93
Guatemalan national Felipe Perez-Cartalina, 44, was removed from the United States on July 31, 2009. After unlawfully reentering the United States, Perez-Cartalina was removed again on Oct. 5, 2017. Following his illegal return to the United States, Perez-Cartalina was removed a third time on Dec. 15, 2017. ICE Agents learned that Perez-Cartalina once again had illegally reentered the United States when he was detained at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center and, pursuant to a federal warrant, arrested him on June 16. On July 29, Perez-Cartalina pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States after a previous removal and remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 1:25-CR-202
On April 3, 2014, pursuant to a final order of removal, Salvadoran national David Jonathan Rodriguez Zelaya, 36, was removed from the United States. On Nov. 26, 2024, ICE agents learned that Rodriguez Zelaya had reentered the United States when he was detained in Stafford County. On July 29, Rodriguez Zelaya pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States after a previous removal and remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 1:25-CR-189
On Feb. 9, 2009, Ecuadoran national Luis Gançalo Manobanda-Leon, 45, was convicted in Virginia Beach of aggravated malicious wounding, and on July 24, 2014, was removed from the United States. Manobanda-Leon illegally reentered the United States in April 2015. On Oct. 27, 2015, Manobanda-Leon was convicted of illegally reentering the United States after a previous removal and was deported on Jan. 19, 2018. On April 3, Manobanda-Leon was found unlawfully present in the United States and on April 22 he was arrested in Virginia Beach. On July 29, Manobanda-Leon pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States after a previous removal and remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 2:25-CR-47
Operation Take Back America is 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.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for the case number provided above.
Two Sentenced in Fentanyl Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two people have been sentenced for their roles in an Eastern Panhandle drug trafficking organization.
The indictment, returned in January 2024 against Gary Brown, Jr. and eighty-one others, charged that the defendants caused substantial amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to be distributed in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.
Darien Jacob Horton, also known as “Dee Jae,”, age 25, of Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison. Horton was one of the distributors in the operation, purchasing large quantities of fentanyl capsules and other drugs for redistribution. Horton has prior convictions of attempted murder, firearms violations, and domestic battery.
Jennifer Nicole Barthlow, age 41, of Charles Town, West Virginia, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison. Barthlow was one of Brown’s distributors.
Of the 82 defendants, 81 have been convicted. Including this week’s two, 74 defendants have been sentenced. Brown, Jr. was sentenced to 327 months in federal prison in May 2025.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Kyle Kane prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Investigative agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Pittsburgh Field Division and Baltimore Field Division); the Drug Enforcement Administration; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the United States Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the United States Marshals Service; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office; the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office; Ranson Police Department; Martinsburg Police Department; Charles Town Police Department; the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; Stafford County Sheriff's Office (Virginia); Frederick County Sheriff's Office (Maryland); Frederick County Sheriff's Office (Virginia); Winchester Police Department; and the Clarke County Sheriff's Office (Virginia).
This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).